title: Patterns and Predictors of Primary Mental Health Service Use Following Bushfire and Flood Disasters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine patterns and predictors of primary mental health care service use following 2 major Australian natural disaster events.
  
  
  METHODS
  Utilizing data from a national minimum dataset, descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to identify levels and predictors of the use of the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program over a 2-year period following 2 major Australian bushfire and flood/cyclone disasters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bushfire disaster resulted in significantly greater and more enduring ATAPS service volume, while service delivery for both disasters peaked in the third quarter. Consumers affected by bushfires (IRR 1.51, 95% CI 1.20-1.89), diagnosed with depression (IRR 2.57, 95% CI 1.60-4.14), anxiety (IRR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21-3.49), or both disorders (IRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.35-3.42) utilized treatment at higher rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The substantial demand for primary mental health care services following major natural disasters can vary in magnitude and trajectory with disaster type. Disaster-specific ATAPS services provide a promising model to cater for this demand in primary care settings. Disaster type and need-based variables as drivers of ATAPS use intensity indicate an equitable level of service use in line with the program intention. Established service usage patterns can assist with estimating capacity requirements in similar disaster circumstances.
authors: 1Centre for Mental Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Lennart
authors: L
authors: Reifels
authors: 1Centre for Mental Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Bridget
authors: B
authors: Bassilios
authors: 2Centre for Health Policy,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Matthew J
authors: MJ
authors: Spittal
authors: 1Centre for Mental Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Kylie
authors: K
authors: King
authors: 1Centre for Mental Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Justine
authors: J
authors: Fletcher
authors: 1Centre for Mental Health,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Pirkis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D055868:Floods; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: disasters; fires; floods; mental health services; primary health care