Child Mental Health Status in Flint, Michigan: A Worsening Health Inequity, 2018–2022

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the burden of mental health disorders among children enrolled in Michigan’s Flint Registry in the context of a local public health crisis and a nationally declared pediatric mental health crisis. Methods. This survey-based study included 1203 children aged 3 to 17 years whose caregivers enrolled them in the Flint Registry between December 2018 and March 2020 and who completed a follow-up survey between October 2020 and March 2022. The baseline and follow-up surveys included caregiver reports of childhood anxiety and depression and overall mental health wellness. Results. At enrollment, Flint Registry caregivers reported significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among their children than caregivers reported nationally (12.9% vs 9.4% and 8.2% vs 4.4%; P < .001). Flint Registry caregivers also reported declines in their children’s overall mental health wellness at follow-up, t(1472) = −4.17; P < .001. Conclusions. Our findings reveal a disparate burden of pediatric mental health disorders and exemplify the health inequities vulnerable populations face. Public Health Implications. More proactive and preventive steps should be taken to lessen this burden, especially in chronically disadvantaged communities that experience public health crises. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(12):1318–1321. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307406 )