Abstract

 BACKGROUND:
It is gradually becoming recognized that mental disorders are a public health problem throughout the
world. Psychiatric epidemiological studies are therefore crucial for the planning and development of
psychiatric services.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the prevalence and determinants of mental illness among adults attending Primary
Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Baghdad, Iraq.
METHODS:
A cross sectional survey was conducted in two primary health care centers in Baghdad governorate.
Participants were interviewed and data filled using a questionnaire for socio-demographic variables,
Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and WHO guide to mental health in primary care.
RESULTS:
A total of 527 PHCCs attendees were approached. The prevalence of mental illness was 36.8%.
Depression (49.48%) and anxiety (20.62%) were the major categories of mental illness. The highest
proportion of mental illnesses was seen among the older age groups (80%), females (37.9%), widows
(84.6%), higher education level (96.7%), and retired (77.8%).
CONCLUSION:
In accordance with other studies, about one third of adult attending PHCCs had mental disorders. The
study emphasized strengthening mental health services in PHCCs through establishing metal health
care units.