African Rehabilitation Medicine (Psychology aspects) | 10 January 2005
Mental Health Service Utilization Barriers Amongst HIV-Positive Patients in Ethiopia's Highlands: A Quantitative Survey Analysis
M, e, k, o, n, n, e, n, M, e, l, a, k, u, ,, G, e, b, r, u, A, b, e, r, a, ,, Y, o, h, a, n, n, i, s, T, e, k, l, e, h, a, i, m, a, n, o, t
Abstract
Mental health services in Ethiopia's highlands face significant barriers that hinder HIV-positive patients from accessing necessary care. A quantitative survey was conducted among a representative sample of HIV-positive patients (\(n = 300)\) in the Ethiopian highlands. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing patient demographics, service utilization history, and perceived barriers to care. Analysis revealed that socio-economic factors such as income level ($15-$20 per month) significantly influenced mental health service utilization (60% vs. 40%; p < 0.05). Socio-economic disparities are major barriers to accessing mental health services for HIV-positive patients in the Ethiopian highlands. Policy makers should prioritise interventions addressing socio-economic inequalities and improve healthcare access in rural areas of Ethiopia's highlands. HIV, Mental Health Services, Barriers, Utilization Patterns, Quantitative Survey