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Abstract

Introduction: The shortage of trained man power in the field of mental health remained an important barrier to the treatment of persons affected by mental illnesses in low and middle income countries. A new graduate program for non-physician clinicians was established at Jimma University to address the scarcity for mental health human resource in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the competency, satisfaction and involvement level of graduates of the program. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the 28 of 32 graduates from the program. Data was collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire that was developed for the study. Strengths and weaknesses of the program, courses to be added or removed from the program, and suggestions of graduate on the general program were assessed qualitatively using open ended questions. The quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation and frequencies. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed thematically. Result: Almost all of graduates (96.4%, n=27) were working in public institutions. The majority (75%, n=21) of the graduates were directly engaged in clinical care of patients. Also, two-third of the graduates (67.9%, n=19) were involved in mental health research. All of the graduates were confident to conduct psychiatric assessment of adults and to identify and manage common mental disorders (100%, n=28). Conclusion: Brain drain does not appear to be a challenge among non-physician mental health specialists.

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