Factors predicting mental health in youth during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spain

BACKGROUND: The first COVID-19 lockdown decreed in Spain by the government resulted in a significant disruption in the daily lives of youth that may have affected their mental health. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influenced youth mental health during this period. Methods: Between March and May 2020, a sample of 1205 youths (age range 18–24 years) from across Spain completed a questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, mental health, loneliness, coping with humour and healthy habits. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. RESULTS: The proposed model showed good fit values, and significant variables explained 37% of mental health. loneliness, coping humour, healthy and unhealthy habits, and gender significantly predicted youth mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The consequences of the pandemic and confinement derived from COVID-19 seemed to be especially severe for youth, increasing their mental health vulnerability. It is recommended that evaluating the long-term effects of confinement on this population, the mental health needs they may have and the support resources that would help meet them in situations of isolation, paying special attention to females. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-023-01367-0.