Noura Brahem*, Kaouther Bouzid and Haifa Taher
Background: Human beings are worthy of psychological well-being to live in perfect health. Unfortunately, the complexity of modern life could cause psycho-mental disorders that destabilize the state of health of citizens. These disorders range from psychosomatic manifestations to proven psychoses. Faced with this situation, an ambitious National Mental Health Program (PNSM) was launched in Tunisia in 1990. A better understanding of the current practices of patients on psychotropic drugs and the monitoring carried out by family doctors will make it possible to provide practical responses to the expectations of all stakeholders (patients, parents and doctors).
Objective: The study focuses on the identification and classification of psycho-mental patients in the Bembla delegation, the analysis of the components of their medication prescriptions, as well as their possible associated pathologies, which will make it possible to propose practical solutions for the best application of the national mental health program.
Method: This is a statistical study carried out throughout 2023, including 197 participants of all ages who constitute all patients on psychotropic drugs treated in the seven health establishments. The data were collected from the care registers of psycho-mental patients treated on an outpatient basis and more particularly, the patients' medical files. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 29.0. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages.
Results: Of the 197 patients studied, whose ages ranged from 3 to 82, the age group under 30 only represents a quarter and the population most exposed to psychological disorders is those between 30 and 60 years old or 57.4%. It is essentially antiepileptics (33.33%) and neuroleptics (27.94%) that are most often prescribed. Nearly 50% of patients take a single medication and only 14.2% take three or more products. 22% of patients have at least one associated pathology.
In terms of respecting psychiatric and neurological consultation appointments and the regularity of the supply of medications, the study shows that half of the patients are either irregular in the supply of treatment and appointments or completely lost of sight. Hence, there is a need for specific, individualized and personalized medical monitoring at the level of health establishments in the delegation through better application of the National Mental Health Program.
Conclusion: This contribution to a better understanding of the current practices of patients on psychotropic drugs and the monitoring currently carried out by family doctors will make it possible to provide practical responses to failures in the care of patients on psychotropic drugs at the delegation level and to the expectations of all stakeholders.
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