Help Received for Perceived Needs Related to Mental Health in a Montreal (Canada) Epidemiological Catchment Area.
This study sought to identify variables associated with help received in terms of information, medication, counselling and total help received (including other needs) among 571 individuals needing health care services for mental health problems. Study participants were randomly selected from an epidemiological survey. Data on help received were collected using the Canadian version of the Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire (PNCQ), and were analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Most help received was in the form of counselling, followed by medication and information. Compared with individuals who received no help, those who reported receiving help for all their needs were more likely to have psychological distress, to be non-verbally aggressive, to consult more healthcare professionals, to be men and to be somewhat older. Compared with individuals who received no help, those who received partial help were more likely to be not addicted to drugs or alcohol, to consult more healthcare professionals, and to be older. Healthcare services should prioritize strategies (e.g., early detection, outreach, public education on mental and addiction disorders) that address barriers to help seeking among youth, as well as individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol or those presenting with aggressive behavior.
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, PQ H4R 1R3, Canada. flemar@douglas.mcgill.ca.|Montreal Addiction Rehabilitation Centre-University Institute (CRDM-IU), Montreal, PQ H2M 2E8, Canada. flemar@douglas.mcgill.ca.
Marie-Josée
MJ
Fleury
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, PQ H4H 2R3, Canada. jean-marie.bamvita@douglas.mcgill.ca.
Jean-Marie
JM
Bamvita
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, PQ H4H 2R3, Canada. guy.grenier@douglas.mcgill.ca.
Guy
G
Grenier
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, PQ H4R 1R3, Canada. jean.caron@douglas.mcgill.ca.
Jean
J
Caron
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011792:Quebec; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
PNCQ; counselling; epidemiological study; help received; information; medication