Determinants of awareness about of mental health care act 17 to be integrated into primary health care system at king sabata dalindyebo municipality

Abstract

Background: Primary Health care refers to care which is based on the needs of population. From the promulgation of Mental Health Act 17 of 2002 in South Africa, there is no research in King Sabata Dalindyebo [KSD], carried out on issues around integration of mental health with primary health care. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the level and determinants of awareness about Mental Health Act 17 in KSD Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2010 and December 2011. A representative sample recruited 52 health professionals who were approached and agreed to participate in the study clinics. Measure outcomes were demographic characteristics, education/ qualifications, general and further training in psychiatry, awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 and mental health care services characteristics. Results: A total of 52 health professionals (40.4% males, 59.6 females, 59.6 married, 3 doctors, 49 nurses, mean age 36.9 ± 8 years range from 23 years to 52 years), were surveyed with 57.7% (n=30) with awareness about Mental Act 17. Age did not influence awareness about Mental Act 17(37.7 ± 7.1 years vs. 36.3 ± 8.7 years; P=0.545). However, working in advantaged clinics (90% vs. 38% in disadvantaged clinics; P<0.0001), postgraduate diploma in psychiatry (86% vs. 47% in lower education), presence of coordinator in charge of training and auditing at the district level (72% vs. 44.4% in absence), and organization on workshops about Mental Health Act 17(71.9% vs. 35% in lack) were the significant contributing determinants of awareness about Mental Health Act 17. Conclusion: There is a lack of implementation of Mental Health Act 17 to be integrated at primary health care and in improving human capacity for mental health in terms of continuous training in mental health issues, policies, organization and development.