Psychological distress among adolescents in Lebanon: Results from a national school survey in 2017

• Main Authors: Karl Peltzer, Supa Pengpid
• Other Authors: University of Limpopo
• Format: Book Chapter
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/79038
• Institution: Mahidol University

This investigation was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (PD) among adolescent middle school children in Lebanon. Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional "2017 Lebanon Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)" were analysed that included 5,708 adolescents (15 years = median age). Results show that the prevalence of PD was 17.9%, 22.6% among females and 12.6% among males. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, having been physically attacked, bullying victimization, older age, parental disrespect of privacy, female sex, parental emotional neglect, low peer support, frequently experiencing hunger, frequent school truancy, current tobacco use, leisure-time sedentary behaviour and having sustained a single or multiple injuries were associated with PD. Almost one in five students reported PD, and several associated variables were found.