Abstract
Background
Many people are affected by mental disorders throughout their lives, resulting in a healthy life expectancy decrease and a reduction in general health.
Objective
To describe mental disorders and their association with demographic, economic, behavioral, and health variables among primary care users.
Method
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 35 health basic units in an urban area in Pelotas-RS, Brazil. 525 people aged 18 years or more were interviewed. The outcome was the mental disorders, verified by the question: “In some consultation, some doctor told you that the Mr./Mrs. have some disease? If yes, which ones?”. It was considered with mental disorders the users who said the following diseases: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychological problems, and emotional issues.
Results
The prevalence of mental disorders was 12.1%. Depression was the most commonly reported disease among the users (74.6%). Smokers had a prevalence of mental disorders twice as high when compared to those who never smoked. People who consumed three or more continuous medicines had seven times the probability of having mental disorders than people who did not use continuous medicines.
Conclusion
12.1% of users of basic health units had mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent disease. Continuous use of medication and smoking were associated with a higher prevalence of mental disorders.
Keywords:
Primary Health Care; mental disorders; Health Centers