Intersections of ethnicity, gender, poverty, and mental health in adolescence in the context of COVID-19

All teenagers are affected by COVID-19 to some extent. Education is severely disrupted, social activities are restricted, and plans are suspended. For many, these changes will produce feelings of worry and low mood. But some groups will be affected more than others. Those from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds (e.g., low-income households, minority ethnic groups), and those who were already experiencing mental health difficulties, may be particularly vulnerable. However, at present we have little information about the impact of COVID-19 and school closures on the mental health of adolescents. Without this, it is difficult to develop effective responses to support those who need it most. The proposed work will address this knowledge gap. We will use existing data from, and collect new data in, our ongoing study of adolescent mental health, REACH (www.thereachstudy.com), which - uniquely - involves thousands of teenagers from low income households and minority ethnic groups. Within 12 months, we will (a) generate new information about which groups of young people are most affected and why (b) work with young people, teachers, and the public to translate this information into public health benefits, and (c) consolidate this unique study for further research on lasting impacts of COVID-19 and potential interventions.