# Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on the Involvement of Mental Health Providers in Chronic Pain Management

## TL;DR

This study explores how healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia view the inclusion of mental health services in managing chronic pain and identifies factors that support or hinder this integration.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific psychological and systemic factors influencing healthcare providers' perceptions of mental health integration in chronic pain management.

## Key findings

- Positive perceptions of mental health integration are strongly linked to beliefs about capabilities and consequences.
- Systemic challenges like limited referral pathways hinder mental health integration.
- Emotional responses such as stress do not independently predict perceptions of integration.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) affects 46.4% of adults in Saudi Arabia and often requires interdisciplinary care, including mental health services. Despite this need, mental health integration remains limited. This study explored healthcare providers’ perceptions of integrating mental health services into CNMP management and identified barriers and facilitators to interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 114 healthcare providers across Saudi Arabia. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), domains such as knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities and consequences, reinforcement, and social influences were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression. Results: Positive perceptions of mental health integration were significantly associated with beliefs about capabilities (r = 0.31, p = 0.001) and beliefs about consequences (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), as well as skills (r = 0.30, p = 0.001) and reinforcement (r = 0.26, p = 0.005). Multiple regression confirmed beliefs about capabilities (B = 0.208, p = 0.001) and consequences (B = 0.237, p < 0.001) as independent predictors, explaining 31.9% of the variance in perceptions (R2 = 0.319, adjusted R2 = 0.285). Emotional responses, such as stress, were potential barriers but did not independently predict perceptions. Systemic challenges included limited referral pathways and insufficient mental health resources. Conclusion: Confidence in professional abilities and recognition of the benefits of collaboration are key drivers of positive perceptions toward mental health integration in CNMP care. Interventions that enhance provider confidence, emphasize interdisciplinary benefits, and strengthen organizational support may improve engagement with mental healthcare services in Saudi Arabia.