ABSTRACT
Background: Child and adolescent mental health problems have increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to establish the association of the presence and intensity of posttraumatic stress due to COVID-19 with the presence of (1) self-harm and suicide risk, (2) depressive and anxious symptoms, (3) eating disorders and (4) problematic Internet and video game use. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on a sample of second-fourth grade secondary school students (14 to 16 years old) from Navarra and the Canary Islands recruited at the SESSAMO project. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the intensity of posttraumatic stress due to COVID-19, risk of suicide and presence of self-harm, symptoms of mental disorder and problematic use of the Internet and video games. Results: Out of 1423 participants analyzed, those with the highest level of posttraumatic stress showed a significant increase in the risk of suicide (OR = 5.18; 95% CI = 2.96-9.05) and in the presence of eating disorder symptoms (OR = 3.93; 95% CI = 2.21-7.00), and higher anxiety and depression scores (b coefficient for anxiety = 11.1; CI = 9.7-12.5; for depression = 13.0; CI = 11.5-14.5) as compared to those with the lowest level. Participants with a high level of posttraumatic stress were almost 10 times more likely to present problematic video game use (OR = 9.49; 95% CI = 3.13-28.82). Conclusions: Years after the pandemic, posttraumatic stress derived from it continues to impact the mental health of adolescents. Further long-term research is needed, as well as close follow-up and intervention in this population.
ABSTRACT
During last decades, a departure from health-related lifestyles has been observed among adolescents. Evidence reports that healthy lifestyles could be predictors of better mental health status. The aims of the SESSAMO Project are: 1) to assess the association between lifestyles and physical and mental health; 2) to assess how self-concept and stressful life events can modulate these associations; and 3) to establish the role of social determinants in the lifestyle and in adolescents' health. The SESSAMO Project is a prospective cohort carried out in Spain. Students aged 14-16 years (2nd-4th ESO) and their parents are invited to participate. Baseline data are collected through on-line, validated, self-administered questionnaires through a digital platform. Information on lifestyles, stressful life events and self-concept are collected. Screening of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide risk, psychotic experiences and COVID impact is assessed. Every three years, up to age of 25, participants will be contacted again to update relevant information.
ABSTRACT
During last decades, a departure from health-related lifestyles has been observed among adolescents. Evidence reports that healthy lifestyles could be predictors of better mental health status. The aims of the SESSAMO Project are: 1) to assess the association between lifestyles and physical and mental health; 2) to assess how self-concept and stressful life events can modulate these associations; and 3) to establish the role of social determinants in the lifestyle and in adolescents health. The SESSAMO Project is a prospective cohort carried out in Spain. Students aged 14-16 years (2nd-4th ESO) and their parents are invited to participate. Baseline data are collected through on-line, validated, self-administered questionnaires through a digital platform. Information on lifestyles, stressful life events and self-concept are collected. Screening of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide risk, psychotic experiences and COVID impact is assessed. Every three years, up to age of 25, participants will be contacted again to update relevant information. (AU)
En las últimas décadas se ha producido un alejamiento de los estilos de vida saludables en adolescentes. Los hábitos saludables pueden predecir una mejor salud mental. El proyecto SESSAMO tiene como objetivos: 1) determinar la asociación entre el estilo de vida y la salud física y mental; 2) determinar cómo el autoconcepto y los acontecimientos vitales estresantes pueden modular dichas asociaciones; y 3) establecer el papel de los determinantes sociales en el estilo de vida y en la salud de los adolescentes. Se trata de un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, dirigido a estudiantes de secundaria de 14-16 años y a sus padres. Los datos basales se recogen con cuestionarios validados y autoadministrados en una plataforma on-line. Se realiza un cribado de depresión, ansiedad, trastornos alimentarios, riesgo de suicidio, experiencias psicóticas e impacto de la COVID-19. Cada 3 años, hasta la edad de 25 años, se les volverá a contactar para actualizar la información relevante. (AU)
