Mental health needs of children in Gozo : an exploratory study

Abstract

Background: Childhood is a critical period for mental health, marked by rapid biological, psychological, and social development, as well as heightened vulnerability to environmental factors. While the importance of providing supportive environments is well recognised, mental health services in Gozo – like those in many international settings – continue to face challenges, particularly in ensuring consistent accessibility to services and resources. Aim: To explore the mental health needs of children in Gozo from the perspectives of healthcare professionals who work in a psychiatry department in Gozo. Design: A qualitative research design. Method: Five healthcare professionals were recruited through an intermediary who followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and the data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic framework. Results: The findings identified four key themes: mental health services provisions: accessibility and adequacy, parental barriers in acknowledging and addressing children’s mental health, societal challenges children face in accessing mental health services, and empowering nurses and leaders in mental Health. The findings highlighted gaps in mental health services, resources, and training. It also identified the need for improved collaboration between healthcare and educational settings to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Conclusion: The study provided key insights into the mental health needs of children in Gozo from the professionals' perspectives. This emphasised the need for systemic improvements in service delivery, professional development, community engagement, and leadership. The results are intended to inform practice and policy, to help contribute to better mental health outcomes for children in Gozo.