Pathways Of Care And Associated Factors In Patients With Depression Attending Psychiatric Opd At A Tertiary Care Medical College Hospital In Rural District Of Kerala

INTRODUCTION: The study was done to find out the pathways of care in patients with depressive disorders before reaching psychiatric treatment in a tertiary care Medical College Hospital. Previous studies suggest, only a limited proportion of patients with psychiatric disorders including depression attend the healthcare facilities, and that too when the condition becomes severe. Treatment from unqualified practitioners and faith healers is reported to be a common practice, leading to delay in proper treatment. Highly literate states in India like Kerala, may be have a difference in this. AIM: To study pathways to care of psychiatric patients, and the associated factors based upon the duration of untreated illness, the duration between onset of symptoms and presentation to any mental health professional, total duration of illness, the duration between onset of symptoms and psychiatric consultation, expenses spent before reaching psychiatric care, number of carers seen before consulting psychiatrist, sociodemographic factors and the diagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to understand the pathway of care adopted by patients with depression attending outpatient departments in tertiary care Psychiatry centers in a rural district of Kerala. The subjects were selected from a semi-structured interview schedule. Severity of depression assessed by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The data was analyzed using SPSS v22 software. RESULTS: Awaiting. CONCLUSION: Kerala being the leading state in India in literacy rate and composite Health Index scores, might have a pattern on its own in health-seeking behavior. Speedier access to psychiatric care will lead to faster remission, cure and decreased relapses and disability.