Guidelines issued to improve mental health service access

Abstract Indirect effects of stay-at-home guidelines may negatively affect mental health by reducing health self-care behaviors and engagement in social participation. This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling older adults’ perceived physical and mental health and everyday health behaviors. 126 older adults participated in a county-wide telephone survey during June-July of 2020, asking about changes in mental and physical health, and adaptations in health behaviors. We investigated the effects of three negative everyday health behavior changes during the pandemic (changes in health services access, perceived changes in health, and increased social isolation) as well as two positive everyday health behaviors (adherence to stay-at-home guidelines to reduce risk, and adaptive coping activities) on mental health and COVID-related distress. Examples of active coping strategies were stockpiling resources, spiritual practices, or outreach to others. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions characterized the impact of COVID-19 on perceived mental health. Descriptive data included changes in health service access, changes in mental and physical health, reduced social engagement, increased adherence to guidelines, and increased adaptive coping activities. Significant predictors of mental health impact of the pandemic were changes in health service access (β = .18, p < .05), health changes (β = .25, p < .01), and adaptive coping activities (β = .21, p < .05). Findings suggest COVID-19 distress may be alleviated with improved health care access and increased social contact. Mental health challenges may also benefit from increased engagement in adaptive coping activities.

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Barriers for unaccompanied refugee minors in accessing mental health care: Is it the therapy or the therapist?

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.297 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S339-S339 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

P. Majumder ◽

P. Vostanis ◽

M. O’Reilly

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Young People ◽

Health Service ◽

Treatment Engagement ◽

Refugee Children ◽

Service Access ◽

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors ◽

Vulnerable Group ◽

Refugee Minors

IntroductionRefugee children, particularly unaccompanied refugee minors, present with disproportionately high prevalence of mental health and emotional difficulties. However, the mental health service access and treatment engagement of this vulnerable group has been consistently shown to be poorer than the general population. Despite of this, so far there hasn’t been much research to explore the possible underlying reasons or barriers for these young people to access mental health service in their host countries.Aims and objectivesThis research aims to understand unaccompanied refugee children's barriers to access and utilize mental health services. To explore any potential characteristics in the service provision that can be linked with the observed poor treatment engagement and service access is also an objective of this study.MethodsThe study was conducted by using semi-structured interviews with 15 unaccompanied asylum seeking minors and their carers to elicit their views, perceptions and beliefs based on their experience of receiving treatment from a specialist mental health service in the UK.ResultsThe interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings were categorised into two broad themes, the participants’ perceptions of the intervention received, and perception of the professionals involved. The different elements and pertinent issues within these two broad areas were discussed.ConclusionsFindings will help stimulate further exploratory research gaining better understanding of the barriers for these young people to access treatment, and contribute in developing innovative services that are more efficient in engaging this vulnerable group and suitable to meet their specific needs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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