Young carers’ mental health during and after the Covid-19 pandemic: variation by gender, ethnicity, income and peer, school or social support

Abstract Purpose Young carers are an often overlooked group of carers, with little longitudinal research on their mental health, particularly regarding variations across demographics and support systems. This study examined whether young carers have poorer mental health than peers and explored inequalities by gender, ethnicity, special educational needs (SEN) status, income, parental composition, and support systems. Methods We used the COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities cohort study, 2021–2023, a probability sample of > 13,000 young people aged 16–18 in England. We assessed self-reported young caring and mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, anxiety, depression and chronic mental illness. Modifiers were ethnicity, gender, household income, special educational needs (SEN) status, parental composition, perceived school support for mental health, peer support and social support. Results Young carers reported 1.69 higher odds of chronic mental illness (95% CI: 1.35, 2.12), and more depressive (B = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.33) and anxiety symptoms (B = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.29). Associations did not vary by gender, ethnicity, SEN status, parental composition or income. No statistical differences were observed by peer, social or school support. Conclusions Young carers had poorer mental health which did not vary across key axes of inequality. Addressing their mental health is crucial to prevent a cycle of care need. Increasing societal awareness and fostering empathy and support may help improve young carers’ mental health.