title: Public health professionals' perceptions of mental health services in Equatorial Guinea, Central-West Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mental health disorders constitute 13% of global disease burden, the impacts of which are disproportionality felt in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea, located in Central-West Africa, has the highest per-capita investment in healthcare on the African continent, but only two studies have discussed mental health issues in the country and none of have examined the perspective of professionals working in the field. The purpose of this study was to gain a preliminary understanding of Equatoguinean health care professionals' perspectives on the mental health care system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine adult participants (directors or program managers) were interviewed in July 2013 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from government agencies, aid organizations, hospitals, and pharmacies. Interviews were designed to collect broad information about the mental healthcare system in Equatorial Guinea including the professionals' perspectives and access to resources. This research was reviewed and approved by an ethical oversight committee.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All individuals interviewed indicated that the mental health system does not currently meet the needs of the community. Professionals cited infrastructural capacity, stigmatization, and a lack of other resources (training programs, knowledgeable staff, medications, data) as key factors that limit the effectiveness of mental healthcare.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides a preliminary understanding of the existing mental health care needs in the country, highlighting opportunities for enhanced healthcare services.
authors.affiliation: Florida Gulf Coast University, College of Health Professions and Social Work, Fort Myers, FL, 33965.
authors.forename: Peter Robert
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Reuter
authors.affiliation: Public Health Management Corporation, LM 500, Lower Mezzanine, West Tower, 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
authors.forename: Shannon Marcail
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McGinnis
authors.affiliation: Temple University, Department of Biology Philadelphia, PA, 19122.
authors.forename: Kim Eleanor
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Reuter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016703:Equatorial Guinea; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010465:Perception; D011634:Public Health
keywords: Africa; Equatorial Guinea; mental health