A Secondary Analysis of the Differences in Accessing Health and Social Services Between Ethnically Diverse Individuals and the Mainstream Society

Abstract

Background: Mental illness is the third leading cause of disability and premature death in Canada. Research shows that access issues are a major concern, especially ethnically diverse individuals who may experience greater barriers. Purpose: This study is a secondary analysis that compares health and social service access difficulty, perceived barriers, and service effectiveness between mainstream and ethnically diverse individuals living with mental illness. Results: There were no significant differences between level of access difficulty, and perceived barriers between the ethnically diverse individuals and the mainstream society differentiated by race, but a significant difference was found in perceived service effectiveness between Caucasians born in Canada and ethnically diverse individuals born outside of Canada accounting for race and birth country. Discussion: Individuals living with mental illness experience comparable levels of access difficulty, barriers and service effectiveness. Additional studies with larger sample sizes from different socio-economic backgrounds are needed to strengthen this conclusion.