Factors affecting the supply of, and demand for, mental health care in Qatar

The motivation for this project originates from Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, which emphasizes the need for innovative and effective solutions in mental healthcare. Qatar faces challenges in providing adequate mental health services, with a significant treatment gap observed. The reasons for this gap include limited availability of mental health care, as well as demand-side factors like stigmas, poor mental health literacy, self-reliance preference, lack of motivation, negative perceptions of therapy, mismatch between therapy and needs, time constraints, and participation restrictions. To improve mental healthcare in Qatar, a comprehensive approach is proposed. The project consists of five work packages (WPs) to support the development of mental health services. WP1 involves a literature review to understand the treatment gap and patient satisfaction. Unique for its comprehensive approach and social mapping, this analysis will deepen the understanding of the treatment gap and patient satisfaction. WP2 focuses on investigating the demand for and supply of psychological treatment in Qatar. Recognizing the need for a country-specific inquiry due to cultural context, focused interviews and questionnaires will explore obstacles related to availability and accessibility of mental healthcare. The inclusive approach aims to develop targeted interventions considering the complexities of psychological treatment in Qatar. WP3 is dedicated to analyzing the economic aspects of Qatar's mental health sector and resource allocation. Through a comprehensive economic analysis, including the costs of services, economic burden of untreated mental health disorders, and potential benefits of investing in mental healthcare, policymakers and stakeholders will have valuable information for informed decisions on resource allocation. WP4 explores the intersection of economics and mental health to understand behavioral patterns and risk factors, enabling the design of interventions to promote help-seeking behavior and improve outcomes on a broader scale. Finally, WP5 aims to translate research findings into practice through the Qatar Mental Health Master Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions to enhance mental health services and outcomes. By aligning research findings with the Qatar National Health Strategy, the project seeks to benefit Qatari residents, health systems, and society as a whole. The project's outcomes are expected to have a broad and immediate impact on mental healthcare in Qatar, delivering improved health, care, and value for the population.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)