Observational study examines factors influencing fifth graders’ identification of mental health care needs, highlighting demographic disparities and emotional associations.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the characteristics of fifth-grade students who recognize a need for mental health care, including demographic and psychological factors.
Utilized data from the 2024–2025 California Healthy Kids Survey (N = 19,132 students).
Applied multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines to analyze relationships between self-identified need for care and various factors.
Assessed associations with negative emotions, victimization, and parental involvement.
39% of participants self-identified a need for mental health care.
Females were more likely while Asian/Pacific Islander youth were less likely to report a need for care.
Increased frequency of negative emotions significantly raised the odds of self-identifying a need, while victimization showed a non-linear relationship.