Objective:

To determine the level of self-efficacy in users of general hospitals and peripheral health care centers in Lima and to evaluate its relationship with prevalent mental problems.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis was carried out from the epidemiologic study of mental health in general hospitals and peripheral health care centers conducted in Lima in 2015. The Schwarzer y Jerusalem’s scale of general self-efficiency (GSE) was used and correlated with socio-demographics and common clinical diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Results:

The mean GSE was 30.89 ± 6,29; it was lower in patients attending medical specialties, psychiatry, neurology, and psychology. The self-efficiency inversely correlated with depression and anxiety but not with alcohol abuse. GSE values on patients having the six most common diagnoses were not different but in patients with HIV.

Conclusions:

Sel-efficacy varies according to socioeconomic status. The mean GSE is lower than reported in the general population and is lowest in patients with anxiety and depression. We reinforce the need to implement interventions to enhance self-efficacy among patients attending the health care system in Lima.

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