Negative trends in the Saxony-Anhalt region, as revealed by the HBSC study.
Revamped Report: The New Normal for Students in Saxony-Anhalt
Life after COVID-19 is transforming, and a recent study reveals the ups and downs of this transition for students in Saxony-Anhalt. Commissioned by the Institute of Medical Sociology at the University Medicine Halle and supported by IKK gesund plus, the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey sheds light on the health landscape of the state's students. Nearly 5,000 11-15 year olds partook in the study, with results compared to those from 2018 for a comprehensive analysis.
The Good News First
Despite some disheartening discoveries, about 85% of participants rated their health positively, and school satisfaction levels remained high. However, self-assessments showed slightly better results in 2018.
A Darker Side Emerges
While these statistics seem promising, the study also highlights concerning developments. The frequency of psychosomatic complaints, particularly sleep problems and symptoms related to anxiety disorders, has significantly increased. More than 18% of students report feeling chronic loneliness, and nearly a quarter of students show signs of anxiety disorder symptoms.
Worryingly, bullying and violence incidents have escalated, especially in the gymnasium sector and among younger students. The impact of social media on young people's lives underscores the need for preventive measures.
Substance Use: A Growing Concern
The study found an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among students, over the past four years. While daily fruit and vegetable consumption increased, so did the consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Approximately one-third of participants reported skipping breakfast at least once a week.
Regarding family relationships, around 75% reported receiving support from their families, but communication with parents, especially among girls, has decreased.
The Road Ahead
The data signals a need for urgent action, as Professor Dr. Irene Moor, the study's representative and head at the Institute of Medical Sociology, states, "We need to address these deteriorations in children and young people's health urgently."
IKK gesund plus endorses the HBSC study, hoping to empower relevant stakeholders across the country to prioritize the health of young people. Addressing the causes and implementing comprehensive preventive measures can help alleviate the rise in sleep problems, anxiety symptoms, bullying, and substance use.
Causes, Preventive Measures, and CollaborationThe rise in problematic behaviors can be attributed to several factors, including social media pressure, academic stress, socioeconomic instability, and insufficient mental health resources. To address these issues, educational support, digital literacy and safety, community and family engagement, and health and wellness initiatives should be prioritized.
Close collaboration with local health authorities, regular assessments, and adjustments to strategies as needed will facilitate effective implementation and monitoring.
By focusing on these areas, we can create a healthier environment for our children and young people in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The science of health and wellness reveals a significant increase in psychosomatic complaints, such as sleep problems and anxiety disorder symptoms, among students in Saxony-Anhalt.
- workplaces and educators ought to prioritize workplace-wellness and education-and-self-development initiatives to help alleviate the rise in anxiety symptoms and boost mental health.
- For family-health, it's important to improve communication with parents, especially among girls, and provide more family support to help address the decline in family relationships connected to health.
- To combat the growing concern of substance use, like increased alcohol and tobacco consumption, and unhealthy eating habits, nutrition and fitness-and-exercise programs could be beneficial for students in Saxony-Anhalt.
- By focusing on personal-growth and learning through these health and wellness initiatives, students can hopefully achieve better overall health and well-being.
- Learning to navigate social media responsibly plays a crucial part in preventing its negative impact on young people's lives, making digital literacy and safety an essential component of preventive measures.
