Mental health problems in a Turkish primary care sample

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate  the mental health problems of a Turkish primary care sample aged 15 years and over in Dudullu-Istanbul.
Method This study was cross-suctional study. Population included 972 community-dwelling people in Dudulu- Istanbul of Turkey.  Data were collected by interviewing in the November of 2007. The 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28) was used as a screening tool for the detection of mental disorders.
Results: %31.7 of the people in the study (33.8% of the women and 21.8% of the men) were detected as likely cases. Prevalence was higher in female, the single, widowed/divorced, of those who have any chronic disease and no health insurance. The highest risk of mental disorders was related to female (female were 1.880 times more at risk of mental disorders compared with male). Unmarried people were 1.733 times more at risk of mental disorders compared with married people. Divorced or widowed people were 1.495 times more at risk of mental disorders compared with married people.
Conclusions: Female, the single, widowed/divorced, of those who have any chronic disease and no health insurance are at greater risk for mental health problems.