Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Older Chinese Immigrants in New York City

Older immigrants are at risk of developing mental illness. This study aims to examine mental health service utilization among older Chinese immigrants, using a mixed-method design. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use informed an examination of predictors of mental health services util...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Community mental health journal 2020-10, Vol.56 (7), p.1331-1343
Main Authors: Chao, Ying-Yu, Seo, Jin Young, Katigbak, Carina, Chang, Yu-Ping
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asian cultural groups
Community and Environmental Psychology
Cultural competence
Cultural sensitivity
Friendship
Health behavior
Health care industry
Health problems
Health services
Health services utilization
Higher education
Immigrants
Language
Medical personnel
Medical referrals
Medical screening
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mental depression
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mental health care
Mental health professionals
Mental health services
Mixed methods research
Noncitizens
Older people
Original Paper
Physicians
Primary care
Psychiatry
Psychological distress
Secondary schools
Stigma
Stress
Support networks
Symptoms
Tests
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Summary:Older immigrants are at risk of developing mental illness. This study aims to examine mental health service utilization among older Chinese immigrants, using a mixed-method design. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use informed an examination of predictors of mental health services utilization, and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to illuminate these findings. Participants who were younger, had less than a high school education, and had a higher level of depressive symptoms were more likely to use mental health services. Stressors of psychological distress included breakdown of support system, language barriers, and financial hardships. Factors influencing mental health services use included information from family/friends, referrals from primary care physicians, perceived needs for help, mental health stigma, and culturally competent mental health professionals. Understanding the factors associated with seeking mental health services for older Chinese immigrants could help health care providers to develop early screening programs and culturally sensitive interventions.
ISSN:0010-3853
1573-2789
DOI:10.1007/s10597-020-00570-2