The formation of schoolchildren's health under the influence of medical and psychological factors: challenges of the modern school
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/SP.2025.1(145).4756Keywords:
schoolchildren’s health, psychological traits, anxiety, impulsivity, asociality, respiratory diseases, digestive diseasesAbstract
The growing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases among children highlights the need to examine the role of psychological and medical factors in shaping schoolchildren’s health.
The study aimed to analyze how psychological personality traits (PPT) and associated behavioral risks contribute to the formation of respiratory (RSD) and digestive system diseases (DSD), and to justify the implementation of preventive medical and psychological interventions.
Materials and methods. A randomized controlled study included 1,110 children aged 9-17 years and used a double-blind design. Health indicators were assessed in relation to established PPTs such as anxiety, aggressiveness, impulsivity, insecurity, externality, asociality and aesthetic insensitivity. Data collection and analysis were performed using the Universal Online system, version 45.
Results. Anxiety significantly increased the risk of DSD (OR=2.16), while its association with RSD was not statistically significant (OR=1.29). Dishonesty was found to be a notable risk factor for RSD. Asociality was a significant predictor for both RSD (OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.00-2.36) and DSD (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.23-2.91). These findings emphasize the importance of early detection of psychological risk factors to prevent systemic dysfunctions and atypical disease courses.
Conclusions. Psychological traits can act as significant medical risk factors, contributing to the development of somatic disorders during the educational process. The integration of psychological screening and support into school health programs may reduce disease incidence, improve children's adaptation, and enhance educational outcomes. Multidisciplinary support from parents, teachers, and health professionals is essential to mitigate the negative impact of harmful traits and promote healthier development.
No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.
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