International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health最新文献

Objectives: Adolescents generally use social media in groups of applications or platforms with a latent pattern. As neurobiological studies suggest that social media platforms stimulate the brain in diverse ways, we hypothesize that certain social media use patterns may be more prone to addiction than others. The objectives of this study are: 1) to describe patterns of social media platform co-use among school-going adolescents in Thailand, and; 2) to describe the extent to which social media co-use patterns are associated with social media addiction.

Methods: We conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional study among 23,659 secondary school students from 113 schools across Thailand between November 2020 and March 2021. We asked participants to self-report the social media applications and platforms that they had used in the past 12 months. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify social media usage patterns, and assessed the patterns' association with social media addiction scores using multivariable linear regression.

Results: Among our participants, 86.1 % had used social media within the past 30 days. Facebook was the most commonly used platform, followed by YouTube and Line. We identified two distinct social media use patterns: 1) Common use of Line, Facebook, and YouTube ("Basic Combo"); 2) Basic Combo with other platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram ("Basic Combo Plus"). The "Basic Combo Plus" pattern participants exhibited higher levels of withdrawal, persistence, and escapism in social media use compared to the "Basic Combo" pattern participants (all p-value < 0.05).

Conclusions: The number of social media platforms correlates with social media addiction level. However, limited generalizability, the lack of detail regarding social media use, and potential information bias should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.

Objectives: Electronic devices have become an integral part of adolescents' lives, serving as a means of entertainment, education, and communication. Educational applications may enhance early reading and cognitive abilities, but excessive screen time can harm working memory (WM), a critical skill for processing information. Considering the developmental transformations in WM during adolescence, existing literature about the impacts of active (AST) vs. background screen time (BST) on modality-specific WM capacity remains inconclusive. This study examined the correlation between WM and different forms of screen in adolescents.

Methods: A total of 81 adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years were included in this cross-sectional study. WM span was measured using auditory reverse digit span (ARDS) and visual reverse digit span (VRDS) tasks, as well as a Corsi backward (CB) task. Screen time data were collected from parents and self-reported by participants.

Results: The study found that higher AST than BST exposure occurred in all children. While BST showed no significant impact on WM, higher AST was linked to better performance on all three tasks, especially the CB task. Logistic regression revealed that lower CB and ARDS scores predicted low AST levels with strong classification accuracy. In contrast, BST was not a significant predictor of WM outcomes. These findings suggest modality-specific effects of active screen engagement on WM.

Conclusions: This study concluded that higher levels of AST were associated with better performance across WM tasks, particularly in the visuospatial modality, highlighting modality-specific effects of screen exposures among adolescents in this context.

Objectives: HIV remains highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, home to approximately 66 % of all people living with HIV and 85 % of children and adolescents living with HIV globally. The region also experiences the highest levels of armed conflict, resulting in a dual burden of violence and infectious diseases like HIV. Despite these challenges, few studies have explored the impact of war and armed conflict on HIV transmission among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this gap in the literature, our study examines HIV risk behaviors among adolescents in both conflict and non-conflict zones of Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 15-19 years, identified through the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). We assessed the prevalence of HIV risk behaviors across the entire country, stratified by conflict zone status. Bivariate associations between risk behaviors and conflict status were evaluated using the chi-square test. To identify factors associated with HIV infection among adolescents, we employed survey-weighted logistic regression models, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Results: We analyzed 20,518,667 weighted records of adolescents aged 15-19 years, from both conflict (11 %) and non-conflict zones (89 %) of Nigeria. Despite the majority of adolescents residing in non-conflict zones, we found that high-risk behaviors for HIV, such as the non-use of condoms, were more prevalent in conflict zones. However, transactional sex and having two or more sexual partners were significantly higher among adolescents in non-conflict areas. Notably, the risk of HIV infection was over three times higher among adolescents who did not use condoms during sexual intercourse (AOR: 3.22, CI: 1.13, 9.19; p 0.029). Additional risk factors included younger age, educational status, engagement in transactional sex, and having multiple sexual partners.

Conclusions: This study reports the risk behaviors that contribute to HIV infection among adolescents, particularly within conflict settings. Our findings highlight the link between conflict and heightened HIV risk behaviors among Nigerian adolescents. By identifying these factors and understanding the unique challenges faced by adolescents in conflict zones, more effective, youth-friendly reproductive health programs can be developed for regions impacted by war and conflict.

Objectives: This study assessed the perceptions and practices of menstrual waste management (MWM) and explored the associated facilitators and barriers in schools of Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, India.

Methods: A mixed-method approach was adopted. A cross-sectional survey was done among adolescent girls and in-depth interviews among the school teachers from seven schools.

Results: Of the total 394 adolescent girls included in the study, 96.5 % used disposable sanitary pads, with 95 % disposing of them in waste bins at schools, which were incinerated, burnt in open places or buried deep. From the in-depth interviews conducted among the teachers, cultural beliefs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited awareness about reusable menstrual products emerged as significant barriers for safe MWM practices. Non-availability of sanitary workers, electricity fluctuations affecting incineration, and the lack of structured educational materials were some of the challenges that emerged from the in-depth interview. Facilitators for MWM included teacher engagement, availability of dustbins, and support from health workers.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for focused interventions, such as sustainable disposal solutions, education on MWM, and community involvement, to improve menstrual waste management among adolescents.

Introduction: Adolescent obesity is an escalating public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most evidence has relied on body mass index (BMI), which may underestimate central adiposity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize risk factors using multiple anthropometric indicators.

Content: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between January 2013 and December 2023. Studies were included if they reported adolescent obesity risk factors, were peer-reviewed, and published in English. Studies that did not assess risk factors, review articles, editorials, case reports, and animal studies were excluded. Data were extracted and synthesized both narratively and quantitatively, and the risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. From 196,775 records, 21 studies were included (n≈46,000 adolescents). Significant risk factors were genetic predisposition (OR 1.80; 95 % CI 1.35-2.40), socioeconomic status (OR 1.31; 95 % CI 1.13-1.52), unhealthy dietary patterns (OR 2.07; 95 % CI 1.11-3.88), environmental exposures (OR 1.25; 95 % CI 1.09-1.44), low physical activity (OR 1.14; 95 % CI 1.03-1.27), and psychosocial stress (OR 1.29; 95 % CI 1.08-1.54). Subgroup analyses revealed that the waist-to-height ratio was the most consistent predictor of obesity risk, whereas BMI exhibited more heterogeneous associations. Regional disparities were evident, with stronger associations in East Asia and Latin America.

Summary: Adolescent obesity in LMICs arises from intersecting biological, behavioral, and social determinants. The waist-to-height ratio may provide a more accurate measure of adiposity than the BMI. Effective prevention requires multisectoral policies addressing unhealthy diets, limited physical activity, psychosocial stress, and obesogenic environments.

Outlook: Further research is expected to involve interventions to address obesity in LMICs by considering measurements using the waist-to-height ratio to measure adiposity rather than using BMI.

Objectives: With the debilitating impacts of bullying victimization, attempts were made to identify protective factors for its impacts, particularly depression. The attempts were particularly essential in Thailand due to its high reports of victimization. Therefore, the present study proposed a path model to examine the mediating roles of self-compassion and resilience in the association between bullying victimization and depression among Thai adolescents.

Methods: Three hundred and seventy-one Thai junior high school students voluntarily participated in the study. They responded to the measures of bullying victimization, depression, self-compassion, and resilience. The data obtained were analyzed using path analyses.

Results: After modifications, the model fit was demonstrated. Goodness-of-fit indices were fulfilled (e.g., X ²=4.83, df=2, p=0.09). However, only self-compassion, not resilience, mediated the association between victimization and depression. Rather, resilience mediated the association that self-compassion had with depression.

Conclusions: These findings helped bridge gaps in identifying protective factors for the adverse impacts of bullying victimization and suggested therapeutic interventions that promoted self-compassion in those inflicted.

Objectives: Despite global declines, adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health issue in the Dominican Republic. We examined the rate of adolescent pregnancy and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes in Consuelo, a semi-rural Dominican town.

Methods: A retrospective review of labor and delivery records from January 2017 to December 2022 was conducted at Consuelo's regional hospital. Descriptive analyses compared maternal and neonatal outcomes between adolescent and non-adolescent pregnancies.

Results: Of 1,292 deliveries, adolescent pregnancies accounted for 22 %, ranging from 14 % in 2022 to 27 % in 2019. There were no differences between adolescent and non-adolescent mothers in rates of low birth weight, macrosomia, pre-term delivery, post-term delivery or neonatal death. Adolescent mothers were more likely to have cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD; p=0.005).

Conclusions: There is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in Consuelo, adolescent mothers were more likely to have CPD, and interventions are needed to reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancies.

Objectives: To assess Tunisian mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding HPV vaccination, in order to better understand the factors influencing their acceptance.

Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 among 160 mothers residing in Tunisia, each with at least one daughter aged 10-12 years. Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic information, knowledge of cancer, HPV, and vaccination, as well as attitudes and factors influencing acceptability.

Results: Almost all participants (99.4 %) had heard of cervical cancer, but only 16.3 % were aware of HPV. Knowledge about the HPV vaccine was low (13.1 %). More than half (59.4 %) expressed concerns about side effects. Acceptance of the vaccine was low, with only 21.9 % expressing favorable opinions and 57.5 % unfavorable. In univariate analysis, a higher level of education and knowledge of HPV were associated with a favorable attitude; however, no independent predictors were identified in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: This study reveals a low level of knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among Tunisian mothers, mainly due to insufficient information and safety concerns. Culturally adapted educational campaigns and active involvement of healthcare professionals are essential to improve vaccination coverage.

The prolonged isolation during the pandemic has raised concerns about the potential increase in digital technology use among adolescents. However, adolescents are considered particularly vulnerable to problems of digital mental health. The present study aimed to assess adolescents' Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) during public health emergencies in Malaysia. This study conducted a survey of adolescents (n=781) in April-June 2021 to assess the risk of FoMO. The study shows that descriptive analysis for overall FoMO score is moderate level (M=2.53, SD=0.84). Moreover, there was a statistically significant between Time Spent on Social Media (M=5.93, SD=3.67) and FoMO (M=2.53, SD=0.84), the direction of the correlation was positive, which means that students who spent more hours using social media tend to increase their level of FoMO [r (781) = 0.201, p<0.01]. These findings show early indications of digital mental health among adolescents. Therefore, positive aspects of online activities should be promoted. In the meantime, we must consider how the awareness about the detrimental effects of digital media use should be raised. Therefore, significant improvements in health communication among adolescents are needed to increase their understanding and knowledge of applying proper digital mental health practices and adapting to the new norms during the pandemic.

Objectives: Climate change presents a significant threat to the well-being of medical students, further impacting their physical and mental health in the context of already demanding academic and clinical responsibilities. This study aims to examine how future healthcare professionals perceive the health-related consequences of climate change and to what extent they feel equipped to address the challenges posed by this global issue.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire to gather data. The invitation to participate was extended to students from different academic programs within a medical university. A total of 697 students completed the survey.

Results: Most respondents were male students aged between 21 and 23 years, with the majority hailing from Pakistan, India, and Kazakhstan. The survey showed a high level of awareness among students about the health impacts of climate change: 80 % expect serious health impacts in their communities in the next 20 years. The majority believe that climate change will increase the burden of health care, lead to an increase in infectious and mental diseases, and affect vulnerable populations. 72.9 % support the inclusion of climate in health education. The relationship between awareness and support for mandatory climate education is statistically confirmed (p<0.001).

Conclusions: This study highlights medical students' strong awareness of climate change's impact on health and the importance of integrating this topic into medical education. Enhancing future physicians' knowledge and resilience to environmental threats is crucial for effective healthcare in a changing climate.