in Savoie, the health of 53% of 18-24 year olds has been affected by the health crisis

The Departmental Union of Family Associations (UDAF) of Savoie studied the impact of the health crisis on the health of residents. The study shows that the repercussions mainly affect mental health, especially among young people.

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Distance courses, canceled internships, forbidden evenings: young people aged 18 to 24 have lost all their bearings since the start of the health crisis. So much so that the phrase “It’s hard to be 20 in 2020“pronounced by Emmanuel Macron during his speech on October 15, has become the slogan of Generation Z.

Between frustration and disenchantment, more and more young people are suffering from this situation which is beginning to have an impact on their mental health.

Young people “regularly anxious and depressed”

According to the Departmental Union of Family Associations (UDAF) of Savoie, 53% of young people aged 18 to 24 questioned believe that the health crisis has had an impact on their health. They are even 77% to have felt lonely during the first confinement, while only 34% of men and 45% of women of all ages say they have suffered from loneliness.

Worse, 53% of young people surveyed feel “regularly anxious“since the start of the crisis, and 60% feel”regularly depressed“.

The results of this study, carried out between January and February 2021 among 1337 inhabitants of Savoy, surprised the representatives of Udaf 73. “The people who suffered most from isolation were thought to be the elderly, recognizes Laetitia Dumoulin, research and communication officer for Udaf. But in reality, it is the young and the working people who are most affected“.

Weight gain and decreased physical activity

Besides mental health, physical health is also affected by the health crisis. The Udaf 73 survey also shows a weakening of access to care and an increase in non-recourse. Regardless of age, 53% of respondents say they have postponed medical appointments and 52% have given up medical consultations.

The impact of the health crisis has changed lifestyles, which could have consequences on the health of Savoyards in the long term. More than 60% of respondents believe that their physical activity has decreased, which may explain the weight gain recorded in 33% of men and 44% of women.

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