Activity In Adolescents Research Articles

Prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental knowledge and consent

Abstract Background Sexually active adolescents may seek oral contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors’ confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents’ care. Methods Israeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training. Results Of the 177 responding gynecologists, 75% consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, most of them without any training on providing care to adolescents. More than a third of respondents believed that parental involvement wasn’t legally required, while only 8% thought it mandatory for all minors under the age of 18. Most (75%) would ‘almost always’ prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge upon request, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents’ practices and their perception of the legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor due to having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to minor’s autonomy consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the acts legal ramifications. The majority set the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement. Conclusions Access to contraceptives for mature minors without parental involvement is vital. There is great need for education and training for healthcare providers on providing medical treatment to adolescents, as well as for the development of policies and guidelines, addressing adolescents’ health disparities. Key messages • Israeli legal requirements challenge and hinder adolescents’ care as well contradict OBGYNs ethical and professional beliefs. • There is great need for education and training, as well as for the development of policies and guidelines, addressing adolescents’ health disparities.

Novel Protocol for the Use of Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System in Adolescents Engaged in Contact Sports.

Managing exercise remains challenging for adolescent athletes with type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially in contact sports. Even the use of hybrid closed loops can cause problems due to the need to disconnect the pump during some training or competitions. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel protocol for the use of an Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System in adolescent football players with T1D during a sports camp. Eleven boys aged 14.9 years (25-75th percentile: 14-15.5), with a diabetes duration of 5.7 years (5.2-7) and regular training schedules in junior football leagues, participated in the study. They started AHCL (MiniMed780G, Medtronic) therapy a month before a week-long sports camp and were observed during the sports camp and the preceding week. Daily camp activities included two 1.5-hour training sessions. Protocol included a 90-minute temporary target of 150 mg/dL before and insulin pump disconnection during training. Physical activity was tracked using wGT3X-BT Actigraph monitors. The camp provided conditions of demanding physical activity (6.6[6-6.9] hours/day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity). After starting AHCL, the average participant time spent in the target glucose range (70-180mg/dL) was 79.34±8.46%, and no significant change was observed during the camp (mean difference +0.79±8.24%, p=0.7581). Median glucose levels dropped by 10.91±12.08mg/dL (p=0.0134), and time in the tight target range increased by 11.41±11.60% (p=0.0008) without increasing the time below range (<70mg/dL) or glycemic variability. During the camp, daily insulin dose and basal/bolus ratio remained comparable with baseline, but the relative amount of automated bolus insulin decreased by 14.24±4.65% (p<0.0001). The predefined regimen, including a temporary target before and disconnection of AHCL during football training, was safe and may provide satisfactory glucose control in active adolescents with T1D. This protocol could be adapted for use in other intensive contact sports.

Exploring the Link Between Physical Activity, Sports Participation, and Loneliness in Adolescents Before and Into the COVID-19 Pandemic: The HUNT Study, Norway

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on adolescents’ physical activity, sports involvement, and feelings of loneliness remain inadequately understood. This study aimed to explore the shifts in leisure-time physical activity, sports participation, and loneliness among adolescents before and during the pandemic, positing that the pandemic has led to decreased physical activity and sports engagement, as well as heightened loneliness, where more active adolescents experience lower loneliness levels. This study included a prior four-year follow-up cohort from the same region two decades earlier to explore the existence of typical longitudinal aging effects in a cohort not affected by the pandemic. Methods: Prospective and longitudinal data from two cohorts of the Young-HUNT Study two decades apart involving adolescents aged 13–19 years were utilized. The controls were as follows: Cohort 1 from the Young-HUNT1 (YH1) Survey included 2399 adolescents with follow-up in the Young-HUNT2 (YH2) Survey four years later. Cohort 2 included the Young-HUNT4 (YH4) Survey (2017–2019) of 8066 adolescents, with a subset of 1565 participants followed up in the Young-HUNT COVID Survey (YHC) (2021) after exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. Changes over time were assessed using McNemar’s tests and dependent sample T-tests, while multinomial logistic regression modeled within-individual changes in loneliness, adjusting for age, gender, and other factors. Results: The findings revealed a significant decline in physical activity and sports participation in both cohorts from early to late adolescence. Additionally, there was a considerable increase in reported loneliness, more after exposure to the pandemic and especially among girls, but without any difference in historical initial levels (between cohorts). Inactive adolescents faced a greater risk of increased loneliness, while those participating in sports had a lower risk of loneliness. Physically inactive boys had a higher risk of loneliness compared with physically active boys at both time points in Cohort 2, which was higher than in the control Cohort 1. There was no historical difference between initial assessments. Conclusion: Adolescents experienced a significant decrease in physical activity and sports participation, along with increased loneliness, from early to late adolescence. Given the protective benefits of physical activity against loneliness and the negative longitudinal trends observed, public health initiatives should focus on increasing physical activity and reducing sports drop-out rates among adolescents to combat rising loneliness.

Parenting in the Digital Age: Mediation Strategies as a Preventive Factor against Cyberbullying on Social Media among Saudi Parents

This study investigated the role of parental mediation strategies employed by parents in Saudi Arabia as a preventive factor against adolescents’ engagement in cyberbullying and cybervictimization within social media. It also examined the role of age, gender, and educational level of parents as moderators. Using an online survey, the sample consisted of 389 parent participants and their adolescent child, aged between 12 and 17. Results show that active, restrictive, and internet safety mediation strategies significantly predict a decrease in cyberbullying and cybervictimization, while a technical mediation strategy significantly predicts an increase. Results also show that parents’ age moderates the relation between active and internet safety mediation and adolescents’ engagement in cyberbullying. Parental gender also did not moderate the relation between parental mediation strategies and adolescents’ engagement in cyberbullying and cybervictimization, whereas parents’ educational level moderates the relation between restrictive, monitoring, and technical mediation strategies and adolescents’ engagement in cyberbullying.

Testing Compensatory Mechanisms: Higher Resting Metabolic Rates Than Predicted In Highly Active Children And Adolescents

Testing Compensatory Mechanisms: Higher Resting Metabolic Rates Than Predicted In Highly Active Children And Adolescents

The association between family physical activity environment and exercise adherence in adolescents: a chain mediation model.

The family plays an immensely crucial role in the development of adolescents, significantly influencing their behavioral patterns. To explore the impact mechanism of the family physical activity environment on adolescents' exercise adherence, and analyze the chain-mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and exercise satisfaction. A questionnaire was administered to 500 adolescents and their parents using the Family Physical Activity Environment Scale, Exercise Adherence Scale, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale and Satisfaction Scale. The direct impact value of the family physical activity environment on adolescents' exercise adherence is 0.148, with an effect size of 32.81%. The impact values of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction between the family physical activity environment and adolescents' exercise adherence are 0.113 and 0.092 respectively, with effect sizes of 25.05% and 20.39%. The chain-mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction is significant, with an effect value of 0.097 and an effect size of 21.50%. Family physical activity environment can directly and positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence, positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence through the independent mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction, and also positively predict adolescents' exercise adherence through the chain mediating role of exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction. This provides a theoretical reference for enhancing adolescents' exercise adherence and improving their levels of physical health.

Improving contraceptive care for minors in Israel: practice, policy, and training gaps among OBGYNs

BackgroundSexually active adolescents sometimes seek contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors' confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents' care.MethodsIsraeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training.ResultsOf the 177 responding gynecologists, 132 (74.58%) consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, regardless of a vast lack of training on providing care to minors. More than a third of respondents believed that there is no legal requirement to involve parents in the process, and only 8% assumed a legal obligation for parental involvement in all minors under the age of 18. Three quarters would "almost always" prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge, if requested, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents' practices and their perception of the relevant legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor as a result of having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Yet, those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to this consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the legal ramifications of such an act. The majority identified the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant gaps in both the legal framework and the training of Israeli OBGYNs, and further supports confidential prescription of contraceptives to minors 15 years and older, via Article 6 of the Israeli Legal Competence and Guardianship Law. Legislative reform, professional guidelines and education and training programs are all needed to ensure consistent and legally sound practices, that safeguard the health and rights of minors. It is imperative to guide healthcare providers, including OBGYNs prescribing contraceptives to minors, on managing the care of minors refusing parental involvement, clarifying the legal framework and ethical considerations involved.

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease. Clinical features, imaging findings, conservative treatments and research perspectives: a scoping review.

This review aims to consolidate existing research on the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, imaging outcomes, and conservative treatments of Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease (SLJD), identifying literature gaps. Scoping Review. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline OVID, Embase, Web of Science, and Grey literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The body of evidence on SLJD, primarily derived from case studies, reveals limited and often conflicting data. Key findings include: (1) SLJD commonly presents as localized knee pain in physically active adolescents, particularly males, (2) ultrasound and MRI are the most effective diagnostic tools, (3) conservative treatment, which mainly focuses on activity limitation, yields positive outcomes within two to eight months. Our review shows that SLJD mainly affects physically active adolescents aged 9-17 years. The authors recommend conservative treatment, rest and/or cryotherapy, passive mobilization, muscle restraint, isometric exercise, and NSAIDs. Further cohort studies are necessary to refine the management and application of the SLJD treatment database.

Qualitative assessment of psychosocial factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in targeted health facilities in Kwara state Nigeria

BackgroundThere is growing concern about the rising prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents worldwide and the various challenges that accompany living with HIV among this population. This study investigated the social and psychological factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in selected treatment health facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria.MethodsStudy adopted qualitative data collection method with six focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across three health facilities, three sessions each for both males and females. Discussions were conducted in English and Yoruba languages, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Content analysis was performed using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2020.ResultsA total of 44 participants, comprising 24 males and 20 females aged 10 to 19, participated in the FGDs. More than ninety percent of the adolescents had not disclosed their HIV status to anyone beyond the health care providers, their parents/caregivers, and a few immediate family members. Keeping their HIV status private helped mitigate stigma and discrimination. Common immediate reactions to status disclosure to the adolescents included sadness, hopelessness, and bitterness. However, Operation Triple Zero program, which offered peer-to-peer learning and effective mental health services has been very effective and helpful. Also, sexual risk behavior is still high among sexually active adolescents despite their HIV-positive status.ConclusionAdolescents living with HIV face numerous social and psychological challenges, including sadness about their HIV-positive status. This exposes them to various mental health disorders. However, Operation Triple Zero has been acknowledged as the most effective platform for meeting their psychosocial needs.

A mobile app-based intervention improves anthropometry, body composition and fitness, regardless of previous active-inactive status: a randomized controlled trial.

The use of mobile apps to promote physical activity in adolescents can improve health-related parameters. However, previous studies have not evaluated whether the benefits depend on the users' prior active or inactive status. Therefore, the main objective was to analyze differences in physical activity levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness between active and inactive adolescents. The study was conducted through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 462 adolescents, divided into experimental (EG) and control groups (CG), further categorized as active and inactive. Variables of physical activity, kinanthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness were measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 10-week intervention using step-tracking apps (Strava, Pacer, MapMyWalk, and PokémonGo) at least three times per week. The results showed that inactive EG adolescents significantly increased their physical activity levels, body mass, and muscle mass, and improved in all fitness variables except the countermovement jump (CMJ). The sum of three skinfolds also significantly decreased. Active EG adolescents increased body and muscle mass and improved in all fitness variables. Additionally, they significantly reduced fat mass and the sum of three skinfolds. All covariates, mainly gender and maturity, had significant effects on the study variables. Comparing changes between the active EG and CG groups, significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) and CMJ in favor of the EG. However, while significant differences were observed in the study variables when analyzing each app individually, there were no differences between the changes produced by each app in these variables. After a 10-week program of physical activity promoted through step-tracking apps, improvements were observed in fat variables, cardiorespiratory fitness, and curl-up performance. Furthermore, only inactive adolescents perceived an increase in their level of physical activity. The measurement protocol was registered prior to the start of the intervention at ClinicalTrials.gov (code: NCT04860128).

INTERACTION OF SEX AND SEXUAL MATURATION WITH MOBILE AND SCREEN TIME IN ADOLESCENTS

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of time spent in cell phone and screen time in adolescents moderated by physical activity level. Methods: A study with a representative sample of 772 adolescents (52.6% female) with a mean age of 16.63 ± 0.69 years selected in a sampling process by multiple stages. The cell phone and screen time were auto reported. Poisson regression analyzes verified the associations. Results: Were observed associations between nutritional status and cell phone use by insufficiently active adolescents (PR: 1.433; CI95%: 1.123 - 1.829; p = 0.004). Female (PR: 0.728; CI95%: 0.621 - 0.853; p = 0.001) and female sex*pubertal interaction (PR: 0.768; CI 95%: 0.637 - 0.925; p = 0.005) and female sex*post pubert (PR: 0.709; CI95%: 0.522 - 0.963; p = 0.028) with screen time in insufficiently active activities. Female sex (PR: 0.713; CI95%: 0.536 - 0.967; p = 0.029) and female sex*pubertal interaction term (PR: 0.622; CI 95%: 0.464 - 0.944; p = 0.023) with screen time on sufficiently active. Conclusions: physical activity level may moderate the relationship of overweight/obese adolescents with cell phone use. Females seem to be the main factor related to screen time.

The influence of physical activity, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and weight status on the psychological well-being of adolescents

The mental health of adolescents is a determining factor for their adequate development, but is influenced by factors such as physical activity, nutrition, gender, and weight status. However, previous research has not analysed differences in psychological status, mainly in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction, among male and female adolescents with different levels of physical activity, weight status and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD). For this reason, the objectives of the present investigation were to establish whether the differences between active and inactive adolescents in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction depend on gender; and to determine the differences in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction of active and inactive adolescents with different weight status and AMD. A total of 791 adolescents aged between twelve and sixteen years old participated in the study. All the participants were measured for basic psychological needs, life satisfaction, and level of physical activity, AMD, and height and body mass. The results showed a higher score in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction for active adolescents in both the males’ and females’ groups. No differences were found in the psychological variables when comparing adolescents with different weight status. Adolescents with a higher AMD showed higher scores in satisfaction of basic psychological needs and satisfaction with life than adolescents with a worse AMD. Therefore, it can be concluded that the level of physical activity and AMD are factors to be considered for the mental health of adolescents, but the relevance of weight status will have to be confirmed in future research.

Effects of 9 Weeks of High- or Moderate-Intensity Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Inhibitory Control, and Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Danish Adolescents-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The primary aims of this study were to examine the effects of 9 weeks of aerobic training, comprising three 30-min sessions per week, on V̇O2max, inhibitory control, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among adolescents aged 16-19 years. One hundred twenty-one untrained or recreationally active adolescents from a Danish high school were enrolled in the study, with 58 females (17.8 ± 0.8 years) and 27 males (18.0 ± 0.9 years) completing it. Participants were randomly divided into three groups performing aerobic training at either moderate-intensity (MIT: 60%-70% heart rate reserve [HRR]) or high-intensity (HIT: 80%-100% HRR) or a passive control group (CON) continuing their habitual lifestyle. Both the training groups exercised for 3×30 min per week for 9 weeks using a combination of cycling and running. Before and after the intervention period maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and the primary outcomes (inhibitory control measured by a modified flanker task, and resting plasma levels of BDNF) were evaluated. After the intervention period, the HIT group demonstrated a larger increase in V̇O2max compared to both the CON and MIT groups, while no significant effects were observed on inhibitory control or plasma BDNF levels in any training group. However, compared to the CON group, the HIT group exhibited a tendency for greater improvement in the flanker interference score (accuracy), attributable to enhanced accuracy on the incongruent stimuli from pre to post. Aerobic training in adolescents increased cardiorespiratory fitness in an intensity-dependent manner, but no clear effects were observed on neither inhibitory control nor resting plasma BDNF levels. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02075944.

The Effectiveness of Treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) with Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma (LR-PRP) Depending on the Duration of the Disease.

Background: Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) occurs mainly in physically active adolescents, causing significant physical activity restrictions. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of treating OSD with leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) depending on the duration of the disease and to attempt to develop an alternative treatment method to the currently used conservative therapy. Methods: Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the VAS, Tegner, Lysholm, and KOOS scales. Subject satisfaction, return to sports activity, potential adverse effects, and X-ray evaluation were likewise used to assess the success of the procedure. Results: Analysis across all scales showed statistically significant treatment effectiveness with LR-PRP in both groups of patients. When comparing the two groups, significantly better treatment outcomes were achieved in the acute phase of OSD. Treatment satisfaction in the acute OSD group was 95%, compared to 64% in the chronic group. The MCID value after LR-PRP injection in acute OSD compared to chronic OSD reached 100% vs. 81% on the VAS scale, 95.5% vs. 55% on the Tegner scale, 95% vs. 47% on the Lysholm scale and 91% vs. 27% on the KOOS scale. No adverse effects were recorded in either group. Conclusions: The high efficacy of LR-PRP treatment in patients with acute OSD, in correlation with high safety, as well as rapid and lasting results, can be an effective and beneficial alternative to conservative treatment. This single procedure seems particularly justified in a group of young professional athletes, where absence from training can lead to serious consequences.

A Review of Syphilis Infection in Pediatric Patients

Nearly half of all sexually transmitted infections occur in adolescents and young adults. Among them, syphilis infections are on the rise in the United States. Sexually active adolescents, especially those who do not use condoms consistently or are men who have sex with men, are at particular risk for syphilis infection. With the rise in acquired syphilis infections, the incidence of congenital syphilis has also increased. Syphilis can have a variety of presentations based on infectious stage and central nervous system involvement. Careful physical examination and history can elicit the diagnosis. Screening with a nontreponemal test followed by treponemal testing can confirm the diagnosis, and staging is determined clinically. Testing for all sexually transmitted infections should be pursued because coinfections are common. Penicillin is the first-line treatment for syphilis, and duration of therapy depends on the presence of neurologic symptoms; all infants with possible congenital syphilis should receive treatment. Posttreatment monitoring is essential to confirm successful eradication of syphilis. All sexually active, at-risk patients, including pregnant persons, should be screened for syphilis, and those diagnosed as having syphilis should be counseled on disclosure to partners. Although not often found in a pediatric population, with the increasing incidence of syphilis infections in the United States, pediatric providers should have a low threshold for syphilis screening in adolescents and a high index of suspicion for congenital syphilis in infants.

Late-night eating and inactivity: Links to depression and suicide risk in adolescents living in Turkey.

Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are all common during adolescence. This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between eating at night, physical activity, and depression/suicide risk in adolescents. This study followed a cross-sectional descriptive design and involved collecting data from adolescents aged 13-18 years who attend four different high schools. The data collection was done through an online survey using Google Forms. Sociodemographic form, eating at night questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and Suicide Probability Scale were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed electronically using descriptive statistics and correlation tests to examine relationships between different parameters. The study revealed significant associations between academic achievement, daily sleep duration, and daily walking distance with depression and suicide probability (p < 0.05) among the participants. Adolescents who consumed food after 10 pm exhibited higher depression and suicide probability scores than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Additionally, an analysis of physical activity levels demonstrated that highly active adolescents had lower depression and suicide probability scores. In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a significant relationship between eating at night, physical activity, and depression/suicide risk in adolescents. Specifically, academic success, daily sleep duration, daily walking distance, and eating habits were found to be associated with depression and suicide probability. Encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits, particularly avoiding eating late at night, may be beneficial in reducing the risk of depression and suicide among adolescents.

Assessing the relative validity of a web-based self-administered 24-hour dietary recall in a Canadian adolescent’s population

BackgroundHealthy eating habits at a young age are crucial to support growth and development and good general health. In this context, monitoring youth dietary intakes adequately with valid tools is important to develop efficient interventions and identify groups that are more at risk of inadequate intakes. This study aimed to assess the relative validity of the self-administered web-based 24-h dietary recall (R24W) for evaluating energy and nutrient intakes among active adolescents.MethodsParticipants were invited to complete one interviewer-administered 24-h dietary dietary recall and the R24W on up to three occasions within one month. A total of 272 French-speaking active adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from the province of Québec were invited to complete three R24W and one interview-administered 24-h recall. Student’s t-test and correlations were conducted on sex-adjusted data. Percent differences, cross-classification (percentage of agreement), weighted Kappa and Bland-Altman plots were calculated.ResultsMean (SD) energy intake from the R24W was 8.8% higher than from the interview-administered 24-h dietary recall (2558 kcal ± 1128 vs. 2444 kcal ± 998, p < 0.05). Significant differences in mean nutrient intake between the R24W and the interview-administered 24-h dietary recall ranged from 6.5% for % E from fat (p < 0.05) to 25.2% for saturated fat (p < 0.001), i.e., higher values with R24W. Sex-adjusted correlations were significant for all nutrients except for % E from proteins and thiamin (range: 0.24 to 0.52, p < 0.01). Cross-classification demonstrated that 36.6% of the participants were classified in the same fourth with both methods, 39.6% in the adjacent fourth, and 5.7% misclassified. Bland-Atman plots revealed proportional bias between the two methods for 7/25 nutrients. Completing at least two recalls with the R24W increased the precision of intake estimates.ConclusionThese data suggest that the R24W presents an acceptable relative validity compared to a standard interview-administered 24-h recall for estimating energy and most nutrients in a cohort of French-speaking adolescents from the province of Québec.

The Effect of Exercise on Adolescent Lung Function Performance: An Observational Study in the Adolescent Community in Jakarta, Indonesia

Optimal lung function is a crucial health indicator, especially in adolescents who are in the growth and development phase. Exercise is known to have a positive impact on lung function, but research evidence on adolescents in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, is still limited. This study aims to examine the effect of exercise on the lung function performance of adolescents in Jakarta, considering the urban context with high levels of air pollution. This cross-sectional observational study involved 350 adolescents aged 12-18 years in Jakarta, randomly selected from various schools. Data collection included a physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ short version), anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), and spirometry to assess lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify associations between exercise and lung function parameters, with adjustment for confounding factors. The results showed that physically active adolescents had significantly higher FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC values compared to less active adolescents (p &lt; 0.001). These results remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status. There was no significant relationship between age and lung function parameters. Adolescent boys have higher FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC values than girls. Height and weight are positively correlated with FEV1 and FVC. Exercise has a significant positive effect on the lung function performance of adolescents in Jakarta. These findings support the importance of promoting physical activity in adolescents to improve lung health, especially in urban environments with exposure to air pollution. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the long-term effects of exercise on adolescent lung function.

Exploring the mediating role of promoting school physical activity on the relationship between low socioeconomic status and academic achievement and school climate: evidence from 4,990 Chilean schools.

There is evidence that promoting school physical activity (PSPA) benefits children and adolescents, but little is understood about how this promotion may relate to academic achievement and school climate across varying levels of socioeconomic status (SES). Hence, the study aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining two main objectives: (1) determining the association between PSPA and academic achievement and school climate according to schools' SES and (2) exploring the potential mediating role of PSPA in the relationship between schools' SES and academic achievement and school climate. This cross-sectional study at the school level focused on 4,990 schools (including public, subsidized, and private schools) that participated in the National Educational Study 2018 (Chile), which was applied to primary schoolchildren (4th grade, aged 8-10 years). Schools were divided into non-PSPA (n = 4,280) and PSPA (n = 710) during the year 2018. Changes in academic achievement from 2017 to 2018 and school climate were considered. PSPA was associated with improvements in maths (low-SES OR: 1.80, p < 0.001) and reading (middle-SES OR: 1.45, p = 0.029; low-SES OR: 1.47, p < 0.001). The indirect effect (IE) showed that PSPA partially mediated the relationship between SES and academic achievement in reading (IE = 1.017; SE = 0.12; 95%CI, -1.27, -0.77), maths (IE = -1.019; SE = 0.12; 95%CI, -1.25, -0.78), and school climate (IE = -0.46; SE = 0.52; 95%CI, -0.56, -0.35). In conclusion, PSPA was linked to positive changes in academic achievement, especially among low SES, and PSPA presented a potential mediating role in the relationship between SES of schools and academic achievement and school climate.

Risk-stratified analysis of sex risk behaviors and correlates among school-going adolescents in Argentina: insights from a national survey.

This study was conducted to address a critical gap in understanding adolescent sexual health risks in Argentina, a country that has undergone substantial socio-economic changes that made significant strides in education and healthcare. A secondary data analysis of the 2018 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey was performed. In this study, 23,262 sexually active adolescents were categorized into four risk groups based on the predicted granular risk: number of sexual partners and condom use in their last sexual encounter. Males and older adolescents were more prone to high-risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, key psychosocial factors such as loneliness, anxiety, experiences of violence, and school absenteeism were significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Early alcohol use and recent experiences of hunger were also identified as strong predictors of heightened sexual risk behaviors. Conversely, positive parental engagement and awareness exhibited protective factors. These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions that focus on mental health support, parental involvement, and awareness of adolescent issues and activities.