Help-seeking behavior among a sample of persons with obsessive compulsive disorder on the U.S.-Mexico border

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2% to 3% of the world\u27s population. The symptoms of OCD are unwanted, intrusive and repetitive obsessions and compulsions, resulting in a negative impact on quality of life. Individuals often wait many years before reporting their symptoms to any healthcare professional. This study explores the factors related to health care seeking behavior (HCSB) in a sample of 91 Mexican and Mexican-origin individuals with OCD who live on the U.S.-Mexico border. Triangulation methodology was utilized to explore demographic variables related to HCSB and personal accounts were analyzed from participants\u27 interviews. Results included the variables associated with HCSB as well as qualitative information on the pathways and barriers to seeking care, knowledge of OCD, and sociocultural implications of living with OCD and other mental illnesses