Developing a competence-based framework for theprovision of mental healthcare in patients with mental health problems and HIV in primary healthcare in Maseru, Lesotho.

Abstract

In 2017 there were approximately 792 million people with mental health problems globally. mental health problems are increasing rapidly globally but mental health services are lacking. Approximately 80% of people living with Human immunodeficiency virus have mental health problems yet these disorders have been absent from the global health agenda. Around 90% of people who require MHS do not obtain them in Low and middle-income countries. Purpose of the study The aim of the study was to develop a competence-based framework for mental health provision in people living with Human immunodeficiency virus in primary Health Care in Lesotho. Methods A mixed method study was used. In total, 88 questionnaires were returned by the respondents and 50 interviews were conducted. The findings from the quantitative and qualitative study were supportive and used to develop a competence-based framework that would facilitate the provision of mental health services for people presenting with mental health problems and Human immunodeficiency virus in primary health care. The quantitative data was analysed using an appropriate software package, in this case SPSS version 26. Qualitative data was analysed using the soft ware called Nvivo and thematic framework analysis. Findings 92 % of the participants needed competence-based frame work to enable them to successfully manage mental health problems in people presenting with mental health problems and Human immunodeficiency virus however the majority (69.7%) of the participants had inadequate knowledge regarding mental health. Competence-based frame work was developed in this study to enable health professional to successfully manage people with mental health problems and Human immunodeficiency virus. Currently, mental health services are lacking in primary health cares in Lesotho. There was lack of knowledge regarding mental health in health professionals, mental health was also not an in-country priority as the professionals are taught about mental health in colleges, but do not practice it in their professional work. Conclusions and recommendations Availability of competence-based framework was seen as a great need by health professionals to manage mental health problems. Many studies emphasized the need to integrate mental health services with Human immunodeficiency virus services as they are related. However, in Lesotho it was still a serious problem during the time of the study. There is a need to train health professionals about mental health services and also hire at least one psychiatric nurse in each primary health care. Competence-based frame work was therefore developed in this study to enable health professionals to provide mental health services in people presenting with mental health problems and Human immunodeficiency virus.