The purpose of this study is to explore the use and the patterns of mental health treatment among low-income women during pregnancy and the postpartum period in a metropolitan and demographically diverse city. Despite public concern about maternal mental health, little research has examined the factors that affect help-seeking behaviors among low-income women during the perinatal period, the types of mental health care they use, and the extensiveness of treatment among those who have entered care. The present study will investigate whether there are ethnic differences among low-income women insured by public medical assistance. It will specifically examine a Medicaid-eligible poor population of White, African American, and Hispanic perinatal women to assess differences in mental health services use and utilization patterns based on the Andersen and Newman model (1973). Ethnic differential service use patterns will be examined by the Medicaid claim data among the Medicaid-eligible poor women, employing logistic and OLS regression analysis. The findings will have important policy implications in planning mental health services for various community members as well as in promoting women mental health.
Learning Objectives: At this conclusion of this presentation, the particiants will be able to describe differential ethnic patterns in mental health service use among low-income mothers during pregnant and postpartum periods
Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for the Mental Health Policy and Service Research
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.