MENTAL HEALTH IN ADOLESCENTS
Mental health in adolescents and young people in Barcelona from a social inequalities perspective: population-based and participatory qualitative study
The objective is to analyse mental disorders among adolescents and young people in Barcelona from the perspective of the professionals who care for them, taking into account axes of social inequity and using a participatory research process.
Center: Institut de recerca a l’atenció primària Jordi Gol i Gurina
Adolescence is a key stage for emotional and social development, but also a period of vulnerability to mental disorders, which are worsened by factors such as poverty, discrimination and violence. These disorders, often emerging before the age of 26, have emotional, physical and social consequences in adulthood. Lockdown doubled symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people, highlighting the essential role of primary care in diagnosis and treatment. This project uses a mixed and participatory methodology to analyse mental health disorders in adolescents and young people in Barcelona through the lens of social inequality (sex/gender, migration status and socioeconomic level). The three phases include the analysis of primary care data (2008–2022), professionals’ experiences, and the impact of their profiles on the detection and management of disorders. The results will contribute to improving care and addressing structural inequalities in youth mental health.
