Self-reported health problems of Slovak adolescents

This paper describes self-reported health problems among 2616 Slovak adolescents (52·4% boys, 47·6% girls). Adolescents consider their health as very good in general. They often feel `vitalʹ, and rarely feel depressed or irritated. However, the psychological health of more than 20% of the boys and 40% of the girls was unsatisfactory. Furthermore, a sizeable number suffered from separate physical complaints, chronic diseases or used medical services. Findings are more unfavourable for girls in comparison with boys. Our findings indicate that adolescence is not such a healthy period in human life as is often considered. The Slovak Republic, a Central European country, does not differ in this respect from Western European countries.