Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Australian Psychologist
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Arts and Humanities / Kurongkurl Katitjin
RAS ID
64554
Abstract
Objective: Older adults often delay seeking professional help, particularly for mental health problems. This is of great concern for older adults with chronic diseases, who are at risk of mental health declines. This study explored barriers to help-seeking among older adults with chronic diseases and identified factors that influence older adults’ perceptions of such barriers. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with 106 adults ≥ 65 years, diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and/or type 2 diabetes. Demographic variables and barriers to help-seeking were measured using self-report questionnaires. Results: The most common barriers to help-seeking were wondering whether the mental health problem is significant enough to warrant treatment (51.9%) and not having a regular primary health care provider to speak with (39.6%). Participants who had sought help in the past had less endorsement of these barriers than those who had never sought help. Conclusions: Many older adults with chronic diseases have difficulties knowing when to seek help, and apprehensions about disclosing mental health concerns. Integrated intervention is needed involving the community (e.g., reduce stigma), older adults with chronic diseases (e.g., increase mental health literacy), and physicians (e.g., increase training in ageing and mental health) to alleviate common barriers to help-seeking in this population.
DOI
10.1080/00050067.2023.2282540
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Adams, C., Gringart, E., & Strobel, N. (2023). Barriers to mental health help-seeking among older adults with chronic diseases. Australian Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00050067.2023.2282540