Mental Health in Ohio

Source: COVID-19 and Mental Health in Ohio: Trends from 2017 to 2021

Journal: Ohio Journal of Public Health

Year: 2024

Citation: Roberts, M. E., Crane, D., Elliott-Dorans, L., Price-Spratlen, T., Albani, T., Sahr, T. R., Singer, J. M., Knudsen, K., Nau, M., Tosun, L., & Applegate, M. (2024). Covid-19 and Mental Health in Ohio: Trends from 2017 to 2021. Ohio Journal of Public Health, 6(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.v6i1.9563

Mental health impairment (MHI) refers to a high threshold of mental health diagnosis, whereby individuals are unable to participate in work or other usual activities due to a mental health condition or emotional problem. This study estimates COVID-19-related trends and disparities in high MHI for Ohio adults throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, several modifiable factors could be targeted to potentially improve mental health symptoms and to be better prepared for the next public health crisis. 

Results

• The prevalence of high MHI among Ohio adults rose between 2017 (6.4%) and 2021 (8.2%).
• This increase was particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic individuals; 2021 also saw high MHI among young women.
• In adjusted analysis, indicators of low fiscal stability and having unmet health care needs were associated with greater prevalence of high MHI.