| Title | Exploring Geographic Variation of Mental Health Risk and Service Utilization of Doctors and Hospitals in Toronto: A Shared Component Spatial Modeling Approach |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2018 |
| Authors | Law J., Perlman C. |
| Journal | Int J Environ Res Public Health |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Date Published | Mar 26 |
| ISBN Number | 1660-4601 |
| Accession Number | 29587426 |
| Keywords | *Bayesian spatial analysis, *geographic information systems (GIS), *health inequality, *Health Services, *hospital admissions, *Models, Theoretical, *physicians, *shared component models, Adult, Female, Geography, Hospitalization, Hospitals, Humans, Male, Mental Disorders/epidemiology, mental health, Mental Health Services/*statistics & numerical data, Ontario/epidemiology, Physicians, Residence Characteristics, Risk, Socioeconomic Factors, Young Adult |
| Abstract | Mental Health has been known to vary geographically. Different rates of utilization of mental health services in local areas reflect geographic variation of mental health and complexity of health care. Variations and inequalities in how the health care system addresses risks are two critical issues for addressing population mental health. This study examines these issues by analyzing the utilization of mental health services in Toronto at the neighbourhood level. We adopted a shared component spatial modeling approach that allows simultaneous analysis of two main health service utilizations: doctor visits and hospitalizations related to mental health conditions. Our results reflect a geographic variation of both types of mental health service utilization across neighbourhoods in Toronto. We identified hot and cold spots of mental health risks that are common to both or specific to only one type of health service utilization. Based on the evidence found, we discuss intervention strategies, focusing on the hotspots and provision of health services about doctors and hospitals, to improve mental health for the neighbourhoods. Limitations of the study and further research directions are also discussed. |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph15040593 |
| PMCID | PMC5923635 |
| Link | https://res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/ijerph/ijerph-15-00593/article_deploy/... |
| Short Title | International journal of environmental research and public healthInternational journal of environmental research and public health |
| Alternate Journal | International journal of environmental research and public health |
