Comparison of self-administration and face-to-face interview for surveys of low back pain in adolescents

Impact of self-reported musculoskeletal pain on health-related quality of life among young adults

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how self-reported musculoskeletal pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated among young adults.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The study population consisted of a subgroup of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 at the age of 19 (N=874), who completed the 15-dimensional (15D) HRQoL questionnaire (score 0 to 1) and answered questions about six-month period prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in neck, shoulder, low back, and peripheral location.

RESULTS

Half of the males and one third of the females reported a 15D score of at least 0.98 and were selected as the reference group in the multinomial logistic regression analysis. Young adults who reported multiple pains had significantly lower 15D scores than those reporting pain in only one location or no pain at all. After adjustments for other health problems, psychosocial distress, parental occupation, and the young adults' own employment status, the reporting of single musculoskeletal pain odds ratio (OR) 2.6 and multiple pains (ORs up to 11.9) among females, and multiple pains (ORs up to 4.6) among males were associated with a 15D score of 0.94 or less.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of involved sites of self-reported musculoskeletal pain was associated with the level of reduction in HRQoL among young adults.

Is insufficient quantity and quality of sleep a risk factor for neck, shoulder and low back pain? A longitudinal study among adolescents

The quantity and quality of adolescents' sleep may have changed due to new technologies. At the same time, the prevalence of neck, shoulder and low back pain has increased. However, only a few studies have investigated insufficient quantity and quality of sleep as possible risk factors for musculoskeletal pain among adolescents. The aim of the study was to assess whether insufficient quantity and quality of sleep are risk factors for neck (NP), shoulder (SP) and low back pain (LBP). A 2-year follow-up survey among adolescents aged 15-19 years was (2001-2003) carried out in a subcohort of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n = 1,773). The outcome measures were 6-month period prevalences of NP, SP and LBP. The quantity and quality of sleep were categorized into sufficient, intermediate or insufficient, based on average hours spent sleeping, and whether or not the subject suffered from nightmares, tiredness and sleeping problems. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for having musculoskeletal pain were obtained through logistic regression analysis, adjusted for previously suggested risk factors and finally adjusted for specific pain status at 16 years. The 6-month period prevalences of neck, shoulder and low back pain were higher at the age of 18 than at 16 years. Insufficient quantity or quality of sleep at 16 years predicted NP in both girls (OR 4.4; CI 2.2-9.0) and boys (2.2; 1.2-4.1). Similarly, insufficient sleep at 16 years predicted LBP in both girls (2.9; 1.7-5.2) and boys (2.4; 1.3-4.5), but SP only in girls (2.3; 1.2-4.4). After adjustment for pain status, insufficient sleep at 16 years predicted significantly only NP (3.2; 1.5-6.7) and LBP (2.4; 1.3-4.3) in girls. Insufficient sleep quantity or quality was an independent risk factor for NP and LBP among girls. Future studies should test whether interventions aimed at improving sleep characteristics are effective in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

The prevalence of unwanted and unlawful sexual experiences reported by Danish adolescents: results from a national youth survey in 2002

AIM

To obtain current data about child sexual abuse in Denmark and to assess abused children's own perception of early sexual experiences, which are unlawful according to the Danish Penal Code.

METHODS

Multimedia computer-based self-administered questionnaires (CASI) were completed by a national representative sample of 15-16-y-olds. Child sexual abuse was defined according to the penal code and measured by questions defining specific sexual activities, the relationship between the older person and the child, and the youth's own perception of the incident.

RESULTS

Among 5829 respondents, 11% reported unlawful sexual experiences, 7% of boys and 16% of girls. Only 1% of boys and 4% of girls felt that they "definitely" or "maybe" had been sexually abused.

CONCLUSION

A relatively high percentage of Danish adolescents have early, unlawful sexual experiences. However, young people's own perception of sexual abuse tends to differ from that of the authorities, or their tolerance of abusive incidents is high. Gender differences were found in factors predicting perception of abuse.

Ethical issues in youth surveys: potentials for conducting a national questionnaire study on adolescent schoolchildren's sexual experiences with adults

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated ethical constraints concerning youth surveys on child sexual abuse (CSA).

METHODS

We reviewed internationally published studies and Danish regulations concerning school-based surveys conducted without active parental consent.

RESULTS

Ethical constraints concerning participants in youth community studies have been scantily assessed. Danish legislation accords minors the right to be heard on issues concerning themselves. The anticipated societal benefits of children's participation in community studies justify conducting anonymous surveys among schoolchildren based upon their own informed consent.

CONCLUSIONS

No ethical or legal objections were found to conducting an anonymous survey in Denmark on CSA among 9th-grade pupils without parental consent, provided that the survey was accompanied by an offer of counseling.