Open AccessMeasuring use of services for mental health problems in epidemiological surveys
Author(s) -
SevillaDedieu Christine,
KovessMasfety Viviane,
Angermeyer Matthias,
Bruffaerts Ronny,
Fernandez Anna,
De Girolamo Giovanni,
De Graaf Ron,
Haro Josep Maria,
König HansHelmut
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of methods in psychiatric research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.275
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1557-0657
pISSN - 1049-8931
DOI - 10.1002/mpr.346
Subject(s) - mental health , checklist , marital status , section (typography) , medicine , mood , family medicine , logistic regression , mental health care , epidemiology , psychiatry , psychology , environmental health , population , advertising , business , cognitive psychology
Abstract The use of services for mental problems is generally reported as being relatively low. However, the methods used for data collection in surveys may have influenced the quality of self‐reported service use. This study compares the information on recourse to physicians for mental problems reported in different sections of a survey conducted in six European countries. Thus, 5545 respondents were asked questions on contacts with physicians at least twice: (1) after the symptoms checklist in any completed diagnostic section, and (2) in a section devoted to use of care for mental problems. Of these 39.3% reported contacts with physicians about mental problems in the diagnostic sections, whereas 29.5% did so in the use‐of‐care section. Inconsistencies concerned 20.1% of participants, among whom those reporting consultations in diagnostic sections without reporting them in the use‐of‐care section represented the majority (74.4%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, marital status, educational level and country were associated with under‐reporting in the use‐of‐care section, as well as having mood or sleep problems. In conclusion, services used for mental health reasons when measured through a question referring to use of care due to the presence of a mental problem may underestimate the care people received for their problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.