title: The effect of social networks and social support on mental health services use, following a life event, among the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area cohort.
abstract: The study examined the association between life events and mental health services use, accounting for social networks and social support. Main and stress-buffering effects were estimated using longitudinal data from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area cohort (1,920 participants in 1993-1996, of whom 1,071 were re-interviewed in 2004-2005). Following a life event, the odds of using general medical services were increased by almost 50% when there was increased social support from spouse/partner (referral function). The odds of using mental health services within general health setup were reduced by 60% when there was increased support from relatives (stress-reduction function). Increased social support from friends and relatives was associated with a 40-60% decreased odds of using specialty psychiatric services after experiencing different life events (stress-reduction function). Overall, social support rather than social networks were more strongly associated with increased mental health service use following a life event. The implications for service delivery and program development are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. pmaulik@jhsph.edu
authors.forename: Pallab K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Maulik
authors.forename: William W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Catherine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012923:Social Class; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*