ACCESS TO CARE, QUALITY OF LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG US ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION
Author(s)
Peterkings E. Jokoh, MPH1, Michael C. Okonkwo, BSc1, Douglas Thornton, PhD2, Sujit Sansgiry, MS, PhD2;
1University of Houston, Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy Research, Houston, TX, USA, 2University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
1University of Houston, Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy Research, Houston, TX, USA, 2University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics, access-to-care factors, health-related quality of life, and mental health service utilization among adults diagnosed with depression in the United States.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using weighted Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2021-2023. Adults with depression were identified using ICD-10-CM codes F32 and F33. Mental health service utilization was defined as receipt of antidepressant pharmacotherapy and/or mental health counseling services. Independent variables include access to care measures and quality-of-life indicators. Descriptive comparisons were performed between users and non-users of mental health services, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: The weighted sample represents 54.9 million U.S. adults with diagnosed depression. Access-to-care factors showed strong associations with mental health service utilization (p<0.05), as individuals without a usual source of care were less likely to utilize services (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.59-0.98), whereas public insurance coverage was associated with higher utilization relative to private insurance (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.06-1.70). Perceived health status were important determinants of utilization (p<0.05), as worse perceived mental health was associated with increased service use (Fair vs Good: OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18-1.46), whereas excellent perceived physical health was associated with lower utilization (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.98).A greater comorbidity burden was associated with increased utilization (2+ vs 0: OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.78). Sex (Male vs Female: OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.54-0.80), race (NH Black vs NH White: OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38-0.78), and educational status (Bachelors Degree vs High School Diploma: OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95), were also significant predictors of mental health service utilization (p values <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Mental health service utilization among adults with depression was associated with access-to-care factors, quality of life, and sociodemographic characteristics. Policies aimed at improving access and continuity of care may help reduce unmet need.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using weighted Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2021-2023. Adults with depression were identified using ICD-10-CM codes F32 and F33. Mental health service utilization was defined as receipt of antidepressant pharmacotherapy and/or mental health counseling services. Independent variables include access to care measures and quality-of-life indicators. Descriptive comparisons were performed between users and non-users of mental health services, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: The weighted sample represents 54.9 million U.S. adults with diagnosed depression. Access-to-care factors showed strong associations with mental health service utilization (p<0.05), as individuals without a usual source of care were less likely to utilize services (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.59-0.98), whereas public insurance coverage was associated with higher utilization relative to private insurance (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.06-1.70). Perceived health status were important determinants of utilization (p<0.05), as worse perceived mental health was associated with increased service use (Fair vs Good: OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18-1.46), whereas excellent perceived physical health was associated with lower utilization (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.98).A greater comorbidity burden was associated with increased utilization (2+ vs 0: OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.78). Sex (Male vs Female: OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.54-0.80), race (NH Black vs NH White: OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38-0.78), and educational status (Bachelors Degree vs High School Diploma: OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95), were also significant predictors of mental health service utilization (p values <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Mental health service utilization among adults with depression was associated with access-to-care factors, quality of life, and sociodemographic characteristics. Policies aimed at improving access and continuity of care may help reduce unmet need.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
EPH104
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health