Exploring socio-economic inequalities in mental healthcare utilization in adults with self-reported psychological distress: a survey-registry linked cohort design.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Although individuals with lower socio-economic position (SEP) have a higher prevalence of mental health problems than others, there is no conclusive evidence on whether mental healthcare (MHC) is provided equitably. We investigated inequalities in MHC use among adults in Stockholm County (Sweden), and whether inequalities were moderated by self-reported psychological distress.

Methods

MHC use was examined in 31,433 individuals aged 18-64 years over a 6-month follow-up period, after responding to the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) in 2014 or the Kessler Six (K6) in 2021. Information on their MHC use and SEP indicators, education, and household income, were sourced from administrative registries. Logistic and negative binomial regression analyses were used to es

SUBMITTER: Muwonge JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822448 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature