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Prevalence and correlates of internalizing mental health symptoms among CSHCN

Reem M Ghandour1, Michael D Kogan, Stephen J Blumberg

  • 1DrPH, MPA, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Office of Data and Program Development, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18-41, Rockville, MD 20857, USA. rghandour@hrsa.gov

Pediatrics
|January 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Internalizing mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression are prevalent in children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Female gender, older age, behavioral issues, and family financial strain are associated risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Mental Health
  • Child Health Services Research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Internalizing mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are significant concerns in pediatric populations.
  • Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) may be at increased risk for these symptoms due to various health and socioeconomic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the national prevalence of internalizing mental health symptoms among CSHCN.
  • To identify sociodemographic, health-related, and family burden covariates associated with these symptoms in CSHCN.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, a nationally representative survey.
  • Employed multivariate logistic regression analysis on a sample of 40,465 CSHCN to assess the odds of internalizing symptoms.
  • Controlled for covariates including sociodemographics, health status, and family-related burdens.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 31.9% of CSHCN aged 3-17 reported internalizing mental health symptoms.
  • Strong associations were found with female gender, older age, activity limitations, externalizing symptoms, and behavioral conditions.
  • Children with behavior problems had 6 times the odds, and those with autism spectrum disorder had 3 times the odds of internalizing symptoms. Frequent headaches, chronic pain, and household financial burdens also increased symptom odds.

Conclusions:

  • Internalizing mental health symptoms are common in children with special health care needs.
  • Findings highlight the need for targeted screening and prevention strategies for high-risk subgroups within this diverse population.
Abstract

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