Adolescents' wellbeing and functioning: relationships with parents' subjective general physical and mental health

• Main Authors: Rotsika Vasiliki, Kolaitis Gerasimos, Pedeli Xanthi, Dimitrakaki Christine, Giannakopoulos George, Ravens-Sieberer Ulricke, Tountas Yannis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-12-01
• Series: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
• Online Access: http://www.hqlo.com/content/7/1/100

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study aimed at examining the relationship between parental subjective health status and adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as the role of gender, socioeconomic status, presence of chronic health care needs and social support on the above interaction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Questionnaires were administered to a Greek nation-wide random sample of adolescents (<it>N </it>= 1 194) aged 11-18 years and their parents (N = 973) in 2003. Adolescents' and parents' status was assessed, together with reports of socio-economic status and level of social support. Various statistical tests were used to determine the extent to which these variables were related to each other.</p> <p>Results and Discussion</p> <p>Parental subjective mental health status was significantly correlated with adolescents' better physical and psychological wellbeing, moods and emotions, parent-child relationships, school environment and financial resources. Parental subjective physical health status was strongly associated with more positive adolescents' self-perception. Adolescents' male gender, younger age, absence of chronic health care needs, high social support, and higher family income were positively associated with better HRQoL.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study reinforces the importance of parental subjective health status, along with other variables, as a significant factor for the adolescents' HRQoL.</p>