The distance factor in the use of psychiatric facilities

Abstract

When the Zambian mental health service was being established it was realized that an effort ought to be made to establish general hospital units serving local populations. However, distances are great and the population density, in the rural areas is low. The mental health service resources are also extremely limited and it has only been possible to extend the service to a number of major centres. A question arises as to whether people in need are able to gain access to the service and what steps might be taken to make it more effective.