An exploratory study of the transportation modes associated with community participation among adults with serious mental illnesses

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between different modes of transportation and community participation among individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Methods

This study reports on data from 283 individuals with serious mental illnesses recruited from community mental health centers in 15 states. Participants responded to self-report items about the types of transportation used and participation in the community. Data were analyzed using Classification and Regression Trees to determine which modes of transportation were predictive of community participation.

Results

Individuals with serious mental illnesses reported walking as the most frequently used form of transportation followed by using public transportation. Biking and driving one's own car, were the strongest predictors of amount and breadth of community participation. Walking was the only predictor of community participation sufficiency.

Conclusions

Lack of transportation is an often-cited barrier to community participation for individuals with mental illnesses. Independent modes of transportation (Biking, driving one's own car, and walking) appear to facilitate participation. Future research should develop and test interventions that aim to promote transportation access and usage in order to facilitate diverse participation in the community.