A Pilot Study for Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health among Jordanian Adolescents

Background & Objective(s): Socioeconomic inequalities play an important role in health. Although studies report less inequalities in adolescent health compared to other age groups, there may be differences in their health behavior and mental health. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to analyze these associations. Methods: Using a sample of students (n = 112, aged 13 - 18 years) data were collected from public and private schools in Irbid governorate, Jordan, November, 2018. Measurements included socioeconomic status indicators (education and income of the parents, assessed by the adolescent), the Global School-based Student Health Survey, health behaviors (tobacco use, personal hygiene, dietary behavior), Satisfaction with Life Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant association between the family affluence and both paternal ( p = 0.003) and maternal educational levels ( p =0.008). There was a relationship between paternal education and not having enough food at home ( p = 0.006), adolescents’ eating fruit per week ( p = 0.037), and washing their hands before eating (p = 0.004). Maternal education level was related to the students’ eating vegetables ( p = 0.011) and fruits ( p = 0.030) per week. The association of family affluence with eating fast food was significant ( p = 0.05). The relationship of depression and family affluence was linear. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adolescents’ health behavior may dominantly be related to paternal education, while their mental health may be related to family affluence. The data of this study will help in establishing effective and efficient counseling and support intervention programs.