Assessing older adult behavioral health diagnoses in Oregon by geographical area, physical disability status, and age

This repeated cross-sectional study aims to assess potential differences among behavioral health (BH) diagnoses for older adults. Differences in services across urban versus rural/remote areas may contribute to deeply entrenched barriers to improved BH for this population.

Data were collected through complex care consultation reports (N = 5,123) between 2017-2021 as part of a multi-year evaluation of the Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, a statewide program addressing gaps in services for older adults and people with physical disabilities with behavioral health needs. Analyses of consumer BH diagnoses (N = 2,772) by urban and rural/remote area, physical disability status, and age were conducted.

Urban consumers were more likely to receive a formal diagnosis of any BH condition compared to their rural/remote counterparts. While results appear to suggest rurality may be associated with decreased identification of a BH diagnosis, findings also appear to indicate that once received, diagnoses such as suicidality and hoarding may be more severe among older adults residing in rural and remote areas.

Results offer important insights for addressing the BH needs of older adults, particularly those residing in rural/remote regions. Policy change is warranted to mitigate the multiple, complex barriers to appropriate BH care of older, rural/remote adults.