Abstracts Category : Other

Sociodemographic, Health, Health-Related, Health Risk, Psychosocial, and Treatment-Related Characteristics Associated with Retention Among Community Mental Health Clients in an Integrated Health Program

by Katherine Anne Thomas

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) have higher rates cardiometabolic conditions than the general population, which put them at increased risk for early mortality. Treatment retention is especially important as it may prevent worsening of mental and physical health symptoms and lower such risks. Models of integrated primary and behavioral health care (PBHC) are promising for treating co-morbid mental and physical health conditions common to individuals with SMI. Previous research identified that individuals with SMI drop out of care at higher rates than other individuals with mental illness. Past studies on treatment retention with this population have been qualitative and small in scope. This longitudinal study examines correlates of treatment retention, including sociodemographic, health, psychosocial, and treatment-related characteristics among individuals with SMI in an integrated PBHC program in a community mental health setting. Variables significantly associated with 12-month treatment retention included access to transportation, no illicit drug use, and 6-month treatment retention. Several variables identified as important correlates of retention in previous studies were not found to be significantly associated with 12-month retention. Directions for future research and implications for social work are discussed.Advisors/Committee Members: Lemieux, Catherine (chair), Yang, Miyoun (committee member), Guin, Cecile (committee member).