Determining Factors in the Access to Mental Health Services by the Adult Colombian Population

Introduction Access to mental health services by people with mental disorders has traditionally been limited, and is associated with attitudinal, social, and structural variables. Objective To analyse the factors that determine access to mental health services by the adult population (18-44 years old) in Colombia, from the results obtained in the 2015 National Mental Health Survey. Material and methods Analysis of variables of access to attention in mental health care for adults. The reasons for not consulting were classified as barriers of behavioural supply and demand. To analyse the factors associated with access to mental health services in the Colombian adult population, the use of health services in the last 12 months for emotional, nervous or mental health problems was taken into account, as well as associated variables such as demographic characteristics, occupational activity, affiliation to social security, and health status variables. The relationships between these variables were estimated using bivariate multinomial logistic regression models. Results Rural residence, being married, and having a chronic disease were associated with the decision to consult or not to consult the doctor. Conclusions Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the situation as regards mental health care access, as well as to determine the potential factors associated with these limitations.