Publications & Reports

Health Service Use for Mental Health Reasons in a Cohort of People Who Use Methamphetamine Experiencing Moderate to Severe Anxiety or Depression

Duncan Z, Kippen R, Sutton K, Ward B, Quinn B, Dietze P

Abstract

This study examined health service use for mental health reasons in a cohort of people who use methamphetamine and experience anxiety or depression. Data were derived from baseline surveys of a subset of 429 participants from the ‘VMAX’ study. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 instruments and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Sequential logistic regression determined correlates of health service use for mental health reasons. Lower odds of health service use for mental health reasons were evident for those living in a medium/small rural town (aOR=0.27, CI=0.12, 0.62),≥weekly methamphetamine use (aOR=0.51, CI=0.27, 0.99), and not utilising professional support for methamphetamine use in the 12 months prior (aOR=0.19, CI=0.12, 0.30). People who use methamphetamine frequently use health services for mental health issues. Further work is needed to determine the efectiveness of these services for this population.

Link to publisher’s web site

Publication

  • Journal: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
  • Published: 01/01/2023
  • Volume: Epub ahead of print

Author

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