Delays in Seeking General Medical Services and Measurable Abnormalities Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

Objective:The study explored the association of delays in seeking general medical care with elevated blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities among individuals with serious mental illness.Methods:Association of delays in medical care with blood pressure, serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), and lipids was assessed among patients at two inner-city community mental health centers.Results:Of 271 participants, 62% reported delays in seeking general medical care due to attitudinal and financial barriers. Care delay was associated with abnormalities in measured blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.14, p=.029) and HbA1c (AOR=3.18, p=.026). Care delay was not associated with abnormalities in lipid profiles.Conclusions:This study found that delays in seeking general medical care are common and are associated with clinical markers linked with common medical conditions. The results may help to explain the elevated morbidity and mortality associated with serious mental illness.