Desafíos y Oportunidades para la Implementación del Modelo Comunitario en los Servicios de Salud Mental en Manabí, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is a crucial part of general well-being, and in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, the implementation of the community model in mental health services has been limited. The objective was to evaluate the lack of implementation of the community model in mental health services in Manabí and propose strategies to improve their effectiveness and accessibility. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 mental health professionals, 10 community leaders and 30 mental health service users. Additionally, focus groups were held with community leaders and perception questionnaires were applied. Results: The collected data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software to identify patterns and recurring themes. The interviews revealed that lack of training in community approaches, scarcity of resources, and institutional resistance to change are the main barriers to the implementation of the community model. Community leaders and users noted a significant disconnect between mental health services and community needs, resulting in low satisfaction and effectiveness of services. Discussion: Comparatively, Manabí shows higher prevalences of mental disorders and lower access to services compared to regions that have adopted the community model. Conclusions: The effective adoption of these strategies can transform the provision of mental health services in the region, significantly improving the quality of life of its inhabitants and promoting health equity.