Asian Adolescents Research Articles

Psychometric Characteristics of the Korean Mental Health Continuum–Short Form in an Adolescent Sample

There have been few research studies to examine the positive mental health of Asian adolescents. The aim here is to examine the factorial structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent/discriminant validity of a Korean version of the Mental Health Continuum–short form (K-MHC-SF), a newly developed self-report scale for positive mental health assessment, in a sample of South Korean adolescents. The Korean sample comprised 547 high school students (57% were female), ranging in age from 14 to 17 years (mean age = 16.08 years, SD = 0.34). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the K-MHC-SF replicated the three-factor structure of emotional, psychological, and social well-being found in earlier studies. Another confirmatory factor analysis supported the correlated two-factor model of mental health and mental disorder. The internal consistency of the overall K-MHC-SF was .91. The total score on the K-MHC-SF significantly correlated with a measure of life satisfaction (ρ = .58) and a measure of self-esteem (ρ = .57). In addition, the attempt at categorical classification revealed that 11.7% were in the category of positive mental health, characterized as flourishing, and 13.0% were in the category of absence of positive mental health, described as languishing. The results of the present study suggest that the K-MHC-SF is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring the three lower-order dimensions of subjective well-being.

Intergenerational Conflict, Attitudinal Familism, and Depressive Symptoms Among Asian and Hispanic Adolescents in Immigrant Families: A Latent Variable Interaction Analysis

ABSTRACT Research has shown an association between intergenerational conflict (IC) due to acculturation and negative mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms, among Asian and Hispanic adolescents from immigrant families. Using the data from the first survey of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study, which included a culturally diverse sample of second-generation immigrant children, this study examines whether attitudinal familism (AF) moderates the effect of IC on depressive symptoms among Asian and Hispanic adolescents. Latent variable interaction models involving multiple-group comparisons were established. Results show that there is a significant buffering effect (b = –.05, p < .001). Specifically, a high level of AF is generally associated with fewer depressive symptoms compared with a low level of AF. These findings may inform the development of social service programs that aim to reduce IC by exposing immigrant adolescents to more traditional cultural values. Future research implications are discussed.

PS1 - 8. Brown adipose tissue volume is markedly lower in healthy lean adolescents from South Asian compared to white Caucasian origin

South Asians have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than white Caucasians. Though the underlying cause is still poorly understood, we recently found that South Asian adolescents have reduced resting energy expenditure (REE) compared to white Caucasian adolescents.

Estimation of Fish Intake in Asian and White Female Adolescents, and Association with 2-Year Changes in Body Fatness and Body Fat Distribution: The Female Adolescent Maturation Study

BackgroundFish is an important source of long-chain n-3 fatty acids in the diets of female adolescents, which may affect adipose tissue deposition. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate fish intake in Asian and white female adolescents, and to determine whether fish intake was associated with changes in body fatness and body fat distribution in this population. DesignA cross-sectional analysis of fish intake using 3-day food records (n=200), and a prospective analysis of baseline fish intake on anthropometric measurements 2 years later was conducted (n=103). Participants/settingParticipants included female adolescents (aged 9 to 14 years) who were recruited from the Kaiser Permanente Oahu membership database in 2000-2001 as part of the Female Adolescent Maturation study (N=349). Statistical analysisFish intake and the proportion of participants eating 8 oz fish per week was compared between Asian, white, and mixed Asian/white ethnic groups using Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and χ2 test, respectively. The effect of fish intake on anthropometric measurements was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and linear regression analyses, adjusting for demographic, pubertal, anthropometric, activity, and dietary parameters. ResultsAsians consumed more fish (0.85 oz/wk [range=0.00 to 4.74 oz/wk]) than whites (0.00 oz/wk [0.00 to 0.40 oz/wk]; P=0.0001), and were more likely to eat 8 oz fish per week (13 of 68 vs 2 of 51, respectively; P=0.014). Greater fish intake corresponded to smaller changes in waist circumference when controlling for age, ethnicity, puberty, activity, energy intake, and baseline waist circumference (P=0.026), but not after adjusting for parental and additional dietary parameters (P>0.10). ConclusionsMost female adolescents did not consume the recommended amount of fish, a problem that was more common in whites than Asians. The protective effect of fish intake on abdominal obesity warrants further study.

Parent–Child Relationships, Parental Psychological Control, and Aggression: Maternal and Paternal Relationships

Few studies have examined both maternal and paternal parenting practices in the prediction of child outcomes despite evidence that underscores the salience of fathers throughout their children's development. This study examined the role of the quality of mother-child and father-child relationships in buffering the influence of ineffective parenting practices on subsequent adolescent aggression. Measures of parental psychological control, the quality of the parent-child relationship, and youth aggressive behavior were completed by 163 (49% female) mostly White and Asian adolescents and their parents during the eighth and ninth grades. Paternal psychological control predicted aggression when adolescents perceived low-quality relationships with their mothers. Similarly, maternal psychological control predicted aggression when adolescents perceived low-quality relationships with their fathers. Maternal psychological control was also associated with lower levels of aggression among adolescent males who reported a high-quality relationship with their father. These findings indicate that, when one parent exerts psychological control, the low-quality relationship the adolescent shares with the opposite gender parent increases risk for adolescent aggression. The findings also suggest that, as mothers exert psychological control, the high-quality parent-child relationship a son shares with his father decreases risk for adolescent aggression.

P.7.f.002 Association of latrophilin 3 gene polymorphism with behavioral problems in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

This study examines ethnic differences in the prevalence of bullying victimization by peers as well as the associations between bullying victimization and psychological distress with relevant ecological factors including parental supervision, school support, and community safety. The study utilized the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Adolescents Data, which was collected in the United States using a multi-stage stratified sampling design with a Random Digit-Dial method. The final study sample contained a total of 2367 adolescents, comprised of 48.7% Whites, followed by 35.8% Latinos, 11.1% Asians, and 4.4% African Americans. About 49.3% were males with an overall mean age of 14.6 (sd = 1.7). Results showed that there were significant differences in rates of bullying victimization among the four surveyed ethnic subgroups of adolescents. Black adolescents reported the highest and Asian adolescents the lowest level of victimization. The results of the SEM test using the calibration sample revealed an adequate fit to the data (CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.04, Δχ2/Δdf = 2.99). Separate model tests with the four subgroups of adolescents revealed good fits with the subsample data with the exception of the subsample of African Americans. Additionally, results show that factors associated with psychological distress vary widely among the White, Latino and Asian subgroups.

Ethnic Differences in Body Mass Index Trajectories from Adolescence to Adulthood: A Focus on Hispanic and Asian Subgroups in the United States

BackgroundCompared to whites, U.S. Hispanics have higher obesity rates; U.S. Asians have lower rates. However Hispanics and Asians are each comprised of several ethnic subgroups that differ with respect to country of origin, immigration history, and geographic distribution across the U.S. Among adolescents, ethnic differences in obesity have been previously reported, but no studies have examined longitudinal change in body mass index (BMI) by Hispanic and Asian subgroup category to understand when and why these disparities emerge, especially during the critical transition between adolescence and adulthood.MethodsUsing nationally-representative, longitudinal data from 1355 Hispanics (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, Other Hispanic), 520 Asians (Chinese, Filipino, Other Asian), and 5061whites from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Waves II–IV: 1996–2009), we used linear mixed spline models to examine whether Hispanic and Asian adolescent subgroups shared the same BMI trajectories as whites as they aged into adulthood. We also investigated the role of social and behavioral factors in explaining race/ethnic differences.ResultsAmong Hispanics, Mexican and Puerto Rican-origin individuals exhibited faster increases in BMI both in adolescence and in adulthood and these patterns were not attributable to the measured social and behavioral factors. There was also evidence of emerging disparities in Cuban males, and in Central/South Americans relative to whites. In contrast, Chinese, Filipino, and Other Asian adolescents had significantly lower BMI and slower BMI increases in adulthood compared to whites. In models adjusted for social and behavioral factors, Chinese-white and Other Asian-white differentials remained unexplained.ConclusionsAggregate estimates of Hispanics and Asians mask important heterogeneity in BMI. A better understanding of weight dynamics early in the life course can inform how and when disparities emerge to better target prevention efforts.

Reference values for bone mineral density according to age with body size adjustment in Korean children and adolescents

Bone acquisition failure during growth or low bone mineral density (BMD) in childhood and adolescence might increase future osteoporosis risk. To identify these children and adolescents, appropriate reference values are necessary. The robust reference values must be community based as well as sex-, age-, and ethnicity specific. In addition, body size adjustment is necessary because individuals demonstrate different body sizes and different tempos of growth, which affect measured BMD. We aimed to provide reference data with body size adjustment of Korean children and adolescents. We used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data of 1,650 subjects (aged 10-20 years; 788 female) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2010). The BMD of each region of interest (ROI), including the lumbar spine, total body less head, total body, and femoral neck, were obtained. We calculated the mean and percentiles for each ROI. Because height and weight variations were high and correlated independently with BMD within the same age group, we developed equations to calculate the "predicted BMD Z score." Although 12.8-17.9 % of subjects with short stature showed a low measured BMD Z score depending on the measured site, only 2.6 % of those of short stature had a low adjusted BMD Z score after applying the predicted BMD Z score. We also compared the BMD of children and adolescents of other ethnicities using the same device. This study provided robust reference values for the assessment and monitoring of bone health in Korean children and adolescents. Additionally, it extended the knowledge of bone acquisition in Asian children and adolescents.

Biculturalism as a protective factor: An exploratory study on resilience and the bicultural level of acculturation among Southeast Asian American youth who have witnessed domestic violence.

There is growing evidence of a high prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in Southeast Asian families living in the United States. Southeast Asian children and adolescents who witness DV are at great risk of developing psychological and behavioral problems. Despite these risks, many Southeast Asian youth show resilience and positive adaptation. Being bicultural has been associated with several positive outcomes among this population. This study hypothesized that Southeast Asian youth who have witnessed DV (n 59) were less resilient than those who have not (n 23). In addition, among those who have witnessed DV, bicultural youth were likely to be more resilient than highly Asian or highly westernized youth. This study used regression and t test analyses. The preliminary results confirmed both hypotheses. The conclusion of this study discussed clinical implications, limitations, and recommendations for future studies.

The construct invariance of family values in Asian and Hispanic immigrant adolescents: An exploratory study.

The construct invariance of family values in Asian and Hispanic immigrant adolescents: An exploratory study.

Obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies: a racial/ethnic comparison

Objective: To examine obstetric outcomes for adolescents among the major US racial/ethnic groups.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton births to nulliparous women aged 12 to 19 years from 1988 to 2008. The prevalence of preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and low Apgar score were compared across African-American, Asian, Latina and White adolescents.Results: 1865 adolescents were included in the analysis. Differences between racial/ethnic groups for rates of preterm delivery, cesarean delivery and gestational diabetes were statistically significant at p < 0.05. African Americans had lower odds of preterm delivery (OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.38–0.90]) and gestational diabetes (OR = 0.17, 95% CI [0.05–0.55]) than White adolescents. White adolescents had increased odds of cesarean delivery compared to African-American (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.48–0.98]), Latina (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.41–0.94]) and Asian adolescents (OR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.25–0.68]). Although not statistically significant, White adolescents also had higher odds of low Apgar score. In the multivariate analysis, non-White adolescents continued to have improved outcomes, except in the case of low birth weight.Conclusions: African-American, Asian and Latina adolescents may have similar or decreased risk of obstetric complications compared to White adolescents.

A comparison of bone quality at the distal radius between Asian and white adolescents and young adults: An HR-pQCT study

Paradoxically, Asians have lower areal bone mineral density (aBMD), but their rates of hip and wrist fractures are lower than whites. Therefore, we used high-resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT) to determine whether differences in bone macrostructure and microstructure, BMD, and bone strength at the distal radius were apparent in Asian (n = 91, 53 males, 38 females, [mean ± SD] 17.3 ± 1.5 years) and white (n = 89, 46 males, 43 females, 18.1 ± 1.8 years) adolescents and young adults. HR-pQCT outcomes included total BMD (Tt.BMD), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th), and separation (Tb.Sp). We used an automated segmentation algorithm to determine total bone area (Tt.Ar), and cortical BMD (Ct.BMD), porosity (Ct.Po), and thickness (Ct.Th), and we applied finite element (FE) analysis to HR-pQCT scans to estimate bone strength. We fit sex-specific multivariable regression models to compare bone outcomes between Asians and whites, adjusting for age, age at menarche (girls), lean mass, ulnar length, dietary calcium intake, and physical activity. In males, after adjusting for covariates, Asians had 11% greater Tt.BMD, 8% greater Ct.BMD, and 25% lower Ct.Po than whites (p < 0.05). Also, Asians had 9% smaller Tt.Ar and 27% greater Ct.Th (p < 0.01). In females, Asians had smaller Tt.Ar than whites (16%, p < 0.001), but this difference was not significant after adjusting for covariates. Asian females had 5% greater Ct.BMD, 12% greater Ct.Th, and 11% lower Tb.Sp than whites after adjusting for covariates (p < 0.05). Estimated bone strength did not differ between Asian and white males or females. Our study supports the notion of compensatory elements of bone structure that sustain bone strength; smaller bones as observed between those of Asian origin compared with white origin have, on average, more dense, less porous, and thicker cortices. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether ethnic differences in bone structure exist in childhood, persist into old age, and whether they influence fracture risk.

Review of Physical Activity Prevalence of Asian School-Age Children and Adolescents

Overweight and obese populations in Asia are high and increasing rapidly. Physical activity prevalence studies have found low physical activity rates among Asian school-age children and adolescents. The purpose of this review is to establish a baseline for physical activity rates in Asian school-age children and adolescents and serve as a platform for additional research. Thirty articles published between 2000 and 2011 on physical activity prevalence of school-age children and adolescents were included in the review. Fourteen studies were conducted in East Asia, 10 in Southeast Asia, 2 in South Asia, and 2 in West Asia. Studies used subjective methods (questionnaires or diaries) and objective methods (accelerometers or heart rate monitors). Although nearly all studies found low physical activity levels, it was not possible to provide an accurate picture due to an absence of standardized, reliable, and economically viable measurement tools.

Does One Size Fit All? Ethnic Differences in Parenting Behaviors and Motivations for Adolescent Engagement in Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become a growing concern for adolescents. This study examined differences in cyber-aggression for 518 Canadian adolescents of either East Asian or European descent (61% female; M age = 15.24; SD = 1.68). Associations between parenting behaviors (parental control, parental solicitation, and child disclosure) and engagement in cyber-aggression, as well as motivations for engaging in cyber-aggression were explored. Adolescents completed self-report questionnaires about their engagement in cyberbullying, perceptions of their parents' behaviors about their online activities, their motivations for cyberbullying (reactive vs. proactive), as well as several other relevant psychosocial and demographic variables (e.g., sex, age, Canadian born, mother's education level, using a computer in a private place, and average amount of time spent online). Regression analyses showed that East Asian adolescents were less likely to engage in cyberbullying. In addition, higher levels of parental control and lower levels of parental solicitation were linked more closely with lowered reported levels of cyber-aggression for East Asian adolescents relative to their peers of European descent. In addition, East Asian adolescents were more likely to be motivated to engage in cyber-aggression for proactive reasons than reactive reasons, with the opposite found for adolescents of European descent. A significant 3-way interaction suggested that this pattern was more pronounced for East Asian males relative to East Asian females. Findings are discussed in terms of cultural differences based on the doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism.

Sexual Health and Risk Behaviour among East Asian Adolescents in British Columbia.

Despite the large number of adolescents of East Asian origin in Canada, there is limited research on sexual health among this population. A first step to develop strategies for sexual health promotion for adolescents is to document the prevalence of sexual behaviours. This study thus estimated the prevalence of sexual health and risk behaviours among East Asian adolescents in grades 7 to 12, using the province-wide, school-based 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey (unweighted N = 4,311). Less than 10% of East Asian adolescents have ever had sexual intercourse. However, most of these sexually active adolescents have engaged in risky sexual behaviours, including multiple sexual partners and non-condom use at last intercourse. In particular, nearly half of sexually active girls reported not using a condom at last intercourse. Compared to immigrant students whose primary language at home was not English, immigrant and Canadian-born students speaking English at home were more likely to experience sexual intercourse. Among students who have never had sexual intercourse, two most common reasons for sexual abstinence were not feeling ready and waiting to meet the right person. Findings suggest the need for sexual health interventions tailored to gender and sociocultural contexts in which adolescents live.

Factor Structure of the Children’s Depression Inventory: Evidences from Asian Children and Adolescents

The main goal of this study was to investigate the factorial validity of the CDI utilizing both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for children and adolescents in Taiwan. In this study, the CDI was applied to 633 children (aged 9–12; 52 % male; 48 % female) and 774 adolescents (aged 13–15; 52.5 % male; 47.5 % female). The samples were randomly split into two subsamples. Sample 1 (313 children: 53.7 % boys and 46.3 % girls; 384 adolescents: 53.4 % boys and 46.6 % girls) was applied to principal axis analysis with promax oblique rotation. Additionally, the parallel analysis technique was used to determine the appropriate number of factors for extraction. In CFA, sample 2 (320 children: 50.3 % boys and 49.7 % girls; 390 adolescents: 51.5 % boys and 48.5 % girls) was applied to evaluate the fit indices for the established models which were derived from EFA as well as the previous studies. Results showed that the three-factor models demonstrated good fit indices for both child and adolescent samples. Also, one single second-order factor was found in both child and adolescent samples, suggesting that scoring mechanism of the CDI was justified. Finally, the similarities and differences on the factor structure of the CDI between children and adolescents were discussed.

Attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities: A comparison of young people from British South Asian and White British backgrounds

Research with South Asian families of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) suggests an increased fear of stigma and isolation from the community. Evidence on attitudes towards ID among the wider community is very limited and was the focus of the present study. Responses were collected from 737 college students aged 16-19 using the Community Living Attitudes Scale-ID version. Results indicated that British South Asians (n=355) were less in favour of the social inclusion of people with ID than White British young people (n=382). British South Asian adolescents were more likely to hold the view that people with ID should be sheltered and not empowered. It is proposed that future inclusion policies integrate ethnic minority views whose religious and cultural values do not always conform to the core values of social inclusion policies. It is also proposed that culturally specific school based interventions could be introduced with the aims of decreasing stigma and fostering attitudes in line with the aims of normalisation.

5. Gender, Acculturation, and Protective Factors in the Mental Health of Southeast Asian Adolescents in Western Canada

Sparse research has examined the mental health status of immigrant and visible minority youth, especially Southeast Asian youth in Canada. Even less research has considered the link between acculturation and mental health or the role of protective factors on the mental health of these youth. This study investigated gender and acculturation-related differences in mental health and identified protective factors that buffer against emotional distress among Southeast Asian youth in British Columbia.

Daily intragroup contact in diverse settings: implications for asian adolescents' ethnic identity.

This study examined the daily-level association between contact with same-ethnic others and ethnic private regard among 132 Asian adolescents (mean age=14years) attending four high schools ranging in ethnic composition diversity. The data suggest a positive daily-level association between contact with same-ethnic others and ethnic private regard for adolescents, who were highly identified with their ethnic group and who attended predominantly White or ethnically heterogeneous schools. In addition, using time lag analyses, contact with same-ethnic others yesterday was positively related to ethnic private regard today, but ethnic private regard yesterday was unrelated to contact with same-ethnic others today, suggesting that adolescents' identity is responsive to their environments. The implications of these findings for the development of ethnic identity are discussed.

Glucose metabolism in obese and lean adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

Data on glucose metabolism in Asian adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are limited. Glucose metabolism assessment using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in obese and lean Thai adolescents with PCOS, and a comparison between the two groups were done. Thirty-one patients (19 obese, 12 lean) were enrolled. Their median (range) age was 14.9 (11.0-21.0) years. Eighteen patients had abnormal glucose metabolism (13 hyperinsulinemia, 4 impaired glucose tolerance, and 1 diabetes). Compared between obese [median (range) BMI Z-score, 1.6 (1.2-2.6)] and lean [median (range) BMI Z-score, 0.1 (-1.4 to 0.6)] patients, the frequencies of each abnormal OGTT category, areas under the curves of glucose and insulin levels, and insulinogenic index were not different; however, insulin resistance was greater in the obese group. In conclusion, a high proportion of our adolescents with PCOS had abnormal glucose metabolism. Therefore, OGTT should be performed in adolescents with PCOS for the early detection of abnormal glucose metabolism.