Grant: CIHR Fellowship

This research aims to examine how lifestyle behaviours - such as physical activity, screen time, and sleep - together affect the mental health of Canadian youth. Most studies look at these behaviours separately, but in real life, they do not occur in isolation. For example, too much screen time combined with low physical activity increases the risk of depression and anxiety more than either behaviour on their own. Meanwhile, getting more sleep is beneficial, but if it takes away from physical activity rather than screen time, the positive effects might not be as strong. By viewing lifestyle as a whole, we can better understand its impact on youth health and develop more effective tailored strategies to promote well-being. This study will also examine how socio-cultural factors like income, gender, and cultural/racial background influence these lifestyle behaviours and their effects on mental health. Many current health programs overlook the needs of disadvantaged groups, potentially worsening health disparities. Using data from the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY) from both 2019 and 2023, we will investigate how patterns of lifestyle behaviours and their changes over time are linked to mental health outcomes, and whether this relationship changes based on a youth's socioeconomic, racial or cultural background. By analyzing data from both 2019 and 2023, we can look at how these patterns change over time and identify trends in health disparities. The results will help identify groups of young people who are at higher risk for poor mental health due to unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This knowledge will guide the development of more targeted, effective health interventions that consider the unique needs of different subgroups, instead of relying on a "one-size-fits-all" approach. The findings will also inform policies aimed at improving the mental health of Canadian youth, ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most.