Israeli Adolescents Research Articles

CYBERAGGRESSION: THE EFFECT OF PARENTAL MONITORING ON BYSTANDER ROLES

The digital world has created new opportunities for aggression through cyberaggression. Despite growing research interest in cyberaggression, little is known about the various bystander roles in the digital interaction. This paper examines the effect of parental monitoring practices (parental restriction, youth disclosure, and parental solicitation) on five bystander roles: aggressor-supporter, defender, help-seeker, outsider, and passive bystander. Data were derived from self-report questionnaires answered by a sample of 501 adolescents in Israel. The findings indicate that adolescents who share their experiences of cyberaggression with their parents are more likely than others to defend the cybervictim. Interaction effects were found between adolescent gender, installing warning applications, parent gender, and the aggressor-supporter role. Boys whose parents installed warning applications and whose fathers monitored their online activities were positively associated with the aggressor-supporter role, while girls who were higher aggressor-supporter reported that their parents used warning applications but did not monitor their online activities. The discussion focuses on the theoretical and practical implications of the effectiveness of parental monitoring on the cyberaggression bystander’s role.

Work and family in normative and at-risk adolescents’ perception of their future

• Developing positive perception of future is based on personal and social resources. • Self-enhancement and self-transcendence develop positive perceptions of future. • Risk factors to positive perception of future: conservation and openness to change. • Level of religiosity affects adolescents’ perceptions of work and family future. Perception of the future (PF) includes setting goals, establishing courses of action for achieving them, and assessing one’s personal abilities to do so. The present study was designed to examine the degree to which the research variables (personal characteristics, personal and social resources, and values) contribute to explaining the variance in measures of PF between at-risk adolescents and their normative peers regarding life roles in two realms – work and family. It was further designed to examine whether there are differences between the groups in the rate to which these variables contribute to variance. Participants were 323 Jewish Israeli adolescents (age 14–18) in two comparison groups – 139 at-risk adolescents who were treated in child and youth care (CYC) units, and 184 normative high-school students. The research tool was a questionnaire that examined personal characteristics, personal resources, values, and measures of PF work and family life roles. The conclusion was that the groups of variables examined have a relatively similar contribution to explaining the variance in perception of the importance of work and family in both groups. At the same time, self-efficacy, optimism, and values of openness to change, as well as the personal characteristics, contributed differently to each group. The variables’ contribution to PF in both groups was examined to identify those that predict the importance of perception of future in different areas in each group, which could enable education and welfare professionals establish means of helping at-risk adolescents form positive PF regarding various life roles and manage to integrate successfully into society.

Childhood Cancer and the Risk of ESKD.

Increasing cancer incidence among children alongside improved treatments has resulted in a growing number of pediatric cancer survivors. Despite childhood cancer survivors' exposure to various factors that compromise kidney function, few studies have investigated the association between childhood cancer and future kidney disease. To assess the risk of ESKD among childhood cancer survivors, we conducted a nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study that encompassed all Israeli adolescents evaluated for mandatory military service from 1967 to 1997. After obtaining detailed histories, we divided the cohort into three groups: participants without a history of tumors, those with a history of a benign tumor (nonmalignant tumor with functional impairment), and those with a history of malignancy (excluding kidney cancer). This database was linked to the Israeli ESKD registry to identify incident ESKD cases. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of ESKD. Of the 1,468,600 participants in the cohort, 1,444,345 had no history of tumors, 23,282 had a history of a benign tumor, and 973 had a history of malignancy. During a mean follow-up of 30.3 years, 2416 (0.2%) participants without a history of tumors developed ESKD. Although a history of benign tumors was not associated with an increased ESKD risk, participants with a history of malignancy exhibited a substantially elevated risk for ESKD compared with participants lacking a history of tumors, after controlling for age, sex, enrollment period, and paternal origin (adjusted HR, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 7.7). Childhood cancer is associated with an increased risk for ESKD, suggesting the need for tighter and longer nephrological follow-up.

Obesity and sleep disorders: A nationwide study of 1.3 million Israeli adolescents

ObjectivesTo assess the association between sleep disorders prevalence and obesity in Israeli adolescents. MethodsA nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study of 1,348,817 Israeli adolescents (57% males) who were medically examined prior to military service between 1997 and 2015; height and weight were measured along with assessment of medical status at age 17.3⬰±⬰0.4 years. The diagnosis of a sleep disorder was made based on objective diagnostic criteria. The prevalence and odds ratio (OR) for a sleep disorder were computed across BMI subgroups and were adjusted for socio-demographic confounders. ResultsOverall sleep disorders prevalence was 1.8:1000 (males) and 0.45:1000 (females), with a total of 1601 cases. There was a gradual increase in the odds ratio for sleep disorders with increasing BMI. Multivariable-adjusted ORs for sleep disorders were 1.29 (95% CI 1.10⬜1.52), 1.44 (1.18⬜1.75), 3.03 (2.32⬜3.96) and 3.38 (1.98⬜5.75) for overweight, obese class I, II and III, respectively (5th⬜49th BMI percentile was the reference). Results persisted in extensive sensitivity analyses including limiting the study sample to participants with unimpaired health. ConclusionsWe found a higher prevalence of sleep disorders in males and a dose-dependent association between sleep disorders and adolescent BMI in both sexes. Our findings warrant clinical awareness among healthcare providers, given the rise in obesity in teenagers, and particularly in light of the obesity epidemic that we are experiencing in this era. Sleep related complaints should be actively screened in adolescents who suffer obesity.

The association between late-adolescent smoking and long-term mortality: a dose-response relationship

Abstract Introduction Tobacco smoking has detrimental medical effects. However, whether late-adolescence tobacco smoking increases early mortality risk is unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the association between tobacco smoking among Israeli adolescents and mortality in young adulthood. Methods The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) health survey enrolls annually random sample of 3–5% of IDF recruits who voluntarily report lifestyle and tobacco consumption habits (up to 10 cigarettes a day were defined as light smokers, 10–20 cigarettes a day and above 20 cigarettes a day as medium and heavy smokers respectively). Medical and sociodemographic variables (education, residential socioeconomic status, country of birth or origin) were included. Included in this study were 62,134 soldiers (56% men; average age 17.3 years) who enrolled in the study between 1981 and 2006. Data from the Israeli Ministry of Interior was obtained by linkage. Follow-up terminated at the earliest of December 31st 2018 or death. Cox proportional hazard models were applied. Results There were 42,013 (67.6%) never smokers, 2,108 (3.4%) past smokers, 6,886 (11.1%) light, 9,880 (15.9%) medium and 1,247 (2%) heavy smokers. During 1,348,517 person-years, 548 deaths were recorded (327 were never smokers, and 18,54,121 and 28 were past, light, medium and heavy smokers, respectively; mean age 31.3 years). The hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 0.98 (0.61–1.58), 1.02 (0.76–1.36), 1.32 (1.06–1.64) and 1.53 (1.03–2.30) for past smokers, light, medium and heavy smokers, respectively, after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, enrollment year, education and intelligence score. There was no sex-specific association and mortality risk among heavy smokers persisted even when the outcome was set as death by the age of 30 years. Conclusion Late-adolescent smoking is associated with long-term all-cause mortality. A dose-response relationship was demonstrated between number of cigarettes consumed at the age of 17 and the future risk of death. Kaplan-Meier Plot Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Israeli Palestinian Adolescents’ Exposure to Community Violence and their Academic Achievements: The Indirect Effects of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms and Parental Psychological Well-Being

Rates of exposure to community violence (CV) are alarmingly high for youth in many countries, and associated with negative consequences. The present study examines the rates and consequences of exposure to community violence among Palestinian adolescents from Israel, age 14–18 years. Specifically, it examines whether exposure to community violence is indirectly related to academic achievement through internalizing and externalizing symptoms among adolescents; and whether the impact of internalizing and externalizing symptoms on academic achievements depends on parental levels of psychological well-being (PWB). A semi systematic random sample of 760 Palestinian adolescents in Israel, (320 boys, and 440 girls) completed a self-administration questionnaire. Most of the adolescents had witnessed community violence during the last year and during their lifetime; more than one third had directly experienced lifetime violence compared with 19.6% during the last year. Path analysis was used to examine a moderated mediation model, with internalizing and externalizing symptoms as a mediator of the relationship between exposure to CV and academic achievement, and PWB as a moderator of the path between internalizing/externalizing symptoms and academic achievement. Externalizing, but not internalizing, symptoms mediated the association between exposure to CV and academic achievement. Moreover, parental psychological well-being (PWB) moderated the relationship between externalizing symptoms and academic achievements. Findings highlight the importance of targeting adolescent externalizing symptoms and academic achievement following exposure to community violence. Study limitations, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Feelings of belonging or alienation and social emotional perceptions of immigrant youths in the digital age, in comparison with native-born youths

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the feelings of belonging or alienation and social emotional perceptions of immigrant youths in an age when there are well-developed digital environments granting availability without barriers of time and place. This research is a mixed-method study with emphasis on quantitative research. A total of 559 Israeli adolescents aged 12 to 18 participated in the study, of whom 222 (40%) were immigrants residing for up to four years in the country. To characterize the absorption process experienced by the immigrant youths, we used the life cycle assessment (LCA) mechanism. We identified a 2-class model. The first group, 36% of the immigrant youths who participated in the study, was characterized by a positive feeling regarding their experience of the absorption process. Time in the country of absorption (under two years and from two years to four years) did not change their approach to the process they experienced. Immigrant adolescents feel that thanks to the mobile technologies, the translations, databases, numerous applications, and groups on the social networks, they are able to face the challenges and difficulties they encounter in the process of absorption in the new country. We found that the positive process of identity building by immigrant youths in the digital age is a combination of interactions with those who remain in the country of origin and significant interactions in the new society, especially in schools, fostering a sense of belonging, sharing, acceptance, a sense of being needed, and attention, which are likely to create a sense of resilience in immigrant youths.

Trends in tobacco use among children and adolescents in Israel, 1998–2015

Abstract Objectives This study aims to measure trends in cigarette smoking among children and adolescents in Israel, focusing on school grade, sex, and ethnicity. We hypothesized that smoking would be higher among boys and Arab-Israelis, rates would grow with age, and there would be a decline over time. Methods Data were derived from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children study between 1998-2015 in Israel. The total sample included 56,513 students in grades 6, 8, and 10, with 29,411 girls and 27,102 boys. Descriptive analysis described trends of smoking behavior according to grade, sex, ethnicity, family affluence, and year of study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined predicting variables. Results Smoking was higher among boys in all grades, ethnic groups, and years of study, with the highest frequencies among Arab-Israelis. Trends over the years show a decline from 1998-2004, followed by an increase for both sexes. The increase was more prominent among girls. Logistic regression analysis revealed strong associations between smoking and grade, sex, ethnicity, and year of study. Conclusions The results of this study can significantly enhance the development and implementation of smoking prevention and control programs among students in Israel. Key messages Our calibrated results engender important policy implications for the development of cigarette smoking prevention programs for Israeli youth, specifically in the school environment. health inequities needs to be a key part of a comprehensive strategy when discussing health promotion and development.

Risk behaviors among adolescents participating youth movements - The role of social norms and support

Abstract Background Risk behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use are prevalent among adolescents worldwide, and are a major concern due to their harmful effects. Scientific literature presents no agreement as to whether belonging to a youth movement is a risk factor or a protective factor for risk behaviors. The current analysis aimed at evaluating the role of participating in youth movements (i.e., protective or risk factor) in substance use among Israeli adolescents. Methods Based on the 2015 Health Behavior in School-aged Children Survey (HBSC), The current analysis included 2197 participants aged 16-18, who answered the questions addressing participating in youth movements and questions regarding their risk behaviors. Results Overall, 17% of respondents reported smoking cigarettes, 39% consuming alcohol, 14% getting drunk, and 6% using drugs in the past 30 days. Of those respondents, 27% were members or guides in youth movements. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that members of youth movements were significantly more at risk for drug use (OR = 3.54, 95%CI: 1.41, 8.90), and guiding was significantly associated with higher risk for alcohol consumption (OR = 1.90, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.91) and drunkenness (OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.50, 3.81) among 16-year-old respondents. No association was found between participation in youth movements and risk behaviors among 17-18year-olds. Family support was found to be a protective factor for cigarette smoking (OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.72, 0.97) and drug use (OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.86) among 16-year-olds. Social norms were associated with all four risk behaviors among all age groups, showing, as expected, that the greater the social pressure, the higher the risk for participation in risk behaviors. Conclusions Social and family influence play an important role in the prevention of risk behaviors among adolescents. Youth movement settings should be monitored to ensure they do not become a supportive environment for risk behaviors. Key messages Social and family influence are important in preventing risk behavior in adolescents. Youth movements should be monitored to ensure they do not become a supportive environment for risk behavior.

Height as a risk factor in meningioma: a study of 2 million Israeli adolescents

BackgroundMeningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors. Potential risk factors include obesity, height, history of allergy/atopy, and autoimmune diseases, but findings are conflicting. This study sought to assess the role of the different risk factors in the development of meningioma in adolescents/young adults.MethodsThe cohort included 2,035,915 Jewish men and women who had undergone compulsory physical examination between 1967 and 2011, at age 16 to 19 years, prior to and independent of actual military enlistment. To determine the incidence of meningioma, the military database was matched with the Israel National Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios for meningioma according to sex, body mass index (BMI), height, and history of allergic or autoimmune disease.ResultsA total of 480 subjects (328 females) were diagnosed with meningioma during a follow-up of 40,304,078 person-years. Median age at diagnosis was 42.1 ± 9.4 years (range 17.4–62.6). On univariate analysis, female sex (p < 0.01) and height (p < 0.01) were associated with risk of meningioma. When the data were stratified by sex, height remained a significant factor only in men. Spline analysis of the male subjects showed that a height of 1.62 m was associated with a minimum disease risk and a height of 1.85+ meters, with a significant risk.ConclusionsThis large population study showed that sex and adolescent height in males (> 1.85 m) were associated with an increased risk of meningioma in adulthood.

Comparison of Community Participation Patterns of Israeli Adolescents With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract Date Presented 03/26/20 Community participation promotes quality of life and transition to adulthood for adolescents with ASD. This study describes community participation and environmental barriers to and supports of adolescents with ASD compared to typically developing peers using the Participation and Environment Measure—Children and Youth. Results can inform intervention, resource allocation, and policy decisions to best meet the needs of adolescents with ASD. Primary Author and Speaker: Liron Lamash Additional Authors and Speakers: Gary Bedell Contributing Authors: Naomi Josman

Parenting Behaviors as Moderators of the Relationship between Immigrant Status and Alcohol Use among Adolescents in Israel

Adolescent alcohol use is a subject of concern. Despite research showing an association between parenting behaviors and alcohol use, scarce research has examined whether associations are similar across immigrant status. This question is relevant given that immigration can disrupt parent–adolescent relations. The aim of the current study was to examine the moderating role of parenting behaviors (support, parental knowledge, and communication) on the association between immigrant status and alcohol use (drunkenness and heavy episodic drinking). The study included representative samples of first- and second-generation immigrant adolescents from the Former Soviet Union (FSU; N = 1,167) and Ethiopia ( N = 385), and non-immigrant ( N = 6,669) adolescents in Israel. Non-immigrant adolescents reported higher levels of parenting behaviors and lower levels of alcohol use than immigrant adolescents. Parenting behaviors were negatively associated with alcohol use, but there were no interactions between parenting behaviors and immigrant status. However, differences in parenting behaviors partly explained differences in alcohol use across groups.

Socioeconomic inequalities and severe obesity-Sex differences in a nationwide study of 1.12 million Israeli adolescents.

In a nationwide population of adolescents, we investigated the sex-specific association of socioeconomic position (SEP) with severe obesity, and trends over time. The cohort comprises all Israeli adolescents (mean ± SD age 17.3 ± 0.5 years) who were medically examined, before mandatory military service during 2000 to 2015. Of 1 120 362 adolescents, 239 816 (21.4%) were classified with overweight or with obesity classes I to III using the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Data were compared between 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2015. Considering more advantaged residential SEP as the reference group, the respective odds ratios (ORs ± 95%CI) of less advantaged SEP for obesity classes I to III in 2010 to 2015 were 1.48 (1.40-1.56), 1.66 (1.51-1.83), and 1.73 (1.45-2.08) for males; and 1.72 (1.60-1.84), 1.89 (1.66-2.15), and 2.62 (2.04-3.37) for females. All point estimates were higher than in the preceding decade. Considering female inductees from the more advantaged SEP as the reference group, ORs were higher for males in the more advantaged SEP group, for overweight, 1.31 (1.27-1.36); class I obesity, 1.29 (1.20-1.38); class II obesity, 1.34 (1.18-1.53); and class III obesity, 1.60 (1.24-2.07). Similarly, in the less and medium advantaged SEP groups, increased ORs for males compared with females were observed in all obesity groups. Results persisted using United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Adolescents with less rather than more advantaged residential SEP are at greater risk of severe obesity. Adolescent males, of all residential SEP groups had higher odds than females for all classes of obesity.

Disordered eating among Arab and Jewish youth in Israel: the role of eating dinner with the family

BackgroundDisordered eating (DE), defined as unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors, is considered a major public health problem among adolescents. Nevertheless, rates of DE among Arab and Jewish adolescents in Israel are still unknown. Furthermore, while previous studies have highlighted the role of frequent family meals as a protective factor against DE, studies examining home family dinners relative to other common dinner options (e.g., eating at home alone, eating out of the home, not eating dinner at all) are largely unavailable. We sought to use representative data of middle and high-school children in Israel in order to identify rates of DE among Arabs and Jews, while examining the relations of home family dinners (vs. other dinner options) with DE.MethodsA nationally representative school-based survey of 4926 middle and high-school children (11–19 years old) was conducted during 2015–2016. Participants indicated where and with whom they had eaten dinner the day before. The 5-item SCOFF questionnaire was used (> 2 affirmative items were considered a likely case of DE). Height and weight were measured by personnel.ResultsDE was more prevalent among girls (29.7%) relative to boys (12.2%), Arabs (25.1%) relative to Jews (19.5%), and older (25.3%) relative to younger (17.6%) adolescents. Arabs were more likely to eat dinner at home with parents/family (chi2 = 10.75, p = .001), or not to eat dinner at all (chi2 = 63.27, p < .001), while Jews were more likely to eat dinner alone (chi2 = 5.37, p = .021) or to eat dinner out of the home (chi2 = 67.65, p < .001). Logistic regressions (stratified by ethnicity and adjusted for gender, age, weight) revealed that family dinners acted as a protective factor against DE, relative to eating out of the home or relative to not eating dinner at all among both ethnic groups, and relative to eating dinner alone among Arabs.ConclusionThere are differences between Arab and Jewish adolescents in terms of rates of yesterday’s family dinners and DE. Given that eating dinner with the family was linked with lower rates of DE, possible interventions to reduce DE may include educating parents of both Arab and Jewish adolescents regarding the importance of family meals.

Is This the Other Within Me? The Varied Effects of Engaging in Interfaith Learning

Interfaith education appears to have a strong potential for prejudice reduction and for overcoming Islamophobia and antisemitism. Common in-group identity theory contends that awareness of interreligious similarities would reduce intergroup streotypes and anxiety. However, optimal distinctiveness theory assumes that pointing to similarities would actually pose an identity threat to learners, especially members of a minority. Jewish and Muslim Israeli adolescents who studied about similarities and inter religious influences between Islam and Judaism showed varied and contradictory reactions. Jewish students decreased prejudice while Muslim students slightly increased them. Findings are discussed in light of above theories, and point to educational implications.

Menarche at an Earlier Age: Results from Two National Surveys of Israeli Youth, 2003 and 2016

To assess emergent changes in the age at menarche and investigate associated factors in Israeli adolescents in 2003 and2016. Cross-sectional study. Two national representative school-based surveys (first and second "Mabat Youth"). Both surveys included female students in 7th-12th grades (ages 11-19years). The first (N=3328) was conducted between the years 2003 and 2004, and the second (N=2535) from 2015 to2016. The survey questionnaire was self-administered and anthropometric measurements were performed by trained personnel. The current age at menarche in Israeli girls was determined and independent factors (demographic, clinical, and lifestyle) examined. Changes that occurred since the past national survey more than a decade ago were documented. The estimated median age at menarche declined from 13.0 (interquartile range, 12.0-14.0) years in 2003-2004 to 12.5 (interquartile range, 12.0-13.0) years in 2015-2016 (P<.0001). Jewish girls reached menarche earlier than Arab girls, but both populations experienced a similar downward trend in the past approximately 14years. Greater body mass index, higher socioeconomic status, and immigrant status were associated with younger menarche onset (P<.001). Age at menarche remained lower in 2015-2016 vs 2003-2004, even after adjustment for these potential confounders, with a high hazard ratio (HR), which decreased as a function of survival time (t): HRt=15.417×0.813t. This study confirms the decline in age at menarche in Israel. Findings were associated with body mass index and population group but also indicated that other factors are likely involved.

Youth purpose, meaning in life, social support and life satisfaction among adolescents in Singapore and Israel

Questions about purpose, life meaning, and life satisfaction drive central debates about what good education should look like in schools. This study compares adolescent purposes, life meaning, social support and life satisfaction in Singapore and Israel. Meaning in life refers to finding one’s significance; purpose uses this significance in ways beyond self. Key findings showed four purpose clusters for Singapore: no orientation, self-focused, other-focused, and both self- and other-focused. Israeli adolescents were in three purpose clusters without the no orientation group. Israeli adolescents had significantly higher life satisfaction, with no purpose orientation for 18% of Singapore’s students having significant negative impact on life satisfaction. Presence of meaning, parents’ support followed by teachers’ support were positive predictors of life satisfaction. Notably, Israeli students had more life meaning and parental support; Singapore’s adolescents had more teacher support but were searching for meaning. Implications for a more human experience of schooling are discussed.

Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria in Israel: Increasing Referral and Fertility Preservation Rates

Objective: To describe patient characteristics at presentation, management, and fertility preservation rates among a cohort of Israeli children and adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 106 consecutive children and adolescents with GD (<18 years) referred to and followed at the multidisciplinary Israeli Pediatric Gender Dysphoria Clinic from March 2013 through December 2018. Results: Of the 106 patients, 10 were prepubertal (9 prepubertal transgender females), and 96 were pubertal (38 pubertal transgender females). The GD population increased 11-fold since the establishment of our clinic in 2013. The subject's median age at referral was 15.5 years (range, 4.6 to 18 years). At the time of referral, 91 (95%) of the pubertal group had completed sexual maturation in their assigned gender at birth. Thirteen (13.5%) patients had attempted suicide, and 11 (11.5%) reported having had suicidal thoughts. Fourteen (45%) pubertal transgender females and 3 (6.5%) pubertal transgender males completed fertility preservation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment was prescribed in 77 (80%) patients at a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.6 years. Gender-affirming hormones were prescribed in 61 (64%) patients at a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.3 years. No severe side effects were recorded. Two (2%) of the pubertal group expressed regret about medical treatment. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with GD are presenting for medical attention at increasing rates. Israeli adolescents with GD have high fertility preservation rates, perhaps attributable to cultural perspectives. Taking advantage of the option to preserve fertility can be achieved when proper counseling is both available and promoted by medical personnel. Abbreviations: GAH = gender-affirming hormone; GD = gender dysphoria; GnRHa = gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog; MHP = mental health professional.

Cardiovascular risk factors are not present in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease.

Due to conflicting data, we aimed to investigate the association of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors at late adolescence in a cross-sectional population-based study. A total of 1144213 Jewish Israeli adolescents who underwent a general health examination prior to enlistment at median age of 17.1years from 1988 to 2016 were included. Covariate data included demographics, blood pressure, resting heart rate and risk factors associated with CVD. Overall, 2372 cases of IBD were identified, including 1612 cases of Crohn's disease (68%). Univariate analysis showed marginally lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with IBD with no difference following multivariate analysis. Diagnosis of Crohn's disease in males was associated with lower rates of overweight (15.8% vs 21.2%, P<.001) and obesity (3.7% vs 6.1% P=.003), whereas females with Crohn's disease had a lower rate of overweight (14.0% vs 17.9% P=.04) but not obesity. Patients with ulcerative colitis did not differ from controls in terms of overweight or obesity. Patients with Crohn's disease had an increased prevalence of hereditary hypercoagulability (odds ratio 16.9, 95% confidence interval 8.0-35.7, P<.001). Significant risk factors for CVD were not present in adolescents with IBD.

Demystifying sexting: Adolescent sexting and its associations with parenting styles and sense of parental social control in Israel

The present study examined sexting habits (sending text messages, as well as nude or semi-nude photos, and/or requesting the same from others) among adolescents, as reported by 458 students (101 boys, 357 girls), with the aim of investigating whether and how sexting correlates with parenting styles and manifestations of parental social control. An online link was published on social media, asking participants who meet the research criteria to complete several questionnaires. About 30% of the participants reported sending sexual messages, and almost 32% reported that others, mainly strangers, asked them to send nude or semi-nude photos. Furthermore, sexting was more common among high-school students than among middle-school students, and asking another person to send nude or semi-nude photos was more common among boys than among girls. Lower parental social control was related to increased likelihood of sexting, and higher perception of permissive parenting style was associated with asking someone else to send nude or semi-nude photos. These findings shed light on sexting among adolescents in Israel. Moreover, the findings show that adolescents do not report sexting either to parents or to other significant adults in their lives, such as teachers or other educational staff at school. The article concludes with implications for educators and educational counselors in view of these findings.