We often think that health issues do not affect young people. However, they are strongly concerned. Indeed, although this population considers itself in good physical and mental health, the health of young people remains a concern for public authorities, particularly because young adulthood is a pivotal period where new practices and behaviors multiply, including those at risk which can become difficult to eliminate and have a harmful impact later in life. Status report with Mutualia on the relationship between young people and health.
Main health risks for young people
Young people have special development needs, especially around the age of 20. Thus, through their specific lifestyle (exploration and experimentation), but also depending on social, cultural, economic and financial factors, young people are exposed to various health risks , such as risky behaviors, certain developmental disorders, mental suffering, or difficulties related to affective and sexual life.
All social, cultural and environmental factors are all important. But most of the time young people are unaware of the harms associated with risky behaviors , lack the skills to protect themselves and suffer from a lack of knowledge on how and where to seek help for their health problems. By intervening at this early stage in life, however, many chronic diseases later in life can be prevented .
The relationship of young people to health
Heyme and Opinion Way conducted a survey in July 2019 showing the relationship of young people, particularly students, to health. Although the vast majority of them declared themselves to be in good health, this study nevertheless highlighted a plethora of risky behaviors and psychological disorders affecting our young people . Summary of the main elements of this survey available here.
Degree of attention paid to health
Only 10% of young people’s monthly budget is devoted to physical activity and health in general , even though these two items are essential to well-being and the prevention of disorders later in life, particularly linked to cardiovascular diseases. . Concerning the field of health more specifically, 83% of students do not or do not systematically consult a doctor when necessary , with 57% of them “ waiting for it to pass ” and 39% who practice self-medication.
Youth and Nutrition
The study shows very clearly that bad eating habits set in very early , while a healthy and balanced diet is essential to avoid serious disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes for example, pathologies that are increasingly more present in our modern societies.
Thus, only 43% of young people say they monitor their diet and 32% pay no attention to it . Furthermore, 94% admit to snacking, especially out of greed (54%) or for having skipped a meal. The meal least consumed by young people (45%) is breakfast, a meal that is nevertheless essential to meet the energy needs of the first part of the day and thus avoid fatigue, concentration problems, cravings, or even hypoglycemic states.
Youth and sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential to allow the body to recharge the batteries. However, more than half of young people report having sleep problems (55%), of which 33% are due to stress, which mainly causes problems falling asleep, waking up at night, insomnia and waking up early.
Young people and stress
Just like working adults, young people also experience stress , particularly related to their studies (exam periods, studies in general and orientation). Thus, although 77% of students are satisfied with their life, 9 out of 10 say they are stressed during the year, 1/3 of whom are constantly stressed . Furthermore, 70% of young people have already felt overwhelmed, overwhelmed by their daily lives, exacerbating their states of stress and anxiety.