242386 Mental health services structure and mental health perceptions among Puerto Rican older adults in senior centers: A comparative mixed methods study

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Daniel Velez-Ortiz, MSW, PhD , School of Social Work / Julian Samora Research Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Objectives and Significance: To test how different structures of mental health services influence perceptions of mental health by Puerto Rican older adults in community senior centers. Having exposure and access to mental health services in community contexts may lead Puerto Rican older adults who use community-based services to have more knowledge about mental health services and more positive perceptions.

Methods: The total sample was 167 Puerto Rican older adults in Puerto Rico and New York City. A mixed methods design was used with semi-structured interviews on mental health knowledge and mental illness perceptions as well as quantitative measurement instruments containing questions about migration activity, mental health need, and knowledge of mental health services. Regression analyses were performed on quantitative data and thematic analysis on qualitative data.

Results: Findings indicated that the structure of mental health service is significant for mental health perceptions among Puerto Rican older adults utilizing senior centers. The significance of the services structure on knowledge of mental health services is associated with migration, age, and mental health status. Narratives on perceptions about mental illness differed by structure.

Implications: A major implication from the results is that to better integrate the delivery of mental health services for older Puerto Ricans in community senior centers, it may be important to conduct a focused intervention using mental health education to help participants identify mental health needs.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify how the structure of mental health services can influence knowledge and perceptions of those services. 2. Assess the relevance of community senior services in mental health service delivery. 3. Evaluate ways to incorporate mental health services into community settings.

Keywords: Aging, Mental Health Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I conducted this research study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Mental health needs of minority populations: Expression, service use and disparities
See more of: Mental Health