Sex differences among children, adolescents and young adults for mental health service use within inpatient and outpatient settings, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The pandemic and public health response to contain the virus had impacts on many aspects of young people's lives including disruptions to daily routines, opportunities for social, academic, recreational engagement and early employment. Consequently, children, adolescents and young adults may have experienced mental health challenges that required use of mental health services. This study compared rates of use for inpatient and outpatient mental health services during the pandemic to pre-pandemic rates.

Design

Population-based repeated cross-sectional study.

Setting

Publicly delivered mental healthcare in primary and secondary settings within the province of Ontario, Canada.

Participants

All children 6-12 years of age (n=2 043 977), adolescents 13-17

SUBMITTER: Moin JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10626835 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature