Erik Teunissen1, Laura van den Bosch2, Eric van Bavel2, Francine van den Driessen Mareeuw2, Maria van den Muijsenbergh2, Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten2, Chris van Weel3. 1. Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Erik.Teunissen@radboudumc.nl. 2. Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and. 3. Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Undocumented migrants (UM) frequently report mental health problems. It is unknown to what extent these migrants seek help for these problems in general practice and how these issues are explored, discussed, registered and treated by GPs. OBJECTIVE: To gain insight in the registration and treatment of mental health problems in general practice of UM compared to documented migrants (DM). METHODS: A survey study of general practice patient records of UM and DM in nine general practices in the Netherlands. Consultation rates, registration of mental health problems, prescription of psychotropic medication and referrals to mental health care institutions of UM and DM patients were compared. RESULTS: A total of 541 migrants were included (325 UM and 216 DM). UM consulted a GP significantly less than DM (3.1 versus 4.9 times per year). Only 20.6% of the UM had at least one mental health problem diagnosis registered compared to 44.0% of the DM. In both groups, ~10% mentioned at least one main mental health complaint during the consultation that was not coded in the record. No significant differences were found in the prescription of psychotropic medication between the two groups. UM were referred less to mental health care institutions but more often to psychiatrists than to psychologists. CONCLUSION: UM had less consultations with their GP, and in these consultations, less mental health problems were registered. UM were referred less to psychologists but more often to psychiatrists. GPs are advised to explore and register mental health problems more actively in UM.
BACKGROUND: Undocumented migrants (UM) frequently report mental health problems. It is unknown to what extent these migrants seek help for these problems in general practice and how these issues are explored, discussed, registered and treated by GPs. OBJECTIVE: To gain insight in the registration and treatment of mental health problems in general practice of UM compared to documented migrants (DM). METHODS: A survey study of general practice patient records of UM and DM in nine general practices in the Netherlands. Consultation rates, registration of mental health problems, prescription of psychotropic medication and referrals to mental health care institutions of UM and DMpatients were compared. RESULTS: A total of 541 migrants were included (325 UM and 216 DM). UM consulted a GP significantly less than DM (3.1 versus 4.9 times per year). Only 20.6% of the UM had at least one mental health problem diagnosis registered compared to 44.0% of the DM. In both groups, ~10% mentioned at least one main mental health complaint during the consultation that was not coded in the record. No significant differences were found in the prescription of psychotropic medication between the two groups. UM were referred less to mental health care institutions but more often to psychiatrists than to psychologists. CONCLUSION: UM had less consultations with their GP, and in these consultations, less mental health problems were registered. UM were referred less to psychologists but more often to psychiatrists. GPs are advised to explore and register mental health problems more actively in UM.
Authors: Maria van den Muijsenbergh; Erik Teunissen; Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten; Chris van Weel Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2016-06 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Erik Teunissen; Jamilah Sherally; Maria van den Muijsenbergh; Chris Dowrick; Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten; Chris van Weel Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2014-11-21 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Erik Teunissen; Eric Van Bavel; Francine Van Den Driessen Mareeuw; Anne Macfarlane; Evelyn Van Weel-Baumgarten; Maria Van Den Muijsenbergh; Chris Van Weel Journal: Scand J Prim Health Care Date: 2015-05-11 Impact factor: 2.581
Authors: E Teunissen; K Gravenhorst; C Dowrick; E Van Weel-Baumgarten; F Van den Driessen Mareeuw; T de Brún; N Burns; C Lionis; F S Mair; C O'Donnell; M O'Reilly-de Brún; M Papadakaki; A Saridaki; W Spiegel; C Van Weel; M Van den Muijsenbergh; A MacFarlane Journal: Int J Equity Health Date: 2017-02-10
Authors: Luis Andrés Gimeno-Feliu; Marta Pastor-Sanz; Beatriz Poblador-Plou; Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga; Esperanza Díaz; Alexandra Prados-Torres Journal: Int J Equity Health Date: 2021-01-20