Brazil conducts first National Mental Health Survey

The first National Mental Health Survey (PNSM-Brasil) has entered its field data collection phase, with activities already conducted in 197 municipalities across 26 federative units. To date, the study has reached 619 census sectors, completing 1,011 interviews as of August 28.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), the survey aims to gather information on the mental health conditions of the adult population. The research investigates the occurrence of mental disorders and their relationship with social and economic factors, including experiences of violence, traumatic situations, social inequalities, and economic vulnerabilities. It also seeks to identify barriers to accessing mental health services.

The sampling plan targets 1,626 census sectors and 16,260 households, with an expectation of approximately 10,000 valid interviews by the end of the collection process. The data produced is intended to support the planning and monitoring of mental health actions within the Unified Health System (SUS) and provide a basis for analyzing care needs across the population.