Model for Integrating Mental Health Care in Health Districts in Côte d'Ivoire
Koua Asseman Medard, Djo Bi Djo Francois, Mara Edith Elisabeth Desiree Aya Kan, Konandri Emeric, Sreu Eric, Koua Aka N’zi Vincent, Koffi Danmaukan Dimitri-Kevin, Akpa Akmé Sylvie, Yeo- Tenena Yessonguilana Jean-Marie
The WHO invites countries with limited resources to integrate psychiatric care at the primary level of the health pyramid. For two years now, the Arrah health district in Côte d'Ivoire has been providing psychiatric care at the level of first-contact health establishments. Based on this experience, we want to define a model that can be applied throughout the country.
Objective: To describe the model for integrating psychiatric care into the primary health care system in the Arrah health district.
Materials and Methods: we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study on the integration of mental health care in the Arrah health district. It took place over a one-year period from April 2021 to April 2022 in two sites in the district: the kregbe urban health center (CSU) and the kotobi our lady of charity rural health center (CSR).
Results: This study enabled us to describe the organization of psychiatric care in the Arrah health district. We were able to assess the level of collaboration with the health district, community players and the prayer camps on the sites. These two health centers are applying a successful model for integrating mental health care into primary care. However, there is little involvement of the district and community players in patient care. This has led to an increase in the number of patients lost to follow-up, estimated at around 25%.
Conclusion: first contact health facilities can provide quality psychiatric care. If this activity is to be sustained at all levels of the health pyramid, it must be integrated into the minimum activity package of these centers.
