Abstract

Background: Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are major contributors to morbidity and premature mortality. 14% of the global burden of disease can be attributed to MNS disorders. It is estimated that 6-7 % of population suffers from mental disorders. District mental health programs (DMHP) are run in many districts of India and an effective strategy to provide mental health care to rural populations.
Objectives: To study the effectiveness of District Mental Health Programme and to assess the subject satisfaction.
Methods: The study was carried out at DMHP clinic in GMC, Bettiah. psychiatry department. 100 cases and 100 controls were selected, after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diagnosis made as ICD-10 by treating psychiatrists. Patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ -18) and global assessment of functioning scale were administered to both groups.
Conclusion: More female (64.0%) and people from LSES (67.0%) accessed DMHP clinic than medical college psychiatry department (39.0%). None of the patients were aware of DMHP programme.