Female Adolescents Research Articles

Association of Cognitive Symptoms and Abnormal Oculomotor Signs With Recovery in Adolescents After Sport-Related Concussion.

Sport-related concussion (SRC) affects cognitive and oculomotor function. We evaluated recovery from SRC in athletes with cognitive symptoms and/or oculomotor impairments who were prescribed early aerobic exercise treatment. Secondary exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Outpatient sports medicine clinics. Male and female adolescents (13-18 years) within 10 days of SRC who were prescribed aerobic exercise and who reported either a low (<12 points) or high (≥12 points) burden of cognitive symptom scores on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory at initial assessment. Early aerobic exercise treatment. Recovery time and incidence of persisting postconcussive symptoms beyond 1 month. Adolescents with a high burden of cognitive symptoms (n = 24, 16.0 ± 1.3 years old, 50% male, 5.3 ± 2.4 days since injury) took longer to recover (34.4 ± 37.1 vs 15.3 ± 7.6 days) than adolescents with a low burden (n = 32, 14.9 ± 1.4 years old, 69% male, 6.1 ± 2.3 days since injury) and had 6-fold higher odds of developing persisting postconcussive symptoms (odds ratio = 6.17 [1.15-33.15]). Abnormal repetitive saccades and vestibular ocular reflex were independently associated with longer recovery after controlling for multiple comparisons (P < 0.0125), but only abnormal smooth pursuits were a significant effect modifier for the association between cognitive symptoms and recovery (interaction term hazard ratio = 0.133 [0.035-0.504], P = 0.003). Individuals with impaired ability to smoothly track a moving target and whose cognitive symptoms are a significant burden are at substantial risk for delayed recovery from SRC. Early initiation of oculomotor rehabilitation may facilitate recovery in these patients. Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02959216.

Review Article: New Definitions of the Female Adolescent Hero in YA Speculative Fiction

In lieu of an abstract:In 2023, we saw the publication of three new and important contributions to the feminist study of YA speculative fiction: Melanie A. Marotta’s African American Adolescent Female Heroes: The Twenty-First-Century Young Adult Neo-Slave Narrative (University Press of Mississippi); Leah Phillips’ Female Heroes in Young Adult Fantasy Fiction: Reframing Myths of Adolescent Girlhood (Bloomsbury), and Cristina Santos’ Untaming Girlhood: Storytelling Female Adolescence (Routledge). Each of these works expands the theoretical reach of feminism in innovative and provocative directions.

Cash transfers and voting among young women in Malawi

ABSTRACT We investigate the effects of cash transfer programs on adolescent females’ likelihood to vote in Malawi using data from a randomized control experiment. We find that cash transfers reduce adolescent females’ likelihood to vote. Our finding is consistent with existing evidence, which indicates an inverse relationship between income and voting in developing democracies. We also find suggestive evidence that cash transfers reduce the likelihood of voting through an income effect. By increasing the income of recipients, cash transfers could reduce the marginal utility of immediate financial gains that individuals might obtain from voting (in the form of vote buying) in developing democracies. In doing so, they might lower the incentive to participate in voting.

Correction: Slimani et al. Effects of Acute Long-Versus Short-Interval High-Intensity Interval Training on Attention and Psychological States in a Sample of Male and Female Adolescents: A Pilot Study. Life 2023, 13, 1846

Addition of an Author [...]

Compensatory Strategies in Adolescent Females with a Restrictive Eating Disorder and Later Diagnosed Autism: A Qualitative Study of Patient Records

Compensatory Strategies in Adolescent Females with a Restrictive Eating Disorder and Later Diagnosed Autism: A Qualitative Study of Patient Records

Adolescent choices and caregiver roles: Understanding individual and interpersonal influences on sexual decision-making in South Africa.

South African adolescents are at-risk for HIV infection due to engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours. Understanding the factors influencing sexual decision-making is crucial for developing effective HIV prevention strategies. We conducted a qualitative study with adolescents and caregivers in Rustenburg, South Africa to explore individual and interpersonal factors that influence adolescent sexual decision-making. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in English and Setswana with 17 adolescents (13 females and 4 males) and 19 caregivers (17 females and 2 males) between April and July 2018. Thematic analysis revealed that while adolescents had access to sexual education from various sources, this knowledge did not translate into healthy sexual decision-making. Lack of effective communication and support between caregivers and adolescents in discussing sexual behaviours are a contributing barrier. Although adolescents expressed a strong need to be understood and supported by caregivers regarding sexual behaviours, there was perceived distrust, judgemental attitude from caregivers, poor role models of a father figure, and the traditional taboo nature of having these discussions with caregivers. While female adolescents and female caregivers discussed sexual matters, this type of communication was limited with adolescent males. Male adolescents were uncomfortable communicating with either caregiver, fearing caregiver judgemental attitudes and being misunderstood. Female caregivers perceived male caregiver roles to be absent and non-engaging. Caregivers desired to support their children, yet they seemed to doubt their skills. Communication tools and guidance on how adolescents and caregivers could communicate about sexual matters could create enabling environments for adolescents to make informed, healthy decisions regarding their sexual behaviours. Further, future interventions could consider gain-framed messaging to address adolescents translating knowledge of sexual behaviours to making healthy sexual choices. Improving equitable male caregiver role at home, is of particular importance in supporting adolescent sexual decision-making, and should be prioritized.

EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK DAUN SIRIH MERAH TERHADAP JUMLAH KOLONI BAKTERI PADA REMAJA PEREMPUAN YANG MENGALAMI KEPUTIHAN

Leukorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a common issue faced by adolescent girls during puberty. The Indonesian Adolescent Reproductive Health Survey reports that 31.8% of young women experience this condition, indicating their increased vulnerability to vaginal infections. Bacterial growth is a primary cause of leukorrhea, particularly in adolescent girls whose thin vaginal mucosa provides a favorable environment for bacterial proliferation, resulting in excessive fluid production and discomfort. Red betel leaf extract, containing natural antiseptics and antibiotics, offers an effective treatment for leukorrhea. The research sought to examine how extract from Piper crocatum (red betel leaf) impacts the growth of bacteria responsible for leukorrhea in young female adolescents. The research employed the Total Plate Count method to measure aerobic bacterial colony numbers in the participants' leukorrhea samples The research employed a quasi-experimental methodology, utilizing a single group pre-post test design and sequential sampling. Results demonstrated a notable impact of red betel leaf extract on the quantity of bacterial colonies in teenage girls. The statistical evaluation produced a p-value below 0.05 (specifically, 0.02), validating the extract's effectiveness. The research concludes that red betel leaf extract, a readily available natural remedy, can serve as an effective therapy to reduce bacterial colonies responsible for leukorrhea in adolescent girls. This herbal treatment's accessibility makes it a practical option for community use.

Gender Dynamics in Video Game Use: usage patterns, parental control, motivations, and effects in spanish adolescents

Introduction: Video game usage among adolescents has become a focal area of study due to its impact on development and social behaviors. Gender differences in gaming engagement and parental control raise questions about tailored intervention needs. Objective: This study aimed to examine video game usage patterns, motivations, parental controls, and problematic use among Spanish adolescents aged 12-20, while exploring gender-specific differences to identify potential areas for targeted interventions. Methodology: A sample of 2567 Spanish adolescents (M=14.89; SD=1.90) participated in a survey-based study assessing gaming habits, parental control, motivations for gaming, and indicators of problematic use. Results: The findings revealed significant gender differences: male adolescents reported higher gaming involvement, spending more time and money on video games, and engaged more in online gambling, which correlated with increased problem gambling rates. In contrast, female adolescents reported experiencing greater parental control and supervision regarding their gaming activities. Discussion: These findings align with previous studies suggesting that male adolescents are more likely to engage heavily in gaming and gambling behaviors, while females are subject to more parental oversight. Such gender-specific patterns suggest different motivations and social dynamics in gaming among adolescents. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for gender-responsive strategies to promote healthy gaming habits among adolescents. Interventions should consider these distinct patterns to effectively mitigate potential risks associated with excessive or problematic gaming behaviors, emphasizing a balanced approach tailored to the unique needs of male and female gamers.

Evaluation of Average Post-menarche Height Growth and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Adolescents experience rapid height growth during puberty, which eventually slows down and ceases due to epiphyseal senescence. Menarche marks the final stage of puberty and often raises concerns about the cessation of height growth. Objectives: This study aims to examine post-menarche height growth and identify the factors associated with it. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included adolescent females who visited pediatric endocrinology clinics in Hamadan between 2001 and 2018 and had a minimum follow-up period of three years. Data extracted from patients' medical records included demographic details, birth weight, birth order, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and stages of thelarche and pubarche. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: The medical records of 91 girls were evaluated. The mean age of menarche was 11.93 ± 1.27 years. On average, the participants grew 7.98 ± 3.47 cm in height within three years after menarche. The study revealed a significant inverse correlation between post-menarche height growth and both the age at menarche and height at the onset of menarche. No correlation between height growth and other variables was observed. Conclusions: Post-menarche height growth was negatively correlated with height and age at menarche. However, there is limited research on post-menarche height growth in Iranian girls, highlighting the need for further studies.

HUBUNGAN FREKUENSI MAKAN DAN POLA TIDUR DENGAN KEJADIAN ANEMIA PADA REMAJA PUTRI DI SMP NEGERI 2 LABUAPI TAHUN 2024

Adolescents are individuals within the age range of 10 to 18 years. Anemia is a common condition frequently observed during this stage of development. Several factors influence hemoglobin levels, including eating frequency and sleep patterns. This study aims to examine the relationship between eating frequency and sleep patterns with anemia on female adolescents at SMP Negeri 2 Labuapi in 2024. This study employs a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consists of female adolescents in grade VII at SMP Negeri 2 Labuapi. A purposive sampling technique was utilized, resulting in a sample size of 45 female adolescents. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and hemoglobin (HB) checkers. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test. The study results show that 30 respondents (66.7%) have good eating frequency, while 15 respondents frequency. Additionally, 27 respondents (33.3%) have poor eating (60%) exhibit poor sleep patterns, and 18 respondents (40%) have good sleep patterns. Anemia is present in 27 respondents (60%), while 18 respondents (40%) are not anemic. The analysis reveals the relationship between eating frequency and anemia is p 0.519, meanwhile, the relationship between sleep patterns and anemia is p = 0.000. In conclusion, there is no relationship between eating frequency and anemia among female adolescents at SMP Negeri 2 Labuapi in 2024. However, a relationship is found between sleep patterns and anemia in this population.

The effect of plyometric exercise on bone mineralisation and physical fitness in adolescents

IntroductionPlyometric exercise is the preferred type of exercise to promote bone health due to its role on providing high-impact loading of bone tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of plyometric training on bone mineralisation and physical fitness between male and female adolescents.MethodsThis study was a parallel 2-arm trial with 1:1 randomisation to the plyometric or control group. This study was conducted at SMA Negeri 21 Makassar, Indonesia, which included 18 second year of high school students actively engaging in physical activity at least once a week. The plyometric training consisted of a warming-up period, plyometric session, and cooling-down period performed by participants in the plyometric group, three days/week for six months. The control group was informed to stay active during the study period. Bone mineralisation and physical fitness were assessed at baseline and after the 6-month intervention.ResultsA significantly higher improvement of VO2 max was presented in the female plyometric group, compared to the control group (% improvement: 81.6 and 13.4 respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) over time. The plyometric group also experienced a significant increase (+4.9 cm) in body height over time, while the control group only demonstrated a slight increase (+1.4 cm). Significant increases in total dual femur BMD and trochanter BMC were observed in the male plyometric group.ConclusionsThe increases in BMD and BMC were only observed in male adolescents following plyometric training. Meanwhile, improvement in VO2 max was more pronounced in female adolescents engaging with plyometric training.

Self-Efficacy of Breast Self-Examination among Female Adolescents

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s ability to perform a task confidently and successfully. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination is key to early detection of any abnormality that could lead to breast cancer. Evidence has shown a correlation between self-efficacy of breast self-examination and performance of breast self-examination. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination could be determined by performance accomplishments, vicarious experience (learning from people or observing breast self-examination being done), verbal persuasion (encouragement received from someone to perform breast self-examination), and physiological/emotional states (emotional reactions to performing breast self-examination). Female adolescents should be educated to acquire self-efficacy to perform breast self-examination since adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong habits, attitudes, forming health-related lifestyles, and behaviours for the future. Breast self-examination performed monthly at the right time using the right techniques will aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Consistent breast self-examinations are the best protection in detecting early breast cancers.

Effects of Ketamine vs. Midazolam in Adolescent Treatment Resistant Depression

Background: Adolescent treatment resistant depression (TRD) is increasing in recent years. While ketamine showed rapid antidepressant effects in adult TRD studies, research on its effectiveness in adolescents is limited. Methods: This study examines the effects of intravenous ketamine vs. midazolam on depressive and anxiety symptomatology assessed by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) at two time points—2 h after initial infusion (T0+2h) and 24 h after the end of the treatment (Te+24h) in a sample of 55 adolescent TRD females (27 receiving ketamine, 28 midazolam). Results: At T0+2h, within-group comparisons revealed a significant reduction in MADRS and HAM-A scores compared to baseline in the ketamine and midazolam groups. At Te+24h, both groups demonstrated similar significant reductions in MADRS, HAM-A, and CDI scores compared to baseline. The MADRS assessment in the ketamine group showed 33% and 59% responders, and in the midazolam group, 14% and 46% responders at T0+2h and Te+24h, respectively. HAM-A evaluation in the ketamine group revealed 33% and 56% responders, and in the midazolam group, 11% and 39% responders at T0+2h and at Te+24h, respectively. CDI rating discovered 11% and 44% responders in the ketamine group and 4% and 21% responders in the midazolam group at T0+2h and Te+24h, respectively. Moreover, inner tension significantly decreased in ketamine compared to the midazolam group at Te+24h. Conclusions: Ketamine showed a reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms during a short-term period with particular efficacy in alleviating inner tension over midazolam, suggesting its potential advantages in specific symptom relief in rarely studied adolescent TRD.

Differences in HIV risk factors between South African adolescents and adult women and their association with sexually transmitted infections

ObjectivesIn sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 86% of HIV infections in adolescents aged 15–19 years occur among girls. Their heightened susceptibility is likely influenced by converging sociobehavioural and biological factors, although the...

Lifespan perspective on self-compassion: Insights from age-groups and gender comparisons

Developmental stages present challenges that prepare the individual for new roles. Self-compassion may be a protective factor across this process. The present study aims to: (1) compare self-compassion scores in adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood, and older adulthood using a cross-sectional design and a continuous multigenerational sample; (2) study gender comparisons across age-groups; and (3) study gender comparisons within each age-group. The sample included 242 adolescents, 239 young adults, 208 adults, and 198 older adults. Participants answered the Self-Compassion Scale. Whereas Overall Self-compassion was similar for all age-groups, differences were found in Self-judgment, Common Humanity, Mindfulness, and Over-identification. Comparisons across age-groups for Isolation and Over-identification suggested that, as they age, female individuals develop self-compassion, whereas male individuals may struggle to be self-compassionate. Comparisons within age-groups suggested that, particularly, female adolescents and male adults may struggle the most to be self-compassionate. These findings may inform targeting specific needs, according to age and gender.

The Association of Family Incivility with Adolescent Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model

Negative family interactions have an adverse impact on adolescent mental health. The present study focused on the influence of family incivility on adolescent depression. In order to examine the association of family incivility with depression, an integrated framework was constructed to explore the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of sex differences. Two waves of data were collected from 999 Chinese senior high school students (43.6% males and 56.4% females), with a mean age of 16.58 ± 0.54 years. Time 1 family incivility was positively associated with depression at Time 2 (r = 0.40, p &lt; 0.001). Sex differences moderated the link between family incivility and self-compassion, with their association being significant in females (B = −0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.013) but not in males (B = 0.03, SE = 0.03, p = 0.376). Regarding the effect of family incivility on depression, the direct effect was significant only in males (B = 0.13, SE = 0.03, p &lt; 0.001), whereas the indirect effect via self-compassion was significant only in females (B = 0.01, SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.0010, 0.0232]). The present findings revealed a positive association between family incivility and adolescent depression. Moreover, family incivility has a direct impact on depression in male adolescents and an indirect impact through self-compassion in female adolescents. These findings underscore the important role of adolescent sex differences in the impact of family incivility on adolescent depression and highlight the practical importance of developing interventions to reduce family incivility.

Quantitative Analysis of Quadriceps Forces in Adolescent Females during Running with Infrapatellar Straps.

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is caused by high, repetitive, and continuous traction exerted by the quadriceps on the tibial tuberosity, primarily occurring in adolescents. Infrapatellar straps are commonly recommended for its prevention and treatment, yet their impact on quadriceps forces in adolescents remains unstudied. Furthermore, current research on OSD predominantly focuses on adolescent males, with limited attention to adolescent females, despite similar incidence rates in both groups. This study aimed to quantify the quadriceps forces during running, both with and without infrapatellar straps, in adolescent females. Kinematic data, ground reaction forces, and electromyography (EMG) data of knee muscles from 16 adolescent females were recorded as they ran at self-selected speeds with and without infrapatellar straps. OpenSim was employed to estimate quadriceps activations and forces, from which accumulated forces were derived. The simulation's reliability was validated by calculating the correlation between muscle activations obtained from OpenSim and EMG data, which revealed a strong correlation. Wearing infrapatellar straps during running decreased the peak and accumulated forces of the quadriceps (p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The significant reduction in accumulated forces was associated with decreased vastus muscle forces during the stance phase (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, and p = 0.016 for vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius, respectively). The use of infrapatellar straps had limited effect on the rectus femoris muscle forces. The reliability of the simulation was validated through EMG data. Wearing infrapatellar straps may reduce the load exerted on the tibial tuberosity by decreasing vastus muscle forces during the stance phase. Adolescents aiming to reduce excessive rectus femoris muscle forces due to a shortened or tight rectus femoris, which may contribute to the occurrence of OSD, might experience limited benefits from wearing infrapatellar straps.

Scanxiety and Fear of Recurrence in Young Adult Female Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Survivors: Investigating Shared Mechanisms.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) females are vulnerable to psychological sequelae following cancer diagnosis and treatment. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is well-documented in cancer survivors, however AYA survivors of breast and gynaecological cancers are less well-studied. Moreover, little is known about scan-related fears and anxiety ('scanxiety') in survivors of any agegroup. This study aimed to assess demographic, medical, and quality-of-life correlates of FCR and scanxiety in AYA female breast and gynaecological cancer survivors post-treatment. Additionally, we explored potential shared mechanisms of FCR and scanxiety, including intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, and perceived stress. AYA breast and gynaecological cancer survivors (N=115) completed measures of FCR, scanxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, perceived stress, and quality of life. Bivariate associations and a structural equation model explored relationships between these variables. Both FCR and scanxiety were prevalent, with 84% reporting clinically meaningful FCR and 38% reporting severe FCR. Higher FCR and scanxiety were both associated with poorer quality of life. FCR and scanxiety were moderately associated but not entirely overlapping. Intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, and perceived stress were significantly correlated with both FCR and scanxiety. The structural equation model indicated that bodily threat monitoring is a plausible intermediate variable linking intolerance of uncertainty and FCR, but not scanxiety. FCR and scanxiety are common in AYA survivors of breast and gynaecological cancers, with potentially distinct underlying mechanisms. Interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty and bodily threat monitoring may reduce FCR, while further research is needed to identify therapeutic targets for scanxiety.

The Relationship Between Protein, Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin C Intake and Breakfast Habits With The Incidence of Anemia in Female Students of SMPN 152 Jakarta

Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or the level of hemoglobin is lower than normal. In Indonesia, the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls remains quite high at 32%. Inadequate nutrient intake can disrupt red blood cell formation, particularly important nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin C, and folic acid. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the intake of protein, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, and breakfast habits with the incidence of anemia among female adolescents in junior high school. This is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design, analyzed using Spearman correlation tests, conducted at SMPN 152 Jakarta with a sample size of 50 individuals. Data on protein, iron, folic acid, and vitamin C intake were obtained through 24-hour food recall interviews, breakfast habits were assessed via a questionnaire, and anemia data were collected through blood samples using a digital Hb checker. The analysis results indicate a relationship between protein intake (p = 0.000), iron intake (p = 0.000), folic acid intake (p = 0.030), vitamin C intake (p = 0.010) and the incidence of anemia, while no relationship was found between breakfast habits (p = 0.161) and anemia incidence. It is concluded that there is a correlation between protein intake, iron intake, folic acid intake, and vitamin C intake with anemia incidence at SMPN 152 Jakarta. The variable most strongly correlated with anemia incidence is iron intake with a value of (r = 0.640).

Screen time trajectories and psychosocial well-being among Chinese adolescents: a longitudinal study

BackgroundWhile the association between screen time (ST) and psychosocial well-being has been extensively examined, limited studies have investigated the dynamic patterns of ST, and their impact on subsequent psychosocial well-being among adolescents. Therefore, this longitudinal study aimed to examine the association between ST trajectories and the subsequent psychosocial well-being among Chinese adolescents.MethodsData were drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescents’ Mental and Behavioral Well-being Research (Registration No. ChiCTR1900022032). The final analysis included 1480 participants who completed baseline and two follow-up surveys. Standardized measures were employed to assess ST and multiple psychosocial well-being, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, externalizing problems, and coping style. Group-based trajectory modeling and generalized linear mixed models were performed.ResultsOver the two-year follow-up period, two distinct ST trajectories emerged: continued high (298 [20.1%]) and continued low (1182 [79.9%]). Compared with those in the continued low ST group, adolescents in the continued high group exhibited a higher likelihood of presenting depressive symptoms (β = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.43 ~ 1.50), anxiety symptoms (β = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.05 ~ 0.53), and emotional problems (β = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.22 ~ 0.48), and were less likely to demonstrate prosocial behavior or employ positive coping style. The stratified analysis demonstrated that the aforementioned associations only existed among female adolescents.ConclusionsPersistent high exposure to ST was associated with an increased odds of emotional problems and a decreased probability of engaging in prosocial behavior and positive coping style, with particularly noteworthy effects observed among female adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of reducing ST exposure to improve the psychological well-being of adolescents.