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Sociodemographic determinants of attitudinal barriers in the use of mental health services in J apan: Findings from the W orld M ental H ealth J apan S urvey 2002–2006
Author(s) -
Kido Yoshifumi,
Kawakami Norito
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/pcn.12008
Subject(s) - feeling , mental health , gerontology , population , medicine , logistic regression , psychology , demography , social psychology , environmental health , psychiatry , sociology
Aim Sociodemographic correlates of J apanese attitudinal barriers to mental health services might be different from previous studies in W estern countries, reflecting a different culture. We investigated sociodemographic correlates of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in a community population in J apan, based on data collected in the W orld M ental H ealth S urvey J apan surveys. Methods An interview survey was conducted of a random sample of residents living in 11 communities across J apan during 2002–2006. A total of 1359 participants were analyzed. The variables on attitudinal barriers to mental health services were measured by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. The association between these variables and sociodemographic variables were analyzed by using multiple logistic regressions. Results Being male was significantly associated with willingness to go for professional help and feeling comfortable to talk with a professional. Compared to the youngest group (20–34 years old), those aged from 35 to 49 years had a significantly lower prevalence of feeling embarrassed about friends knowing about their getting professional help, while the oldest group (aged over 65 years) had a significantly higher prevalence of being embarrassed. Being currently married was significantly associated with higher expectations about mental health services, but it was significantly and negatively associated with willingness to go for professional help. Conclusion These results suggest that demographic patterns of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in J apan are unique, compared with previous studies in W estern countries. An anti‐stigma campaign may need to consider such country‐specific patterns in a particular country.