DELAYED OR MISSING PREVENTATIVE CARE AND PROBLEMS GETTING SPECIALIST CARE IN CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Abstract

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to use the National Survey of Children's Health 2011/2012 (NSCH 2011/12) data set to determine if children with diagnosed mental health disorders (MHD) (depression and/or anxiety) have delayed or missed preventative healthcare services (medical, dental, vision care), and if their parents reported difficulty getting them the care they need at a different rate than children without MHD. Population of interest: Children (0-18 years of age) and their guardians who completed the survey were included in the analyses. Methods: For both hypotheses, we defined subject’s exposure (having MHD) and outcome (missed or delayed care/problem getting care) based on parental response to interview questions (N = 73,632,881). Covariates adjusted for in our models included child/parent demographics, insurance status, household employment, and DHHS poverty level. Both research questions were evaluated using multi-variable logistic regression (adjusted as necessary using the correct sampling methods as suggested by the NSCH). Results: The odds of having missing or delayed care for a child with MHD were 2.24 times higher (95% CI: 1.82-2.77) than a child without MHD. The odds of the parent reporting problems getting care for a child with MHD were 2.11 times higher (95% CI: 1.74-2.60) than a child without MHD. Clinical Relevance: These findings highlight a need to focus on finding ways to promote and provide all of the healthcare that a child needs. Children with MHD have many healthcare needs that other children may not, but they still need adequate preventative care. This may bring the specific needs of a population needing extra help to the attention of healthcare providers and outreach programs.