Mental Health Service Use among Children and Youth with Co-Occurring Health and Mental Health Disorders in Ontario
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.