Search

Objective. Shed light on the experiences and determinants of young people's and adolescents' participation in formal participation mechanisms during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Chile. Methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, within the constructivist research paradigm. Three focus groups were conducted with key informants: young people and adolescents who regularly participate in advisory councils of Chile's Ministry of Health (MINSAL). Content analysis was applied for theoretical and emerging categories in the study. The reports were transcribed and studied with data analysis and hermeneutics. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between the months of March and November 2021. Results. During the pandemic, adolescents' and young people's experiences of health participation were affected; however, formal participation mechanisms such as advisory councils allowed for continuity. In this context and based on their experiences, young people and adolescents highlighted some factors that facilitated or limited their participation at three levels: individual, relational, and structural. They highlighted virtual communication, use of social networks, and digital health as excellent tools for the participation of young people and adolescents during the pandemic in Chile. Conclusion. The pandemic affected the participation mechanisms used by young people and adolescents in Chile; however, among the experiences highlighted by young people, aspects that facilitated participation emerged, such as virtual communication, digital health, and other strategies. At the same time, some gaps in health participation widened during this global health crisis, such as access mainly in rural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Present the methodology for comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of the Mental Health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) in Chile and describe the program's results. Methods. Cross-sectional evaluative study based on a survey of key program informants deployed in 29 public health services in the country, as well as individual interviews and focus groups with key actors and experts. The evaluation was focused on the relevance and impact of mhGAP on the provision of mental health services and on the implementation of the program. Results. The participants gave a positive evaluation of the progressive implementation of mhGAP in Chile. In particular: 1) They reported having better tools for detecting, diagnosing, and treating common disorders, and efficient referral strategies; (2) They rated all modules as important, the most relevant being self-harm/suicide (... = 4.77) and mental and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents (... = 4.58); (3) They favorably assessed the National Mental Health Day training courses and the subsequent courses repeated at the local level, indicating that these courses contributed to successful implementation of mhGAP; (4) They agreed on the need to incorporate new actors, strengthen certain aspects, and expand information on the program. Conclusions. The implementation of mhGAP in Chile is an emblematic example of learning supported by the development of community mental health and family health, among other factors. These accomplishments offer a unique opportunity to continue advancing the implementation of this program in the country and to implement this experience in other contexts in Latin America and the Caribbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]