Abstract
Objectives: To examine and compare non-compliance with mental health and other specialty referrals among low-income elderly.
Methods: A survey of 2,128 community-dwelling elderly assessed mental health and other specialty referral in the past year and compliance with these referrals. Non-compliant participants and those who had encountered difficulties in arranging referral appointments were asked about the barriers.
Results: 16.7% with mental health referrals vs. 4.8% with other specialty referrals did not comply (p < .001). The main reason for non-compliance with mental health referrals was lack of perceived need.
Discussion: Lack of perceived need for professional help is a major barrier to specialty mental health care.
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Mojtabai, R. Compliance with Mental Health and Other Specialty Care Referrals among Medicare/Medicaid Dual Enrollees. Community Ment Health J 41, 339–344 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-005-5006-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-005-5006-x