Geographical Disparity on Mental Health Among Head Start Eligible Families in Poverty

Aims: This study examines geographical disparities in mental health among families living in poverty by assessing the impact of Head Start on child and parental mental health and exploring the associations between parental and child mental health. Methods: Using data from the Head Start Impact Study, Head Start-eligible families in poverty (n = 3,780) were categorized as residing in either urban (n = 3,172) or rural (n = 608) communities. Parental mental health was measured using the CES-D scale, and children’s social-emotional skills were assessed alongside other baseline variables. Results: Families (both parents and children) in rural communities reported higher mental health challenges compared to those in urban areas. Among rural families, African Americans, those with limited formal and informal support services, and those with younger children exhibited greater mental health difficulties. Parental mental health was significantly associated with children’s social-emotional development. While Head Start did not have a significant impact on parental mental health, it positively influenced children’s social-emotional outcomes, particularly in rural communities. Conclusion: Early intervention programs, Head Start, should incorporate family-focused mental health components alongside expanded services for rural communities. Outreach efforts should prioritize mental health literacy and increase awareness of available social service programs, particularly for minority families and those raising younger children in rural areas.