Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2025.440

A cross-sectional study of primary care physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the treatment of depression and anxiety at primary care facilities in Eastern and North-Central Trinidad

Raveed Khan ; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Rameez Baksh ; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Ashley De Leon ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Gabrielle-Christina Gour ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Renata John ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Varenyam Maharaj ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Mykel Rahim ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Suren Ramoutar ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Travis Ramroop ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Jordanne Questel ; School of Medicine, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Background: Primary care physicians are often the first point of contacts for patients and therefore play a critical role in identifying and managing depression and anxiety. Aims: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Primary care physicians (PCPs) towards the treatment of depression and anxiety at primary health care facilities in Eastern and North Central Trinidad. Subjects and methods: A validated questionnaire derived from previous studies- (Haddad et al., 2015; Zada et al., 2020; Meredith et al., 2000) with similar study populations was utilised. The questionnaire was uploaded to Google forms and disseminated to eligible PCPs via email and WhatsApp. Results: Most respondents were between 25-35 years (54%) and practiced medicine for 11-13 years (23%). PCPs strongly agreed on the use of screening tools during patient consultations, referrals to specialists, appropriate prescriptions and follow up care. 76.9% of PCPs felt confident in recognizing depression and anxiety and acknowledged the importance of mental health. However, knowledge gaps were identified for pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Conclusion: PCPs should be trained and updated on evidence-based guidelines for the effective management of common mental health conditions presenting in primary care.

Keywords

Mental Health; Primary Care; Depression; Anxiety

Hrčak ID:

344053

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/344053

Publication date:

22.12.2025.

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