Mental Health of Immigrant Children in Canada

Salami, B. (PI), Meherali, S., Senthilselvan, A., Georgaiades, K., Yohani, S., Diaz, E., Hegadoren, K., Toosi, A., Begashaw, L., Sandowicz, A. (2017 to 2019). Mental health of immigrant children in Canada: Evidence from the Canadian Health Measures Survey and Parent Interviews in Alberta. Women and Children's Health Research Institute Innovation Grant. $50,000

Evidence points to an increased risk of mental health problems in immigrant youths versus older adults. Findings on the mental health of immigrant children is mixed with some studies showing higher incidence, lower incidence, and no difference between immigrant and non-immigrant children in Canada. Studies on the mental health of children tends to focus on immigrant adolescents and youths age 13 years and above. There are limited studies on the mental health of immigrant children below the age of 13 years in Canada, including prevalence of emotional problems and conduct problems. Moreover, there remains limited qualitative research data to shed light on the mental health of immigrant children in Canada. The purpose of this study is to examine the mental health of immigrant children in Canada. The study will determine the prevalence of health problems (including emotional problems, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and hyperactivity) in immigrant versus non-immigrant children as well as identify the influence of gender, age, household education and household income on immigrant child mental health. This will be completed using the Canadian Health Measures Survey. The Statistics Canada survey has collected cross sectional data from 22,000 participants over three cycles. Our outcome variables include emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/ inactivity, and peer relationship problems. Covariates include age, age at migration, gender, country of birth, ethnicity, income. We will complete multivariable logistic regression using SAS 9.4. Upon completion of the quantitative analysis, we will interview 20 to 30 immigrant parents to further shed light on the data and contextualize our data. Efforts will be made to ensure maximum variation sampling. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed using NVivo 11 qualitative data analysis software.