HEALTH BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION COLLABORATIVE CROSS-NATIONAL SURVEY

HBSC

For over 30 years HBSC has been a pioneer cross-national study gaining insight into young people's well-being, health behaviours and their social context. This research collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe is conducted every four years in 49 countries and regions across Europe and North America. With adolescents making about one sixth of the world's population, HBSC uses its findings to inform policy and practice to improve the lives of millions of young people. [more]

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HBSC Ukraine's 2017/18 survey results published in new report

The results of the 2017/18 survey in Ukraine have been published in a new report: 'Social conditionality and indicators of adolescent and youth health in Ukraine'.

The report, produced in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund, presents the latest data about adolescent health, well-being and the impacts of a variety of factors the lives of Ukrainian youth.

"Ukrainian adolescents reported low levels of exercise and mostly unhealthy eating habits. They have reported the spread of bullying and cyberbullying, violence in schools and insufficient everyday support from their families. This is affecting their educational outcomes and could, in the long run, affect their health and well-being in adulthood," said Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine, "We urge students, teachers, parents, communities and media to work together to promote healthy lifestyles and create a supportive school environment."

The 2017/18 survey in Ukraine involved 13,338 school-aged children. During preparations for the survey, young people took part in a series of discussions to identify the topics that they wanted to see included in the final questionnaire.

The report provides a wake-up call for all those involved supporting and safeguarding the nation's young people.

Key findings include:

One-third of adolescents are overweight.
One in five adolescents rate their health as 'so-so or poor', with rates among girls twice that of boys.
More than a half of adolescents complained of being nervous, irritated or having bad moods once a week or more. Additionally, one in three young people reported feeling depressed, with girls more likely to report this.
31% of girls and 21% of boys reported that over the past year, they had experienced a level of sadness or hopelessness that made them stop their regular activities for two consecutive weeks.
A fifth of adolescents reported never taking part in sports activities with their parents.
One in four adolescents have been intoxicated at least once in their lives, with figures of 6.4 per cent for 10-year-olds and 48 per cent for 17-year-olds.
More than 40 per cent of 15-year-old boys reported that they smoke.
One in four boys and one in eight girls aged 13-17 have experience of sexual intercourse. One in three adolescents who had experience of sex did not use a condom during their first sexual intercourse.
Thirty-eight per cent of respondents reported being victims of intimidation, humiliation and mistreatment in the previous two months.
One in five adolescents admitted having offended peers online, and over 21% reported suffering cyberbullying.
Only 12 per cent of respondents were aware of the transmission routes of HIV.