Mental health service use and ethnicity: An analysis of service use and time to access treatment by South East Asian‐, Middle Eastern‐, and Australian‐born patients within Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Objective:The current research aimed to assess the association between country of birth and use of a specialised mental health service in Sydney, Australia. Methods: Patient file data were analysed from individuals who accessed the Clinic for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress in Western Sydney between 1996 and 2010. Patients had undergone a clinical assessment and research interview prior to receiving treatment. Data on demographic information and health history were extracted from these files. South East (SE) Asian-and Middle Eastern-born minority groups were compared with an Australian-born majority group, using country of birth as a proxy measure of ethnicity. Ratios of service use by group were compared with data on ethnicities residing within the local government area health district. Results: Relative to the local population, country of birth minority status was associated with fewer patients accessing the service, with SE Asian-born patients reporting low service use across all cohorts studied. However, Middle Eastern-born patients' service utilisation increased over time, becoming commensurate with the local population. Middle Eastern-born patients reported a significantly shorter delay to seek treatment compared with Australian-born patients, although no significant differences were reported between ethnic minority groups. Conclusions: Differences between SE Asian-and Middle Eastern-born groups in service utilisation patterns over time and treatment delay relative to an Australianborn group highlight the importance of better understanding the impact of ethnicity on service use.

A comparison of the characteristics and treatment outcomes of migrant and Australian-born users of a national digital mental health service

“…However research shows that migrants, especially those of NESB, experience barriers to accessing treatment, including low mental health literacy, a lack of suitable services and a lack of trust of services [5], as well as the more universal barriers of stigma and cost [6]. In Australia, there is emerging evidence of increasing uptake of face-to-face treatment by migrants [7], but despite this trend, the use of mental health services by many migrant groups remains low.…”

Sociocultural factors associated with Detection of ASD among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Australia

“…A recent Australian systematic review found that these barriers included a lack of accessibility due to cost and availability, acceptability of services due to religious/cultural reasons and affordability [28]. Yet, these di culties were only exacerbated in individuals seeking health care due to a poor understanding of the health care system, discriminatory practices, shame and stigma within communities, and a lack of collaboration within multidisciplinary teams in using culturally appropriate services [29][30][31]. Thus, it is crucial that these barriers are targeted at all levels in order to adequately address the barriers CALD populations may face when accessing healthcare to diagnose and manage autism.…”

Gambling, substance use, and help-seeking attitudes in a community-based sample of Lao refugees, immigrants, and U.S.-born citizens.

“…Cultural differences affect treatment access, help seeking, and disclosure of psychological symptoms. Asian Americans may be less likely to seek out mental health treatment and more likely to drop out of therapy (Han & Pong, 2015; S. Lee & Matejkowski, 2012;Logan, Rouen, Wagner, Steel, & Hunt, 2017;Thikeo, Florin, & Ng, 2015). Among older Asian American immigrants (primarily Vietnamese), there may be a greater self-perceived need for mental health care and less access to care (Nguyen, 2011).…”