Thai mental health epidemiological study in deep south provinces in 2016

Abstract

                 Objectives To present the prevalence of mental health disorders and mental health problem, and the access to mental health service in the deep south area of Thailand.

                 Materials and methods The samples were Thai population aged 18 and above in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla province including Jana, Nathawee, Saba Yoi and Thepha using a stratifed probability sampling. The data was collected using World Mental Health - Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (WMH-CIDI 3.0) between March and July 2016. The prevalence was estimated by weight proportion and presented with standard errors.

                  Results The sample size was 1,716 (response rate 88.5%), 48.6% were male, the mean age was 46.4 years (SD=16.8), and 78.8% were Muslim. About 9.6% had at least one lifetime mental disorders or mental health problem. The highest lifetime prevalence was found in substance use disorders category (7.1%), while nicotine dependence was the most common disorder (5.2%). Twelve-month prevalence of any disorder or mental health problem was 3.4%. Some 18.7% of respondents with mental disorders or mental health problem in the past 12 months seek help. Only 8.3% consulted health professional, while 18.1% also used alternative treatments.

                  Conclusion Both lifetime and 12-month prevalence of any mental disorders or mental health problem in the deep south area was lower than national survey in 2013. The unmet need for treatment of mental disorders in health system was high. Interventions for improve the accessibility to the health service is necessary.