Characteristics of mental morbidity in a rural primary heath centre of haryana

Abstract

The prevalence of mental morbidity including comorbidity with physical illnesses in a rural primary health centre is very high. Most common entitites in the diagnostic group according to DSM-IU-R were mood disorders (28%), somatoform disorders (27%), and anxiety disorders (17.6%). Majority of them presented with somatic symptoms. There were significant differences in rates for mental disorders when age (particularly 35-44 years), marital status, types of family, and females operated for tubectomy were analysed. The study emphasises the need for effective mental health care to the rural community through primary health centres.

Keywords: Mental morbidity; primary health centre.