Single and multiple psychological distress and its correlates among adolescents in five asean countries

Abstract

This investigation was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of single and multiple psychological distress (PD) among adolescent middle school children in five ASEAN countries. Cross-sectional data from the 2015 "Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS)" included 33,184 students (mean age 14.3 years) that were nationally representative of all middle school students in Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. The proportion of one or single PD was 14.6% and 8.6% had two to five or multiple PD (any PD 23.2%). In multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis, being female, experience of hunger, older age, alcohol use, tobacco use, bullied, lifetime amphetamine use, having been physically attacked, injury, and poor diet (frequent soft drink and fast-food consumption) and physical activity were positively associated with multiple PD. Parental support and low sedentary behaviour were protective against multiple PD. In addition, peer support and school attendance was protective against single PD and having been in a physical fight increased the odds for single PD. A high prevalence and several variables associated with PD were identified that can assist in guiding intervention strategies.