Health behavior changes in youth : COVID-19 and socioeconomic factors

Abstract

Health is an important personal resource, with health behaviors being an important determinant of health. Inspecting health behaviors is important in economically developed countries where unhealthy behaviors contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Unhealthy behaviors may also lead to negative economic outcomes such as healthcare costs and difficulties in employment and educational attainments. The relationship between socioeconomic factors and health behaviors is recognized in the literature. Higher education and income are typically associated with better health and behavior.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions followed have affected the lives and health behaviors of youth. These may have been caused by the pandemic and restrictions during important life stages such as social development and educational and career milestones.

This study aims to examine the changes in the health behaviors of Finnish youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess how educational level affects these behaviors. Changes in behaviors and health are examined using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient is used to assess the relationship between educational level and health behaviors of youth.

Results show that the mental health of youth decreased in all age groups between the years 2019 and 2021. The physical activity of youth increased, but overall levels were still low. The proportion of overweight youth increased among 8th and 9th graders and upper secondary students, probably relating to a long-term increase in obesity. Sleeping decreased among 8th and 9th graders and upper secondary students, and substance use decreased among 8th and 9th graders. Higher educational levels correlated with higher physical activity, less smoking, less overweight, and not skipping breakfast among youth. The correlation was especially seen in the over-median educational level sub-regions. Interventions and policies should aim to promote the mental health and physical activity of youth.