Behavior In School-aged Children Research Articles

ROLE PLAY METHOD ON TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Indonesia is the country with the second highest incidence of TB in the world, and the incidence of treatment interruption has increased after Covid-19. School-age children are at high risk of contracting TB from AFB-positive adults who experience ineffective treatment in the community. This study aims to determine the effect of the role play method on TB transmission prevention behavior in school-age children in Baturaja. This study is a quantitative study using a quasi-experimental design with a control group with a pretest and posttest type. The sample size in this study was 43 students in each intervention and control group. The intervention provided was education with the role play method for 5 training sessions with a therapist in the intervention group, and conventional education in the control group. Data collection using a questionnaire on TB transmission prevention behavior to school-age children. The results of the statistical test obtained a significant increase in the behavior of students in the intervention group with a p value of 0.000 (p <0.05). The results of the study showed a significant effect on the respondents' TB prevention behavior after the role play intervention was carried out. The results of this study are expected to be applied as an alternative method of nursing education for school-age children in improving behavior to prevent TB transmission in the community.

Organizing physical education and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests

Introduction. The report of the latest study of the World Health Organization ‘Health Behavior in School-Aged Children’, aimed to gain an understanding of the adolescents’ health in Europe and North America, presents the results on the health and well-being of adolescents from 45 countries and regions; it revealed that only 19% of adolescents comply with recommendations regarding one-hour daily physical activity. The study aims to practically substantiate the organization of physical education and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests. Materials and methods. The experiment involved 78 students aged 10-17. The research was carried out at the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution ‘P.P. Balyuk Secondary School No. 56’ in Grozny, Chechen Republic (Russian Federation). From the students of 3 experimental groups (13 people each), educational and training groups were formed, which (in addition to the school PE program) attended sections at the school sports club. Methods of mathematical statistics were: arithmetic mean, Student's t-test. Research results. The experimental methodology was developed as programs of educational and training sessions for football, volleyball and basketball as the most popular and attractive sports for schoolchildren. Comparative analysis and mathematical processing of the experimental results showed statistically significant changes in the indicators of younger schoolchildren in agility (t=3; p <0.05), speed (t=5.9; p <0.05), strength (t=2.9; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=8.9; p <0.05), in middle school students in agility (t=10.2; p <0.05), speed (t=7.3; p <0.05), strength (t=4.9; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=9.4; p <0.05), and in high school students in agility (t=7.3; p <0.05), speed (t=7.3; p <0.05), strength (t=4.3; p <0.05) and flexibility (t=9.3; p <0.05). Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate the positive dynamics provided by the methodology of organizing PE and sports within the framework of a school sports club based on the trainees’ needs and interests. This proves the chosen method effective, namely, in increasing the scope of physical activity and developing the physical qualities of schoolchildren – the most reliable indicators of their involvement in PE and sports.

Mental health profiles of 15-year-old adolescents in the Nordic Countries from 2002 to 2022: person-oriented analyses

BackgroundStudies of time trends in Nordic adolescents' mental health have often relied on analyses of adolescents’ psychosomatic symptoms. In this study, we examine adolescents' self-reports on mental health in the context of the dual factor model, which encompasses both overt manifestations of mental health symptoms and subjective perception of one's health status.MethodThe objective of this study was to employ a person-oriented approach utilizing cluster analysis to discern time trends in mental health profiles of Nordic adolescents, using their psychosomatic complaints and their perception of their overall health as cluster variables. The resulting health profiles were then subjected to a comparative analysis with regard to different measures of psychological and social adjustment. The mental health profiles were based on data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, which was conducted among almost 50000 15-year-olds in five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) between 2002 and 2022.ResultsMental health profiles exhibiting comparable content were observed in all Nordic countries, including profiles indicating adequate health, perceived good health, perceived poor health, high psychosomatic complaints, and dual health problems (defined as both high psychosomatic complaints and perceived poor health). These health profiles showed similar trends over time in the Nordic countries. Significant gender differences were observed. In 2002, adequate health was the dominant profile for both sexes. After 20 years, however, the high psychosomatic profile became the most common profile among girls. Among the three risk profiles, namely perceived poor health, high psychosomatic complaints and dual health problems, adolescents in the dual problems profile had the most psychological and social adjustment problems.ConclusionsThe comparatively lower incidence of adjustment problems among adolescents in the high psychosomatic profile relative to the dual mental health group challenges the prevailing view that there has been a sharp increase in mental health problems among Nordic adolescents. This view was largely based on the observed rise in psychosomatic symptoms. Indeed, there was a doubling in the proportion of adolescents in the high psychosomatic complaints profile between 2002 and 2022. This increase was considerably more pronounced than that observed for the dual health problems profile which exhibited most problems.

Cross-National Study on the Convergent, Discriminant, and Concurrent Validity of the “Body Size Perception” Item in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey

BackgroundDespite its significant usefulness in adolescent health studies, the single-item “body size perception” question, developed within the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, has yet to undergo multidimensional validation. ObjectivesTo assess the convergent, divergent and concurrent validity of the HBSC body size perception question among adolescents. MethodsThe single-item HBSC body size perception question is as follows: “Do you think your body is…?,” with answers ranging from “much too thin” to “much too fat.” Fifteen-year-old participants included in the analysis were 72,086 from 45 HBSC countries in 2017/18 (concurrent validity), and 595, 127, and 615 in 2021/22 in French-speaking Belgium, Ireland, and Poland, respectively. The convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity was assessed with body dissatisfaction, social desirability, and selfesteem, respectively. The concurrent validity was also examined with body mass index (BMI) from the 2017/18 HBSC data. All analyses were sex-stratified. ResultsCohen’s Kappa values were 0.67 [confidence interval (CI): 95%: 0.62, 0.72] and 0.64 (0.59, 0.69) for boys and girls, respectively, in all 3 countries together. Body size perception was associated with social desirability, selfesteem, and BMI, with a stronger association in girls than that in boys. For instance, girls with higher social desirability were less likely to perceive themselves as “too thin” [Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 0.78 (0.69, 0.89)] rather than as the “right size.” Boys with higher selfesteem were less likely to perceive themselves as “too fat” [0.93 (0.90, 0.97)] rather than the “right size.” Girls with underweight were less likely to perceive themselves as “too fat” [0.38 (0.34, 043)] rather than “right size” and girls with overweight/obesity were more likely to perceive themselves as such [8.19 (7.49, 8.95)]. ConclusionsThe single-item HBSC body size perception question demonstrated good convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity. It reflects adolescents’ own perception of body size, possibly influenced by societal norms and ideals.

Penggunaan Media Audio Visual terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan tentang Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat pada Anak Usia Sekolah

This research aims to determine the effect of using audio-visual media on increasing knowledge about clean and healthy living behavior in school-aged children. The method used is a quantitative research method with an experimental research type of one-group prepost design. The research sample consisted of 59 respondents using purposive sampling technique. The results of this study show that knowledge is in the good category after being given the intervention with an n value of 30, which means that 30 respondents experienced an increase in knowledge. And the sufficient value is n 2, which means there are 2 respondents with insufficient knowledge even though they have been given the intervention, and there are 27 respondents whose knowledge remains good or sufficient after being given the intervention. Based on the statistical output test, a significant value of 0.000 was obtained. This means that H0 is rejected because the significant value is <0.05 and Ha is accepted. The conclusion of this research is that there is an influence of the use of audio-visual media in increasing knowledge about clean and healthy living behavior in school-aged children Keywords: School age children, audio visuals, clean and healthy living behavior

Case-control Study: The Effect of Exposure to Cigarette Advertisements on Smoking Behavior in School-Age Children in Batu

Case-control Study: The Effect of Exposure to Cigarette Advertisements on Smoking Behavior in School-Age Children in Batu

Adolescents perception of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and associated mental health and well-being: gender, age and socioeconomic differences in 22 countries

BackgroundThe COVID-19-pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of adolescents worldwide. This study examined the subjective perception of the COVID-19 pandemic measures and its association with mental health and well-being (i.e., loneliness, life satisfaction and multiple health complaints) among 13- and 15-years-old adolescents from 22 countries.MethodsData from the cross-national Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2021/22 study were used from representative samples of 22 countries (N = 67,544; 51.9% girls). The self-perceived impact of COVID-19 measure comprised 10 items asking about the impact on several dimensions of adolescent lives (e.g., relationships with family and friends, health, or eating behaviours). Measures of loneliness, multiple health complaints, and life satisfaction were included as indicators of mental health and well-being. A non-parametric multilevel latent class analysis considering individual and country-levels was conducted to identify classes of self-perceived impact of the COVID-19 measures. Multilevel logistic regression models adjusted by age and socioeconomic status were applied to assess the association between COVID-19 measure impact classes and mental health.ResultsThree classes were identified on individual level encompassing a neutral (51%), positive (31%), or negative (18%) perception of COVID-19 measures. A third of the adolescents reported a positive impact of the pandemic measures. The distribution of classes was heterogeneous within and across countries. Within the positive COVID-19 measure impact class, social relationships were the most important dimension, whereas mental health problems were mostly represented within the negative COVID-19 measure impact class. Girls with a negative perception of pandemic measures showed higher levels of loneliness and multiple health complaints and lower life satisfaction. 15-year-old adolescents and those with a low socioeconomic status reported higher levels of loneliness and lower life satisfaction.ConclusionsThe majority of adolescents perceived the pandemic measures as neutral or positive. Girls, 15-year-old adolescents, and those with low socioeconomic status were at higher risk of suffering from pandemic measures and associated problems of loneliness, multiple health complaints, and low life satisfaction. We conclude that adolescent’s mental health and well-being should be considered in the decision-making process by ensuring that the unique challenges of adolescents are adequately addressed in policies.

The effects of illicit drug use during pregnancy and parental hostility on problem behaviors in school-aged children over and above genetic influences.

Previous work has examined the impact of prenatal illicit drug use (PDU) on children's problem behaviors. However, many PDU-related risk factors, including genetic and rearing environmental risks, can also influence offspring's problem behaviors, thus confounding PDU, genetic, and rearing environmental influences. This study aimed to (a) identify effects of PDU on school-aged children's problem behaviors, including both externalizing and internalizing behaviors at Age 7, after controlling genetic and specific rearing environmental (e.g., maternal and paternal hostility at Ages 4.5 and 6) influences and (b) examine interaction effects between PDU and maternal and paternal hostility in predicting children's problem behaviors at Age 7. We used a parent-offspring adoption design to partition genetic and prenatal effects from postnatal rearing environmental influences. Participants were 561 children adopted at birth (42% female; 56% White, 19% multiracial, 13% Black/African American, 11% Latine, and 1% other), their adoptive parents, and their birth parents. Results indicate that PDU did not show a direct impact on Age 7 problem behaviors before or after controlling genetic risks and adoptive mother's and father's hostility. However, we found significant interactions between adoptive father's hostility and PDU when predicting children's problem behaviors, such that higher paternal hostility was associated with higher externalizing and internalizing behaviors for children whose birth mothers were non-use or rare use of illicit drugs during pregnancy. The results suggest that different from non- or rare drug-exposed children, higher levels of PDU may override the effects of paternal hostility, but not maternal hostility, on problem behaviors at Age 7. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceived Social Support and Health Care Spending as Moderators in the Association of Traditional Bullying Perpetration with Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimisation among Adolescents in 27 European Countries: A Multilevel Cross-National Study.

Existing research has documented the association between bullying perpetration and bullying victimisation. However, it is still unclear how different sources of social support moderate the association between bullying perpetration and bullying victimisation at a cross-national level. Using multilevel binary logistic regression models, this study examined the moderating role of public health care spending and perceived social support (i.e., family and teacher support) in the association between traditional bullying perpetration and victimisation by traditional bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents across 27 European countries. Country-level data were combined with 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey data from 162,792 adolescents (11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds) in 27 European countries. Results showed that adolescents who perpetrated traditional bullying had a higher likelihood of being victimised by traditional bullying and cyberbullying than adolescents who did not bully others. Results also indicated that the magnitude of the positive association between traditional bullying perpetration and victimisation by traditional bullying and cyberbullying was mitigated among adolescents with more family, teacher, and public health care support. These findings support the notion that multilayered systems of social support could play a vital role in bullying prevention and intervention strategies to address bullying among adolescents.

Impact of Digital Media, School Problems, and Lifestyle Factors on Youth Psychosomatic Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Post-pandemic psychosomatic complaints in children and adolescents have been underreported. This study investigated psychosomatic complaints in children and adolescents in Northern Italy in 2023, with the aim of identifying changes in predictors and vulnerable subgroups. Cross-sectional data representative of scholars from a northern Italian province were analyzed using the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) checklist. The sum scores, count data, and dichotomized data were examined, and predictor effects were expressed using a linear regression model for the sum scores. Data from 4525 participants (aged 7-19 years, 50.5% girls) were analyzed. Psychosomatic symptoms remained unchanged after the pandemic. Significant gender differences were noted, especially in older age groups, with girls reporting more complaints. Factors such as children's health, digital media use, and school problems significantly influence psychosomatic outcomes. While migration background negatively affected girls' psychosomatic well-being, boys showed improvement through sports. The psychosomatic well-being of children and adolescents did not improve after the pandemic. These findings indicate the need for targeted interventions, improved health literacy, and ongoing monitoring to support the mental well-being of this vulnerable population. Reducing screen time remains a critical strategy for enhancing youth well-being.

School pressure and psychosomatic complaints among Swedish adolescents: does physical activity play a buffering role?

School pressure is a significant stressor in the lives of adolescents, recognised to be associated with psychosomatic complaints. Therefore, the exploration of potential buffering factors is a relevant task. This study aimed to examine the association between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints and the potentially moderating role of physical activity in a Swedish national sample of adolescents. Data were derived from the 2017/2018 Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, involving 3,745 participants aged 11-15 years. School pressure and physical activity were measured using single items. Psychosomatic complaints were assessed through an additive index based on the frequency of eight complaints. Covariates included gender, grade, and family affluence. Linear regression analyses demonstrated a positive graded association between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints, while an inversely graded association was observed between physical activity and psychosomatic complaints. Physical activity did, however, not moderate the link between school pressure and psychosomatic complaints. Even though physical activity did not serve as a buffer, the direct effects of school pressure and physical activity on psychosomatic complaints suggest that supporting young people in managing school demands and promoting their engagement in physical activities could be effective measures in alleviating psychosomatic complaints.

Mental health and BMI in children and adolescents during one year in obesity treatment

BackgroundMental health plays a major role in children and adolescents with obesity. The aim of this study was (1) to compare mental health in children with obesity with the background population and (2) to investigate if mental health changed during one year in an obesity treatment program.MethodsData on self-reported mental health was collected in 107 children and adolescents (mean age 13.2 years) with obesity at first visit in an obesity treatment program and at one year follow-up (n = 47). Mental health was assessed by eight questions from the Danish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire: (1) self-rated health (2) life satisfaction (3) feeling low (4) body-image (5) loneliness (6) self-esteem (7) self-efficacy and (8) social competence. Data was compared to a reference population based on HBSC data. BMI-SDS was based on Danish reference values.ResultsChildren and adolescents with obesity had significantly higher odds of reporting negative body image and feeling low and lower odds of reporting high self-rated health and high self-esteem compared to a reference population. There was no difference between the groups regarding life-satisfaction, social competence, self-efficacy or feeling lonely. There were no significant changes in mental health from first visit to one-year follow-up.ConclusionOur findings highlight the mental health difficulties in children and adolescents with obesity, and the importance of addressing these issues in obesity treatment. The results also indicate that children with obesity have psychosocial resources that should be exploited in treatment protocols.

School socioeconomic status and psychological complaints among adolescents in 44 countries: The mediating role of schoolwork pressure and classmate support and the moderating role of family SES and country-level income inequality

Previous research has reported both positive and negative associations between school socioeconomic status (SES) and internalizing problems among adolescents. Little is known about cross-national differences in this association, as well as potential mediators and moderators. Therefore, this study investigated this association using representative cross-national samples of adolescents whilst exploring the mediating role of schoolwork pressure and classmate support, and the moderating role of family SES and country-level income inequality. Using data from adolescents aged 11–15 from 44 countries, participating in the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (N = 202,202), we employed multilevel regression models with cross-level interactions. School SES was operationalized as the average family affluence of adolescents within a school and psychological complaints (e.g., feeling low/depressed) were used as an indication of internalizing problems. On average across countries, adolescents in higher SES schools reported more psychological complaints, with a large effect size. However, differences in this association were observed across countries, with a positive association in 19 out of 44 countries, a negative association in one country, and nonsignificant associations in the remaining countries. Schoolwork pressure partially mediated the average association between school SES and psychological complaints, as school SES was positively associated with schoolwork pressure which was associated with more psychological complaints. Our results did not support the mediating role of classmate support. Also, we found a moderating effect of family SES, indicating a stronger positive association between school SES and psychological complaints for those with a below average family SES compared to those with an average and above average family SES. No moderating effect was observed for country-level income inequality. These findings suggest that adolescents with low family SES attending higher SES schools are especially at risk for psychological complaints, and may therefore require tailored support. A promising strategy to reduce psychological complaints entails addressing schoolwork pressure.

Overcoming Barriers: Trajectories for a School Environment That Promotes the Participation of Adolescents with Chronic Conditions

The characteristics of the school environment can influence students’ participation. Therefore, exploring the existing barriers to school participation and academic success of students with chronic conditions (CCs) is essential since they are a population at an increased risk for impairments and difficulties in these areas. This specific study aimed to explore the personal and school-environment variables associated with the school participation of students with CCs. Additionally, it aimed to analyze the differences between (1) male and female adolescents concerning the impact of CCs on school participation and the personal and school-environment variables; and (2) adolescents with and without school participation affected by the existing CCs regarding personal and school-environment variables. This work included 1442 adolescents with CCs, 56.3% female (n = 769), with a mean age of 15.17 years (SD = 2.33), participating in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2022 study. The results showed that girls and students with school participation affected by CCs are at greater risk regarding the personal and school-environment variables under study. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the association between these variables and the school participation of students with CCs, a greater weight of personal variables was observed, followed by those of the school environment related to interpersonal relationships and, finally, the physical environment and safety-at-school variables. The study highlights the relevance of considering the existing barriers to school participation and academic success of students with CCs. The results also underline the importance of aligning the intervention of health and education professionals and policymakers. All of these professionals must make a joint effort to overcome existing barriers in the school context and move towards an increasingly balanced environment that promotes and protects the equal participation of all students.

Variation in health and well-being parameters: cross-country and temporal aspects

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus epidemic has stimulated large-scale structural and socio-economic changes throughout the world and led to increased attention to the problem of health in general. But has the epidemic affected the change in the attitude of people of different ages to their health, the perception of various parameters of subjective well-being? The article presents a comparative analysis of a number of assessments (about the level of happiness, satisfaction with income, healthcare, safety, communication, life, attitude towards people, etc.) of respondents from Europe and Central Asia for the period 2006-2021.OBJECTIVE: The goal is to assess changes that have occurred over a 15-year time interval in relation to health and social determinants of well-being, to determine possible directions for changing the current situation.MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve this goal, the results of the tenth wave of the international comparative European Social Survey (ESS) 2021 (32 countries) were used in comparison with data from the third wave of the ESS 2006 (25 countries). The impact of the pandemic on the health of children and adolescents aged 11-15 years was based on materials from the international Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2021–2022 in 44 countries in Europe and Central Asia.RESULTS: Despite the difficulties, dictated by the coronavirus, over the period 2006-2021 in most European countries stability in the perception of the world of work and the healthcare institution has been maintained, the psychological situation related to the safety of living has improved, and life satisfaction has increased. According to most of the parameters considered, Russians are outsiders among European countries; however, Russians’ responses to seven indicators of health and well-being (out of 12) show positive changes. The results of studies of the health of children and adolescents during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods indicate significant negative consequences, mainly related to mental health.

The Effectiveness of Counseling Using Quartet Card Media on Brushing Behavior in School-Age Children

Background: The community's low incidence of excellent and proper brushing behavior, which is primarily displayed by children (about 2%), is increasing the prevalence of dental decay. By employing the playing strategy, specifically with four card media, which has its own appeal due to the intriguing pictures, one can improve brushing behavior, which is now inadequate. Research Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of quartet card media counseling on toothbrushing behavior in elementary school students. This research used quasi experimental with pretest and posttest control group design. The samples were collected using total sampling, and they were 110 respondents. The sample is split into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The data were collected using questionnaires for pretest and posttest. The data analysis used a Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test. Research Results: Tooth brushing behavior in elementary school students was 47.3% with good criteria, moderate 47.3%, and increased with good criteria 92.7%, while 7.3% following counseling. The experimental group's mean value was 14,36 compared to the control group's 12,64. The Wilcoxon test resulted in a p-value of 0.000, the Mann Whitney test obtained p=0.000. Conclusion: Counseling using quartet card media is effective in improving brushing behavior in elementary school children. Keyword : Effectiveness of counseling, quartet card media, brushing behavior.

Social media threats and health among adolescents: evidence from the health behaviour in school-aged children study

BackgroundSocial media are immensely popular among adolescents. Thus, concerns have been raised about the threats adolescents encounter on social media and the possible negative health consequences, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety. This study investigated the prevalence of nine social media threats: (1) cyberbullying, (2) sexual harassment, (3) racism, (4) unauthorized distribution of sensitive material, (5) phishing attempts, (6) misinformation, (7) the sale or distribution of drugs, (8) harmful or dangerous social media challenges, (9) content causing appearance pressures. The study also investigated how individual and social factors, problematic social media use (PSMU), and online communication with strangers are associated with social media threat exposure, as well as the association between social media threats and self-rated health, depressive feelings, and anxiety symptoms.Methods and findingsNationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) data from Finland were obtained from 2288 respondents aged 11, 13, and 15 years. Fixed effects regression models were applied. The most common threat, encountered daily and weekly, was misinformation. Regression models showed that individual and social factors, PSMU, and online communication with strangers explained adolescent exposure to social media threats in differing ways. Furthermore, certain factors (e.g., emotional intelligence, family support) were associated with encountering social media threats less frequently, whereas other factors (e.g., PSMU, online communication with strangers) were associated with more frequent encounters. Daily and weekly exposure to social media threats was systematically associated with poor self-rated health, frequent depressive feelings, and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsOur study highlights the need for intervention and health promotion efforts to mitigate adolescent exposure to social media threats and ensuing negative health consequences.

Is family meal frequency associated with obesity in children and adolescents? A cross-sectional study including 155 451 participants from 43 countries.

This study tried to examine the association between the frequency of family meals and excess weight using large and representative samples of children and adolescents from 43 countries. This cross-sectional study used data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), which included nationally representative samples of children and adolescents aged 10-17 years, involving a total of 155 451 participants (mean age = 13.6 years; standard deviation [SD] = 1.6; 51.4% girls). Family meal frequency was gauged through the following question: 'How frequently do you and your family typically share meals?' The possible responses were: 'never', 'less often', 'approximately once a week', 'most days' and 'every day'. The body weight and height of the participants were self-reported and utilized to calculate body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, BMI z-scores were computed based on the International Obesity Task Force criteria, and the prevalence of excess weight was defined as +1.31 SD for boys and + 1.24 SD for girls, with obesity defined as +2.29 SD for boys and + 2.19 SD for girls. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to examine the associations between the frequency of family meals and excess weight or obesity. The lowest predicted probabilities of having excess weight and obesity were observed for those participants who had family meals every day (excess weight: 34.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31.4%-37.5%; obesity: 10.8%, 95% CI 9.0%-13.0%). A higher frequency of family meals is associated with lower odds of having excess weight and obesity in children and adolescents.

The Social Self-Efficacy Scale for Spanish and Portuguese (13–18-Year-Olds) Adolescents: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance

Introduction: Social self-efficacy refers to peoples’ beliefs about their ability to establish effective social relationships. During adolescence, it has been related to positive social relationships, skills to cope with adverse experiences, and health. While prior research has focused on the general dimension of self-efficacy, this study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the subscale social self-efficacy in Spanish and Portuguese adolescents across gender, age, and country. Method: The sample, selected from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, was composed of 20,691 13–18-year-old adolescents from Spain and Portugal (48.2% boys and 51.8% girls). The scale’s reliability and internal and external validity were examined systemically across sex, age, and country, as well as testing measurement invariance according to these variables. Results: Data showed adequate evidence of reliability ( α = 0.85), as well as internal and external validity, thus demonstrating the scale’s stability and applicability in similar research contexts. Conclusions: Social self-efficacy fosters individual and social well-being in youth, as well as healthy and positive development. Use of this subscale in evaluation and intervention programs could further our understanding about different dimensions of adolescent development.

Associations of Eating Habits with Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction in Adolescents: A 42-Country Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to explore the associations of eating habits with self-rated health and life satisfaction in adolescents using a multiple-country sample. Cross-sectional data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2013/2014 wave was used in this study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables including breakfast on weekdays, breakfast at weekends, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, sweets, and soft dirks. Outcomes included self-rated health and life satisfaction. Regression models were used to assess the associations between the independent variables and the two outcomes, separately, after controlling for covariates. Results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of all the study participants (aged 11-15 years), 50.8% were girls. Compared with no consumption of breakfast on weekdays, eating breakfast for five days had 1.22 times greater likelihood for improved self-rated health (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.19-1.25, p < 0.001). Participants who ate breakfast for both days (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.36-1.46, p < 0.001) and one day (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08-1.17, p < 0.001) were more likely to experience improved self-rated health compared to never eating breakfast at weekends. Five or more days for fruit and vegetable consumption resulted in better self-rated health (all p < 0.001). Similar results were found in terms of the associations of breakfast, fruit, and vegetable consumption with life satisfaction. For example, a higher frequency of fruit intake was associated with enhanced self-rated health (e.g., OR for more than once daily = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.34-1.51, p < 0.001) compared to no fruit consumption. Similarly, a higher-frequency vegetable intake, such as more than once daily (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26-1.39, p < 0.001), was associated with improved self-rated health. Healthy eating habits, especially regular breakfast and a higher consumption of vegetables and fruit, are associated with better self-rated health and life satisfaction in school-aged children. Of note, the consumption of fruit would have the greatest impact on health and wellbeing outcomes. This study offers evidence that healthy eating habits can play a vital role in school-aged children's health and wellbeing, highlighting the practical significance of educating adolescents to develop healthy eating habits.