Introduction: Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the community facilitates identification of health care needs and monitoring of the impact of implemented interventions. The aim of the study was to evaluate HRQoL in a school population and to identify subgroups with lower HRQoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a randomised sample of fifth-to eighth-grade schoolchildren. The HRQoL questionnaire applied was KIDSCREEN-27® for adolescents and parents, assessing five dimensions: physical well-being, psychological well-being, autonomy and parents, peers and social support, and school environment. The children's weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated. Results: A total of 431 adolescents were included, mean age 12.8 years, 52.7% female. Chronic disease was reported in 14%. Obesity was identified in 13.2% and overweight in 18.3%. The overall KIDSCREEN-27® score (mean T-value) was 52.7, higher than the mean European score. Lower scores were found in girls for psychological well-being (p<0.001), in older adolescents for all dimensions (overall p<0.001), in chronic disease for physical well-being (p=0.026) and in obesity/ overweight for overall scores (p<0.001), physical well--being (p<0.001), psychological well-being (p=0.030) and peers and social support (p=0.035). Parents scored lower in all dimensions, with statistical significance for school environment (p=0.047). Discussion: Female gender, older age, chronic disease and obesity/overweight had a negative impact on HRQoL in at least one dimension. Health and education decision-makers should consider these risk subgroups in health policies. -value 50,0). Verificaram-se resultados significativamente inferiores nas raparigas na dimensão bem-estar psicológico (p < 0,001), nos adolescentes acima dos 12 anos em todas as dimensões, nos adolescentes com doença crónica na dimensão bem-estar físico (p = 0,026) e nos adolescentes com sobrepeso nas dimensões global (p < 0,001), bem--estar físico (p < 0,001), bem-estar psicológico (p = 0,030) e relações sociais (p = 0,035). Os pais pontuaram qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde inferior em todas as dimensões, de forma significativa em ambiente escolar (p = 0,047). Discussão: O sexo feminino, a maior idade, a existência de doença crónica e sobrepeso afetaram negativamente a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde em pelo menos uma dimensão. As políticas de saúde e educação devem considerar estes subgrupos de risco na promoção da saúde.
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