CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Timely post-hospitalization mental health follow-up is essential for patient recovery, yet many individuals in California's Central Valley face significant barriers to accessing these services. Cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors contribute to these challenges, particularly within the Hispanic community. Language barriers, stigma, lack of transportation, and financial constraints often prevent patients from attending follow-up appointments. Studies have shown that culturally competent healthcare, community health workers, and technological solutions such as telehealth can help mitigate these barriers. This study aims to identify the key factors preventing patients from attending 3- and 7-day post-hospitalization mental health follow-up appointments at Omni Health. We used a cross-tabulation statistical analysis focused on the Omni population in Bakersfield to compare various demographics against follow-up appointment compliance, and to identify significant barriers that impact follow-up adherence. Our analysis of a sample size of 164 yielded the following results. In regards to sex, females are more likely to be compliant at 57% and adhere to their post-hospitalization follow up visits, compared to males at 43% compliance.  For age, individuals under 25 have the lowest compliance at 66.7%, while those aged 55+ have the highest compliance at 91.7%.  In terms of race, African American individuals had the lowest compliance at 68.8%.  Hispanic patients were compliant at a rate of 80% and white patients had the highest compliance at 75%. For education, there was a higher compliance of 75% among college educated individuals in comparison to the 67% compliance rate of individuals with only a high school diploma.  Lastly for location, patients in Bakersfield had a lower compliance of 74% compliance rate compared to 84% for individuals outside of Bakersfield. Thus, our findings highlight opportunities to develop targeted strategies for improving follow-up retention. Based on our literature review and analysis of OMNI Family Health’s data, we propose improving cultural competency and the use of technology could be beneficial in improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, despite Bakersfield’s large Asian population, we did not receive any data about Asian patients, so future studies could seek to include that information as well. Implementing culturally competent and age-appropriate interventions has the potential to improve mental health among the diverse populations which Central Valley FQHCs such as OMNI Family Health strive to serve.