Adolescent Behavior Research Articles

The role of CRHR1 and FKBP5 genes in juvenile delinquency among children aged between 12 and 18 years: a case–control study

ABSTRACT Juvenile delinquency, where young people engage in criminal behavior, is a serious concern for society due to high arrest rates among minors. Delinquent behavior is a serious concern due to its devastating effect on the well-being of society. The relationship between genetics and violent behavior is complex and not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the correlation between specific genetic traits, particularly CRHR1 and FKBP5 genes, and sociodemographic characteristics in the context of their age, gender, socioeconomic status, and crime history of delinquent behavior in adolescents. The study was designed as a single-center hospital-based case–control study involving 45 adolescents for each study group: control and those showing delinquent behavior, case group. Findings revealed an abnormal CRHR1 expression in male teenagers is a strong indicator and presents the risk for violent and delinquent behavior. Understanding specific genetic markers, like abnormal CRHR1 expression, helps target assessments and interventions. Additionally, recognizing sociodemographic factors associated with delinquency allows for a more comprehensive approach, considering the various influences on adolescent behavior. This study provides important insights to address and reduce the complex issue of juvenile delinquency.

Built for movement: Neighborhoods and adolescent physical activity behaviors, and the moderating role of socioeconomic position and gender

This study examined whether the built environment was associated with physical activity among adolescents in Oslo, Norway, and the role of socioeconomic position and gender as potential moderators of this association. We used data from 897 adolescents who participated in the TACKLE cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Built environment features (recreational facilities, parks, forest, public transport, traffic calming devices, and schools) were assessed objectively using Geographical Information Systems. Physical activity data included device-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and self-reported active transportation to school. Using general linear models and logistic regression, we found that most built environment features were unrelated to the participants’ device-measured physical activity. Longer distances to school and to traffic calming devices were associated with decreased likelihood of participants reporting active transportation to school. Our moderated regression analysis showed that adolescents with low socioeconomic backgrounds seemed less affected by longer distances to school compared with their high socioeconomic counterparts. Furthermore, boys appeared to be more sensitive to traffic safety relative to girls. Implementing traffic calming devices may enhance active transportation to school and improve traffic safety for Norwegian adolescents.

The realities of adolescent sexual behaviours in Nigeria: a narrative review

The realities of adolescent sexual behaviours in Nigeria: a narrative review

Transtheoretical model to predict the stages of changes in smoking cessation behavior among adolescents.

Previous studies on adolescent smoking cessation behavior based on the transtheoretical model have primarily focused on the development of cessation programs. Attempting to quit smoking is a prerequisite for executing smoking cessation. Appropriate methods must be selected based on the characteristics and intentions of individuals to increase smokers' satisfaction and success rates in quitting. Therefore, this study aimed to identify changing processes influencing the stages of change associated with successful smoking cessation among adolescents and examined the related factors. This descriptive study explored a transtheoretical model of different stages of changes in smoking cessation behavior among adolescent smokers. The participants included 237 middle and high school students in South Korea. We examined the differences in stages of changes in smoking cessation behaviors based on general characteristics, smoking-related characteristics, smoking cessation change processes (cognitive and behavioral), smoking decisional balance (pros and cons of smoking), and self-efficacy. The probability of reaching the preparation stage of smoking cessation was significantly lower among participants who did not know their father's educational level than among those who knew their father's educational level. Conversely, this probability was significantly higher among participants whose mothers had a college or higher education level and those who did not know their mother's educational level than in those whose mothers had a high school or lower education level. These findings indicated that parental education is a significant predictor of the preparation stage of smoking cessation, highlighting the importance of the family environment in facilitating smoking cessation among adolescents. Accordingly, communication and support at home could help reinforce adolescents' determination to quit smoking and make relevant plans. Thus, smoking cessation support should stress the need to enhance communication at home.

Adolescent Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviours: Simultaneous Effects of Self-control, Attitudes of Parents and Teachers

This study investigates the complex relationships between parental attitudes, teacher attitudes, and self-control and their associations with prosocial and antisocial behaviour among adolescents in Bali, Indonesia. The research utilises a correlational research design with structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis to examine the relationships among variables comprehensively. A sample of 260 high school students aged 14 to 16 in Bali, Indonesia, was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique with 104 male and 156 female. The standard deviation of age is 0.49. Data were collected using adapted instruments to measure prosocial behaviour, antisocial behaviour, parents’ attitudes, teachers’ attitudes, and self-control. The study found positive correlations between parental attitudes, teacher attitudes, self-control, and prosocial behaviour and negative correlations with antisocial behaviour. The SEM analysis produced a predictive model for adolescent prosocial and antisocial behaviour, demonstrating strong compatibility with the model. The results indicated that parents’ attitudes, teachers’ attitudes, and self-control contributed significantly to prosocial behaviour among adolescents. However, while teachers’ attitudes and self-control were significantly related to antisocial behaviour, no significant relationship was found between parents’ attitudes and antisocial behaviour. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of parent-child relationships and highlight the potential for fostering positive behavioural outcomes. The study’s contribution lies in its focus on multiple dimensions of relationships and its exploration of the impact of parental difficulties. Ultimately, this research deepens the understanding of prosocial and antisocial behaviour and its underlying mechanisms, shedding new light on the field of prosocial.

YENİYETMƏLƏRİN ASUDƏ VAXTININ SƏMƏRƏLİ TƏŞKİLİ VƏ FƏAL HƏYAT TƏRZİNİN FORMALAŞMASINDA KÜTLƏVİ-SAĞLAMLIQ İDMAN NÖVLƏRİNİN ROLU

The Role of Mass Health Sports in the Effective Organization of Leisure and Formation of an Active Lifestyle of Youth Summary The topic that we have chosen for research is one of the most pressing problems of our time. The level of spiritual development of our society represents an urgent task to strengthen the highest and purest moral principles and norms in the consciousness and behavior of adolescents. One of the most important tasks of parents, teachers and coaches is effectively organize the lifestyle and free time of teenagers, and not instill in them bad habits. A more important issue is the formation of an active lifestyle in adolescents by organizing their free time in ways that interest them. As a result of a survey conducted among teenagers, it turned out that sports rank first as one of the main means of effectively organizing free time. Key words: teenager, free time, active lifestyle, sports, mass recreational sports, volitional and spiritual qualities

Does perceived caregiver HIV stigma and depression increase adolescent neuro-behavioral difficulties? A mediation analysis in the Asenze Cohort.

People living with HIV (PLWH) often experience HIV related stigma that is, in turn, associated with several negative health outcomes including depression, harmful drinking, and intimate partner violence. Despite knowledge of these proximal impacts of HIV stigma on PLWH, less is known about the impact that Caregivers living with HIV's perception of stigma has on the health and behavior of adolescents in their care. Utilizing data from adolescents and their primary caregivers from the population-based Asenze cohort study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we conducted a path analysis to determine if caregiver depression [operationalized as mental health functioning] is a mediator of the hypothesized association between caregiver HIV stigma and adolescent neurodevelopmental behavior including internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Results suggest good model fit and a statistically significant relationship between caregiver HIV stigma and caregiver mental health functioning. However, neither the direct nor indirect (including potential mediator caregiver mental health functioning) effect of HIV stigma on adolescent behavioral difficulties was statistically significant. This paper builds on previous research demonstrating the relationship between HIV stigma and depression, highlighting the need for continued study of underlying mechanisms that impact the stigma and health of PLWH and others important to them such as their children.

Level 1 autism spectrum disorder as a risk factor for suicide in a child: case report

Introduction: Suicidal behavior is one in which the individual has thoughts, plans, and actions with the intention of ending their own life. This is a global public health problem. Recently, autism spectrum disorders have begun to be considered risk factor for suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Method: Case report. Case presentation: A 12-year-old boy who made a suicide attempt, was admitted to the emergency department at Centro Psíquico da Adolescência e Infância. After a period of irregular treatment, this child made a suicide attempt. As an inpatient, autism spectrum disorder with comorbid depressive disorder was diagnosed after longitudinal and systematic assessments of multidisciplinary team. Treatment was performed according to clinical issues. Discussion: This patient had a form of autism spectrum disorder on which core aspects were not so evident. In this child, there was an overlap between depressive symptoms and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Despite social isolation being present, this patient proved capable to disguising his condition using techniques of social and behavioral imitation and camouflage with the aim of adapting to social environment. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of longitudinal evaluation and multidisciplinary assessment to differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It also opens a window for further investigations of a possible association between autism spectrum disorders and suicidal behavior in youth.

Supplemental Material for Identifying Factors Impacting Missingness Within Smartphone-Based Research: Implications for Intensive Longitudinal Studies of Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Supplemental Material for Identifying Factors Impacting Missingness Within Smartphone-Based Research: Implications for Intensive Longitudinal Studies of Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Adolescent health-risk behaviours in Uruguay: Patterns from national cross-sectional school surveys conducted in 2006, 2012 and 2019.

There are no trend studies on various health risk behaviours among adolescents in Uruguay. Therefore, this study looked at trends in a number of health-risky behaviours among adolescents in Uruguay from three separate surveys. Data from 9272 adolescents (age range: 11-16 years), who took part in three cross-sectional national in-school surveys in Uruguay in 2006, 2012 and 2019 were analysed. A self-administered survey was used to evaluate 24 health risk behaviours. By using logistic regression analyses to treat the study year as a categorical variable and adjusting food insecurity and age, linear trends were examined. We found a significant increase in the prevalence of being overweight, having obesity, inadequate fruit intake, sedentary behaviour in leisure-time, physical inactivity, bullying victimisation, loneliness, suicidal ideation, and sexual activity. We found a significant decrease in current cigarette use, physical fighting and current alcohol use. Among males, a significant increase of non-condom use, and a decrease in current other tobacco use (other than cigarettes), being physically attacked and the number of sexual partners. Among females, we found an increase in food insecurity, trouble from alcohol use, multiple sexual partners, and sleep problems. Overall, from 2006 to 2019, there was a decrease in seven health risk behaviours among boys and/or girls. Among boys, there was an increase in 10 health risk behaviours and among girls, 15 health risk behaviours increased, highlighting adolescent girls' greater vulnerability, thereby perpetuating further gendered health inequalities. In Uruguay, school health programmes for adolescents are recommended.

Association between negative life events and suicidal behavior in adolescents: roles of core self-evaluation, depression and gender.

Negative life events are essential proximal factors that may induce suicidal behavior in adolescents, but the mechanisms connecting this link remain to further explored. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between negative life events (NLEs) and adolescents' suicidal behavior, and the roles of core self-evaluation, depression and gender playing between them. Using the whole-group sampling approach, 5296 Chinese adolescents (51.5% males, Meanage = 12.93) took part in this cross-sectional study in September 2021 and completed a battery of surveys including NLEs, suicidal behavior, CSE (core self-evaluation) and depression. Logistic regression and latent structural equation models were used to test the direct and indirect effects between NLEs and suicide behavior with multi-group path analysis, gender differences in this serial mediating effect were also tested. After controlling for age and gender, NLEs were directly associated with adolescents' suicidal behavior. CSE and depression played significant serial mediating effects in this relationship. Moreover, significant gender differences were obtained in these serial mediating pathways, with stronger effects in girls. Integrating the environmental, individual cognitive and emotional factors, our findings would be helpful in understanding the mechanism of these antecedents on adolescents' suicide behavior, which has specific practical significance for preventing and reducing suicidal behavior.

The Influence of Financial Literacy And Lifestyle on Consumptive Behavior in Adolescents

This study aims to determine the effect of Financial Literacy and Lifestyle on Consumptive Behavior in adolescents in Nganjuk Regency. In this study using quantitative methods with data collection techniques obtained from distributing questionnaires with google form and processed using SPSS 22. The sample used amounted to 100 teenage respondents in Nganjuk Regency using the Solvin formula. The sample collection technique used Purposive Random Sampling. This research instrument test is a validity and reliability test. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis which is an analysis that tests the effect of two or more independent variables to determine their effect on one dependent variable. Hypothesis testing includes t test, F test, and coefficient of determination (R2). The results of this study indicate that financial literacy has no significant effect on consumptive behavior in adolescents in Nganjuk Regency, lifestyle has a significant effect on consumptive behavior in adolescents in Nganjuk Regency, and simultaneously financial literacy and lifestyle have a significant effect on consumptive behavior in adolescents in Nganjuk Regency.

Hubungan Teman Sebaya dan Religiusitas dengan Perilaku Seksual Beresiko pada Remaja

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between peers and religiosity with risky sexual behavior in adolescents. The research design is a cross sectional study with simple random sampling technique. This research was carried out at the Al-Kautsar Muhammadiyah Sarilamak Modern Islamic Boarding School. The sample consisted of 70 people, data collection in this study was by questionnaire, data analysis was univariate and bivariate analysis. The research that has been carried out shows that there is a significant relationship between peers and religiosity and risky sexual behavior. This means that there is a significant relationship between peers and religiosity and risky sexual behavior in adolescents. The greater the influence of peers and religiosity, the less risky sexual behavior tends to be in adolescents.

Penerapan Pendekatan Kelompok dalam Konseling Remaja: Evaluasi terhadap Perubahan Perilaku

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of applying a group approach in counseling adolescents to address changes in their behavior. The research method used was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design to measure behavior changes before and after the group counseling intervention. The research sample consisted of 30 adolescents randomly selected from several high schools in city X using probability sampling methods. The group counseling intervention was conducted over 8 sessions, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Counseling topics included emotional control, communication skills, stress management, and confidence building. Data collection instruments included validated and reliable questionnaires, as well as direct observation by facilitators. Data obtained from the pre-tests and post-tests were analyzed using paired t-tests to determine if there were significant changes in adolescent behavior before and after the intervention. The data analysis results indicated significant positive changes in adolescent behavior after participating in group counseling. These changes included improvements in emotional control, better communication skills, more effective stress management, and increased self-confidence. Additionally, adolescents showed a more positive attitude toward themselves and their social environment.

Adolescent Mental Health and Suicidal Behaviors in the Context of Expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility

PurposeFood insecurity is a risk factor for poor mental health and suicidal behaviors among adolescents. Prior research shows that states with policies that expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility have a lower prevalence of food insecurity. The primary aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of feelings of sadness or hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents in states that had the asset test eliminated and the income limit increased for SNAP eligibility to adolescents in states that did not have either policy. MethodsUsing 2013-2021 data from state Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (N = 855,119) and the SNAP Policy Database, we conducted log-binomial regression with generalized estimating equations and adjusted for confounders. ResultsThe prevalence of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness was similar among adolescents in states that had the asset test eliminated only and among adolescents in states that had both the asset test eliminated and the income limit increased (i.e., both policies) compared to adolescents in states that did not have either policy. While the prevalence of suicidal thoughts was similar among adolescents in states that had the asset test eliminated only compared to adolescents in states that did not have either policy, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts (prevalence ratio = 0.91, 95% CI 0.88, 0.94) and suicide attempts (prevalence ratio = 0.82, 95% CI 0.78, 0.86) was lower among adolescents in states that had both policies compared to adolescents in states that did not have either policy. DiscussionStates with policies that expand SNAP eligibility have a lower prevalence of suicidal behaviors among adolescents.

Post Covid Effect on the Nutritional Status, Academic Interest and Psycho-Social Behaviors among College Students

The COVID-19 epidemic has eclipsed global development activities. Global political, financial, and technical resources have been mobilised to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic’s impact will be long-lasting, affecting all aspects of human life and impeding all developmental endeavours, including the ambitious and aspirational Sustainable Development Goals. Good nutrition is an essential criterion for adolescent health, productivity, and functional efficiency. The present study was to investigate the impact of covid 19 to young people’s health and nutritional state, academic interest, and psychosocial behaviour. This is a cross-sectional study in which 100 adolescents aged 18 to 21 years were assessed for anthropometry, nutritional profile, and perceived stress using relevant scales. The findings demonstrated an association between good nutritional status and psychosocial behaviour in adolescents. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on adolescents’ dietary status, academic interest, and psychosocial behaviour. This study provides novel ideas for future policies and intervention programmes.

Cumulative Sociodemographic Risk as a Predictor of Adolescent Antisocial Behaviour

Sociodemographic disadvantage has pervasive effects on a broad range of youth outcomes, including greater likelihood of involvement in delinquent and criminal behaviours. Sociodemographic vulnerabilities rarely exist in isolation however, and research suggests that the cumulative impact of these risks exacerbates their effects. Most research examining cumulative disadvantage combines sociodemographic risk factors with more proximal variables related to individual characteristics, family functioning, social interactions and so on, disallowing exploration of the processes through which sociodemographic disadvantage operates. This paper proposes a framework for conceptualising and assessing cumulative sociodemographic risk (CSR) during adolescence using a summed index that consists only of sociodemographic risk factors known to influence antisocial involvement. Results showed that antisocial behaviours increased in line with levels of CSR. CSR was a significant predictor of adolescent antisocial behaviour in a regression model that controlled for the sociodemographic risk factors of which the index is made up, demonstrating the compounded impact of multiple simultaneous sociodemographic adversities. Findings highlight the need to recognise the effects of cumulative sociodemographic disadvantage, further explore the mechanisms through which it operates, and consider strategies for reducing its impact on outcomes such as antisocial behaviour for young people.

Studying Mothers' Knowledge and Perceptions of Adolescent Reproductive Health

Correction of: https://wmmjournal.org/index.php/wmm/article/view/142 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36749/wmm.4.1.8-16.2024 Background: Reproductive health education is obtaining information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships, and intimacy. Mothers are the primary caregivers and have an essential role in providing reproductive health and sexual education to adolescents. Parents' lack of reproductive health education triggers deviation; therefore, parents, especially mothers, can provide comprehensive reproductive health education to prevent free sexual behaviour and sexual crimes in adolescents. Purpose: To measure the knowledge and perception of mothers about adolescent reproductive health Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive design. The study involved 135 respondents who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Analysis using descriptive, T-test and Pearson correlation. Results: More than 50% of respondents answered that adolescents' reproductive health education should be parents' responsibility and education should begin during elementary school. There was a correlation between mothers' knowledge and perception of adolescent reproductive health (r=0.44, p<0.001). Most mothers were afraid of providing sex education due to their ignorance of teaching methods and their lack of knowledge, and mothers wanted to learn about adolescent reproductive health from experts. Conclusion: Mothers want to learn more about sex education from experts or health workers. They were interested in male/female sexual structure and sexual physiology. Open communication between mother and child on sex-related issues is essential. Providing accurate and up-to-date sex education information to parents is vital to effectively educating their children at home.

Reproductive Behavior of Adolescent Girls: Analysis of Risk Factors, Prospects of Prevention and Education

INTRODUCTION: Caring of reproductive health of children and adolescents in the society, especially of adolescent girls as a group most vulnerable to risks in the reproductive sphere, continues to be of high importance. The studies confirm that education and awareness about reproductive health can reduce the probability of problems occurring. The existing legal regulations emphasize the importance of providing accurate and timely information of reproductive health. AIM: Scientific justification of the strategy of forming safe reproductive behavior of adolescent girls on the basis of the peculiarities of their current reproductive behavior taking into account the opinion of specialists in the fields of education and healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the peculiarities of reproductive behavior of adolescent girls, an anonymous questionnaire survey of 400 adolescent girls was conducted. To determine the expectations of the participants of the sex education process, as well as the main directions of preventive work and education, a survey of 400 parents of adolescent girls, 86 pediatricians, 34 obstetricians-gynecologists and 420 teachers was conducted. For all groups of participants, author’s questionnaires were developed. RESULTS: The reproductive behavior of adolescent girls living in the territory of the Novosibirsk region, is characterized by early start of sex life (15.90 ± 0.14 years), promiscuity (1.70 ± 1.10 partners), refusal to use effective means of contraception. Parents of adolescent girls emphasize the leading role of the family in sex education, suggesting participation of doctors and teachers in the process, but remain dissatisfied with the intensity of preventive measures. A similar problem is emphasized by specialists in the healthcare and education systems who indicate the possibility of conducting preventive work with adolescent girls remotely. In the opinion of pediatricians and obstetricians-gynecologists, providing preventive information on the reproductive health and behavior, will not only create safe reproductive behavior for modern adolescents, but is also an effective strategy of improving the system of reproductive health protection. CONCLUSION: The study identified features of the reproductive behavior of adolescent girls that characterize it as risky. The results emphasize the need for an integrated approach to assessing and maintaining the health of adolescent girls, and also focus attention on the importance of educational work in this age group. The study serves as a basis for further preventive strategies in the field of reproductive health and education.

Physical Activity Behaviors of Female Adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has one of the highest childhood obesity rates worldwide. The primary factor associated with the high prevalence of obesity among adolescents is a lack of physical activity (PA). Compared to male adolescents, very few Saudi female adolescents meet the World Health Organization recommendation of achieving 60 min of moderate to vigorous PA per day, putting them at a higher risk of overweight and obesity. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between the theory of planned behavior and psychosocial factors, including attitude toward PA, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), PA intention, and self-reported PA among Saudi female adolescents. A convenience sample of 329 Saudi female adolescents was recruited from all-female public intermediate and high schools in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using online self-administered questionnaires. The theoretical model was examined using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed a higher prevalence of overweight compared to obesity among participants. About half the participants were from families with a medium monthly income. The mean PA score indicated a low level of PA. The model demonstrated significant explanatory power for both PA intention and PA behavior, respectively. The strongest predictor of adolescents' intention was attitude, followed PBC.Moreover, the female adolescents' attitudes and PBC had significant indirect effects on self-reported PA through intention, while intention had a direct effect on PA. The model did not support a direct or indirect relationship between subjective norms and PA. The findings provide essential support for targeting attitude and perceived behavior control of female adolescents in order to enhance their PA intention. This theoretical understanding can help design effective theory-based interventions that promote PA among Saudi female adolescents.