Adolescents in Greece in Time of Economic Crisis

Greece is among the countries hit most severely by the recent global economic recession. Given that poverty early in life can have long-lasting implications, investigation of the recession’s impact on adolescents’ well-being is critical for guiding relevant policies and interventions. We examined its impact on adolescents’ lives in Greece and trends in well-being indicators before and during the crisis. Data were drawn from three successive waves (2006, 2010 and 2014) of the HBSC survey in Greece. Stratified probability samples of between 3500 and 4200 students aged 11, 13 and 15 years completed anonymous questionnaires in their classrooms. Data were analysed by X 2 tests and logistic regression taking account of the complex survey design. Latent class analysis (LCA) of the repercussions of the crisis perceived by adolescents such as parental unemployment, fights within the family and constraints on going on holidays was conducted. Student’s life satisfaction has fallen. Older students reported effects of the crisis more than younger ones. While cannabis use increased among boys, smoking and alcohol consumption decreased in both genders. Logistic regression including the latent classes showed that reporting more repercussions of the economic crisis was associated with more cannabis use and smoking among students of both genders, and more alcohol consumption among boys. The findings enhance our understanding of the impact of the economic crisis on adolescents and families in Greece. These data can aid in shaping policies to protect families and their offspring from the repercussions of adverse economic conditions.