A new survey of adults in 18 countries across the economic spectrum found that the prevalence of poor mental health—and the ability to access care to improve mental health—varied widely. But the survey, published today in PLOS Medicine, also found global commonalities, including that people with poor mental health are generally dissatisfied with their health care.Why It’s Relevant
Understanding the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of mental illness across different populations is crucial to informing global health policies and allocating resources. However, most countries don’t routinely collect population-level data, and most international data that is available predates the COVID pandemic.
By the Numbers
- The People’s Voice Survey, conducted in 2022-2023, compiled data from more than 32,000 adults across 18 high-, low-, and medium-income countries (each country had at least 1,000 respondents).
- Prevalence of self-reported poor mental health ranged from 4.7% in Nigeria to 39.6% in China. Prevalence rates were not associated with national income levels.
- Among those with poor mental health, between 0.9% (Laos) and 52.4% (United Kingdom) received mental health care in the past year. These rates did correlate with national income levels.
- In the United States, the prevalence of poor mental health and receiving mental health care were 16.8% and 49.3%, respectively.
- Individuals reporting poor mental health were also more likely to report poor overall health, poor patient activation (a person’s confidence in managing their own health), and lower confidence in the health system.
The Other Side
The survey only assessed self-reported mental health in adults and doesn’t reflect actual rates of diagnosed mental illness. Further, differences in education, politics, social variables, and health system structure among the 18 countries prevent direct comparisons of some ratings, such as health system confidence.
Takeaway Message
“People with poor mental health are more unhappy than others with their care,” the researchers wrote. “Paying greater attention to responsiveness and quality of general medical services, including stronger integration of mental health into primary care, care coordination, and clinician empathy, will benefit this group and the entire patient population.”
Related Information
Source
Margaret E. Kruk, et al. Health system use and experience among people with poor mental health: a cross-sectional analysis of the People’s Voice Survey in 18 countries. PLOS Medicine. Published May 5, 2026. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004745
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Eoneren)
