Mental health services use among Asian American older adults: Findings from NLAAS

Background: Few studies have examined services use and correlates of use for mental health problems among older Asian Americans. Objective: To assess mental health services use and demographic factors associated with use among older Asian Americans. Setting: Methods: Nationally representative household sample of Asian Americans aged 55+ (n=376) using data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey. Mental disorders were assessed using the DSM-IV World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) in the prior 12 months. Service use for problems with emotions, mental health or alcohol/drug use was self-reported for the past 12 months. Service use included general medical care, mental health care, and other types of care, such as traditional medicine. Results: Seven percent of older Asian Americans (n =37) met CIDI criteria for a mental disorder in the past year. Only 13% (n=10) of older Asian Americans with any current mental disorder used some form of services in the past year. Vietnamese older adults were more likely to use services than Chinese older adults after controlling for covariates including mental disorder and health insurance. We found a strong income gradient in relation to services use. The lowest income group had higher odds of any recent service use compared to the highest income group after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: Over 85% of Asian American older adults with mental disorders are not receiving treatment. Practitioners and policy-makers should aim to reduce financial and other barriers to health services for low-income Asian Americans.