Study on the Mental Health of School-Aged Youth in Guadeloupe in 2023

Introduction – Adolescence is a period during which personal, family, social, and structural factors can influence mental health. Mental health is defined as a “state of well-being that enables us to cope with life’s stressors, realize our potential, learn and work effectively, and contribute to community life,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Method – This article presents data from the 2023 National Survey of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools on Health and Substance Use (Enclass) in Guadeloupe. Students from 6th grade through 12th grade were surveyed on various aspects of their health and life experiences. Results – In 2023, 2,084 students enrolled in schools in Guadeloupe participated in Enclass. The majority of middle and high school students reported being in good or even excellent health (81% and 74%, respectively) and indicated that they had a positive outlook on their current lives. However, only 56% of middle school students and 48% of high school students reported a good level of mental well-being. A significant risk of depression was observed in 17% of 4th and 3rd-year middle school students and 16% of high school students. One-quarter of high school students reported having suicidal thoughts during the 12 months prior to the survey, and 17% of high school students reported a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Overall, girls appeared to be more vulnerable than boys in terms of mental health. Conclusion – The data reveal that most students enrolled in schools in Guadeloupe in 2023 reported being in excellent or good health and were generally satisfied with their lives. However, regarding their reported mental well-being, the results are more concerning, particularly among girls. It seems necessary to create living environments conducive to young people’s well-being, to begin prevention efforts at an early age, to implement measures for the early identification of vulnerabilities, and to destigmatize mental health issues.

Author(s): Bonine Audrey, Philippon Antoine, Pioche Corinne Valérie, Spilka Stanislas, Mane Isabelle, Kangambega Château Degat Walé

Publishing year: 2026

Pages: 315-323

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2026, n° 14, p. 315-323

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