Health of black children and youth in canada: a scoping review

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 2;25(1):3024. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24474-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Black children and youth in Canada experience significant health inequity due to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequities, and inadequate access to culturally responsive healthcare services, affecting their overall well-being. This scoping review mapped and synthesised empirical evidence on the health of Black children and youth in Canada to inform policy and practice.

METHODS: The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Seven databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, and SocINDEX) were searched for empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies were included if they focused on Black children and youth (0-30 years) residing in Canada and their findings were synthesised thematically.

RESULTS: A total of 56 health-related studies were included. The included studies were conducted across all the Canadian provinces and territories between 1993 and 2024, with 87.5% based in a single province and 48.2% published between 2021 and 2024. Quantitative studies accounted for 55.4% of the total. The health conditions identified included sickle cell disease, preterm birth, HIV, pediatric lupus, and mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, and psychosomatic symptoms (reported in up to 81.7% of participants in one study). Racism was a prominent social determinant contributing to health conditions and barriers to healthcare access. Cultural practices and religiosity protected the Blacks from engaging in risky lifestyles while contributing to the distorted view of some illnesses.

CONCLUSION: A high variety of health conditions were identified, with racism being a key determinant of health for Black children and youth in Canada. Culturally responsive, anti-racist health policies, community-led health education, and equitable access to services are critical to improving health outcomes.

PMID:40898226 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24474-6