The study does not focus on a single clinical disorder. Instead, it investigates the health-related issue of barriers to accessing mental health care among older adults.
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: General Population (Comparison Group)
Individuals aged 18 to 64 from the general population who have used, or attempted to use, mental health services within the past 12 months.
Procedure: On
Sponsors
White Research
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Quantitative Survey (Questionnaire) - Focus on Access Barriers General Population (n = 75) - Has used, or attempted to use, psychological or psychiatric services within the past 12 months - Does not belong to one of the target groups (see below) Target Groups (n = 75 per group; 2 groups) - Has used, or attempted to use, psychological or psychiatric services within the past 12 months Belongs to one of the local target population groups: -> Older adults = 65 years without migration background -> Older adults = 65 years with own migration experience (i.e., born abroad and migrated to Germany) 2. Qualitative Interviews (Meso-Level Stakeholders) – Focus on System-Level Barriers - Holds a system-level role corresponding to the Quadruple Helix Model (e.g., policymakers, administrators, service providers) - Has recently been involved in mental health, service provision, policy, or research II. Work Package 1.5 (WP 1.5) – Micro-Level Factors 1. Structured Survey – Focus on Perceived Access - Belongs to one of the local target population groups: -> Older adults = 65 years without migration background -> Older adults = 65 years with own migration experience (i.e., born abroad and migrated to Germany) - Has used mental health services - Demonstrates the ability to participate in the survey without showing signs of significant emotional distress at the time of consent, as assessed by study personnel 2. Reflective Diary / Experience Report – Focus on Care Trajectory - Belongs to one of the local target population groups: -> Older adults = 65 years without migration background -> Older adults = 65 years with own migration experience (i.e., born abroad and migrated to Germany) - Must have accessed/actively engaged with mental health services in past 12 months (e.g., community-based, outpatient, or inpatient) - At least one previous episode of meaningful mental health service use (e.g., inpatient, day clinic, or outpatient treatment) - Is emotionally and cognitively able to reflect on specific episodes of mental health service use; most suitable for individuals with prior experience in using mental health services (written or verbal)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: There are no separate or specific exclusion criteria. Participants are excluded from the study if the inclusion criteria defined in the study protocol are not fully met (e.g., not meeting the minimum age requirement, absence of migration history in the relevant cohorts, or lack of capacity to provide informed consent).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| WHAT: Comprehensive identification and characterization of barriers to accessing mental health care at the meso and micro level, structured according to the five dimensions of the Levesque framework (approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability, appropriateness). WHEN: Single assessment at the time of participation (T1; one-time survey or one-time interview). HOW: - Standardized questionnaire (Work Package 1.4), based on Cu et al. (2021), structured around the Levesque framework. - Semi-structured interviews with system-level stakeholders (WP 1.4). - Qualitative survey or reflective diary for older adults (WP 1.5). - Complementary measurement instruments: MHQoL – Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire EQ-5D-5L – EuroQol Five Dimensions, Five Levels EU-SILC – European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions EHIS – European Health Interview Survey | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| WHAT: Analysis of intersectional factors (e.g., gender, educational level), associations between access barriers and mental well-being, and moderating effects of these variables. WHEN: Single assessment at the time of participation (T1). HOW: - Collection of intersectional and contextual variables in the questionnaire (WP 1.4 & 1.5). - Measurement of anxiety and depressive symptoms (WP 1.5): GAD-7 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale GDS – Geriatric Depression Scale - Statistical modelling (e.g., regression analyses) to examine associations between barriers, demographic factors, and mental well-being. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactSuna Su Aksay-Gut
Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit
Outcome results
None listed