Health worker confidence in diagnosing and treating mental health problems in Papua New Guinea

摘要: Confidence in identifying different diagnostic categories of mental disorders by general health workers who provide the bulk Papua New Guinea's (PNG) care is vital for country's provision care. Making a psychiatric diagnosis complicated PNG's diverse culture and estimated 800 distinct languages. These cultural-linguistic factors influence help-seeking behaviour continued use traditional treatment despite introduction western approaches to The aim this study was determine confidence diagnosing problems complex environment. A sample 209 Guinea from four geographic regions completed questionnaire that assessed background levels training range modern specific diagnoses. Overall, respondents reported relatively little prior training. Consistent with were low diagnoses (e.g. sorcery), but significantly higher depression). implications findings are discussed.