Relationship between behavioural problems and use of mental health services in patients with severe mental illness and the mediating role of the perceived burden of care

Mental health models proposed for predicting more use of mental health resources by patients with severe mental illness are including a wider variety of predictor variables, but there are still many more remaining to be explored for a complete model. The purpose of this study was to enquire into the relationship between two variables, behaviour problems and burden of care, and the use of mental health resources in patients with severe mental illness. Our hypothesis was that perceived burden of care mediates between behaviour problems of patients with serious mental illness and the use of mental health resources. The Behaviour Problem Inventory, which was filled out by the main caregiver, was used to evaluate 179 patients cared for in a community mental health unit. They also answered a questionnaire on perceived family burden. A structural equation analysis was done to test our hypothesis. The results showed that both the behaviour problems and perceived burden of care are good predictors of the use of mental health resources, where perceived burden of care mediates between behaviour problems and use of resources. These variables seem to be relevant for inclusion in complete models for predicting use of mental health resources. •Behaviour problems and perceived burden of care are good predictors of the use of mental health resources in patients with severe mental illness.•Perceived burden of care mediates between behaviour problems and use of resources.•Behavioural problems and perceived burden of care are relevant for inclusion in models for predicting use of mental health resources.