Health Indicators in Adolescents - Validation Study

Overview

Background:
Indicators of subjective health in adolescents may help to detect latent stages of diseases, whichdevelop later.Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the validity of instruments measuring subjective healthin adolescents.Methods: The sample consisted of 571 secondary grammar school students (mean ate 14.7 yrs). Current healthproblems were assessed by the VOEG and the UHSQ. Chronic health problems were measured by the GHS, theFIS, and the Coop-wonca scale. The RAND-36 and the GHQ-12 were used as indicators of subjective wellbeing.In addition, the Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale (RSE) and the Figure Satisfaction Scale (FSS) were included asintermediary variables.Results: The highest correlation’s were found in the group of general subjective indicators measuring currenthealth problems, i.e. between the RAND-36 and the GHQ-12 (0.63 - 0.41, p < 0.01). Significant differences werefound between consumers vs. non-consumers of over-the-counter drugs during the last two weeks as to currenthealth problems. Consistent with of our expectations is the difference between males and females with regard togeneral health problems. Females reported more health problems than males. These outcomes are consistent withprevious findings. Conclusion: The results support the validity of the present instruments. Meaning for practiceand theory: Detection of latent forms of diseases by applying indicators of subjective health may help to preventfuture development of these illnesses.

Key words:
adolescence, validity, indicators of subjective health