Work

Inequalities in the utilisation of mental health services amongst different clusters of Australian children and adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: To investigate the inequalities in mental health service utilisation amongst socio-demographic classes of Australian children and adolescents diagnosed with major mental and/or behavioural disorders, and suicidality. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of Australian children and adolescents was assessed, comprising 2898 parent and 1736 child participants. The Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) method was applied to pre-identified latent classes to determine adjusted class membership. Logistic regressions and predictive marginal analysis examined associations between these classes and mental health service utilisation in three scenarios: overall, with mental and/or behavioural disorders, and with suicidality. RESULTS: Children and adolescents in Class 1 (Underprivileged) characterised by low socio-economic status and non-intact families showed the highest prevalence of mental and/or behavioural disorders and suicidality and the highest utilisation of mental health services. Classes 2 (Low-Skilled but Cohesive) and 4 (Affluent Single Parent) had higher prevalence rates of disorders and suicidality than Classes 3 (Stable Middle Class) and 5 (Privileged). However, Class 4 utilised services less than Classes 3 and 5, while Class 2 had the lowest utilisation amongst all classes, despite higher disorder prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights significant disparities in mental health service utilisation across socio-demographic classes. Children and adolescents from underprivileged and non-intact family backgrounds face the highest burden of mental health issues but also utilise services more frequently. In contrast, Classes 2 and 4, despite higher disorder prevalence, underutilise services, indicating barriers to access. Government initiatives should focus on improving parental awareness, family structures, and socio-economic conditions to enhance service utilisation and reduce mental health disparities.

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.001

Authors: Nahida Afroz, Enamul Kabir, Khorshed Alam

Institutions: University of Southern Queensland, Comilla University

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790