Abstract
PurposeThe relationship between ethnicity and adolescent mental health was investigated using cross-sectional data from the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study.MethodsParental Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire reports identified mental health problems in 10,357 young people aged 14 (n = 2042 from ethnic minority backgrounds: Mixed n = 492, Indian n = 275, Pakistani n = 496, Bangladeshi n = 221, Black Caribbean n = 102, Black African n = 187, Other Ethnic Group n = 269). Univariable logistic regression models investigated associations between each factor and outcome; a bivariable model investigated whether household income explained differences by ethnicity, and a multivariable model additionally adjusted for factors of social support (self-assessed support, parental relationship), participation (socialising, organised activities, religious attendance), and adversity (bullying, victimisation, substance use). Results were stratified by sex as evidence of a sex/ethnicity interaction was found (P = 0.0002).ResultsThere were lower unadjusted odds for mental health problems in boys from Black African (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.61) and Indian backgrounds (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21–0.86) compared to White peers. After adjustment for income, odds were lower in boys from Black African (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.38), Indian (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.77), and Pakistani (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.89) backgrounds, and girls from Bangladeshi (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05–0.65) and Pakistani (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.99) backgrounds. After further adjustment for social support, participation, and adversity factors, only boys from a Black African background had lower odds (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.71) of mental health problems.ConclusionsHousehold income confounded lower prevalence of mental health problems in some young people from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds; findings suggest ethnic differences are partly but not fully accounted for by income, social support, participation, and adversity. Addressing income inequalities and socially focused interventions may protect against mental health problems irrespective of ethnicity.
Highlights
As mental health problems such as anxiety and depression often first manifest by adolescence, an improved understanding is required to address inequalities and achieve lifelong beneficial effects for young people [1,2,3,4]
High proportions of young people from Bangladeshi (70.2%) and Pakistani (64.2%) backgrounds were in the lowest household income quintile, and higher proportions of those from Black African (47.4%), Black Caribbean (40.2%), and Other Ethnic Group (31.9%) backgrounds were in this category, compared with White peers (13.1%)
Household income confounded the lower prevalence of mental health problems apparent in some young people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani backgrounds compared to White peers; lower prevalence was noted in some young people from Black African and Indian backgrounds, for whom effect sizes were stronger after adjusting for household income
Summary
In England, the prevalence of mental disorder is higher in children aged 5–19 from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, who are more likely to experience problems with family functioning, adverse life events, and reduced social support and participation. The overall prevalence of mental health problems is lower for children from Black and Asian backgrounds compared to their White British peers [5]. In the UK, people from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to face socioeconomic adversity than their White British peers, and are more likely to be living in deprived areas [7]. Ethnic minority status exposes young people to experiences of racism, discrimination, and social marginalisation, which have been associated with adverse mental health problems [8, 9]. The lower prevalence of mental health problems in young people from some ethnic minority groups run counter to expectation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
