Life Satisfaction, Social Environment and Health Behaviours in Adolescents Across Mediterranean Countries

During adolescence, social relationships have a major influence on adolescents’ life satisfaction and health behaviours. These relationships can be influenced by individual and cultural factors. We aim to study life satisfaction, social relationships and health behaviours among adolescents from Mediterranean countries, identifying similarities and distinctions between countries. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) is a World Health Organization collaborative cross-national study conducted every 4 years in 52 countries and regions across Europe and North America (http://www.hbsc.org). The sample included 25,687 students from seven (7) Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, Israel, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal and Spain). The mean age of the participants was 13.6 years (SD 1.6), and 51.5% were females. Indicators of health and well-being—life satisfaction, health-related behaviours, physical activity and eating habits—and developmental contexts were selected from the HBSC questionnaire from 2018 survey. Statistically significant differences were found for all the variables under study. For each of the variables we identified countries with approximate average values and countries that differ. North Macedonia is the country where adolescents showed a higher life satisfaction, more positive relationship with their parents and peers and also who showed a healthier eating behaviour, having breakfast and eating more fruits and vegetables than their counterparts in other Mediterranean countries. In relation to physical exercise, Portugal is the country with the best indicators. Regarding school pressure Greece is the country where adolescents feel the least pressure. The results are discussed from the perspective of cultural and geographical differences and the level of public health strategies. In all countries there is a statistically significant correlation between the variables under study, highlighting the correlation between life satisfaction and perception of health, the relationship with friends, liking school and communication with the father and mother. In order to improve the health of the adolescent population, there is a need for more sustainable multisectoral public policies to take into account developmental life challenges, aiming to promote health behaviours, positive social relations, prevent and reduce unhealthy behaviours and reduce health inequalities, during adolescence and in later life.