Date of Conferral
1-7-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
David Segal
Abstract
Mental health conditions are a significant global public health issue. Research shows that while Filipino Americans frequently experience mental distress and functional impairment, they are hesitant to use mental health services. In this quantitative study, the association between mental distress and functional impairment on mental health service utilization of prescription medication use, visits to primary care providers, and visits to mental health professionals was explored in adult Filipino Americans residing in California. Control variables included age, gender, marital status, education, employment, and income. This study was based on Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare use. Secondary data from the 2021-2022 California Health Information Survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression with a cross-sectional study design. Results showed that Filipino Americans without functional impairment were 3.50 times more likely to visit primary care providers, 3.13 times more likely to use prescription medication, and 2.83 times more likely to see mental health professionals than those with functional impairment. Mental distress did not show a significant association. Confounding variables like gender and education significantly predicted mental health service use. However, age was associated with a .69 decrease in the likelihood of visiting primary care providers. Implications for positive social change include raising awareness that Filipino Americans without functional impairment are more likely to seek mental health services than those with functional impairment.
Recommended Citation
Brill, Marieann R., "Effect of Mental Distress and Functional Impairment on Mental Health Service Use by Filipino Americans in California" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16904.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16904
