ALMOST one in two Australian teens are living with a chronic disease or developmental condition, such as ADHD or autism, according to Australian research published today.
The study involved a self-reported survey of over 5,000 adolescents looking at noncommunicable diseases and developmental conditions, sex, socio-economic status, lifestyle behaviours and mental health.
It is the first study of its kind in Australia to examine unhealthy behaviours and mental health, while examining their overlap with common and emerging health conditions in teens.
The research team found that 45.6% of adolescents reported a noncommunicable disease or developmental condition.
Female teenagers who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed foods or alcohol; participated in more screen time; or had depression, anxiety or psychological distress were more likely to have at least one disease or condition.
Teenage males had a disproportionally higher risk of having a disease when they had a mental health condition, compared with females who had the same mental health conditions.
The most common chronic diseases in teenagers were hay fever (23%) and asthma (15%), while the most common developmental condition was ADHD, affecting 9% of participants.
Lead author Dr Bridie Osman from the University of Sydney said that the issue of chronic disease and developmental conditions in teenagers is "often overlooked as a serious public health concern".
Dr Osman pointed out that the conditions can have "a profound impact" on a teenager's development, hindering their ability to attend school and participate in sports, as well as having socialimplications.
"Some of these chronic health conditions can also cause ongoing damage to the immune system and contribute to more severe diseases in later life," she added.
Dr Osman pointed out that while the study could not demonstrate that diseases and conditions are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, there is a clear link that requires further investigation.
"This finding is a wake-up call that we need to do more to prioritise the health of young people," she said.
Read the full paper HERE. KB
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