TITLE:
Psychological Distress in California: Identifying Those at Greatest Risk
AUTHORS:
Gina Marie Piane
KEYWORDS:
Psychological Distress, Demographics, Relative Risk, Smoking
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.8,
August
27,
2014
ABSTRACT: In order to address
the unmet need for prevention and treatment of psychological distress and
mental disorders, program planners and treatment providers need to identify
individuals at high risk. The results of the California Health Interview Survey
from 2009 (n = 47,614) indicate that there are high relative risks by
demographics and smoking status for reports of psychological distress and
intermediate measures: feeling nervous, hopeless, worthless, depressed,
restless, and that everything is an effort. Specific demographic factors and
smoking status can predict a greater need for prevention and treatment of
psychological distress and lack of insurance coverage for treatment. Profiles
associated with high risk can help in referral for diagnosis or to plan prevention
programs.