Prevalence and associated factors of somatic symptoms among adolescents in Singapore: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Somatic symptoms are physical symptoms that often arise in response to emotional distress and can significantly impact well-being. Understanding the prevalence and interplay of these symptoms with anxiety and depression is crucial for understanding adolescent health outcomes in Singapore. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of somatic symptoms among adolescents in Singapore and examine their associations with demographic characteristics, life stressors, anxiety, and depression.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 601 Singaporean adolescents aged 12 to 19, using the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Scales (PHQ-SADS) to assess somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression levels. Demographic information and experiences with stressful life events were also collected. Both descriptive and regression analyses were used to understand the relationships between participants' sociodemographic factors, mental health symptoms, and the presence of somatic symptoms.

RESULTS

32.3% of the adolescents reported clinically significant levels of somatic symptoms, with a higher prevalence observed among those who were females and older. While no significant associations were found between somatic symptoms and demographic factors, adolescents with anxiety or depressive symptoms presented significantly increased odds of reporting somatic symptoms. Specifically, the odds of reporting somatic symptoms were 2.91 times greater for those with anxiety (95%CI: 1.55-5.45, p < 0.001) and 6.54 times greater for those with depression (95%CI: 3.75-11.6, p < 0.001) than for those without these mental health concerns. Furthermore, those with somatic symptoms reported a greater number of stressful life events, with academic pressure emerging as the most prominent stressor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the prevalence of somatic symptoms among adolescents in Singapore, emphasising the interconnectedness of mental and physical health during this developmental stage. The strong associations between somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and life stressors underscore the need for a holistic approach to adolescent healthcare. Early identification and intervention strategies should focus on addressing mental health concerns, building resilience against stressors, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms to mitigate the burden of somatic symptoms and foster overall well-being in Singaporean adolescents.