Parent opinion on peer support programs to promote adolescent mental health

Abstract

RationaleEvidence-based adolescent peer support programs for suicide prevention have shown promise in schools through increased knowledge and acceptability of help-seeking. While multiple social contacts may influence adolescent help-seeking, parents are a major factor. Thus, parent backing for peer support programs is likely to influence their impact, but little is known regarding parent perspectives on such programs. ObjectiveIn the context of a randomized clinical trial evaluating school-based depression screening, qualitative work indicated Pennsylvania parents held positive views of peer support programs. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of parent perception of adolescent peer support programs at the national level. MethodCross-sectional US-based survey with the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health; 985 parents had a child 13–18 years-old and were eligible. Post-stratification weights were generated by survey vendor, Ipsos. Descriptive and bivariate results were calculated; logistic regression models controlled for parent demographics. ResultsParents were 55 % female, 56 % White, 81 % employed, and 52 % with an income <$100 K. Backing for peer support programs was rated as 33 % definitely, 46 % probably, 14 % unsure, and 7 % would not support; 29 % reported existing peer support programming at their teen’s school. Odds of “definitely/probably” versus “unsure/do not” support were greater among mothers versus fathers (OR 1.53 [95 % CI 1.08, 2.16]), Latinx versus White parents (OR 1.96 [95 % CI 1.15, 3.34]), and employed parents (OR 1.92 [95 % CI 1.25, 2.94]). Adding parent report of an existing program at their teen’s school to the model retained the aforementioned variables with greater support among parents exposed to this programming OR 3.20 ([95 % CI 2.01, 5.08]). Conclusions. One-third of parents favored peer support programs, especially those previously exposed to this programming. Data suggest programs may appeal to Latinx families, presenting an innovative approach to mitigate mental health disparities.