High School Adolescents Research Articles

Informing Equitable Prevention Practices: A Statewide Disaggregated Analysis of Suicide for Ethnoracially Minoritized Adolescents

The increase in adolescent suicide rates in the United States is a pervasive public health issue, and ethnoracial youth with diverse identities are disproportionately impacted, yet less studied. National planning efforts reinforce state-level approaches to suicide prevention through an equitable lens to prevent adolescent suicide. This study examined disaggregated state-level data over time to determine changes to suicide outcomes based on race/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, and the intersection of these identities and determined which sub-groups had higher odds of suicide outcomes. Data from the 1991–2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were analyzed for 17,419 ethnoracially minoritized high school adolescents in North Carolina. Descriptive analyses and multinominal logistic regression models were employed. Findings indicated that subgroups within categories of ethnoracial populations, specifically Black female adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation, reported higher rates of suicide attempts. Additionally, Multiracial adolescents reported higher means for suicide consideration and attempts over time. Recommendations for investigating state-level suicide data by focusing on diverse intersecting identities to illuminate areas for potential prevention efforts and support health equity are provided.

Factors Influencing Career Interests and Choices of High School Adolescents in Tamale, Northern Ghana

Factors Influencing Career Interests and Choices of High School Adolescents in Tamale, Northern Ghana

Strategi Koping Remaja Mengatasi Kesepian

Loneliness is a mental health issue. The aim of this research is to understand how adolescents recognize, feel and overcome loneliness. The research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach, involving 38 adolescent (21 girls and 17 boys) who experienced loneliness in three junior high schools (SMP) in Pekanbaru. The data was obtained through online interviews using Google Form. Data analysis uses thematic analysis techniques. The results showed that junior high school adolescents used various coping strategies to overcome loneliness. The most commonly used strategy in grades 8 and 9 is focusing on emotions, while in grade 7 focuses more on problems. The results of this research provide an overview of loneliness and how to overcome it from an adolescent perspective so that it can help the process of counseling and therapy for loneliness in adolescents. Further research is needed to understand the factors that influence adolescents' coping strategies in overcoming loneliness.

Analisis Pelaksanaan Program Pos Pelayanan Terpadu (Posyandu) Remaja di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Jenggot Kota Pekalongan

Sexual behavior in adolescents is increasingly closely related to modern lifestyles and tends to violate rules. For example, they will spend their free time doing negative things such as smoking, coming home late at night, taking drugs and accessing pornography. The phenomenon and desire for free sex in adolescents occurs in the form of pornographic films by 97%, kissing, fondling and oral sex by 93.7%, junior high and high school adolescents are no longer virgins 62.7%, junior high and high school adolescents 21.2% do abortion. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the level of hedonistic lifestyle and sexual behavior in class XI adolescents at SMK Bakti Purwokerto. Correlative quantitative analytic research method with a cross sectional design approach. The sample technique used was total sampling technique with 127 class XI students as respondents. The analysis of this study used univariate analysis in the form of a frequency distribution and bivariate analysis using the Spearman rho test. The results of this study are that there is a relationship between the level of hedonistic lifestyle and sexual behavior in class XI adolescents at SMK Bakti Purwokerto.

Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and Substance Use Among Students from Caribbean Colombian

ABSTRACT Sexual abuse is a public health problem due to its negative impact on physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the association between sexual abuse and the use of psychoactive substances among high-school adolescents in Colombia. A cross-sectional analytical study was designed in which tenth and eleventh-grade students were included. Overall, a history of sexual abuse was explored with the Trauma Symptom Checklist, and lifetime substance use was assessed with the United States Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Questionnaire. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 17.4%, lifetime alcohol use was 77.4%, cigarette 22.4%, cannabis 11.6%, cocaine 2.7%, and other substances 5.1%. History of sexual abuse was associated with alcohol use (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.10–2.30), cigarette (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.51–2.85), cannabis (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.66–3.56), cocaine (OR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.25–5.04) and use of other substances (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.31–4.13). The history of sexual abuse is related to the use of substances in high school adolescents in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. More studies are needed to identify the impact of sexual abuse on short-term and lifelong mental health.

Sex Differences in Temporal Sleep Patterns, Social Jetlag, and Attention in High School Adolescents

AbstractInsufficient sleep and irregular sleep hours are common in adolescents, who experience a delayed sleep phase due to biopsychosocial changes associated with puberty, resulting in later sleep times. However, early morning class hours shorten sleep duration on weekdays. This condition is harmful to cognitive performance, which may be accentuated in girls due to a greater sleep need and less resistance to sleep deprivation. In this study, we evaluated sex differences concerning temporal sleep patterns, social jetlag, and attention in high school adolescents attending morning classes. Students (n = 146 - F: 73–16.1 ± 0.8 years; M: 73–16.2 ± 0.9 years) completed a Health and Sleep questionnaire, kept a sleep diary for 10 days, which incorporated a Maldonado Sleepiness Scale, and performed a Continuous Performance Task. Girls went to bed earlier and woke up on weekends, and spent more time in bed at night and in 24 h on weekdays and weekends, while they also had a greater irregularity in wake-up times (p < 0.05). There were no differences between sexes in terms of social jetlag, sleep debt, and sleepiness upon awakening (p > 0.05). Regarding attention, the girls had a longer reaction time in phasic alertness (p < 0.01) and a tendency to have fewer errors in selective attention (p = 0.06). These results persisted when controlled for sleep parameters. Therefore, we suggest that girls have a greater sleep need and less resistance to sleep deprivation, while the differences in attention performance could be due to different strategies, the girls could be making a trade, increasing reaction time in favor of better accuracy, while the boys could be prioritizing a faster response time.

Analyzing the Challenges and Opportunities in Raising Public Awareness About the Hazards of Natural Disasters Among Junior High School Students in Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Natural disasters pose a significant peril to the Indonesian community, especially the Bandung Regency. Due to the significant likelihood of calamities, it is crucial to enhance public consciousness, particularly among adolescents in junior high school, regarding the perils associated with natural catastrophes. The objective of this study is to examine the obstacles and possibilities of enhancing knowledge of natural disaster risks among middle school students in Bandung Regency. This study employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing a case study technique. The researchers gathered primary data by conducting interviews with junior high school students, instructors, and relevant stakeholders, in addition to making field observations. The research findings indicate that there are multiple obstacles to enhancing the level of awareness among junior high school students regarding the perils associated with natural disasters. These challenges encompass a deficiency in knowledge and comprehension concerning the hazards posed by natural disasters, limited availability of information and educational resources pertaining to disasters, indifference and a lack of concern towards natural disasters, as well as a dearth of proactive involvement from both educational institutions and parents. Nevertheless, this study has identified various avenues for enhancing the knowledge of junior high school students regarding the perils associated with natural calamities. These include incorporating disaster education into the school syllabus, employing information and communication technology (ICT) to disseminate information and educate about disasters, engaging students in simulation exercises and disaster response activities, and reinforcing the involvement of families and communities in fostering a culture of disaster awareness. Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the potential hazards associated with natural disasters among junior high school students is a crucial measure to foster community resilience in the face of future calamities.

Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Pro-Environmental Behavior via the Mediation of Pro-Environmental Knowledge and Attitudes among Middle School Students in Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Adolescents, even those in junior high school, have incorporated social media into their daily routines, making it an essential component of their lives. The objective of this study is to examine how social media influences the adoption of pro-environmental behavior among junior high school students in Bandung Regency, Indonesia, by mediating their pro-environmental knowledge and attitudes. This study employs quantitative methodologies via a survey-based approach. We administered questionnaires to a sample of 300 junior high school students in Bandung Regency to collect data. The questionnaire encompasses inquiries on social media use, pro-environmental knowledge, pro-environmental attitudes, and pro-environmental conduct. The research findings indicate that social media exerts a beneficial influence on the pro-environmental conduct of junior high school pupils. The statistically significant positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) supports the connection between the usage of social media and pro-environmental behavior. Pro-environmental knowledge and attitudes influence the connection between social media use and pro-environmental behavior, as revealed by mediation analysis. Consequently, social media enhances students' understanding and beliefs about the environment, thereby motivating them to engage in environmentally friendly actions. The findings of this study demonstrate that social media can serve as a potent instrument for promoting pro-environmental conduct among adolescents in junior high school.

Engaging Black youth in depression and suicide prevention treatment within urban schools: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot

BackgroundDepression continues to be an ongoing threat to adolescent well-being with Black adolescents being particularly vulnerable to greater burdens of depression as well as lower mental health service utilization. Black adolescents are likely to have untreated depression due to social network influences, varied perceptions of services and providers, or self-stigma associated with experiencing depressive symptoms. Furthermore, if or when treatment is initiated, low engagement and early termination are common. To address this gap, a trial is being conducted to preliminarily test the effectiveness of an engagement intervention targeting Black adolescents with depression in school mental health services in New York City.MethodsA total of 60 Black middle and high school adolescents displaying depressive symptoms are equally randomized (based on school site) to the treatment arms. Both trial arms deliver Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A), a time-limited, evidence-based treatment for depression. Additionally, one arm pairs IPT-A with a brief, multi-level engagement intervention, the Making Connections Intervention (MCI), involving adolescents, caregivers, and clinicians. Outcomes of interest are group differences in depression and suicide ideation, adolescent and caregiver engagement, and mental health service use.DiscussionThis trial will serve as an efficacy assessment of the MCI among a sample of Black adolescent students with depressive symptoms. Clinical and implementation results will be used to inform future research to further test the MCI intervention in a larger sample.Trial registrationRegistered by ClinicalTrials.gov on May 3, 2019, identifier: NCT03940508.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis due to Gardnerella species, vaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis: Epidemiological aspect in women and adolescent girls in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Vaginal infections are a health problem due to their high frequency in our healthcare facilities. The objective of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis due to the Gardnerella species and trichomoniasis, and study the associated risk factors among women and adolescents in the city of Yaoundé.Trichomonas vaginalis was identified by searching for a viable trophozoite by spreading leucorrhoea between slide and slide cover in physiological water. Candida species was found by culture on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol agar. Bacterial vaginosis was revealed according to the Thomasson classification. Gardnerella species was identified by Gram stain.The finding were: 52.37% of women had vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis had a prevalence of 32.92% and gardnerellosis represented 20.66% of vaginal infections, while candidiasis amounted to 16.66%. 0.79% of women suffered from trichomoniasis. The population most affected by bacterial vaginosis due to Gardnerella species was between 25 and 34 years old (13.49%).. University level women and adolescents girls were more exposed to bacterial vaginosis due to Gardnerella species (15.87%) than high school level women and adolescents girls (3.18% and 2.38% respectively). Further studies on a larger sample of patients are required to further appreciate the epidemiology of vaginal infections.

Exploration the mediating role of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, dysfunctional attitudes towards sleep, and sleep quality among adolescents

Introduction: While a variety of emotional, personality, cognitive, and behavioral factors are linked to sleep quality during adolescence, a comprehensive understanding of these factors remains elusive. Aim: The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, dysfunctional attitudes towards sleep, and sleep quality among second-year high school adolescents. Method: The statistical population of this correlational study, which employed structural equation modeling, consisted of all second-year high school students (boys and girls) in Damghan, Iran, during the 2020-2021 academic year. A sample of 329 adolescents was selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. To measure the variables under study, the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (1993), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (1986), the Children's Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2003), and the Sleep Quality Questionnaire (1989) were administered. The collected data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test and structural equation modeling in SPSS-22 and AMOS-24. Results: The present results indicated the good fit of the research model for the data. Both adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies were found to mediate the relationship between the sleep quality of adolescents and anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, and dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs about sleep (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings, neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity, and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies are linked to a poor sleep quality. Conversely, adaptive emotion regulation strategies are associated with a higher sleep quality. Emotion regulation strategies were found to mediate the relationship between sleep quality and factors, such as anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, and dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs about sleep. Mental health professionals are advised to consider the components examined in this study as they can play a crucial role in enhancing the sleep quality of adolscentse.

Predictors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Re-tear and Return to Sport in Adolescent Athletes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to characterize recent epidemiologic trends of ACL injuries and re-tear rates in high school adolescents and determine variables associated with sustaining secondary ACL injury. We hypothesized protective rehabilitation factors (i.e., greater time to return to sport, formal sport clearance, and physical therapy compliance) would decrease the risk of secondary ACL injury. Methods: A prospectively maintained database from a single institution with standardized data collection focused on ACL injuries was retrospectively reviewed for all patients 18 or younger who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between 2015 to 2020. Patients were eligible for inclusion in this study if they were between the ages of 13-18 years old, participated in sporting activity in high school, and underwent evaluation and primary ACLR at a single institution. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed for patient demographic information and documentation review from prior injury/surgery. This information included the following: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), school grade (if documented), race, sport played, mechanism of injury (contact versus non-contact), time to return to sport (RTS), and number of post-operative physical therapy (PT) visits. Injury in contact and non-contact sport were defined based on the level of impact on the mechanism of injury sustained. Contact injury was defined as impacted collision with another person or object directly prior to injury onset. Non-contact injuries include isolated twisting movements of the knee without a sustained direct impact injury due to another player or object. Time to RTS was defined as the number of months following ACL reconstruction surgery until the patient was documented clear to return to sporting activity by the operating surgeon. Number of PT visits was calculated by EMR review of documented PT visits. Results: A total of 387 pediatric patients were included in statistical analysis. Of these patients, 72 (19%) sustained a secondary ACL injury and 315 (81%) did not. The overall mean age at primary ACLR and standard deviation was 16.0 ± 1.4 years (range 12-18 years). By univariable analysis, age at primary ACLR, time to RTS, and follow-up duration were all associated with secondary ACL injury (p < 0.05). Patients with a secondary ACL injury were significantly younger than those who did not sustain a subsequent ACL tear (16.2 ± 1.3 versus 15.5 ± 1.6 years, respectively, p = 0.0026). Time to RTS following primary ACL injury was shorter in patients who sustained a secondary ACL injury (7.9 ± 2.0 months versus 8.9 ± 2.5 months, p = 0.0361). Cox regression analysis performed demonstrated as age at primary ACLR increases by 1 year, the rate of secondary ACL injury decreases by 29%. Similarly, a 1-month delay in return to sport decreases the rate of secondary ACL injury by 17%. Conclusions: Younger age and longer time to return to sport following ACL injury are significant variables associated with sustaining secondary ACL injury in the pediatric patient population. Counseling of young adolescent athletes should include adequate physical therapy compliance and allowing for adequate healing and time to return to sport.

Development and validation of School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) in Iranian adolescents

BackgroundSchool resilience, encompassing factors like teacher involvement and school supportiveness, is crucial for positive educational outcomes in adolescents. However, few validated scales measure school resilience. This study aimed to develop and validate the School Resilience Questionnaire (SRQ) for Iranian adolescents.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional design. The SRQ was developed through expert reviews, interviews with students, and evaluation of existing resilience measures. After expert feedback, the final 55-item questionnaire was used. Participants were high school adolescents from Tehran, Iran (2021–2022). A multi-stage cluster random sampling approach was used. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) involved 200 students, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) included 310 students to validate the factor structure. Convergent validity was assessed by examining correlations with academic support, while divergent validity was evaluated using academic burnout measures. Construct validity and reliability were also assessed.ResultsEFA revealed six consistent factors across the sample. CFA confirmed significant and acceptable factor loadings for all SRQ items. Fit indices were RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.070, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.93, IFI = 0.94, RFI = 0.93. Convergent validity showed positive correlations between SRQ subscales and academic support. Divergent validity showed negative correlations between SRQ subscales and academic burnout (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study successfully developed and validated the 55-item SRQ for Iranian adolescents. The questionnaire demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for research and evaluation purposes in this context.

Sexual harassment exposure among junior high school students in Norway: prevalence and associated factors.

Sexual harassment is common in most countries and cultures. Less is known about sexual harassment, its risk factors, and psychosocial outcomes among young adolescents. The aim of the study was to examine the 12-month prevalence of sexual harassment exposure, and sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with exposure among junior high school students in Norway. A comprehensive cross-sectional study was completed by 83,297 Norwegian adolescents in junior high school in 2021. Data on exposure to sexual harassment were used in combination with sociodemographic measures and psychosocial outcomes: depressive symptoms, loneliness, self-esteem, and well-being. Group differences were analyzed with Chi Square tests, and sociodemographic risk factors were analyzed with logistic regression. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed with multivariate and univariate ANOVAs, and dose-response relationships were assessed with linear regression. Among the adolescents, 32.6% had experienced sexual harassment during the past year. Girls had higher odds of exposure (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.84-1.96), whereas adolescents whose parents had higher education had lower odds (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99). Exposure was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms (partial η2 [ES] = 0.11) and loneliness (ES = 0.07), and with lower self-esteem (ES = 0.06) and well-being (ES = 0.06). Among exposed adolescents, more frequent exposure was associated with poorer outcomes. Exposure to sexual harassment affects one third of junior high school students in Norway. Those who are exposed have poorer psychosocial outcomes, and there is a dose-response relationship between exposure and outcomes. Awareness of sexual harassment among young adolescents, and interventions to prevent and reduce it, are needed.

School adjustment in adolescence explained by social support, resilience and positive affect

In order to develop future academic-professional skills and later social and financial independence, an adequate adolescent school adjustment is essential. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the variables that contribute to its improvement in a stage characterised by its decrease. The aim of the present study is to analyse and compare two theoretical models to determine the prediction of teacher and peer support, resilience and positive affect to school adjustment, measured through emotional engagement, school integration problems and perceived academic performance. The design was cross-sectional and participants were 1397 adolescents in high school (M = 13.88, SD = 1.27). The results reveal that teacher and peer support, resilience and positive affect indirectly predict perceived academic performance through school integration problems and emotional engagement. The negative effect of emotional engagement and support from peers on school integration problems is particularly worth highlighting, along with the prediction of resilience on positive affect and that of support from teachers on emotional engagement. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Link between Internet addiction and depression and roles of social withdrawal and school belonging

AbstractDepression and Internet addiction are common public health problems among adolescents. Previous literature has examined this association, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aims at identifying the influencing mechanisms of this association by constructing a moderated mediation model focusing on social withdrawal and school belonging. A sample of 616 Chinese middle and high school adolescents are surveyed regarding Internet addiction, depression, social withdrawal and school belonging. The Macro PROCESS was used to examine the proposed theoretical model. Results reveal that social withdrawal partially mediates the nexus between Internet addiction and adolescent depression. In addition, school belonging significantly moderates the association of social withdrawal with adolescent depression. These findings may guide future prevention and intervention strategies for depressed teenagers affected by Internet addiction.

Food and Alcohol Disturbance in High School Adolescents: Prevalence, Characteristics and Association with Problem Drinking and Eating Disorders.

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is characterized by the association of alcohol use with compensatory behaviors such as restricting calories, physical activity and purging. Despite not being part of the current nosography, research has grown in the past 10 years, mostly on college students' samples. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence, characteristics and association of FAD with problem drinking (PD) and eating disorder risk (EDR) in a sample of Italian high school students. Participants were 900 high school students (53.6% males; mean age = 16.22) that were administered standardized questionnaires. Students who screened positive for PD, EDR and both were, respectively, 17.3%, 5.9% and 1.3%. Approximately one out four students reported FAD behaviors, mostly to control weight and by restricting calories, with higher prevalence and severity among those who screened positive for PD. Purging behaviors were rare overall (15.5%), but significantly more frequent in participants who screened positive for both PD and EDR (41.7%). FAD was more strongly associated with alcohol use severity than with ED symptom severity across all subgroups. FAD behaviors appear to be common in the Italian high school population and more strongly associated with PD. Future studies should investigate FAD's impact on adolescents' functioning and possible early interventions.

The role of internet parenting on internet addiction among adolescents

Various age groups have used the internet, including adolescents. Uncontrolled internet use can lead to psychological problems, such as internet addiction. One of the factors causing internet addiction is the lack of parental mediation in adolescents' internet activities, but some previous studies related to internet parenting showed inconsistent results. This study aims to determine the effect of internet parenting on internet addiction among junior high school adolescents in Yogyakarta. It is a quantitative survey study using the Indonesian version of the Internet Addiction Test scale (a=0.888) and the Internet Parenting scale (a=0.921). The data were collected from 171 junior high school students in Yogyakarta (ages 12-17) by online questionnaire and analyzed using linear regression in JASP 0.17.1. The research findings show an insignificant predictor of internet parenting to internet addiction (F=0.045, P=0.833 0.05). This shows that although internet parenting may have a role in preventing internet addiction in adolescents, other factors such as peer influence should also be considered in explaining the phenomenon of internet addiction among junior high school adolescents in Yogyakarta.

Inhibitory Control, Use of Online Sexual Material and Sexual Compulsivity in High School Adolescents from Northern Mexico

Inhibitory Control, Use of Online Sexual Material and Sexual Compulsivity in High School Adolescents from Northern Mexico

The Impact of Information Sharing on Social Media on Adolescents’ Behavior in China

Unlike the previous studies investigating the impact of information sharing on social media on adolescents’ behavior in China. However, this study examines the mediation mechanism of information sharing on social media to adolescents’ behavior in China. The survey method is used to collect the data from adolescents in high school situated in the Northwest area of China. The sample is collected using convenient sampling techniques. The final sample is 550 adolescents. The findings show that all the proposed hypotheses are supported and significant. Information sharing on social media is the strongest predictor of adolescents’ behavior in China. Both mediators are also supported and significant toward the adolescents’ behavior. This study employs a major theoretical contribution because it investigates the mechanism of information sharing on social media to adolescents’’ behavior.