Factors associated with mental illness among individuals experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages in Edmonton, Canada: an exploratory analytical study

In Canada, over 5 million people experienced mental illness in 2022; individuals in the lowest income quintile were more likely to have unmet mental healthcare needs. This study utilized a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling to explore factors associated with mental illnesses among individuals experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages in Edmonton, Canada. Quantitative data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression, Chi-square, and Fischer’s Exact tests explored associations between independent variables and mental illness. Of 392 participants recruited from five organizations, 39.03% reported unstable housing, 35.46% consumed tobacco, alcohol, or other recreational substances, and 27.04% reported having a diagnosed mental illness. Being a woman was associated with more than 3 times greater odds of mental illness compared to men (OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 1.74–5.58, p-value: 0.0001). Housing instability (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.12–3.44, p-value: 0.018), food insecurity (OR = 3.01, 95%CI: 1.33–6.82, p-value: 0.008), financial barriers to accessing healthcare (OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.46–4.49, p-value: 0.001), tobacco use (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.51–4.79, p-value: 0.001), and recreational substance use (OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.39–4.57, p-value: 0.002) were associated with greater odds of mental illness. Initiatives targeting populations at higher risk of mental illnesses should address social and behavioural determinants to reduce inequities. Removing financial or operational barriers to mental health services should be a priority.