title: Measuring use of services for mental health problems in epidemiological surveys.
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.
authors.affiliation: MGEN Foundation for Public Health, Paris, France. csevilla@mgen.fr
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sevilla-Dedieu
authors.forename: Viviane
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kovess-Masfety
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Angermeyer
authors.forename: Ronny
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bruffaerts
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Girolamo
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Graaf
authors.forename: Josep Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Haro
authors.forename: Hans-Helmut
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: König
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult