BACKGROUND: US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the lack of English language proficiency and the shortage of providers who possessed appropriate language skills were identified as major barriers to mental health service use for approximately half of the population of Asians and Pacific Islanders. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of lifetime mental health service use in relation to English language proficiency among Asian Americans. METHODS: Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.
BACKGROUND: US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the lack of English language proficiency and the shortage of providers who possessed appropriate language skills were identified as major barriers to mental health service use for approximately half of the population of Asians and Pacific Islanders. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of lifetime mental health service use in relation to English language proficiency among Asian Americans. METHODS: Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.
Authors: Shalini Ahuja Tendulkar; Renée Cammarata Hamilton; Chieh Chu; Lisa Arsenault; Kevin Duffy; Van Huynh; Mei Hung; Eric Lee; Shwuling Jane; Elisa Friedman Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2012-10
Authors: Maria E Garcia; Ladson Hinton; Steven E Gregorich; Jennifer Livaudais-Toman; Celia Kaplan; Leah Karliner Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2019-10-30 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Jiang Li; Annette E Maxwell; Beth A Glenn; Alison K Herrmann; L Cindy Chang; Catherine M Crespi; Roshan Bastani Journal: Int J Soc Sci Res Date: 2016-03