Preliminary results of large-scale study published
Researchers from the University of Luxembourg have published preliminary results of a representative study about young people and COVID-19 (YAC). A team led by Robin Samuel conducted a survey among residents between 12 and 29 years of age in Luxembourg to identify the social, economic, and health consequences of the measures introduced in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The YAC project is funded by the FNR and Luxembourg’s Ministry of Education, Childhood and Youth.
More than 50% of the teenagers and young adults in Luxembourg say they are concerned about COVID-19 and the possible changes induced by the pandemic. In general, the level of concern appears to be more pronounced among young adults than among teenagers. Almost 80% of the teenagers and young adults say that they are “very well” or “well” informed about the measures against COVID-19.
The report concludes that young people seem to be aware of their responsibility in containing the spread of the coronavirus. Most of them claim to have the necessary information and the means to act responsibly. Negative effects of COVID-19 and the measures against COVID-19 are apparent, but do not seem to be predominant among young people.
However, the longer the COVID-19 pandemic lasts and the more individual and societal resources are depleted, the more likely it is that negative effects will start to show. The beginnings of socio-demographic and socio-economic inequalities in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic can already be identified. Young men are, for example, less likely to report that they consider the measures to combat COVID-19 to be justified and that they adhere to them. At the same time, young people with low socio-economic status are less likely to report that they are coping well with the current situation or that they find it easy to adhere to the measures in place.
The preliminary results are based on data of 3,768 participants collected by the YAC team in July 2020 and allow for initial observations concerning the resident population. The report on the preliminary results focuses on COVID-19 specific aspects, such as measures implemented, as well as on opinions and feelings among young people.
The publication is available in five languages: English, French, German, Luxembourgish and Portuguese.
More information about the project:
and on jugend-in-luxemburg.lu