Analysis of factors related to early adolescent health

<p>We examined factors related to early adolescent health using the method of structural equation modeling. The study utilized self-administered questionnaire responses from 4,063 pairs of caregivers and their eighth-grade children taken from the "Child Living Conditions Survey" conducted by the local government in the Kanto region of Japan. The motivation of early adolescents to learn was strongly influenced by the educational investments made by their households. The responsive caregiver attitude contributed to the establishment of a rhythm of life and the enhancement of physical and mental well-being. The characteristic feelings of anxiety and loneliness during adolescence encouraged media use, which had a significant impact on worsening the child's physical condition, and increased consumption of sweetened beverages. Households had an important influence on restricting media use. We found that the child's household situation had a significant influence on whether the child had dental caries. Regardless of their household economic situation or dental health, they experienced an increase in motivation to learn and improved physical health through interactions at school. We think that it is necessary to further investigate adolescent-specific characteristics and the household economic situation which both impact the child's total health. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2024; 58: 241-252)</p>