Major
Nursing
Advisor
LaRose, Jenifer
Advisor Department
Nursing, College of
Date
5-2024
Keywords
Mental Health; Pediatrics; Social Determinants of Health
Abstract
In the United States, mental illnesses are developing at an increasing rate affecting all populations. When looking at pediatrics, the instances of proper diagnostics and treatments are significantly lower than in the adult population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children have a mental health disorder, but only 20% of children receive care from a specialized mental health care provider. The goal of this study is to determine how the social determinants of health have an impact on the mental health of pediatric patients. These determinants included physical environment, economic stability, community and social context, education, and quality healthcare access. Through this study, I derived information from prior research conducted on risk factors for developing a mental health disorder. It was deduced that the amount of research currently available on the mental health of the pediatric population is scarce compared to older individuals. It was concluded that the social determinants of health have a large impact on the development of mental health issues in the pediatric population. Through research, it was discovered those negatively affected by the determinants, like those who live in poverty or unsafe environments, were more likely to develop a psychiatric illness. When discussing access to mental health services, individuals who resided in remote areas of the country were less likely to be diagnosed and treated, even more so in the pediatric population. Overall, clinicians must have an understanding of how the social determinants of health contribute to the psychiatric health of the pediatric population to ensure quality care.