An analysis of gender differences in self-reported health, use of medicines and access to information sources about medicines among adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a key period in the emergence of gender differences in health that persist into adulthood. Knowledge about health-related gender differences among adolescents could be instrumental in informing policy and practice to effect health improvement among this age group. The main objectives of this study were therefore to investigate gender differences in self-reported health complaints and use of medicines during the preceding 3 months and access to information sources about medicines among adolescents in Malta. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among adolescents attending secondary schools in Malta. A stratified random sample design generated a sample size of 514 students. Common health complaints, use of medicines, and sources of information about medicines were investigated by means of author-designed checklists. The analytical sample was formed from 474 usable questionnaires collected from students aged 14-16 years, of which 53.8% were females. In general, a female excess emerged for health complaints and use of medicines except for sport injuries and use of vitamins. Gender differences were statistically significant for a female excess in the retrieval of information from the package insert (p < .001), parents or adult relatives (p < .01) and friends or schoolmates (p < .05). The findings of this study underscore the need for awareness of gender differences in the health of adolescents among health care providers, policy makers, and educators. An important implication of the findings is that the health needs of adolescents could be more equitably addressed by adopting a holistic patient-oriented approach particular to the health needs of each individual.