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Löfstedt P, Arnarsson AM, Corell M, Lyyra N, Madsen KR, Torsheim T, Thorstensson EB, Välimaa R, Damsgaard MT, Eriksson C. On the time trends among school-aged children in the Nordic countries. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Long-term trends in mental health of school-aged children can be analysed in the HBSC study. In Sweden the proportion of the children that report at least two weekly health complaints during the last six months has increased from the first data collection 1985/1985 to the latest 2017/2018 among all age groups for both girls and boys. Among the 11-year-old it reached 41 % among girls and 30 % boys, and among 15-year-old girls 62 % and boys 35 %. Can we trust this?
The prevalence of two or more weekly health complaints showed large differences by country over time and especially in 2014, when Iceland and Sweden showed an almost 10%-point larger prevalence of multiple weekly symptoms (about 35%) than Denmark, Finland and Norway (about 25%). Norway was the only country to show a decline during 2002-2014.
The prevalence of sleep difficulties has increased over the 12-year period in Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. In Sweden the prevalence fell from 26% to 21% from 2002 to 2006 but rose by 10% points from 2010 to 2014. Only Norway showed a positive development over the 12-year period; the prevalence declined in 2014 to 17% the lowest prevalence of sleep difficulties in any of the five Nordic countries.
The trend of excellent self-rated health for Nordic adolescents indicates a small overall improvement between 2002 and 2006 but a stable trend in the following periods up until 2014. Finland and especially Sweden shows a decline in the prevalence of students having an excellent self-rated health. The only country to show a positive development in the prevalence of students having excellent self-rated health from 2002 to 2014, is Norway. The overall prevalence of adolescents having high life satisfaction has declined in most of the Nordic countries examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Löfstedt
- Department of Mental Health, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A M Arnarsson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Corell
- Department of Mental Health, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N Lyyra
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - K R Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Torsheim
- Department of Psychosocial Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E B Thorstensson
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armisted, Australia
| | - R Välimaa
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - M T Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Eriksson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Eriksson C, Arnasson AM, Lyyra N, Madsen KR, Torsheim T, Thorsteinsson EB, Välimaa R, Damsgaard MT, Due P. Setting the scene: controversies on trends in mental health among adolescents in the Nordic countries. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
At present there are different positions regarding trends in adolescent mental health. Can we trust trend data on the mental health among adolescents in the Nordic countries? Some question the trustworthiness of adolescent self-reports, which describe ordinary daily hassles as health complaints, which cannot be interpreted as signs of mental disorders. In addition, today there is a more open climate for talking about mental issues, which can lead to an overestimation of the prevalence of mental disorders.
Statistics on mental health services statistics report increased psychopharmaceutic prescriptions as well as consumption of professional care. Such data argues for increased governmental investment in adolescent mental health services. Is this pattern due to increased availability of mental health services and/or increased prevalence of mental health problems in the adolescent population?
A concern is that data availability influences policymaking and allocation of resources. If there is an emphasis on self-reported data from adolescents that may an increased risk of medicalization of young people's dealing with their daily lives. If on the other hand the reported problems among young people is disregarded, this would be against the UN Child Convention.
The survey data has important qualities especially if the data is analysed and reported properly. The validation of survey measure has been done both regarding psychometric quality and content validity. Advanced analysis of the data can draw a more nuanced picture. Moreover, some screening instruments have been developed as a first step towards making diagnosis. Instead the HBSC surveys ask boys and girls about their health and well-being, social environment and health behaviours. HBSC uses findings at national and international levels to gain new insights into young people's health and wellbeing, understand the social determinants of health, and inform policy and practice to improve young people's lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Eriksson
- Department of Public Health, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A M Arnasson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - N Lyyra
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - K R Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Torsheim
- Department of Psychosocial Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E B Thorsteinsson
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armisted, Australia
| | - R Välimaa
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - M T Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Due
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Andreassen C, Pallesen S, Torsheim T, Demetrovics Z, Griffiths M. Tanning addiction: conceptualization, assessment and correlates. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:345-352. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Pallesen
- Department of Psychosocial Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - T. Torsheim
- Department of Psychosocial Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - Z. Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology; Eötvös Loránd University; Budapest Hungary
| | - M.D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit; Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham U.K
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Erevik EK, Pallesen S, Vedaa Ø, Andreassen CS, Torsheim T. "Freshman's week": characteristics associated with participation and experiencing adverse effects. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2018; 13:21. [PMID: 29843744 PMCID: PMC5975484 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-018-0161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Freshman's week" (FW) is a Norwegian initiation ritual to higher education. Previous research has suggested that FW-participation is associated with better social adjustment to the student setting, as well as heavy alcohol use both during and after the event. In this study, we aimed to identify characteristics associated with participation in FW and characteristics associated with experiencing adverse effects of alcohol use during FW. METHODS Students in the city of Bergen, Norway participated in a survey during fall 2015, shortly after FW. The current sample consisted of the first-year students (N = 4, 401, estimated response rate: 49%). The sample's mean age was 24 years (range: 17-73 years), 65% were females, and the majority were born in Norway (93%). Logistic regressions were conducted to identify characteristics associated with participation in FW and experiencing adverse effects. RESULTS A total of 64% of the first-year students reported participation in FW, and 27% of these reported experiencing at least one adverse alcohol-related effect during FW. Participation in FW was positively associated with being single (OR = 1.29), extroversion (OR = 1.18), and alcohol use (OR = 1.28), and inversely associated with age (OR = 0.70), and having children (OR = 0.36). Several characteristics (e.g., alcohol use (OR = 1.84), extroversion (OR = 0.60), symptoms of depression (OR = 1.60)) were associated with an increased risk of experiencing adverse effects of alcohol use during participation. CONCLUSION The current results suggest that initiatives for increasing the participation rate in FW, reducing alcohol use during FW, and decreasing the occurrence of adverse alcohol effects during FW are warranted. Aiming to reduce the focus on alcohol use during FW, and seeking to make FW more available and enjoyable for students with other priorities, students who do not match the stereotype of the typical first-year student, and less sociable students, might both increase participation rate and prevent the occurrence of adverse alcohol effects. Future studies should aim to develop and assess interventions designed to increase participation in FW and reduce the occurrence of adverse effects related to participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Erevik
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, PO. Box. 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - S Pallesen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, PO. Box. 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ø Vedaa
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, PO. Box. 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - C S Andreassen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - T Torsheim
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, PO. Box. 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway
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Looze MED, Huijts T, Stevens GWJM, Torsheim T, Vollebergh WAM. The Happiest Kids on Earth. Gender Equality and Adolescent Life Satisfaction in Europe and North America. J Youth Adolesc 2017; 47:1073-1085. [PMID: 29019054 PMCID: PMC5878193 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-017-0756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cross-national differences in adolescent life satisfaction in Europe and North America are consistent, but remain poorly understood. While previous studies have predominantly focused on the explanatory role of economic factors, such as national wealth and income equality, they revealed weak associations, at most. This study examines whether societal gender equality can explain the observed cross-national variability in adolescent life satisfaction. Based on the assumption that gender equality fosters a supportive social context, for example within families through a more equal involvement of fathers and mothers in child care tasks, adolescent life satisfaction was expected to be higher in more gender-equal countries. To test this hypothesis, national-level data of gender equality (i.e., women’s share in political participation, decision making power, economic participation and command over resources) were linked to data from 175,470 adolescents aged 11–16 years old (Mage = 13.6, SD = 1.64, 52% girls) from 34 European and North American countries involved in the 2009/10 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Results of linear multilevel regression analyses indicate that adolescents in countries with relatively high levels of gender equality report higher life satisfaction than their peers in countries with lower levels of gender equality. The association between gender equality and adolescent life satisfaction remained significant after controlling for national wealth and income equality. It was equally strong for boys and girls. Moreover, the association between gender equality and life satisfaction was explained by social support in the family, peer and school context. This analysis suggests that gender equality fosters social support among members of a society, which in turn contributes to adolescent life satisfaction. Thus, promoting gender equality is likely to benefit all members of a society; not just by giving equal rights to women and girls, but also by fostering a supportive social climate for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E de Looze
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - T Huijts
- Department of Sociology, University of York, Wentworth College, W/247, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - G W J M Stevens
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Torsheim
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - W A M Vollebergh
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Ottova-Jordan V, Smith ORF, Gobina I, Mazur J, Augustine L, Cavallo F, Valimaa R, Moor I, Torsheim T, Katreniakova Z, Vollebergh W, Ravens-Sieberer U. Trends in multiple recurrent health complaints in 15-year-olds in 35 countries in Europe, North America and Israel from 1994 to 2010. Eur J Public Health 2015; 25 Suppl 2:24-7. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Levin K, Torsheim T, Vollebergh W, Richter M, Davies C, Schnohr C, Due P, Currie C. O4-1.4 National income and income inequality, family affluence and life satisfaction among adolescents in 35 countries. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976b.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between shared psychosocial school environment and subjective health complaints. A representative sample of 1585 Norwegian grade 8 students (mean age 13.5 years) from 82 schoolclasses completed scales on health complaints, academic stress, the teacher and classmate support scale, decision control, and noise and disturbance in class. Multilevel analysis (MlwiN) revealed that level of health complaints varied across schoolclasses (ICC=5.6%). School class differences in psychosocial environment accounted for 40% of the between-schoolclass variance in health complaints. Tests of cross-level interaction showed a statistically significant interaction between mean schoolclass-level of classmate support and individual level of academic stress. Findings suggest that shared schoolclass contextual factors may have main and stress-moderating effects on adolescent health complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Torsheim
- Research Centre of Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Norway.
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Aarø LE, Haugland S, Hetland J, Torsheim T, Samdal O, Wold B. [Psychological and somatic complaints among adolescents]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2001; 121:2923-7. [PMID: 11715774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health promotion and disease prevention among adolescents should include efforts to reduce the burden of health complaints. In order to develop systematic preventive approaches, epidemiological research is needed. This study focuses on prevalence, gender differences, and intercorrelations among such complaints. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data were drawn from a nationwide (Norwegian) survey among pupils in compulsory school grades 6, 8, and 10 (age 11, 13, and 15); response rate 79%. RESULTS Among 15-year-olds, most health complaints were more prevalent among girls than among boys. A principal components analysis revealed a dimension from primarily psychological to primarily somatic complaints. Among 15-year-olds, 18% reported at least one daily psychological complaint and 14% reported at least one daily somatic complaint. Sum-scores for psychological and somatic complaints were constructed, the intercorrelation being 0.56 among 15-year-olds. Girls scored significantly higher than boys on both sum-scores. Among girls there was a marked increase in scores with age (particularly for somatic complaints). INTERPRETATION The high prevalence of complaints among both genders and the increase with age among girls implies that preventive action is needed. The intercorrelations among complaints indicate common etiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Aarø
- Institutt for samfunnspsykologi Universitetet i Bergen 5015 Bergen.
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Torsheim T, Aaroe LE, Wold B. Sense of coherence and school-related stress as predictors of subjective health complaints in early adolescence: interactive, indirect or direct relationships? Soc Sci Med 2001; 53:603-14. [PMID: 11478540 DOI: 10.1016/s0277-9536(00)00370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of sense of coherence (SOC) on the relationship between adolescent school-related stress and subjective health complaints was tested with structural equation modelling. As part of the crossnational WHO-survey 'Health behaviour in school-aged children 1997/98' Norwegian representative samples of 1592 grade 6, 1534 grade 8, and 1605 grade 10 students completed measures on SOC, school-related stress and subjective health complaints. A test of nested structural models revealed that both stress-preventive (delta chi2 814. 86, p<0.001), stress-moderating (delta chi2 11.74, p<0.02) and main health-enhancing (delta chi2 1289.1, p < 0.001) effects of SOC were consistent with the data. A model including all these relationships fitted the data well (CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.04). Age-group comparisons revealed that the association between SOC and stress grew weaker with age (p<0.05), whereas the direct association between SOC and health complaints grew stronger (p<0.001). The main effect of SOC accounted for between 39% (11 year olds) and 54% (15 year olds) of the variance in subjective health complaints. Findings indicate that SOC may potentially be a salutogenic factor in adolescents' adaptation to school-related stress, and that relationships between SOC and healthy adaptation, may be evident in younger age-groups than previously anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Torsheim
- Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Bergen, Norway.
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