Psychosocial Issues and Primary Health Care: Issues Presented by Women

• NCJ Number: 189061
• Author(s): Mary P. Van Hook Ph.D.
• Date Published: June 2001
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; University of Central Florida, School of Social Work
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Given the important role of primary health care and the impact of psychosocial issues on health, this study analyzed the records of individuals referred to social workers in two health care clinics serving low-income individuals in Michigan.

Abstract

Each clinic was staffed with a full-time masters-level social worker, who was responsible for assessing and counseling individuals and families, as well as making appropriate referrals to other community services. The study was initially designed to identify the psychosocial problems experienced by persons being referred for depression within primary care settings. The study was subsequently broadened to identify the broader nature of the psychosocial issues experienced by primary-care clients and the types of problems addressed by social workers in primary care, so as to provide a clearer picture of the competencies and nature of training required for social workers in such settings. The study focused on the major mental health and psychosocial needs of women referred to the clinics, as well as the mental health and psychosocial issues experienced by persons referred for depression. Although the study's emphasis was the health issues of women, men were also included in the study, so as to facilitate comparisons between the genders. Men, however, were underrepresented in the study due to administrative problems in accessing their records. A total of 230 cases were reviewed (194 women and 34 men). Findings showed that depression and family problems were important for women and men as major reasons for referral. Women were more likely than men to have experienced violence from others, and approximately one-third of the men were dealing with problems of their own aggression and anger inflicted on others. Women referred for depression were more likely than other women to report substance abuse, financial problems, sexual abuse, and anxiety. Given the needs manifested in the study population, social workers and other professionals who staff such clinics must have expertise in a broad range of skills, including clinical skills relating to assessing mental health problems and psychosocial issues, the handling of short-term crises, helping people deal with trauma, and connecting people with a variety of community resources. 13 references