India: Self-reporting of mental health disorders less than 1%
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Mar 2024
A recent study has revealed concerning trends in reporting mental disorders in India. Self-reporting rates for mental health problems were found to be remarkably low.
The study conducted by a joint team of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur and The Ohio State University was published in a recent issue of the International Journal of Mental Health Systems.
The study co-authored by IIT Jodhpur faculty Alok Ranjan and The Ohio State University researcher Jewel Crasta focussed on the high out-of-pocket expenses incurred by those seeking mental health services, primarily due to reliance on the private sector. It also uncovered a socioeconomic divide, with higher-income individuals 1.73 times more likely to report health problems.
Out-of-pocket costs for both hospitalisation and outpatient care were significantly higher in the private sector compared to the public sector. The study found that self-reporting of mental disorders in India is considerably lower than the actual burden, indicating a significant gap in identifying and addressing mental health issues. According to government data around 150m individuals in India needed mental health treatment.
The private sector played a major role in mental health services, constituting 66.1% of outpatient care and 59.2% of inpatient care. At the national level, only 23% of individuals hospitalised for mental disorders had health insurance coverage.
Major findings of the report include:
- Low self-reporting: The study revealed that self-reporting of mental disorders in India is considerably lower than the actual burden of the disease. This disparity suggests a significant gap in identifying and addressing mental health issues.
- Socioeconomic disparities: The study uncovered a socioeconomic divide, with self-reporting of mental disorders being 1.73 times higher among the richest income group population compared to the poorest in India.
- Dominance of the private sector: The private sector emerged as a major provider of mental health services, accounting for 66.1% of outpatient care and 59.2% of inpatient care.
- Limited health insurance coverage: A mere 23% of individuals hospitalised for mental disorders had health insurance coverage at the national level.
- High out-of-pocket expenditure: The study revealed that average out-of-pocket expenditures for both hospitalisation and outpatient care were significantly higher in the private sector than in the public sector.
The study team in a press statement said that societal stigma also remains a significant barrier to reporting mental health issues. Overcoming this stigma is essential for creating an environment where seeking support is encouraged. A