Associations between mental health services and individuals’ worry about harm from mental health issues: an international perspective

Background: Quality mental health services are pivotal in addressing mental health issues worldwide. Despite this importance, many countries face challenges in providing accessible, high-quality mental health care. 

Aims: This study examines the nexus between mental health services and worry about mental health issues across different countries. 

Methods: This study used data from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation 2021 World Risk Poll, the OECD, the World Health Organization, and Our World in Data. The variables include worry about the personal harm that mental health issues could cause, mental health services (i.e. service facilities, service availability, and service utilisation), and estimated prevalences of major mental disorders. 

Results: The results revealed that structural components–specifically the availability of mental health outpatient facilities–were associated with less worry about mental health issues across countries. However, no significant association was observed between process components–such as service utilisation–and worry about mental health issues. Additionally, the association between the prevalence of various mental disorders and worry about mental health issues showed mixed results. 

Conclusions: The findings emphasise the importance of increasing the availability of these facilities to ensure universal access to essential mental health care, thereby improving mental well-being across both low-income and high-income countries.