Mental health service use among those with depression: an exploration using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use

Abstract

Background Despite positive effects on prognosis, less than half of the people diagnosed with depression access mental health services. Knowledge of what promotes such service use is limited. There is dispute about whether the receipt of mental illness related information encourages or discourages service use among those with depression. Accurate service use models are needed to inform programs designed to facilitate service use by those who would benefit most. We examine the appropriateness of Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use in this context. Method Data from 451 adults identified through the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing as meeting International..