Caregiving Network Characteristics and Mental Health Care Utilization by Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rates of mental health service use are low among older adults. This study examined associations between mental health care utilization and caregiving network characteristics, including caregiving network size, caregiving intensity, the presence of formal helpers, and primary caregiver characteristics.

Methods

Using a sample of 692 respondents in the health and retirement study (HRS) with linkage to veterans affairs healthcare records (mean age = 78.7, SD = 8.08; 97.1% male), logistic regression models tested caregiving network characteristics as predictors of mental health care utilization, adjusting for demographics and health conditions. Moderation effects of cognitive status (Langa-Weir HRS Classification) and depressive symptoms (CESD-8 Scale) were explored.

SUBMITTER: Wyman MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12584981 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature