Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Advisor

Jeannette Manger

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown a significant link between mental health issues and low academic performance. Our study explores the delicate connection between mental health issues and academic performance in Ohio school children, in particular, how the dynamic may differ between rural and non-rural communities. Methods: We utilized County Health Rankings data from the years 2016 and 2022 from all 88 counties in Ohio, which we further substratified as 44 rural and 44 non-rural counties. From CHR, we chose data categories to represent measures of academic performance, internalizing mental health problems, and access to mental health services, and utilized SPSS for data analysis. Results: While a weak but significant correlation between internalizing mental health problems and academic performance in reading and mathematics was observed, disparities persist in rural areas due in large part to limited access to mental health services. In addition, despite similarities in academic performance between rural and non-rural areas, lower high school graduation rates in rural counties underscores the long-term implications of untreated mental health issues. Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant impact of internalizing mental health factors on Ohio children’s academic outcomes, specifically in the context of geographic location and access to mental health care. We emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among leaders at both the state and community levels in Ohio in order to ensure equitable opportunities for the academic and emotional well-being of all children.

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