Assessment of Adolescents (10-19 years) Well-being in Afghanistan: Analysis Based on Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys 2022-23

Abstract

Aim: Adolescents are an increasing proportion of Afghanistan’s population, and adolescence is recognized as a critical stage during which behavioural patterns, risks and challenges that can have lifelong effects on the wellbeing of adolescents.  This paper seeks to provide an in-depth exploration of the well-being of adolescents age 10-19 in Afghanistan, a nation marked by complex sociopolitical dynamics and a long decade of conflict. Methodology: Analysis of adolescent data for individuals age 10-19 from UNICEF Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2022-23 datasets, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The challenges confronting adolescents in Afghanistan are manifold, encompassing socio-economic disparities, limited access to education and healthcare, gender inequities, and the ubiquitous threat of violence and displacement. Factors such as widespread poverty, entrenched harmful practices, and disrupted infrastructure exacerbate their vulnerability, impeding their ability to thrive and fulfill their potential. Moreover, the erosion of social support systems and the traumas of conflict exert a profound toll on their mental and emotional well-being, perpetuating cycles of distress and instability. The analysis shows that wealth quintiles and mothers' level of education significantly influenced outcomes for adolescents across areas such as child marriage, child labor, education attainment, access to literacy and ICT skills and mental health. Conclusion: Adolescents age (10-19) face multi-layered challenges which affects their well-being. A multisectoral approach with a focus on adolescents from low wealth quintiles, and improvement of mothers’ knowledge is imperative to address most of the challenges faced by adolescents in Afghanistan to promote holistic to support fulfillment of their rights and well-being.