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

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.