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Socioeconomic Disparities in Unmet Need for Student Mental Health Services in Higher Education

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  • John Cullinan

    (National University of Ireland Galway)

  • Sharon Walsh

    (National University of Ireland Galway)

  • Darragh Flannery

    (University of Limerick)

Abstract

Background Mental health problems are highly prevalent among college students in many countries. However, evidence suggests that many at-risk students do not receive professional help. Objective We aimed to understand which students are most likely to have unmet need for mental health services. Given increasing and widening participation in higher education, we focused attention on disparities by socioeconomic background. Methods We analysed data from a recent survey of over 6000 students enrolled in higher education in Ireland. Using three separate measures of mental health problems, namely stress, anxiety, and depression, we developed and modelled an indicator of unmet need. Results We found that students from the lowest social class and students with the greatest difficulty in making ends meet have higher rates of unmet need overall, but that these disparities disappear once we control for mental ill-health. For those with mental health problems, unmet need is shown to be independently higher for students who are younger, male, heterosexual, and studying for a Ph.D. We also found a strong independent association between unmet need and self-stigma, as well as considerable differences in unmet need across institutions. Conclusion Socioeconomic disparities in unmet need are driven by higher rates of mental ill-health among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Our findings have implications for the targeting of services, as well as the provision of information about mental health and associated services.

Suggested Citation

  • John Cullinan & Sharon Walsh & Darragh Flannery, 2020. "Socioeconomic Disparities in Unmet Need for Student Mental Health Services in Higher Education," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 223-235, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:aphecp:v:18:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s40258-019-00529-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s40258-019-00529-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lisa Corscadden & Emily J. Callander & Stephanie M. Topp, 2019. "Who experiences unmet need for mental health services and what other barriers to accessing health care do they face? Findings from Australia and Canada," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(2), pages 761-772, April.
    2. John Cullinan & Darragh Flannery (ed.), 2017. "Economic Insights on Higher Education Policy in Ireland," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-319-48553-9, April.
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