Association of socioeconomic factors on mental health in children and young people with intellectual developmental disabilities of genetic origin

Abstract

Background: Children and young people (CYP) with intellectual developmental disability (IDD) have a high prevalence of mental health and behavioural problems, which might be influenced by socioeconomical status as well as the severity of their disabilities. This is however an understudied topic, and the present study investigated the association between mental health and socioeconomic deprivation as well as severity/type of disability in CYP with IDD of genetic origin.

Methods: Participants comprised a national cohort of 2778 participants with diagnosed genetic disorders associated with IDD, 10.1 ± 4.3 years of age (mean ± SD), 55.7% males. The cohort was linked to routinely collected UK school record data from the National Pupil Database. Socioeconomical status was assessed by free school meals (FSM) eligibility, the index of multiple deprivation (IMD), and parental educational level. IDD severity/type was reported by reviewing statements of primary special educational needs. Participant's mental health diagnoses were established by parental report using the Development and Well-Being Assessment. Parents also completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results: Socioeconomic factors including lower parental education, greater deprivation (lower IMD decile) and FSM eligibility were associated with the higher prevalence of mental health disorders, as well as greater difficulties in emotional and behavioural adjustment (as measured by the SDQ). In contrast, IDD severity/type was not linked to diagnostic characteristics nor the prevalence of emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Conclusion: This study revealed that CYP with IDD of genetic origin living in relatively deprived circumstances had a high risk of mental health disorders and poor emotional and behavioural adjustment, irrespective of the severity/type of their learning disabilities. Tackling deprivation (such as FSM as indicator for targeted additional support) and enhancing access to support services (e.g., psychotherapy) could be by implication key strategies to improve the mental health of this vulnerable population with IDD of genetic aetiology.