Chronic health conditions measured in general health questionnaires for adolescents in Europe

Abstract

The present study intends to assess how chronic health conditions are being evaluated in general health questionnaires aimed at adolescents. A review of questionnaires that contain questions about different domains of the adolescents' lives and about chronic disease and/or disability was performed. Different terminologies regarding the domain of chronic conditions (e.g. long-term illness, disability, medical condition, illnesses/disorders, chronic disease, health problems) and different questions formulations and evaluation measures are used. Some questionnaires include questions about the specific areas affected by the chronic health condition and limitations This work allowed an overview of the main categories present in the questions about chronic disease/disability that are currently being included in these instruments. It highlights the importance of considering the adolescents with chronic conditions in the general health questionnaires, as this allows for increasing knowledge about their needs and difficulties. Data collection on adolescents with chronic conditions’ social participation is very important and should be reinforced through improved questions.