Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have reported that large numbers of children and adolescents suffer from diagnosable psychiatric
conditions, however most of them do not receive treatment. The schools are a key setting where youth with mental health problems
are identified and linked to treatment. In this study we examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of youth referred
to a school-based mental health intervention, the youth characteristics associated with continued participation in the intervention
at 6-month follow up, and the youth characteristics that are associated with intensity of service use at 6-month follow up.
The data were analyzed using descriptive frequencies, Chi-square tests and t tests, and bivariate and multivariable Poisson regressions. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not found to be
significantly associated with discontinuing services before 6-months; however, several youth who discontinued services before
6-months had clinical characteristics suggesting a possible need for services. Youth demographic (sex, race) and clinical
(diagnosis, suicidal ideation, alcohol/drug use, psychiatric medication use, and physical health) characteristics were significantly
associated with intensity of service use in the multivariable analysis. This study underscores the importance of monitoring
program participation, after the referral has been made and services have been accessed, to assure that youth participate
in treatment long enough to obtain clinical benefits.
conditions, however most of them do not receive treatment. The schools are a key setting where youth with mental health problems
are identified and linked to treatment. In this study we examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of youth referred
to a school-based mental health intervention, the youth characteristics associated with continued participation in the intervention
at 6-month follow up, and the youth characteristics that are associated with intensity of service use at 6-month follow up.
The data were analyzed using descriptive frequencies, Chi-square tests and t tests, and bivariate and multivariable Poisson regressions. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not found to be
significantly associated with discontinuing services before 6-months; however, several youth who discontinued services before
6-months had clinical characteristics suggesting a possible need for services. Youth demographic (sex, race) and clinical
(diagnosis, suicidal ideation, alcohol/drug use, psychiatric medication use, and physical health) characteristics were significantly
associated with intensity of service use in the multivariable analysis. This study underscores the importance of monitoring
program participation, after the referral has been made and services have been accessed, to assure that youth participate
in treatment long enough to obtain clinical benefits.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-011-9555-z
- Authors
- Inger Burnett-Zeigler, Department of Veterans Affairs, National VA Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center (SMITREC), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- John S. Lyons, School of Psychology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontarion, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, USA
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024