Affiliations: Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden; The
Nordic School of Public Health, Göteborg, Sweden | Gothenburg Research Institute (GRI) School of
Business, Economics and Law, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Abstract: This study analysed self-assessed quality of life (QoL), using a QoL
questionnaire (Hörnquist's QLcs) covering life spheres, somatic health,
mental well-being, cognitive ability, social and family life, activity,
financial situation, meaning in life and a global score "entire life", for
young people aged 18–24 in a population-based cross-sectional study in
northern Sweden. Of these, 651 were unemployed and 2802 were in work (employed,
students and in military service). Results showed that the young unemployed
exhibited poorer QoL than the young in work and the greatest difference was
found regarding their financial situation. Young men rated somatic health and
mental well-being higher than young women. However, QoL in other essential
domains was rated higher by young women in work. Close friends and money
reserve were important for all participants, no matter whether they were
employed or not. The risk of being young and unemployed was greater if the
person had a worse financial situation, shorter education, and fewer leisure
activities with other people. Finally, it was concluded that while QoL is
poorer when in unemployment – both for the young and those who are older (aged
25–64) – psychological well-being, in contrast to several previous studies,
is even poorer for young people than for those who are older. This is worrying
in a public health perspective and could have implications for unemployment
policies for younger and less well-educated age groups.
Keywords: Unemployment, young, quality of life, health
