Gendered utilization differences of mental health services in Jordan

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Mental healthcare in Jordan faces challenges integrating biomedical approaches with traditional healing practices.
• Understanding patient beliefs and treatment preferences is crucial for effective mental health service delivery.
• The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) is a widely used tool for assessing psychological distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the symptom reporting, treatment expectations, and healing beliefs of nonpsychotic mental health outpatients in Jordan.
• To explore potential gender differences in symptom perception and utilization of healing systems.
• To inform culturally sensitive mental health program development.

Main Methods:

• A revised Arabic version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) was administered to 87 nonpsychotic outpatients in Zarka, Jordan.
• Data collection included assessment of symptom reporting, treatment expectations, and preferred healing modalities.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify gender-related differences.

Main Results:

• No significant gender differences were found in overall symptom reporting, though women reported higher scores across all dimensions.
• Patients commonly expected and were satisfied with medicinal treatments.
• Supernatural explanations for illness etiology and the use of traditional/religious healing systems were prevalent and varied by gender.

Conclusions:

• Mental health treatment strategies in Jordan must integrate biomedical care with traditional and religious healing systems.
• Culturally appropriate treatment modalities and consideration of gender-specific needs are essential for effective mental healthcare.
• Addressing the potential stigma associated with professional mental health treatment is critical for improving access and outcomes.