Mental health problems in children and young people from ethnic minority groups: The need for targeted research.

Date

2012

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

Summary: In this editorial we argue for the need for better research evidence on the prevalence of child mental health problems in minority ethnic groups, service utilisation among these groups and whether some service barriers are specific for certain groups. Without such evidence it is not possible to influence policy and practice so that evidence-based and appropriate services can be designed and offered to these populations. The terms ethnicity, race and migration are often imprecisely defined, and mental health needs and outcomes vary between immigrants from different generations. There is also a complex interplay between minority status and social class, with terms such as ethnicity being a proxy for multifaceted sociocultural and economic variables. However, we need to start collecting better data on children from minority ethnic groups so that these relationships can be understood, services tailored on the available evidence and ultimately better care delivered to this group of children. Declaration of interest: None.

Description

Keywords

child and adolescent mental health, ethnicity, diversity, prevalence

Citation

Dogra, N., Singh, S., Svirydzenka, N., & Vostanis, P. (2012). Prevalence of mental health problems in children and young people from ethnic minority groups: The need for targeted research. British Journal of Psychiatry, 200 (4), 265-267.

Rights

Research Institute