Assessment of physical health needs and utilization patterns of health services among individuals with mental disorders in a medium-sized municipality in São Paulo

• Grant number: 23/18317-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Psychiatric Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Alberto dos Santos Treichel
• Grantee: Carlos Alberto dos Santos Treichel
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem (EE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carla Marins Silva ; Chyrell D Bellamy ; Fernanda Marçal Ferreira ; Jaqueline Lemos de Oliveira ; Maria do Perpétuo Socorro de Sousa Nóbrega ; Maria Giovana Borges Saidel ; Maria O'Connell ; Mark Napoli Costa

Abstract

The disparities in health faced by individuals with mental disorders have been systematically documented in the literature for at least two decades, with consistent data indicating a reduction in the life expectancy of these individuals by 10 to 20 years compared to the general population. Despite this, little progress has been made in initiatives aimed at addressing this issue. The overall objective of this study is to assess the physical health needs and utilization patterns of health services among individuals with mental disorders linked to specialized mental health services in a medium-sized municipality in São Paulo. Simultaneously, barriers and facilitators to the integration of physical and mental health care will be identified. For this assessment, the following data sources will be considered: (1) records from specialized mental health services; (2) records from Primary Care services; (3) questionnaires administered to users of specialized mental health services; (4) focus groups conducted with workers and managers of specialized mental health services and Primary Care; and (5) focus groups conducted with users of specialized mental health services. Based on the data collected, strategies for raising awareness and education will be employed to stimulate the implementation of integrated mental and physical health services, aiming to sensitize professionals and managers of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) to develop a joint plan to address any disparities in health identified through the project. This perspective will be realized through the participatory development of a Theory of Change, involving managers and workers from the studied services, as well as coordinators of Primary and specialized mental health policies in the municipality. (AU)