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Goicolea I, Richter Sundberg L, Wiklund M, Gotfredsen A, Christianson M. Widening the scope of mental health with a 'youth centred' approach: a qualitative study involving health care professionals in Sweden's youth clinics. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2348879. [PMID: 38700475 PMCID: PMC11073406 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2348879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore how health care providers at youth clinics (YCs) in Sweden engage with, focus on, and navigate across the mental health youth space, while upholding the core bedrock principle of "youth-centeredness". METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 health care professionals working in three YCs located in three different regions of Sweden. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by the work of Braun and Clarke. RESULTS The three themes were: 1) "youth mission-at the core of the YCs" work and challenged by a stronger involvement in mental ill health'; 2) "YCs" unique and complementary role in the youth mental health system: a holistic perspective, team work, and a focus on normalization', and 3) "Caught between a rock and a hard place: to treat at a care level that is not optimal for the young users" needs or to refer within an unreliable system'. CONCLUSION This study reflects the individuality and key features of YCs, their widening roles within the mental health sphere, and the challenges faced in maintaining and expanding the characteristic "youth-centred" approach while expanding their work with mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Goicolea
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå International School of Public Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Wiklund
- Department of Community medicine and rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Dharma C, Al-Jaishi AA, Collins E, Orchard C, Amankwah N, Lang JJ, Colman I, Weeks M, Edjoc R. Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health-related hospitalization rate of youth in Canada: an interrupted time series analysis. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2024; 44:417-430. [PMID: 39388293 PMCID: PMC11542743 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.44.9.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on temporal trends in mental health and addiction-related inpatient hospitalization rates among youth (aged 10-17 years) in Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) from 1 April 2018 to 5 March 2022. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time series analysis across three periods: T0 (pre-pandemic: 1 April 2018 to 15 March 2020); T1 (early pandemic: 15 March 2020 to 5 July 2020); and T2 (later pandemic: 6 July 2020 to 5 March 2022). RESULTS Pre-pandemic mental health and addiction-related hospitalization rates had significant regional variability, with weekly rates from 6.27 to 85.59 events per 100 000 persons in Manitoba and the territories combined, respectively. During T1, the national (excluding Quebec) weekly hospitalization rate decreased from a pre-pandemic level of 12.82 (95% CI: 12.14 to 13.50) to 5.11 (95% CI: 3.80 to 6.41) events per 100 000 persons. There was no statistically significant change in the mental health and addiction- related hospitalization rate across provinces and territories in T2 compared to T0. However, there was a significant increase in the rate of self-harm-related hospitalizations among females Canada-wide and in most provinces during this period. CONCLUSION Although several Canadian studies have reported increases in mental health and addiction-related outpatient and emergency department visits among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, this did not correspond to an increase in the inpatient hospital burden, with the notable exception of self-harm among young females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Dharma
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed A Al-Jaishi
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Collins
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christa Orchard
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mental Health and Addictions Research Program, ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nana Amankwah
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justin J Lang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- chool of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Colman
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Weeks
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rojiemiahd Edjoc
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Barbic S, Mallia E, Wuerth K, Ow N, Marchand K, Ben-David S, Ewert A, Turnbull H, Gao C, Ding X, Dhillon A, Hastings K, Langton J, Tee K, Mathias S. Implementing Foundry: A cohort study describing the regional and virtual expansion of a youth integrated service in British Columbia, Canada. Early Interv Psychiatry 2024; 18:877-887. [PMID: 38736277 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
AIM Integrated youth services (IYS) have been identified as a national priority in response to the youth mental health and substance use (MHSU) crisis in Canada. In British Columbia (BC), an IYS initiative called Foundry expanded to 11 physical centres and launched a virtual service. The aim of the study was to describe the demographics of Foundry clients and patterns of service utilization during this expansion, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data were analysed for all youth (ages 12-24) accessing both in-person (April 27th, 2018-March 31st, 2021) and virtual (May 1st, 2020-March 31st, 2021) services. Cohorts containing all clients from before (April 27th, 2018-March 16th, 2020) and during (March 17th, 2020-March 31st, 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were also examined. RESULTS A total of 23 749 unique youth accessed Foundry during the study period, with 110 145 services provided. Mean client age was 19.54 years (SD = 3.45) and 62% identified as female. Over 60% of youth scored 'high' or 'very high' for distress and 29% had a self-rated mental health of 'poor', with similar percentages seen for all services and virtual services. These ratings stayed consistent before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Foundry has continued to reach the target age group, with a 65% increase in number of clients during the study period compared with the pilot stage. This study highlights lessons learned and next steps to promote youth-centred data capture practices over time within an integrated youth services context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Barbic
- Foundry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Providence Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Nikki Ow
- Foundry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kirsten Marchand
- Foundry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shelly Ben-David
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Chloe Gao
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiaoxu Ding
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Avneet Dhillon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katherine Hastings
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Karen Tee
- Foundry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steve Mathias
- Foundry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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McGorry PD, Mei C, Dalal N, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Blakemore SJ, Browne V, Dooley B, Hickie IB, Jones PB, McDaid D, Mihalopoulos C, Wood SJ, El Azzouzi FA, Fazio J, Gow E, Hanjabam S, Hayes A, Morris A, Pang E, Paramasivam K, Quagliato Nogueira I, Tan J, Adelsheim S, Broome MR, Cannon M, Chanen AM, Chen EYH, Danese A, Davis M, Ford T, Gonsalves PP, Hamilton MP, Henderson J, John A, Kay-Lambkin F, Le LKD, Kieling C, Mac Dhonnagáin N, Malla A, Nieman DH, Rickwood D, Robinson J, Shah JL, Singh S, Soosay I, Tee K, Twenge J, Valmaggia L, van Amelsvoort T, Verma S, Wilson J, Yung A, Iyer SN, Killackey E. The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:731-774. [PMID: 39147461 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D McGorry
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Cristina Mei
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Vivienne Browne
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Barbara Dooley
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Ella Gow
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Elina Pang
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | | | | | | | - Steven Adelsheim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Broome
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew M Chanen
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric Y H Chen
- Institute of Mental Health, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; LKS School of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Andrea Danese
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maryann Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pattie P Gonsalves
- Youth Mental Health Group, Sangath, New Delhi, India; School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Matthew P Hamilton
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Henderson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ann John
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Long K-D Le
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian Kieling
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Ashok Malla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; ACCESS Open Minds and Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Dorien H Nieman
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia; headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jai L Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; ACCESS Open Minds and Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Swaran Singh
- Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Ian Soosay
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen Tee
- Foundry, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jean Twenge
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lucia Valmaggia
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jon Wilson
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Alison Yung
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Srividya N Iyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; ACCESS Open Minds and Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Eóin Killackey
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Savaglio M, Yap M, Vincent A, Skouteris H. Mapping community-based youth mental health services in Tasmania, Australia. Aust J Prim Health 2024; 30:PY23074. [PMID: 38437736 DOI: 10.1071/py23074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tasmania has the most rurally and remotely dispersed population of young people in Australia with high rates of youth experiencing mental ill health and socioeconomic disadvantage. Standard descriptions of mental healthcare provision are necessary for evidence-informed mental healthcare policy, planning and implementation. This systematic scoping study aimed to: (1) map and describe the characteristics of community-based youth mental health services (including substance-use) for young people in Tasmania, Australia and (2) identify gaps in service accessibility and provision. METHODS A list of eligible services was developed through a systematic search and consultation with key stakeholders. Data were collected from a representative from each eligible service via an interview or online survey. A standardised framework was used to classify, describe and map services. Thematic analysis was used to analyse service providers' perceived gaps to service access and provision. RESULTS Twenty-eight community-based mental health services for youth were identified, predominantly located in the major city of Tasmania's three service regions. Service gaps include the 'missing middle', lack of integrated supports and limited service capacity. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the limited availability, accessibility and capacity of youth mental health services across Tasmania. Recommendations focus on increasing accessibility of rural/regional supports, provision of assertive outreach, psychosocial support, integrated care and strengthening the rural mental health workforce. These findings may inform the (re)design/(re)development of community-based youth mental health services in Tasmania. The findings may also guide evidence-informed mental health service planning, decision-making, development and implementation of integrated models of youth mental health care across Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Savaglio
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Marie Yap
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Lo RF, Schumacher A, LaForge-Mackenzie K, Cost KT, Crosbie J, Charach A, Anagnostou E, Birken CS, Monga S, Korczak DJ. Evaluation of an automated matching system of children and families to virtual mental health resources during COVID-19. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:24. [PMID: 38336708 PMCID: PMC10858567 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and their families often face obstacles in accessing mental health (MH) services. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test an electronic matching process to match children with virtual MH resources and increase access to treatment for children and their families during COVID-19. METHODS Within a large observational child cohort, a random sample of 292 families with children ages 6-12 years were invited to participate. Latent profile analysis indicated five MH profiles using parent-reported symptom scores from validated depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and inattention measures: (1) Average Symptoms, (2) Low Symptoms, (3) High Symptoms, (4) Internalizing, and (5) Externalizing. Children were matched with virtual MH resources according to their profile; parents received surveys at Time 1 (matching process explanation), Time 2 (match delivery) and Time 3 (resource uptake). Data on demographics, parent MH history, and process interest were collected. RESULTS 128/292 families (44%) completed surveys at Time 1, 80/128 families (63%) at Time 2, and a final 67/80 families (84%) at Time 3, yielding an overall uptake of 67/292 (23%). Families of European-descent and those with children assigned to the Low Symptoms profile were most likely to express interest in the process. No other factors were associated with continued interest or uptake of the electronic matching process. Most participating parents were satisfied with the process. CONCLUSIONS The electronic matching process delivered virtual MH resources to families in a time-efficient manner. Further research examining the effectiveness of electronically matched resources in improving children's MH symptoms is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronda F Lo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Anett Schumacher
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn LaForge-Mackenzie
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Katherine Tombeau Cost
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Alice Charach
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Catherine S Birken
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Suneeta Monga
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daphne J Korczak
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Kourgiantakis T, Lee E, Kosar AKT, Tait C, Lau CKY, McNeil S, Craig S, Ashcroft R, Williams CC, Goldstein AL, Chandrasekera U, Sur D, Henderson JL. Youth cannabis use in Canada post-legalization: service providers' perceptions, practices, and recommendations. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:36. [PMID: 37349741 PMCID: PMC10288694 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00550-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis use with the purpose of protecting youth and restricting access. However, concerns have been raised that this objective has not been met as rates of cannabis use among youth aged 16-24 have not declined. Youth cannabis use is associated with various adverse effects including psychosis, anxiety, depression, suicidality, respiratory distress, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and intoxications. Service providers play a crucial role in addressing youth cannabis use. This study aimed to understand Ontario service providers' perceptions, practices, and recommendations on youth cannabis use. METHODS This mixed method study included a survey and two focus groups. The survey was distributed to mental health service providers serving youth aged 16-24 across Ontario who were given the option to participate in a focus group. The survey included closed and open-ended questions regarding perceptions, practices, and recommendations, while the focus groups explored these categories in greater depth. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze close-ended questions and interpretative content analysis was applied for open-ended questions. Focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The survey was completed by 160 service providers and 12 participated in two focus groups. Regarding perceptions, 60% of survey participants agreed with legalization, 26% had a strong understanding of medical versus recreational cannabis, 84% believed that cannabis has physical and mental health risks, and 49% perceived stigmatization. Less than half of the survey participants reported screening or assessing cannabis use, 16% stated they are highly familiar with treating cannabis use, and 67% reported that they rarely work with families. Subthemes identified in the focus groups under perceptions included normalization and stigmatization, harms for youth, and stigma, racism, and discrimination. Subthemes under practice included cannabis not being the primary focus, challenges with screening, assessment, and intervention, and referral to specialized services. Both the survey and focus group participants recommended increasing public education, enhancing service provider training, improving regulation and policies, reducing stigma and minimization, improving service access, and providing more culturally responsive services. CONCLUSION Youth cannabis use in Canada remains a significant public health concern, necessitating a more comprehensive plan to protect Ontario youth and reduce associated harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toula Kourgiantakis
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada.
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - A Kumsal Tekirdag Kosar
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Christine Tait
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Carrie K Y Lau
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Sandra McNeil
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Shelley Craig
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Rachelle Ashcroft
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Charmaine C Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Abby L Goldstein
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Uppala Chandrasekera
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Deepy Sur
- Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J L Henderson
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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Savaglio M, Yap MBH, Smith T, Vincent A, Skouteris H. "I literally had no support": barriers and facilitators to supporting the psychosocial wellbeing of young people with mental illness in Tasmania, Australia. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:67. [PMID: 37296407 PMCID: PMC10252176 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been limited focus on understanding the barriers and facilitators to meeting the broader psychosocial needs of young people with mental illness from the perspectives of young people. This is required to advance the local evidence base and inform service design and development. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore young people's (10-25 years) and carers' experiences of mental health services, focusing on barriers and facilitators to services supporting young people's psychosocial functioning. METHODS This study was conducted throughout 2022 in Tasmania, Australia. Young people with lived experience of mental illness were involved in all stages of this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 young people aged 10-25 years with experience of mental illness, and 29 carers (n = 12 parent-child dyads). Qualitative analysis was guided by the Social-Ecological Framework to identify barriers and facilitators at the individual (young person/carer level), interpersonal, and service/systemic level. RESULTS Young people and carers identified eight barriers and six facilitators across the various levels of the Social-Ecological Framework. Barriers included, at the individual level: (1) the complexity of young people's psychosocial needs and (2) lack of awareness/knowledge of services available; at the interpersonal level: (3) negative experiences with adults and (4) fragmented communication between services and family; and at the systemic level: (5) lack of services; (6) long waiting periods; (7) limited service accessibility; and (8) the missing middle. Facilitators included, at the individual level: (1) education for carers; at the interpersonal level: (2) positive therapeutic relationships and (3) carer advocacy/support; and at the systemic level: (4) flexible or responsive services, (5) services that address the psychosocial factors; and (6) safe service environments. CONCLUSIONS This study identified key barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising mental health services that may inform service design, development, policy and practice. To enhance their psychosocial functioning, young people and carers want lived-experience workers to provide practical wrap-around support, and mental health services that integrate health and social care, and are flexible, responsive and safe. These findings will inform the co-design of a community-based psychosocial service to support young people experiencing severe mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Savaglio
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Marie B H Yap
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Toni Smith
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | | | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
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