Exploring Mental Health Inequities Among Rural Minority Youth: Preliminary Findings

Background and Purpose:

While rural areas have been neglected in research, recent descriptive studies have assessed the prevalence of mental health needs within these communities. Studies have shown that adolescents from minority groups experience higher levels of mental illnesses. However, despite higher levels of need, members of minority racial groups are less likely to engage with services. Moreover, evidence suggests engagement in treatment is significantly lower for minority youth in rural areas. Findings highlight the need for mental health interventions that are tailored for minority youth, as they experience distinct cultural and systemic influences.

Studies have shown that stakeholder input is crucial for developing interventions that are wanted, culturally appropriate, and therefore effective. Thus, hearing directly from potential service users is vital in enhancing our understanding of mental health inequities in rural areas, as well as the potential methods for addressing them.

Based on the paradigm of intersectionality, using a critical theory lens, this study examined how geography and race shape the perceptions and experiences of minority youth mental health needs and services. Thus, this qualitative study sought to achieve the following objectives:

1. To explore the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding the status of mental health needs among racial minority youth living in rural Ohio.
2. To explore the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding availability and accessibility factors affecting mental health service engagement among these youth.
3. To explore the beliefs of stakeholders regarding community perceptions of mental health service engagement.

Methods:

A phenomenological case study approach was utilized to understand the perspectives of a specific and understudied rural area, with Guernsey County, Ohio as the unit of analysis. Purposive sampling was conducted to explore the lived experiences of a specific population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community mental health providers and school personnel in order to understand the contextual, historical, and social factors affecting minority residents. Thematic analysis was used to interpret interview transcripts, identifying codes, categories, and themes.

Results:

This study identified several factors influencing mental health needs and treatment within this rural community. One prevalent concept that presented across multiple themes was the importance of perception, both in defining mental health needs and treatment engagement. Furthermore, this concept suggested how perceptions can positively or negatively impact mental health. In regards to mental health needs, the role of class, particularly the economic resources and needs of the community and individuals, was frequently identified as an important factor.  Moreover, participants acknowledged the role that race plays within the community, and how being from a minority group can have unique effects on youth mental health.

Conclusions and Implications:

Findings imply the compounding effects of racial, geographic, and often economic disadvantage which is paramount for academics and professionals to consider when attempting to intervene with this population. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of considering multiple aspects of culture and identity when assessing the mental health needs of a population, such as rural minority youth. In both research design and data analysis, the intersection of these factors must be considered when looking to intervene with groups such as these.