Perceived health among adolescents: The mediating roles of psychological resilience and self-esteem under socioeconomic and food insecurity risk.

This study explored associations between adolescents' perceived health, socioeconomic status (SES), and food insecurity, and examined the potential mediating roles of psychological resilience and self-esteem these associations. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,000 adolescents aged 14-17 in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey, using multistage stratified sampling. Data were collected through a researcher-developed SES form, the Children's Food Insecurity Experiences Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Child and Youth Resilience Measure. Generalized Linear Models were used for mediation analysis. Lower SES and higher levels of food insecurity were associated with poorer perceived health. The association with perceived health was generally more negative at higher levels of food insecurity severity. Higher psychological resilience was associated with better perceived health, while lower self-esteem was linked to poorer health perceptions. Significant negative indirect associations through both variables were found between SES/food insecurity and perceived health. Findings highlight the role of psychosocial resources in helping to explain differences in perceived health associated with structural disadvantage during adolescence.