The association between reading and writing difficulties and health among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim Adolescence is a critical period during which health behaviors and school participation intersect, influencing long-term health outcomes. This study examines the associations between health behaviors, mental well-being, health outcomes, and reading and writing difficulties (RWDs) among Danish adolescents. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2017 Future Occupation of Children and Adolescents (FOCA) cohort, including 13,100 ninth-grade students across Denmark. All data except sex were self-reported. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for socioeconomic status and sex. Results Poorer self-rated health (OR = 1.50; 99% confidence interval CI 1.25–1.80), poor mental health (OR = 1.99; 99% CI 1.57–2.52), increased smoking (OR = 1.14; 99% CI 1.02–1.28), lower life satisfaction (OR = 1.15; 99% CI 1.10–1.19), lower self-efficacy (OR = 1.08; 99% CI 1.05–1.12), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.06; 99% CI 1.04–1.08), and lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (OR = 1.05; 99% CI 1.03–1.08) were all associated with higher odds of reporting having RWDs. No associations with alcohol use were found. Socioeconomic status and sex did not substantially confound the results, except for regular drug and hash use. Conclusion RWDs and health-related outcomes appear to be associated among adolescents. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether the associations imply a causal relation that could inform the development of targeted interventions addressing both educational challenges and health risks.