title: Pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe.
abstract: A study was carried out on the pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe. Encounter forms were completed on 48 patients admitted to psychiatric beds. Analysis indicated that there was a by-pass of primary care facilities, with a significant number presenting directly to tertiary care facilities, here were lengthy delays before seeking care, but delays while receiving care were moderate. The sample as a whole was composed of major disorders, displaying severe symptoms, and there was a suggestion that some patients become more disturbed along the pathway. As a whole, the sample is very different to samples screened from primary care settings, and the consequences of this are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Reeler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D013997:Time Factors; D015030:Zimbabwe