The Journal of Adolescent Health's Editor-In-Chief's Annual Reflection: A Year of COVID, Coping, and Creativity

Abstract

See Related Article on p.13The COVID pandemic has dramatically impacted people of all ages, in all countries, over the past year. The Journal of Adolescent Health (JAH) remains focused on its commitment to publishing high-quality science that can be used to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults. This year, an added focus has been the impact of the pandemic on young people 10–25 years of age. The JAH received the first submission related to COVID-19 on March 3, 2020, and through December 2020 had received 259 COVID-related submissions. We have accepted 66 for publication (many after fast-track reviews), and 22 original articles and adolescent health briefs had been published by the end of 2020. This surge of research occurred within the context of our continuing commitment to publishing science in our typical content domains. In the previous year (2019), the JAH received approximately 150 submissions per month between March and December. During the same interval in 2020, the JAH received approximately 200 submissions per month, which represents an increase both in submissions on our traditional topics and COVID-specific submissions (Figure 1). See Related Article on p.13 We are working hard to publish science, editorials, commentaries, and letters that help us understand and support young people across the globe during this pandemic. A full list of publications can be found on the JAH COVID-landing page (https://www.jahonline.org/action/doSearch?text1=COVID-19&field1=AbstractTitleKeywordFilterField). These publications include reports of early experiences around the world [1Davis C. Ng K.C. Oh J.Y. et al.Caring for Children and adolescents with Eating Disorders in the current Coronavirus 19 pandemic: A Singapore Perspective.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 131-134Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar, 2Qi M. Zhou S.-J. mGuo Z.-C. et al.The Effect of Social support on mental health in Chinese adolescents during the Outbreak of COVID-19.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 514-518Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (67) Google Scholar, 3Emans S.J. Ford C.A. Irwin C.E. et al.Early COVID-19 impact on adolescent health and Medicine programs in the United States: LEAH program Leadership Reflections.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 11-15Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar, 4Sharma V. Reina Ortiz M. Sharma N. Risk and Protective Factors for adolescent and young Adult mental health within the context of COVID-19: A Perspective from Nepal.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 135-137Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (31) Google Scholar], the use of telehealth to deliver care when physical distancing was mandated for safety of patients and healthcare professionals [5North S. Telemedicine in the time of COVID and beyond.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 145-146Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (18) Google Scholar, 6Carlson J.L. Goldstein R. Using the Electronic health Record to Conduct adolescent telehealth Visits in the time of COVID-19.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 157-158Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar, 7Barney A. Buckelew S. Mesheriakova V. Raymond-Flesch M. The COVID-19 pandemic and Rapid Implementation of adolescent and young Adult telemedicine: Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 164-171Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (91) Google Scholar, 8Wood S.M. White K. Peebles R. et al.Outcomes of a Rapid adolescent telehealth Scale-Up during the COVID-19 pandemic.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 172-178Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (46) Google Scholar, 9Chavis A. Bakken H. Ellenby M. Hasan R. COVID-19 and telehealth: Prevention of Exposure in a Medically complex patient with a Mild Presentation.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 456-458Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar, 10Evans Y.N. Golub S. Sequeira G.M. et al.Using telemedicine to Reach adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 469-471Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar, 11Lim S.T. Yap F. Chin X. Bridging the Needs of adolescent Diabetes care during COVID-19: A Nurse-led telehealth Initiative.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 615-617Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar, 12Abshire D.A. Graves J.M. Amiri S. Mackelprang J.L. Scaling-up telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Missed Opportunities to Leverage Spatial data to Ascertain the Rural Reach of Services.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 871Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar], potential concerns about increased risk of COVID among smokers or young people with asthma [13Gaiha S.M. Cheng J. Halpern-Felsher B. Association between Youth smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and COVID-19.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 519-523Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (111) Google Scholar, 14Halpern-Felsher B. Vallone D. Hair E. et al.The authors Respond.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 216-221Google Scholar, 15Adams S.H. Park M.J. Schaub J.P. et al.Medical Vulnerability of young Adults to Severe COVID-19 Illness—data from the national health Interview Survey.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 362-368Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (29) Google Scholar], COVID testing, and seroprevalence studies [16Tilley K. Ayvazyan V. Martinez L. al e A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the seroprevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibodies in a University student Population.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 763-768Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar, 17van Pelt A. Glick H.A. Yang W. et al.Evaluation of COVID-19 testing strategies for Repopulating College and University Campuses: A Decision tree Analysis.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 28-34Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar, 18Ravert R.D. Fu L.Y. Zimet G.D. Young Adults' COVID-19 testing Intentions: The role of health Beliefs and Anticipated Regret.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 460-463Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar], and many publications aimed at increasing our understanding of the impact of the COVID pandemic on behaviors, mental health, and coping strategies among adolescents and young adults. Publications focused on COVID vaccination are emerging [[19]Coyne-Beasley T. Hill S.V. Zimet G.D. et al.COVID-19 vaccination of adolescents and young Adults of color: Viewing acceptance and Uptake with a health equity Lens.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 844-846Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar,[20]Brandt E.J. Rosenberg J. Waselewski M.E. et al.National Study of Youth Opinions on vaccination for COVID-19 in the U.S.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 869-872Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar], and several JAH Intersection publications have contributed context via personal narratives and photography [21McClain Z. Silver Linings pandemic.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 138Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar, 22Cywi?ska G. Looking for Brighter Days.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 300-301Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar, 23Hurewitz S.R. A pandemic Reality: Reflection in Displacement.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 450-460Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar]. It is important to note that our timely focus on COVID did not diminish work directed toward other priorities. We continued our efforts to increase the impact of JAH through innovation. We implemented a strategy to identify and amplify 12 JAH articles published in 2020 that made distinguished contributions to the field. Candidate articles were nominated by peer reviewers, who were asked to indicate whether they felt the manuscripts that they have reviewed warranted special recognition if accepted for publication. The JAH's associate editors and I reviewed all nominations and selected 12 to be identified as the 2020 Distinguished Dozen. These articles, as well as several thoughtful accompanying editorials, were presented together in our March 2021 issue [[24]Ford C.A. Boyer C.B. Gordon C.M. et al.The distinguished Dozen: 2020 Journal of adolescent health articles Making distinguished contributions to adolescent and young Adult health.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 435-438Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar]. I encourage you to review and disseminate this important science to your colleagues and trainees. In addition, we have collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to publish infographics summarizing recent results from important national and international data sources [[25]Underwood J.M. Brener N. Ford C.A. Amplifying Improvements in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth risk behavior Surveillance System.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 338-339Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar,[26]Guthold R. Baltag V. Katwan E. et al.Easy access to the Latest global, Regional, and national adolescent health data: The world health Organization Maternal, Newborn, Child, and adolescent health and ageing data Portal.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68: 243-245Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar]. This year, the JAH Intersection Editor and Selection Committee have formalized the vision and processes to guide this new section of the journal and successfully ran a contest focused on the theme of Allyship. Accepted artwork, poems, and narratives will be published in the JAH over the course of the upcoming year. Finally, the JAH is committed to publishing work aimed at informing efforts to address racism and support diversity, equity, and inclusion [27Trent M. Hoodies up, SAHM! Preventing Adversity because of racism for the Next Generation.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 321-322Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar, 28Svetaz M.V. Barral R. Kelley M.A. et al.Inaction is not an Option: Using Antiracism Approaches to address health Inequities and racism and Respond to current Challenges Affecting Youth.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 323-325Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar, 29Bell D.L. Mourning J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 621Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Google Scholar, 30Guy M.C. Afifi R.A. Eissenberg T. Fagan P. Greater Representation of African-American/Black Scientists in the national Institutes of health review process will improve adolescent health.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 631-632Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar, 31Silber T. The Murder of young Poets.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 731Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar, 32Kanbur N. Katzman D.K. Gray N.J. et al.An international Perspective on racism: Foster Self-Determination among Youth and Oppose Systemic racism Globally.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 741-742Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar, 33Cardoso J.B. Brabeck K. Capps R. et al.Immigration Enforcement fear and Anxiety in Latinx high School Students: The Indirect Effect of Perceived Discrimination.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 69: 961-968Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (7) Google Scholar, 34Ruedinger E. Evans Y.N. Balasubramaniam V. Abolishing racism and other Forms of Oppression in Scholarly Communication.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 69Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar]. The JAH continues to publish sponsored supplements focused on specific themes. In 2020, the JAH published the following four supplements:(1)Gender norms and adolescent health.(2)Understanding adolescent health and well-being in context: cross-national findings from the health behavior in a school-aged children study.(3)Innovative digital technologies to improve adolescent and young adult health.(4)Adolescent health in China: epidemiology, policy, financing, and service provision. For the first time ever, a JAH supplement was translated. The adolescent health in China supplement was translated and widely disseminated to influence practice, policy, and programs [[35]Irwin C.E. The health and well-being of adolescents in China: The past, present, and Future.J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 629-630Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar]. When we began working on the supplement on innovative digital technologies, little did we suspect the important role that telemedicine and other technologies would play in enhancing our ability to care for young people and their families during the worldwide pandemic [[36]Irwin C.E. Using Technology to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young Adults.J Adolec Health. 2020; 67: 147-148Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar]. With regards to open access publishing, the JAH's editors are carefully navigating a complex and evolving landscape [[37]Brainard J. Open access takes Flight.Science. 2021; 371: 16-20Crossref PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar]. In January 2021, the JAH was designated a “transformative” journal, indicating that our current subscription/hybrid access model journal fulfills criteria set out by cOAlition S, the open access advocacy organization. This ensures that authors supported by funders implementing the Plan S principles will be allowed to publish their work in the JAH, either in the regular issue or supplement issues. The production of a scientific journal takes an extraordinary amount of teamwork. During this year of tremendous professional and personal stress, it has been gratifying to work with a talented and committed JAH team. This journal has survived and thrived because of the hard work of our associate editors Cherrie B. Boyer PhD, Catherine M. Gordon MD MS, Carolyn T. Halpern PhD, and David A. Ross BMBCh PhD; supplements editor Charles E Irwin Jr. MD; JAH Intersection editor Sheila Quinn DO; managing editor Tor Berg; editorial analyst Teresa Dal Santo PhD; the journal's editorial board; Elsevier's publishing team, led by Mr. Luke Verrillo; contributing authors; and the many professionals who have generously contributed their time by providing peer review [[38]Thanks to our 2020 reviewers.J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68Google Scholar]. During a very challenging year, this team has consistently supported the JAH in fulfilling its commitment to publishing high-quality science that can be used to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults. My sincere appreciation to all you.