Disparities in the mental health of children from same-sex vs opposite-sex couples in Canada

ObjectiveDisparities in mental health outcomes between children of same-sex and opposite-sex parents remain underexplored in population-based studies. This study examines the risk of mental health-related acute care among these groups.MethodUsing Canadian Census data linked to longitudinal health records, we analyzed children aged 10–24 from 2016 to 2019. Coarsened exact matching ensured comparable groups, and survival analysis models assessed hazard ratios for mental health-related emergency department (ED) visits, with subgroup analyses by child’s sex, age group, rurality, and parental gender composition (i.e. male vs female same-sex parents).ResultsChildren of same-sex parents had a 1.52 times higher risk of mental health-related ED visits (95% CI: 1.05–2.20) compared to those of opposite-sex parents. Elevated risks were observed for male children, younger children aged 10–14, and urban residents. Children of female same-sex parents faced higher risks for anxiety and mood disorders compared to those of opposite-sex parents, while no significant differences were observed for children of male same-sex parents.ConclusionChildren of same-sex parents are at higher risk of mental health issues, likely linked to stigma, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and further research.