Modifiable factors for the trajectory of health-related quality of life among youth growing up in poverty: a prospective cohort study

Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K. M., Ho, F. K., Chen, Q., Chen, M. and Ip, P. (2021) Modifiable factors for the trajectory of health-related quality of life among youth growing up in poverty: a prospective cohort study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9221. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph18179221) (PMID:34501815) (PMCID:PMC8431388)

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Abstract

Poverty is a decisive risk factor for poor health and well-being, and its negative consequences could be more severe and substantial among children. Understanding the factors associated with improvement in well-being is vital to design interventions. This is a prospective cohort study of 546 youth growing up in families in poverty in Hong Kong. All participants were assessed twice, in 2016 and 2019, in regard to their physical and mental health, as well as for different economic, social, and psychological variables. The results show that approximately 41% experienced an improvement in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Findings from the logistic regression analyses suggest that the health and development of youth in poverty may be restored by promoting social support, a sense of hope, future orientation, job stability, and money management practices, such as savings, during childhood and adolescence. The findings shed light on future policy making and forms of service development that could help to end the vicious cycle of poverty and hampered health.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The work described in this paper was supported by the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Keywords:Poverty, child, health-related quality of life.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ho, Dr Frederick
Creator Roles:
Ho, F. K.Data curation, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K. M., Ho, F. K., Chen, Q., Chen, M., and Ip, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:1661-7827
ISSN (Online):1660-4601
Published Online:01 September 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(17): 9221
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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