Youth Depression After an Environmental Disaster: Is There a Relationship to Caregiver Stress and Depression?

IF 1.8 4区医学 Q2 PEDIATRICS

Child Care Health and Development Pub Date : 2025-03-03 DOI:10.1111/cch.70058

Jacqueline Dannis, Sarah Jenuwine, Kenyetta Dotson, Nicole Jones

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

In the United States, female youth have been experiencing high levels of mental health challenges, including depression. Many factors increase the risk of developing mental health issues, including exposure to traumatic events, like the Flint water crisis. To better understand this connection, this study aims to answer the question: How do depression symptoms in this Flint Registry sample of girls compare with national norms and how are child depression symptoms related to parental/caregiver depression symptoms and perceived stress?

Methods

The cohort included 539 girls, ages 6–17, and their parents who were Flint residents and had completed a baseline survey for their child and themselves during 2019–2021 and a follow-up survey (2020–2022). The Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) measured child depression symptoms; the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) depression subscale and Perceived Stress Scale Short Form (PSS-4) measured adult depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Statistical analysis included One-Sample Chi-Square and Bayesian correlation and regression analysis.

Results

At enrolment, the prevalence of at-risk or clinically significant depression symptoms in Flint girls was higher than in the general population (23.6% vs. 15.9%, p < 0.01). At follow-up, the prevalence decreased, yet there was still a significant difference between Flint girls (19.3%) and the general population (p < 0.05). Child measures of depressive symptoms at follow-up were significantly correlated with caregiver measures of depression and stress at both time points. Child depression symptoms at baseline and caregiver depression and stress were predictive of child depressive symptoms at follow-up.

Conclusions

Results reveal high rates of depressive symptoms after a manmade environmental disaster, as well as a relationship between female youth mental wellness and caregiver well-being. Being able to understand and identify depression symptoms in both children and caregivers is an important aspect of public health services and reinforces the call for expanding mental health screening and treatment.

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来源期刊

Child Care Health and Development 医学-小儿科

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

5.30%

发文量

136

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Child: care, health and development is an international, peer-reviewed journal which publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the health and development of children and young people. We aim to attract quantitative and qualitative research papers relevant to people from all disciplines working in child health. We welcome studies which examine the effects of social and environmental factors on health and development as well as those dealing with clinical issues, the organization of services and health policy. We particularly encourage the submission of studies related to those who are disadvantaged by physical, developmental, emotional and social problems. The journal also aims to collate important research findings and to provide a forum for discussion of global child health issues.