Silent Worries: A Cross-Sectional Study of School-Going Adolescents' Unaddressed Health Concerns and Communication...

Adolescents may experience uncertainty about physical and mental health problems, and such uncertainty can negatively affect well-being. In settings where access to appropriate services may be uneven, trusted adults can be an important source of support. This study investigated the prevalence of concerns regarding possible undiagnosed or untreated health conditions among adolescents in Mongolia and the likelihood that they would communicate these concerns to a trusted adult.

A cross-sectional study involving 4789 students from grades 7 to 12 in 13 schools across both urban and rural regions of Mongolia was conducted from June 1 to July 1, 2024. Data were collected through structured surveys administered during class time in a controlled environment. Adolescents reported their health status in relation to 12 mental and physical health conditions. Those who expressed concern regarding an undiagnosed or untreated condition were identified. The survey also assessed whether participants had discussed their concerns with a trusted adult. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing help-seeking behavior.

Perceived health concerns were most frequently reported for anxiety (12.11%) and depression (12.09%). Among physical health conditions, digestive disorders (11.23%) and heart disease (9.42%) were the most common perceived concerns. The likelihood of reporting communication with a trusted adult about any listed health concern varied across concern types but remained low overall.

In Mongolia, adolescents often have significant concerns regarding undiagnosed or untreated health conditions. However, the likelihood that they will discuss these concerns with a trusted adult remains low. Addressing the barriers to communication between adolescents and adults is crucial for reducing the stress associated with health status uncertainty.