Comparison between Japanese and Swedish schoolchildren in regards to physical symptoms and psychiatric complaints

Abstract

Physical symptoms are an increasing problem among Japanese children and adolescents, and the symptoms seem to be related to their school situation. These symptoms are prevalent in Sweden, and a comparison with Japan is of interest due to the differences in the educational system and school climate. To compare physical symptoms and psychiatric complaints in school pupils from Japan and Sweden, using a questionnaire that also addressed life satisfaction and stressful life events. The study population comprised 742 Japanese children and 1,120 Swedish children attending public compulsory schools, grades 4-9 (10-15 y). Physical symptom and psychiatric complaint scores were calculated for each pupil. The Japanese children had significantly higher physical symptom and psychiatric complaint scores than did the Swedish children. Both the physical symptom and psychiatric complaint scores were significantly higher in adolescents than in preadolescents in Japan; this trend was less apparent in Swedish children. In addition, Japanese children were found to have considerably lower life satisfaction. Loss of appetite was the only physical symptom more prevalent in the Swedish population compared to the Japanese population. We conclude that Japanese schoolchildren have more physical symptoms and psychiatric complaints and less life satisfaction than Swedish schoolchildren of corresponding ages.