POVERTY, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER AND DISABILITY IN PRIMARY-CARE ATTENDERS IN GOA, INDIA

Background This study examined the association of common mental disord ers in primary health clinic attenders with indicators of poverty and disability in Goa, India Method Adult attenders(n=303) in two primary health clinics were recruited. Results There were 141 (46.5%)cases of common mental disorder. The following were associated with common ment al disorder: female gender; inability to buy food due to lack of money ; and being in debt. Cases scored significantly higher on all measures of disability. Primary health clin Ic staff recognised a third of the morbidity but used multiple oral drugs, injectable vitamins and benzo diazepines to treat common mental disorders. Conclusions Poverty is cl osely associated with common mental disorder which in turn is associat ed with deprivation and despair. Primary mental health care priorities in low-income countries need to shift from psychotic disorders which often need specialist care to common mental disorders. Health policy a nd development agencies need to acknowledge the intimate association o f female gender and poverty with these disorders.