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Table 3 Perceived barriers and self-management profiles for selected sub-groups reporting MH problems in the last 12 months

From: Self-reported contacts for mental health problems by rural residents: predicted service needs, facilitators and barriers

Barriers to adequate health care: Factor (Potential score range: 1-5)

Self-reported MH problems in last 12 months

Statistical comparisons (p-values)

Help/advice not sought (N = 143)

Help/advice sought-Needs not met (N = 75)

 

Mean (SD)

 

Structural barriers to help-seeking

1.38 (0.68)

2.15 (1.19)

**

Attitudinal barriers to help-seeking

2.30 (0.76)

2.38 (0.95)

.834

Time commitments

1.35 (0.64)

1.67 (0.95)

.027

Self-management reasons: (Main reason for preferring to manage problems themselves)

  

(N = 104)

(N = 40)

 
 

% Endorsement

 

 "I don't think they know how to help"

12.5

25.0

**(df = 5)

 "I'm uncomfortable talking about these problems"

35.6

15.0

 "I rely on faith and spirituality"

6.7

7.5

 "I rely on family and friends"

35.6

20.0

 "I'd be treated differently if people thought I had a mental illness"

2.9

17.5

 "I don't think it is fair to expect it"

6.7

15.0

  1. Note: Other sub-groups were not asked to complete the barriers questions; statistical comparisons were based on ANCOVAs (for continuous variables), controlling for socio-demographic characteristics (using 15 dummy coded variables representing the categories detailed in Table 4), or overall chi-square tests (for categorical variables): *p < 0.01; **p < 0.001.