Children residing in the most disadvantaged regions face over four times the likelihood of developing severe mental health challenges compared to their peers from wealthier communities, according to Professor Susan Smith, a general practitioner and educator at Trinity College Dublin.
Prof. Smith, who practices in Inchicore, Dublin, emphasized that “overwhelming evidence” supports the notion that living in underprivileged areas correlates with adverse health outcomes. She stated, “These children have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health difficulties.”
The professor further elaborated that children growing up in poverty tend to experience reduced life expectancy, dying three to four years earlier than those from more affluent backgrounds. Notably, individuals from disadvantaged areas are 4.5 times more likely to suffer from severe mental health issues, a disparity that likely extends to mild and moderate mental illnesses as well.
Prof. Smith highlighted a significant gap in quality of life, citing evidence of an 18- to 19-year difference in years lived in good health between children from poorer communities and their affluent counterparts. She attributes this trend partly to the stress associated with poverty. “Day-to-day living is much more difficult. They don’t have the same headspace for preventive measures, such as remembering to schedule appointments,” she explained.
Additionally, she pointed out the intergenerational effects of poverty and the impact of family structures. While not all individuals who experience these hardships will face negative outcomes, the probability is considerably higher for those affected.
Accessing mental health support poses further challenges for families in disadvantaged communities, as those with more disposable income can afford private services, exacerbating the inequities present in the system. “Waiting lists are longer where the need is greater,” Prof. Smith noted.
Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute indicates that up to 250,000 individuals, including children under five, live below the poverty line when housing costs are considered. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for a national health inequity strategy.
Prof. Smith advocates for policy solutions that allocate resources based on need rather than solely on population size. “Currently, our allocation system does not account for deprivation at all,” she said, suggesting that disadvantaged areas should have nearly double the number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) compared to more affluent regions.
Prof. Smith is set to address these issues during her presentation at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Faculty of Paediatrics autumn conference.
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