Contexts and challenges for mental health care at the first level. A socioecological approach

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the current status of mental health care through a socioecological analysis, based on the perceptions of health center (HC) staff and users in Mexico City (CDMX). Materials and methods. Descriptive exploratory study of mixed methods (QUALI→ QUANT). During the qualitative phase, staff at 19 centers located in three Mexico City boroughs were interviewed and during the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was applied to patients. Results. The influence and interdependence of the various factors impacting mental health (MH) care were identified. Health personnel and patients mentioned limited resources, which impact service quality, public MH policies that are not always implemented in practice and a care model that does not make it possible to delve into emotional problems. Conclusions. Improving MH care at the primary care level requires reflective work from a variety of perspectives.

Keywords

• salud mental
• perspectiva socio-ecológica
• primer nivel de atención
• México