International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health最新文献

Objectives: To describe sexual behaviors and condom use among young males from La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Methods: We surveyed young males about their sexual behavior, recent sexual activity, and condom use. The categories of self-reported condom use were: >90 %=consistent use; between 10 % and 89 %=inconsistent use; <10 %=never used condom.

Results: A total of 358 young males aged 15-24 years participated (median age 18.9 IQR 17-20); 84 % reported having had intercourse (median age at first sex 13.9 SD 2.5). Of the total, 178 (52 %) reported having sex in the past 30 days, of which 72 (45 %) reported consistent condom use. One-third reported always using condoms in the last 12 months and 121 (36 %) reported discussing contraception before having sex with their last sexual partner. Having sex in the past 30 days was associated with being married (p=0.03), dropping out of school, and having income in the past 12 months (<0.01 each), while consistent condom use was associated with younger age (p=0.05). The largest distribution of participants reporting consistent condom use in the past 30 days, past 12 months, and talking about contraception before having sex were participants whose mothers completed 11th grade (79 %, 60%, and 49 %).

Conclusions: Our study presents young male's sexual behaviors similar to other countries in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of the mother's level of education in the patterns of sexual behavior among young males, and indicating possible topics for educational programs designed for Dominican male youth.

Social media (SM) has emerged as an important environmental context associated with children's and adolescents' eating behaviors, body image and psychological well-being, fueled by the proliferation of visual and appearance-focused content. Trends such as "thinspiration" and "fitspiration" have been widely linked to the internalization of unrealistic body ideals and higher levels of body dissatisfaction, particularly among adolescent girls. Concurrently, exposure to digital marketing of high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods has been associated with less healthy nutritional preferences and dietary norms among youth. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2020-2025) to examine the association between SM exposure and disordered eating in children and adolescents, with a particular focus on underlying psychosocial, neurobiological and environmental mechanisms. Key mechanisms discussed include social comparison processes, appearance-related pressure, dopamine-mediated reward-reinforcement cycles and algorithm-driven amplification of appearance and food-related content. In addition to risk mechanisms, this review highlights protective factors that may mitigate adverse outcomes. Media literacy, supported by parental guidance and psychoeducation, emerges as a promising preventive framework capable of strengthening adolescents' digital resilience and reducing vulnerability to disordered eating behaviors. From a public health perspective, media literacy should be considered not only an individual skill but also a scalable preventive strategy integrated into educational and health promotion initiatives. Overall, SM represents a complex digital ecosystem that poses both risks and opportunities for youth health. Conceptual integration of behavioral, neurobiological and public health evidence underscores the need for multidisciplinary and preventive approaches to promote healthier digital engagement among children and adolescents.

Objectives: In recent years mobile gaming has become the preferred leisure activity especially among young adults. Although behavioural and cognitive effects of gaming have been widely examined, far less attention has been given to its biochemical foundations - particularly the role of serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for impulse regulation, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Therefore, in the present study we assessed and compared the cognitive performance and serum serotonin levels among gamers playing action mobile game (AMG) and puzzle mobile game (PMG) genres and also evaluated the predictive role of gaming characteristics on cognition and serum serotonin levels of mobile gamers.

Methods: 30 participants each, who played ≥5 h/week of respective mobile game genre in past 6 months were recruited into AMG and PMG group. 30 participants who had not played any genre of mobile-game for ≥1 h/week in past 6 months and are non-gamers (NG) were recruited as controls. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Cognitive functions were assessed using pen-paper version of trail making test (TMT), Stroop colour word test (SCWT), letter cancellation test (LCT) and Ruffs figural fluency test (RFFT). Auditory and visual reaction times were recorded with the help of audio-visual reaction timer. Serum serotonin levels were assessed by immunoassay.

Results: Multivariate analysis revealed a significant effect of gaming group on combined cognitive measures (Pillai's trace=0.657, F(26,140)=2.63, p<0.001, η ²=0.328). The action mobile gamers exhibited faster auditory reaction time (ART) compared to the puzzle gamers (p<0.05) as well as had significantly lower serum serotonin levels than both puzzle gamers as well as non-gamers (p<0.001). Regression analyses model showed that gaming characteristics like gaming frequency, duration, age of onset, and expertise, accounted for 22 % of variance in ART (p=0.017) and 66 % of variance in serum serotonin levels (p<0.001).

Conclusions: These findings illustrate a genre-specific effect of mobile gaming on cognitive-serotonergic profile among young adults. Results further demonstrate that both the type and intensity of gameplay contribute to cognitive and neurochemical outcomes. However, no statistically significant differences emerged across groups in broader executive-function tasks suggesting that mobile gaming is not a uniform cognitive stimulus; rather, its effects are selective, genre-dependent, and influenced by the intensity and duration of engagement, linking gameplay behaviour to both cognitive performance and peripheral neurochemical profiles.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the psychosocial aspects [attitudes, awareness, motivation, and self-efficacy] of key actors in the adolescent food environment, including parents, school food vendors, and teachers.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using focus group discussions [FGDs], semi-structured interviews, and document reviews with 28 participants from four secondary schools in Majene District, West Sulawesi. Participants included guidance counsellors, school health program coordinators, school principals, food vendors, and parents of adolescent girls. Teachers, food vendors, and parents were selected through school principals' recommendations. Data were analyzed using thematic and narrative analysis.

Results: The findings indicate that collaborative attitudes, contextual awareness, multidimensional motivation [emotional and policy-related], and high self-efficacy among various actors play a significant role in addressing adolescent malnutrition.

Conclusions: This study concludes that psychosocial aspects [attitudes, awareness, motivation, and self-efficacy] are crucial in shaping supportive school and home food environment to address the dual-triple burden of malnutrition among adolescent girls. It recommends cross-sector collaboration among schools, families, food vendors, and government, strengthening nutrition education, healthy canteen regulations, and community empowerment through psychosocial approaches to supports adolescent health in a sustainable manner.

Objectives: Individuals with scoliosis may experience physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. They may also experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the mental and physical QOL levels of individuals with scoliosis in Jordan and their associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 109 individuals with scoliosis. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODASS II), the Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results: Participation in low physical activity levels (β=-1.315, p=0.049), high WHODASS II overall score (β=-0.060, p<0.001), presence of ankle and foot pain (β=-1.905, p=0.002), and high DASS21-Depression score (β=-0.094, p=0.002) were associated with lower levels of the physical component of QOL. While high DASS21-Depression (β=-0.150, p=0.003) and DASS21-Stress score (β=-0.189, p=0.005), low DASS21-Anxiety score (β=0.122, p=0.001), presence of neck pain (β=-1.479, p=0.011), presence of hip pain (β=-1.378, p=0.022), and high WHODASS II overall score (β=-0.046, p=0.003) were significantly associated with the lower levels of the mental component of QOL.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that assessing quality of life (QOL) in individuals with scoliosis and screening its predictors can provide practical strategies to improve QOL. These strategies may include increasing physical activity, psychological counseling, and pain management.

Objectives: Excessive use of electronic devices can cause postural changes, pain, and negatively impact generation Z adolescents' quality of life (QoL). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare between sexes the static posture, postural self-perception, screen time, musculoskeletal pain, and QoL in generation Z adolescents.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with adolescents. Postural analysis was conducted using the Software SAPo, self-reported posture, back pain, and screen time were assessed with the BackPei-CA, and QoL was evaluated using the Kidscreen-27 questionnaire. Statistical analyses included t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and adjusted logistic regression, with correction for multiple comparisons (p≤0.05).

Results: 408 adolescents were included (204 of each sex), with a mean age of 14.58 ± 1.98 years (males) and 14.56 ± 1.84 years (females). Postural assessment revealed head anteriorization and pelvic misalignment, with females showing greater head and pelvic angular deviations. No significant associations were found between cell phone use and cervical or pelvic alignment. Cell phones/tablets were the most frequently used devices, with higher daily use among females. Musculoskeletal pain was highly prevalent, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions, and more frequent in females; however, cell phone use was not independently associated with musculoskeletal pain after adjustment. The total sample of adolescents has a good QoL.

Conclusions: Adolescents, especially females, showed head anteriorization and pelvic misalignments, high screen time, and self-perceived inadequate postural habits. Musculoskeletal pain was frequent and more prevalent among females, despite good quality of life. Screen time alone was not associated with postural changes or pain, indicating a multifactorial etiology.

Objectives: Microplastics have emerged as a growing environmental and public health concern, found in air, water, and food, with potential health impacts including respiratory, digestive, and endocrine disruption. Therefore, the preventive effort needs to be amplified. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different microplastic education interventions, lecture-based education, peer group education, and infographic distribution, among high school students in DKI Jakarta.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 334 students from six schools, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of knowledge and attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, followed by Dunn's post hoc test.

Results: Findings revealed that peer group and infographic interventions significantly improved knowledge scores, with the peer group showing the most substantial gains. However, lecture-based education did not yield significant improvement in knowledge. Attitude changes across all interventions were not statistically significant, although numerical improvements were observed, especially in the peer group. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in knowledge improvement across groups (p=0.0041), and Dunn's test confirmed a statistically significant difference between peer group and lecture-based education.

Conclusions: The results suggest that interactive and peer-driven educational approaches may be more effective in enhancing students' understanding of microplastic pollution compared to traditional lectures. However, attitude change may require more prolonged or multifaceted interventions that integrate psychosocial and behavioral elements. Given the formative nature of adolescence and their potential as agents of environmental change, incorporating targeted and participatory education into school curricula is essential. These findings underscore the importance of using context-specific, engaging methods for environmental health education, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 and SDG 13.

Objectives: Obesity is linked to excessive caloric intake, sleep behaviors, and the environment. Few studies explore the connection between wake-up time and obesity. This research aims to examine sleep patterns, timing, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors associated with obesity among adolescents aged 15-17.

Methods: This cross-sectional study at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital's Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic from December 2023 to November 2024 included 453 adolescents (217 normal weight, 236 obese) without comorbidities. Data on demographics, sleep patterns, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet were collected via face-to-face questionnaires. Obese participants were classified into Class 1 and Class 2-3 based on body mass index.

Results: Obese participants woke up significantly later on weekdays (p=0.001). While normal-weight adolescents often woke between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, more obese adolescents woke after 9:00 AM. They also slept for more than 9 h more often (p=0.002). Obese adolescents spent more than 3 h in sedentary activity (p=0.022). Those with Class 2-3 obesity who did not exercise and had prolonged sedentary time were more common. Bedtimes did not differ significantly.

Conclusions: A delayed morning wake-up time was significantly associated with obesity among adolescents. Sleep timing appears to be as relevant to metabolic health as sleep duration. Reduced physical activity coupled with increased sedentary behavior is associated with obesity. Therefore, advocating for improved sleep hygiene, fostering consistent physical activity routines, and implementing behavioral awareness training in adolescents should be regarded as essential elements of obesity prevention initiatives.

Objectives: Suicide remains a significant public health concern among adolescents in Ghana, yet limited research exists on how young people conceptualize suicide within their cultural context. This study aimed to examine how Ghanian high school students conceptualize suicide in relation to religious, cultural, and legal frameworks that shape their understanding.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted as part of the 2024 Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey. Twenty junior high school students were purposively selected from rural, peri-urban, and urban schools across four major regions to ensure diverse representation. In-depth, semi-structured cognitive interviews were conducted in English. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's approach, with multiple coders contributing to thematic development and refinement.

Results: Participants described suicide through four overlapping constructs: as a sin, taboo, mental health issue, and crime. Religious framings emphasized divine ownership of life, biblical teachings, and spiritual consequences. Cultural perspectives focused on shame, communal identity, and ancestral values. Others associated suicide with criminality and police involvement. Across interviews, students expressed coexisting views, drawing from diverse belief systems to explain suicide occurrence and treatment.

Conclusions: Ghanaian adolescents do not conceptualize suicide in singular terms. Their understandings are shaped by the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and institutional narratives. Suicide prevention must be grounded in these lived meanings and avoid one-size-fits-all approach. Preventive strategies should engage religious leaders, affirm community values, reduce mental health stigma, and provide safe spaces for adolescents to alleviate distress. Addressing the nuanced logics adolescents draw upon is essential to designing interventions that resonate with their realities.

Objectives: According to media reports, young women in Poland are not fully aware of the importance of regular gynecological examinations. The Expert Group of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommends that girls have their first visit between the ages of 12 and 15. These recommendations differ from the prevailing norms in Polish population. The purpose of this study was to determine the age of female patients and analyze their perceptions about their first visit.

Methods: An online survey was conducted among 970 women between the ages of 16 and 30 in February 2024.

Results: The number of 144 respondents (15 %) had never visited a gynecologist. The age range in this group was 16-27. The most common reason reported was fear and shame (72 %). In the second group of patients who had already had their first consultation, the average age at the first visit was 18. When asked about their choice of specialist, 42 % said their decision was influenced by their mother's experience, and additional 55 % preferred a female doctor. The main reason for the first visit was a health check (32 %). Most female respondents (47 %) had a positive experience.

Conclusions: The results confirmed that young women attend their first gynecological consultation later than recommended.