People at risk of social exclusion: mental health,structural-economic factors and sociocultural factors ( Personas en riesgo de exclusión social: salud mental,factores económico-estructurales y socio-culturales )

Abstract

The concept of social exclusion is complex, as it is a multidimensional and dynamic process. The objective of this study is to identify the clinical profile of people at risk of social exclusion, to analyse gender differences with respect to the Jehoel-Gijsbers and Vrooman model of social exclusion and to obtain a predictive model of mental health problems. To do so, the Instrument to Assess Social Exclusion of the Basque Social Services System was applied to a sample of 597 people at risk of social exclusion in the Basque Country. Regarding the results, 84% of the participants showed some signs of a more or less severe mental disorder. Females showed a better sociocultural situation than males, although their income level was lower. The predictive models of health problems, the sociocultural dimension and functional autonomy were the most salient factors. Mental health services should be integrated into psychosocial intervention programmes in order to provide comprehensive care and promote social inclusion.