Experiences Of Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Cognitive Testing and Piloting of the Bangla Version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioning Among Adolescent Girls and Women With Disabilities in Selected Sub-districts of Bangladesh.

Introduction This study focuses on the cognitive testing and piloting of the Bangla version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningamong adolescent girls and women with disabilities in selected sub-districts of Bangladesh. The Washington Group on Disability Statistics developed the questionnaire as a tool to assess the functioning and disability status of individuals. The adaptation of this questionnaire to Bangla is crucial for capturing accurate data on the experiences of adolescent girls and women with disabilities in Bangladesh. Materials and methods The research employs a two-phase approach, starting with cognitive testing to ensure the linguistic and cultural relevance of the translated questionnaire. This phase involves engaging with a sample of the target population to assess the comprehension, clarity, and appropriateness of the questions. Subsequently, a pilot study was conducted in selected sub-districts to evaluate the feasibility and validity of the Bangla version of the Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningin real-world settings. Both of the tests were conducted in March 2023. Results There were different types of participants with different types of disabilities. Information processing, meaning, understanding the questions, thinking, and answering speed or time were different between groups, even though they were different from person to person.The initial assessments indicate strong consistency in responses. Participants demonstrated a favorable response rate, indicating potential effectiveness for broader implementation. Conclusion The current study aims to contribute to disability data collection methodologies, particularly in the context of adolescent girls and women in Bangladesh. The research seeks to empower policymakers, researchers, and advocacy groups with a robust instrument of disability screening. Researchers and clinicians may rely on our accurate and validated Washington Group Short Set Questionnaire on Functioningtranslation into Bangla when working with adolescent girls and women with disabilities.

Trend and factors associated with non-suppression of viral load among adolescents on ART in Tanzania: 2018-2021.

Tanzania is one of the countries with a high burden of HIV. It has an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV in 2021. Adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have worse treatment adherence, viral suppression, and mortality rates compared to adults. This study aim was to determine the trend of non-suppression among adolescents on ART in Tanzania from 2018 to 2021 and latest associated predictors. The study utilized data of adolescents (10-19 years) receiving ART in Tanzania mainland for the period of 2018-2021 from the National Care and Treatment Centers database. The primary outcome of interest was non-suppression of viral load, defined as a VL above 1,000 copies/ml. The study employed multivariable logistic regression models to identify factors associated with non-suppression of VL. STATA 15 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Records of 65,942 adolescents present in the CTC database Tanzania were analyzed. Approximately more than half were female 38,544 (58.5%). The proportion of non-suppression was 34.5%, 23.3%, 12.1%, and 9.7% for the years 2018-2021, respectively. After adjusting for other factors, adolescents with a history of poor adherence to ART in the last six months had higher odds of non-suppression (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.64, 2.31). Adolescents on second or third line ART regimens were almost two times more likely to be non-suppressed compared to those on first-line regimens (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 2.52, 3.23). Girls had lower odds of non-suppression compared to boys (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98), and similarly, patients attending hospitals had lower odds compared to those attending dispensaries (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.87). Being female, having good history of adherence over the last six months, and attending hospital level was significantly associated with lower levels of non-suppression, while being on second line ART or attending lower health facilities increased the odds of non-suppression. Efforts to enhance the quality and capacity of health services at lower-level facilities (dispensaries and health centers) should be prioritized, as well as promoting gender-sensitive approaches that take into account the unique needs and experiences of adolescent girls and boys are needed to improve VL suppression among this population.

Youth-friendly services was the magic: Experiences of adolescent girls and young women in the community PrEP study, South Africa.

Adherence to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been challenging for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). As part of The Community PrEP Study (CPS), AGYW were randomised to HIV-prevention empowerment counselling (intervention) or basic medication pick-up (control). In this qualitative sub-study, we interviewed AGYW participants (n = 39) to explore PrEP use and study experiences by study arm, and study staff (n = 7) to explore study implementation, site environment, and participant engagement. Data were thematically analysed using a constant comparison approach. Comparative matrices assessed similarities and differences in study experiences and PrEP support preferences. Friendly, non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing study staff were described as central to participant's positive experiences. Participants highly valued CPS staff's holistic health support (e.g. physical and psycho-social). Intervention participants described empowerment counselling as helpful in supporting PrEP disclosure. However, control participants also described disclosing PrEP use to trusted individuals. Participants and staff recommended public-sector PrEP services provide holistic, confidential, and integrated sexual and reproductive health services, and community sensitisation. An adolescent and youth-friendly environment was the primary factor motivating AGYW's study engagement. While HIV-prevention empowerment counselling was well received, welcoming, respectful and non-judgmental staff may be the 'secret sauce' for implementing effective PrEP services to AGYW.

“Since the market is closed, there is no more money, there is nothing we can do”: Voices of adolescent girls in Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone on poverty and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to widen inequalities and hamper the SDG commitments of gender equality and poverty reduction. In Africa, it is feared that the social consequences of the pandemic will undo the progress in gender equality achieved over the last two decades. Through in-depth qualitative telephone interviews with 37 adolescent girls in Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone this paper sheds light on the economic consequences of the pandemic on girls. Adolescent girls' experience of the pandemic is strongly mediated by their household configuration, resources and geographical context. Our data identifies three groups: i) sheltered from the economic impact of the pandemic, ii) coping or adjusting, and iii) severely affected. We also identify a fourth group of girls, found only in Burkina Faso, whose lives have been affected by conflict and who perceive the impact of the pandemic to be minor compared to enduring violence and trauma. Our analysis shows the unequal impact of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to contain it is likely to increase economic inequality, particularly in areas with longer-lasting restrictions, as coping mechanisms erode over time. Furthermore, the pandemic is likely to accelerate marriages and the end of schooling thus increasing gender inequality. Such effects are also mediated by resources girls have access to. We argue that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ideals requires innovative, appropriate and sustainable solutions with the combined effort of governments and the development community that respond to the lived experiences of adolescent girls. Finally, necessary attention to the consequences of the pandemic should not detract from addressing ongoing issues affecting adolescent girls, including poverty and conflict.

Lived experience of Adolescent Girls from Living in Pseudo-family

Introduction Every year, due to economic and social pressures, parents leave a large number of children in the community, which is the most common form of care for these children around the world, care and living in pseudo-family centers (boarding houses). The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of teenage girls living in pseudo-family centers (boarding houses). Method The method of the present study was descriptive phenomenology. Based on the sampling method focused on criteria and theoretical saturation criteria, 26 adolescent girls who had the experience of living in pseudo-family centers in 1399 (2020) participated in this study. Semi-structured interview method was used for data collection and Kolaizi’s seven-step method was used for data analysis. Findings Analysis of the information obtained from the interviews revealed eight main themes: negative emotions, psychological empowerment, attitude to life, lack of coping skills, mental preoccupations, needs, social anxiety, and orientation towards a successful future. Discussion The results of the present study showed that adolescent girls living in such centers, in addition to being psychologically empowered and oriented towards the future, were successful with challenges and issues, such as abandonment, depressed mood, behavioral problems and injuries, discharge and its problems, group life problems, fear of the future, social stigma and deficiencies such as lack of family and emotional deficiencies.

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Tuloni Biya and its impact on menstrual health: A qualitative exploration of the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Assam

AbstractMotivationThe status of menstrual health (MH) and hygiene management is very low in India due to a widespread culture of silence and secrecy regarding menstruation but, among the Hindu community in the north‐east state of Assam, the celebration of Tuloni Biya is a significant cultural event that openly celebrates a girl's menarche.PurposeAssuming that this cultural event is indicative of the openness of society towards menstruation, this study explores the cultural celebration of menarche and its various lesser‐known details. It aims to find out the role of this celebration of menarche on adolescent girls' MH preparedness.Methods and approachA qualitative approach is used. In‐depth interviews were conducted with well‐informed community members to gather information on the historical background of this cultural event; interviews with some adolescent girls from the community to learn about their experiences of menstrual management and the impact of Tuloni Biya.FindingsThe main purpose of celebrating Tuloni Biya among the Assamese Hindu community is to announce when a girl reaches puberty because the celebration of the power of fertility gives girls and women the social status of being fertile, which the community regards as worthy of respect. Notwithstanding the lack of silence and secrecy about menstruation, the social taboo and stigma still remain. Assam continues to perform poorly in relation to MH, and the cultural celebration of menarche in Assam does not appear to have any significantly positive impact in this regard.Policy implicationsTuloni Biya could be used as a development tool for bringing constructive changes in MH preparedness in the community, for instance, by celebrating Tuloni Biya (cultural customs and rituals) and the celebration of menstruation (MH education and literacy); through knowledge‐sharing sessions by teachers on the occasion of Tuloni Biya; arranging the gifts of kits for MH management from the Health Ministry of Assam on the occasion of Tuloni Biya; training of mothers by the public health system in how to use the opportunity of Tuloni Biya to equip their daughters with adequate information and guidance on MH.

The Therapeutic Aspects of Embroidery in Art Therapy from the Perspective of Adolescent Girls in a Post-Hospitalization Boarding School.

This phenomenological qualitative study explored the experiences of adolescent girls with emotional disorders from post-hospitalization boarding schools who embroidered in an art therapy open studio group. A Youth Participatory Action Research approach and the bioecological model were used to shed light on the therapeutic process of embroidery. Through a thematic analysis of the focus groups and interviews with 13 participants, we identified five themes specifically related to embroidery: (a) control versus release/freedom; (b) calmness that comes from the repetitive action and focus; (c) the experience of being exceptional versus conventional; (d) the "stitch through time" experience, which involves a dialogue with the past, present, and future through embroidery; and (e) the overt-latent layers of consciousness. The findings suggest that embroidery has therapeutic benefits for this population and supports psychological development. This study reveals that embroidery, whose threads are intricately embedded in society and culture, and may provide a unique and meaningful activity for young people in post-hospitalization boarding schools and enables a social and cultural exploration of self and community. Limitations of this study and recommendations for further research are also discussed.

Differences in Tic Severity Among Adolescent Girls and Boys with Tourette Syndrome During the Pandemic.

Limited data are available regarding the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on adolescents with Tourette syndrome (TS). We sought to compare sex differences in tic severity experienced by adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We extracted from the electronic health record and retrospectively reviewed Yale Global Tic Severity Scores (YGTSS) from adolescents (ages 13 through 17) with TS presenting to our clinic before (36 months) and during (24 months) the pandemic. A total of 373 unique adolescent patient encounters (prepandemic: 199; pandemic: 173) were identified. Compared with prepandemic, girls accounted for a significantly greater proportion of visits during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Prepandemic, tic severity did not differ between girls and boys. During the pandemic, compared with girls, boys had less clinically severe tics (p = 0.003). During the pandemic, older girls, but not boys, had less clinically severe tics (ρ =- 0.32, p = 0.003). These findings provide evidence that, regarding tic severity assessed with YGTSS, the experiences of adolescent girls and boys with TS have differed during the pandemic.

Protocol for intervention development to improve adolescent perinatal mental health in Kenya and Mozambique: The INSPIRE project

IntroductionMental health interventions have traditionally been developed by clinicians and researchers without the meaningful engagement and partnership with those who would receive, deliver, and fund them. Recent progress has highlighted the importance of the co-design of interventions, through stakeholder participation, as a means of increasing the integration of mental health interventions into existing health, education, and social care systems. This protocol describes the pre-implementation phase of the INSPIRE (Innovative approaches to adolescent perinatal wellbeing) project which aims to identify challenges, and design and test interventions to promote mental wellbeing and good mental health of adolescent girls during pregnancy and the year after birth with local stakeholders in Kenya and Mozambique. MethodsA participatory approach that blends human-centred design, systems thinking, and implementation science methods will be used to engage adolescents (aged 15–19 years), their families, and other stakeholders who can influence implementation efforts, in planning and preparing interventions. First, an understanding of context, barriers, and opportunities related to adolescent perinatal mental health will be elicited through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. This will be complemented by a scoping review of relevant interventions. The research team will identify contextual insights relating to adolescent and system characteristics, strengths, and challenges. These will be shared with and refined by stakeholders. Thematic analysis will be conducted to describe the experiences of adolescent girls, and barriers and enablers to maintaining good mental health. The former will be triangulated with the Context and Implementation of Complex Intervention (CICI) framework. Causal loop diagrams will be developed to illustrate the individual and system-level variables which influence adolescent perinatal mental health.Stakeholder workshops will be used to identify priorities, brainstorm potential interventions, develop a program theory, and prototype an intervention and implementation strategies. Intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility will be assessed, and a theory of change map finalized. ResultsTo date the study has recruited 169 participants to complete individual interviews, focus group discussions and observation activities. ConclusionsIt is anticipated that the use of a participatory and systematic approach to the development of an intervention to improve mental health, will improve its perceived appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility among key stakeholders. This may, in turn, significantly improve its availability, uptake, and sustainability.

Adolescent Girls’ Experiences Regarding Teenage Pregnancy in the Rural Villages of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Every year, 7.3 million girls become pregnant before they turn 18. Teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual health and well-being, which is a gender equality issue. Among the challenges of gender equality are those expectations that communities have about girls and early motherhood, sexual violence, and rape. Another challenge is the early marriages of children to older men coupled with the unique risks faced by these girls during pregnancy, for example, the interruption of their education, health risks, such as HIV, premature birth, and increased maternal mortality, denying the girls the right to live a healthy life. This study sought to explore the experiences of adolescent girls regarding teenage pregnancy in the rural villages of the Mopani District, Limpopo. A descriptive, explorative, and qualitative design was followed to collect data from 20 pregnant teenagers in a 13–19 years-old age group. A nonprobability purposive sampling method was used to select the participants from the three villages of the Mopani District. The data were collected using an in-depth individual interview. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were also applied. The study findings reveal several factors that explain the high rates of teenage pregnancy in rural Limpopo. Among these are the socioeconomic and cultural factors that predispose teens to pregnancy. The consequences of teenage pregnancy were expressed in terms of regret and ill health.

Daily Life of Adolescent Girls who Experienced Early Motherhood in the City of Kinshasa

The aim of our study was to understand the daily experience of adolescent girls in the Congo district who had experienced early childbearing in order to contribute to improving the sexual reproductive health of adolescent girls. This is a qualitative study approached in a phenomenological approach and it falls within the field of reproductive health. The method used for this study was the phenomenological survey and the free individual interview of 15 to 20 minutes. Our sample was 9 teenagers who had granted their availability to participate in the study. After reading our transcripts of interviews recorded with 9 respondents. Adolescent girls perceive early childbearing as an act of dishonor to family and society. Regarding the consequences of early childbearing, adolescents cited bad reputation in society, abandonment by the family and lack of support for the burden of pregnancy. In their experience as victims of early motherhood, these teenage girls used the following means to overcome difficulties: Courage and advice from people, as well as Resourcefulness and help from parents. As for the methods used by adolescents to prevent a new pregnancy, they resort to abstinence, respect for the menstrual cycle, and the use of condoms and implants. With regard to the expectation of adolescent girls who are victims of early childbearing, they seek moral and financial support from the parents and the hope of a marriage from the sexual partner.

Associations between Developing Sexuality and Mental Health in Heterosexual Adolescents: Evidence from Lower- and Middle-Income Countries—A Scoping Review

Background: During puberty and emerging sexuality, adolescents experience important physical, mental, and social transformations. In the process of dealing with these changes, adolescents can become potentially vulnerable to mental health problems. Aim: The aim is to identify and synthesize published research evidence on sexuality-related mental health stressors among adolescent girls and boys, identify gaps (if any) in the current knowledge, and contribute to the knowledge about the experiences of emerging sexuality and health among adolescents, to further inform research, practice, and policy initiatives in sexual health. Design: A scoping literature review of peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2021. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global health, ERIC, and Sociological Abstracts databases were searched for research studies that reported experiences of sexuality-related mental health issues and symptomatology of adolescents. We targeted studies conducted with adolescent populations between ages 10–19 years living in LMICs. Results: Data from 12 published research papers, including 8 qualitative studies, 3 quantitative studies, and 1 mixed method study, were systematically analyzed. Four major themes and four sub-themes were identified regarding the sexual and mental health of adolescents: (1) Relationship of sexuality and mental health; (2) Social and cultural influences; (3) Challenges in seeking sexuality information and services among adolescents; and (4) Educational needs among adolescents related to sexuality. Conclusions: Lack of social support, unmet needs for accessible adolescent-friendly sexual health services, counseling, and age-appropriate information may be associated with several mental health stressors and symptoms, such as sadness, depressive and anxiety symptomatology, regret, fear, embarrassment, low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and anger. Therefore, tackling sexuality-related stressors could play an important role in addressing the overall well-being of young people. Future studies need to generate a deeper understanding of the concept of sexual health and its relation to mental health in diverse contexts. Implications for Practice: Health care professionals need to be aware of sexuality-related experiences of adolescent girls and boys by offering effective youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health education to support overall mental health and improve the experiences of emerging sexuality in adolescents.

“If I wasn't a girl”: Experiences of adolescent girls with heavy menstrual bleeding and inherited bleeding disorders

BackgroundHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a presenting symptom of an inherited bleeding disorder (BD) and results in hospitalizations, limitations of daily activities, and a reduction in quality of life. Adult women with BD report a sense of stigma, difficulties understanding their bleeding, and challenges with diagnostic labels. The experiences of adolescents with HMB and BD are unknown despite advances in medical management through the rapidly growing network of young women's hematology programs. ObjectivesThe objective of our qualitative study was to describe the experiences of adolescents with HMB with a BD and the impact on their day‐to‐day lives. Patients/MethodsOur qualitative study utilized semistructured interviews with adolescents with HMB after a BD diagnosis. We included adolescents with a BD within a multidisciplinary Young Women's Bleeding Disorders Clinic who had achieved menarche within the preceding 3 years and conducted interviews until theme saturation. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative thematic descriptive analysis. ResultsWe identified the following themes in nine participants: anxiety and embarrassment, especially related to school; isolation and “otherness”; increased cautiousness and planning because of HMB and BD; and empowerment and identity formation because of the diagnosis of a BD. ConclusionsOur study uncovers previously unappreciated experiences of adolescents with HMB and a BD. HMB is an isolating and stressful experience in adolescents, but a BD diagnosis results in identity formation and empowerment. Psychological support and facilitating connections to others with similar life experiences soon after diagnosis represents key areas for targeted interventions.

Navigating Education in the Context of COVID-19 Lockdowns and School Closures: Challenges and Resilience Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa

Gender related vulnerabilities and inequalities place female learners at high risk of school disengagement due to COVID-19 disruptions. Understanding the impacts of school closures and educational disruptions on female learners in South Africa is critical to inform appropriate, gender-sensitive policies, and programs, to mitigate further exacerbation of educational inequalities. We examined the effects that COVID-19 and lockdowns have had on the educational experiences of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15–24, in six districts of South Africa characterized by high rates of HIV, teenage pregnancy and socio-economic hardship. Following a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods approach, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with 515 AGYW, and qualitative interviews with 50 AGYW. More than half of survey participants enrolled in education had been unable to continue with their studies. Factors associated with educational disruption included low socio-economic status, lack of cell phone access and household food insecurity. Qualitative narratives included challenges with online learning and studying at home in resource restricted settings, and insufficient support from schools and teachers. However, despite multiple barriers to continuing education, some AGYW demonstrated educational resilience, enabled by psychosocial and structural support, and resource access. Our findings lend support to an emerging evidence base showing that the closure of schools and tertiary institutions, combined with challenging home environments, and a lack of access to appropriate technology, has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable AGYW, exacerbating pre-existing educational inequalities within the South African education system. Addressing structural barriers to educational equity, particularly in the pandemic context, including access of technology and the internet, is urgent.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Provision to Adolescents in Edmonton: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Adolescents’ and Service Providers’ Experiences

The goal of adolescent sexual reproductive health (SRH) services is to provide information, education and healthcare to promote safe health practices and protect adolescents from negative health outcomes; however, access to timely, effective, and affordable SRH services by adolescents in Edmonton, Canada remains relatively unknown. Our study sought to understand the perspectives and experiences of adolescent girls and service providers in relation to availability, accessibility, and quality of SRH services available in Edmonton. The study objectives were to explore SRH services adolescents seek, uncover barriers in accessing SRH services and identify areas to improve accessibility. Qualitative description design was employed to conduct this study. Five service providers specializing in SRH, and eight females (ages 17–20 years) that access SRH services were recruited from the Alberta Health Services Birth Control Centre (BCC). Semi-structured interviews took place via Zoom. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVIVO software. Findings consisted of four primary themes: (1) views and current SRH practices; (2) barriers to accessibility; (3) the effects of COVID-19 on accessibility; (4) identified gaps in SRH care. The findings from our study support the development of knowledge translation strategies and make recommendations to improve the present quality of SRH services in Edmonton.

Peer support for adolescent girls living with scoliosis: finding a digital community

Introduction : Scoliosis in a condition where a curve develops in the spine. Adolescent girls affected by scoliosis are significantly more likely to require treatment such as bracing or surgery than their male counterparts. Curvy Girls is a peer support group for adolescent girls with scoliosis that allows them to engage with each other in a safe environment.&#x0D; Objectives : This study endeavours to explore the experiences of adolescent girls living with scoliosis who are Curvy Girls members and understand how this peer support group has affected their experience.&#x0D; Approach : Sixteen participants were recruited through a senior board member of Curvy Girls. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutic approach, a practice of uncovering insights from transformational conversation.&#x0D; Findings : We found that the participants’ sense of belonging to Curvy Girls did not depend on their level of involvement with the group. Whether they were leaders in their in-person local group, or simply following the organization on social media, seeing themselves represented allowed the participants to feel like they belonged to the group.&#x0D; Future Directions : These findings may help clinicians, healthcare professionals, and peer support organisations deepen their understanding of the perspectives of this specific population. This transformed understanding could lead to the instauration of care and services that are better adapted to this population’s needs, resulting in lessening the burden of the condition on the individual and their support system.&#x0D;

Knowledge and experiences of abortion among adolescent girls in Asia: a scoping review from 2010 to 2020

It has been estimated that 5.6 million abortions occur each year among adolescent girls aged 15 - 19 years, of which 3.9 million are unsafe. The situation in Asia is particularly complicated compared to other regions due to the distinction in socio-cultural characteristics. This study aimed to describe abortion knowledge and experiences of adolescent girls in Asian countries in the period 2010 - 2020. Among 22 included publications, 41% of the studies were conducted in South-East Asia. The percentage of girls lacked knowledge and had improper perceptions of abortion could be as high as 95.7%. Common reasons for abortion were health conditions and socio-economic pressures, such as poverty and the need to maintain social self-sufficiency. Medical and surgical abortion was common, and while many girls went to hospitals and legitimate health providers, some did it themselves or went to clandestine abortion. Physical complications included menstrual disorders, pain, fever, vaginal bleeding or even septic shock, while feeling guilty and stressed was flagged as emotional consequences. To improve the situation of teenage abortion in Asia, adolescents should be provided with adequate knowledge on abortion laws and care, parents should be more open to this issue and governments should consider permitting legal abortion among adolescents.

Living with Internet Addiction: Experience of Adolescent Girls during Learning from Home in COVID-19 Pandemic

&#x0D; Aims: In recent years, the internet has been seen as a positive tool that simplify various activities of human life. However, internet use is also seen as negatively impacting the lives of adolescents, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the life experiences of adolescent girls who became addicted to the internet while learning from home during the Covid 19 pandemic.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This was a qualitative phenomenology study was conducted in West Java Province, Indonesia. Total sample was 13 adolescent girls which obtained by purposive sampling technique. The inclusion criteria for this study were high school students from high schools; experienced moderate internet addition as evidenced by the result of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT); and able to communicate in Indonesian. Exclusion criteria was participants with communication problem and psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysis was performed using the Collaizzi approach.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Five themes were identified in this study: constant use of the internet due to boredom, bad mood, and curiosity; health issues due to internet use; easily influenced by internet contents; tend to forget learning materials and lazy to learn; and parental supervision.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Adolescent girls with internet addiction have a complex life as they are easily influenced by what they see on the internet. In addition, these girls also experience various health problems. The results of this study can provide information to the public and health workers about the importance of monitoring the use of the internet among adolescents. Controlling the use of the internet is still necessary for internet use and is good and in accordance with the needs and based on the development of adolescents.

Kicking goals: Exploring the experiences of girls who play Australian Rules football.

Increasing physical activity of adolescent girls is a key priority for health promotion, as their physical activity levels are generally lower than boys. This study aims to understand the experiences of adolescent girls who play Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) football and to explore girls' pathways to playing football. Understanding how AFLW and gender norms/stereotypes influence girls' experiences and self-perceptions was a key focus. A qualitative description design and purposive sampling were used. Six adolescent girls aged 11-17 that play football in urban Victoria, Australia participated. Short interview survey questions covering demographic and football pathway information were administered prior to online one-on-one interviews. Interviews lasted 30-45minutes. Questions were framed broadly, open-ended and non-directive (some using image prompts). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results cover four themes: (a) Self-perception-participants presented with positive self-perceptions, (b) Social support-a supportive team and exposure to women playing football, and family support/involvement, were encouraging factors in pathways to playing football, (c) AFLW role models-were positive influences on participants' experience and self-perceptions and (d) Influence of gender norms/stereotypes-participant self-perceptions displayed conforming and non-conforming features of gender norms/stereotypes. Participants reported exposure to sexist commentary about girls in sport through social media and peers but instead of being discouraged, most used it as motivation or empowerment, while others were dismissive. Findings suggest increased media coverage of AFLW players may be beneficial. Education programs/initiatives which i) involve AFLW role models and ii) encourage family friendly club environments and team bonding spaces are recommended. SO WHAT?: Findings indicate that adolescent girls can thrive in their football experience, which could increase feelings of empowerment and foster positive self-perceptions, contributing to overall health. Further research in this area is recommended to expand on and strengthen our study findings.