Factors associated with the use of specialized mental health services in urban Latin American young people with symptoms of anxiety and depression

Background Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults are less likely to seek mental health (MH) services. This research aims to identify the factors associated with using specialized MH services among young people in deprived urban Latin American areas. Methods The study included 1345 adolescents (15–16 years) and young adults (20–24 years) with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. We collected data on predisposing, enabling, and need factors related to using specialized MH services. We compared the differences in service use using a chi-square test and determined the association using Poisson regression. Results 18.9% of participants used specialized MH services in the previous three months. Youth whose parents received MH treatment had a 51% and 57% higher prevalence of using MH services, as those whose parents had education beyond secondary school were 64% more likely to use these services. Participants with severe levels of anxiety symptoms and self-recognition of experiencing anxiety symptoms had an 88% and 117% higher prevalence of using MH services; otherwise, severity levels of depression were not associated with the use of MH services. Specific symptoms of depression or anxiety reported on the PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scales were linked to the use of these services. Furthermore, experiencing three or more stressful life events and low and moderate levels of resilience were associated with a 48%, 74%, and 60% greater likelihood of using MH services. Conclusion Less than one in five participants accessed specialized MH services in the last three months. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors influencing service use include parental history of MH treatment, parents with education beyond secondary school, severe anxiety, self-recognition of ever experiencing anxiety, severe life events, and low resilience.