The impact of COVID-19 on young people's mental health, wellbeing and routine from a European perspective: A co-produced qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people's (YP) mental health has been mixed. Systematic reviews to date have focused predominantly on quantitative studies and lacked involvement from YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Therefore, our primary aim was to conduct a qualitative systematic review to examine the perceived impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on YP's (aged 10-24) mental health and wellbeing across Europe. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, MEDRXIV, OSF preprints, Google, and voluntary sector websites for studies published from 1st January 2020 to 15th November 2022. European studies were included if they reported qualitative data that could be extracted on YP's (aged 10-24) own perspectives of their experiences of Covid-19 and related disruptions to their mental health and wellbeing. Screening, data extraction and appraisal was conducted independently in duplicate by researchers and YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties (co-researchers). Confidence was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) approach. We co-produced an adapted narrative thematic synthesis with co-researchers. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021251578. We found 82 publications and included 77 unique studies in our narrative synthesis. Most studies were from the UK (n = 50; 65%); and generated data during the first Covid-19 wave (March-May 2020; n = 33; 43%). Across the 79,491 participants, views, and experiences of YP minoritised by ethnicity and sexual orientation, and from marginalised or vulnerable YP were limited. Five synthesised themes were identified: negative impact of pandemic information and restrictions on wellbeing; education and learning on wellbeing; social connection to prevent loneliness and disconnection; emotional, lifestyle and behavioural changes; and mental health support. YP's mental health and wellbeing across Europe were reported to have fluctuated during the pandemic. Challenges were similar but coping strategies to manage the impact of these challenges on mental health varied across person, study, and country. Short-term impacts were related to the consequences of changing restrictions on social connection, day-to-day lifestyle, and education set-up. However, YP identified potential issues in these areas going forward, and therefore stressed the importance of ongoing long-term support in education, learning and mental health post-Covid-19. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings map onto the complex picture seen from quantitative systematic reviews regarding the impact of Covid-19 on YP's mental health. The comparatively little qualitative data found in our review means there is an urgent need for more high-quality qualitative research outside of the UK and/or about the experiences of minoritised groups to ensure all voices are heard and everyone is getting the support they need following the pandemic. YP's voices need to be prioritised in decision-making processes on education, self-care strategies, and mental health and wellbeing, to drive impactful, meaningful policy changes in anticipation of a future systemic crisis.

Perceived Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction: Does the Role of Gender, Age, Skills, and Psychological Factors Remain Relevant after the COVID-19 Pandemic?

BACKGROUND: After two years of psychological, physical, social, economic, environmental, and societal challenges, this paper examines the psychological health and well-being of Portuguese students based on their socioemotional skills (SSES), positive youth development (PYD), depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS), as well as the relationship between these variables and their influence on perceived quality of life and life satisfaction. METHODS: This study examined 3235 students from lower to upper secondary, half of whom were female (M = 14.46 ± 1.883 years old). Using SPSS software, descriptive statistics were determined for all variables; mean differences between age and gender were found using ANOVA and the post hoc Scheffe test. Linear regressions with the Enter method were used to study how to predict perceived quality of life and satisfaction with life. RESULTS: Males had scores indicating more SSES|optimism, emotional control, resilience, confidence, sociability, creativity, energy, a sense of belonging to school, and PYD. Girls had better skills for cooperating and relating to teachers but more test anxiety and DASS. Younger adolescents had better psychological health, greater skills, and a better perception of quality of life and life satisfaction when compared to older adolescents. Age, gender, SSES, PYD, and the DASS variables can explain 69% of the variance in life satisfaction, while these variables can explain 60.5% of the variance in perceived quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to the relevance of SSES for psychological health and well-being, suggesting that interventions should focus on promoting these variables, paying special attention to female gender and age-related challenges.

COVID-19, Wellness and Life Satisfaction in Adolescence: Individual and Contextual Issues.

During and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, several works reflected on young people's physical and psychological health. The Dual Factor Model, which we refer to as the quadripartite model, is useful for understanding children's and adolescents' psychological health and differentiating them regarding their attitude toward the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this investigation, students from the fifth to twelfth year of schooling enrolled in the DGEEC study "Psychological Health and Wellbeing in Portuguese schools" were considered. Four groups were created based on life satisfaction (low or high) and psychological distress (with or without symptoms). The study included 4444 students (M = 13.39 years ± 2.41), of whom 47.8% were male. Of the participants, 27.2% were in the second cycle of primary education, and 72.8% were in lower and upper secondary education. Differences in gender and education level (as a proxy for age) were observed. Additionally, when considering students' perceptions of changes in their lives following the COVID-19 pandemic (stayed the same, became worse, became better), these three groups were compared concerning personal and contextual variables, revealing significant differences at both the individual and contextual levels. Finally, the study discusses the influence of education and health professionals and the need for friendly public policies.

Truancy: The relevance of resilience-related internal assets, student engagement and perception of school success in youth living with parents and in residential care.

BACKGROUND: School absenteeism is associated with multiple negative short and long-term impacts, such as school grade retention and mental health difficulties. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to understand the role of resilience-related internal assets, student engagement, and perception of school success as protective factors for truancy. Additionally, we investigated whether there were differences in these variables between students living in residential care and students living with their parents. METHODS: This study included 118 participants aged 11 to 23 years old (M = 17.16, SE = 0.26). The majority were female (n = 61, 51.7 %) and Portuguese (n = 98, 83.1 %), with half living in residential care. In this cross-sectional study, participants responded to self-report questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to understand the factors associated with truancy. RESULTS: There were no group differences in resilience-related internal assets and their perception of school success. On the contrary, participants in residential care reported more unexcused school absences, more grade retentions, higher levels of depression, and lower levels of student engagement. Moreover, hierarchical linear regression controlling for key variables (i.e., living in residential care or with parents, school grade retention, and depression) showed that perception of school success and resilience-related internal assets significantly contributed to truancy. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed in the context of universal and selective interventions. These interventions can foster individual strengths and provide opportunities for every student to experience success. Consequently, they promote engagement and reduce the likelihood of school absences, especially for those in more vulnerable situations such as youth in residential care.

We Are Concerned about the Future and We Are Here to Support the Change: Let's Talk and Work Together!

Scarcely explored, intergenerational dialogue may support the re-encounter between generations. BACKGROUND: Focused on intergenerational sharing and on the identification of differences between generations, the project #GenerationsWithAVoice aims to identify generational inequalities, with the aim of promoting awareness of intergenerational challenges, boosting public debate and interest in public policies. METHODS: Twenty focus groups were developed, and an evaluation instrument was applied. RESULTS: (i) Young people believe that they have more knowledge, but less propensity for action, leaving this task to the following generations; (ii) the family and housing emerge as the issues with the greatest number of problems identified, but also as important resources; (iii) government and politics, community and society, and the economy are of less interest and knowledge on the part of this generation; (iv) school seems to be the ideal scenario for the implementation of strategies that lead to change. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the role of this work in the deconstruction of beliefs regarding previous generations, the development of knowledge, and the promotion of cohesion and social support.

COVID-19 and Lockdown, as Lived and Felt by University Students.

In the last 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world, forcing the closure of universities, among other unusual measures in recent history. (1) Background: This work is based on the study HOUSE-ULisbon, a survey carried out during the second confinement (March-May 2021) in Portugal with the collaboration of all the Faculties of the University of Lisbon (UL). The present work aims to explore gender differences in how first-year college students experienced and felt COVID-19 and the second confinement. (2) Methods: A questionnaire was carried out. In total, 976 university students (19.66 years (SD = 4.033); Min = 17 and Max = 65) from the first year of the UL were included, of which 69.5% (n = 678) were female, and 30.5% were male (n = 298). SPSS v. 26 was used for quantitative data and MAXQDA 2020 for qualitative data. (3) Results: Overall, students reported various symptoms of physical and mental discomfort (especially females). Statistically significant differences were found in the problems that could arise from the pandemic, such as the prevalence of higher anxiety and worries by females, and online gaming by males. In coping strategies, differences were found in leisure and family relationships, with greater difficulty on the female side. Social interaction was perceived as difficult or very difficult by both genders. As strategies for future pandemics, they highlighted a concerted effort between the government and media in the transmission of messages to the population, facilitating information, knowledge and adoption of protective behaviors. (4) Conclusions: These results are important data for activating or maintaining resources and services for first-year university students, who in some university institutions were supported during the pandemic by psychological, material (e.g., computers, internet), and financial support measures, which are now diminished or extinct. The impacts on their lives will certainly not be extinguished post-pandemic, and health, education, and public policy measures should be prioritized for this group. These results are important data for activating resources and services for students, informing health and education professionals, and supporting public policies.

Individual and collective protective responses during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 10 different countries: Results from the EUCLID online survey.

BACKGROUND: In times of unprecedented infectious disease threats, it is essential to understand how to increase individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures. The present study therefore examines factors associated with individual and collective pathways. METHODS: Data was collected through an online survey from 4483 participants (70.8% female, M = 41.2 years) across 10 countries from April 15, 2020 to June 2, 2020 as part of the "EUCLID" project (https://euclid.dbvis.de). Structural equation modeling was used to examine individual and collective pathways across and within countries. RESULTS: Overall, the adoption of individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures were high. Risk perception on the individual level and perceived effectiveness at the collective level were positively associated with both individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures. Furthermore, the model explained considerable variance in individual (40.7%) and collective protective behaviors (40.8%) and was largely replicated across countries. CONCLUSIONS: The study extends previous research by demonstrating that individual risk perception and perceived effectiveness of collective measures jointly affect individual protective health behaviors and support for collective measures. These findings highlight the need to jointly consider a variety of behavioral actions against infectious disease threats, acknowledging interactions between individual and collective pathways.

What factors do young people define as determinants of their well-being? findings from the improve the youth project.

BACKGROUND: The UN has recognised well-being as a main goal of The Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-2030). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify the areas of mental health that are the most significant to teenagers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mixed-method approach was applied. Quantitative research included adolescents aged 11-15 years (6,026 in Portugal; 4,545 in Poland). HBSC study results (2013/2014) were analysed in terms of the following variables: self-rated health, life satisfaction (Cantril Ladder, KIDSCREEN-10 Index), and psychosomatic complaints (SCL scale). Focus workshops took place in 2018, with 72 teenagers aged 14 to 16. RESULTS: 16.6% of the Polish participants and 12.7% of the Portuguese participants were concerned about their health. Polish participants were less satisfied with their life [KIDSCREEN score: 25.48 for Poland (SD=6.39), and 29.96 (SD=6.03) for Portugal]. Both nations associated mental health (MH) with the family setting and relationships with friends. An additional association among Portuguese teenagers involved social issues, whereas Polish adolescents were more focussed on relationships with various people in their environment, as well as on experiencing issues at school and in the family. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent MH is determined by stress, environmental pressure and high expectations. The viewpoints of adolescents are the most valuable source of knowledge for specialists, researchers and youth institutions, who can benefit greatly from taking advantage of this resource.

Health risk behaviors before and during COVID-19 and gender differences.

Changes in routines and habits, fear of contamination from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, and economic crisis have resulted in significant impacts upon individuals' lives, health, and risk behaviors. The present study aims to analyze health risk behaviors and gender differences of Portuguese adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative analysis using SPSS v. 26 software presents the evaluation of 5746 responses (M = 48.5 years, SD = 14.3), of which 67.7% were female. t Test was used to study differences in means before and during the pandemic and analysis of variance test to analyze gender differences. In the comparative study before and during the pandemic showed a decrease in the number of meals per day, physical activity and perception of sleep quality; an increase in tobacco use, beer consumption, and media use (TV, mobile phone, social networks, and online games). Gender differences study demonstrated that the number of meals per day suffered a decrease from pre to pandemic in women, while increasing in men, becoming prominent in the second moment under study. Both genders had an increase in consumption behaviors and substance use, but women revealed a decrease in the consumption of wine during the pandemic, while men revealed more consumption behaviors in the variables under study. The use of media also changed, with men showing a higher level in TV hours per day, social networks and online games before the pandemic and in TV hours per day and games/online during the pandemic. Women stand out in the use of mobile phone per day during the pandemic. Daily physical activity decreased during the pandemic, as did sleep quality. Males revealed a higher practice of physical activity at both periods, as well as sleep quality. Based on the results presented, it is expected that considerations and actions in the scope of public health policies and health prevention and promotion, will be rethought and adapted to the specificities of each gender.

COVID-19 Pandemic and the Second Lockdown: The 3rd Wave of the Disease Through the Voice of Youth.

Around the beginning of the 2021 new year, Europe's COVID-19 third wave led many leaders to implement a new lockdown period, with the teaching-learning system returning to the online method once more. The present study aimed to understand the health consequences for adolescents and young adults (AYA) during the third wave's lockdown. This mixed-method study included 592 participants between 16 and 24 years old (M = 19.01, SD = 2.32), with the majority being female (70.9%) and students (82.3%) at high school (55.1%) or university (44.9%). Negative impacts are highlighted in the categories: relationships, physical activity (as well aseno impacts), screen time and academic stress; and no impactsin health and well-being, leisure activities, sleep, diet, academic performance and relationships with teachers and peers. Overall, when compared to the opposite gender, girls report more negative impacts on leisure activities and diet, although more positive impacts on diet, as well as on academic stress; boys stand out in the negative consequences on substance use. At the academic level, students in higher education show more negative impacts on relationships, leisure activities, sleep, diet, screen time and relationships with teachers and peers. Enlightened about the impacts of the second lockdown on their lives, and showing signs of "pandemic fatigue", this study draws attention to the need to associate psychological support measures with those implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

#COVID#BACKTOSCHOOL: Qualitative study based on the voice of Portuguese adolescents.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the exponential increase in cases, educational institutions worldwide were forced to close, making way for digital learning. After a period of confinement and an online teaching methodology, a new school year has begun. However, this new school year included the application of a wide range of measures that transformed the educative setting. The present study aimed to understand the health consequences for adolescents and young adults (AYA) during the back to school period after the COVID-19 lockdown. This mixed-method study included 304 participants between 16 and 24 years old (M = 18.4, SD = 2.12), female (71.1%), Portuguese (90.8%) and students (85.2%). In general, it was with a pessimistic perspective that young people in general, particularly girls and university students, understood the new school reality postconfinement, the effects on friendship relations, leisure activities and physical activity. By demonstrating AYA's ability and competence to identify and expose their problems, this study intends to raise awareness of the need for their involvement in the issues that affect them.

Sleep and Awakening Quality during COVID-19 Confinement: Complexity and Relevance for Health and Behavior.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep and awakening quality (SQ and AQ) during COVID-19 in a large and diversified population in order to identify significant associations and risks in terms of demography, health and health-related behaviors, sleep variables, mental health, and attitudes. METHODS/RESULTS: Online surveys were used for data collection, received from 5479 individuals from the general population, sleep disorder patients, and COVID-involved (medical doctors (MDs) and nurses) and COVID-affected professionals (teachers, psychologists, and dentists). SQ and AQ were worse in adults, females, and high-education subjects. Feeling worse, having economic problems, depression, anxiety, irritability, and a high Calamity Experience Check List (CECL) score during COVID were significantly associated with poor SQ and AQ. Shorter sleep duration, increased latency, poor nutrition, low physical activity, increased mobile and social network use, more negative and less positive attitudes and behaviors were associated with poor AQ. CONCLUSIONS: The SQ logistic regression showed gender, morbidities, CECL, and awakenings as relevant, whereas, for AQ, relevant variables further included age and physical activity. Aiming to have a high stress compliance, each individual should sleep well, have important control of their mood, practice positive behaviors while dismissing negative behaviors and attitudes, practice exercise, have adequate nutrition, and beware of technologies and dependences.

Making the best out of youth-The Improve the Youth project.

Adolescents' mental health determines their general health and their mental health as adults. Improve the Youth project (ITY) was created and implemented among Polish and Portuguese adolescents. The aim of the project was to investigate the well-being of Portuguese and Polish adolescents, and to evaluate differences between them in self-rated health, life satisfaction and perceived psychosomatic health. A mixed-method approach was applied. The quantitative part was based on Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2014 data, including adolescents aged 11-15 years (6026 in Portugal; 4545 in Poland). This study meets the issues raised by the HBSC results, regarding mental health in adolescence, and it is aimed to improve adolescents' social participation and active citizenship. In most study areas, findings in Poland were less favourable than in Portugal. The qualitative part was developed to recognize the main threats for adolescent's well-being. In this, they emphasised that every opportunity to talk about their feelings and needs resulted in improvement of their mental health. Elevated levels of stress were connected to environmental pressure and high expectations that they were often unable to cope with. Nervousness, perceiving that it was impossible to meet expectations, the desire to keep up with their peers, fatigue, and uncertainty of the future increased the feelings of frustration. The differences found between countries may be due to cultural roots, surfacing the relevance of assessing adolescents' mental health needs in the social context of family, school and peers. This study also aims to raise awareness among educators and stakeholders to the importance of youth engagement.

More than one year surfing the waves of covid-19: and now the vaccination / Mais de um ano a surfar as ondas da covid-19: e agora a vacinação / Más de un año surfeando las olas de covid-19: y ahora el vacunación

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) have the skills to contribute to the issues that affect them. This work present the opinions/experiences of Portuguese AYA, related to COVID-19, based on four multi-method studies with participants aged 16-24 years: (1st lockdown) 617 (M = 19.1 years, SD = 2.352); (Back to school) 304 (M = 18.4 years, SD = 2.12); (2nd lockdown) 592 (M = 19.01 years, SD = 2.32) and (Vaccination) 558 (M = 19.34 years, SD = 2.266). In general, results shown that AYA have a negative perspective, especially girls and university students. Most are well informed about the general aspects and trust in vaccination benefits. As conclusion, this study shows AYA competence to participate in the issues that affect them and their ability to propose strategies that may mitigate negative effects and promote a few positive ones

Adolescentes e jovens adultos (AJA) têm as competências necessárias para contribuir para as questões que os afectam. Este trabalho apresenta as opiniões/experiências dos AJA portugueses relacionadas com a COVID-19, com base em quatro estudos multi-método com participantes dos 16-24 anos: (1º confinamento) 617 (M = 19,1 anos, DP = 2,352); (Regresso à escola) 304 (M = 18,4 anos, DP = 2,12); (2º confinamento) 592 (M = 19,01 anos, DP = 2,32) e (Vacinação) 558 (M = 19,34 anos, DP = 2,266). No geral, os resultados mostram que os AJA têm uma perspectiva negativa, especialmente as raparigas e os estudantes universitários. Maioria está bem-informada sobre os aspectos gerais e confia nos benefícios da vacinação. Como conclusão, este estudo mostra a competência da AJA para participar nas questões que os afetam e a sua capacidade de propor estratégias que possam mitigar os efeitos negativos e promover alguns positivos

Los adolescentes y jóvenes adultos (AJA) tienen las habilidades necesarias para contribuir a los asuntos que les afectan. Este estudio presenta las opiniones/experiencias de los AJA portugueses, relacionadas con el COVID-19, en base a cuatro estudios multimétodo con participantes de 16 y 24 años: (1º confinamiento) 617 (M = 19,1 años, DT = 2,352); (Regreso a la escuela) 304 (M = 18,4 años, DT = 2,12); (2º confinamiento) 592 (M = 19,01 años, DT = 2,32) y (Vacunación) 558 (M = 19,34 años, DT = 2,266). En general, los resultados muestran que los AJA tienen una perspectiva negativa, especialmente las chicas y los estudiantes universitarios. La mayoría está bien informada sobre los aspectos general y confia en los beneficios de la vacunación. En conclusión, este estudio muestra la competencia de los AJA para participar en los asuntos que les afectan y su capacidad para proponer estrategias que puedan mitigar los efectos negativos y promover algunos positivos

"Hey, we also have something to say": A qualitative study of Portuguese adolescents' and young people's experiences under COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To give adolescents and youth a voice and listen to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in their lives; (2) to identify their coping strategies; (3) present lessons learned to be better prepared for future pandemics. METHODS: Six hundred and seventeen participants from 16 to 24 years old (M = 19.2 years; F = 19.1 years) answered the online questionnaire during the pandemic lockdown. Sociodemographic data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 and qualitative data with MAXQDA 2020. Engel's Biopsychosocial model supported the analysis and data presentation. RESULTS: in terms of impacts, stands out: biological-headaches and muscle pain; psychological-more time to perform pleasant and personal development activities, but more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, longer screen time, and more substance use; social-increase of family conflicts and disagreements, loss of important life moments, contacts, and social skills, but it allows a greater selection of friendships. Regarding coping strategies, the importance of facing these times with a positive perspective, carrying out pleasurable activities, keeping in touch with family and friends, and establishing routines are emphasized. As lessons for future pandemics, the importance of respecting the norms of the Directorate-General for Health, the need for the National Health System to be prepared, as well as teachers and students for online learning, and studying the possibility of establishing routines with the support of television. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates adolescents and young people's perception of the impacts of the pandemic upon them, as well as their competence to participate in the issues that directly affect them. Priorities to mitigate the impact of future pandemics are presented.

Community-based Youth Participatory Action Research studies with a focus on youth health and well-being: A systematic review.

On the basis of the systematic literature review, we investigate the characteristics of community-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) programs with a focus on health and well-being and their recommendations for future programs. The study was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram. Most included a case study design, mixed or qualitative methodology, interview as data collection, and YPAR youth in data reporting. The sample differs between studies, and most of the work took place in the United States. The stages (raise awareness, capacitation, design, motivation, implementation, evaluation, dissemination, and replication) are evident as a fundamental strategy in these programs.

Emotional Symptoms and Risk Behaviors in Adolescents: Relationships With Cyberbullying and Implications on Well-Being.

Context: Cyberbullying is considered a public health problem with serious consequences on adolescents' health and well-being. Objective: To analyze the relationships between emotional symptoms and risk behaviors with cyberbullying and understand the role of these factors as predictors of well-being. Design: This is a cross-sectional study based on the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children of the World Health Organization (HBSC/WHO) study. Results: More girls reported being involved in cyberbullying as cybervictims, whereas more boys reported being involved in cyberbullying as cyberbullies and cyberbully victims. Girls reported more emotional symptoms, especially fear and sadness; boys reported more risk behaviors, specifically drug use and involvement in fights, but a higher well-being when compared to girls. Cyberbullies and cyberbully victims reported higher alcohol consumption than cybervictims; cyberbullies also reported higher drugs consumption compared to cybervictims and cyberbully victims. Well-being was predicted by emotional symptoms and age, independently of gender; for girls, involvement in fights also predicted well-being. Conclusions: If boys and girls, as well as cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbully victims, present different levels of well-being, emotional symptoms, and risk behaviors vary in function of cyberbullying, it is crucial to develop individual interventions focused on the specific needs of each group.

Adolescents' eating behaviors and its relationship with family meals, body mass index and body weight perception.

INTRODUCTION: healthy diet is important because it affects wellbeing and health, and can reduce the risk of developing diseases or illnesses. OBJECTIVES: this study aimed to analyze the relationship of eating behaviors with family meals, body mass index and body weight perception on adolescents. METHODS: data from 3,693 (1,723 boys) adolescents aged 14-17 years were collected. Adolescents were classified as realistic positive, realistic negative, overestimators, and underestimators, according to their eating habits and eating practices. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: having breakfast with family several times a week (OR = 1.42, p < 0.001) or everyday (OR = 1.64, p < 0.001), and having normal weight (OR = 1.74, p < 0.001) were associated with being realistic positive. On the contrary, realistic negatives were less likely to have breakfast with family several times a week (OR = 0.57, p < 0.001) or everyday (OR = 0.48, p < 0.001), and have normal weight (OR = 0.40, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: adolescents' eating behaviors are related to family meals, and body weight perception. Eating breakfast with family and having normal weight are positive factors in adolescents' awareness of good eating behaviors.

Adolescents' eating behaviors and its relationship with family meals, body mass index and body weight perception / Comportamiento alimentario de los adolescentes y su relación con las comidas familiares, el índice de masa corporal y la percepción del peso corporal

Introduction: healthy diet is important because it affects wellbeing and health, and can reduce the risk of developing diseases or illnesses. Objectives: this study aimed to analyze the relationship of eating behaviors with family meals, body mass index and body weight perception on adolescents. Methods: data from 3,693 (1,723 boys) adolescents aged 14-17 years were collected. Adolescents were classified as realistic positive, realistic negative, overestimators, and underestimators, according to their eating habits and eating practices. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data .Results: having breakfast with family several times a week (OR = 1.42, p < 0.001) or everyday (OR = 1.64, p < 0.001), and having normal weight (OR = 1.74, p < 0.001) were associated with being realistic positive. On the contrary, realistic negatives were less likely to have breakfast with family several times a week (OR = 0.57, p < 0.001) or everyday (OR = 0.48, p < 0.001), and have normal weight (OR = 0.40, p < 0.001).Conclusion: adolescents’ eating behaviors are related to family meals, and body weight perception. Eating breakfast with family and having normal weight are positive factors in adolescents' awareness of good eating behaviors

Introducción: una dieta saludable es importante porque afecta al bienestar y la salud y puede reducir el riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades. Objetivos: analizar la relación de los comportamientos alimentarios con las comidas familiares, el índice de masa corporal y la percepción del peso corporal de los adolescentes. Métodos: se recogieron datos de 3.693 (1.723 niños) adolescentes de 14-17 años. Los adolescentes fueron clasificados como positivos realistas, negativos realistas, sobreestimadores y subestimadores, de acuerdo con sus hábitos alimenticios y prácticas alimentarias. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para analizar los datos. Resultados: desayunar con la familia varias veces a la semana (OR = 1,42, p < 0,001) o todos los días (OR = 1,64, p < 0,001) y tener un peso normal (OR = 1,74, p < 0,001) se ha asociado con ser positivo realista. Por el contrario, los negativos realistas eran menos propensos a desayunar con la familia varias veces a la semana (OR = 0,57, p < 0,001) o todos los días (OR = 0,48, p < 0,001) y tenían peso normal (OR = 0,40, p < 0,001). Conclusión: los comportamientos alimentarios de los adolescentes están relacionados con las comidas familiares y con la percepción del peso corporal. Comer el desayuno con la familia y tener un peso normal son factores positivos en la conciencia de los adolescentes de buenos hábitos alimenticios