The Relationship Between Pre-Departure Risk-Related Indicators and Post-Pandemic Emigration Plans Among Adolescents

Abstract

The negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic development of weakly diversified Slovak regions has been shown to be associated with emigration plans of young, educated people. The relationship between the emigration plans and the pre-departure health indicators during COVID-19 has become an important issue requiring further research. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pre-departure risk -related indicators (smoking, alcohol consumption) and the post-pandemic emigration plans and intentions to study abroad among Slovak adolescents. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A paper-pencil and online surveys were carried out between October -November 2021. A total sample consisted of 296 adolescents from the eastern part of Slovakia (50.7% girls, M= 17.7 years). Regression analyses examined associations between smoking, alcohol consumption (both during past 30 days), and post-pandemic emigration plans, as well as an intention to study abroad. Gender and COVID-19 related variables were included as the control variables. Adolescents who reported alcohol consumption were more than 2-times more likely to report post-pandemic emigration plans than those who did not report alcohol consumption, controlling for gender and all COVID-19 related factors in the model. Higher level of post-pandemic study abroad intention was found among girls and adolescents who reported alcohol consumption. The results of this study confirmed a gender dimension to intention on study abroad and emigration plans among Slovak adolescents. This study contributed to the understanding of the pre-departure migrationhealth indicators relationship with implications for alcohol school-based prevention and policy.