Physical and social factors associated with early adolescent headache and stomachache pain

Keywords

early adolescents; headache; stomachache; United States.

Abstract

Studies in the United States and Europe indicate that 30% of adolescents (1) report experiencing frequent headaches, with up to 40% of these teens experiencing them weekly (2). As many as 36% of adolescents report abdominal pain weekly (2, 3). Among adolescents, almost half of those that have abdominal pain, and up to 30% of those with frequent headaches, experience daily life restrictions, such as needing to stay home and rest due to their symptoms (1, 3). Early onset of symptoms, especially with abdominal pain, increases the likelihood of developing disorders in adulthood (4) and underscores the importance of early intervention. Various physical and psychosocial factors have been identified as predictors of both headaches and abdominal pain. However, little research has examined the combined influence of physical and psychosocial factors on chronic pain in adolescents – which is the primary contribution of this study.

Original Publication Citation

Fife, Benjamin & Renata Forste. (Published online ahead of print 2016). “Physical and Social Factors Associated with Early Adolescent Headache and Stomachache Pain.” International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016-09-26

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5773

Publisher

International Journal of Adolescence of Medicine and Health

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS