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Keywords

Pediatrics, Children, Parent's, Physicians, Mental Health, Physical Health

Abstract

Access to childhood pediatrics is a major factor for a full and healthy childhood for all children from adolescence to adulthood. However, the physical health aspect has been the main focus of most primary care clinics, and there is little focus on mental health. Mental health issues, which involve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, are more prominent than they have ever been, as up to 30% of children have experienced mental health issues that involve post-traumatic stress disorder, especially during the pandemic years. This study employed a non-experimental, quantitative analysis utilizing online closed-ended survey questions. Caretakers were offered an anonymous, self-reporting survey due to the nature of the questions being asked about their children’s healthcare. This study found that parents believe that their pediatricians can make accurate evaluations related to physical health concerns for children, but are skeptical of evaluations in other health areas, such as mental health. Only 42.9% of parents believed their child’s pediatric physician could make an accurate evaluation of their child’s mental health. Through this research, the opportunity has arisen to amplify areas that need improvement in pediatrics, achieving the goal of understanding what parents expect for their children and what type of care they desire to make sure that their children are healthy in every way possible. Results indicate the need for a further understanding of mental health in pediatrics.

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