Self-reported health problems of Slovak adolescents

This paper describes self-reported health problems among 2616 Slovak adoles cents (52(.)4% boys, 47(.)6% girls). Adolescents consider their health as v ery good in general. They often feel 'vital', and rarely feel depressed or irritated, However, the psychological health of more than 20% of the boys a nd 40% of the girls was unsatisfactory. Furthermore, a sizeable number suff ered front separate physical complaints, chronic diseases or used medical s ervices. Findings are more unfavourable fur girls in comparison with boys. Our findings indicate that adolescence is not such a healthy period in huma n life as is often considered. The Slovak Republic, a Central European coun try, does not differ in this respect from Western European countries. (C) 2 001 The Association for professionals in Services for Adolescents.