Predictors of mental health needs among Vietnamese adults

Background: While research has analyzed determinants of mental health need among the Asian American population in general, little is known about these determinants among Vietnamese adults. Objective: To identify predictors of reporting mental health needs among Vietnamese adults. Methods: Data from a 2011 random-digit-dial telephone survey of 795 Vietnamese adults in a large Northern California County were analyzed using logistic regression. The outcome was emotions interfering with daily activities in the past year. Completing the interview in English, years in the US and nativity were used as proxies for acculturation. Results: Forty percent of Vietnamese adults reported that emotions interfered with daily activities some (24%) or a lot (16%). Vietnamese adults with some college education or more (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5- 3.3) and those who completed the interview in English (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1- 3.1) had higher odds of reporting emotions interfering with activities. In contrast, adults with an annual household income of $35,000 or more were less likely to report emotions interfering with activities (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6). Age, gender, years in the US and nativity were not associated with emotions interfering with activities. Discussion: This study found a high proportion of Vietnamese adults with mental health needs. Education, income and language of interview were significant predictors of reporting mental health needs. It may be that more educated and acculturated Vietnamese adults perceive less stigma around reporting mental health issues, while those with higher income levels have more resources to reduce stress.