Factors Associated with American Indian Mental Health Service Use in Comparison with White Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify the factors that impact mental health service use among American Indian (AI) older adults living in South Dakota compared to their White counterparts.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design with 735 participants (n = 502 Whites, n = 233 AIs), we used ordinal regressions to analyze the extent to which predisposing, need, and enabling/hindering factors predicted the level of mental health service utilization.

RESULTS

White older adults used more mental health services as compared with AI older adults. For both groups, more adverse childhood experiences along with prior negative experience with mental health service use were significantly related to an increased level of mental health service use. Compared to their White counterparts, AI older adults who reported a higher level of depressive symptoms, better self-perceived physical health, and a more positive attitude toward mental health services tended to use more mental health services.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce mental health disparities among AI older adults, community, local government, and academic partners should pay attention to how to encourage the use of mental health services to meet the unique needs of AI older adults.