The key social determinants of mental health: their effects among children globally and strategies to address them: a narrative review

Background and Objective: There has been a significant increase in the number of children and teens experiencing mental health issues globally. Good mental health is linked inextricably to physical health and integral to overall wellbeing. Mental health can be shaped significantly by one's social, economic, and local environment, particularly during the childhood and adolescent years. Social inequalities that begin in childhood and adolescence can affect individuals over the life course. They can also be perpetuated from generation to generation. Addressing these inequalities early on is key. To review current literature outlining the social determinants for mental health amongst children globally Methods: The authors searched and reviewed publications on the social determinants of child mental health over the last decade in addition to foundational papers that helped define the social determinants of child health generally. Key Content and Findings: In this review article, we discuss the associations between childhood mental health and specific social determinants including poverty, food security/nutrition, neighborhood/community, trauma, and racism. We also discuss possible global strategies to address these determinants to improve mental health. Conclusions: Many aspects of child and adolescent mental health are associated with the social determinants of child health globally. To successfully impact child mental health specific determinates of mental health must be addressed including poverty, food security/nutrition, neighborhood/community impacts, trauma and racism. Prioritization of these concerns will improve the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents globally.