1
|
Chambers-Richards T, Chireh B, D'Arcy C. Relationship Between Spirituality, Religiosity, and General Life Satisfaction Among Canadians Living with Neurological Conditions in New Brunswick and Manitoba. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:4119-4138. [PMID: 35099652 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the association between religion and spirituality on general life satisfaction among a sample of community-dwelling Canadians with neurological conditions. The data represented responses from two provinces that participated in the national Canadian Community Health Survey-Annual Component (CCHS-2011). A weighted subsample (n = 4562) of respondents with neurological conditions from the provinces of New Brunswick and Manitoba was used. Multivariate logistic regression fitted the models using STATA version 14. Spiritual coping, self-perceived general, and mental health were found to be predictors of greater life satisfaction and quality of life. It may be beneficial to incorporate spiritual and religious needs in the circle of care for those living in the community with neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Batholomew Chireh
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 1804 McOrmond Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7S 0A6, Canada.
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Access to and Quality of Neighbourhood Public Open Space and Children’s Mental Health Outcomes: Evidence from Population Linked Data across Eight Australian Capital Cities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116780. [PMID: 35682362 PMCID: PMC9180559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Neighbourhood-level interventions offer a promising opportunity to promote child mental health at a population level; however, neighbourhood effects are still regarded as a ‘black box’ and a better understanding of the specific design elements, such as public open space, is needed to inform actionable policy interventions. Methods: This study leveraged data from a population linked dataset (Australian Early Development Census—Built Environment) combining information from a national census of children’s developmental outcomes with individualised geospatial data. Associations between access to (within 400 m and 800 m from home), and quality of, public open space and child mental health outcomes across eight capital cities were estimated using multilevel logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic and contextual factors. Access was defined based on proximity of public open space to children’s home addresses, within distance thresholds (400 m, 800 m) measured along the road network. Effect modification was tested across maternal education groups. Results: Across the eight capital cities, inequities in access to child friendly public open spaces were observed across maternal education groups and neighbourhood disadvantage quintiles. Children with access to any type of public open space within 800 m of home had lower odds of demonstrating difficulties and higher odds of competence. Children with access to child friendly public open spaces within 800 m of home had the highest likelihood of demonstrating competence. Conclusion: Improving access to neighbourhood public open space appears to be a promising strategy for preventing mental health difficulties and promoting competence in early childhood. Action is needed to redress socio-spatial inequities in access to child friendly public open space.
Collapse
|
3
|
He VY, Nutton G, Graham A, Hirschausen L, Su JY. Pathways to school success: Self-regulation and executive function, preschool attendance and early academic achievement of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in Australia's Northern Territory. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259857. [PMID: 34762708 PMCID: PMC8584680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the pending implementation of the Closing the Gap 2020 recommendations, there is an urgent need to better understand the contributing factors of, and pathways to positive educational outcomes for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. This deeper understanding is particularly important in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, in which the majority of Aboriginal children lived in remote communities and have language backgrounds other than English (i.e. 75%). METHODS This study linked the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) to the attendance data (i.e. government preschool and primary schools) and Year 3 National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the pathway from self-regulation and executive function (SR-EF) at age 5 to early academic achievement (i.e. Year 3 reading/numeracy at age 8) for 3,199 NT children. RESULT The study confirms the expected importance of SR-EF for all children but suggests the different pathways for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. For non-Aboriginal children, there was a significant indirect effect of SR-EF (β = 0.38, p<0.001) on early academic achievement, mediated by early literacy/numeracy skills (at age 5). For Aboriginal children, there were significant indirect effects of SR-EF (β = 0.19, p<0.001) and preschool attendance (β = 0.20, p<0.001), mediated by early literacy/numeracy skills and early primary school attendance (i.e. Transition Years to Year 2 (age 5-7)). CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for further investigation and development of culturally, linguistically and contextually responsive programs and policies to support SR-EF skills in the current Australian education context. There is a pressing need to better understand how current policies and programs enhance children and their families' sense of safety and support to nurture these skills. This study also confirms the critical importance of school attendance for improved educational outcomes of Aboriginal children. However, the factors contributing to non-attendance are complex, hence the solutions require multi-sectoral collaboration in place-based design for effective implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Yaofeng He
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Georgie Nutton
- College of Education, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Amy Graham
- College of Education, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lisa Hirschausen
- Northern Territory Department of Education, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jiunn-Yih Su
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pearce A, Rougeaux E, Deighton J, Viner RM, Law C, Hope S. Can mental health competence reduce the higher risk of smoking initiation among teenagers with parents who smoke? Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:756-763. [PMID: 34535992 PMCID: PMC8561261 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental smoking strongly influences adolescent smoking, yet few studies have examined factors that may protect against this. We investigated whether skills-based components of positive mental health ('mental health competence', MHC) modified the association between parental and teenager smoking, in the UK-representative Millennium Cohort Study (approximately 18 000 children, born 2000-02; analytic sample: n = 10 133). METHODS Cohort members (CMs) reported at 14 years (y) whether they had ever smoked cigarettes. A dichotomized variable indicated whether one/both parents smoked when CMs were 11 y. A four-class latent MHC measure captured learning skills and prosocial behaviours at 11 y: High, High-Moderate, Moderate, Low. We examined effect measure modification (on the additive scale) by comparing risk differences (RDs) for CM smoking according to parental smoking, within each MHC class. We then estimated RDs for CM smoking according to combinations of parental smoking and MHC. Analyses accounted for confounding, sample design, attrition and item missingness. RESULTS CMs were more likely to smoke cigarettes if their parent(s) smoked (27%) than CMs with no parent(s) who smoked (11%; RD: 16%). When stratified by MHC, RDs were stronger for low MHC (21%; 95% CI 11-31%) than other MHC classes (ranging: 7-11%). Compared to CMs with high MHC and non-smoker parents, those with low MHC and parent(s) who smoked had an RD of 28% (95% CI 20-36%). This was greater than the sum of RDs for those with low MHC and non-smoker parent(s) [7% (2-14%)] plus those with high MHC and whose parent(s) smoked [11% (7-15%)]. There was limited effect measure modification by moderate or High-Moderate MHC. CONCLUSION Improving MHC to moderate levels may help reduce intergenerational transference of smoking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pearce
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Emeline Rougeaux
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jessica Deighton
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, UCL and the Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
| | - Russell M Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Catherine Law
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Steven Hope
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Connor M, Arnup SJ, Mensah F, Olsson C, Goldfeld S, Viner RM, Hope S. Natural history of mental health competence from childhood to adolescence. J Epidemiol Community Health 2021; 76:133-139. [PMID: 34400516 PMCID: PMC8762025 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-216761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Mental health competence (MHC) involves psychosocial capabilities such as regulating emotions, interacting well with peers and caring for others, and predicts a range of health and social outcomes. This study examines the course of MHC from childhood to adolescence and patterning by gender and disadvantage, in Australian and UK contexts. Methods Data: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n=4983) and the Millennium Cohort Study (n=18 296). Measures: A measure capturing key aspects of MHC was derived summing items from the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, assessed at 4–5 years, 6–7 years, 10–11 years and 14–15 years. Analysis: Proportions of children with high MHC (scores ≥23 of range 8–24) were estimated by age and country. Random-effects models were used to define MHC trajectories according to baseline MHC and change over time. Sociodemographic patterns were described. Results The prevalence of high MHC steadily increased from 4 years to 15 years (from 13.6% to 15.8% and 20.6% to 26.2% in Australia and the UK, respectively). Examination of trajectories revealed that pathways of some children diverge from this normative MHC progression. For example, 7% and 9% of children in Australia and the UK, respectively, had a low starting point and decreased further in MHC by mid-adolescence. At all ages, and over time, MHC was lower for boys compared with girls and for children from disadvantaged compared with advantaged family backgrounds. Conclusions Approaches to promoting MHC require a sustained focus from the early years through to adolescence, with more intensive approaches likely needed to support disadvantaged groups and boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith O'Connor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Arnup
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Mensah
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Olsson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Russell M Viner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Steven Hope
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia .,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deighton J, Lereya ST, Wolpert M. Enduring Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence: Learning From the Millennium Cohort Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:1030-1039. [PMID: 33264663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Enduring mental health (EMH) is a relatively new concept, which refers to a long-term state of not experiencing a mental illness (ie, enduring mental wellness). No analysis using this concept has been undertaken on United Kingdom data nor specifically in the childhood years. The present study seeks to consider the extent and predictors of EMH in children aged 9 months to 14 years who were part of the UK-wide Millennium Cohort Study. METHOD Data derived from 13,310 children (49.4% girls) at ages 9 months and 3, 5, 7, 11, and 14 years were pooled into 3 categories: EMH, some instances of mental health problems (SIMHP), and many instances of mental health problems (MIMHP). RESULTS Fewer than half of the children (41%) fell into the category of EMH; the rest had at least some periods of mental health problems. Factors associated with EMH relative to those with SIMHP or MIMHP included cognitive ability, lack of special educational needs, good emotion regulation, cooperation, and enjoyment of school. Parenting and maternal mental health were also associated with EMH but only compared with those with MIMHP. CONCLUSION Findings suggests that EMH is not the norm during childhood. Identification of the high association between both educational well-being and emotional regulation with EMH offer the opportunity for a potentially powerful combination of community and individual initiatives. These might include supporting positive mental health of the primary care giver, systems to support early recognition, supporting positive parenting in the early years, enhancing school engagement, and strengthening the child's social and emotional skills (including cooperation) and self-regulation to prevent later mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Deighton
- University College London and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, United Kingdom.
| | - Suzet Tanya Lereya
- University College London and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, United Kingdom
| | - Miranda Wolpert
- University College London and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust, London
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rougeaux E, Hope S, Viner RM, Deighton J, Law C, Pearce A. Is Mental Health Competence in Childhood Associated With Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescence? Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study. J Adolesc Health 2020; 67:677-684. [PMID: 32580874 PMCID: PMC7592122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Promoting positive mental health, particularly through enhancing competencies (such as prosocial behaviors and learning skills), may help prevent the development of health risk behaviors in adolescence and thus support future well-being. Few studies have examined how mental health competencies in childhood are associated with adolescent health risk behaviors, which could inform preventative approaches. METHODS Using UK Millennium Cohort Study data (n = 10,142), we examined how mental health competence (MHC) measured at the end of elementary school (11 years) is associated with self-reported use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs, antisocial behavior, and sexual contact with another young person at age 14 years. A latent measure of MHC was used, capturing aspects of prosocial behavior and learning skills, categorized as high MHC, high-moderate MHC, moderate MHC, and low MHC. Logistic and multinomial regression estimated odds ratios and relative risk ratios for binary and categorical outcomes, respectively, before and after adjusting for confounders. Weights accounted for sample design and attrition and multiple imputation for item missingness. RESULTS Those with low, moderate, or high-moderate MHC at age 11 years were more likely to have taken part in health risk behaviors at age 14 years compared with those with high MHC. The largest associations were seen for low MHC with binge drinking (relative risk ratio: 1.6 [95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.4]), having tried cigarettes (odds ratio: 2.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.6-3.1]) and tried illegal drugs (odds ratio: 2.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.3-3.1) after adjusting for confounders (which attenuated results but largely maintained significant findings). CONCLUSIONS MHC in late childhood is associated with health risk behaviors in midadolescence. Interventions that increase children's MHC may support healthy development during adolescence, with the potential to improve health and well-being through to adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Rougeaux
- Population, Policy and Practice Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Steven Hope
- Population, Policy and Practice Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Russell M. Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Deighton
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Law
- Population, Policy and Practice Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Pearce
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Quach JL, Deery B, Kern M, Clinton J, Gold L, Orsini F, Sciberras E. Can a teacher-led mindfulness intervention for new school entrants improve child outcomes? Protocol for a school cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036523. [PMID: 32393614 PMCID: PMC7223282 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The first years of school are critical in establishing a foundation for positive long-term academic, social and well-being outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions may help students transition well into school, but few robust studies have been conducted in this age group. We aim to determine whether compared with controls, children who receive a mindfulness intervention within the first years of primary school have better: (1) immediate attention/short-term memory at 18 months post-randomisation (primary outcome); (2) inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility at 18 months post-randomisation; (3) socio-emotional well-being, emotion-regulation and mental health-related behaviours at 6 and 18 months post-randomisation; (4) sustained changes in teacher practice and classroom interactions at 18 months post-randomisation. Furthermore, we aim to determine whether the implementation predicts the efficacy of the intervention, and the cost effectiveness relative to outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 22 primary schools in disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. 826 students in the first year of primary school will be recruited to detect between groups differences of Cohen's d=0.25 at the 18-month follow-up. Parent, teacher and child-assessment measures of child attention, emotion-regulation, executive functioning, socio-emotional well-being, mental health-related behaviour and learning, parent mental well-being, teacher well-being will be collected 6 and 18 months post-randomisation. Implementation factors will be measured throughout the study. Intention-to-treat analyses, accounting for clustering within schools and classes, will adopt a two-level random effects linear regression model to examine outcomes for the intervention versus control students. Unadjusted and analyses adjusted for baseline scores, baseline age, gender and family socioeconomic status will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been received by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Melbourne. Findings will be reported in peer-review publications, national and international conference presentations and research snapshots directly provided to participating schools and families. PRE-RESULTS TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000326190).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon L Quach
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Deery
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Kern
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet Clinton
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Gold
- Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francesca Orsini
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Integrating Health and Educational Perspectives to Promote Preschoolers' Social and Emotional Learning: Development of a Multi-Faceted Program Using an Intervention Mapping Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020575. [PMID: 31963168 PMCID: PMC7014276 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
High-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) can strengthen the social and emotional skills that are crucial for children’s ongoing development. With research highlighting an increasing prevalence of emotional and behavioural challenges in young children, there is emphasis on embedding teaching practices and pedagogies to support social and emotional skills within early learning programs. A growing body of research has examined the impact of social and emotional learning programs in ECEC; however, few studies describe the intervention development process, or how educators and other professionals were engaged to increase the relevance and feasibility of the program. The current paper describes the development of the Cheshire Social-Emotional Engagement and Development (SEED) Educational Program, an online learning tool to support early childhood educators to foster children’s positive mental health. Cheshire SEED was designed using five steps of the Intervention Mapping methodology: (i) comprehensive needs assessment to create a logic model of the problem; (ii) creation of program outcomes and change objectives mapped against determinants of educator behaviour; (iii) co-design of theory-based methods and practical strategies; (iv) program development; and (v) adoption and implementation planning. The process and decisions at each step of the IM protocol are presented, and the strengths and limitations of the approach to develop a mental health intervention for ECEC settings are discussed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Hope S, Rougeaux E, Deighton J, Law C, Pearce A. Associations between mental health competence and indicators of physical health and cognitive development in eleven year olds: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1461. [PMID: 31694593 PMCID: PMC6836461 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7789-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive mental health may support healthy development in childhood, although few studies have investigated this at a population level. We aimed to construct a measure of mental health competence (MHC), a skills-based assessment of positive mental health, using existing survey items in a representative sample of UK children, and to investigate its overlap with mental health difficulties (MHD), socio-demographic patterning, and relationships with physical health and cognitive development. METHODS We analysed the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) when children were aged 11 years. Maternal (n = 12,082) and teacher (n = 6739) reports of prosocial behaviours (PS) and learning skills (LS) were entered into latent class models to create MHC measures. Using descriptive statistics, we examined relationships between MHC and MHD, and the socio-demographic patterning of MHC. Associations between MHC and physical health and cognitive development were examined with relative risk ratios [RRR] (from multinomial models): BMI status (healthy weight, overweight, obesity); unintentional injuries since age 7 (none, 1, 2+); asthma symptoms (none, 1, 2+); and tertiles of test scores for verbal ability, spatial working memory and risk-taking. Models were adjusted for potential confounding. RESULTS Four MHC classes were identified [percentages for maternal and teacher reports, respectively]: high MHC (high PS, high LS) [37%; 39%], high-moderate MHC (high PS, moderate LS) [36%; 26%]; moderate MHC (moderate PS, moderate LS) [19%; 19%]; low MHC (moderate PS, low LS) [8%; 16%]. Higher MHC was less common in socially disadvantaged children. While MHC and MHD were associated, there was sufficient separation to indicate that MHC captures more than the absence of MHD. Compared to children with high MHC, those in other MHC classes tended to have poorer physical health and cognitive development, particularly those with low MHC or high-moderate MHC. For example, children with maternal-report Low MHC were more likely to have experienced 2+ unintentional injuries (RRR: 1.5 [1.1-2.1]) and to have lower verbal ability scores (RRR: 2.5 [1.9-3.2]). Patterns of results were similar for maternal- and teacher-report MHC. CONCLUSION MHC is not simply the inverse of MHD, and high MHC is associated with better physical health and cognitive development. Findings suggest that interventions to improve MHC may support healthy development, although they require replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hope
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - Emeline Rougeaux
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jessica Deighton
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, UCL and the Anna Freud Centre, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, N1 9JH, UK
| | - Catherine Law
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anna Pearce
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Williamson A, Gibberd A, Hanly MJ, Banks E, Eades S, Clapham K, Falster K. Social and emotional developmental vulnerability at age five in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in New South Wales: a population data linkage study. Int J Equity Health 2019; 18:120. [PMID: 31366368 PMCID: PMC6668060 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-019-1019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood social and emotional development underpins later social, emotional, academic and other outcomes. The first aim of this study was to explore the association between child, family and area-level characteristics associated with developmental vulnerability, amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in their first year of school. The second aim was to quantify the magnitude of the social and emotional developmental inequalities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children and the extent to which differences in socioeconomic disadvantage and perinatal characteristics explained this inequality. Methods This retrospective cohort study used cross-sectoral data linkage to identify and follow participants from birth to school age. In this way, social and emotional development was examined in 7,384 Aboriginal and 95,104 non-Aboriginal children who were included in the Australian Early Development Census in their first year of full-time school in New South Wales (NSW) in 2009 or 2012 and had a birth registration and/or perinatal record in NSW. The primary outcome measures were teacher-reported social competence and emotional maturity as measured using the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument. Results The mean age at the start of the school year for children in the study sample was 5.2 years (SD = 0.36 years). While 84% of Aboriginal children scored favourably - above the vulnerability threshold – for social competence and 88% for emotional maturity, Aboriginal children were twice as likely as non-Aboriginal children to be vulnerable on measures of social development (RR = 2.00; 95%CI, 1.89–2.12) and had 89% more risk of emotional vulnerability (RR = 1.89; 95%CI, 1.77–2.02). The inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children was largely explained by differences in the socioeconomic and perinatal health characteristics of children and families. Thus, after adjusting for differences in measures of socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage (Model 2), the relative risk was attenuated to 1.31 (95% CI: 1.23–1.40) on the social competence domain and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.15–1.33) on the emotional maturity domain. Child, family and area-level characteristics associated with vulnerability were identified. Conclusions Most of the gap in early childhood social and emotional development between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children can be attributed to socioeconomic and early life health disadvantage. Culturally safe health and social policies addressing the socioeconomic and health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal children are urgently required. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12939-019-1019-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Williamson
- The Sax Institute, PO Box K617, Haymarket, NSW, 1240, Australia.
| | - Alison Gibberd
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark J Hanly
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,The Sax Institute, PO Box K617, Haymarket, NSW, 1240, Australia
| | - Sandra Eades
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathleen Clapham
- Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Kathleen Falster
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Centre for Social Research Methods, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alderton A, Villanueva K, O'Connor M, Boulangé C, Badland H. Reducing Inequities in Early Childhood Mental Health: How Might the Neighborhood Built Environment Help Close the Gap? A Systematic Search and Critical Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091516. [PMID: 31035699 PMCID: PMC6540328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal mental health in early childhood is key to later mental health, physical health, education, and social outcomes; yet, children facing disadvantage tend to have worse mental health and fewer opportunities to develop this foundation. An emerging body of research shows that neighborhoods provide important opportunities for the development of children's mental health. Synthesizing this evidence can advance understandings of the features of the neighborhood built environment (e.g., housing, parks) that (1) promote optimal mental health in childhood and (2) reduce mental health inequities. METHODS We systematically searched and critically reviewed the international quantitative literature investigating associations between the neighborhood built environment and young children's mental health. RESULTS 14 articles met inclusion criteria; most examined nature or public open space. Studies tended to find greater access to or quantity of neighborhood nature or public open space were associated with better mental health. Significant gaps included a lack of studies investigating social infrastructure, and few studies examined how the built environment related to positive mental health (i.e., functioning, rather than problems). CONCLUSIONS Current evidence suggests there is some relationship, but additional research is needed that addresses these gaps and examines differences in associations between child subgroups (e.g., diverse socioeconomic backgrounds).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Alderton
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Karen Villanueva
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Meredith O'Connor
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
- ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods, The Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia.
| | - Claire Boulangé
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
| | - Hannah Badland
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nasir A, Zimmer A, Taylor D, Santo J. Psychosocial assessment of the family in the clinical setting. BMC Psychol 2019; 7:3. [PMID: 30635046 PMCID: PMC6329152 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-018-0277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Children develop in the context of the family. Family functioning prominently shapes the psychosocial adaptation and mental health of the child. Several family psychosocial risk factors have been shown to increase the risk of behavioral problems in children. Early identification of families with psychosocial profiles associated with a higher risk of having children with behavioral problems may be valuable for targeting these children for prevention and early intervention services. METHODS We developed the Family Health Questionnaire (FHQ) for the purpose of evaluating families' psychosocial risk profiles in the primary care setting. The questionnaire included 10 formative indicators that have been shown to influence children's behavioral health. We aimed to establish a correlation between the family risk factors on the FHQ and child behavioral health. In addition, we examined the properties of the questionnaire as a screening tool for use in primary care. Families of 313 of children 4-6 years of age presenting for well child examinations at two primary care clinics completed both the FHQ and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist 17 (PSC-17), a validated screening instrument for pediatric behavioral problems. RESULTS We found that the FHQ was positively and significantly correlated with the PSC score (r = .50, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The FHQ may be a valuable screening tool for identifying families with psychosocial risk profiles associated with increased risk of childhood behavioral problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Nasir
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982167 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, NE 98198-2167 USA
| | | | - David Taylor
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE USA
| | - Jonathan Santo
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lycett K, McNamara C, Mensah FK, Burgner D, Kerr JA, Muller J, Wake M. Associations of mental health with cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity in adolescence: A cross-sectional community-based study. J Paediatr Child Health 2018; 54:677-684. [PMID: 29779266 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cardiovascular disease and mental illness commonly co-occur in later life, but it is unknown how early these associations arise. We aimed to determine the extent to which: (i) childhood mental health is associated with functional and structural cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity in late childhood/adolescence, and (ii) associations between mental health and cardiovascular phenotypes may be explained by differential body mass index. METHODS This cross-sectional study drew on three longitudinal community-based cohort studies (two enriched for overweight/obesity) in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, with harmonized follow-up in 2014. Mental health exposures included emotional and behavioural problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) and psychosocial health and general well-being (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)), which were assessed by self- and parent-proxy report. Cardiovascular risk phenotypes and adiposity measures included mean arterial pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima-media thickness, retinal arterioleto-venule ratio, waist circumference, % body fat, and BMI z-score. We used multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex and neighbourhood disadvantage, to examine associations. RESULTS Of the 364 participants (mean age 14.7, standard deviation 2.0, years), 30% were overweight and 16% obese. All adiposity indicators were positively associated with higher behavioural/emotional problems and poorer psychosocial health and negatively associated with better ratings of positive general well-being, as reported by parents and children (all P ≤ 0.03). However, there was little evidence that cardiovascular functional or structural phenotypes varied by mental health. CONCLUSIONS By late childhood/adolescence, mental health is strongly associated with adiposity but not with cardiovascular structure or function. This suggests that the known relationship between these constructs may not develop until early or mid-adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lycett
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare McNamara
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona K Mensah
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica A Kerr
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josh Muller
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Wake
- Community Health Services Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Profiles of Mental Health Competence and Difficulties as Predictors of Children’s Early Learning. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-018-9252-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
16
|
Goldfeld S, Snow P, Eadie P, Munro J, Gold L, Le HND, Orsini F, Shingles B, Lee K, Connell J, Watts A. Classroom Promotion of Oral Language (CPOL): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school-based intervention to improve children's literacy outcomes at grade 3, oral language and mental health. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016574. [PMID: 29162571 PMCID: PMC5719328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral language and literacy competence are major influences on children's developmental pathways and life success. Children who do not develop the necessary language and literacy skills in the early years of school then go on to face long-term difficulties. Improving teacher effectiveness may be a critical step in lifting oral language and literacy outcomes. The Classroom Promotion of Oral Language trial aims to determine whether a specifically designed teacher professional learning programme focusing on promoting oral language can lead to improved teacher knowledge and practice, and advance outcomes in oral language and literacy for early years school children, compared with usual practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a two-arm cluster multisite randomised controlled trial conducted within Catholic and Government primary schools across Victoria, Australia. The intervention comprises 4 days of face-to-face professional learning for teachers and ongoing implementation support via a specific worker. The primary outcome is reading ability of the students at grade 3, and the secondary outcomes are teacher knowledge and practice, student mental health, reading comprehension and language ability at grade 1; and literacy, writing and numeracy at grade 3. Economic evaluation will compare the incremental costs of the intervention to the measured primary and secondary outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial was approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee #CF13/2634-2013001403 and later transferred to the University of Melbourne #1545540. The investigators (including Government and Catholic partners) will communicate trial results to stakeholders, collaborators and participating schools and teachers via appropriate presentations and publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN77681972; Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pamela Snow
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Eadie
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne Parkville, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Munro
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne Parkville, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Gold
- Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ha N D Le
- Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francesca Orsini
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth Shingles
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Lee
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy Connell
- Catholic Education Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Watts
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Thomson KC, Guhn M, Richardson CG, Shoveller JA. Associations between household educational attainment and adolescent positive mental health in Canada. SSM Popul Health 2017; 3:403-410. [PMID: 29349233 PMCID: PMC5769049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the determinants of positive mental health, as opposed to focusing on mental illness, is a new research direction with important implications for population health promotion. Past research suggests that mental health develops in early childhood and that social factors including highest household educational attainment may play an important role. The current study examined the association between household educational attainment and adolescent self-reported positive mental health in a nationally representative Canadian sample using data from the 2011-12 Canadian Community Health Survey. The sample included 10,091 adolescents aged 12 to19 living at home with at least one parent. Household educational attainment was obtained from a Statistics Canada derived variable documenting the highest level of education in the household. Adolescent positive mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Continuum scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for household income, single parent status, and household size, adolescents had lower odds of experiencing positive mental health in households in which attempted but not completed post-secondary was the highest education level compared to completed post-secondary education (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.95). This association was strongest in adolescents aged 12 to14 (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.84) and females (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.88). Contrary to expectations, we did not find an incremental increasing association between adolescent positive mental health and household educational attainment. Instead, results suggested that common underlying factors may have contributed both to uncompleted post-secondary education in the household and adolescents’ diminished positive mental health. Social factors including household educational attainment have been shown to predict child and adolescent mental health problems. Associations with young people’s positive mental health are less clear. Adolescents self-reported their positive mental health in a national survey. Household non-completion of post-secondary school was associated with lower adolescent positive mental health. This association was stronger among younger adolescents and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Thomson
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Suite 440 - 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Martin Guhn
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Suite 440 - 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Chris G Richardson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, 588 - 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Jean A Shoveller
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu J, Dal Grande E, Winefield H, Broderick D, Pilkington R, Gill TK, Taylor AW. Parent-reported Mental Health Problems and Mental Health Services Use in South Australian School-aged Children. AIMS Public Health 2016; 3:750-768. [PMID: 29546193 PMCID: PMC5690403 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.4.750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring and reporting childhood mental health problems and mental health services utilization over time provide important information to identify mental health related issues and to guide early intervention. This paper aims to describe the recent prevalence of parent-reported mental health problems among South Australian (SA) children; to identify mental health problems associated characteristics; and to describe mental health services utilization and its related characteristics among this population. METHODS Parent-reported mental health problems were assessed against the first item of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. School-aged children were randomly sampled monthly and data were collected using a surveillance system between 2005 and 2015. Associations between mental health problems and various factors were analysed using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression modelling. RESULTS Prevalence of parent-reported mental health problems among children was 9.1% and 9.3% for children aged 5 to 11 years and children aged 12 to 15 years, respectively. No change in prevalence was observed during the past decade. Mental health problems were associated with male sex, long-term illness or pain, negative school experiences, not living with biological parents, and living in a rental dwelling. Less than half (48.7%) of the children with mental health problems received professional help. An increasing trend was found in mental health services utilisation among children aged 5 to 15 years. Utilization of mental health services was associated with male sex, older age, long-term illness or pain, and feeling unhappy at school. CONCLUSION This study reports the prevalence of parent-reported mental and mental health services utilisation among SA school-aged children. Identified characteristics associated with mental health problems and mental health services utilisation provide useful information for the planning of catered population initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Population Research and Outcome Studies (PROS), School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, PO Box 498, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
| | - Eleonora Dal Grande
- Population Research and Outcome Studies (PROS), School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, PO Box 498, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
| | - Helen Winefield
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005
| | | | | | - Tiffany K Gill
- Population Research and Outcome Studies (PROS), School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, PO Box 498, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
| | - Anne W Taylor
- Population Research and Outcome Studies (PROS), School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, PO Box 498, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Goldfeld S, Kvalsvig A, Incledon E, O'Connor M. Epidemiology of positive mental health in a national census of children at school entry. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 71:225-231. [PMID: 27612979 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-207061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until now, child mental health promotion efforts have focused primarily on reducing the prevalence and severity of problems; yet the absence of mental health problems does not necessarily imply the presence of healthy psychosocial functioning. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of child mental health competence in a full national population of school entrants. METHODS The data source was the 2012 Australian Early Development Index, a national census of early childhood development completed for school entrants by teachers across Australia (n=275 800). The mental health competence outcome measure was derived from constructs that focused on children's social and emotional strengths. Children with mental health competence scores in the top quintile were compared with the standard population across individual and community characteristics. RESULTS Average age at assessment was 5 years 7 months. Higher odds of mental health competence were observed for children who lived in more advantaged areas (OR 1.62; 99% CI 1.49 to 1.75), had attended preschool (1.38; 1.25 to 1.51) and demonstrated effective oral communication skills in the classroom (19.01; 15.62 to 23.13). Indigenous children had lower odds compared with non-Indigenous children (0.59; 0.54 to 0.64). Children in disadvantaged areas who attended preschool did not 'catch up' with their more advantaged peers. CONCLUSIONS Mental health competence is unequally distributed across the Australian child population at school entry and is strongly predicted by measures and correlates of disadvantage. Effective oral communication and attendance at preschool warrant further investigation as potentially modifiable factors that may support mental health competence in new school entrants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda Kvalsvig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily Incledon
- Department of Anaesthesia Pain Management, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith O'Connor
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Williamson AB, D'Este CA, Clapham KF, Eades SJ, Redman S, Raphael B. Psychological distress in carers of Aboriginal children in urban New South Wales: findings from SEARCH (phase one). Med J Aust 2016; 205:27-32. [DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine A D'Este
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW
| | - Kathleen F Clapham
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, ACT
| | - Sandra J Eades
- Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kvalsvig A, O'Connor M, Redmond G, Goldfeld S. The unknown citizen: epidemiological challenges in child mental health. J Epidemiol Community Health 2014; 68:1004-8. [PMID: 25031450 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2013-203712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Growing concern about the global burden of child mental health disorders has generated an increased interest in population-level efforts to improve child mental health. This in turn has led to a shift in emphasis away from treatment of established disorders and towards prevention and promotion. Prevention efforts are able to draw on a substantial epidemiological literature describing the prevalence and determinants of child mental health disorders. However, there is a striking lack of clearly conceptualised and measurable positive outcomes for child mental health, which may result in missed opportunities to identify optimal policy and intervention strategies. In this paper, we propose an epidemiological approach to child mental health which is in keeping with public health principles and with the WHO definition of health, and which is grounded in current thinking about child development. Constructs such as competence offer the opportunity to develop rigorous outcome measures for epidemiological research, while broader ideas about 'the good life' and 'the good society' derived from philosophical thinking can enable us to shape policy initiatives based on normative ideas of optimal child mental health that extend beyond individuals and undoubtedly beyond the traditional boundaries of the health sector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meredith O'Connor
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gerry Redmond
- School of Social and Policy Studies, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|