7.2.1 Percentage of 12 to 17 year olds who rated their health as very good or excellent, by gender, Canada and the provinces, 2016
| CAN | NL | PE | NS | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada/Provinces | 75.3 | 74.5 | 67.6 | 75.2 | 72.4 | 75.2 | 76.2 | 80 | 65.8 | 75.7 | 73.6 |
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from Statistics Canada. Table 105-0508 – Canadian health characteristics, annual estimates, by age group and sex, Canada (excluding territories) and provinces, occasional (number unless otherwise noted).
In Canada, 75% of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 years report that they perceive their health to be very good or excellent.
That proportion varied by province.
80% of Manitoba youth reported excellent or very good health as did 66% of Saskatchewan youth.
Overall, girls were more likely to report their health as very good or excellent – 77% versus 73% for Canada overall.
Implications
Research has shown that the way that young people perceive their health depends not only on their physical health status but also by personal, socio-environmental and behavioural factors. Gender is linked to self-rated health – males rating their health higher than females. Young people who are better off financially are more likely to rate their health as high compared with those living in low income. Disability and physical health status are highly associated with self-rated health. Social support and social involvement are also positively related with self-rated health among young people. Young people who are overweight or obese and those who are smokers have lower self-rated health. Higher psychological distress is also associated with lower self-rated health.1
1Vingilis, Evelyn & Wade, Terrance & Seeley, Jane. (2002). Predictors of adolescent self-rated health. Analysis of the National Population Health Survey. Canadian journal of public health. Revue canadienne de santé publique. 93. 193-7.