Exploring barriers to mental health service access: a preliminary study among the general Paraguayan population

This study aimed to explore the perception of barriers to accessing mental health services within the general population of Paraguay using the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) scale. The barriers were categorized into three types: attitudinal, instrumental, and stigma-related. The sample comprised 321 participants, the majority of whom were women (82.9%). Among the participants, 62.9% reported experiencing mental ill-health, with the most common disorders being anxiety (37.4%), depression (30.5%), and sleep disorders (20.6%). Of the participants, 157 (48.9%) reported significant attitudinal barriers, which include beliefs and perceptions about mental health treatment, among others; 87 (27.1%) reported significant stigma-related barriers, which involve prejudices and stereotypes associated with mental disorders; and 189 (58.9%) experienced significant instrumental barriers, including financial constraints and limited availability of services. Mental ill-health was significantly associated with all types of barriers. In conclusion, significant barriers to accessing mental health services persist among the Paraguayan population. These barriers must be addressed through evidence-based public policies to improve the quality-of-life of both individuals with mental ill-health and the broader general population.