HELP-SEEKING FOR MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE AMONG POOR PUERTO-RICANS - PROBLEM RECOGNITION, SERVICE USE, AND TYPE OF PROVIDER

OBJECTIVES. This study examines the effects of health, predisposing, a nd enabling factors on recognition of a mental health problem, use of formal mental health care, and contact with a specialized mental healt h provider. METHODS. Interviews were conducted with a probability samp le of 3,435 adults. The variables examined include measures of mental health; social and demographic factors; and enabling factors relevant to the help-seeking process. RESULTS. Subjective and objective measure s of mental health were associated with the recognition of a mental he alth problem. The objective assessment of definite need for services w as relevant for the use of formal services. However, the subjects' per ception of poor mental health was strongly related to receiving care f rom a mental health specialist. Although interaction with social netwo rks is associated with use of formal services, low economic strain is related to receiving care from the specialty sector. CONCLUSIONS. The results support the importance of using multiple measures of mental he alth problems. The finding that individuals' perceived economic strain increases the likelihood of receiving specialized care suggests that studies of economic barriers to the use of mental health services migh t benefit from the adoption of measures that assess perceived economic circumstances.