Social Determinants of Health/Mental Health Inequalities Among Youth in Kosovo

This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of health and mental health disparities among young people in Kosovo, underscoring the essential role played by the local physical, social, and economic contexts. Adopting a life-course perspective illustrates how health challenges faced during childhood and adolescence are linked to subsequent educational achievements and employment prospects. Through this lens, the chapter sheds light on the complex interplay between early health issues and later life outcomes, advocating for a holistic understanding of youth well-being within Kosovo’s unique environmental backdrop. Recognizing the scarcity of research focused on health inequalities in Kosovo and similar non-Western settings, this chapter undertakes a thorough review of available literature through searches in Psych-Info, PubMed, and Google Scholar, analyzing 34 documents, including peer-reviewed articles by Kosovar academics and reports from both local and international organizations. The analysis points to education, socioeconomic factors, family and community support systems, and the accessibility of health and mental health services as vital determinants influencing youth health in Kosovo. Additionally, the chapter spotlights effective interventions and prevention programs that aim to empower Kosovar youth and enhance their well-being. The findings advocate for increased support to mitigate these health disparities, suggesting that focused empowerment initiatives could play an essential role in improving the health outcomes of young people within the Kosovo context.