Behavior In Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Abstract P6-08-01: Perceptions of breast cancer risk, psychological adjustment and behaviors in adolescent girls at high-risk and population-risk for breast cancer

Abstract BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that many girls from breast cancer (BC) families are aware of their increased risk for BC. How this awareness impacts their psychosocial adjustment and health behaviors remains unknown. METHODS: 11–19 YO girls at high-risk (HR) or population-risk (PR) for BC completed self-administered quantitative surveys informed by the Self-Regulation Theory of Health Behavior. Girls with a first or second-degree relative with BC were classified as HR. For hypothesis testing, we used simple linear and logistic regressions. To account for correlation of responses within families, we used robust (cluster-corrected) standard errors or Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS: 47 PR and 89 HR girls have completed surveys. Age did not differ between groups (Mage = 15.6; SD=2.4). 30% of HR girls have a mother with BC. 67% of HR girls vs. 30% of PR girls reported self-perceived risk for adult BC to be “higher than other girls my age,” (p = <0.01, Table 1). Perceived risk was associated with an increasing number of first and second-degree relatives with BC (p = 0.002) and older age (p = 0.01). There was no evidence that the relationship between perceived risk and age was moderated by risk status (p = 0.740 for interaction terms). The majority of both HR and PR girls reported that there are things women and girls their age can do to prevent BC. (table 1) Perceived controllability of BC did not differ significantly by age or risk status. HR girls reported higher general anxiety (p = 0.07), but not depression than PR girls. HR girls more frequently reported tobacco use than PR girls (p = 0.05). HR girls also reported greater alcohol use, more frequent performance of self-breast exams and less frequent physical activity than PR girls, although these differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Girls from BC families are more likely to perceive themselves to be at increased risk for BC, to experience more general anxiety, and to have engaged more frequently in risk behaviors, particularly tobacco use. The majority of girls perceive BC to be preventable both for women in general and for themselves, suggesting a potential “teachable moment” among adolescents that might be sustainable across the lifespan. Further research evaluating knowledge and perceptions of breast cancer risk throughout adolescent development and differences among subgroups could inform strategies to optimize adolescent psychosocial responses to hereditary cancer risk and promote preventive health behaviors among both HR and PR girls. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-01.

The unique and additive associations of family functioning and parenting practices with disordered eating behaviors in diverse adolescents

To examine the unique and additive associations of family functioning and parenting practices with adolescent disordered eating behaviors (i.e., dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors, binge eating). Data from EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens) 2010, a population-based study assessing eating and activity among racially/ethnically and socio-economically diverse adolescents (n=2,793; mean age=14.4, SD=2.0; age range=11-19) was used. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between adolescent dieting and disordered eating behaviors and family functioning and parenting variables, including interactions. All analyses controlled for demographics and body mass index. Higher family functioning, parent connection, and parental knowledge about child's whereabouts (e.g. who child is with, what they are doing, where they are at) were significantly associated with lower odds of engaging in dieting and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents, while parent psychological control was associated with greater odds of engaging in dieting and disordered eating behaviors. Although the majority of interactions were non-significant, parental psychological control moderated the protective relationship between family functioning and disordered eating behaviors in adolescent girls. Clinicians and health care providers may want to discuss the importance of balancing specific parenting behaviors, such as increasing parent knowledge about child whereabouts while decreasing psychological control in order to enhance the protective relationship between family functioning and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents.

Reducing Sexual Risk Behavior in Adolescent Girls: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Teenage girls in low-income urban settings are at an elevated risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sexual risk-reduction (SRR) intervention, supplemented with postintervention booster sessions, targeting low-income, urban, sexually active teenage girls. Randomized controlled trial in which sexually active urban adolescent girls (n = 738) recruited in a midsize northeastern U.S. city were randomized to a theory-based SRR intervention or to a structurally equivalent health promotion control group. Assessments and behavioral data were collected using audio computer-assisted self-interview at baseline, then at 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention. Both interventions included four small-group sessions and two booster sessions. Relative to girls in the control group, girls receiving the SRR intervention were more likely to be sexually abstinent; if sexually active, they showed decreases in (a) total episodes of vaginal sex at all follow-ups, (b) number of unprotected vaginal sex acts at 3 and 12 months, and (c) total number of sex partners at 6 months. Medical record audits for girls recruited from a clinical setting (n = 322) documented a 50% reduction in positive pregnancy tests at 12 months. Theory-based behavioral interventions tailored to adolescent girls can help to reduce sexual risk and may also reduce unintended pregnancies. Although sexually active at enrollment, many of the girls receiving the intervention were more likely to practice secondary abstinence. Continued refinement of SRR interventions for girls is needed to ensure they are feasible, appealing, and effective.

Human papillomavirus vaccination and sexual behaviour: Cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys conducted in England

ObjectiveTo examine whether HPV vaccination influences sexual behaviour in adolescent girls, either by giving them a ‘green light’ to have sex, or because perceived protection afforded by the vaccine permits compensatory risky sexual behaviour. DesignCross-sectional and longitudinal surveys. SettingSeven English schools. Main outcome measuresSelf-reported sexual behaviour. ParticipantsThe cross-sectional survey included 1053 girls (mean age 17.1 years) who had (n=433 recruited in March 2010) or had not (n=620 recruited in March 2009) been offered the HPV vaccine. The longitudinal survey included 407 girls (mean age 17.5 years) who had been offered HPV vaccination and had either received at least one dose (n=148) or had not received any doses (n=259). ResultsIn the cross-sectional survey, the group of girls who had been offered the HPV vaccine were no more likely to be sexually active than the group of girls who had not been offered the HPV vaccine. In the longitudinal survey, the vaccinated group were no more likely to have changed their condom use or increased their total number of sexual partners than the unvaccinated group. ConclusionsNeither being offered the HPV vaccine nor receiving it affected sexual behaviour.

107. Does Father's Presence in the Home Mitigate Sexual Risk Behaviors of Adolescent Girls?

107. Does Father's Presence in the Home Mitigate Sexual Risk Behaviors of Adolescent Girls?

Treatment seeking behaviour of rural adolescent girls-a community based cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: The transition from childhood to adulthood occurs during adolescence period which is characterized by major biological changes like physical growth, sexual maturation and psycho-social development. During this phase of growth the girls first experience menstruation and related problems which is marked by feelings of anxiety and eagerness to know about this natural phenomenon. Present study was undertaken to determine health status of adolescent girls by studying morbidity patterns amongst them and to know treatment seeking behaviour of adolescent girls. Methods: This one year community based cross-sectional study was done at village Peeranwadi, PHC Kinaye, Belgaum. Four Hundred (400) adolescent girls were selected randomly from each block. Study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Information on socio-demographic variables, history regarding illness one month prior and treatment seeking behavior were recorded. Haemoglobin estimation was done by cyanmethaemoglobin method. Results: Majority (82.25%) had age between 10 to 14 years and mean age of study population was 12.9±2.06 years and 98.5% were literates. Of 400 adolescent girls, 51% had attained menarche. The mean height, weight and BMI was less among 10 to 14 years compared to 15 to 19 years (p=0.000). In this study 15 (3.75%) were married and of them 60% were pregnant and all had registered for antenatal care. Most common morbidity reported in last one month was GI infections (14.75%), fever (12.75%) and dysmenorrhoea (12%). Prevalence of anaemia was 75% and 49.75% had mild, 20.75% had moderate and 4.5% had severe anaemia. 61.25% had taken treatment of which 74.69% visited health facility for treatment, 19.21% took home remedy and 6.12% did not take any treatment. The place of treatment was decided by themselves in 20.81% whereas 78.78% family members were decision makers. Conclusion and interpretation: In this study almost 75% of the girls were anaemic. Their status of anaemia is likely to worsen during pregnancy leading to complications including post partum haemorrhage. Although their literacy status and health seeking behaviour was on the better side, it needs to be still improved.

A Qualitative Examination of Factors Related to the Decrease in Physical Activity Behavior in Adolescent Girls During the Transition From Primary to Secondary School

Quantitative research has suggested that the decline in physical activity levels for adolescent girls is most marked during the transition from primary school to secondary school yet understanding the contributing factors for this decline may be advanced through qualitative research methods to gain an individual perspective of the girls' school transition experience. This study explored factors related to the decrease in physical activity behavior in 14 adolescent girls (mean age = 13.6 ± 0.3 years) during the transition between primary and secondary school through the use of narrative interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings suggested that a change in the environment was central to understanding the decline in physical activity levels since primary school. During secondary school, a positive environment can be created by ensuring a choice of activities in Physical Education lessons; allowing a girls-only environment, to reduce the focus on competence and competition, and recognizing the importance of social support. These could enhance self-perceptions, reduce self-presentational concerns, increase enjoyment, and subsequently reduce the decrease in physical activity behavior during this key transitional period.

A PRELIMINARY TRIAL EXPLORING PERFUME PREFERENCES IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS

ABSTRACTDespite the growing interest in the psychological influence of fragrance, researchers have not fully examined the role of fragrance in adolescence. Fragrances often become incorporated in daily routines and social interactions for the first time during this period of enormous physiological and psychosocial change. The current study served as a preliminary trial to explore preferred fragrances in the social world of adolescent girls. Twenty‐seven adolescents wore their favorite perfume or an alternative fragrance on two separate days during two different weeks. We found that participants rated the alternative fragrance as less pleasant than their favorite fragrance. The alternative fragrance did not directly affect social behavior. Instead, reduced perceived pleasantness of the alternative fragrance compared with the favorite fragrance was associated with reduced reported social enjoyment in questionnaires and with reduced use of words indicating intimacy in narratives. Associative models and implications for future studies are considered.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFragrances surround our daily experiences and may affect our perception of the environment through effects on social behavior. Social behavior acquires a particularly important resonance during adolescent development, yet to date, it is unclear what role the olfactory environment, including the perception of fragrances, may play in adolescent experience. Given that adolescence is a time of enormous change biologically, cognitively and socially, fragrance use may interact with such developments. The current study served as a preliminary trial to explore how disrupting the olfactory environment would be associated with changes in questionnaires and narratives examining social behavior in adolescent girls. Our findings suggest that researchers should consider the integration of fragrance in adolescents' social experiences.

Predicting Osteoporosis Prevention Behaviors: Health Beliefs and Knowledge

To investigate whether the expanded Health Belief Model (EHBM) could predict calcium intake and physical activity in adolescent girls. Participants self-reported calcium intake, physical activity, and osteoporosis health beliefs. Regression analysis examined the relationship between these beliefs and behaviors. Calcium self-efficacy, calcium barriers, and osteoporosis knowledge predicted calcium intake, whereas exercise self-efficacy and health motivation predicted physical activity. The EHBM appears to be useful in predicting osteoporosis prevention behaviors in adolescent girls. Interventions should focus on identifying barriers to calcium consumption and physical activity and increasing beliefs in the ability overcome them.

Gender differences in sexual risk behaviour among adolescents in Catalonia, Spain

Objective To analyze the factors associated with sexual risk behavior in adolescent girls and boys in order to plan future school health interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study with two-stage cluster sampling that included 97 schools and 9,340 students aged between 14 and 16 years old was carried out in 2005-2006 in Catalonia (Spain). For the survey, a self-administered paper-based questionnaire was used. The questionnaire contained items on sociodemographic variables, use of addictive substances and mood states, among other items. These variables were tested as risk factors for unsafe sexual behavior. Results This study included 4,653 boys and 4,687 girls with a mean age of 15 years. A total of 38.7% of students had had sexual relations at least once and 82.3% of boys and 63.0% of girls were engaged in sexual risk behaviors. The prevalence of sexual relations and risk behaviors was generally higher in boys than in girls, independently of the variables analyzed. Boys had more sexual partners ( P < .001) and used condoms as a contraceptive method less frequently than girls ( P < .001). Foreign origin was related to unsafe sexual activity in both genders. Alcohol consumption was also a risk factor in boys. Conclusions Sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Catalonia are higher in boys than in girls. Factors related to unsafe sexual activity in boys were foreign origin and alcohol consumption. In girls only foreign origin was a significant risk factor.

Influence of Mass Media on Body Image and Eating Disordered Attitudes and Behaviors in Females: A Review of Effects and Processes

This article reviews research on the effects of television and magazines on body image and on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in females. Evidence from different types of studies in the fields of eating disorders, media psychology, health psychology, and mass communication indicates that mass media are an extremely important source of information and reinforcement in relation to the nature of the thin beauty ideal, its importance, and how to attain it. Although considerable research remains to be done, evidence is accumulating that repeated exposure to media and to both direct and indirect (via media's effects on peers, parents, coaches, physicians, etc.) pressures from media to be thin constitute risk factors for body dissatisfaction, concerns over weight and disordered eating behaviors in adolescent girls and young women. To guide further research, as well as the prevention and treatment of disordered eating, we present a figural summary of media effects that integrates moderating and mediating factors such as internalization of the thin beauty ideal, social comparison, and activation of the thinness schema. We argue that risk factor research, prevention, and treatment will benefit from systematic research designed to clarify how the impact of various mass media is shaped by source and receiver/perceiver factors.

Internalizing Behavior in Adolescent Girls Affects Parental Emotional Overinvolvement: A Cross-lagged Twin Study

The aim of this study was to examine the direction and the etiology of the association between different parenting styles (parental emotional overinvolvement [EOI] and parental criticism) and internalizing behavior from adolescence to early adulthood. A longitudinal genetically informative cross-lagged design was applied to a population-based sample of Swedish twins contacted at age 16-17 (n=2369) and at age 19-20 (n=1705). Sex-limitation modelling revealed different effects for boys and girls. For girls, genetic influences on internalizing problems at age 16-17 independently explained 2.7% of the heritability in parental EOI at age 19-20. These results suggest that emotionally overinvolved and self-sacrificing parental behavior stems in part from daughters (but not sons) genetic predisposition for internalizing behavior. These findings highlight the importance of genetically influenced child-driven effects underlying the parenting-internalizing association, and clarify that the role of such effects may differ depending on sex, type of parenting and developmental period.

The Relationship between Social-Cultural Influence for Appearance and Problematic Eating Behaviors in Adolescent Girls: Mediating Model of Body Comparisons and Cognitive Distortions

The Relationship between Social-Cultural Influence for Appearance and Problematic Eating Behaviors in Adolescent Girls: Mediating Model of Body Comparisons and Cognitive Distortions

Unhealthy weight control behaviours in adolescent girls: a process model based on self-determination theory

This study used self-determination theory (Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). The ‘what’ and ‘why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227–268.) to examine predictors of body image concerns and unhealthy weight control behaviours in a sample of 350 Greek adolescent girls. A process model was tested which proposed that perceptions of parental autonomy support and two life goals (health and image) would predict adolescents’ degree of satisfaction of their basic psychological needs. In turn, psychological need satisfaction was hypothesised to negatively predict body image concerns (i.e. drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction) and, indirectly, unhealthy weight control behaviours. The predictions of the model were largely supported indicating that parental autonomy support and adaptive life goals can indirectly impact upon the extent to which female adolescents engage in unhealthy weight control behaviours via facilitating the latter's psychological need satisfaction.

Family Weight Talk and Dieting: How Much Do They Matter for Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescent Girls?

To learn about parent weight talk, parent dieting, and family weight-teasing in the homes of adolescent girls at risk for obesity and weight-related problems. To examine associations between these family variables and girls' weight status, body satisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors. Data were collected at baseline from girls participating in a school-based intervention to prevent weight-related problems. Participants included 356 adolescent girls from 12 high schools. The girls' mean age was 15.8 years; 46% were overweight or obese; and more than 75% were racial/ethnic minorities. A high percentage of girls reported parent weight talk (i.e., comments about one's own weight and encouragement of daughter to diet), parent dieting, and family weight-teasing. For example, 45% of the girls reported that their mothers encouraged them to diet and 58% reported weight-teasing by family members. Weight-teasing was strongly associated with higher body mass index, body dissatisfaction, unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors, and binge eating with loss of control in the girls. Parent weight talk, particularly by mothers, was associated with many disordered eating behaviors. Mother dieting was associated with girls' unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors. In no instances were family weight talk and dieting variables associated with better outcomes in the girls. Parent weight-related comments and dieting behaviors, and family weight-teasing, may contribute to disordered eating behaviors in adolescent girls. Health care providers can help parents provide a supportive home environment by discouraging weight-based comments, which may be intended to be helpful, but can have unintentional harmful consequences.

Partner Age Discordance, Sexual Relationship Power, and HIV Risk Behavior in Adolescent Girls

Partner Age Discordance, Sexual Relationship Power, and HIV Risk Behavior in Adolescent Girls

Prediction of Physical Activity Intention and Behavior in a Longitudinal Sample of Adolescent Girls

The purpose of the present study was to investigate a theory of planned behavior model for the prediction of physical activity in adolescent girls using a 1-yr. longitudinal design. A secondary purpose was to examine the moderating influence of intention stability and past behavior on intention-behavior relationships. Participants were 236 12- to 13-year-old adolescent girls who completed measures of the theory of planned behavior and physical activity participation (3-Day Physical Activity Recall) across a 1-yr. interval. The standard theoretical variables predicted intentions, as intention, past behavior, and perceived behavioral control predicted behavior. The temporal stability of intentions and past behavior moderated relationships between intention and behavior. An autoregressive path model showed that intention and perceived behavioral control predicted changes in physical activity and physical activity predicted changes in intention, affective attitude, and perceived behavioral control. This study supports the use of the theory of planned behavior in gaining an understanding of the physical activity intention and behavior of adolescent girls.

Self‐reported history of overweight and its relationship to disordered eating in adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes

Increased body weight and disordered eating attitudes/behaviours are common in adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Disordered eating increases risks for diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to identify a rapid screening approach for disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in adolescent girls with T1D and to examine the relationship between disordered eating and body weight in this population. Ninety adolescent girls, aged 12-19 years, provided a self-assessment of weight status. Participants also completed questionnaires to assess attitudes/behaviours toward food and eating, appetitive responsiveness to the food environment, disinhibition in eating and weight history. Forty-three per cent of participants reported a history of overweight. Compared with participants who reported never being overweight, those who reported ever being overweight were significantly older, scored significantly higher on all measures of disordered eating attitudes/behaviours (P < or = 0.009) and were 4.8 times more likely to be currently overweight or obese (P < 0.001). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) was similar between those who did and did not report ever being overweight. Because of the ill-health effects of disordered eating and the higher rate of overweight in adolescent girls with T1D, effective screening tools are warranted. The single question 'Have you ever been overweight?' may be sufficient as a first question to screen for those at high risk for disordered eating attitudes/behaviours and to provide early intervention and prevention.

Improvement in quality-of-life questionnaire measures in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with lifestyle changes and oral contraceptives, with or without metformin

We studied the effect of metformin or placebo in a lifestyle modification program combined with oral contraceptives (OC) on quality-of-life parameters measured by the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) questionnaire in obese adolescent women with validated PCOS. The quality-of-life indicators were measured at baseline and conclusion for five domains on the PCOS questionnaire, with equal improvement in scores in both placebo and metformin groups, suggesting that the addition of metformin does not add improvement to quality-of-life measures above those observed with lifestyle modification and OC treatment.

Influence of Methylphenidate Treatment on Smoking Behavior in Adolescent Girls With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Borderline Personality Disorders

Cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence are prevalent among pediatric populations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We assessed the impact of methylphenidate (MPH)treatment on the smoking behavior of adolescent girls with ADHD/borderline personality disorder (BPD). Twelve female adolescent smokers with ADHD/BPD aged 14to 19 years were treated with MPH for an 8-week period. The severity ofADHD was assessed by the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), whereas the smoking behavior was rated by Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence(FTND). Significant improvement was detected in ADHD symptoms(ADHD-RS, mean [SD], baseline vs end point: 33.1 [6.8] vs 19.9 [6.8],t = 6.875, df = 11, P = 0.0001). A decline, as assessed by FTND (baseline vs end point: 4.1 [2.6] vs 2.0 [1.9], t = 4.056, df = 11, P = 0.0019), was observed in the severity of nicotine dependence. No significant correlation was found between changes in the ADHD-RS and the FTND after MPH treatment (r = 0.09935, P = 0.7587). Methylphenidate may attenuate smoking behavior in female adolescent smokers with ADHD/BPD.