Impact of Youth Problem Type on Specific Dimensions of Caregiver Strain in Latino Families

Abstract

Caregiver strain is directly impacted by youth symptom severity and is a robust predictor of youth mental health service utilization. A closer examination of caregiver strain may provide important insights into understanding mental health disparities as they affect Latino families. This study examined the impact of youth problem type on specific dimensions of caregiver strain in Latino families. Data from 337 Latino caregivers that participated in the Patterns of Care Study was used in a cross-sectional examination of the relationship between youth emotional/behavioral problems and caregiver strain. Caregiver strain was measured using the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire. Youth emotional/behavioral problems were assessed via caregiver ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist. Path analyses were conducted and used sampling weights to account for the complex survey design of the study. Multivariate analyses revealed that youth externalizing problems were significantly and positively associated with subjective internalized and externalized caregiver strain, but not with objective caregiver strain. Youth internalizing problems were associated with objective and subjective internalized caregiver strain, but not with subjective externalized strain. Youth sex was associated with caregiver subjective internalized strain and objective strain. Youth age was positively associated with subjective externalized caregiver strain. This study emphasizes the significance of the relationship between youth problem-type and caregiver strain. It also highlights caregiver strain as an important point for assessment and intervention which, if appropriately targeted, may contribute to the reduction of health disparities and unmet mental health need for Latino youth.