Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Psychology
Supervisor
Reid, Graham J.
Abstract
Children (aged 4-11) and youth (aged 12-17) with chronic health conditions (CHC; e.g., asthma, diabetes) have a higher risk of developing mental health (MH) problems compared to those without CHC. First, we created an algorithm to identify children with CHC using Ontario health administrative data. Using secondary data analysis of administrative and survey data (2014 Ontario Child Health Study), we documented the health (e.g., family physician, specialist) and MH service contacts (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist) of children with CHC and MH concerns. We explored whether there was an association between CHC visits and MH service use. Family physician visits and CHC visits with a specialist were significantly associated with specialized MH services. Having a perceived need for MH help was the strongest predictor. Having a family physician was strongly related to reduced MH service use. This highlights the need for integrated health and mental healthcare systems.
Summary for Lay Audience
Children (aged 4-11) and youth (aged 12-17) with long-term chronic health conditions (CHC) such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies are at a higher risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders compared to those without CHCs. These children require assistance from various healthcare providers (e.g., family physicians, specialists, psychologists, and psychiatrists), which increases healthcare costs for families and the system. We developed an algorithm to identify children and youth with CHCs using Ontario health administrative data (i.e., Ontario Health Insurance Plan data). Using secondary analysis of administrative data and the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study, we documented the types of specialized (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, child and adolescent mental health agency) and general health service (e.g., family physician, medical providers, walk-in clinic) contacts these children receive. For every one-visit increase in family physician and specialist visits for CHC, children were 1.06 and 1.18 times more likely to report specialized service use, respectively, even after controlling for previous mental health visits. Furthermore, children whose parents recognized a need for mental health help were significantly more likely to use all mental health services. Specifically, they were 15.22 times more likely to report any mental health service, 16.58 times more likely to use specialized services, and 5.49 times more likely to use general mental health services compared to children whose parents did not perceive a need for mental health help. Children with a family physician were less likely to report using any mental health services or general mental health services. These findings suggest that children with a family physician might have their healthcare needs adequately managed within primary care, reducing the need for additional general mental health services (e.g., walk-in clinics and urgent care). This highlights the importance of integrated healthcare models and early mental health interventions for at-risk children.
Recommended Citation
Golden, Grace, "Mental Health Service Use among Children and Youth with Co-Occurring Health and Mental Health Disorders in Ontario" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10280.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10280