Psychosocial Issues in West Indian Primary Health Care

Psychosocial Issues in West Indian Primary Health Care examines the psychological and social factors that influence health outcomes within the primary health care systems of the West Indies, focusing especially on Trinidad and Tobago. The book explores how mental health, emotional well‑being, family and community dynamics, cultural beliefs, and social support structures affect the experience of patients in primary care settings. It highlights the challenges that health care providers face when addressing not just physical symptoms but also the psychosocial dimensions of illness — such as stress, depression, interpersonal relationships, socioeconomic pressures, and stigma — which are crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and patient care in the Caribbean context. The work draws on research and practitioner experience to illustrate the integration of psychosocial understanding into health care practice in the region.