Health service utilization among demented individuals with or without mood disorders in Canada
Abstract
Aim: To assess how comorbid mood disorders were associated with health service utilization of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias in a Canadian household population.
Methods: The study utilized a population-based secondary data analysis approach, using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2011-2012 annual component.
Results: Mood disorders were found to be more prevalent among persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias compared to those without (26.7% vs 7.7%). Multivariable analysis showed that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and a comorbid mood disorder were more likely to use community and medical mental health services (AOR: 1.79, P=0.030) (AOR: 6.58, P=0.000).
Conclusion: The increased usage of health services in persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and a comorbid mood disorder exhibit the importance of understanding the needs of these individuals to help shift public policy. This will aid researchers in developing and implementing improved services.