Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the status of integration of mental health program in health centers and also to determine the prevalence of mental disorders  in Andimeshk rural areas.

Method: In this descriptive study, 16 health houses, three rural health centers, one urban health center, and a population of 23308 that have been under the coverage of mental health program since 1992 were evaluated. The required data were collected via reviewing case files and statistical re-ports of city health center. Data were analyzed by statistical-descriptive methods and z-test.

Findings: Prevalence of mental disorders based on assessment of the health group was ten in every thousand. The rate is 1.1 for severe mental group, 3.7 for mild mental group, 2.7 for epilepsy, and 2.5 for mental retardation. Statistical analysis did not indicate a significant difference between the types of mental disorders (neurotics,epilepsy, and mental retardation) with the expected indices at the national level. However,a significant difference was found in the severe mental group (P<0.05).

Results: After a decade,�integration of mental health in Andimeshk appears to be successful and with some modifications and corrections, it can provide essential mental health services in rural areas.