Adolescents and young adults' concerns under stress, the COVID-19 pandemic: a Portuguese cross-sectional study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Silva, CF (Author) FMUP; Beirao, D (Author) FMUP; Luísa Sá (Author) FMUP; Paulo Santos (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Frontiers in Psychology

Vol. 14 No. Article 1065593

ISSN: 1664-1078

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-8X5

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260070

Abstract (EN): BackgroundAdolescents and young adults are a critical target regarding reducing healthrisk behaviors' adoption, particularly in a stressful context such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveying their perceptions and behavioral changes may lead to a revised health promotion approach.ObjectivesThis study aims to describe adolescents' and young adults' early reactions to a stressful event, the COVID-19 pandemic, characterizing their social determinants and preferences, such as sources of information, experienced symptoms, habits, and main concerns regarding themselves, their relatives, and the community. We intended to explore the association of their concerns and significant determinants such as age, gender, education, source of information, feelings of fear, prospecting the implications of communication, and individual and social determinants in managing stressful events.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, population-based, self-report survey of 3,898 individuals aged between 16 and 24 years from Portugal.ResultsThe main concerns about COVID-19 were the possibility of transmitting to someone and permanent social changes. Our findings present significant differences according to gender, education, age, and expressing fear.ConclusionThe pandemic deteriorated baseline community inequalities. Young people appreciate official information and are available to contribute to society's safety. However, valuing official information is associated with deeper expressed concerns. Therefore, official information should include strategies to reach young people, promote healthier choices, and avoid distress and disinformation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8