Mental healthcare for older adults among countries in World Psychiatric Association Zone 10

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to compare mental healthcare services for older adults aged ≥65 years among countries in World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Zone 10. Methods: A culturally sensitive questionnaire was developed and sent to the presidents of national psychiatric associations of the eight countries in WPA Zone 10 (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Uzbekistan). Results: Psychiatric associations of six countries responded to the questionnaire (Armenia and Moldova did not respond). The prevalence of mental disorders among older adults (aged ≥65 years) varied from 2.6% in Russia (among those aged ≥60 years) to 3.5% in Azerbaijan, 4% in Uzbekistan, 12.1% in Kazakhstan, and 13.8% in Kyrgyzstan (no data were available for Belarus). Specialised gerontopsychiatric care is provided in all six countries, except for Kazakhstan. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental disorders in older adults differed among countries in WPA Zone 10. Improving gerontopsychiatric care is a target for healthcare planners in WPA Zone 10.