Introduction
Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant emotional, behavioral, and physical changes. Globally, approximately 20% of adolescents experience psychological and developmental disorders, impacting their biological growth, psychosocial well-being, and educational achievements. In low-middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Pakistan, the barriers to accessing mental health services are compounded by socio-cultural and economic factors. A recent study titled "Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives" sheds light on these challenges and offers insights for improving service delivery.
Understanding Barriers and Facilitators
The study employed a qualitative exploratory design, interviewing mental health providers (MHPs) and parents of adolescents in Karachi. The findings were analyzed using Andersen’s health service utilization model, focusing on predisposing, enabling, and need factors.
Predisposing Factors
Key barriers identified include a lack of awareness, societal stigma, and negative perceptions about mental health. These factors delay service access and lead to financial and emotional strain on families. Gender dynamics also play a role, with female adolescents facing additional barriers due to societal norms.
Need Factors
The study highlights the severity of illness as a primary facilitator for accessing services. Factors such as academic decline, disruptive household environments, and referrals from educational institutions and healthcare providers are significant motivators for seeking treatment.
Enabling Factors
Financial constraints are a major barrier, particularly in public hospitals where resources are limited. Household dynamics, including family support and emotional encouragement, play a crucial role in treatment adherence and service utilization. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools and dedicated child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance service delivery by addressing the identified barriers and facilitators. This includes increasing awareness and education about mental health, promoting community engagement, and advocating for policy changes to improve service accessibility and affordability. Additionally, practitioners should focus on building trust with families and providing culturally appropriate care.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve adolescent mental health service utilization in Karachi. By understanding the barriers and facilitators from both user and provider perspectives, practitioners can develop strategies to enhance service delivery and outcomes for adolescents. For further insights, practitioners are encouraged to read the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives.
