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Background School connectedness reflects the quality of students’ engagement with peers, teachers, and learning in the school environment. It has attracted attention from both the health and education sectors as a potentially modifiable protective factor for common mental health problems. However, the extent to which school connectedness may prevent the onset of youth depression or anxiety or promote their remission is unclear. This systematic review examined evidence for prospective relationships between school connectedness and depression and anxiety, and the effect of interventions to improve school connectedness on depression and anxiety. Methods We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and ERIC electronic databases for peer-reviewed quantitative longitudinal, or intervention studies published from 2011–21 in English examining relationships between school connectedness and anxiety and/or depression. Participants were 14–24 years old when depression and anxiety outcomes were assessed in any education setting in any country. We partnered with five youth advisers (aged 16–21 years) with lived experience of mental health problems and/or the schooling system in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to ensure that youth perspectives informed the review. Results Our search identified 3552 unique records from which 34 longitudinal and 2 intervention studies were ultimately included. Studies were primarily from the United States of America (69.4%). Depression and anxiety outcomes were first measured at 14 years old, on average. Most studies found a significant protective relationship between higher levels of school connectedness and depressive and/or anxiety symptoms; more measured depression than anxiety. A few studies found a non-significant relationship. Both intervention studies designed to increase school connectedness improved depression, one through improvements in self-esteem and one through improvements in relationships at school. Conclusions These findings suggest that school connectedness may be a novel target for the prevention of depression and anxiety. We were not able to determine whether improving school connectedness promotes remission in young people already experiencing depression and anxiety. More studies examining anxiety, diagnostic outcomes, and beyond North America are warranted, as well as intervention trials. Trial registration PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021270967.

Objectives The increase in mental health problems among adolescents is a vital public health issue in the United States. It is crucial to understand how this concerning trend was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a national representative sample, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and access to mental health care access among adolescents. Methods Data was extracted from the 2019 and 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), an annually collected survey on the health and well-being of adolescents in the U.S. A total of 31,258 adolescents ages 12–17 years were included in this analysis. The two primary outcomes were reports of (1) mental health problems (yes/no) and (2) mental healthcare access (yes/no) in the past 12 months. We ran separate multiple logistic regression models to assess the changes in mental health problems and access to mental health care from 2019 to 2022. Results Overall, our results indicated a higher prevalence of adolescent mental health problems reported in 2022 (30.6% 95% CI: 29.4–31.9%) than in 2019 (26.9%, 25.2–28.6%) ( p  = 0.001). Results of a regression model showed that adolescents who identified as non-Hispanic Black, had parents with higher education levels and who experienced childhood adverse events were more likely to have parent-reported mental health problems (all p  < 0.001). Results of the regression model on access to mental health care indicated that adolescent girls were more likely to have access to mental health care than boys (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI:1.80–2.58). Adolescents from families with higher income, with insurance coverage, living in neighborhoods with more amenities, urban areas, and those who experienced adverse childhood events were all more likely to have accessed mental health care than their counterparts. (all p  < 0.05). Conclusions We found the prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents increased while the prevalence of access to mental health care decreased from 2019 to 2022, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend should be closely monitored. And special efforts are needed to help those adolescents who are affected.

Youth homelessness is a growing concern in the United States. Despite difficulties studying this population due to inconsistent definitions of what it means to be a youth and homeless, the current body of research indicates that abuse, family breakdown, and disruptive family relationships are common contributing factors to youth homelessness. Moreover, the experience of homelessness appears to have numerous adverse implications and to affect neurocognitive development and academics, as well as mental and physical health. Substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and psychiatric disorders are particularly prevalent in this population. Whereas some of these problems may be short-lived, the chronic stress and deprivation associated with homelessness may have long-term effects on development and functioning. Further, difficulties accessing adequate and developmentally-appropriate health care contribute to more serious health concerns. Suggestions for future research and interventions are discussed.

Over the past 20 years the prevalence of child and adolescent mental disorders in high-income countries has not changed despite increased investment in mental health services. Insufficient contact with mental health services may be a contributing factor; however, it is not known what proportion of children have sufficient contact with health professionals to allow delivery of treatment meeting minimal clinical practice guidelines, or how long children experience symptoms prior to receiving treatment. To investigate the level of mental healthcare received by Australian children from age 4 years to 14 years. Trajectories of mental health symptoms were mapped using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Health professional attendances and psychotropic medications dispensed were identified from linked national Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme records. Four trajectories of mental health symptoms were identified (low, high-decreasing, moderate-increasing and high-increasing). Most children with mental health symptoms had few MBS mental health attendances, and only a minority received care meeting study criteria for minimally adequate treatment. Children in the high-increasing and moderate-increasing trajectories were more likely to access care, yet there was no evidence of improvement in symptoms. It is important that children and adolescents with mental health problems receive treatment that meets minimal practice guidelines. Further research is needed to identify the quality of care currently provided to children with mental health difficulties and how clinicians can be best funded and supported to provide care meeting minimal practice guidelines. None.

Objectives. We investigated whether abused and neglected children are at risk for negative physical health outcomes in adulthood. Methods. Using a prospective cohort design, we matched children (aged 0–11 years) with documented cases of physical and sexual abuse and neglect from a US Midwestern county during 1967 through 1971 with nonmaltreated children. Both groups completed a medical status examination (measured health outcomes and blood tests) and interview during 2003 through 2005 (mean age = 41.2 years). Results. After adjusting for age, gender, and race, child maltreatment predicted above normal hemoglobin, lower albumin levels, poor peak airflow, and vision problems in adulthood. Physical abuse predicted malnutrition, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, and hemoglobin A1C. Neglect predicted hemoglobin A1C, albumin, poor peak airflow, and oral health and vision problems, Sexual abuse predicted hepatitis C and oral health problems. Additional controls for childhood socioeconomic status, adult socioeconomic status, unhealthy behaviors, smoking, and mental health problems play varying roles in attenuating or intensifying these relationships. Conclusions. Child abuse and neglect affect long-term health status—increasing risk for diabetes, lung disease, malnutrition, and vision problems—and support the need for early health care prevention.

Continuous scientific and policy debate regarding the potential harm and/or benefit of media and social media on adolescent health has resulted, in part, from a deficiency in robust scientific evidence. Even with a lack of scientific consensus, public attitudes, and sweeping social media prohibitions have swiftly ensued. A focus on the diversity of adolescents around the world and their diverse use of language, culture, and social media is absent from these discussions. This study aims to guide communication policy and practice, including those addressing access to social media by adolescent populations. This study assesses physical and mental health information scanning and seeking behaviors across diverse language, cultural, and technological media and social media among Latinx adolescent residents in the United States. This study also explores how Latinx adolescents with mental health concerns use media and social media for support. In 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 701 US-based Latinx adolescents aged 13-20 years to assess their health-related media use. Assessments ascertained the frequency of media use and mental and physical health information scanning and seeking across various media technologies (eg, TV, podcasts, and social media) and language and cultural types (ie, Spanish, Latinx-tailored English, and general English). Linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted predicted means of mental and physical health information scanning and seeking across diverse language and cultural media types, net personal and family factors, in the full sample and by subsamples of mental health symptoms (moderate-high vs none-mild). Among Latinx adolescents, media and social media use was similar across mental health symptoms. However, Latinx adolescents with moderate-high versus none-mild symptoms more often scanned general English media and social media for mental health information (P<.05), although not for physical health information. Also, Latinx adolescents with moderate-high versus none-mild symptoms more often sought mental health information on Latinx-tailored and general English media, and social media (P<.05); a similar pattern was found for physical health information seeking. In addition, Latinx adolescents with moderate-high versus none-mild symptoms often sought help from family and friends for mental and physical health problems and health care providers for mental health only (P<.05). While media and social media usage was similar across mental health, Latinx adolescents with moderate-high symptoms more often encountered mental health content in general English media and social media and turned to general English- and Latinx-tailored media and social media more often for their health concerns. Together these study findings suggest more prevalent and available mental health content in general English versus Spanish language and Latinx-tailored media and underscore the importance of providing accessible, quality health information across diverse language, cultural, and technological media and social networks as a viable opportunity to help improve adolescent health.

Background Young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEET) represent a significant global issue, with varying challenges across different countries. Research indicates a strong association between NEET status and negative outcomes such as mental health difficulties, low self-esteem, and social exclusion, though the direction of causality is often complex and bidirectional. This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive mapping of international research on NEETs, including risk factors, characteristics, and effective interventions to inform future policy and practice. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, incorporating the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The review included six key stages: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, selecting studies, charting the data, collating, Summarizing, and reporting the results, and consultation. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering literature from 2021 to April 2024. Eligibility criteria were established using the population-concept-context (PCC) framework. Results A total of 159 studies were included, classified into 11 topics. The review identified a diverse range of factors that influence the status of NEET, including individual, family, and systemic elements. Key determinants such as cognitive abilities, noncognitive skills, and socioeconomic background were highlighted. Psychological issues, including mental health problems and low self-esteem, were prevalent among NEETs. Social issues such as inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion were also significant. The review found that NEET status is associated with long-term socioeconomic disadvantages, including lower educational attainment, higher unemployment rates, and increased mental health risks. The effectiveness of the interventions varied, some showing positive outcomes in terms of employment and mental health, while others had limited impact. Conclusions The NEET phenomenon is complex and requires a holistic approach that integrates the health, welfare and work life sectors. Effective interventions should be tailored to the specific needs of NEET individuals, considering their mental health, self-esteem, and social connections. Policymakers should focus on developing comprehensive support systems that address the diverse challenges faced by NEETs, ensuring sustainable transitions to education, employment, or training. More research is needed to explore the long-term effectiveness of various interventions and to identify best practices to support NEETs worldwide.

Adverse childhood experiences, such as violence victimization, substance misuse in the household, or witnessing intimate partner violence, have been linked to leading causes of adult morbidity and mortality. Therefore, reducing adverse childhood experiences is critical to avoiding multiple negative health and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were collected from 25 states that included state-added adverse childhood experience items during 2015-2017. Outcomes were self-reported status for coronary heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer (excluding skin cancer), kidney disease, diabetes, depression, overweight or obesity, current smoking, heavy drinking, less than high school completion, unemployment, and lack of health insurance. Logistic regression modeling adjusting for age group, race/ethnicity, and sex was used to calculate population attributable fractions representing the potential reduction in outcomes associated with preventing adverse childhood experiences. Nearly one in six adults in the study population (15.6%) reported four or more types of adverse childhood experiences. Adverse childhood experiences were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes, health risk behaviors, and socioeconomic challenges. Potential percentage reductions in the number of observed cases as indicated by population attributable fractions ranged from 1.7% for overweight or obesity to 23.9% for heavy drinking, 27.0% for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 44.1% for depression. Efforts that prevent adverse childhood experiences could also potentially prevent adult chronic conditions, depression, health risk behaviors, and negative socioeconomic outcomes. States can use comprehensive public health approaches derived from the best available evidence to prevent childhood adversity before it begins. By creating the conditions for healthy communities and focusing on primary prevention, it is possible to reduce risk for adverse childhood experiences while also mitigating consequences for those already affected by these experiences.

Family homelessness emerged as a major social and public health problem in the United States during the 1980s. We reviewed the literature, including journal articles, news stories, and government reports, that described conditions associated with family homelessness, the scope of the problem, and the health and mental health of homeless children and families. Much of this literature was published during the 1980s and 1990s. This raises questions about its continued applicability for the public health community. We concluded that descriptions of the economic conditions and public policies associated with family homelessness are still relevant; however, the homeless family population has changed over time. Family homelessness has become more prevalent and pervasive among poor and low-income families. We provide public health recommendations for these homeless families.