Public health professionals' perceptions of mental health services in Equatorial Guinea, Central-West Africa.
INTRODUCTION
Mental health disorders constitute 13% of global disease burden, the impacts of which are disproportionality felt in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea, located in Central-West Africa, has the highest per-capita investment in healthcare on the African continent, but only two studies have discussed mental health issues in the country and none of have examined the perspective of professionals working in the field. The purpose of this study was to gain a preliminary understanding of Equatoguinean health care professionals' perspectives on the mental health care system.


METHODS
Nine adult participants (directors or program managers) were interviewed in July 2013 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from government agencies, aid organizations, hospitals, and pharmacies. Interviews were designed to collect broad information about the mental healthcare system in Equatorial Guinea including the professionals' perspectives and access to resources. This research was reviewed and approved by an ethical oversight committee.


RESULTS
All individuals interviewed indicated that the mental health system does not currently meet the needs of the community. Professionals cited infrastructural capacity, stigmatization, and a lack of other resources (training programs, knowledgeable staff, medications, data) as key factors that limit the effectiveness of mental healthcare.


CONCLUSION
This study provides a preliminary understanding of the existing mental health care needs in the country, highlighting opportunities for enhanced healthcare services.
['Reuter|Peter Robert|PR|', 'McGinnis|Shannon Marcail|SM|', 'Reuter|Kim Eleanor|KE|']
D000328:Adult D016703:Equatorial Guinea D006282:Health Personnel D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand D006801:Humans D007407:Interviews as Topic D001523:Mental Disorders D008605:Mental Health Services D010465:Perception D011634:Public Health
mental health Equatorial Guinea Africa