Comparison of Users and Non-Users of Mental Health Services Among Depressed Women: A National Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Risk factors for major depressive episodes (MDE), determinants of not seeking treatment for it and types of health care service accessed by women who received treatment for MDE were examined using data collected in the Health and Mental Health cycle of the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2002. Of the 1,186 women with MDE, 45% did not receive treatment for it. The highest rates of MDE were found among women under 30 years of age, single mothers with young children, low income women, those with chronic health conditions, high levels of daily stress and low levels of social support. The odds of not seeking treatment for MDE were highest for single mothers with adult children, women with low social support and those with little formal education. The type of mental health services accessed by women with MDE was strongly associated with their age, education, length of time in Canada, language skills, income adequacy, physical health, stress level and chronic health conditions. Our findings signify a need for screening women at high risk of depression, especially those identified as more likely not to seek treatment.