Self-Reported Mental Health and Risky Lifestyle in Swedish Youth

Self-reported mental health and risky lifestyle in Swedish youth Marie Väfors Fritz (Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Sweden), Anna-Karin Ivert (Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Sweden) Mental ill-health has become increasingly common among youth in Sweden. Mental ill-health and criminality are substantial public health problems in terms of human suffering as well as direct and indirect societal costs. A particularly vulnerable group to experience mental health problems and subsequent consequences are immigrants and immigrants’ children. Identification difficulties, social constrains and psychosomatic symptoms are some of the arduousness experienced by immigrants and reflect the hurdles of acculturation. Another vulnerable group in terms of specific mental health symptoms constitutes half of the population, females. More females than ever seek help and treatment for depression, alcohol abuse and suicidal attempts and recommendations are to develop a knowledge base and lead local discussions to stop this down spiral trend. Hence, the purpose of the present study is to investigate mental health and lifestyles among 15-16 year olds living in Malmo, Sweden. The first aim is to explore how these youths report their mental health according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Secondly, the relationship between reported mental health and problematic lifestyle (such as drinking, smoking, and delinquency) will be explored. Lastly, possible differences in mental health and lifestyles across sex and ethnicity will be investigated. Results indicate differences in self-reported mental health across sex and ethnic groups