title: Stigma and difficulty accessing medical care in a sample of adults with serious mental illness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Wellness of people with mental illness is increasingly a public health priority. This study examined factors associated with difficulties receiving medical care in adults with mental illness.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a sample of 1,670 adults with mental illness, we assessed difficulties in accessing medical care and stigma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 465 (28%) participants reported difficulties in accessing medical care; 211 (13%) attributed difficulties in access to stigma. Lack of comprehensive medical care coverage and mental health symptoms were associated with increased odds of perceived difficulties in accessing medical care; personal empowerment was negatively associated with perceived difficulties attributed to stigma; education was positively associated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings highlight unmet need for medical care in this population and the need to recognize stigma as a barrier medical care. Interventions to empower patients and educate medical providers about wellness for people with serious mental illness could help to reduce barriers.
authors.forename: Laysha
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ostrow
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manderscheid
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mojtabai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013240:Stereotyping