Exploring Gender and Age Disparities in Psychiatric Care: Insights from Accra Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

Mental health is essentially a public health priority in Ghana. It is emerging that there are disparities in psychiatric care across the population. The objectives of this study were to identify which gender and age group were more likely to access care at Accra Psychiatric Hospital - Ghana's primary mental health facility. This quantitative study analyzed the Out-Patient Department prescriptions received at the hospital’s Pharmacy over a 6-month period (October 2024 to March 2025). The research identified significant demographic patterns in line with other studies.  The research revealed that women were more likely than men to pursue psychiatric support, aligning with global trends. Such insights underscored the need for male-targeted mental health programs and interventions. Age-related disparities were also obvious. Adults aged 18–59 years constituted approximately 75% of the patients. This group, reflected increased stress associated with work, family, caregiving, and other social responsibilities. The elderly patients (60+ years) showed a seasonal increase in psychiatric visits during October, December, and January. Conversely, the children and the adolescents (0–17 years) represented the smallest patient group. These findings emphasized the essence of developing gender- and age-sensitive mental health interventions and policies to help improve the effectiveness of psychiatric care delivery in Ghana.