Nadie H M Bosmans, Milan Zarchev, Leonie Berges, Astrid M Kamperman, Eline M P Poels, Witte J G Hoogendijk, Nina H Grootendorst-van Mil
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) have received increased critical attention recently owing to their perceived link with mental health, especially among adolescent girls. The empirical literature, however, includes mixed findings on whether OCP use is associated with poorer mental health.
Aims: To examine the association between the use of OCP and internalising problems in adolescent girls.
Methods: This study was embedded in the iBerry study, a population-based cohort of adolescents oversampled for behavioural and emotional problems from the greater Rotterdam area, The Netherlands. In 372 girls, internalising problems were measured using the Youth Self Report, and use of OCP was determined by parental interview and self-report questionnaire across two subsequent waves (mean ages 14.9 and 17.9 years, respectively). Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the association. Analyses were adjusted for various sociodemographic factors and adjusted for previous internalising problems assessed at a mean age of 14.9 years.
Results: In total, 204 girls (54.8%) used OCP. OCP use was associated with fewer internalising problems in adolescent girls compared with non-use (adjusted β = -2.22, 95% CI [-4.24, -0.20]; P = 0.031).
Conclusions: In this research, we found that adolescent girls using OCP reported fewer internalising problems compared with non-users. This association was most prominent for girls with pre-existing internalising problems. Although healthy user bias may have a role, our observations suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for those with greater baseline challenges.
期刊介绍:
Announcing the launch of BJPsych Open, an exciting new open access online journal for the publication of all methodologically sound research in all fields of psychiatry and disciplines related to mental health. BJPsych Open will maintain the highest scientific, peer review, and ethical standards of the BJPsych, ensure rapid publication for authors whilst sharing research with no cost to the reader in the spirit of maximising dissemination and public engagement. Cascade submission from BJPsych to BJPsych Open is a new option for authors whose first priority is rapid online publication with the prestigious BJPsych brand. Authors will also retain copyright to their works under a creative commons license.