Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of health-related determinants and COVID-19 pandemic on the academic achievement of Colombian youth.

Methods

Nationwide study based on the results of official exams of more than two million students during the period 2017-2020. Sociodemographic characteristics, dietary, ethnicity, child labour factor, and region-level rurality were considered as independent variables. A two-level structural equation model was used to assess the effect of individual- and state-level variables. Analyses were stratified by academic domains and global score.

Results

Health-related determinants, including belonging to an ethnic minority and child labour were associated with a reduction in global scores (20.07, 95 % CI 19.81-20.33 and 10.62, 95 % CI 10.49-10.76 points, respectively), whereas the youth from higher socioeconomic status achieved a 2.21 points increase. COVID-19 pandemic and rurality did not implied significant changes in the scores, however, rurality was associated with a reduction of 0.01 points in foreign language score (English).

Conclusions

Health determinants not only affect the common outcomes in health but also explain educational inequalities in Colombian youth. Beyond an increased risk of morbidity or mortality, as reported elsewhere, belonging to a minority, coming from a lower socioeconomic stratum and be in need to work, put in risk the personal fulfilment of youth, which entail poor future health performance. A more comprehensive analysis of health determinants and its consequences is needed in young people.