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  • 1.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Cardiovascular risk indicators in adolescents: the Umeå youth study1995Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease, are today major causes of death in the industrialised parts of the world. There are evidence to suggest that the atherosclerotic process starts in childhood, implying that preventive measures should be implemented already in children and adolescents.

    The aim of this study was to examine CVD risk indicators and their determinants in healthy Swedish adolescents. The study population comprised 14- and 17-year-old boys and girls (n=1032), in the dty and surroundings of Umeå in northern Sweden.

    Biochemical, anthropometric, and physiological parameters associated to CVD (s- lipoproteins and s-apolipoproteins, s-insulin, s-ferritin, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and physical fitness) were evaluated in relation to family history of CVD, weight and length at birth, infant feeding regimen, physical growth during infancy and childhood, current diet, physical activity, smoking, and educational level and occupation of the parents.

    The main findings of the study were that, on average, total serum cholesterol (TC) values in boys and girls were at the same level as reported from other European countries. A family history of CVD, short duration of breast feeding, low attained height during infancy and childhood, high body mass index (BMI), and low physical fitness were all associated with an unfavourable serum lipid profile. The findings also showed that features typical of the insulin resistance syndrome are present already in adolescents. In boys, iron stores, estimated by serum ferritin, were related to BMI and physical fitness, in a similar way as well established CVD risk indicators. Compared to previous dietary studies in Sweden, mean relative (energy %) fat intake had decreased substantially although the mean relative intake of saturated fat was still rather high. For both boys and girls, reported relative energy intake (energy intake/estimated energy expenditure) decreased with increasing level of BMI. Furthermore, daily smoking was more common among adolescents from families with low socio-economic status (SES) but was most strongly associated to smoking in peers. Tobacco use was considerably higher among adolescents attending vocational programs at secondary high school as compared to theoretical programs. Daily smokers had a more unfavourable serum lipid profile compared to non-smokers. Low socio-economic status of the parents was related to higher BMI and low educational level to higher dietary fat intake in both boys and girls.

    In conclusion, the findings of the study show that parameters linked to adult CVD when examined in adolescents, are related to family history, infant nutrition, previous physical growth, current body composition, physical fitness, physical activity, smoking, and social status and educational level of the parents.

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  • 2.
    Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Björnstig, U
    School injuries. Epidemiology and clinical features of 307 cases registered at hospital during one school year.1991In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, ISSN 0281-3432, E-ISSN 1502-7724, Vol. 9, no 3, p. 209-16Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Injuries at school were studied for one school year in 57 primary and three secondary schools (13,733 students, aged 7-19 years) at Umeå in northern Sweden. The injury rate was 22/1000 student years. There was a wide variation in injury rate between different schools. The boy/girl ratio was 1.1/1. Physical education was the dominating activity at the time of injury for the older students and play in the school yard for the younger. The majority of the students had a minor injury, but 17% had a fracture. The injured students did not seem to have more somatic, psychological or social problems than students in general. Fewer competitive sports and ball games and more adult supervision and organized activities during breaks are suggestions to reduce injuries at school. A hospital-based injury registration system is well fitted for serving as a base for analysing school injuries.

  • 3.
    Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Blomquist, Hans K Son
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Is the prevalence of overweight and obesity declining among 4-year-old Swedish children?2009In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 98, no 12, p. 1956-1958Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: To investigate the trend in overweight and obesity prevalence among 4-year-old Swedish children. METHODS: Height and weight data registered at the regular health check up at the child health centres in the county of Västerbotten during the years 2007/2008 (2225 boys and 2156 girls) were analysed and compared with data from 2002/2003 (2231 boys and 2176 girls). Overweight and obesity were estimated using the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values (ISO BMI). RESULTS: In both boys and girls, overweight prevalence (ISO BMI > 25) decreased over the 5-year period, boys from 17.2% to 14.2% and girls from 22.3% to 19.0%. Among girls, there was also a decrease in obesity prevalence (ISO BMI > 30) from 5.7% to 3.1%. CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicates that the overweight and obesity epidemic among Swedish pre-school children may be levelling off.

  • 4.
    Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Hernell, Olle
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Lönnerdal, B
    Persson, L A
    Sex differences in iron stores of adolescents: what is normal?1995In: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - JPGN, ISSN 0277-2116, E-ISSN 1536-4801, Vol. 20, no 2, p. 215-24Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We evaluated iron status and its determinants in healthy adolescents. Fasting morning blood samples from a school-based cross-sectional study were analyzed for serum ferritin (SF), serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and circulating transferrin receptors. Physical development, chronic disease, medication, dietary intake, and physical activity were assessed using clinical examination, questionnaires, and 7-day records. The risk of having low serum ferritin values was estimated using bivariate and multivariate regression. Subjects were 867 healthy Swedish adolescents, 14- and 17-year-olds (472 boys and 395 girls). SF values increased with pubertal stage in boys but not in girls. Five percent of the boys and 15% of the girls had SF values < 12 micrograms/L. Of the 17-year-old boys, 7% compared to 1% of the 17-year-old girls had SF values > 100 micrograms/L. Forty-one percent of cases with SF values > 12 micrograms/L had serum iron values < 15 microM, and 22% had transferrin saturation values < 16%. Mean total iron intakes of the boys were high [1.6 times recommended daily allowance (RDA)] and mean intakes of the girls were adequate (0.9 times RDA). Low heme iron intakes increased the risk of low iron stores (< 12 micrograms/L) in girls but not in boys. Total iron intake or other dietary factors, physical development, or level of physical activity did not influence the risk of low SF. The findings of this study suggest that the differences in iron status between boys and girls in adolescence results primarily from biological differences other than menstrual bleeding or insufficient iron intake. Furthermore, the results question the role of SF as an indicator of iron deficiency in adolescence, in particular if age and sex are not taken into consideration. We suggest that different reference values for SF, including the cut-off limit for low SF, adjusted for age and sex, should be considered. The high iron intakes and corresponding high SF values found in the older boys are noticeable in light of the possible negative health consequences of iron overload.

  • 5.
    Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Hernell, Olle
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Persson, L A
    Dietary changes in Swedish adolescents.1993In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 82, no 5, p. 472-80Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    A school-based dietary survey, using seven-day records, was performed in two cohorts of Swedish adolescents; 14- and 17-year-olds. The study comprised 366 boys and 365 girls. When compared to previous studies in Sweden, a striking finding was a decrease in dietary fat intake and an increase in carbohydrate intake. However, the relative intake of saturated fat had not changed (15% of total energy). The dietary change was mainly due to an increased consumption of cereal products. There were no major differences in dietary habits or nutrient density of the food between the two age groups, or between boys and girls. The mean intakes of protein, fat and carbohydrate, expressed as a percentage of the total energy intake, were 15, 33 and 52%, respectively. The mean intakes of vitamins and minerals were low only for selenium. The boys had a high iron intake (1.5 and 1.7 times the recommended intake for 14- and 17-year-olds, respectively) while the mean iron intake for girls was 0.9 times the recommended dietary allowances in both age groups. The intake of dietary salt was higher in boys than in girls (7.7 g and 9.0 g per day in 14- and 17-year-old boys, respectively, and 5.8 g per day in both 14- and 17-year-old girls). In a long-term health perspective, this positive change in nutrient intake in adolescents may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of diet-related diseases in Sweden.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  • 6.
    Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Hernell, Olle
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Persson, L A
    Vessby, B
    Serum lipid values in adolescents are related to family history, infant feeding, and physical growth.1995In: Atherosclerosis, ISSN 0021-9150, E-ISSN 1879-1484, Vol. 117, no 1, p. 1-13Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Total serum cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were analysed in 879 14- and 17-year-old healthy adolescents (477 boys and 402 girls), and related to family history of cardiovascular disease, early feeding, weight and length at birth, and physical growth during infancy and childhood. Mean TC was significantly higher in girls than in boys (4.4 and 4.2 mmol/l, respectively, both age-groups together). High TC values ( > 5.2 mmol/l) were more prevalent in girls than in boys: 14% and 17% compared to 6% and 12% in 14- and 17-year-old girls and boys, respectively. Mean TC and LDL-C values were lower during mid-puberty in both boys and girls while, in boys but not in girls, mean HDL-C values decreased and TG values increased successively with increasing pubertal stage. Girls who were taking oral contraceptives had higher mean values of TC (4.91/4.39 mmol/l), TG (1.32/0.83 mmol/l), and apo B (0.89/0.73 g/l). Boys with a family history of early deaths ( < 55 years) from myocardial infarction and girls with a family history of cerebral haemorrhage/thrombosis in fathers had higher mean values of TC (4.55/4.17 and 5.03/4.40 mmol/l, for boys and girls, respectively), LDL-C (2.84/2.47 and 3.08/2.56 mmol/l), and apo B (0.73/0.70 and 0.86/0.73 g/l). Adolescents with short duration of breast feeding ( < 6 months), or early introduction of infant formula, had higher mean values of TC (4.29/4.14 mmol/l) and apo B (0.72/0.68 g/l). There were no significant correlations between serum lipid values and body weight or length at birth, but adolescents with high LDL-C (upper quartile) seemed to have lower attained heights during infancy and childhood. In conclusion, this study shows that serum lipids in adolescence are primarily related to age and sex but also to early determinants like family history of cardiovascular diseases, infant feeding, and early physical growth.

  • 7. Blomquist, H K
    et al.
    Bergström, E
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Obesity in 4-year-old children more prevalent in girls and in municipalities with a low socioeconomic level.2007In: Acta Paediatr, ISSN 0803-5253, Vol. 96, no 1, p. 113-6Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 8.
    Dahlquist, Gisela
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Gebre-Medhin, M
    Häger, A
    Kihlstedt-Odeen, A C
    Marcus, C
    [What can we do for overweight children and adolescents? The prognosis is mostly good; attitudes often dubious].1995In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 92, no 34, p. 3022-5Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 9.
    Flacking, Renee
    et al.
    Dalarna Univ, Sch Educ Hlth & Social Studies, Falun, Sweden.
    Jerden, Lars
    Sweden Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Sweden.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Starrin, Bengt
    Karlstad Univ, Fac Arts & Social Sci, Dept Social & Psychol Studies, Karlstad, Sweden.
    'In or Out'-On the Dynamic between Acceptance and Rejection and its Influence on Health in Adolescent Girls2014In: Young - Nordic Journal of Youth Research, ISSN 1103-3088, E-ISSN 1741-3222, Vol. 22, no 3, p. 291-303Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Adolescent girls' subjective health, or well-being, is of international concern as the frequency of psychological and psychosomatic complaints is continuously increasing in several countries world-wide. The causes of this development are still obscure. The aim of this study was to explore well-being and strategies for increased well-being among adolescent girls. Grounded Theory method was used, in which in-depth interviews were held with 18 adolescent girls, 17-18 years of age. Results showed that striving for acceptance and avoiding rejection were central for their well-being. When rejection was experienced, emotions of stress-shame were recognized, a phenomena we call the stress-shame cycle. In the struggle to prevent rejection and to become accepted, the girls strived to boost their social attractiveness by impression management.

  • 10.
    Fors, Ronny
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontology.
    Persson, Maurits
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontology.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Dermatology and Venerology.
    Stymne, Birgitta
    Stenberg, Berndt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Dermatology and Venerology.
    Lifestyle and nickel allergy in a Swedish adolescent population: effects of piercing, tattooing and orthodontic appliances2012In: Acta Dermato-Venereologica, ISSN 0001-5555, E-ISSN 1651-2057, Vol. 92, no 6, p. 664-668Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of life-style practices in adolescents and their association with nickel allergy. Upper secondary school pupils (n = 4,376; 15-23 years) were patch-tested for nickel aller-gy, follow-ing completion of a questionnaire (answered by 6,095). Almost 86% girls and 21% of boys reported piercing. More girls (6%) than boys (3%) had a tattoo. Twenty-six percent of the girls and 18% of the boys were regular smokers. Vegetarian/vegan diets were reported by 20% of girls and by 6% of boys. Piercing, female gender, and vocational programme increased the risk of nickel allergy, whereas orthodontic appliance treat-ment prior to piercing reduced the risk of nickel allergy. Pupils in vocational programmes had the highest prevalence of nickel allergy. Lifestyle behaviours are interconnected and cluster in subgroups of adolescents. Female sex, piercing and choice of educational programme are prominent lifestyle markers. A trend shift is observed, where more girls than boys report tattooing.

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    Lifestyle and nickel allergy in a Swedish adolescent population: effects of piercing, tattooing and orthodontic appliances
  • 11.
    Fors, Ronny
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontology.
    Persson, Maurits
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Stymne, Birgitta
    Department of Dermatology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro .
    Stenberg, Berndt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Dermatology and Venerology.
    Nickel allergy: prevalence in a population of Swedish youths from patch test and questionnaire data2008In: Contact Dermatitis, ISSN 0105-1873, E-ISSN 1600-0536, Vol. 58, no 2, p. 80-87Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The prevalence of body piercing and orthodontic treatment has increased during recent decades. Such changes in lifestyle may influence the occurrence of nickel allergy.

    Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of nickel allergy in a Swedish youth population.

    Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 6095 adolescents answered a questionnaire on their lifestyle and medical history, and 4439 consented to patch testing for contact allergy. Patch test results were adjusted for dropouts by a missing value analysis.

    Results: The prevalence of self-reported dermatitis from contact with metal items was 14.8%. Patch testing showed nickel sensitization in 9.9% of the subjects, and in significantly more girls than boys, 13.3% versus 2.5%, respectively. Taking the dropout into account, the estimated true prevalence of nickel sensitivity evaluated by test reading at D4 is 11.8% in girls and 1.6% in boys.

    Conclusions: The prevalence of nickel sensitization was higher for girls and slightly lower for boys compared with previous Swedish data. Self-reported information on metal dermatitis as an estimate of nickel allergy has low validity. When possible, missing value analysis should be performed to account for dropouts.

  • 12. García-Moya, Irene
    et al.
    Johansson, Klara
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Ragnarsson, Susanne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Petersen, Solveig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    School experiences in relation to emotional and conduct problems in adolescence: a 3-year follow up study2019In: European Journal of Public Health, ISSN 1101-1262, E-ISSN 1464-360X, Vol. 29, no 3, p. 436-441Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Mental health in adolescents has become a major public health issue. This study examined school experiences in relation to mental health (emotional problems and conduct problems) from early to middle adolescence.

    Methods: This longitudinal 3-year follow up study used data from the Swedish Study of Health in School Children in Umeå. Analyses were conducted in 1379 participants that were attending grade six in 2003 or 2006 (age 12 years). KIDSCREEN-52 was used to assess school experiences and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for emotional and conduct problems. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and multiple linear regressions.

    Results: Positive school experiences decreased while emotional and conduct problem scores increased from grades six to nine. Positive school experiences were negatively associated with emotional and conduct problem scores and contributed to the explanation of mental health scores in middle adolescence after controlling for background factors. When baseline mental health problem scores were taken into account the association with early school experiences disappeared (except for conduct problems in boys). However, incorporating concurrent school experiences in the analysis increased the levels of explanation for emotional and conduct problem scores further.

    Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that school experiences are linked to emotional and conduct problems. That link may be stronger for conduct problems. In addition, the association of school experiences in early adolescence with later mental health may be overridden by concurrent school experiences in middle adolescence.

  • 13.
    Isaksson, Joakim
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Lindqvist, Rafael
    Göteborgs universitet, Institutionen för Socialt arbete .
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Mellan normalitet och avvikelse: om skolans insatser för barn och ungdomar i behov av särskilt stöd2007In: Funktionshinder, kultur och samhälle, Lund: Studentlitteratur , 2007, p. 147-169Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 14.
    Isaksson, Joakim
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Lindqvist, Rafael
    Göteborgs universitet, Institutionen för Socialt arbete .
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    'Pupils with special educational needs': a study of the assessments and categorizing processes regarding pupils' school difficulties in Sweden2010In: International Journal of Inclusive Education, ISSN 1360-3116, E-ISSN 1464-5173, Vol. 14, no 2, p. 133-151Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    One important goal of Swedish educational policies is to integrate all pupils within regular education, irrespective of disability or difficulties in school, and to adjust education to individual needs. The aim of this article was to explore how schools ‘socially construct’, i.e. identify and support, pupils with special educational needs. Another aim was to explore if there were any dominant patterns in the schools’ procedures to differentiate pupils with such needs from ‘normal’ pupils, and how such patterns can be understood in a broader context of educational policies. Interviews were conducted with school personnel from two compulsory schools in a municipality in northern Sweden. We chose to use the grounded theory approach for analysing the interview data. The analysis indicated that there were three different patterns or models for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs: a pedagogical, a social or a medical model. Various professionals were involved in different ways in each model. Another finding was that school personnel did not find it easy to sort out and assess ‘special educational needs’, and that the identification of such needs were conditioned upon resources available for the schools.

  • 15.
    Isaksson, Joakim
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Lindqvist, Rafael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    School problems or individual shortcomings?: A study of individual educational plans in Sweden2007In: European Journal of Special Needs Education, ISSN 0885-6257, E-ISSN 1469-591X, Vol. 22, no 1, p. 75-91Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In 1995 it became mandatory to establish individual educational plans (IEPs) for children with special educational needs in the Swedish compulsory school. On the basis of the pupils' needs, such a plan should contain information about the pupils' school situation and performance, the class, teaching etc. The aim of this article was to study how special educational needs are defined and described and what support measures the school is suggesting, using IEPs from a sample of Swedish compulsory schools. Our study is based on an analysis of IEPs for pupils with special educational needs in the nine-year compulsory school in a municipality in northern Sweden. A strategic selection of three compulsory schools was made and we restricted the study to grades 3, 6 and 9. The method used to analyse the IEPs was content analysis. Using different theories within the field of special education and disability studies, we have tried to discern to what extent the problems described, and the proposed measures (intervention), are related to predetermined theoretical models of disability and special needs education. Our analysis indicates that difficulties are predominantly attributed to the pupils' shortcomings and individual characteristics, and the same holds for the recommended measures. Another interesting finding is that a number of the plans were established without involving the parents, and many of them did not even know that their child had an IEP. Finally, we discuss our findings in relation to different research traditions within the field of special education.

  • 16.
    Isaksson, Joakim
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Lindqvist, Rafael
    Göteborgs universitet, Institutionen för Socialt arbete .
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Struggling for recognition and inclusion: parents' and pupils' experiences of special support measures in school2010In: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, ISSN 1748-2623, E-ISSN 1748-2631, Vol. 5, no 1Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    During the last decade an increasing use of differentiated support measures for pupils with special educational needs, indicative of a discrepancy between educational policies and practices, has been witnessed in Sweden.  Another trend has been the increased use of medical diagnoses in school. The aim of this study was to explore the main concern of support given to pupils with special educational needs and how pupils and parents experience and handle this. Interviews were conducted with 8 pupils in grades 7-9 – and their parents – at two compulsory schools in a city in northern Sweden. A grounded theory approach was used for analysing the interview data. A conceptual model was generated illuminating the main concern of special support measures for pupils and parents. The core category of the model, struggling for recognition and inclusion, was related to two categories which further described how this process was experienced and handled by the participants. These categories were labelled negotiating expertise knowledge within a fragmented support structure and coping with stigma, ambivalence and special support measures. The developed conceptual model provides a deeper understanding of an ongoing process of struggle for recognition and inclusion in school as described by the pupils and parents.

  • 17.
    Jerdén, Lars
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Bildt-Ström, Pia
    Burell, Gunilla
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Personal health documents in school health education: a feasibility study2007In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, ISSN 1403-4948, E-ISSN 1651-1905, Vol. 35, no 6, p. 662-665Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: To examine the feasibility of a school intervention using a personal health document adapted for adolescents. Methods: The health document was developed in close cooperation with groups of adolescents and tested among seventh-grade students at two junior high schools (n=339). The document was presented to the students by their regular teachers. For evaluation, an adolescent questionnaire was used at baseline and after one year. Results: After one year, 87% of adolescents reported having written in the health document, and 77% reported having had classes with discussions on subjects in the document. The health document was perceived as useful by 35% of the adolescents. Factors significantly related to personal usefulness were being born outside Sweden, experiencing fair treatment by teachers, being a non-smoker, and having a positive school experience. Conclusions: Implementation of a personal health document in junior high-school health education was feasible and well accepted.

  • 18.
    Jerdén, Lars
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Burell, Gunilla
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Empowerment: a key to a better understanding of adolescent health?2008In: International journal of child and adolescent health, ISSN 1939-5930, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 61-68Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 19.
    Jerdén, Lars
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Burell, Gunilla
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Gender differences and predictors of self-rated health development among Swedish adolescents2011In: Journal of Adolescent Health, ISSN 1054-139X, E-ISSN 1879-1972, Vol. 48, no 2, p. 143-150Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    During adolescence, girls reported lower self-rated health than boys and this gender difference increased over the years. High empowerment is related to high self-rated health, and positive school experiences and a good mood in the family seem to be important predictors of a positive development of self-rated health.

  • 20.
    Joffer, Junia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Center for Clinical Research Dalarna Uppsala University, Nissers väg 3, SE-791 82 Falun, Sweden.
    Burell, Gunilla
    Uppsala Univ, Dept Publ Hlth & Caring Sci, SE-75122 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Sjörs, Linda
    Uppsala Univ, Ctr Clin Res Dalarna, SE-79182 Falun, Sweden.
    Jerdén, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Uppsala Univ, Dept Publ Hlth & Caring Sci, SE-75122 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Predictors of smoking among Swedish adolescents2014In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 14, p. 1296-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Smoking most often starts in adolescence, implying that understanding of predicting factors for smoking initiation during this time period is essential for successful smoking prevention. The aim of this study was to examine predicting factors in early adolescence for smoking in late adolescence.

    METHODS: Longitudinal cohort study, involving 649 Swedish adolescents from lower secondary school (12-13 years old) to upper secondary school (17-18 years old). Tobacco habits, behavioural, intra- and interpersonal factors and socio-demographic variables were assessed through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predicting factors.

    RESULTS: Smoking prevalence increased from 3.3% among 12-13 year olds to 25.1% among 17-18 year olds. Possible predictors of smoking were: female sex, lower parental education, poorer family mood, poorer self-rated health, poorer self-esteem, less negative attitude towards smoking, binge drinking, snus use and smoking. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex (OR 1.64, CI 1.08-2.49), medium and low self-esteem (medium: OR 1.57, CI 1.03-2.38, low: 2.79, CI 1.46-5.33), less negative attitude towards smoking (OR 2.81, CI 1.70-4.66) and ever using snus (OR 3.43, CI 1.78-6.62) remained significant independent predicting factors.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study stresses the importance of strengthening adolescents' self-esteem, promoting anti-smoking attitudes in early adolescence, as well as avoidance of early initiation of snus. Such measures should be joint efforts involving parents, schools, youth associations, and legislating authorities.

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  • 21.
    Joffer, Junia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health. Center for Clinical Research Dalarna-Uppsala University, Nissers väg 3, SE-791 82 Falun, Sweden.
    Flacking, Renee
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Randell, Eva
    Jerdén, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health. Center for Clinical Research Dalarna-Uppsala University, Nissers väg 3, SE-791 82 Falun, Sweden; School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, SE-791 88 Falun, Sweden.
    Self-rated health, subjective social status in school and socioeconomic status in adolescents: a cross-sectional study2019In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 19, article id 785Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Social position, traditionally measured by objective data on socioeconomic status (SES), is linked to health status in adults. In adolescents, the association is more uncertain and there are some studies suggesting that subjective social status (SSS) might be more adequate in relation to health. This study aimed to examine associations between SSS in school, SES and self-rated health (SRH) in adolescent boys and girls.

    Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design with quantitative survey data was used. The study involved 705 Swedish adolescents in upper secondary school (17–18-year-olds). SRH was measured with a single-item question and SSS by a question where adolescents were asked to assess their social position within their school. Formal education level of the parents was used as a proxy for objective SES. Univariable and multivariable ordinal regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between SRH and SSS in school and SES.

    Results: In the multivariable analysis, SSS in school was positively associated with SRH, whereas no significant association between SES and SRH was found. The proportion of adolescents with high SRH increased with higher steps on the SSS ladder. Significant gender differences were found in that boys rated their SRH and SSS in school higher than girls did.

    Conclusions: The study shows that self-rated health in adolescents is related to perceived social position in school. Subjective social status in school seems to be a useful health-related measure of social position in adolescents.

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  • 22.
    Lagerkvist, Birgitta Json
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Enviromental Medicine.
    Bernard, Alfred
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Enviromental Medicine.
    Holmstrom, Karin
    Karp, Kjell
    Lundstrom, Nils-Goran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Enviromental Medicine.
    Segerstedt, Bo
    Svensson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Enviromental Medicine.
    Nordberg, Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Enviromental Medicine.
    Pulmonary epithelial integrity in children: relationship to ambient ozone exposure and swimming pool attendance.2004In: Environ Health Perspect, ISSN 0091-6765, Vol. 112, no 17, p. 1768-71Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 23.
    Nilsson, Maria
    et al.
    Epidemiologi och global hälsa.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Epidemiologi och folkhälsovetenskap.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Epidemiologi och folkhälsovetenskap.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Epidemiologi och folkhälsovetenskap.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Epidemiologi och folkhälsovetenskap.
    It takes two: reducing adolescent smoking uptake through sustainable adolescent-adult partnership2006In: Journal of Adolescent Health, ISSN 1054-139X, E-ISSN 1879-1972, Vol. 39, no 6, p. 880-886Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose To assess the effects of a long-term intervention for tobacco use prevention that targets adolescents (Tobacco Free Duo).

    Methods School-based community intervention combined with repeated cross-sectional surveys over 7 years. The intervention was performed in the County of Västerbotten, Sweden, where survey data were collected in grade seven to nine schools on an annual basis for 7 years. Data for comparison were collected in grade nine on the national level in Sweden. In the intervention area, the annual number of seventh to ninth grade students participating in the study varied between 1300 and 1650. In the reference data, the number of participating ninth grade students approximated 4500 annually.

    Results A significant decrease of nearly 50% was seen in smoking prevalence in the intervention area. The decrease was evident in grades eight and nine (ages 14–15 years) in both boys and girls. At the start of the intervention, smoking prevalence in grade nine was 16.1% in the intervention area and 23% in the national reference group. Although the prevalence in the national sample remained stable, there was a decrease to 9.0% in the intervention area at the end of the study period.

    Conclusions These results suggest that the Tobacco Free Duo program contributed to a reduction in adolescent smoking among both boys and girls. Using a multi-faceted intervention that includes adolescent–adult partnership can reduce adolescent smoking uptake, and the intervention has been proven to be sustainable within communities.

  • 24.
    Nilsson, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    The Authors reply2007In: Journal of Adolescent Health, ISSN 1054-139X, Vol. 41, no 2, p. 214-215Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 25.
    Nilsson, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    “I would do anything for my child, even quit tobacco”: bonus effects from an intervention that target adolescent tobacco use2009In: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, ISSN 0036-5564, E-ISSN 1467-9450, Vol. 50, no 4, p. 341-345Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This paper aims to assess program bonus effects on adult tobacco use from a long term intervention that targeted adolescent tobacco use. The school-based community intervention started in Västerbotten County in Sweden in 1993 and adults were invited to support adolescents to stay tobacco-free. It was combined with repeated cross-sectional surveys in schools annually 1994-1999 among grades 7-9 and after 1999 every second year. Participating schools were randomly selected before the first survey representing both rural and urban settings. Out of 4,055 students, 1,008 (24.8%) reported that their supporting adult had been a tobacco user who quit tobacco in order to be allowed to participate. Out of these, 13.2% used tobacco daily before joining. The remaining 2,997 students’ adult partners were not tobacco users. Engaging tobacco using adults as partners in interventions targeting adolescent tobacco use seem to have a considerable tobacco-reducing bonus effect in the adults.

  • 26.
    Nilsson, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Research Department, National Institute of Public Health, Östersund, Sweden .
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Adolescent´s perceptions and expectations of parental action on children´s smoking and snus use: national cross sectional data from three decades2009In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 9, no 74Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Parents play a vital role as children develop tobacco behaviours. Many parents feel unsure about their possibility to influence their teenager's lifestyle. Knowledge about young people's acceptance for parental intervention could increase parental involvement. The overall objective of this study was to explore adolescents' perceptions and expectations of parental action regarding children's smoking and snus use, and whether they have changed over time. To see if there were differences whether the adolescent was a tobacco user or not the adolescents' tobacco use was followed; and described to put the findings on their perceptions and expectations of parental action in a context.

    Methods: The study used a repeated cross-sectional design, reporting Swedish national data from three decades. Data were collected in 1987, 1994 and 2003 by a questionnaire mailed to homes, in total to 13500 persons. The annual samples, which were random and national representative, consisted of 4500 young people aged 13, 15 and 17 yr, 1500 individuals per age group. The sampling and data collection procedures were done the same way during each survey. Chi2- tests were used to evaluate differences in distributions.

    Results: Adolescents in all age groups became more positive toward parental action over time. In 2003, more then 86% of the adolescents, including both smokers and non-smokers, strongly supported parental action on their children's smoking by trying to persuade them not to smoke (94%), by not smoking themselves (87%) and by not allowing their children to smoke at home (86%). Both non-smokers and smokers supported the idea of parental action in a similar way. Reduced pocket money had a weak support (42%), especially from girls. Eighty-nine percent of the adolescents expected their parents to act against smoking and 85% against snus use.

    Smoking was stable at 8% in 1987 and 1994 but decreased to 4% in 2003. In 1987 the snus use prevalence was 4% and in 2003 it was 3%. Snus users were mostly boys while few girls had done more than tried snus. More young people in all age groups had never tried smoking compared to the previous studies. In 2003 57% stated that they had never tried smoking.

    Conclusion: Adolescent smoking in Sweden has decreased and the proportion who never tried smoking has increased. The results of this study show that a growing majority of adolescents support strong parental intervention to help them refrain from tobacco, but preferably not in a punitive manner. This finding dismisses the notion that adolescents ignore or even disdain parental practices concerning tobacco. Prevention strategies and interventions addressing adolescent tobacco use that involve parents can be improved by using these findings to encourage parents to intervene against their children's tobacco use.

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    Adolescent´s perceptions and expectations of parental action on children´s smoking and snus use: national cross sectional data from three decades
  • 27.
    Nygren, Karina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nygren, Lennart
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Adolescent self-reported health in relation to school factors: a multilevel analysis2014In: Journal of School Nursing, ISSN 1059-8405, E-ISSN 1546-8364, Vol. 30, no 2, p. 114-122Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of the study was to examine school-related determinants of self-reported health among adolescents. Questionnaire survey data comprising 4,972 students, Grades 7 through 9, from 20 schools in northern Sweden were used. Also, complimentary data about each school were collected from the Swedish National Agency for Education. Using multilevel logistic regression analyses, results showed that most variation in self-reported health was explained by individual-level differences. Truancy, bullying, and poor relations with teachers significantly increased the odds ratio of reporting poor general health, for boys and for girls. Most variables at the school level, for example, school size and student-teacher ratio, did not render significant associations with students' self-reported health. In conclusion, this study indicates that health promotion at school, including school health services, may benefit from focusing primarily on individual-level determinants of health, that is, students' relations to peers and teachers, without ignoring that bullying and weak student-teacher relationships also may induce school-level interventions.

  • 28.
    Nygren, Karina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Janlert, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nygren, Lennart
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work.
    Parents matter: but relations to parents do not explain gender differences in self-reported health in adolescents2012In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 26, no 4, p. 643-653Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of the study was to explore whether parent-adolescent relations are associated to self-reported health of adolescents. Logistic regression analyses were performed on a cross-sectional data set consisting of 5060 adolescents, grades 7-9, from six municipalities in the northern part of Sweden. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå, Sweden. Results showed that, in both boys and girls, experiencing low parental demands as well as perceiving the relationship quality and the communication with parents as poor were significantly associated with having poor general health, somatic complaints and feelings of stress. In general, girls scored lower on self-reported health than boys, but our findings indicate that these gender differences could not be explained by relations to parents. In conclusion, relations to parents play an important role for self-reported health of adolescents. Although no causal-effect statements can be determined in this study, it is implied that there is a need for health professionals, such as school nurses, school welfare officers, etc., to pay special attention to parent-adolescent relations in their work with adolescents.

  • 29. Owen, Christopher G
    et al.
    Whincup, Peter H
    Kaye, Samantha J
    Martin, Richard M
    Davey Smith, George
    Cook, Derek G
    Bergstrom, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Black, Stephanie
    Wadsworth, Michael E J
    Fall, Caroline H
    Freudenheim, Jo L
    Nie, Jing
    Huxley, Rachel R
    Kolacek, Sanja
    Leeson, C Paul
    Pearce, Mark S
    Raitakari, Olli T
    Lisinen, Irina
    Viikari, Jorma S
    Ravelli, Anita C
    Rudnicka, Alicja R
    Strachan, David P
    Williams, Sheila M
    Does initial breastfeeding lead to lower blood cholesterol in adult life? A quantitative review of the evidence.2008In: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ISSN 0002-9165, E-ISSN 1938-3207, Vol. 88, no 2, p. 305-14Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have suggested that infant feeding may program long-term changes in cholesterol metabolism. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine whether breastfeeding is associated with lower blood cholesterol concentrations in adulthood. DESIGN: The study consisted of a systematic review of published observational studies relating initial infant feeding status to blood cholesterol concentrations in adulthood (ie, aged >16 y). Data were available from 17 studies (17 498 subjects; 12 890 breastfed, 4608 formula-fed). Mean differences in total cholesterol concentrations (breastfed minus formula-fed) were pooled by using fixed-effect models. Effects of adjustment (for age at outcome, socioeconomic position, body mass index, and smoking status) and exclusion (of nonexclusive breast feeders) were examined. RESULTS: Mean total blood cholesterol was lower (P = 0.037) among those ever breastfed than among those fed formula milk (mean difference: -0.04 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.00 mmol/L). The difference in cholesterol between infant feeding groups was larger (P = 0.005) and more consistent in 7 studies that analyzed "exclusive" feeding patterns (-0.15 mmol/L; -0.23, -0.06 mmol/L) than in 10 studies that analyzed nonexclusive feeding patterns (-0.01 mmol/L; -0.06, 0.03 mmol/L). Adjustment for potential confounders including socioeconomic position, body mass index, and smoking status in adult life had minimal effect on these estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Initial breastfeeding (particularly when exclusive) may be associated with lower blood cholesterol concentrations in later life. Moves to reduce the cholesterol content of formula feeds below those of breast milk should be treated with caution.

  • 30. Panday, Saadhna
    et al.
    Reddy, S Priscilla
    Ruiter, Robert A C
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    de Vries, Hein
    Determinants of smoking among adolescents in the Southern Cape-Karoo region, South Africa.2007In: Health Promotion International, ISSN 0957-4824, E-ISSN 1460-2245, Vol. 22, no 3, p. 207-17Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 31. Panday, Saadhna
    et al.
    Reddy, S Priscilla
    Ruiter, Robert A C
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    de Vries, Hein
    Determinants of smoking cessation among adolescents in South Africa.2005In: Health Educ Res, ISSN 0268-1153, Vol. 20, no 5, p. 586-99Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 32. Panday, Saadhna
    et al.
    Reddy, S Priscilla
    Ruiter, Robert A C
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    de Vries, Hein
    Nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms among occasional smokers2007In: Journal of Adolescent Health, ISSN 1054-139X, E-ISSN 1879-1972, Vol. 40, no 2, p. 144-150Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose

    This study describes the levels of nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, depressive mood, and risk behavior reported by male and female weekly and monthly adolescent smokers in South Africa.

    Methods

    A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 554 grade 9–11 weekly and monthly smokers in the Southern Cape-Karoo Region. Differences between the gender groups and smoking status were analyzed while controlling for demographic characteristics.

    Results

    Weekly and monthly smokers were classified as light smokers having smoked 6–10 cigarettes and 0–1 cigarettes a week, respectively. However, they displayed substantial levels of dependence, with 11.6% of weekly smokers classified as highly dependent. Furthermore, 55.9% of weekly smokers and 47.1% of the overall sample experienced more than two withdrawal symptoms. Although dependency levels and withdrawal symptoms were higher among weekly smokers, the levels were not negligible among monthly smokers. Weekly smokers reported higher levels of depressive mood and risk behavior than monthly smokers. Females reported higher levels of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, depressive mood, and lower levels of risk behavior than males. Gender differences were not found on the number of cigarettes smoked in a week.

    Conclusions

    This study demonstrates multiple symptoms of dependence among a large sample of adolescent occasional smokers in a multi-ethnic cultural setting. Smoking cessation programs may, therefore, be required to help adolescents quit smoking and possibly consider pharmacotherapy for highly dependent smokers. Prevention programs should also consider providing occasional smokers skills to identify and cope with withdrawal symptoms.

  • 33.
    Petersen, Solveig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Cederblad, Marianne
    Ivarsson, Anneli
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Köhler, Lennart
    Rydell, Ann-Margret
    Stenbeck, Magnus
    Sundelin, Claes
    Hägglöf, Bruno
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Barns och ungdomars psykiska hälsa i Sverige: en systematisk litteraturöversikt med tonvikt på förändringar över tid2010Report (Other academic)
  • 34.
    Petersen, Solveig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Brulin, Christine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Increasing prevalence of overweight in young schoolchildren in Umeå, Sweden, from 1986 to 20012003In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 92, no 7, p. 848-853Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: To investigate the current prevalence and trend of overweight in young schoolchildren in Umeå, Sweden. Methods: Two cross-sectional samples of children were studied: 1115 randomly selected children from preschool class to grade 6 (aged 6–13 y) attending school in 2001 and a matched sample of 507 schoolchildren from grades 0, 1 and 4 (aged 6–11 y) attending school in 1986. Overweight was defined according to age- and gender-specific body mass index (BMI) cutoff values, corresponding to BMI values of 25 kg/m2 (level 1) and 30 kg/m2 (level 2) at late adolescence. Results: In the population from 2001, the prevalence of overweight was 23% (18% at level 1, 5% at level 2). The prevalence differed with age, with a higher prevalence at the ages of 6 and 13 y. Comparing children from grades 0, 1 and 4, attending school in 1986 and 2001, respectively, the total prevalence of overweight was twice as high in 2001 as in 1986. Regarding severe overweight (level 2), the difference was even larger (five times). In the 1986 sample, the prevalence of overweight did not differ between girls and boys, while significantly more girls than boys were overweight in 2001.

    Conclusion: In this sample of young children from Sweden, the prevalence of overweight doubled over the past 15 y and severe overweight increased even more, suggesting a need for intensified preventive efforts in young schoolchildren.

  • 35.
    Petersen, Solveig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Brulin, Christine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences. Epidemiologi och folkhälsovetenskap.
    Recurrent pain symptoms in young schoolchildren are often multiple.2006In: Pain, ISSN 0304-3959, E-ISSN 1872-6623, Vol. 121, no 1-2, p. 145-150Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 36.
    Petersen, Solveig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Hägglöf, Bruno
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Impaired health-related quality of life in children with recurrent pain2009In: Pediatrics, ISSN 0031-4005, E-ISSN 1098-4275, Vol. 124, no 4, p. e759-e767Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: The goal of the current study was to investigate self-reported, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general population of young schoolchildren with recurrent pain (ie, headache, stomachache, or backache).

    METHODS: The study was performed in Umeå, a university city in Sweden. All children in grades 3 and 6 were invited, and 97% participated (313 girls and 292 boys in grade 3 [mean age: 9.7 years]; 386 girls and 464 boys in grade 6 [mean age: 12.6 years]). Pain and HRQoL were measured with questionnaires.

    RESULTS: Two thirds of the children reported recurrent pain (at least monthly). One third reported weekly pain, and 4 of 10 experienced pain from multiple locations. HRQoL impairment was twice as common among children with recurrent pain, compared with children without pain. All aspects of HRQoL (ie, physical, emotional, social, and school functioning and well-being) were impaired. The level of impairment was classified as considerable, especially for children who experienced pain from multiple body sites and children with weekly pain (Cohen's d = 0.6–0.8).

    CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that young schoolchildren with recurrent pain have considerable impairment of their HRQoL.

  • 37.
    Petersen, Solveig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Hägglöf, Bruno
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Psychometric properties of the Swedish PedsQL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 generic core scales2009In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 98, no 9, p. 1504-1512Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim:  To study the psychometric performance of the Swedish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 generic core scales in a general child population in Sweden.

    Methods:  PedsQL forms were distributed to 2403 schoolchildren and 888 parents in two different school settings. Reliability and validity was studied for self-reports and proxy reports, full forms and short forms. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the factor structure and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement invariance between boys and girls.

    Results:  Test-retest reliability was demonstrated for all scales and internal consistency reliability was shown with α value exceeding 0.70 for all scales but one (self-report short form: social functioning). Child-parent agreement was low to moderate. The four-factor structure of the PedsQL and factorial invariance across sex subgroups were confirmed for the self-report forms and for the proxy short form, while model fit indices suggested improvement of several proxy full-form scales.

    Conclusion:  The Swedish PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales are a reliable and valid tool for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment in Swedish child populations. The proxy full form, however, should be used with caution. The study also support continued use of the PedsQL as a four-factor model, capable of revealing meaningful HRQoL differences between boys and girls.

  • 38.
    Ragnarsson, Susanne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Johansson, Klara
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Sjöberg, Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Mathematics Education.
    Hurtig, Anna-Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Petersen, Solveig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Academic achievement in school-aged children with recurrent pain: a longitudinal studyManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 39.
    Ragnarsson, Susanne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Johansson, Klara
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Sjöberg, Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Mathematics Education.
    Hurtig, Anna-Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Petersen, Solveig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Recurrent pain in school-aged children: a longitudinal study focusing on the relation to academic achievement2022In: Pain, ISSN 0304-3959, E-ISSN 1872-6623, Vol. 163, no 11, p. 2245-2253Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Recurrent pain is an increasing public health problem among school-aged children, with potential negative impact on children's daily lives, such as schoolwork. The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether recurrent pain in school year 6 was associated with poorer academic achievement at the end of elementary school in school year 9. The study was a follow-up study based on data from "The Study of Health in School-Aged Children from Umeå". Participants were 1567 children aged 12 to 13 years who attended school year 6. A follow-up was performed in school year 9, when the children were 16 years old. The children answered a questionnaire about recurrent pain (headache, stomachache, and backache). Information about academic achievement was collected from school registers. The results showed that having weekly recurrent pain in school year 6 predicted lower final overall grade points in school year 9 than in children with no recurrent pain. This applied for recurrent headache, stomachache, backache, and multiple pains and for both girls and boys. Recurrent pain did not predict secondary school eligibility, however. Perceived problems with academic achievement and problems with concentration partly mediated the association between recurrent pain and lower final overall grade points. Sleep problems were not associated with academic achievement and were therefore not a mediator. Thus, the results suggest that recurrent pain may predict later impairment of academic achievement and that problems with concentration and children's perceived achievement in school, but not sleep problems, may partly explain this relationship.

  • 40.
    Stenmark, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Hägglöf, Bruno
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Öhman, Ann
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS).
    Petersen, Solveig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Mental problems and their socio-demographic determinants in young schoolchildren in Sweden, a country with high gender and income equality2016In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, ISSN 1403-4948, E-ISSN 1651-1905, Vol. 44, no 1, p. 18-26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: Mental problems and their potential socio-demographic determinants were investigated in young schoolchildren in Sweden, a high-income country in the top of income- and gender-equality rankings.

    METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 1465 schoolchildren in grades 3 and 6. Mental health was measured by the Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth Self Report (Total problems and 14 specific problem areas). Potential socio-demographic determinants were sex, parental education and occupation, family structure, and immigrant status.

    RESULTS: Mental problems were present in 14% of the sixth graders and in 7% of the third graders. In grade 3, the mean total problem score was lower in girls than in boys, but the prevalence of problems at a subclinical/clinical level did not differ by sex. Furthermore, in nine to 13 of the 14 specific problem areas, problems were equally distributed by sex, parental education, parental occupation, immigrant status, and family structure. In grade 6, both the total mean score and the overall odds of subclinical/clinical problems were similar in girls and boys. Likewise, in all the specific problem areas, problems were evenly distributed by parental education and occupation, and only independently associated with immigrant status and family structure in one problem area. In five specific problem areas, boys had higher odds of problems than girls.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that also in a relatively wealthy and equal country such as Sweden, mental problems are a significant child public health issue. The association between socio-demographic background and mental problems seems to be rather weak, but differ dependent on the type of mental problem in focus.

  • 41.
    Sundell, Claes-Göran
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Larsén, Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Low back pain and associated disability in Swedish adolescents2019In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, ISSN 0905-7188, E-ISSN 1600-0838, Vol. 29, p. 393-399Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) defined as ache or pain in the lowest part of the back is a common experience among people all over the world. The lifetime prevalence is reported to be as high as 84%, and the prevalence of LBP seems to be almost the same among adolescents as among adults. The risk for having LBP later in life if you experienced LBP in adolescence is high.

    Material and Methods: In this cross‐sectional study of 2550 students aged 16‐20 years, we used the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for the analysis of musculo‐skeletal symptoms. We studied gender difference, prevalence, and disability of Low back pain. We also studied differences in LBP in adolescent athletes depending on hours spent on sports or physical activity.

    Results: Significantly, more girls than boys had had problems sometimes during their life. Those who participated in sports reported LBP to a significantly higher extent than those who were physically inactive in their spare time. Gender and spare time sports were important risk factors for getting LBP some time in life. There was a higher risk for girls to have low back pain problems more than 30 days or daily the last year if they had had low back pain some time earlier in life.

    Conclusion: This study shows that low back pain (LBP) is common among Swedish adolescents, more common among girls than boys. High sport activity was associated with the risk of having LBP, length of time with LBP, and disability due to LBP.

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  • 42. Swart, Dehran
    et al.
    Panday, Saadhna
    Reddy, S Priscilla
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    de Vries, Hein
    Access point analysis: what do adolescents in South Africa say about tobacco control programmes?2006In: Health Educ Res, ISSN 0268-1153, Vol. 21, no 3, p. 393-406Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 43.
    Söderman, Kerstin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences.
    Lorentzon, Ronny
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Bone mass and muscle strength in young female soccer players.2000In: Calcified Tissue International, ISSN 0171-967X, E-ISSN 1432-0827, Vol. 67, no 4, p. 297-303Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In this cross-sectional study, bone mass and muscle strength of the thigh were investigated in 51 female soccer players, age 16.3 +/- 0. 3 years, who had been playing soccer for 8.1 +/- 2.1 years and were at the time of the study in soccer training for 5.0 +/- 1.7 hours/week. They were compared with 41 nonactive females, age 16.2 +/- 1.3 years. The groups were matched according to age, weight, and height. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured of the total body, head, lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and the greater trochanter using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Isokinetic muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Compared with the nonactives, the soccer players had significantly higher BMD of the total body (2.7%), lumbar spine (6.1%), the dominant and nondominant hip (all sites). The largest differences were found in the greater trochanter on both sides (dominant, 16.5%, nondominant, 14.8%). The soccer players had significantly higher concentric and eccentric peak torque of the thigh muscles. In the soccer group, there was only a positive association between thigh muscle strength and BMD of the adjacent hip, and in the nonactive group there were several positive associations between muscle strength and BMD. However, when adjusting for the variation in weight and height all these associations became nonsignificant. Using multiple linear regression, the type of activity (soccer player, nonactive) independently predicted BMD of all dominant hip sites (beta = 0.32-0.48, P < 0.01). No other variable was found to independently predict BMD of any site. In the younger subjects (

    16 years) the soccer players had significantly higher BMD in all measured sites except for the nonweight-bearing head. The differences in muscle strength between soccer players and nonactives were already seen in the young age group. In conclusion, girls who train and play soccer in adolescence have a higher bone mass in the hip and lumbar spine, and a higher muscle strength of the thigh compared with nonactive controls, indicating a site-specific skeletal response of weight-bearing and impact-loadng acting on the skeleton. The differences in bone mass were already apparent in early adolescence, but became more pronounced in late adolescence, probably explained by a longer exposure to soccer training with time. Our results also indicate that muscle strength in itself might not be of decisive importance for bone mass in the hip of adolescent females.

  • 44.
    Waenerlund, Anna-Karin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Stenmark, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Hägglöf, Bruno
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    Öhman, Ann
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS).
    Petersen, Solveig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    School experiences may be important determinants of mental health problems in middle childhood: a Swedish longitudinal population-based study2016In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 105, no 4, p. 407-415Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AimLittle is known about the association between school experiences and mental health in young schoolchildren. This study explored the cross-sectional and prospective associations between children's school experiences and mental health in middle childhood. MethodsWe gathered comprehensive population-based data on the school experiences and mental health of 592 schoolchildren attending grades three and six in Sweden (ages approximately nine and 12 years). The KIDSCREEN questionnaire was used to measure school experiences in both age groups while the Child Behavior Checklist and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire measured mental health in grades three and six, respectively. ResultsChildren with problematic school experiences in grade three had an approximately two times higher odds for concurrent total, internalised, externalised, attention-hyperactivity and social problems. They also had a 1.5-2.5 higher odds for these mental health problems three years later. Likewise, there was an association between problematic school experiences in grade three and lower levels of prosocial behaviour three years later. These associations were shown in both boys and girls, but were particularly pronounced in girls. ConclusionThis study indicated that school experiences in young schoolchildren may be important determinants of concurrent and later mental health problems.

  • 45.
    Wiklund, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS).
    Malmgren-Olsson, Eva-Britt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Öhman, Ann
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Bergström, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Fjellman Wiklund, Anncristine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Subjective health complaints in older adolescents are related to perceived stress, anxiety and gender: a cross-sectional school study in Northern Sweden2012In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 12, no 993Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose: Adolescent subjective health has become a public health concern in Sweden and worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate perceived stress and subjective health complaints among older adolescents.

    Methods: Data were derived from a school-based survey with a sample consisting of 16–18 year olds (n=1027), boys and girls, in high school grades 1 and 2, from different educational programs in three public high schools within a university municipality in northern Sweden. Perceived stress, self-rated health, subjective health complaints, anxiety, and depression, were measured with a questionnaire including a set of instruments.

    Results: A large proportion of both girls and boys reported health complaints and perceived stress. There was a clear gender difference; girls reported two to three-fold higher proportions of subjective health complaints such as headache, tiredness and sleeping difficulties, musculoskeletal pain, as well as sadness and anxiety. Pressure and demands correlated strongly with psychosomatic symptoms (r=0.71) and anxiety (r=0.71).

    Conclusions: The results indicate that subjective health complaints are prevalent during adolescence, especially in girls, and furthermore that perceived stress and demands may be important explanatory factors. Future studies should pay attention to the balance between gender-related demands, perceived control and social support, particularly in the school environment, in order to prevent negative strain and stress-related ill-health. The gender gap in adolescent health needs to be further explored.

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