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Research Article: Self-reported and parent-reported mental health in children from low-income families in Agder, Norway: results from baseline measurements of New Patterns project participants

Date Published: 2023-11-27

Abstract:
Background Poverty may pose risks to child and adolescent mental health, but few studies have reported on this association among children and adolescents in low-income families in Norway. Methods Based on a sample participating in an intervention for low-income families in Norway, we report data from the survey administered at the start of the intervention. Mental health problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; self-report (SR) n = 148; parent/proxy-report (PR) n = 153, mean age = 10.8). Demographic and family characteristics were obtained from parent reported data. Results are presented by gender and migration background. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relative contribution of background factors to mental health symptoms. The distribution of scores is compared to UK norms. Results Participants reported relatively high scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Total Difficulties Scale (parent/proxy-report, PR mean=10.7; self-report, SR mean=10.1). Participants with non-immigrant backgrounds scored considerably higher on the Total Difficulties Scale (PR mean difference=2.9; SR 5.3) and on most other domains measured with the SDQ compared with their peers with immigration backgrounds. Participants generally scored higher than or equal to UK norms. Conclusion Participants in the current study had many symptoms of mental health problems, with large differences between those with and without a migrant background. Interventions for low-income families should be based on detailed knowledge about differences in family risks, resources and needs.

Introduction:
Mental health problems in children and adolescents are common. Up to 20% of children and young adolescents have a mental disorder, 1 and the prevalence may be rising, for girls in particular. 2 Mental health problems negatively impact young people’s health and well-being, as well as their future educational prospects, employment and earnings. 3 Mental health problems also account for a substantial and increasing worldwide burden of ill health. 4 Child and adolescent mental health problems are distributed unequally…

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