2.69 Age Group–Specific Determinants of Mental Illness and Unmet Support Needs Among Canadians After the First COVID-19 Wave

Objectives

Canadians endured unprecedented mental health (MH) and support access challenges at the onset of COVID-19. Identifying those remaining at risk for poor outcomes beyond the first wave is key to guiding systemic intervention efforts and policy. We hypothesized age to be a key factor influencing MH vulnerability profiles among Canadians.

Methods

The Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey (PICS) was iteratively developed with stakeholder feedback, incorporating validated, age-appropriate measures. Baseline, online data collection among Canadians took place between November 2020 and July 2021, during the second and third waves of COVID-19 in Canada. Three key outcomes for analysis included: 1) current, clinically relevant psychiatric problems; 2) worsening severity of a lifetime psychiatric diagnosis; and 3) inadequate MH support access during COVID-19. Age-group specific multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for children (n = 192), youth (self- or parent-report [n = 426]), young adults (19-29 years old [n = 586]) and adults over 29 years old (n = 1936) using survey type as a covariate. Statistical significance was defined by 95% CI excluding an OR of 1.

Results

Data from Canadian baseline surveys were included for analysis. Rates and significant risk factors for clinically significant psychiatric problems and unmet MH needs differed across age groups. Risk appears to rise in adolescence and then decrease beyond early adulthood. Socioeconomically disadvantaged, LGBTQ2S+, and age-specific subgroups with diagnosed conditions were particularly vulnerable.

Conclusions

Age appears to be a critical factor in determining risk among Canadians for poor MH outcomes and support access following the first COVID-19 wave. This information may guide interventions and policies to decrease pandemic-era inequities among Canadians.

EPI, RF, SP