EPA-0704 – Migrant Pathway to Community Mental Health Center of Borgomanero

Abstract

Background:

International literature indicates that migrants have highest incidence of mental disorders compared to natives, especially for psychotic disorders. Few studies about mental health of migrants in Italy have been published, although net migration rate grew in the last twenty years.

Aims:

to describe socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of migrants attending Community Mental Health Centre (CMHCs) of Borgomanero (Piedmont, Italy) and to evaluate differences in psychiatric diagnoses and pathway to care among different ethnic groups.

Methods:

Migrants attending CMHCs between 1st January 2012 and 31 August 2013 were included in the study. Data were gathered retrospectively from clinical data sets.

Results:

97 Migrants attended the CMHCs. The most represented ethnicity is East European (36%), the less one is Asian (4%). Most frequent diagnosis is adjustment disorder (33%). In most cases, access to the service follows the family doctor's referral (46%), except for patients with schizophrenia, whose access is most frequently direct (they are usually brought to the service by family members) (33%). The majority of those migrating for working reasons suffers from adjustment disorder, schizophrenia or anxiety. Pathway to care and diagnosis seem to be statistically related (p-value 0,00052), as well as migration reason and diagnosis (p-value 0,0452). Lack of regular residence permit seems to be related to non-medical pathways.

Conclusions:

Pathways to CHMCs are complex and influenced by many factors. Most of the sample received a diagnosis of adjustment reaction. More attention should be paid to developing psychiatric consultation liaison models that encompass the physician and social services.