Pain-related quality of life related to mental health and sociodemographic indicators in adolescents

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background A total of 6150 junior and senior high school students aged 11-18 years participated in this study. Their level of pain-related QOL was assessed using the pain subscale of the Taiwanese QOL Questionnaire for Adolescents. The severities of depression, suicidality, anxiety, and alcohol abuse were also examined. Objectives This study examined the associations between pain-related quality of life (QOL) and sociodemographic characteristics and those between pain-related QOL and mental health problems such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. Methods The association of sociodemographic factors with pain-related QOL was examined through multiple regression analysis. The association of pain-related QOL with mental health problems was examined through logistic regression analysis. Results The boys exhibited a higher level of satisfaction with pain-related QOL than did the girls. Older age was significantly associated with a lower level of satisfaction with pain-related QOL. Residential background, parental marital status, and parental education levels were not significantly associated with the level of satisfaction with pain-related QOL. Increased risks of depression, suicidality, anxiety, and alcohol abuse were significantly associated with a low level of satisfaction with pain-related QOL. Discussion A low level of satisfaction with pain-related QOL is significantly associated with the risk of poor mental health. Adolescents with the correlates of low satisfaction with pain-related QOL should be monitored for the risk of mental health problems.