WHO Report shows health and well-being inequalities of children and adolescents

Social determinants of health and well-being among young people. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study: international report from the 2009/2010 survey

Also see EPHA Briefing on EU Policies and their Impact on Children’s Health

This unique report presents a comprehensive picture of young people’s health and well-being, and is vital as a sound body of evidence on which to base policy in fields having the major impact on their situation.

The report gives the results of the 2009/2010 HBSC survey, covering 39 countries and regions across the European Region and North America, as it analyses collected data from 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds on 60 topics related to their health and well-being, social environments and behaviour.

The key message to take out of the HBSC study towards policy-makers is that "addressing the social determinants of health inequalities in childhood and adolescence can enable young people to maximize their health and well-being, ensuring that these inequalities do not extend into adulthood, with all the potential negative consequences for individuals and society."

In particular, the report discusses:

important cross-national inequalities and differences;

long-term effects of child and adolescent health - health inequalities emerge or worsen during childhood and adolescence, and may translate into lasting inequalities in adulthood;

gender differences - boys and girls display different patterns of healthy and unhealthy behaviour;

family affluence - unsurprisingly, family affluence is associated with a healthier lifestyle: higher levels of fruit intake, breakfast consumption and physical activity;

protective factors - support from family, classmates and community protects young people from negative influences;

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