Mohammed Qutishat, Nahla M Al Ali, Mohammed Albalushi, Salim Al-Huseini
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: In Arab countries, the integration of community mental health services is a meaningful way to improve access to culturally sensitive mental health care that promotes the recovery process and reduces societal stigma. However, despite the most recent movements that are leaning more toward the community, there are barriers to effective treatment: a lack of resources and stigma associated with mental health still make the delivery of mental health services difficult.
Aim: This review aims to examine the challenges and opportunities involved in integrating community mental health services (CMHS) in Arab countries.
Methods: This scoping review explored the literature in PubMed and Scopus, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2024. Utilizing the Arksey and O'Malley framework and following PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed 16 articles to pinpoint barriers to the implementation of community mental health services in the Arab world. Two independent reviewers meticulously evaluated the data extracted from each study. A narrative synthesis analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of community mental health services (CMHS) in Arab nations, based on a theoretical framework designed to understand their role.
Results: Key barriers identified were stigma associated with mental illness of these conditions, lack of resources, inadequate training of health care practitioners, and fragmentation of services. Cultural constraints and legal inadequacies contribute to the challenges surrounding service provision, as social media fosters new trends in self-diagnosis and self-medication.
Discussion: To enhance the quality and access of community mental health facilities, the integral barriers must be resolved. Strategies must improve public awareness, foster cultural sensitivity in service delivery, and reform policies to support mental health initiatives.
Conclusion: Community mental health training, investment in resources, and targeted mental health policies can facilitate the successful integration of community mental health services into existing healthcare infrastructures in Arab countries.
Clinical relevance: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the barriers to integrating community mental health services in Arab countries, highlighting critical issues such as stigma, resource limitations, and cultural challenges. It emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to enhance public awareness, improve training for healthcare providers, and develop supportive policies and initiatives.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities.
Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas.
The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.
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