OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of access to and use of health services among adults with Serious Psychological Distress (SPD). METHODS: Adults > or = 18 years in the 2007 BRFSS were stratified based on the presence of SPD, assessed by scores > or = 13 using the Kessler-6 tool (N = 199,209). Access to and use of general and mental health services were compared for those with scores < 13 and those > or = 13 using Chi-square analyses and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Less than half of all adults with SPD indicated receiving mental health treatment. Persons < 65 years and having SPD were significantly less likely to have access to any type of health insurance (0.59 O.R., 0.51-0.68 95% C.I.) compared to persons <65 years without SPD. CONCLUSIONS: These results present a situation which could potentially lead to increased use of emergency departments for possible non-emergent services. Less than half of adults with SPD were receiving mental health treatment and most, regardless of their SPD score, were receiving routine health checkups; presenting an opportunity to identify and treat many mental health issues in the primary care setting.
OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of access to and use of health services among adults with Serious Psychological Distress (SPD). METHODS: Adults > or = 18 years in the 2007 BRFSS were stratified based on the presence of SPD, assessed by scores > or = 13 using the Kessler-6 tool (N = 199,209). Access to and use of general and mental health services were compared for those with scores < 13 and those > or = 13 using Chi-square analyses and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Less than half of all adults with SPD indicated receiving mental health treatment. Persons < 65 years and having SPD were significantly less likely to have access to any type of health insurance (0.59 O.R., 0.51-0.68 95% C.I.) compared to persons <65 years without SPD. CONCLUSIONS: These results present a situation which could potentially lead to increased use of emergency departments for possible non-emergent services. Less than half of adults with SPD were receiving mental health treatment and most, regardless of their SPD score, were receiving routine health checkups; presenting an opportunity to identify and treat many mental health issues in the primary care setting.
Authors: Xuesong Han; Chun Chieh Lin; Chunyu Li; Janet S de Moor; Juan L Rodriguez; Erin E Kent; Laura P Forsythe Journal: Cancer Date: 2014-10-23 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: Holly J Ramsawh; Denise A Chavira; John T Kanegaye; Sonia Ancoli-Israel; P Jamil Madati; Murray B Stein Journal: Pediatr Emerg Care Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 1.454