A1 Journal article (refereed)
Eriarvoisuus näkyy lasten ja nuorten itsearvioidussa terveydessä (2025)
Self-rated health among Finnish adolescents in 2002–2022

Paakkari, L., Kulmala, M., Markkanen, I., Lyyra, N., & Ojala, K. (2025). Eriarvoisuus näkyy lasten ja nuorten itsearvioidussa terveydessä. Lääkärilehti, 80, Article e42560. https://www.laakarilehti.fi/e42560

JYU authors or editors

Paakkari, Leena
Kulmala, Markus
Markkanen, Ilona
Lyyra, Nelli
Ojala, Kristiina

Publication details

All authors or editors: Paakkari, Leena; Kulmala, Markus; Markkanen, Ilona; Lyyra, Nelli; Ojala, Kristiina

Journal or series: Lääkärilehti

ISSN: 0039-5560

eISSN: 2489-7434

Publication year: 2025

Publication date: 07/01/2025

Volume: 80

Article number: e42560

Publisher: Suomen lääkäriliitto

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

Persistent website address: https://www.laakarilehti.fi/e42560

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99779

Additional information: Tiede | Alkuperäistutkimus

Abstract

BACKGROUND We investigated the proportions of children and adolescents who rated their health as poor or fair between 2002 and 2022, and the factors influencing this perception over time. Research on this topic is limited.
METHODS The cross-sectional data consisted of survey responses from 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds from 2002 to 2022 (n = 33,543). Perceived poor or fair health was examined in relation to age, gender, family affluence, social support, and health behaviour, using cross-tabulations, confidence intervals, and structural equation models.
RESULTS From 2002 to 2022, 11%–16% of respondents rated their health as poor or fair. This perception was consistently more common among older respondents, those from families with lower relative affluence, those with moderate or low social support, those who did not meet physical activity and sleep recommendations, and among girls in 2002, 2006, and 2022. Joint examination of the associated factors confirmed the association of family affluence, social support, and health behaviour with self-rated health at all three survey rounds (2014-2022).
CONCLUSIONS Health disparities among children and adolescents are persistent. Health inequality must be monitored, and equal opportunities for good health ensured for everyone.

Keywords: children (age groups); young people; self-rated health; health differences; inequality; socioeconomic status; health behaviour; exercise habits; social support