Revisiting the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Young Adults in the UK: Long-Term Trends, Temporary Setbacks, and Recovery

Research Square (Research Square), Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 5, 2025

This study assesses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health 16- to 29-year-olds in United Kingdom, using longitudinal data from UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and its predecessor, covering period 2001 2023. The identifies causal effects lockdown (April 2020–March 2021) post-lockdown 2021–March 2022) by estimating counterfactual trajectories based long-term trends. Unlike prior research, it accounts for potential reporting bias introduced UKHLS study. Mental ill-health among young adults had been rising nearly two decades before pandemic. During period, average General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) psychological distress score increased 9% standard deviation, while prevalence clinically relevant rose 4.5 percentage points. was temporary, with levels returning predicted trends April 2021, suggesting no lasting 'scar' health. recovery coincided declining feelings loneliness life satisfaction. also variations pandemic’s gender, household income, age, ethnicity. Women top third income distribution experienced a more pronounced increase during lockdown. However, there is evidence that under-30 age group suffered, average, severe than rest adult population under 60 period. findings challenge prevalent narratives demonstrating relative resilience face

Язык: Английский

The impact of neighborhood deprivation on mental health and quality of life in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the COPSY Hamburg study

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 19(11), С. e0313652 - e0313652

Опубликована: Ноя. 20, 2024

Introduction Socioeconomic inequalities have been associated with poorer mental health outcomes in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite numerous studies on individual risk factors, impact of societal environment, such as neighborhood characteristics, changes has rarely investigated. This study investigates effect deprivation problems health-related quality life (HRQoL) pandemic Hamburg, Germany. Methods Data were derived from prospective German COPSY Hamburg study. Children aged between 11–20 years their parents participated study, which took place summer 2020 (T1) 2022 (T2). Neighborhood was assessed by a status index. Mental HRQoL using internationally validated established instruments. The prevalence impaired reported. Analysis covariance conducted to examine districts (changes in) while controlling for social individual-level indicators. Results total sample included statistical analysis consisted N = 2,645 families. living more deprived areas had higher levels general depressive symptoms However, differences did not relate averaged adolescents’ 2022. Discussion is youth overall well-being should be addressed promotion measures create health-promoting including diverse neighborhoods. Future research focus uniform assessment methods addressing additional factors.

Язык: Английский

‘You can see when your parents are struggling’: a qualitative study of children and young people’s views of Universal Credit

Journal of Social Policy, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 21

Опубликована: Дек. 26, 2024

Abstract By 2025, over eight million UK households will be receiving Universal Credit (UC). Introduced in 2013 to simplify the benefit system and improve work incentives for working age adults, UC has been criticised causing hardship exacerbating inequalities. There is limited research on children young people’s (CYP) views of UC, as well its health social impacts. In this pilot qualitative study, creative methods were used understand among CYP ( n = 40) aged 12–16 years North East England. Findings showed diverse nuanced understanding contested about conditionality, sanctions, lower rates under-25s two-child limit alongside recognition stigma shame associated with benefits. While value paid employment, they stressed importance minimum income standards tailored employment support claimants, taking account their personal, family circumstances. suggest are aware when parents carers struggling financially may try ease pressures parents. Debates principles equality, fairness, justice deservingness present accounts. We conclude by exploring future directions a CYP-centred approach policy.

Язык: Английский