Study of Pathways and Barriers in Accessing Mental Health Services during Coronavirus Pandemic at Pmch Psychiatry Opd

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to understand the pathways to care among patients with psychiatric illnesses during the COVID 19 pandemic and the barriers to care among patients with psychiatric illnesses (both new and previously diagnosed) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based, exploratory study was done on patients visiting the OPD of the Department of Psychiatry, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. The study enrolled total of 50 diagnosed cases of new onset psychiatric illness and 50 previously diagnosed cases of psychiatric illness in the Department of Psychiatry at PMCH, Patna, as out-patients was recruited as subjects. Results: In the study population, it was observed that maximum number of patients was in the newly diagnosed cases 18-28 years age group (50%) and previously diagnosed cases 18-28 years, age group (52%). On comparing both groups, significant difference was not found. (P. Value = 0.721). In newly diagnosed cases there were 34 (68%) male and 16 (32%) female and previously diagnosed cases had 32 (64%) male and 18 (36%) female subjects. In the study population, it was observed according to educational qualification maximum number of Illiterate patients were in the newly diagnosed cases18 (36%), Primary 3(6%), High school 5 (10%), Intermediate 14 (28%), Graduate 10 (20%) and previously diagnosed cases Illiterate 20 (40%), Primary 4 (8%), High school 6 (12%), Intermediate 12 (24%), Graduate 8 (16%). On comparing both groups, significant difference was found. (P. Value = 0.011). Conclusion: There was no statistical difference on items in BACE-3 scale. The pathways study found that most of the patients first visited native/ religious faith healers before seeking specialist psychiatric care. This study will help to assess the effect of a stressful event such as COVID 19 pandemic on the difficulties faced in treatment seeking pattern of mental health of the population more so in an already diagnosed case of psychiatric illness.