Early Adulthood Research Articles

Policing of youth in the hospital

BackgroundEach year millions of children seek care in emergency departments, many of whom are from marginalized and minoritized groups who lack access to primary and preventive care. Law enforcement personnel are also commonly present in pediatric and adult emergency departments serving in a range of roles. Therefore, pediatric emergency departments sit at the nexus of the health system and the legal system for many vulnerable youth and families. ObjectiveHerein, we explore several common specific legal issues surrounding policing of youth in the hospital setting: patient privacy and disclosure of information, questioning and visitation restriction, autonomy and decision making, restraints and use of force, and patient property. MethodsOur team of legal scholars and clinician researchers examined the literature on policing of youth in healthcare settings and patients' legal rights in healthcare settings through searches using PubMed, Westlaw, and Lexis. FindingsThrough rigorous analysis of the medical literature, legal scholarship, and relevant case law, several important themes were identified which present challenges to clinicians caring for vulnerable children. Conclusions and relevancePediatric clinicians, highly trained professionals in the medical and social care of youth and children, are often unaware of legal rules and procedures that guide law enforcement interaction with youth. This lack of knowledge may result in unknowing and unwitting violations of patients' rights while also compromising the quality of health care provided. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians are educated on their roles and their institutions' roles in safeguarding patients' privacy and autonomy while still promoting effective collaboration with law enforcement.

Side effects of semi-synthetic insecticide spinetoram on the whitefly parasitoid Encarsia formosa.

Insecticide risk assessment for biological control agents is essential for implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Spinetoram is a naturally derived insecticide used to control a variety of agricultural sap-sucking insect pests, and Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) plays a key role in the biocontrol of greenhouse whiteflies. Despite its presumed safe ecotoxicological profile, the side effects of spinetoram on E. formosa are partially unknown, especially at sublethal doses. In the laboratory, we estimated the lethal concentrations (LC) of spinetoram on E. formosa by topical exposure of pupae and 48 h residual contact exposure of emerged adults. Afterwards, we assessed the impact of spinetoram LCs on the life history traits (juvenile development, adult longevity, parasitism, adult emergence) and population growth parameter (the instantaneous rate of increase, ri) of the parasitoid. Probit analysis allowed the estimation of LC10 = 0.10 mg/L, LC50 = 0.56 mg/L, and LC90 = 3.28 mg/L. Spinetoram at LC10 had no impact on the observed parameters of E. formosa. Conversely, spinetoram at LC50 and LC90 significantly reduced adult longevity by 19.2% and 40.6%, total parasitism by 33.4% and 38.7%, and total adult emergence by 29.6% and 39.1%, respectively. Also, the ri of E. formosa was significantly affected by spinetoram LC50 and LC90 with a reduction of 8.17 and 29.83%, respectively. Our results suggested that spinetoram significantly threatens the effectiveness of E. formosa when applied at the field recommended rate. However, further validation of spinetoram under greenhouse conditions is required for a comprehensive risk assessment for E. formosa in IPM programs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessment of emergency physicians’ awareness and knowledge of hereditary angioedema

Aims: Hereditary angioedema can occur with life-threatening attacks of severe laryngeal edema, and epinephrine is insufficient in the treatment of attacks. We sought an answer to the question, 'Do emergency physicians, who frequently encounter angioedema cases that are so important for the emergency department, have sufficient awareness about this issue?' Methods: In this study, the online questionnaire was conducted among physicians working in adult emergency departments between April and August 2022. The questionnaire form consisted of two parts. The first part contained three questions about medical experience, academic degree, and encounter with hereditary angioedema patients. The second part of the questionnaire contained seven questions about the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary angioedema. Results: A total of 103 physicians working in emergency departments participated in the survey. The proportion of physicians is as follows: The percentage of physicians with less than 15 years of experience was 92.2%. Research assistants represented the largest group of participants at 51.5%. When asked "What is not a symptom of hereditary angioedema?" Only 40.6% of physicians could answer the question correctly. While 39.8% of physicians thougt that epinephrine and antihistamines were useful in treating these attacks, 53.4% felt that epinephrine and antihistamines were not. While there was a difference in hereditary angioedema awareness between the group with more than 15 years of professional experience and the group with less experience, there was no meaningful difference between research assistants, specialists, and academicians. According to this survey, professional experience was important, but academic title did not make a difference in terms of disease awareness. Conclusion: It is necessary to increase the awareness of emergency physicians about hereditary angioedema, which can cause fatal attacks and whose diagnosis and treatment are different from other angioedemas.

Video Game Skills across Diverse Genres and Cognitive Functioning in Early Adulthood: Verbal and Visuospatial Short-Term and Working Memory, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Empathy.

The cognitive and affective impacts of video games are subjects of ongoing debate, with recent research recognizing their potential benefits. This study employs the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) to evaluate participants' gaming skills across six genres and overall proficiency. A total of 88 individuals aged 20-40 participated, completing assessments of empathy and six cognitive abilities: verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory, visuospatial short-term memory, visuospatial working memory, psychomotor speed (hand-eye coordination), and attention. Participants' cognitive abilities were examined using the Digit Span Test, Corsi Block Test, and Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task, while empathy was assessed using the Empathy Quotient Questionnaire. Findings indicate that higher levels of videogaming proficiency are linked to improvements in visuospatial short-term and working memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Specific genres enhanced particular skills: RPGs were positively associated with both verbal working memory and visuospatial short-term memory, but were negatively associated with empathy; action games improved psychomotor speed and attention; and puzzle games showed a positive relationship with visuospatial working memory. These results add to ongoing research on the cognitive and affective effects of video games, suggesting their potential to enhance specific cognitive functions. They also highlight the complex relationship between video games and empathy. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and genre-specific effects.

Familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case induced by concurrent hyperthyroidism

BackgroundFamilial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is an uncommon genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of muscle weakness and hypokalemia, typically starting in early adulthood. The existence of hyperthyroidism in the presence of HypoPP is more strongly associated with a diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), with most cases occurring in Asian males with pathogenic KCNJ2 or KCNJ18 variants and without a family history of the condition. This case is novel due to the combination of familial HypoPP and hyperthyroidism induced by Graves’ disease, a rare occurrence especially in non-Asian populations.Case presentationA 40-year-old African American man presented with profound muscle weakness after consuming a high-salt meal. He had a significant family history of hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia. On examination, he showed profound weakness in all extremities. Laboratory tests confirmed hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism, and genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant in the CACNA1S gene (c.1583 G > A, p. R528H), with normal SCN4A, KCNJ2 and KCNJ18 sequencing. He was diagnosed with familial HypoPP and hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. He was started on PO methimazole 10 mg three times a day and PO acetazolamide 250 mg twice a day. He was advised to follow a low carbohydrate and low salt diet.ConclusionsThis case highlights the importance of considering a genetic basis for HypoPP in patients with a family history of the condition, even when hyperthyroidism is present. The combination of familial HypoPP and Graves’ disease is rare and emphasizes the need for careful genetic and clinical evaluation in similar cases. Management should focus on correcting hypokalemia, treating hyperthyroidism, and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.

Transitions in Suicide Risk from Early Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Objective Understanding patterns of suicide risk over the course of development can aid our ability to prevent suicide. Our community-based study examined changes in suicide risk status and predictors of changes in risk status in a sample of 521 adolescents over six assessments between the start of middle school and young adulthood (ages 12–22). Methods Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) were measured with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children and the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire. Latent transition analysis (LTA) was utilized to evaluate transitions in suicide risk status over the course of development. Nine risk factors’ initial values and change over time were modeled as predictors in the LTA. Results Latent class analysis identified a four-class model of developmental suicide risk patterns: Class 1: Infrequent STB (73–87% of participants), Class 2: Diminishing STB (1–17% of participants), Class 3: Escalating STB (6–16% of participants), and Class 4: Consistently High STB (1–5% of participants). LTA demonstrated that infrequent STB members and escalating STB members were likely to maintain their risk class across time points. Conclusions Classification of STB trajectories demonstrated self-worth and family involvement were salient variables affecting transitions in risk over time and suggest prevention targets early in adolescence that could have impact on suicide risk in adulthood.

Release strategy and egg parasitism of Telenomus podisi adults fed with different diets

The release of Telenomus podisi in the pupae stage for the control of Euschistus heros can be negatively affected by biotic and abiotic causes of mortality, reducing parasitoid emergence from pupae in the field. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a solid diet for adults of T. podisi that can be used inside capsules to enable the release of fed and copulated adults. Among different tested diets, 100 % honey, offered as honey-macerated cotton strings, obtained the best results. This solid honey diet is the most appropriate to feed T. podisi inside release capsules, enabling the release of fed adults and, thereby, reducing parasitoid mortality. In addition, the solid diet inside capsules ensures that parasitoids can be stored for at the least 15 days after the onset of adult emergence before their release in the field. This makes the release process more flexible and attractive to farmers by enabling a release delay in bad weather conditions or for other reasons.

Increase in colonic PRopionate as a method of prEVENTing weight gain over 12 months in adults aged 20–40 years (iPREVENT): a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group trial

Obesity drives metabolic disease development. Preventing weight gain during early adulthood could mitigate later-life chronic disease risk. Increased dietary fibre intake, leading to enhanced colonic microbial fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, is associated with lower body weight. Despite national food policy recommendations to consume 30g of dietary fibre daily, only 9% of adults achieve this target. Inulin-propionate ester (IPE) selectively increases the production of the SCFA propionate in the colon. In previous studies, IPE has prevented weight gain in middle-aged adults over 6 months, compared with the inulin control. IPE is a novel food ingredient that can be added to various commonly consumed foods with a potential health benefit. This 12-month study aimed to determine whether using IPE to increase colonic propionate prevents further weight gain in overweight younger adults. This multi-centre randomised-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in London and Glasgow, UK. Recruited participants were individuals at risk of weight gain, aged between 20 and 40 years and had an overweight body mass index. Sealed Envelope Software was used to randomise participants to consume 10g of IPE or inulin (control), once per day for 12 months. The primary outcome was the weight gained from baseline to 12 months, analysed by an 'Intention to Treat' strategy. The safety profile and tolerability of IPE were monitored through adverse events and compliance. This study is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials (ISRCT) Database (ISRCT number: 16299902). Participants (n=135 per study arm) were recruited from July 2019 to October 2021. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in baseline-adjusted mean weight gain for IPE compared with control (1.02kg, 95% CI:-0.37 to 2.41; p=0.15; n=226). Neither the IPE (+1.22kg) nor the control arm (+0.07kg) unadjusted mean gains in body weight reached the expected 2kg threshold. In the IPE arm, fat-free mass was greater by 1.07kg (95% CI: 0.21-1.93), and blood glucose elevated by 0.11mmol/L (95% CI: 0.01-0.21). Compliance, determined by intake of ≥50% sachets, was reached by 63% of IPE participants. There were no unexpected adverse events or safety concerns. Our study indicates that at 12 months, IPE did not differentially affect weight gain, compared with the inulin control, in adults between 20 and 40 years of age, at risk of obesity. NIHR EME Programme (15/185/16).

Violent Victimization in Emerging Adulthood and Its Longitudinal Impacts on Well-Being: A Study of Ever-Homeless Persons.

Persons who have experienced homelessness have higher lifetime risks of violent victimization relative to the general population. However, the long-term impacts of violent victimization on various facets of well-being are poorly understood among ever-homeless persons, particularly when violence is experienced in early adulthood. Here, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we focus on a subsample of emerging adults who reported ever suffering homelessness (N = 481). Drawing primarily from Waves III and IV of the data, a series of regression models are specified to determine whether violent victimization in emerging adulthood is related to a range of negative outcomes later in life among ever-homeless persons (economic hardship, binge drinking, drug use, depression, offending, and victimization). Results indicate that victimization in emerging adulthood increases the risks for subsequent victimization for ever-homeless persons, but that it has no robust associations with any other outcomes examined. We explain these findings through processes of disadvantage saturation, in which the consequences of victimization may be more subdued among individuals who experience an array of hardships and disadvantages in their lives. The implications of these findings for policy are future research are discussed, and we emphasize the need for a context-contingent approach to the study of victimization and its life course consequences.

Early Oxidative Stress May Prevent a Red Ornament From Signaling Longevity.

Harsh early environmental conditions can exert delayed, long-lasting effects on phenotypes, including reproductive traits such as sexual signals. Indeed, adverse early conditions can accelerate development, increasing oxidative stress that may, in turn, impact adult sexual signals. Among signals, colorations produced by red ketocarotenoids seem to depend on mitochondrial functioning. Hence, they could reveal individual cell respiration efficiency. It has been hypothesized that these traits are unfalsifiable "index" signals of condition due to their deep connection to individual metabolism. Since mitochondrial dysfunction is frequently linked to aging, red ketocarotenoid-based ornaments could also be good signals of a critical fitness component: longevity. We tested this red color per longevity correlation in captive zebra finches. In addition, we experimentally decreased the synthesis of glutathione (a critical intracellular antioxidant) during the first days of the birds' life to resemble harsh early environmental conditions (e.g., undernutrition). Longevity was recorded until the death of the last bird (almost 9 years). Males, but not females, exhibiting a redder bill in early adulthood lived longer than males with paler bills, which agrees with some precedent studies. However, such bill redness-longevity connection was absent among males with inhibited glutathione synthesis. These findings may suggest that environmental factors can alter the reliability of red ketocarotenoid-based sexual signals, making them less unfalsifiable than believed.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the greater trochanter: evaluation of surgical outcome of 17 cases

Background: Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign, aggressive lesion that occurs in childhood and early adulthood. It usually affects the metaphysis of long bones. The aims of this study were to report clinical and radiological outcome following operative treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of greater trochanter of femur and asses functional outcome by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) Rating scale for the lower extremity. Methods: This Quasi-experimental study included 17 patients radiologically and histologically diagnosed as having aneurysmal bone cyst involving the greater trochanter of femur from 2015 to 2022. All cases were curetted, chemical cauterization with 5% phenol done and autogenous cortico-cancellous bone graft were added to fill the osseous defect. The patients were followed-up at 6 weeks and then 3 monthly for 1st year, 6 monthly for 2nd and 3rd year and yearly thereafter. In each follow-up, the recurrence, post-operative complications were documented and MSTS scoring was done. Results: The mean age of the patients were 14.5 years; 9 (53%) were female and 8 (47%) were male. The mean follow-up period for the patients was 3.6 years. There were 3 (18%) recurrences and 2 (11.8%) cases developed superficial surgical site infection. The average MSTS score on final follow-up was 22.6. Conclusion: Aneurysmal bone cyst of the greater trochanter is common in second decade among females. Treatment with extended intralesional curettage, chemical cauterization with 5% phenol and application of autogenous bone graft has less than 18% chance of recurrence. Furthermore, there is acceptable radiological bone graft incorporation and average MSTS score on final follow-up suggest a good functional outcome. BIRDEM Med J 2024; 14(3): 124-130

Effect of storage conditions on host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an egg parasitoid of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).

Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Methods for laboratory-rearing O. agrili have been developed but its mass-production depends on the continuous production and storage of freshly laid EAB eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny (inside parasitized EAB eggs). The purpose of this study was to determine optimal environmental conditions for long-term storage of host eggs as well as diapaused parasitoid progeny. Fresh host eggs and diapaused parasitoid progeny were stored at two low storage temperatures (1.7 and 12.8 °C) and three levels of relative humidity (low ~31%, medium ~74%, and high ~99.9%) for various length of time (15-270 days) and then evaluated for host egg suitability and the reproductive fitness of stored parasitoid progeny. EAB eggs were stored for approximately 30 days without significant reduction of their viability and suitability to O. agrili parasitism at low storage temperatures under high and medium relative humidity. Neither storage temperature or humidity had any significant effects on adult parasitoid emergence for storage durations of up to 270 days. When storage durations were over 120 days, however, both adult parasitoid longevity and fecundity declined approximately 20-30% across all temperature and humidity treatments. Relevance of findings to mass-production and storage of O. agrili for biocontrol is discussed.

McArdle's Disease: A Differential Diagnosis of Metabolic Myopathies.

McArdle's disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type V or McArdle syndrome, is a pure muscle myopathy with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes muscle phosphorylase. Symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, presenting as exercise intolerance. This review focuses on the diagnosis of McArdle's disease, initially manifesting as a clinical picture of rhabdomyolysis in an 18-year-old male patient with a history of minor thalassemia who had been followed in pediatric consultation since age three for failure to thrive. After excluding common causes such as alcohol consumption, drug use, traumatic muscle compression, and other conditions, the diagnosis of McArdle's disease was considered. The diagnosis was supported by laboratory tests showing myoglobinuria and elevated creatine kinase levels, as well as the absence of increased serum lactate following ischemic exercise. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of mutations in the PYGM gene, corroborating the diagnosis. Treatment includes administering a diet rich in slow-absorbing carbohydrates, regular low-intensity physical exercise, and, in some cases, supplementation with vitamin B6 and creatine. The prognosis is generally favorable with proper disease management, although vigorous exercise should be avoided to prevent complications such as severe muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis. Although McArdle's disease is a rare condition, it is likely underdiagnosed. Ideally, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis in all patients with symptoms of exercise intolerance and/or recurrent myoglobinuria.

Associations of disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors with cardiovascular health: The coronary artery risk development in young adults study.

Few studies have investigated disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors and cardiovascular health (CVH) outside of adolescence and early adulthood. We examined the cross-sectional and prospective associations of these behaviors and CVH in middle adulthood. A total of 2,095 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults participants were assessed at Year 10 (Y10, 1995-1996) and Year 30 (Y30, 2015-2016). The Y10-administered Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised was used to create the problematic relationship to eating and food (PREF) score (range 0-8). Higher scores indicated greater disordered eating and/or unhealthy weight control behaviors across eight components. PREF was modeled categorically: 0-1 (reference), 2-3, and 4-8. Diet, physical activity, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index (BMI) were measured at Y10 and Y30 (diet at Y7 and Y20) and used to define CVH. CVH was modeled categorically: poor-to-intermediate (0-9) and ideal (10-14; reference). Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between PREF and CVH categories and components. PREF 4-8 was associated with Y10 poor-to-intermediate CVH (OR = 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.78, 3.10]) but not Y30 (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [0.96, 1.87]) compared to PREF 0-1. PREF 2-3 was not associated with Y10 or Y30 CVH. Individual PREF components were not uniformly associated with individual CVH components, although all PREF components were associated with Y10 poor-to-intermediate BMI. Disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors are cross-sectionally but not prospectively associated with poorer CVH during middle age. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Do fertility preferences in early adulthood predict later average fertility outcomes of the same cohort?: Pritchett (1994) revisited with cohort data

Pritchett (1994) influentially examined the relationship between survey-reported ideal fertility and period total fertility rates. Pritchett’s analyses found that country-period by country-period differences in fertility preferences could statistically account for the majority of the variation in period total fertility rates. This result was impactful because it suggested that preferences, rather than constraints such as contraceptive access, explain fertility outcomes. However, because Pritchett’s analysis documented a correlation between two period measures, it cannot say whether a cohort of women achieves their fertility preferences, on average, over a life course. In the three decades since Pritchett’s paper, a longer span of repeated cross-section data has been collected that allows us to revisit this question with data that tracks cohorts of women as they age. In this paper, we update this evidence by examining the relationship between ideal fertility in early adulthood and completed fertility for the same cohort of women in later adulthood. We find that the prior result replicates: The relationship between fertility preferences and completed cohort fertility is, if anything, even stronger in our data.

Engagement, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of the Self-Care and Coach-Supported Versions of the Vira Digital Behavior Change Platform Among Young Adults at Risk for Depression and Obesity: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Adolescence and early adulthood are pivotal stages for the onset of mental health disorders and the development of health behaviors. Digital behavioral activation interventions, with or without coaching support, hold promise for addressing risk factors for both mental and physical health problems by offering scalable approaches to expand access to evidence-based mental health support. This 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated 2 versions of a digital behavioral health product, Vira (Ksana Health Inc), for their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in improving mental health in young adults with depressive symptoms and obesity risk factors. A total of 73 participants recruited throughout the United States were randomly assigned to use Vira either as a self-guided product (Vira Self-Care) or with support from a health coach (Vira+Coaching) for 12 weeks. The Vira smartphone app used passive sensing of behavioral data related to mental health and obesity risk factors (ie, activity, sleep, mobility, and language patterns) and offered users personalized insights into patterns of behavior associated with their daily mood. Participants completed self-reported outcome measures at baseline and follow-up (12 weeks). All study procedures were completed via digital communications. Both versions of Vira showed strong user engagement, acceptability, and evidence of effectiveness in improving mental health and stress. However, users receiving coaching exhibited more sustained engagement with the platform and reported greater reductions in depression (Cohen d=0.45, 95% CI 0.10-0.82) and anxiety (Cohen d=0.50, 95% CI 0.13-0.86) compared to self-care users. Both interventions also resulted in reduced stress (Vira+Coaching: Cohen d=-1.05, 95% CI -1.57 to --0.50; Vira Self-Care: Cohen d=-0.78, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.23) and were perceived as useful and easy to use. Coached users also reported reductions in sleep-related impairment (Cohen d=-0.51, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.01). Moreover, participants increased their motivation for and confidence in making behavioral changes, with greater improvements in confidence among coached users. An app-based intervention using passive mobile sensing to track behavior and deliver personalized insights into behavior-mood associations demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness for reducing depressive symptoms and other mental health problems in young adults. Future directions include (1) optimizing the interventions, (2) conducting a fully powered trial that includes an active control condition, and (3) testing mediators and moderators of outcome effects. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05638516; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05638516.

Cultural Values Influence the Developmental Trajectory of Resistance to Social Influence Over the Course of Adolescence

ABSTRACTThe opinions of peers are among the most potent factors influencing human decision‐making. Research conducted in Western societies suggests that individuals become more resistant to peer influence from late adolescence to adulthood. It is unknown whether this developmental trajectory is universal across cultures. Through two cross‐national studies, we present consistent self‐report and behavioral evidence for culturally distinct developmental trajectories of resistance to peer influence (RPI). Our findings from the US samples replicated prior findings that reported increasing RPI. Yet, data from the Chinese participants were better fitted using a nonlinear model, displaying a U‐shaped trajectory with lowest RPI levels at around 20 years old. In contrast to the long‐held belief that increasing RPI from adolescence to early adulthood is a universal developmental trait, we propose that this developmental trajectory may depend on cultural context.

Adult emergency education: the tacit andragogical fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

Adult education has yet to fully develop its potential for addressing social states of emergency. As an initial stride towards a critical adult emergency education, this paper investigates andragogical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In pursuit of this objective, varying levels of tacit andragogisation concerning the pandemic are examined: 1. The (tacit) andragogical means employed by political leaders (in Sweden, Italy, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Austria) in their speeches at the beginning of the pandemic. 2. An examination of the interplay between the Chancellor’s addresses, the media appearances of scientists, and the regionalisation of pandemic measures in Germany. 3. Memes posted online as a public response to the government’s (tacit) andragogical approach. The data, consisting of political speeches, science podcasts, newspaper articles, and memes sampled throughout 2020, was analysed using the Documentary Method. These empirical analyses contribute to advance scholarship on critical adult emergency education.

Early adulthood socioeconomic trajectories contribute to inequalities in adult diet quality, independent of childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position

BackgroundDiet is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and shows well-established socioeconomic patterning among adults. However, less clear is how socioeconomic inequalities in diet develop across the life course....

The Australian Music Students Health Survey: impact of past experience on student attitudes to health education

Abstract Widespread research over four decades has shown that musicians suffer physical and psychological injuries that can begin during childhood and early adulthood. A survey of 268 Australian tertiary music students revealed their perceptions of the importance of health education as part of their education. While students rated health knowledge as highly important, they considered its inclusion in their education to be less significant. Thirty-six percent reported current physical pain or injury, and 41% reported current psychological health issues. Significant correlations emerged between students’ reported injury history and prioritisation of health education and particular health topics. This has implications for tertiary music education providers regarding policies for the integration of health education into the curriculum.