Association between Health-Related Quality of Life and Emotional Problems in Rural Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) and emotional functioning are important parameters of weight-loss motivation. The aim of this study was to identify the association between emotional/personal characteristics and HRQL in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods and Results: Our cross-sectional case-control study included 172 adolescents: 19 of them overweight, 67 obese, and 86 healthy. We measured anthropometry and performed a psychological examination (PedsQL 4.0, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, and Personality inventory Mini-SMIL). Negative correlations prevailed between PedsQL scales and psychological traits of healthy adolescents: increases in anxiety, covert anger, and depression were associated with a decrease of HRQL (Total Scale Scores, Psychosocial Health Score, Physical Health Score, and Emotional, Social and School functioning). The psychological impairment (Irritability, Resentment, Guilt, Covert anger) positively correlated with a change in HRQL (Total Scale Scores, Psychosocial Health Score, and Physical Health Score) in obese adolescents. Conclusion: Obese adolescents had an inadequate association between HRQL and emotional state: the accumulation of anxiety and aggression was accompanied by an increase in HRQL. These difficulties can be a barrier to having treatment and weight-loss motivation.