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School Absenteeism, Health-Related Quality of Life [HRQOL] and Happiness among Young Adults Aged 16–26 Years

Author

Listed:
  • Suzanne J. van den Toren

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Amy van Grieken

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Wico C. Mulder

    (Dutch Center for Youth Health (NCJ), 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Yvonne TM Vanneste

    (Dutch Center for Youth Health (NCJ), 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Marjolein Lugtenberg

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Marlou LA de Kroon

    (Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Siok Swan Tan

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Hein Raat

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This study examines the association between school absenteeism, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and happiness among young adults aged 16–26 years attending vocational education. Cross-sectional data from a survey among 676 young adults were analyzed. School absenteeism was measured by the self-reported number of sick days in the past eight weeks and hours of truancy in the past four weeks. HRQOL was measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey; physical and mental component summary scores were calculated. General happiness was assessed on a scale of 0–10, higher scores indicating greater happiness. Linear regression analyses were performed. The study population had a mean age of 18.5 years (SD 2.2); 26.1% were boys. Young adults with ≥5 sick days or ≥6 h of truancy reported lower mental HRQOL compared to young adults without sickness absence or truancy ( p < 0.05). Young adults with 1–4 and ≥5 sick days reported lower physical HRQOL compared to young adults who had not reported to be sick ( p < 0.05). Young adults with 1–5 h and ≥6 h of truancy reported higher physical HRQOL compared to young adults who were not truant ( p < 0.05). No associations were observed between school absence and happiness. Lower self-reported mental HRQOL was observed among young adults with more school absenteeism due to sickness or truancy. Sickness absence was additionally associated with lower physical HRQOL.

Suggested Citation

  • Suzanne J. van den Toren & Amy van Grieken & Wico C. Mulder & Yvonne TM Vanneste & Marjolein Lugtenberg & Marlou LA de Kroon & Siok Swan Tan & Hein Raat, 2019. "School Absenteeism, Health-Related Quality of Life [HRQOL] and Happiness among Young Adults Aged 16–26 Years," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:18:p:3321-:d:265641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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