Is neighbourhood deprivation in primary school-aged children associated with their mental health and does this association change over 30 months?

• DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02385-y
• Publication Date: 2024-02-14T17:02:21Z
• Authors: Katie Finning; Amy Haeffner; Sohum Patel; Bryony Longdon; Rachel Hayes; Obioha C. Ukoumunne; Tamsin Ford
• Keywords: Neighbourhood (mathematics)

Abstract As both socioeconomic deprivation and the prevalence of childhood mental health difficulties continue to increase, exploring relationship between them is important guide policy. We aimed replicate finding a gap that widened with age those living in most least deprived areas among primary school pupils. used data from 2075 children aged 4–9 years South West England recruited STARS (Supporting Teachers childRen Schools) trial, which collected teacher- parent-reported Strength Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline, 18-month 30-month follow-up. fitted multilevel regression models explore Index Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile SDQ total score an algorithm-generated “probable disorder” variable combined teachers parents. Teacher- scores indicated worse more neighbourhoods, was attenuated by controlling for special educational needs disabilities but remained significant parent report, there no interaction year group status (age) baseline. did not detect association probable disorder IMD although time evident (p = 0.003). Analysis study wave revealed associations baseline (odds ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 0.97–3.89) 18 months (1.96, 1.07–3.59) 30 (0.94, 0.54–1.57). These findings augment existing, highly compelling evidence demonstrating exposed deprivation.