Political priority of adolescent mental health in Mexico: An exploratory mixed-methods study Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Objectives Despite suicide being the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15¿24 in Mexico, mental health services are neglected. This study examines the specific challenges encountered by key stakeholders in Mexico for the political prioritization of adolescent mental health (AMH). Study design A mixed-methods exploratory sequential design was applied to derive a two-round policy Delphi from the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Interview themes were initially selected from Shiffman¿s global health networks framework. Methods The research was conducted between 2022 and 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling, followed by a two-round policy Delphi study. Participants included policymakers, civil society representatives, academics, and young advocates with experience at international, national, or local levels. Interview data underwent thematic analysis guided by Shiffman¿s policy framework, and Delphi results were analysed using descriptive statistics and consensus measurement. Results We conducted 24 interviews and obtained 19 responses in the first policy Deplhi round and 18 in the second. Concerning problem definition, participants agreed that suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are the most urgent issues. Regarding positioning, there are few strategies to communicate the urgency of addressing AMH at the national level. For coalition-building, there is collaboration within governmental institutions, but we could not identify consistent intersectoral collaboration. Finally, concerning governance, most non-public sector participants could not identify clear leadership for AMH. Conclusion This research identifies the obstacles key stakeholders face in their efforts to prioritize AMH in Mexico, which can be addressed through strategic coalition building interventions. Key to these strategies is the expansion of advocacy networks beyond governmental bodies and the cultivation of strong leadership. © 2025 The Author(s).

publication date

  • December 1, 2025