Title
Examining Latino differences in mental healthcare use: the roles of acculturation and attitudes towards healthcare
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry
Date
8-20-2009
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
*Acculturation; Data Collection; Female; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Male; Mental Health Services; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Young Adult
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
Latinos are less likely to use mental health services compared to non-Latino whites, but little research has examined the relative contribution of acculturation and attitudes towards healthcare. In the current study, we analyze data from a nationally representative sample of Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans and non-Latino whites from the 2002-2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n = 30,234). Findings show different utilization patterns in use of specialty, non-specialty, and any type of mental healthcare across the three Latino subgroups. The predictive efficacy of acculturation variables on ethnic group differences varies by subgroup. Self-reliant attitudes towards healthcare are associated with lower use, but these attitudes do not explain the ethnic gaps in use.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Community Ment Health J. 2009 Oct;45(5):393-403. Epub 2009 Aug 19. Link to article on publisher's site
