Abstract
During adolescence individuals experience a number of cognitive, physical, psychological and emotional changes which can impinge on their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to identify associations with five components of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. Data were collected from 456 children attending one of five schools in Granada, Spain in a cross-sectional design. Females reported engaging in less physical activity than males. Females reported lower HRQoL in terms of lower physical wellbeing, family relationships and autonomy and perceived school environment in secondary school. Males only reported lower perceptions of their school environment in secondary school. Physical activity was strongly associated with HRQoL, whereas Mediterranean diet was not. Physical activity interventions should be prioritised when positive HRQoL of children is a main target. Special consideration should be given to support the positive development of females, especially during the early years of secondary school.
Highlights
Around five per cent of Spanish children and adolescents suffer from a mental health disorder (Braddick, Carral, Jenkins, & Jane-Llopis, 2009; Ministerio de Sanidad & Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014a); and it is estimated that around 20% will encounter some form of mental health disorder at some point during their adolescence (Ministerio de Sanidad & Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014a)
The mental health of young people is a national priority in Spain (Ministerio de Sanidad & Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014b) and across Europe (World Health Organization, 2015)
Females reported engaging in less physical activity and had a lower VO2max than males
Summary
Around five per cent of Spanish children and adolescents suffer from a mental health disorder (Braddick, Carral, Jenkins, & Jane-Llopis, 2009; Ministerio de Sanidad & Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014a); and it is estimated that around 20% will encounter some form of mental health disorder at some point during their adolescence (Ministerio de Sanidad & Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014a). Leaving primary school and moving to secondary school can be a chal-lenging time for many young people (Dismore & Bailey, 2010; Martínez, Aricak, Graves, Peters-Myszak, & Nellis, 2011; West, Sweeting, & Young, 2010). This makes the transitional period i.e. the final years of primary school and the early years of secondary school, an important life stage to examine. Gender differences should be explored in relation to HRQoL during the tran-sitional period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
