4.67 CHRONIC PHYSICAL ILLNESS AND PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITIES IN LEBANESE ADOLESCENTS

Objectives

Chronic physical illness is estimated to affect 15 percent–20 percent of adolescents worldwide and is associated with both physical and psychological morbidity. We aim to study the prevalence and sociodemographic and mental health correlates of having a chronic physical illness in Lebanese youth.

Methods

A sample group of 1517 Lebanese children and adolescents aged 5–18 years was recruited using a multi-stage cluster probability sampling technique. The Arabic validated Mood and Feelings questionnaire (MFQ), the Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were completed by adolescents aged 8 and above and a parent/legal guardian during the household surveys. The adolescents also completed the Peer-Relations Questionnaire (PRQ)

Results

A total of 124 adolescents (8.3%) had at least one form of chronic physical illness, as reported by the parents. Children with chronic physical illness had higher mean parent reported MFQ total score (9.13 vs. 4.09; p < 0.001), SCARED total score (19 vs.10.01; p < 0.001), and SDQ total score (12.59 vs. 8.49; p < 0.001) compared with those with no illness. Children with chronic illness also reported higher mean MFQ total score (9.54 vs. 5.67; p < 0.001), SCARED total score (22.18 vs. 12.93; p <

Conclusions

Mental health needs in children with chronic physical illness in Lebanon could form a source of considerable morbidity. Health care providers should be trained to screen for comorbid mental health disorders in children with chronic physical illness.

PYI, ADOL, CM