Correlates of community rehabilitation service utilization among persons with psychiatric disabilities

The use community psychiatric rehabilitation (CPR) service could facilitate community tenure, autonomy, and recovery among persons with psychiatric disabilities. Nevertheless, based on existing scientific evidence, the conformance rate with the treatment recommendations was modest and the existing services are underutilized in Taiwan.

This study examined the correlates of CPR service utilization based on the Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization. Especially, the effects of enabling factors were explored.

Five hundred and ninety-two participants from 32 community psychiatric rehabilitation centers in Taiwan completed the questionnaire. There were three groups of independent variables: predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Multiple regression analysis with a hierarchical method of entry was performed.

The hypothesized model was significant. Eight independent variables in the model explained 29.3% of the variances in the service utilization. Three enabling factors were significant after controlling for the effects of other factors. The most important correlate was professional relationships followed by family support and welfare subsidy.

The findings support that factors associated with CPR service utilization need to be examined separately from general mental health service. CPR program design and service delivery should consider the three most important enabling factors and the extent of service utilization could be enhanced.