HBSC Briefing Paper 11: Family Affluence and Health Among Schoolchildren

Levin, K., Todd, J., Inchley, J. , Currie, D., Smith, R. and Currie, C. (2007) HBSC Briefing Paper 11: Family Affluence and Health Among Schoolchildren. Other. Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU), Edinburgh, UK.

Abstract

Inequalities in social circumstances can have profound effects on health and well-being. The impact of social inequalities on the health of young children and adults is well documented but less is understood about the adolescent population. While some studies have found there to be social inequalities in adolescent behavioural problems and psychological and emotional well-being (Starfield,2002; McMunn et al, 2001; Ford et al, 1994), others have suggested little or no evidence for health inequalities during adolescence (West, 1997). This Briefing Paper examines one source of inequalities in young people’s lives - that of family material affluence. It presents research findings for 11-15 year-olds from the 2002 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children: WHO Collaborative Cross-National Study (HBSC) in Scotland and compares findings from Europe and NorthAmerica. A map and HBSC countries list are presented in the Technical Appendix where the survey methodology is also described. Socioeconomic inequalities are prevalent and increasing throughout the industrialised nations of the world (Vleminckx and Smeeding, 2001). The HBSC study gives a unique opportunity to examine the impact of this on young people’s health across Europeand North America. This eleventh briefing paper in the series brings a focus to the Scottish data using a comparative perspective and summarises key parts of the International Report from the 2002 HBSC Survey (Currie et al, 2004). This paper examines associations between family affluence and aspects of adolescent health and well-being, including eating habits, physical activity, reported health and life satisfaction. The purpose of the paper is to increase knowledge and understanding of health inequalities among young people in Scotland; to provide evidence of inequalities for policy makers and practitioners; and to inform actions aimed at health improvement among adolescents.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Other)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Inchley, Dr Joanna
• Authors: Levin, K., Todd, J., Inchley, J., Currie, D., Smith, R., and Currie, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Publisher: Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU)