The association between medical conditions and gender, well-being, psychosomatic complaints as well as school adaptability

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.