Male Adolescents Research Articles

The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers in Wales: a retrospective population-based study

Objective & ApproachDemand for urgent eyecare exponentially outstrips public healthcare capacity in the United Kingdom. Such eye conditions, and related vision impairment, affect the lives of people everywhere. We aimed to quantify the burden of urgent eyecare on primary- and community-care providers in a national population using data produced by General Practitioner, Accident and Emergency, pharmacy and optometry services. A secondary aim was to characterise some drivers of this burden. We analysed data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank (linked), Eye Health Examination Wales Service (unlinked) and Common Ailments Scheme (unlinked) during 2017-2018 to quantify burden. We applied generalised linear modelling and logistic regression to understand drivers. ResultsOf 365,044 episodes of care during the study, GPs and A&E managed 46.2% (168,877) and 1.4% (5,122) respectively while optometrists and pharmacists managed 51.8% (116,868) and 0.6% (2,635). Older females and infants of both sexes were more likely to use GP prescribing services, while adolescent and middle-aged males were more likely to visit A&E. GP prescribing burden was driven partially by economic deprivation, access to local services, and overall community health. Season, day of the week, and time of day were predictors of burden for GP and A&E services. Conclusion & ImplicationsAcute eyecare continues to place considerable burden on primary care services in Wales, particularly in urban areas with greater deprivation. This is likely to increase with an ageing population. With ongoing pathway development to better utilise community care, there may be scope to change this trajectory.

Effect of Age and Gender on Nasalance Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review.

The Nasometer® is a widely used clinical and research tool with diagnosis and outcome measurement utility. The objective of this study was to systematically examine the effect of age and gender on nasalance across the lifespan. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020). University. Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Covidence Better Systematic Review Management; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Methodology (SIGN) Checklist 3 for risk of bias; Levels of evidence, Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence hierarchy; and effect size calculations using G*Power 3. Nasalance (%) from the Nasometer™. 50 studies (from N = 1884) were included in the review. All were Level 3 (non-randomized controlled cohort) observational-analytic type studies. Only 10 (20%) of studies met a High Quality (low risk of bias) rating. Effect sizes were moderate for adults versus children ( d = 0.717) and adults versus adolescents ( d = 0.521) for oral text/passage. Gender differences were clinically significant for adolescent males and females with a moderate effect size ( d = 0.545) for oronasal text/passage. The systematic review provides objective and defined evidence as to the effects of age and gender on nasalance. Separate normative databases are implicated for specific age subgroups across the lifespan and for gender, particularly in adolescence. Review findings are applicable to other clinical groups where acquisition and/or progression occurs in adulthood/older adulthood.

Effects of Heat Stress-Induced Sex Hormone Dysregulation on Reproduction and Growth in Male Adolescents and Beneficial Foods.

Heat stress due to climate warming can significantly affect the synthesis of sex hormones in male adolescents, which can impair the ability of the hypothalamus to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which leads to a decrease in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which ultimately negatively affects spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis. For optimal spermatogenesis, the testicular temperature should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Heat stress directly affects the testes, damaging them and reducing testosterone synthesis. Additionally, chronic heat stress abnormally increases the level of aromatase in Leydig cells, which increases estradiol synthesis while decreasing testosterone, leading to an imbalance of sex hormones and spermatogenesis failure. Low levels of testosterone in male adolescents lead to delayed puberty and incomplete sexual maturation, negatively affect height growth and bone mineral density, and can lead to a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in fat mass. In order for male adolescents to acquire healthy reproductive capacity, it is recommended to provide sufficient nutrition and energy, avoid exposure to heat stress, and provide foods and supplements to prevent or repair testosterone reduction, germ cell damage, and sperm count reduction caused by heat stress so that they can enter a healthy adulthood.

Cardiac manifestations and outcomes of COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis in the young in the USA: longitudinal results from the Myocarditis After COVID Vaccination (MACiV) multicenter study

We aimed to study the clinical characteristics, myocardial injury, and longitudinal outcomes of COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis (C-VAM). In this longitudinal retrospective observational cohort multicenter study across 38 hospitals in the United States, 333 patients with C-VAM were compared with 100 patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome inchildren (MIS-C). We included patients ≤30 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of acute myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination based on clinical presentation, abnormal biomarkers and/or cardiovascular imaging findings. Demographics, past medical history, hospital course, biochemistry results, cardiovascular imaging, and follow-up information from April 2021 to November 2022 were collected. The primary outcome was presence of myocardial injury as evidenced by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Patients with C-VAM were predominantly white (67%) adolescent males (91%, 15.7±2.8 years). Their initial clinical course was more likely to be mild (80% vs. 23%, p<0.001) and cardiac dysfunction was less common (17% vs. 68%, p<0.0001), compared to MIS-C. In contrast, LGE on CMR was more prevalent in C-VAM (82% vs. 16%, p<0.001). The probability of LGE was higher in males (OR 3.28 [95% CI: 0.99, 10.6, p=0.052]), in older patients (>15 years, OR 2.74 [95% CI: 1.28, 5.83, p=0.009]) and when C-VAM occurred after the first or second dose as compared to the third dose of mRNA vaccine. Mid-term clinical outcomes of C-VAM at a median follow-up of 178days (IQR 114-285 days) were reassuring. No cardiac deaths or heart transplantations were reported until the time of submission of this report. LGE persisted in 60% of the patients at follow up. Myocardial injury at initial presentation and its persistence at follow up, despite a mild initial course and favorable mid-term clinical outcome, warrants continued clinical surveillance and long-term studies in affected patients with C-VAM. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Sex-related inequalities in current cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa

IntroductionRisky behaviours, including tobacco use, are highly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Although these behaviours are largely influenced by various sociodemographic factors, including sex, there is a paucity of regionally representative literature on the sex-related inequalities in cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa. This study examined the sex-based disparities in current cigarette smoking among adolescents aged 13–15 years in Africa.MethodsThe present study employed a secondary analysis of nationally representative data on 45 African countries obtained from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, accessible through the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory. We used the online version of the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) to generate the results.ResultsThe prevalence of current cigarette smoking among the adolescents surveyed ranged from 1.6% in Eritrea to 10.4% in Mali among the low-income countries, from 1.3% in Tanzania to 13.1% in Mauritania among the lower-middle-income countries, from 5.2% in Gabon to 15.3% in Mauritius among the upper-middle-income countries, and 14.7% in Seychelles, the only high-income country in the study. The absolute summary measure (D) showed diverse sex-related disparities in the burden of current cigarette smoking among adolescents across the sub-regions. In all countries surveyed, the prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher among male adolescents compared to females, except in Liberia and Mozambique, where female adolescents bore a more significant burden than their male counterparts. Furthermore, male adolescents were more burdened with high cigarette smoking prevalence than females in low-income countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia, where such disparities were most pronounced. Meanwhile, we found less disparity in the burden of cigarette smoking between male and female adolescents in most of the lower and upper-middle-income countries surveyed.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the sex-based inequalities in the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa. In contrast to female adolescents, male adolescents bear a greater burden of current cigarette smoking. The burden of cigarette smoking is most pronounced in low-income countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia. Conversely, in most of the lower and upper-middle-income countries surveyed, the burdens of current cigarette smoking among male and female adolescents were found to be less disparate. Consequently, cigarette smoking prevention programmes and strategies must be implemented in all African nations. There is also the need to intensify interventions aimed at altering the smoking behaviour of male adolescents. Policymakers can develop and implement evidence-based interventions to address the burden of cigarette smoking among the adolescents. Finally, existing policies and programmes addressing adolescents' cigarette smoking should be re-assessed and strengthened to achieve their objectives.

Prospective associations between an empirically derived dietary pattern and life satisfaction in Malaysian adolescents

BackgroundLittle is known on the prospective associations between an empirically derived dietary pattern (DP) and life satisfaction among adolescents. This PUTRA-Adol follow-up study aimed to assess the prospective associations between the empirically derived DP and life satisfaction during adolescence.MethodsA total of 585 and 262 adolescents participated in the baseline PUTRA-Adol study in 2016 and PUTRA-Adol follow-up study in 2019–2020, respectively. These adolescents were recruited from three southern states in peninsular Malaysia, namely Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. Dietary assessments were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) while a Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) was used to measure life satisfaction at baseline in 2016 as well as at follow-up in 2019–2020. A DP characterised by foods high in free sugar and energy dense was identified using reduced rank regression (RRR), cross-sectionally at baseline and was reported elsewhere. Similar RRR analysis was used to find a DP that best explained the variation in response variables linked to poorer life satisfaction, including dietary energy density (DED), fiber density, and percentage of energy from total fat and sugar at the PUTRA-Adol follow-up study. Prospective relationship between adherence to the identified DPs and overall life satisfaction scores as well as its domains between 2016 and 2019–2020 were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models (GEE).ResultsA DP characterized by high intakes of percentage energy from sugar, fibre and low in DED and percentage energy from total fat was identified at the 2019–2020 follow-up. The identified DP explained 11% of total variations in the response variables and was characterized by high intakes of sweets, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and fruits. Female adolescents [67.6(8.9)] had a mean (SD) of life satisfaction that was higher than male adolescents [67.5(10.8)] p < 0.05 in 2019–2020. Prospective analysis found a significant positive association between the identified DP and school domain, in male adolescents (β = 0.117; 95% CI 0.001, 0.234) and an inverse relationship between the DP z-score and self-domain in all adolescents (β = − 0.060; 95% CI − 0.115, − 0.005) from 2016 to 2019–2020.ConclusionsAn increasing score for the predominant ‘High sugar and High fibre’ DP was prospectively associated with increasing life satisfaction score for the school domain in male adolescents and decreasing score for self-domain in both male and females during adolescence. A lifestyle intervention targeting reduced dietary intakes, particularly sugar, may improve life satisfaction in adolescents and promote healthier future without compromising dietary intakes for chronic disease prevention later in life.

Decomposition of HIV Knowledge In Urban-Rural Areas In Indonesia

HIV/AIDS remains a public health crisis, HIV/AIDS remains a public health crisis, especially among male adolescents in Indonesia. This urgency stems from the rapid increase in cases among adolescents, who often lack adequate access to education and prevention resources. If left unaddressed, the epidemic could continue to spread among younger populations, leading to long-term social and economic consequences. Despite the crucial role of HIV knowledge in prevention, disparities exist between rural and urban areas. This study examines these disparities, identifying factors influencing HIV knowledge. This cross-sectional study employed a total of 10,943 male adolescents enrolled in a survey called Indonesia Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) 2017. To address those disparities, a stratification chi-square based on place of residence was employed. We also employed a multivariate decomposition analysis to examine which variables account for most gaps. Results found that only 15% of adolescents were knowledgeable (9.5% in urban and 5.5% in rural areas). Bivariate Analysis showed that education level and HIV test awareness were associated in both areas ( p-value &lt; 0.05), while wealth quintile and internet use were associated in urban areas only ( p-values &lt; 0.05). The HIV knowledge gap would decrease by 8% if internet use was equalized, by 11% if HIV testing awareness was equalized, by 17% if educational attainment was equalized, and by 24% if wealth quintiles were equalized. This calls for a multi-sectoral intervention targeting such factors for better HIV outcomes in Indonesia.

Reflective functioning and emotion regulation in adolescents with a history of sexual offending: a comparative study with a non-offending control group

BackgroundSexual offenses encompass a diverse array of behaviors across various contexts, affecting numerous individuals. Despite the prevalence of sexual offending among adolescents, there is still a limited understanding of this population. To contribute further to the literature in this field, the present study was conducted to compare a group of male adolescents convicted of sexual offenses with a control group in terms of reflective functioning (RF), emotion regulation (ER) strategies, and emotion dysregulation (ED).Methods60 male adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (M = 16.90; SD = 0.97) who had been convicted of at least one serious sexual offense were recruited from male adolescents referred by juvenile courts to the Legal Medicine Organization in Mashhad, Iran, and compared with a control group of non-offending adolescents consisting of 60 male adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (M = 16.97; SD = 0.82) who were attending school. The groups were matched on age and education level.ResultsA comparison between these two groups revealed that adolescents with a history of sexual offending exhibited poorer RF capacity, greater use of suppression as an ER strategy, and higher scores in all ED domains (p’s < 0.001) except non-acceptance of emotional responses compared with the control group.ConclusionsResults suggest that RF, ER strategies, and ED need to be considered as important psychological factors in understanding and treating adolescents with a history of sexual offending.

Mediating attentional control between depression and problematic Internet use in female adolescents: the role of attentional focusing and shifting.

Female adolescents are more prone to depression compared with male adolescents, and depression is often associated with poor attentional control and problematic internet use (PIU). Attentional control includes both focusing and shifting functions. Focusing refers to the ability to direct attention to a task despite distractions. Shifting refers to the ability to flexibly switch attention between different tasks. This study examines the mediating role of attentional focusing and shifting between depression and PIU. Female high school and college students (n = 476) in Taiwan participated in a survey administered at three time points over a seven-month period. The single- and two- mediator models examined their joint mediation effects. The results showed that the direct effect of depression on PIU was significant. The indirect effects also showed that attentional focusing was a negative partial mediator in the relationship between depression and PIU, while attentional shifting was not one. Informed by attentional theory and digital emotion regulation, addressing depression to mitigate its negative impact on attentional control and negative emotions is crucial. The potential impact, whether harmful or beneficial, of adolescents carefully selecting their online activities to reduce the risk of PIU remains contentious. Given the focus on Taiwanese adolescent girls during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research is needed to extend the applicability of the theory to other periods without being affected by COVID-19.

Case 3: Psychiatric Distress, Hypertension, and Weight Gain in an Adolescent Male.

Case 3: Psychiatric Distress, Hypertension, and Weight Gain in an Adolescent Male.

Review and Evidence Gap Map of mentoring programs for adolescent males with disabilities.

Adolescent males with disabilities face unique challenges, and mentoring programs designed for this population could support more positive long-term outcomes. In the current study, a scoping review of empirical research on such programs was conducted. The review was intended to capture the characteristics of existing mentoring program for males with disabilities and map those characteristics in a way that sheds light on the overall status of the field. The review included different types of mentoring (e.g., adult to child, peer to peer, etc.) as long as the program explicitly defined the formation of a long-term relationship between mentor and mentee. The search identified 21 relevant studies that were categorized using four dimensions: 1) Setting (i.e., school/after school, community-based, on-line/virtual, or mixed); 2) Sex (i.e., males only or mixed males/females); 3) Outcomes (i.e., academics, social-emotional skills, health, transition from high school, or program implementation); and 4) Evaluation methodology (i.e., experimental, nonexperimental, or qualitative). The findings are summarized in an Evidence Gap Map. Only three studies used an experimental design, although they were able to demonstrate significant promise in promoting positive outcomes for youth with disabilities. Beyond these studies, however, there was little evidence supporting program efficacy for males with disabilities, as most studies in the sample were nonexperimental in nature. Overall there are few mentoring programs that target this population, and experimental research on programs that target academic and health outcomes is particularly lacking.

The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) self-report version: Factor structure, measurement invariance, and predictive validity in justice-involved male adolescents.

The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) is a widely used measure of callous-unemotional (CU) traits that may aid in the assessment of the diagnostic specifier "with limited prosocial emotions," which has been added to diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder. Though there is substantial support for use of the ICU total score, the scale's factor structure has been highly debated. Inconsistencies in past factor analyses may be largely attributed to failure to control for method variance due to item wording (i.e., half of the items being worded in the callous direction and half worded in the prosocial direction). Thus, the present study used a multitrait-multimethod confirmatory factor analytic approach that models both trait and method variance to test the factor structure of the ICU self-report in a clinically relevant, high-risk sample of justice-involved male adolescents (N = 1,216). When comparing the fit of empirical and theoretical models, goodness of fit indices (χ² = 1105.877, df = 190, root-mean-square error of approximation = .063, comparative fit index = .916, Tucker-Lewis index = .878, standardized root-mean-square residual = .051) provided support for a hierarchical four-factor model (i.e., one overarching callous-unemotional factor, four latent trait factors) when accounting for method variance (i.e., covarying positively worded items). This factor structure is consistent with the way the ICU was constructed and with criteria for the limited prosocial emotions specifier. In addition, measurement invariance of this factor structure across age, race, and ethnicity was supported, and the predictive validity of the ICU was supported across these demographic groups in predicting self-reported antisocial behavior and rearrests over a 5-year period following an adolescent's first arrest. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Tobacco consumption and associated factors among tribal adolescent students in Terai-Dooars region, West Bengal

Background: Tobacco is one of the major causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Around the world, tobacco is one of the leading causes of tobacco-related cancer. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of tobacco use among tribal adolescents in Terai-Doars region, and to determine the related risk factors. Methodology: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among 680 tribal adolescent students of government schools in Teria-Dooars region of West Bengal, from April 2022 to October 2022. After obtaining consent, data on socio-demographics and tobacco consumption were collected. Significance was tested using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The proportion of tobacco consumption among tribal adolescent students was found to be 45.7%. Male (58.1%) and female (28.2%) adolescents were found to be regular consumers. Male adolescents primarily prefer smokeless tobacco, with 58% starting their habit between 12-15 years age. Male adolescents preferred smokeless tobacco, with a significant proportion starting their habit between 12-15 years (58%). High consumption of Khaini (52.6%), Guthka (46.6%), and Cigarette (42.4%) is observed. Age (&lt;0.001), sex (&lt;0.001), religion (0.029), socio-economic level (0.004), and family history (0.003) significantly associated with tobacco consumption. Conclusions: Overall proportion of tobacco use was high among the tribal adolescents, with most starting smoking at an early age. The major risk factor that contributed was the family members' tobacco use.

The Influence of Parental Role on Adolescent Sexual Behaviour and HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: HIV/AIDS risky behaviour remains a critical health concern for adolescents, specifically at high school level. In South Africa, the rapid increase of risky lifestyles and sexual behaviours among adolescents could be mainly attributed to poor parental skills and broken family structures. Four identified sexual risk behaviours that are of concern in South Africa are age at sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, condom use and transactional sex.Methods: Data was collected using a quantitative cross-sectional survey with samle consist with 450 male and female high school adolescents between 14 to 18 years from 3 different South African school settings. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics procedure.Result: 79.7% of the respondents had only one parent still alive with 4.9 % of the respondents indicated to have lost both parents. Only 13.5% of the respondents were from a nuclear family. The majority of the respondents were (41.2%) living with grandparents. This high level of family disintegration, parental absence and poor parenting skills in South Africa exposed 73.3% (330) of the respondents to early sexual debut, transactional sex, unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. The study proved that there is a statistical association between guardianship and age at sexual debut; guardianship and multiple sexual partners; guardianship and condom use; guardianship and transactional sex.Conclusion : The revealed significant high risk sexual behaviour among adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal should inform Health and educational authorities to utilize these key findings to design more effective local strategies to train and assist parents and caregivers on parenting skills

Cells and Molecules Underpinning Cannabis-Related Variations in Cortical Thickness during Adolescence.

During adolescence, cannabis experimentation is common, and its association with interindividual variations in brain maturation well studied. Cellular and molecular underpinnings of these system-level relationships are, however, unclear. We thus conducted a three-step study. First, we exposed adolescent male mice to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or a synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) and assessed differentially expressed genes (DEGs), spine numbers, and dendritic complexity in their frontal cortex. Second, in human (male) adolescents, we examined group differences in cortical thickness in 34 brain regions, using magnetic resonance imaging, between those who experimented with cannabis before age 16 (n = 140) and those who did not (n = 327). Finally, we correlated spatially these group differences with gene expression of human homologs of mouse-identified DEGs. The spatial expression of 13 THC-related human homologs of DEGs correlated with cannabis-related variations in cortical thickness, and virtual histology revealed coexpression patterns of these 13 genes with cell-specific markers of astrocytes, microglia, and a type of pyramidal cells enriched in dendrite-regulating genes. Similarly, the spatial expression of 18 WIN-related human homologs of DEGs correlated with group differences in cortical thickness and showed coexpression patterns with the same three cell types. Gene ontology analysis indicated that 37 THC-related human homologs are enriched in neuron projection development, while 33 WIN-related homologs are enriched in processes associated with learning and memory. In mice, we observed spine loss and lower dendritic complexity in pyramidal cells of THC-exposed animals (vs controls). Experimentation with cannabis during adolescence may influence cortical thickness by impacting glutamatergic synapses and dendritic arborization.

Transmission Dynamics of Adolescent HIV is Very Different from Adults: A Longitudinal Study from India.

Behavioral risk factors in adolescents make them vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although it is dissimilar to adults, adolescent HIV is less studied. This study aimed to determine various socio-demographic attributes and transmission dynamics associated with adolescent HIV in order to comment on how they differ from the overall epidemiology of HIV. A record-based, comparative study was conducted using data from adolescents (ALHIV) and adults registered in all HIV centers across the Indian state of West Bengal over four years. The socio-demographic profile and modes of HIV transmission were studied. Transmission dynamics were compared between adolescent and non-adolescent beneficiaries, as well as male and female HIV-positive adolescents. The association of adolescent HIV burden with child marriage and adolescent pregnancy rates was also tested. More than 50% of AL-HIVs were students. While heterosexuality (87.17%) was the commonest route of HIV transmission in adults, parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) (51.69%) and blood transfusions (12.86%) were major routes in AL-HIVs; also, they were significantly more prone to get infected through these routes. PTCT was significantly lower, and transmission by needle syringes was higher in male adolescents than in their female counterparts. Districts with a higher prevalence of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy had a significantly higher burden of AL-HIV. The transmission dynamics of adolescent HIV are largely different from those of adults, with PTCT and sociocultural issues playing significant roles. It is, therefore, essential to design targeted interventions to tackle the unique challenges of HIV in adolescents for more effective and comprehensive campaigns against the pandemic.

Physiological Profiles of Male Adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia Practicing Taekwondo and Wushu.

Martial arts training is beneficial for improving physical fitness but the improvements can vary according to the type of martial art performed. This study investigated lung function, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, muscular strength and power among male adolescents who were sedentary or who practiced taekwondo or wushu. A total of 30 male adolescents living in the Kelantan state in Malaysia who were between 14 years old and 20 years old were enrolled and divided into three groups: i) sedentary (control), ii) taekwondo and iii) wushu. Each participant underwent a lung function test, 20 m shuttle run, Wingate anaerobic test and a Sit and Reach test, as well as tests of standing long jump power, handgrip, back and leg strength. Relative to the sedentary control group, the wushu group had significantly higher values than the sedentary control group for fat free mass (P = 0.047), explosive leg power (P < 0.001), aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (P = 0.021) and Wingate anaerobic capacity (P < 0.05). The taekwondo group also showed significantly greater values than the sedentary control group for explosive leg power (P = 0.018), forced vital capacity (FVC) (P = 0.014) and FEV1 (P < 0.001). The wushu group exhibited significantly higher explosive leg power (P = 0.010) and Wingate anaerobic capacity parameters including mean power (P = 0.001), anaerobic capacity (P < 0.001) and anaerobic power (P = 0.002) than the taekwondo group. Engagement of male adolescents in wushu and taekwondo was associated with improved physiological profiles compared to those who were in the sedentary control group. Practice of wushu could result in greater explosive leg power and anaerobic capacities than taekwondo.

The health behaviors differences among male and female school-age adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa region countries: a meta-analysis of the Global School-based Student Health Survey data.

Understanding gender disparities in adolescent health behaviors is crucial for developing targeted health promotion strategies. This study uses data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) across 17 MENA countries to analyze gender differences in adolescent health behaviors, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for both boys and girls. This meta-analysis incorporates data from recent years of the GSHS, covering 17 MENA countries. The objective was to assess and compare health behaviors between adolescent girls and boys. A random-effects model was employed to calculate odds ratios for gender comparisons in these behaviors. Statistical analyses and modeling were performed using JAMOVI software. In most MENA countries, boys consumed more vegetables compared to girls. Girls were less likely to frequent fast food establishments (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and generally exhibited better self-care behaviors. Boys reported a higher prevalence of physical altercations (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.88-2.51) and were more involved in fights (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.46-3.67). Girls were more likely to miss school without permission and were consistently described as kinder and more helpful across various income levels. However, in some countries such as Oman and Tunisia, boys missed school more frequently. There were no significant gender differences in parental oversight of homework or knowledge of students' activities, but girls were reported to have stronger parental relationships and better parental understanding of their problems and free time, with exceptions in Morocco and the Palestinian Territory-Gaza. Boys were more likely to engage in smoking (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 2.69-4.76) and other substance use. Conversely, girls reported higher levels of physical inactivity and loneliness, but also demonstrated greater kindness and helpfulness in school settings and stronger parental relationships. Policymakers in the MENA region should develop and implement gender-specific interventions targeting key areas such as hygiene practices, physical activity, and substance use. By focusing on these targeted strategies, they can address the distinct health behaviors and needs of both boys and girls. Effective interventions in these areas are crucial for improving overall health outcomes and promoting healthier lifestyles, thereby enhancing adolescent health and well-being across the region.

Sex Differences in the Associations of mental Health, Suicidality, Screentime, and Sleep: A Mediation Effect Analysis of Sleep Using Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey 2021.

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the sex differences in the direct and indirect associations among mental health/suicidality, sleep, and screen time. Methods: Using the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, 9408 participants were included in the analyses. The associations of endogenous variables (mental health and suicidality), exogenous variable (screen time), mediator (sleep), and covariates (demographic features and risky behaviors) were analyzed using the Structural Equation Model and "medsem" package, as well as logistic regression and bootstrapping methods. To explore the sex differences in the mediation effect, the Likelihood Ratio Test was used for the multiple-group analysis to compare the unconstrained model with the mediation path-constrained model. Results: Screen time had a significant negative association with sleep duration (female: β = -.09, p < .001; male: β = -.04, p < .001), positive relations to mental health problems (female: β = .10, p < .001; male: β = .12; p < .001), and suicidality (female: OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13; male: OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23). Sleep duration is negatively associated with mental health problems (female: β = -.16, p < .001; male: β = -.14; p < .001) and negatively associated with the likelihood of suicidality (female: .89, 95% CI: .85-.94; male: OR: .84, 95% CI: .79-.90). Furthermore, female adolescents had higher frequencies in mental health problems, higher odds ratio in suicidality, shorter sleep duration, and bigger mediation effects of sleep, compared to their male counterparts. Conclusion: Mental health and suicidality were affected differently by screen time and sleep between female and male adolescents. Future research may continue to explore sex differences and their underlying reasons.

Application of statutory rape laws on male adolescents: Perspectives from police and probation officers

Application of statutory rape laws on male adolescents: Perspectives from police and probation officers