Abstract

HIGUITA-GUTIERREZ, Luis F  and  CARDONA-ARIAS, Jaiberth A. Meta-analysis of the Perception of Adolescents' Health Related Quality of Life by Gender. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2015, vol.33, n.2, pp.228-238. ISSN 0120-386X.  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rfnsp.v33n2a10.

During adolescence, gender differences occur in the perception of health related quality of life (HRQOL). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to meta-analyze, from a gender perspective, the perception that adolescents have of HRQOL according to the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis were performed. Reproducibility was assessed and the following tests were performed: Q, Begg, Funel Plot, Galbrait, sensitivity analysis, ForestPlot and meta-regression. RESULTS : the study included 11 investigations with 11.619 healthy and sick adolescents. Scores in "Physical activity and health" and "Mood and feelings" were higher for men; while "Social support and friends" and "School environment" were higher for women. No differences were found between genders in "Family life and leisure".The differences remained for the males In the meta-regression for healthy and sick individuals. CONCLUSION: this study generated scientific evidence supporting the need for a gender perspective in the planning, management of health care services and identification of the health care needs of adolescents.

Keywords : quality of life; adolescents; gender differences; meta-analysis.

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