Old Age Psychiatry

OBJECTIVE: Older Chinese people in New Zealand underutilise mental health services. Lack of recognition of mental health issues and awareness of available treatment is a potential barrier to accessing care. This study investigated depression literacy in older Chinese people. METHOD: A convenience sample of 67 older Chinese people were presented a depression vignette and completed a depression literacy questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a good rate (71.6%) of depression recognition, but no participant chose taking medication as the best method of help. There was a notable level of stigma among participants. CONCLUSION: Older Chinese people would benefit from information regarding mental health conditions and their interventions. Strategies to deliver this information and de-stigmatise mental illness in the Chinese community which incorporate cultural values may be beneficial.