Olsson A, Hasselgren M, Hagquist C, Janson S. The association between medical conditions and gender, well-being, psychosomatic complaints as well as school adaptability.
Acta Paediatr 2013;
102:550-5. [PMID:
23398348 DOI:
10.1111/apa.12174]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM
The aim was to assess the association between medical conditions and gender, well-being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability. The second aim was to determine whether self-reported medical conditions should be included in class-room questionnaires that deal with well-being and risk behaviour.
METHODS
A cross-sectional class-room questionnaire was given to all 15- to 16-year-olds within a Swedish county. The questionnaire included background factors, subjective health, well-being, psychosomatic complaints, self image, drug use and also several themes from the school context. In addition, there were 13 medical conditions/problems to tick (yes or no) and an open alternative for other problems/medical conditions.
RESULTS
3108 questionnaires (response rate 84%) were analysed. The majority of the girls and the boys reported no medical conditions; however, 49% of the girls and 39% of the boys reported at least one medical condition. The medical conditions were associated with gender, well-being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability. The association was stronger for girls than for boys.
CONCLUSION
Medical conditions among these teenagers were associated with gender, well-being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability, particularly for girls. Our results suggest that medical conditions could preferably be included in regular classroom questionnaires.
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