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Assessing Patient Comfort when Discussing Mental Health Topics with Primary Care Providers
Karpowicz, Kristin
Karpowicz, Kristin
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Abstract
Mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, remain critical public health issues. However, the extent to which individuals feel comfortable discussing these topics with their primary care providers (PCPs) varies by community. This study assesses the comfort levels of New Canaan, Connecticut, residents in discussing mental health issues with their PCPs and explores their awareness and use of third-party online platforms for obtaining prescriptions. A short electronic survey was distributed in a primary care clinic, with a subsequent paper survey to increase participation. Findings indicate that most respondents (75%) prefer in-person appointments for mental health discussions, and half have spoken to their PCP about anxiety or depression. Comfort levels were influenced by age, gender, and income, with older individuals and females reporting greater ease in discussing mental health concerns. Awareness of online prescription services was low, with only 14.3% of respondents having used such platforms. The study highlights the need for PCPs to initiate conversations about mental health and adapt their approach to patient preferences. Despite limitations such as a small sample size (n=20) and recruitment challenges, the findings offer valuable insights for improving mental health care accessibility in primary care settings. Future research should explore broader population samples and alternative recruitment strategies.
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2025-01-01