Older adults’ mental health information preferences: a call for more balanced information to empower older adults’ mental health help-seeking

Abstract

Abstract A small minority of older adults seek psychological help when they need it. Barriers to mental health service use among older adults include low mental health literacy and reduced opportunities for shared decision-making in health care. There is a gap in the literature examining the mental health information preferences of older adults. The objectives of this study were to describe the information preferences and predictors of preferences among older adults. In total, 229 adults aged 50 years and older in central Canada responded to a questionnaire investigating socio-demographic, psycho-social and health-related characteristics, as well as mental health information preferences. Descriptive analysis quantified participants’ ratings of information preferences and hierarchical linear regression analysis determined predictors of their preferences. Older adults rated all mental health content items as very important. Most participants preferred detailed information (two to six pages) on all treatment options (psychological, pharmacological, combined and self-help). Older adults significantly preferred discussion with a heath-care provider and written information, in comparison to other formats. Older adults also significantly preferred to consult family, friends and heath-care professionals over other sources. Socio-demographic and psycho-social characteristics accounted for some of the variance in predicting older adults’ information preferences. Findings highlight older adults’ desire to be involved in decisions concerning mental health supports. Providing balanced information concerning mental health treatment may increase empowerment in mental health help-seeking.