Disparities in adequate mental health care for past-year major depressive episodes among Caucasian and Hispanic youths

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-2009

Journal

Psychiatric Services

Volume

Volume 60, Issue 10

Inclusive Pages

1365-1371

Keywords

Depressive Disorder, Major--therapy; European Continental Ancestry Group--psychology; Healthcare Disparities; Hispanic Americans--psychology; Mental Health Services; Childrens' Health; Access to Health Care; Mental Health; Disparities; Discrimination

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine disparities among Caucasian and Hispanic youths in receipt of adequate mental health care for past-year major depressive episodes. We used data from the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health for this study. Thirty-four percent of the full sample received adequate mental health care for past-year major depressive episodes, but separate analyses indicated that adequate mental health care was received by a significantly higher proportion of Caucasian youths (36%) than Hispanic youths (27%). The odds of receiving adequate mental health care for past-year major depressive episodes for Caucasians were 1.55 times that of Hispanics. Having Medicaid or coverage via the State Children's Health Insurance Program significantly increased the odds of receiving adequate mental care for past-year major depressive episodes for both Hispanics and Caucasians.

Peer Reviewed

1

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