Patterns, delays, and associated factors of help-seeking behaviour for lifetime mood disorders and anxiety disorders: A national representative survey

Background

Utilisation of health services is low and delayed among individuals with mood mental disorders and anxiety disorders, despite high disease burdens and available effective treatments. This study aims to examine patterns and delays in help-seeking and associated factors among individuals with lifetime disorder of mood disorders and/or anxiety disorders.

Methods

We used data from the China Mental Health Survey (CMHS), a nationally representative multistage clustered-area probability sample study across 31 provinces. We assessed lifetime mental disorders and help-seeking behaviour using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine sociodemographic and clinical correlates of delay to seek health care.

Results

Among 32,552 participants, we identified 3075 patients with lifetime mood and/or anxiety disorders; 486 (15.5 % [95 % CI: 13.6–17.5 %]) have sought health care. Of these, 163 (4.8 % [95 % CI: 3.7–6.3]) ever sought specialized mental health services. The delays to initial health care were 1.0 (IQR: 0–7.1), 1.9 (0–10.0), and 10.0 (1.0–22.1) years for depressive, bipolar, and anxiety disorders. Patients with comorbidities, later age of onset, and living in urban areas showed a higher propensity for help-seeking (all p < 0.05). Older cohort was associated with longer delays in seeking health care, while a later age of onset was associated with shorter delays (all p < 0.05).

Limitations

The cross-sectional retrospective design and self-assessment approach may add bias.

Conclusions

Failure and delays in help-seeking are common in China. National strategies are needed to promote health care utilisation.