Why treated prevalence of mental disorders is lower among children and adolescents in comparison with adults in 42 LAMICs?
Apart from the fact that most mental health resources are concentrated in urban as well as affluent areas, treated prevalence of mental disorders is lower among children and adolescents in comparison with adults in 42 LAMICs because in the rural area access to services are limited. Besides even if formalized care for mental disorder is present it will only be provided in psychiatric hospitals which are found in the urban areas rather than a preferred general hospital or outpatient facility.
Why children have limited access to mental health care in LAMICs?
Children in LAMICs have limited access to mental health care due to several reasons. First, financial costs of mental health care limit access to poor patients. Second, in most of the LAMICs countries, the density of resources are substantially great in large cities compared the rest of the country. Results additionally suggest that the connection between mental health and other relevant health as well as non-health sectors are weak. Furthermore, coverage of mental disorder by social insurance scheme is weak.
What types of mental health facilities and training for mental health professionals provided in LAMICs?
The facilities available for LAMICs are staffed with health workers who do not have the necessary training required for child mental health and for this reason, are not able to differentiate the mental health needs of a child. In addition, LAMICs do not have several mental health professionals for infants, children, and adolescents. Existing training programs for doctors and nurses have not focused adequately on community mental care. Moreover, the training is limited from 2-4 percent training hours.
What is the role of schools in preventing and addressing mental health issues among children in LAMICs?
Schools were expected to undertake promotion on mental health yet only 1-20 percent of the countries primary and secondary school conducted these activities (Morris et al., 2011). Schools were additionally expected to promote and provide education that includes evidence-based care strategies. Training about the normal development of a child and adolescent can provide the context for understanding. Besides, enhanced knowledge would reduce stigma.
References
Morris, J., Belfer, M., Daniels, A., Flisher, A., Villé, L., Lora, A., & Saxena, S. (2011). Treated prevalence of and mental health services received by children and adolescents in 42 low‐and‐middle‐income countries. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 52(12), 1239-1246.
