Examination of Current Anxiety Problems with School Engagement and Volunteer and Paid Work among U.S. Adolescents

• Published in: The Journal of school nursing 2024-10, Vol.40 (5), p.547-557
• Main Authors: Gregory, Kayleigh A., Vidourek, Rebecca A., King, Keith A., Merianos, Ashley L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1059-8405; 1546-8364; 1546-8364
• DOI: 10.1177/10598405221121655

This study examined the relationships between current anxiety problems and school engagement, community service or volunteer work, and paid work among U.S. adolescents. The 2018–2019 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset was analyzed and included 24,609 adolescents ages 12–17 years. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyzes. A total of 12.6% of adolescents had healthcare provider-confirmed current anxiety problems. Adolescents with current anxiety were at decreased odds of engaging in school (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.29, 0.41) and participating in community service or volunteer work (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.59, 0.86) compared to adolescents without current anxiety. Adolescents with current anxiety were at increased odds of participating in paid work (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.38). This study reports that U.S. adolescents with anxiety were less likely to engage in school and participate in community service or volunteer work, but were more likely to participate in paid work compared to their peers without anxiety. Results should inform future interventions targeting adolescents.