Intergenerational behavioral health effects of healthcare access gaps in minority children
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Citation
Abstract
Healthcare access disparities continue to disproportionately affect minority populations in the United States, leading to significant behavioral health consequences that extend beyond individual experiences to impact future generations. This literature review explores the intergenerational behavioral health effects on minority children. It recognizes that disparities in healthcare access for minority communities are not isolated events but rather part of a larger systemic issue with lasting consequences across generations. This review seeks to synthesize existing research to better understand how these access gaps contribute to the perpetuation of behavioral health issues from parents to children within minority communities. It is understood that minority children face unique challenges stemming from a complex mix of socioeconomic factors, historical trauma, and systemic inequities, all of which impact their access to appropriate mental healthcare.The review recognizes the broad impact of this issue. It emphasizes that mental and behavioral health problems among minority children are not merely individual concerns but significant public health problems with far-reaching implications. It acknowledges that effective treatments exist, but that these are often inaccessible for many minority families due to numerous barriers, including lack of insurance, stigma, and a lack of culturally competent providers. By examining the intergenerational aspects of these disparities, the review aims to highlight the urgency of developing targeted solutions that address both the immediate and long-term needs of these vulnerable populations. The aim is to create awareness about the significance of addressing healthcare access to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational behavioral health issues.
There are several key themes that will be addressed and reviewed, including the impact of social determinants, role of systemic racism and discrimination, barriers to mental healthcare access, intergenerational transmission of trauma, and the need for culturally competent care. Within the domain of social determinants, several socioeconomic factors will be examined, such as poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of educational opportunities contribute to both healthcare access gaps and the transmission of behavioral health issues across generations. These factors create a cycle of adversity that significantly impacts minority families. Specific barriers faced by minority families when seeking mental health services will also be investigated. These include lack of insurance coverage, lack of transportation, cultural and language barriers, provider bias, and lack of trust in the healthcare system. It acknowledges that these barriers often intersect and compound each other, creating a complex web of challenges. Intergenerational transmission of trauma and how parental experiences of trauma, including historical trauma, can affect children’s behavioral health will be explored. It highlights the pathways by which trauma is transmitted across generations, impacting children’s social, emotional and behavioral development. It looks at how parental mental health affects their ability to create a safe, stable environment that fosters healthy development. Lastly, the need for culturally competent mental health services tailored to minority communities will be reviewed. It recognizes the critical role that culturally relevant and responsive care plays in improving engagement, treatment outcomes, and overall health equity.
This study encompasses various forms of behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse, with an eye toward their intergenerational presentation, and how they are connected to lack of access to resources. It includes research on children and adolescents, and it explores the various community, institutional, and policy levels at which intergenerational effects are occurring.
This literature review highlights the urgent need to address healthcare access gaps to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational behavioral health issues in minority children. Key implications from the review include early intervention, family-focused intervention, community-based approaches, systemic changes, and diversifying the mental health workforce. Early intervention is essential to identify at-risk children and aid them with access to appropriate services. These programs should be implemented in schools, primary care settings, and community centers. Family-focused interventions are necessary by emphasizing the significance of engaging families in the treatment process and ensuring that parents receive the support they need to promote their children’s behavioral health. Programs should include family therapy, parenting training, and support for caregivers. Community-based approaches are crucial by suggesting the need for community-based programs that address social determinants of health and create more supportive and equitable environments. This includes working with community leaders to address concerns and increase awareness of mental health services. Systemic changes are needed, including policies that promote health equity and address structural racism. One example of change would be for the healthcare system to reduce provider bias and improve access to care and services that specifically serve minority families. Lastly, diversifying the mental health workforce is crucial for providing appropriate services for minority children and their families.
This paper concludes that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to prevent intergenerational behavioral health issues resulting from healthcare access gaps. This approach should prioritize early interventions, address systemic inequities, and incorporate community-based solutions that are culturally responsive and equitable. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of these types of interventions, identifying innovative strategies, and addressing limitations in existing studies. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire action and advocacy toward equitable healthcare access and improved behavioral health outcomes for all minority children.
Description
2025
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International