J Prev Med Public Health.  2016 Jan;49(1):69-78. 10.3961/jpmph.15.016.

Determinants of Mental Health Care Utilization in a Suicide High-risk Group With Suicidal Ideation

• Kim HS
• Lee MS
• Hong JY

• KMID: 2373650
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.15.016

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The suicide rate in Korea is increasing every year, and is the highest among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Psychiatric patients in particular have a higher risk of suicide than other patients. This study was performed to evaluate determinants of mental health care utilization among individuals at high risk for suicide.
METHODS
Korea Health Panel data from 2009 to 2011 were used. Subjects were individuals at high risk of suicide who had suicidal ideation, a past history of psychiatric illness, or had utilized outpatient services for a psychiatric disorder associated with suicidal ideation within the past year. The chi-square test and hierarchical logistic regression were used to identify significant determinants of mental health care utilization.
RESULTS
The total number of subjects with complete data on the variables in our model was 989. Individuals suffering from three or more chronic diseases used mental health care more frequently. Mental health care utilization was higher in subjects who had middle or high levels of educational attainment, were receiving Medical Aid, or had a large family size.
CONCLUSIONS
It is important to control risk factors in high-risk groups as part of suicide prevention strategies. The clinical approach, which includes community-based intervention, entails the management of reduction of suicidal risk. Our study identified demographic characteristics that have a significant impact on mental health care utilization and should be considered in the development of suicide prevention strategies. Further studies should examine the effect of mental health care utilization on reducing suicidal ideation.

Keyword

Mental health care; Suicidal ideation; Mental disorders; Republic of Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Ambulatory Care
Female
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Mental Disorders/economics/psychology
Middle Aged
Odds Ratio
Patient Acceptance of Health Care/*statistics & numerical data
Republic of Korea
Risk Factors
*Suicidal Ideation
Suicide/*prevention & control/psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult