Changes in Children and Youth's Mental Health Presentations during COVID-19: A Study of Primary Care Practices in Northern Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT: Recent research suggests that children and youth are at increased risk of anxiety and depression due to the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, children and youths may face additional hurdles in accessing mental health services in rural areas due to socioeconomic disadvantages and healthcare provider shortages worsened by the pandemic. Our study aimed to assess changes in primary healthcare utilization related to depression and anxiety among children and youth aged 10-25 years in Northern Ontario, Canada. We analyzed de-identified electronic medical record data to assess primary healthcare visits and prescriptions for depression and anxiety among children and youth aged 10-25 years. We used provider billing data and reasons for visits and antidepressant/antianxiety prescr

SUBMITTER: Daneshmand R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10454016 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature