Pediatric Mental Health Needs, Unmet Care, and Disaster-Related Displacement

What is the pediatric mental health burden among US households with children who have experienced disaster-related displacement?In this cross-sectional study of 277 081 households with children, displaced households reported higher odds of needing mental health counseling or medication than nondisplaced households. Among those who needed mental health care, displaced households were more likely than other households to report inadequate treatment even after controlling for socioeconomic hardships.This study’s findings suggest that health care professionals, community leaders, and policymakers should prioritize children’s well-being in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery planning to ensure they have access to mental health resources amid extreme weather events.

Corresponding Author: Joniqua N. Ceasar, MD, National Clinician Scholars Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Civic Center Blvd, Office 7W 200.02, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (joniqua.ceasar@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).

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