Previous studies reveal that mental health conditions affect a significant percentage of the population. For example, statistics of mental health in England in 2014 showed that approximately one in three men was suffering from mental health with women reporting higher incidences than men (Rise in Mental Healthcare, 2016). The figures are too large to ignore. Studies of populations at risk of mental health have taken different dimensions. While some studies have focused on the prevalence, other studies have attempted to investigate the risk factors associated mental health disorders. According to Bitsko et al. (2016), a combination of sociodemographic, community, health care, and family are associated with increased risks of mental health disorders in children. For example, studies have shown that poverty is linked with adverse effects on socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. On the other hand, a combination of positive parenting and pre-school interventions have been linked with fewer incidences of health risk behaviors over time. Risks factors for mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders (MBDDs) include lack of a medical home, difficulties getting by on the family’s income, inadequate insurance, living in a neighborhood lacking support, and living in a neighborhood in poor condition. Other risk factors include employment difficulties because of child care issues, chronic stress in early childhood, poverty, fair or poor parental mental health, and living in a neighborhood lacking amenities. Some of the risk factors that are significantly associated with MBDD include lacking a medical home or poor parental mental health. Studies have shown that MBDDs can persist into adulthood, but Bitsko et al. (2016) contend that addressing identified factors early enough can help a lot in the prevention of the onset of the MBBD. The authors also pointed out that such early interventions can improve outcomes especially in children who exhibit one or more of such disorders. Consistent with the views of Bitsko et al. (2016), Knoer (2017) also contend that certain intervention measures such as integration of mental and behavioral health services with primary care can help in the effective management of mental health.
References
Bitsko, R. H., Holbrok, J.R., Robinson, L.R., Kaminski, J.W., Ghandour, R., Smith, C., & Peacock, G. (2016). Health care, family, and community factors associated with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in early childhood—the United States, 2011–2012. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 65 (9), 221-226.
Knoer, S. J. (2017). Population Health Management: Improving the Community to Heal the Patient. American Journal of Health-system Pharmacy, 74(2), 30-32.
Rise in mental healthcare use. (2016). Therapy Today, 27(9), 5.
