A “silent storm”: uncovering the escalating crisis in mental healthcare for children and adolescents in Slovenia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic DOI Creative Commons

Sanja Zupanič Mali,

Sašo Karakatič, Maja Drobnič Radobuljac

et al.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: Nov. 5, 2024

Abstract Aim Our aim was to assess the burden of children and adolescents’ mental health problems on Slovenian outpatient healthcare system before, during after pandemic. Methods In a retrospective analysis indicators from 2008 2023, we analysed data National Institute Public Health. Key domains included initial visits for behavioural disorders (MBDs) primary care population aged 0–19; number referrals an assessment with child adolescent psychiatrist (CAP) at secondary level 0–17 along corresponding waiting times; urgent emergency centres tertiary level. The calculations rates per 1000 people. Descriptive statistics diagrams were used compare data. Segmented linear regression (SLR) conducted identify distinct temporal point indicating increase. Results Comparing average 2020–2022 period those 2018–2019 period, there 20% increase in care, 23% referral rate CAP level, 41% care. four- sevenfold times observed between 2019 2023. incidence services MBD increased (average annual growth 4.5%). tripled 13.9%. SLR showed that trend accelerating could have begun 2017 0–5 age group possibly 15–19 as well. Conclusions After decline 2020, all levels faced adolescents 2021 2022 compared pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, portion this aligns longitudinal growing trends onwards. Tackling crisis requires national action, significant improvement organization, investments health.

Language: Английский

A “silent storm”: uncovering the escalating crisis in mental healthcare for children and adolescents in Slovenia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic DOI Creative Commons

Sanja Zupanič Mali,

Sašo Karakatič, Maja Drobnič Radobuljac

et al.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: Nov. 5, 2024

Abstract Aim Our aim was to assess the burden of children and adolescents’ mental health problems on Slovenian outpatient healthcare system before, during after pandemic. Methods In a retrospective analysis indicators from 2008 2023, we analysed data National Institute Public Health. Key domains included initial visits for behavioural disorders (MBDs) primary care population aged 0–19; number referrals an assessment with child adolescent psychiatrist (CAP) at secondary level 0–17 along corresponding waiting times; urgent emergency centres tertiary level. The calculations rates per 1000 people. Descriptive statistics diagrams were used compare data. Segmented linear regression (SLR) conducted identify distinct temporal point indicating increase. Results Comparing average 2020–2022 period those 2018–2019 period, there 20% increase in care, 23% referral rate CAP level, 41% care. four- sevenfold times observed between 2019 2023. incidence services MBD increased (average annual growth 4.5%). tripled 13.9%. SLR showed that trend accelerating could have begun 2017 0–5 age group possibly 15–19 as well. Conclusions After decline 2020, all levels faced adolescents 2021 2022 compared pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, portion this aligns longitudinal growing trends onwards. Tackling crisis requires national action, significant improvement organization, investments health.

Language: Английский

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