Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study

Highlights

This study forms part of global research conducted with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, providing insights into adolescent well-being, health behaviours, and social environments. Ukraine has participated since 2001, with the latest 2022/2023 survey, supported by UNICEF Ukraine, covering 23,612 adolescents aged 11-17.

The study examines mental health, school experiences, risk behaviours, nutrition, physical activity, and social support, while also assessing the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Findings indicate rising emotional distress, with nearly one-third of adolescents feeling persistently sad or hopeless, particularly older teenagers and girls. Bullying remains a concern, affecting one in five students, while substance use has slightly declined.

The war has significantly impacted adolescents, with many facing violence, displacement, and economic hardship, yet family and peer support remain vital resilience factors. These insights help inform policies and programs to improve adolescent health and well-being in Ukraine.