Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in general practice in Nairobi

This study was designed to examine the point prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders among adult patients at primary care attenders in Nairobi A total sample of 186 of the 295 consecutive patients, aged 16-75 years (mean of 32.3 +/- 11.1) were studied within the period January 1990 and December 1993. Using a cross-sectional design study, they were assessed for psychiatric disorders by the Self Rating Questionnaire (SRQ), the Clinical Interview Schedule/revised (CIS-R), and the W.H.O Audit Instrument for Alcohol abuse. The final diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder was made according to DSM-111-R criteria. A matched gender analysis using Chi-squared (chi 2) test was carried out. The findings were that the overall prevalence rate of psychiatric disorder was 0.43% with an incidence of 0.43% per 1000 persons. This information can be used to provide a framework for the formulation of a more effective mental health policy.