Policy Pressures and Inequality: The Challenges Facing Adolescent Health in Times of Crisis

Abstract

Austerity measures following the 2007 financial crisis, along with the economic and social challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, have profoundly affected the living conditions of adolescents and their families, influencing their experiences and opportunities. This study aimed to examine socioeconomic position (SEP) inequalities across various health-related conditions among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in central Catalonia. This cross-sectional study utilized data from a cohort of high school students during the 2021–2022 academic year, comprising a sample of 9.265 students (50.8% girls). The prevalence of each health-related condition was estimated by sex and educational level. To assess the association between the dependent variables and SEP, a bivariate analysis was conducted, followed by both crude and adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance. Adolescents from deprived SEPs had the highest prevalences of almost all health-related conditions. Moreover, these inequalities were affected by gender, with girls being more affected. Girls in post-compulsory education with deprived SEPs had 1.45 (95% CI: 1.32-1.59) more health conditions than those from advantaged SEPs. Our results underscore the importance of addressing systemic factors like income inequality, limited educational support, and lack of leisure time. Focusing policies solely on adolescent responsibility risks perpetuating existing disadvantages.