Characterization of the Appointment’s Reasons for “P—Psychological” on the ICPC-2 Scale in Primary Health Care Services

(1) Background: Mental health significantly impacts personal relationships and societal integration. Portugal faces a high prevalence of psychiatric illnesses and psychological distress, which the COVID-19 pandemic might have exacerbated. Therefore, this study aims to study risk factors that lead to psychological problems, using data available in the primary health care centers of the region of Aveiro. (2) Methods: This observational and retrospective study analyzes data from 2009 to 2022 on psychological consultations in the Aveiro municipalities. Variables considered are municipality, International Classification of Primary Care problem, sex, and comorbidities (cancer, obesity, and diabetes). Summary statistics and graphs were employed for data understanding, with R software used for analysis. Regression models, odds ratios, and association tests were calculated. Also, cluster analysis was performed on municipalities. (3) Results: A new, significant increase in the appointment growth rate was observed in 2021 and 2022. Anxiety and depressive disorders contribute to the identified growth. Women reported more problems than men. Cancer was the most present comorbidity. (4) Conclusions: The study reveals increased mental health problems, with primary health care users in Aveiro experiencing worsened psychosocial health, resulting in more medical consultations for psychological reasons. Risk factors included being female and having chronic conditions such as cancer. The findings provide insights into the burden of mental health issues in the region, highlighting the need for effective mental health interventions and resources to address health inequalities and support at-risk groups.

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Publication Details

Journal
Mathematical and Computational Applications
Published
2025-03-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/mca30020028
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Healthcare Systems and Public Health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.35
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article

Characterization of the Appointment’s Reasons for “P—Psychological” on the ICPC-2 Scale in Primary Health Care Services

Miguel Felgueiras, Filipa Rocha, Cristiana J. Silva, Sofia J. Pinheiro et al.
1 citations
Mathematical and Computational Applications
Healthcare Systems and Public Health
1.35
article

Characterization of the Appointment’s Reasons for “P—Psychological” on the ICPC-2 Scale in Primary Health Care Services

Miguel Felgueiras, Filipa Rocha, Cristiana J. Silva, Sofia J. Pinheiro, Rui Pedro Leitão, Vera Afreixo
article en
1 citations

Abstract

(1) Background: Mental health significantly impacts personal relationships and societal integration. Portugal faces a high prevalence of psychiatric illnesses and psychological distress, which the COVID-19 pandemic might have exacerbated. Therefore, this study aims to study risk factors that lead to psychological problems, using data available in the primary health care centers of the region of Aveiro. (2) Methods: This observational and retrospective study analyzes data from 2009 to 2022 on psychological consultations in the Aveiro municipalities. Variables considered are municipality, International Classification of Primary Care problem, sex, and comorbidities (cancer, obesity, and diabetes). Summary statistics and graphs were employed for data understanding, with R software used for analysis. Regression models, odds ratios, and association tests were calculated. Also, cluster analysis was performed on municipalities. (3) Results: A new, significant increase in the appointment growth rate was observed in 2021 and 2022. Anxiety and depressive disorders contribute to the identified growth. Women reported more problems than men. Cancer was the most present comorbidity. (4) Conclusions: The study reveals increased mental health problems, with primary health care users in Aveiro experiencing worsened psychosocial health, resulting in more medical consultations for psychological reasons. Risk factors included being female and having chronic conditions such as cancer. The findings provide insights into the burden of mental health issues in the region, highlighting the need for effective mental health interventions and resources to address health inequalities and support at-risk groups.

Mathematical and Computational ApplicationsVol. 30(2)
Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (PT), University of Lisbon (PT), Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (PT), University of Aveiro (PT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 22%
Healthcare Systems and Public Health
1.35
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