Soziale Determinanten der subjektiven Gesundheit, Lebenszufriedenheit und krankheitsbedingten Schulfehltage von Heranwachsenden in Deutschland: Erste Ergebnisse des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of social determinants on subjective health, life satisfaction and absence from school due to illness among adolescents in secondary schools, by using data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS).Data was obtained from the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). The sample included (n=5 790) 6th grade pupils in regular schools in 2011 (Starting Cohort 3, Wave 2). The socioeconomic background of adolescents was measured by pupils' school type as well as household income and parental education level. Family structure and gender were considered as additional social determinants in the analyses. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression techniques were applied.The results show that type of school and low household income were related to poor subjective health among students. Life satisfaction varied by family structure and school type. For absence from school due to illness, we found a weak association with students in low track schools.The results indicate that especially the school type had the most important impact on subjective health, life satisfaction and absence from school due to illness. Health promotion and preventive strategies should particularly focus on pupils in low track schools and in relation to socially unequal distribution of educational opportunities also on young people from households with low socioeconomic status.