Factors associated with the subjective health complaints among adolescents: Results from the ASSO Project

Abstract

Objectives. Subjective health complaints (e.g. headache and feeling low) are common among adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective health of adolescents from a population-based point of view. Material and methods. A sample of 712 students was recruited within the web-based Project ASSO (Adolescents and Surveillance System for the Obesity prevention), funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and piloted in Palermo. A 0-100 quantitative score (arbitrarily named "psychosomatic malaise index") based on the frequency of occurrence of seven subjective health complaints was created and used as outcome; socio-demographic characteristics, medical items and lifestyle data were collected as potential explanatory variables. Associations were evaluated through a bivariate analysis first, and a multiple linear regression model afterwards by correcting for confounders. Results. The psychosomatic malaise index averaged 49.0 within the girls and 36.8 within the boys. After adjustment, the psychosomatic malaise index was confirmed to be significantly higher in the females, subjects with a diagnosed disease, smokers and alcohol consumers. Conclusions. Beyond the female gender, incorrect lifestyles such smoking and drinking alcohol may play an important role in the quality of life of adolescents, and thus preventive

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Healthy Lifestyle in Children and Adolescents and Its Association with Subjective Health Complaints: Findings from 37 Countries and Regions from the HBSC Study

“…During childhood and adolescence, subjective somatic and psychological complaints such as headaches, stomach aches, backaches, feeling dizzy, feeling low, being irritated, feeling nervous or having difficulties in sleeping are common [1]. Subjective health complaints increase with rising age, mainly among girls and youth from lower socioeconomic status [2,3,4,5].…”

“…Among adolescents, subjective health complaints are also related to dropping-out of school [9] and consequently to lower levels of education in adulthood [10], representing a functional significance. In addition, subjective health complaints are associated with physical wellbeing, are an indicator of mental ill health, and may become chronic pain symptoms and psychological disorders in adulthood [5].…”

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