title: Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in general practice in Nairobi.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Sebit
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014504:Urban Health