Study of Self-perceived Health in a Clinical Sample

Abstract

Introduction

The assessment of self-perceived health provides an insightful clinical tool when it comes to addressing the subjective perception of social functioning, mental and physical health.

Objective

To analyze self-perceived health in patients treated in a primary care clinic and its relationship with other clinical and socio-demographic variables.

Methods

A randomized sample of 130 patients, aged 18 years or over, undergoing treatment in a primary care clinic was evaluated. Patients were interviewed following a self-perceived health scale as well as a scale for other clinical and socio-demographic variables. Clinical records were reviewed for prior psychiatric and somatic diagnoses.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of somatic disorders in our simple was 92.3%, whilst psychiatric disorders were present in 23% of patients. Only 6% of the sample reported their mental health to be affected to some degree, while 67% declared their physical health to be damaged. Forty-three percent of the sample follows prescribed psychopharmacological treatment. Women showed lower self-perceived health and reported more psychiatric symptoms in accordance with higher actual prevalences of psychiatric disorders. Among those patients with a psychiatric illness, only two reported the will to search for mental health care, whilst most would prefer consulting their general practitioner.

Conclusions

Less than half of the patients who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder consider their mental health to be affected. Among those who do report a self-perceived mental health concern, the majority would prefer consulting their general practitioner rather than a psychiatrist.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.