Psychosocial and Health Characteristics of Mental Health Service Users in a Greek Rural Area Before and After the Onset of Economic Crisis

• Published in: Journal of rural mental health 2023-10, Vol.47 (4), p.232-239
• Main Authors: Pantelidou, Stella, Stylianidis, Stelios, Martin-Fernandez, Judith, Mavreas, Venetsanos, Magklara, Konstantina, Peppou, Lily Evangelia, Manolesou, Sofia, Nikolaidi, Sofia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Disorders; Crisis Intervention Services; Female; Financial Strain; Health Status; Human; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Rural Environments
• ISSN: 1935-942X; 2163-8969
• DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000238

Despite existing evidence showing the negative effects of the economic crisis in Greece on the population's mental health and general health status, there are only limited data concerning the country's rural areas. This study explored changes in mental and general health status following the financial crisis of 2009 in service users visiting a special mental health service in a region of the Greek islands. The sample included all adult service users (N = 7,489) who visited the two Mobile Mental Health Units in the North Eastern and Western Cyclades Islands of Greece in the period 2003-2015. All participants were assessed and received a clinical diagnosis from the service's psychiatrist. Changes in the prevalence of mental and physical disorders were studied before and after the onset of financial crisis (2009). Among the service users, no significant differences were found regarding the frequency of psychiatric disorders before and after the crisis. There was a change in the profile of people seeking care, as more men, more unemployed, and younger persons visited the service after the onset of the economic crisis. Additionally, in the first acute phase of the crisis, more people suffering from cardiovascular disease sought care for psychological reasons. Services should leverage the possible protective mechanisms of local communities in rural areas and develop primary prevention and early intervention programs. Public Health Significance Statement This study characterized the impact of an economic crisis on the mental health of persons living in rural areas of Greece and identifies possible risk and protective factors of psychiatric distress during periods of economic uncertainty.