Sociodemographic factors related to low quality of life scores in adolescents in a Northeastern city in Brazil: an analysis using the Whoqol-Bref / Factores sociodemográficos relacionados com a baixa qualidade de vida dos adolescentes de uma cidade do Nordeste do Brasil: uma análise utilizando o Whoqol-Bref

Objective: To investigate the quality of life, as well as to analyze the main sociodemographic factors associated with low quality of life scores in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed with 13,850 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years of both sexes, enrolled in public high schools. Quality of life was assessed by Whoqol-bref. Sociodemographic factors were investigated using a specific questionnaire. Results: The average frequency of global QOL was 58%, being lower in domain IV (49%), compared to domain I (51.78%), domain II (61.57%) and domain III (68.71%). Lower QOL scores were observed among female adolescents (OR=1.23, CI95%: 1.15-1.32), night shift students (OR=1.24, CI95%: 1.03-1.44) and full-time (OR=1.35, CI95%: 1.23-1.48). Conclusion: Low quality of life is very common among Brazilian high school adolescents. Domain I and IV have the lowest frequency. Lower QOL scores were associated with female gender, night shift, and full-time school shift. Our results seek to collaborate with the development of public policies aimed towards progress in the QOL of this population group.