Mental health service use among Black adolescents in Ontario by sex and distress level: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Race is a social construct reflecting broader systemic forces that can affect health, including mental health. We sought to ascertain whether patterns of mental health care service use are associated with race among adolescents in Ontario.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2015-2019 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. We assessed mental health care access for students in grades 7-12 younger than 20 years based on their responses about their care usage in the past 12 months. We used logistic and Poisson regression models to analyze differences in service utilization, with interaction terms for sex and mental distress (measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6 Items).

Results

Black male students with low

SUBMITTER: Sobers M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12448776 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature