Social support as a factor protecting adolescents against subjective health complaints related to school stress

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate determinants of subjective health complaints in school-aged children, taking into account the interaction effects between social support, school stress and academic achievements. Methods: Anonymous survey was conducted in Poland in 2013/2014 on the sample of 4,545 students, as a part of the HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) study. On the basis of the prevalence of eight symptoms in the past 6 months, a standardized index of health complaints (SCL – Subjective Complaints Checklist) was calculated (0-100). To predict its variability three hierarchical linear models (five blocks) were estimated, separately for three levels of school achievements. Support from family, classmates and teachers as well as family communication were considered as protective factors, which can reduce the negative impact of stress. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender and family affluence. Findings: The standardized SCL index was equal to 23.2 in boys and 32.5 in girls. The high level of school stress was reported by 28.5% boys and 35.6% girls, respectively. Regarding these two measures, similar patterns of change were observed, increase with age and with deterioration of academic achievement. Final multivariate models explained 22-25% variability of SCL, slightly more among worst students. Accumulation of low family support and high level of school stress caused the highest increase in the SCL index in very good students. Discussion: School performance is an important determinant of subjective health complaints in adolescence, also modifying the impact of other risk and protective factors.