Iranian Adolescents Research Articles

The Explanation of Adolescent Delinquent Behaviors Based on Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) in Iran: The Role of Individual Vulnerability, Opportunity Risk Availability, and Perceived Support.

This study tested the generality of Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) in explaining adolescents' problem behavior in Iran. Data were collected from 392 adolescents (Mage = 15.97, SD = 1.12, 55.4% girls) who completed the Adolescent Health and Development Questionnaire (AHDQ) to assess the individual vulnerability, opportunity risk availability, perceived support, and delinquent behaviors. Results indicated that individual vulnerability and opportunity risk availability had a significant relationship with delinquent behaviors and a significant interaction with perceived support in their influence on delinquent behaviors. Further, perceived support was negatively associated with delinquent behaviors. Our results were consistent with PBT's explanatory model for adolescents' problem behavior in Western countries and are informative about problem behavior involvement among Iranian adolescents and the design of interventions.

Economic evaluation of a national vitamin D supplementation program among Iranian adolescents for the prevention of adulthood type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Iranian adolescents.MethodsThis analytical observational study was conducted, using the decision tree model constructed in TreeAge Pro to assess the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of monthly intake vitamin D supplements to prevent T2DM compared to no intervention from the viewpoint of Iran’s Ministry of Health and through an one-year horizon. In the national program of vitamin D supplementation, 1,185,211 Iranian high-school students received 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements monthly for nine months. The costs-related data were modified to 2018. The average cost and effectiveness were compared based on the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER).ResultsOur analytical analysis estimated the 4071.25 (USD / QALY) cost per AQALY gained of the monthly intake of 50,000 IU vitamin D for nine months among adolescents over a one-year horizon. Based on the ICER threshold of 1032–2666, vitamin D supplementation was cost-effective for adolescents to prevent adulthood T2DM. It means that vitamin D supplementation costs were substantially less than the costs of T2DM treatments than the no intervention.ConclusionsBased on the findings, the national vitamin D supplementation program for Iranian adolescents could be a cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk of diabetes in adulthood. From an economic perspective, vitamin D supplementation, especially in adolescents with vitamin D deficiency, would be administrated.

Determinants of life satisfaction and self-rated health in Iranian children and adolescents: a structure equation model

BackgroundLife satisfaction (LS) and self-rated health (SRH) are related with health outcomes. It is expected that these items are also related to healthy behaviors. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to find out the main determinants of LS and SRH in nationwide representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents.MethodsThis study was performed on 13,834 students aged 7–18 years who were selected by multistage, stratified cluster sampling method from 30 provinces of Iran. Life satisfaction and SRH were assessed through a questionnaire based on World Health Organization-Global School-based Student Health Survey protocols. Path analysis was applied to evaluate the relationships among the study variables using the structural modeling.ResultsLife satisfaction was directly affected by age (− 0.037 in boys & -0.028 in girls); sedentary time (0.055 in boys & 0.048 in girls); school satisfaction (0.249 in boys & 0.250 in girls); and well-being (0.186 in boys & 0.176 in girls). Self-rated health was directly affected by LS (0.28 in boys & girls) and school satisfaction (0.21 in boys & 0.22 in girls); and indirectly affected by age (− 0.046 in boys & -0.017 in girls); sedentary time (− 1.99 in boys & -0.145 in girls); family size (− 0.005 in boys & -0.014 in girls); and socio-economic status (0.015 in boys & 0.058 in girls).ConclusionsThis study indicated that school satisfaction had the greatest positive direct effect on both LS and SRH.

Investigation of the psychometric properties of children's somatization inventory in Iranian adolescents.

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children's somatization inventory (CSI-24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this study, after translating and back-translating CSI-24, comparisons were made with the original version. The study population consisted of 394 school adolescents. Cronbach's alpha method was used to examine the reliability of the scale. Furthermore, the correlation of the scale with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was evaluated to determine its criterion validity, using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods were applied for construct validity.RESULTS:Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of CSI-24 showed its high reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results show the model's satisfactory fitting.CONCLUSION:The Persian version of CSI-24 is a useful self-report tool for evaluating the physical complaints of Iranian school adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Depression, Anxiety, Body Image, and Eating Attitudes in Adolescents in Iran.

Background:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and depression, anxiety, body image, and eating attitudes in 12- to 16-year-old adolescents.Materials and Methods:In this descriptive-analytical study on 437 students in Shahrekord, Iran, selected by two-step random sampling (selection of schools and students), participants were divided into normal weight (BMI: 5–85th), overweight (BMI: 85–95th), and obese (BMI >95th) groups and completed the questionnaires and data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.Results:BMI had a positive correlation with anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional eating attitudes, and negative correlation with body image in adolescents. Mean scores of depression and anxiety in both overweight and obese groups were significantly higher than those in normal weight adolescents but scores of body image and eating attitudes were not different between overweight and normal weight groups.Conclusion:Obesity and overweight may have adverse effects on mental health of adolescents and more attention to psychological aspect of obesity can help us to provide better health services to overweight and obese adolescents.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire in Iranian Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Thoracolumbar Orthoses.

Background:The assessment of the emotional consequences of having a spinal deformity and orthotic management in people with idiopathic scoliosis is essential. This study was aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Bad Sobernheim Stress questionnaire (BSSQ-Brace) for Iranian adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis using thoracolumbar orthoses.Materials and Methods:The BSSQ was translated into Persian according to a standard guideline. The Persian BSSQ-Brace was completed by 55 Iranian subjects with spinal deformities who agreed to participate in this research. The validity was determined by correlating the Persian BSSQ-Brace questionnaire (BrQ) and the revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaire (SRS-22r). To assess test-retest reliability, all participants completed the BSSQ-Brace twice, with a gap of 1-week. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were measured to report reliability.Results:All population revealed items in the Persian BSSQ-Brace were easily understood, and there was no difficulty completing them. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of BSSQ-Brace demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.94), excellent internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha = 0.94), and high construct validity with SRS-22r (r = 0.74).Conclusions:The Persian BSSQ-Brace is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the emotional domains in subjects wearing a spinal orthosis.

Coronavirus stress and adolescents’ internalizing problems: exploring the effect of optimism and pessimism

ABSTRACT Coronavirus and its stress can have a significant impact on an individual’s psychological and physical well-being. Studies show that children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups as they lack adaptive coping strategies. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mediating effect of optimism and pessimism on the association between coronavirus stress and youth internalizing problems among Iranian adolescents. The sample of this study included 408 students (42.4% female) recruited through cluster sampling. Participants were administered Corona Stress Measure (CSM), Optimism-Pessimism Measure (OPM), and Youth Internalizing Behavior Screener (YIBS). Results from the analyses showed that coronavirus stress was a significant and positive predictor of internalizing problems and pessimism, as well as a negative predictor of optimism. Additionally, the results showed that optimism and pessimism mediated the effect of coronavirus related stress on youth internalizing symptoms. Coronavirus stress significantly predicted internalizing problems through optimism and pessimism among young Iranian people. Given the importance of understanding the relationship between Coronavirus stress and internalizing problems through the mediating role of optimism-pessimism, this study provides the foundation for understanding internalizing behaviors in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Persian Language Version of the Obsession With the COVID-19 Scale for Adolescents.

Objective: The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused significant public health burdens and psychological dysfunctions. In this challenging time, adolescents require special care. The Persian version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) for adolescents was developed to screen for dysfunctional obsession associated with the coronavirus during the global pandemic. The structure and internal consistency of the OCS were established.Design and Measures: Although there are different language versions of the OCS, this is the first study to validate the psychometric properties of the OCS in Iranian adolescents. Seven hundred and nine students (369 girls) participated in the study. Demographic questions and the OCS were administered.Results: The findings provided support for the existence of a unidimensional structure that met the criteria for configural, metric, and full scalar invariance across gender (girls and boys), inhabitancy (urban and rural), and infection experience (infected and non-infected). The OCS is short and highly reliable measurement. However, further research is necessary to establish the validity of the scale in Iranian population.Conclusions: The development of such valid scales is an essential part of both research and practice during times of crisis, like a global pandemic. Diagnosis of pandemic related to obsessive thoughts in adolescents is needed as the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and as experts point out, it can be expected that the effects of the pandemic will be observed in the coming years. The Persian version makes it possible to conduct international comparative research on the anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Predicting High-risk Behaviors Based on Time Perspective in Iranian Adolescents by Emphasizing the Mediating Role of Decision Making and Inhibitory Response: Path Analysis

Background: Adolescence is defined as a period with multiple and intertwined physical, psychological, and social developments during which risky behaviors increases. Various factors affect the tendency and occurrence of risky behaviors. Time perspective (TP) is defined as the role of time and attitude toward time in affairs and behaviors. Executive functioning skills allow an individual to perceive stimuli from his or her environment, respond adaptively, flexibly change direction, anticipate future goals, consider consequences, and respond in an integrated or commonsense way. Objectives: This study aimed to predict risky behaviors based on TP in Iranian adolescents by emphasizing the mediating role of decision making and inhibitory response. Materials and Methods: Path analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between components of TP and risky behaviors with mediator variables, decision making, and inhibitory response among 804 high school adolescent students (including 470 males and 334 females) in Sanandaj, Iran. All participants were asked to complete the Iranian Adolescent Risk Scale and Time Perspective Scale and perform 2 computer tasks [i.e., Go/No-Go and Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)]. Statistical methods were descriptive statistics, correlation test, as well as path analysis. Also, the bootstrapping procedure was used. The output provided a 95% CI of the indirect effects. SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24 were used to analyze direct and indirect relationships. Results: There was a significant relationship between the components of TP and the tendency to risky behaviors. Risky decision-making and inhibitory response had a significant effect on 3 aspects of TP in predicting adolescents’ risky behaviors. These effects were both direct and indirect, of which the former effect was created by mediating the decision-making and inhibitory response. Conclusions: The components of TP, decision-making, and inhibitory response predict risky behaviors in adolescents.

Psychometric Assessment of the Persian Version of Compassion Scale for Adolescents.

The compassion scale for adolescents is a 20-item self-report measure consisting of three dimensions, namely, compassion toward other people, compassion toward oneself, and compassion toward other living things. This scale evaluates compassion in adolescents aged between 12 and 18years old. The purpose of the current study is to assess the psychometric properties of the compassion scale among Iranian adolescents in junior high school and senior high school students. The number of students who voluntarily took part in this research was 302. The relationships between the compassion scale, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and well-being were explored to assess the convergent validity. Furthermore, the relationship between the compassion scale and anxiety was investigated to assess the divergent validity. The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factors of the compassion scale among Iranian junior and senior high school students same as the original version. The results show that the compassion scale appears to be a reliable and valid measure for Iranian adolescents.

The Effect of Flipped Classroom on Iranian Adolescents: Elementary EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Recall and Retention

Vocabulary as an inseparable part of language learning has a vital role in communication, which requires to be taught in new approaches. A quasi-experimental method was used to achieve the aims of the current study. In doing this, 48 Iranian female adolescent elementary learners (13–17) were assigned based on the Oxford Quick Placement Test from 70 female students to take part in 4 sessions of treatment. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The experimental group was taught using the flipped classroom, while the control group was exposed to the conventional methods. Research instruments involving an English language placement test, vocabulary pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed test (the study lasted for 9 weeks). A list of 28 target words was given to both groups. Words were selected by the Lawshe content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) to have validity. The findings of ANCOVA indicated that conducting the flipped classrooms has significant impacts on Iranian adolescent elementary students’ vocabulary recall and retention. Hence, it is an applicable approach that carries important implications for teachers, foreign language syllabus designers, and curriculum planners.

Using an Integrated Social Cognition Model to Explain Green Purchasing Behavior among Adolescents.

Strengthening pro-environmental behaviors such as green purchasing behavior is important for environmental sustainability. An integrated social cognition model which incorporates constructs from habit theory, health action process approach (HAPA), and theory of planned behavior (TPB) is adopted to understand Iranian adolescents’ green purchasing behavior. Using a correlational-prospective design, the study recruited Iranian adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years (N = 2374, n = 1362 (57.4%) females, n = 1012 (42.6%) males; Mean (SD) age = 15.56 (1.22)). At baseline (T1), participants self-reported on the following constructs: past behavior; habit strength (from habit theory); action planning and coping planning (from HAPA); and intention, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude (from TPB) with respect to green purchasing behavior. Six months later (T2), participants self-reported on their actions in terms of purchasing green goods. Our findings reported direct effects of perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, attitude, and past behavior on intention; intention and perceived behavioral control on green purchase behavior; intention on two types of planning (i.e., action and coping planning); both types of planning on green purchase behavior; and past green purchase behavior and habits on prospectively measured green purchase behavior. These results indicate that adolescent green purchasing behavior is underpinned by constructs representing motivational, volitional, and automatic processes. This knowledge can help inform the development of theory-based behavior change interventions to improve green purchasing in adolescents, a key developmental period where climate change issues are salient and increased independence and demands in making self-guided decisions are needed.

The identity of Iranian male adolescents in the context of master narrative of their lives: A qualitative study

Introduction: There is not in-depth knowledge about the master narrative of identity and its quiddity in current generation of Iranian adolescents. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and validate the master narrative model of identity of Iranian adolescents. Method: This study was a basic research with a mixed approach. In the qualitative phase, the population consisted of male adolescents aged 15-20 years old, as well as psychologists and sociologists in Tehran in 2020. Nineteen adolescents were selected by convenience sampling and six specialists by purposive sampling. In the quantitative phase, the population consisted of adolescents aged 15-20 years old in Tehran in 2020, from which 218 people were selected by convenience sampling. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through the life story interview (McAdams, 1995) and in the quantitative phase by a researcher-made questionnaire. In the qualitative phase, data were analyzed through the content analysis method and in the quantitative phase through the confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The results of content analysis in addition to factor analysis indicated the master narrative model of adolescents includes components such as family belonging, adherence to religious values and obedience to parents. Results of second-order factor analysis also indicated the obedience to parents (Z=1.32) has the most contribution in the model. Conclusion: Despite the development of modern values in Iranian society, traditional values still play a significant role in the master narrative of identity of Iranian male adolescents.

Associations between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Iranian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Accelerometer-Based Study

Associations between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Iranian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Accelerometer-Based Study

Psychometric properties of the persian version of the inventory of statements about self-injury (ISAS)

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health problem prevalent among adolescents and young adults. The present study examines the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the Persian version of the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), a self-report measure designed to comprehensively assess non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).MethodsA total of 655 Iranian school-attending adolescents completed study measures online, and 246 youth (37.70 %) (M age = 15.38, SD ± 0.50; 53 % female) reported a history of NSSI at least once during their lifetime.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed two-factor model of ISAS (i.e., Interpersonal and Intrapersonal dimensions), which were internally consistent and yielded direct associations with converging correlates (e.g., depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger).ConclusionsFindings indicated that the Persian version of the ISAS has sound psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable self-report measure of NSSI.

Evaluation of the knowledge regarding vitamin D, and sunscreen use of female adolescents in Iran

BackgroundVitamin D (Vit D) deficiency/insufficiency is an important risk factor for several chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of female adolescents with respect to the association between sunlight exposure, sunscreen use, and Vit D status.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was performed in northeastern Iran, among 940 female adolescents in January 2015. Each subject completed a questionnaire containing items about demographic characteristics, knowledge about Vit D and their use of sunscreen. Serum Vit D levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence method and dietary intake of Vit D was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFew of the participants were aware of the biological functions of Vit D (8.8%), the causes of Vit D deficiency (16.7%), and the sources of Vit D (9.3%). Less than half of the participants used sunscreen during the day. The serum levels of Vit D in subjects who used sunscreen were significantly lower than those who did not (p = 0.004). However, there was no significant association between their knowledge about Vit D and serum Vit D, or dietary intake of Vit D.ConclusionThere appears to be a lack of coherence between lifestyle, behavior and knowledge that may affect the Vit D status of adolescent girls in northeastern Iran. This information provides a basis for developing public health planning (workshops or training at the college level) for the prevention of Vit D deficiency especially in adolescent girls.

Associations between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Iranian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Accelerometer-Based Study.

Using self-reported questionnaires, several studies found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the level of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. Since the objectivity of self-reported PA is limited in several ways, we used modern accelerometers in this study to assess the PA levels of male and female adolescents during the pandemic-related lockdown. Moreover, the association of PA with mental health of the adolescents were analyzed. A total of 136 students (76 girls, mean age of 16.28 ± 0.97 years) from various schools in Iran wore the accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days. Mental health was measured through the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 of Lovibond and Lovibond (1995). Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were used to analyze the PA levels of male and female students, and linear regressions were computed to examine whether PA predicts mental health status. On average, the daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 18.47 min, which is clearly below the WHO guideline of at least 60 min of MVPA per day. Only 4% of adolescents showed MVPA for more than 30 min per day. Male students were significantly more active than their female peers (p = 0.015). As expected, MVPA was negatively associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the majority of adolescents reported symptoms of mild-to-moderate mental health disorders. These results emphasize the need for targeted strategies and offerings geared to young people’s needs and preferences to promote an adequate level of PA and good mental health during and after the ongoing pandemic.

The Persian Self-Report Version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD-P): A Psychometric Evaluation.

The self-report version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) is a commonly used tool for assessing psychopathic traits in youth. This is the first study designed to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Persian APSD-SR in a sample of 675 school-attending youth in Iran (46% girls; M age = 16.35). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a modified three-factor model, with items loading on narcissism, callous-unemotional, and impulsivity dimensions, which was invariant across gender. Notwithstanding that the internal consistency of some APSD scores was unsatisfactory, the APSD total and dimension scores showed the expected relations with external correlates (e.g., conduct problems, aggression, and low prosocial behavior), supporting the validity of the interpretation of the APSD scores. The findings showed that the APSD is a useful tool for assessing psychopathic traits in Iranian adolescents and may spark research on adolescent psychopathy in mental health and forensic settings.

Health Literacy and Health Outcomes in Iranian Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Background and Objective: Health Literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret, and understand health-related information for making an appropriate decision. The aim of this study was a systematically review the literature on the outcomes of literacy in Iranian adolescents. Materials and Methods: The search was done on scientific databases, using the keywords health literacy, health knowledge, teen, adolescent, high school, middle school and Iran in Persian and English, from 2010 until 2021 Jan. Study process was conducted from 10th of December to the end of December. Studies were considered with data about outcomes of literacy in Iranian adolescents. Results: Ten studies met inclusionary criteria. Two studies reported students with higher literacy had better health-promoting behaviours; moreover, two other studies reported students with higher literacy had better body mass index. One study reported better oral literacy conducted to lower oral problems; furthermore, one study showed that higher literacy leads to osteoporosis preventive behaviours. Results of one study indicated that higher literacy leads to more perceived self-efficacy and better self-care performance. One study showed better hair and skincare performance in students with higher literacy. Another study indicated that students with higher literacy had better attitude and behaviour toward breakfast consumption and the results of one study demonstrated that students with better literacy had better nutrition behaviours. In all studies, there were statistically significant linear correlations between literacy and its outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that adolescent's literacy seems associated with important outcomes then considering the importance of literacy in adolescents, designing and implementing educational intervention for promoting literacy is significantly important. As adolescents spend most of their daily time in schools, educational interventions should be school-based.

The Impacts of Excessive Use of Social Media on Iranian Adolescents’ Health: A Qualitative Study

Background: The widespread use of social media (SM) is an emerging phenomenon in today’s world, especially among adolescents. Objectives: The present study was designed to examine the impacts of excessive use of SM on adolescents’ health. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2018 on 27 high school students (14 boys and 13 girls) in Tehran, Iran. To explain the experience of using SM, six open-ended questions along with some follow-up questions were asked through in-depth interviews by two interviewers. The content analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age of the students was 16.5 ± 1.34 years. The mean duration of having a smartphone was 3.11 ± 0.97years. Moreover, the duration of using smartphone in a day was 4 ± 1.5 hours. In this study, the themes emerged from 1,273 phrases, sentences, or semantic units separated from the interviews. After refining the semantic units, 861 refined units were created; these phrases of sentences or paragraphs appeared in the form of 7 themes, 18 main categories, and 38 sub-categories. The themes included the reasons for using SM (educational and non-educational, avoidance of negative emotions), emotional (changes in moods, academic failure), social (problems with family and society, relationships with relatives, cultural changes), physical (sensorineural hearing loss, changes in the sleep cycle, musculoskeletal pain), sexual (sexual fantasies, high-risk sexual behaviors), mental health (changes in mental powers and processing, loss of concentration), and the process of using SM (beliefs in the use and pattern of using SM). Conclusions: Most of the complaints and impacts were related to emotional health, mostly with the experience of mood changes and academic failure and social health, respectively. The results indicated the need for planning educational and social interventions to increase media literacy in adolescents.