Psychiatrists and other medical professionals in Belgium show a substantial lack of knowledge about poverty

Abstract

The bidirectional relationship between poverty and poor physical and mental health is well-known. All physicians should have sufficient knowledge on poverty as a social determinant and its impact on (mental) health. The knowledge of poverty in physicians is seldom investigated. An online and paper survey was circulated in March/April 2022 in Belgium, to assess physician’s opinions about and attitudes toward patients in poverty. Not only was interest in the subject rather low, but there were also substantial contradictions in the responses. The lack of knowledge about poverty among physicians leads to reduced quality of medical care for this target group. This is an individual medical–ethical and societal problem. We suggest 10 point-action plan for policymakers, educational institutions, and physicians.

Keywords

• health professionals
• psychiatrists
• general practitioner
• mental health
• poverty
• 10-point action plan
• knowledge