The impact of unemployment on school leavers’ perception of health

Objectives. To explore the financial situation and social contacts of employed, unemployed and studying respondents; the relationship between their employment status and perceived health and possible mediating effect of financial strain and social contacts. Methods. Data were obtained from 844 secondary school leavers (mean age 19.6) from Slovakia. The effect of unemployment on several health indicators (self-rated health, long-term well-being, vitality and mental health) was measured and subsequently controlled for perceived financial strain of respondents and their social contacts. Results. The results showed highest financial strain among unemployed, whereas no differences in social contacts were found between three groups. Negative influence of unemployment on perceived health of respondents was confirmed. Nevertheless, strong influence was found only on long-term wellbeing and mental health of males. The influence on other health indicators was rather weak and a mediating effect of financial situation and social contacts was found. Conclusions. Although unemployment was found to have a negative impact on health of adolescents, sufficiency of social contacts and living with parents in one household seem to decrease this effect and protect the health of unemployed people.