Modifiable factors associated with mental health in child language disorder: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective: This review aims to identify and describe modifiable third factors associated with mental health in the context of child language disorder. Child language disorder is linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, yet the reasons for this association remain unclear. Understanding the factors influencing mental health outcomes in these children is crucial for targeted interventions. While a recent review on dyslexia has highlighted modifiable factors related to mental health, no such review exists for oral language disorder in childhood. This study seeks to fill this gap.Eligibility Criteria: The review will consider qualitative and quantitative studies published in English, including peer-reviewed literature, dissertations/theses, and sources with participants aged 24 years or younger. Adult participants reporting on childhood experiences of mental health, as well as proxy reports (e.g., parents), will be considered. The review will not consider non-English studies, reviews, books, protocols, and theoretical/opinion pieces. No restrictions will be placed on time or place of publication.Methods: This review will be guided by JBI guidelines. The following databases will be searched: ProQuest, PsycInfo, Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase. Covidence will be used for review, with two independent reviewers applying eligibility criteria during title/abstract and full-text screening. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or with a third party.Results/Conclusion: The results will outline key findings and gaps in current literature. A socioecological framework will be used to categorise modifiable third factors at child-, family-, and community-levels. The outcomes, disseminated through publications and plain language summaries, may inform mental health and child language disorder conferences and guide future research directions.