HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADOLESCENTS FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN BUCARAMANGA

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its relationship with sociodemographic factors in adolescents from a private educational institution in Bucaramanga (Colombia). Materials and Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out with 280 healthy adolescents of both sexes, between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The KIDSCREEN-27 was used to assess health-related quality of life. Results: Regarding health-related quality of life, adolescents perceive more problems related to mood and feelings, especially adolescent girls, with significant differences being evident in both sexes with respect to the perception of the total HRQOL scale. Conclusions: The HRQOL dimensions with the lowest scores correspond to mood and feelings in both sexes, with significant differences by sex. It is essential to carry out research on HRQL in adolescents without any disease or illness and to focus on the factors that can affect wellbeing and health in order to develop interventions aimed at promoting health and preventing disease at an early age, integrating a sex/gender approach.