2,008
Views
18
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Factors affecting mental health service utilization among Latino Americans with mental health issues

&
Pages 552-559 | Received 05 Dec 2016, Accepted 25 Aug 2017, Published online: 05 Oct 2017
 

Abstract

Background: In contrast to their white counterparts, Latino Americans are less likely to utilize mental health services.

Aims: Guided by the Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization, this study examined factors affecting use of mental health services and dropouts from mental health services among Latino Americans with mental health issues.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis utilizing data from the National Latino and Asian American Study. Seven hundred 88 Latinos with mental health issues were included in this study. Logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Being older, having health insurance, having self-perceived need for mental health services, having mental health service need perceived by others and a greater number of probable psychiatric disorders were associated with the use of mental health services among Latinos with mental health issues. Among 194 Latino mental health service users, being younger, not having health insurance, and having a lower level of family support were associated with dropouts from mental health services.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that education is needed to help Latino Americans recognize the need for mental health services. In addition, policies are needed to address financial difficulties in accessing mental health services.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.