Female Adolescents Research Articles

INSATISFAÇÃO CORPORAL EM ADOLESCENTES E A RELAÇÃO COM AS MÍDIAS SOCIAIS DIGITAIS

Body dissatisfaction and the use of social networks are current phenomena that mark female adolescence and therefore require evaluation. Objective: to analyze the relationship between the use of social media and body dissatisfaction in female adolescents. Methodology: This is a literature review consisting of nine scientific articles found in the databases: SciElo and PubMed. Results and Discussion: The articles selected for this study, through the analysis of their elements, allowed the understanding that social networks exert a strong influence on the development of body dissatisfaction (BD) in adolescent girls, because these networks present information about the so-called ideal body, which is equally unattainable for most women. It was also identified that body dissatisfaction causes serious consequences to the psychological and physical health of adolescents, such as: problems with self-esteem, distorted selfperceptions, hatred of one’s own body, depression, insomnia, social isolation, alcohol use, restrictive diets, eating disorders, among other complications. Therefore, actions aimed at resolving and/or alleviating this scenario were demonstrated, such as interventions aimed at periodically withdrawing from social networks, healthy diets and self-acceptance. Final considerations: Although the social pressure on women’s bodies is an old phenomenon, it currently has strong allies in the media and social networks. Therefore, the relevance of the topic discussed in this article for science and society is considered and it is suggested that further studies be developed on this subject.

Effects of legal age change on adolescents’ perception of access to alcohol in Portugal

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults are a group particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol consumption. In Portugal, legislative changes in 2013 and 2015 prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages to under-18s. This study aimed, first, to evaluate the impact of these policy shifts on the perceived access to alcohol among Portuguese adolescents, and second, to assess the different impacts across gender and socioeconomic strata. Methods Data from the ESPAD survey, spanning 1995-2019, was used. A quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study design was employed, using Finland, Norway, and Sweden as controls. The perceived access to beer, wine, and spirits among 16-year-old adolescents was used as outcomes, adjusted for gender and parental education. Results were also stratified by gender and by parental education status. Results After the increase in the minimum age for alcohol sales, there was a higher perceived easiness of access to beer (coef=0.018, p = 0.001) and a decline in spirits (coef=-0.088, p = 0.022), with no changes in wine. Male adolescents exhibited a decrease in the perception of access to spirits (coef=-0.100, p = 0.007) and wine (coef=-0.049, p = 0.049), while changes in the perception of access to beer were non-significant. Similar patterns were observed in female adolescents, yet non-significant for wine or spirits. These positive impacts on beer and negative impacts on spirits were observed in the different socioeconomic groups; wine was the exception, with only the highest-education group showing a decrease in the perception of access (coef=-0.056, p = 0.011). Conclusions In this study, the effect of raising the minimum age for alcohol sales in Portugal varied according to the alcoholic beverage, gender, and, for wine, according to the socioeconomic group. These findings suggest limitations in the policy’s effectiveness and equity. Future research should delve into the underlying causes to optimize health-promoting policies. Key messages • Portugal’s alcohol policy changes led to differential impacts on the perception of access to alcohol, with an impact in higher alcohol content beverages. • The impact of alcohol policy changes also differed across gender and socioeconomic status, with a stronger effect on male adolescents and higher socioeconomic strata.

Associations of adolescent academic performance, sports, disordered eating, and menstrual dysfunction

Abstract Background Regular menstruation is a crucial indicator of comprehensive well-being in adolescents. We aimed to assess risk factors associated with menstrual cycle dysfunction in a population-based cohort of high school students, focusing on academic performance, sports participation, and disordered eating. Methods In 2022, we recruited 1161 female first-year students from 21 diverse high schools in the capital region of Finland. They completed an online survey comprising questions about menstrual cycle, academic achievement, sports involvement, disordered eating and school burnout. Results Of 935 (81%) participants (mean age 16) not using hormonal preparations, 336 (37%) reported irregular menstruation. Adolescents with irregular menstruation showed higher middle school grade point average (GPA) (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), lower body mass index (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.5), and more disordered eating symptoms (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.0) than adolescents with regular menstruation. While overall physical activity showed no significant correlation with irregular menstruation, casual exercisers with irregular menstruation exhibited both higher GPAs (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.4-1.9) and more disordered eating symptoms (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.1) than competitive athletes, whereas competitive athletes with irregular menstruation showed higher school burnout scores than casual exercisers but no disordered eating. Conclusions We recommend the use of screening tools to recognize disordered eating and school burnout among female high school students facing menstrual irregularities. Key messages • A third of adolescent females had irregular menstruation. Casual exercisers with irregular menstrual cycle were at risk of eating disorders and competitive athletes at risk of school burnout. • Screening of disordered eating and school burnout among adolescent females facing menstrual irregularities could be beneficial.

Seroprevalence and associated factors of toxoplasmosis in female children and adolescents in Germany

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that causes a high burden of disease worldwide. Infections occur mainly through the consumption of undercooked meat or the ingestion of contaminated cat feces from the environment. In Germany, seroprevalence in adults is exceptionally high by international comparison (50%), which could be due to the frequent consumption of raw pork products. Comparable analyses for children and adolescents are missing but are needed to estimate the public health problem and to suggest countermeasures. Methods As part of the second wave of the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (2014-2017), serum of 1,453 girls aged 3 to 17 years was tested for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies using enzyme linked fluorescence assay (ELFA). We calculated overall and stratified seroprevalence and used multivariable logistic regression models based on Directed Acyclic Graphs to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are being reported. Results Overall, 94 out of 1,453 girls tested positive for T. gondii resulting in a seroprevalence of 6.3% (95% CI: 4.7-8.0). With each year of life, the chance of being seropositive increased significantly by 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.3). A low social status (aOr 2.7; 95% CI 1.3-5.9) and living in rural (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1-5.7) or urban (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.4) areas were found to be associated with seropositivity. No regional distribution patterns or differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians were seen. Conclusions Six out of 100 girls become infected with T. gondii during the first 18 years of life. Independent risk factors identified in our study have also been associated with seropositivity in other countries. Meat consumption appears to have a reduced impact on the risk of infection in children and adolescents compared to adults, calling for different prevention strategies in this population. Key messages • Toxoplasmosis causes a high infection pressure for girls and young women in Germany. • Transmission pathways might differ between age groups with more environmentally associated infections in children and adolescents.

Excessive Editing of Selfies on Social Media: The Illusion of Sustainability in Mental Health among Female Adolescents

The advent of social media has transformed how female adolescents perceive and present themselves, leading many to engage in excessive editing of their selfies. This practice is often seen as a means to boost their mental well-being by enhancing their self-image. However, this reliance on edited images may create a false sense of sustainability regarding their mental health. This study aims to explore the relationship between excessive selfie editing on social media and appearance-related anxiety in female adolescents. Employing a quantitative descriptive correlational design, the research involved 150 high school students, selected through a snowball sampling method, to examine the connection between their photo editing behaviors and psychological outcomes. Two validated instruments were utilized for data collection: the Selfie Editing Behavior Scale and the Appearance Anxiety Scale. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between the frequency of selfie editing and the levels of appearance anxiety experienced by the participants. These findings suggest that while adolescents may seek satisfaction through image enhancement, such practices can exacerbate insecurities and adversely affect their mental health over time.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Female Adolescents in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to VD deficiency among female adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in secondary and preparatory schools in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from May 2022 to July 2023. A total of 120 schools were included in the study, with a calculated sample size of 340 female adolescents using a probability multistage random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for VD levels. Results: In a study of 340 female adolescents aged 14-18 years, the findings showed that 39.4% of participants had severe VD deficiency, 42.6% were deficient, and 17.9% had insufficiency. The mean VD level was 13.29±6.45 ng/mL. Seasonal variation significantly impacted VD level (p=0.001), with the highest levels seen in summer and the lowest in winter. Skin colour also significantly influenced VD level (p=0.020), as individuals with lighter skin have higher levels. There were positive correlations between VD levels, milk intake (r=0.138, p=0.011), and cheese consumption (r = 0.135, p=0.013). The use of sunscreen had mixed effects. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between SPF 15 and VD level (r=0.132, p=0.015), while higher SPF values were associated with lower levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of seasonal adjustments, improved dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to address VD deficiency in the population effectively.

Insecure attachment styles in adolescents at risk for eating disorders.

The present study examines insecure attachment styles in female adolescents, who are at risk for developing eating disorders. A second goal was to investigate whether attachment styles differentiate between high risk for anorexia and high risk for bulimia. A total of 150 adolescents were divided into four risk groups: High risk for anorexia, high risk for bulimia, medium risk and control group. The attachment styles were assessed using the Experience in Close Relationships Scale and the Relationship Questionnaire. Anxiety Attachment, but not Avoidance Attachment, was found to characterize those adolescents who are at risk for ED (AN + BN), and especially for those at high-risk for BN. The present results do not support the notion of an avoidance of emotional intimacy, characterizing the avoidant attachment style of those presenting with AN. Preoccupied Attachment style was found to characterize high-risk for BN, but not high-risk for AN, while the Insecure, Fearful, and Dismissing Attachment types did not differentiate between these two high-risk groups. This study highlights the dominant attachment style in adolescents at high risk for developing ED: The Anxiety Attachment style for AN and BN, and the Preoccupied Attachment style for BN but not for AN.

Incidence and trend of cardiac events among children and young adults exposed to psychopharmacological treatment (2006-2018): A nationwide register-based study.

The aim of this study was to assess cardiac event incidence and trends by sex and age in young patients on psychopharmacological treatment in Sweden. This nationwide incidence study encompassed data from Swedish registers (2006-2018). Patients aged 5-30 years were exposed to one or more psychotropic medications (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications, antihistamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, other antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, hypnotics/sedatives). Annual incidences, trends and mean incidences of cardiac events (cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, fainting/collapse, sudden death) and recurrent events were calculated. Among those exposed (n = 875 430, 2 647 957 patient-years, 55% female), 26 750 cardiac events were identified. The mean annual incidence of cardiac events and first-ever events were 0.99% and 0.80%, respectively, showing significant upward annual trends of 4.26% and 2.48%, respectively (P< .001). The highest incidences were among females aged 15-19 years (1.50%) and those exposed to polypharmacy (1.63%), anxiolytics (1.53%) or antihistamines (1.27%). The mean annual incidences of cardiac arrest and arrythmias, for both sexes, were 0.01% and 0.51%, respectively. Fainting/collapse accounted for about half of all events, occurring more often in females. The pattern of rising annual incidence remained after excluding fainting/collapse. In all, 21.1% of events were recurrent. Death, including sudden death, occurred in 13 patients. The mean annual incidence of cardiac events among young patients receiving psychopharmacological treatment was low, 0.99%, with an upward trend of 4.26% annually. Incidence was highest in adolescent females and patients exposed to polypharmacy. Our study highlights the need for more knowledge regarding the possible association between exposure to psychopharmacological treatment and cardiac events.

Borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents: protocol for a comparative study of borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (BORDERSTRESS-ADO)

BackgroundBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a prevalent and debilitating psychiatric condition often accompanied by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with a substantial prevalence of trauma history among affected individuals. The clinical, cognitive, and cerebral parallels shared with PTSD suggest a trauma-related etiology for BPD. Studies consistently demonstrate a reduction in hippocampal volume in individuals with BPD, echoing findings in PTSD. However, the interpretation of this shared neurobiological profile remains contentious, with ongoing debates regarding the independence of these pathologies or the potential exacerbation of diminished hippocampal volume in BPD due to concurrent PTSD. Differential impacts on hippocampal subfields across both disorders may further complicate interpretation, suggesting the volume of hippocampal subfields as a potential discriminant biomarker. This study aims to characterize the multidimensional specific and shared profiles of BPD and PTSD-related alterations, with a particular emphasis on hippocampal subfields during adolescence, a crucial period in BPD development.MethodsThis study focuses on female adolescents, who are more prevalent in the BPD population. Participants are categorized into three groups: BPD, BPD with comorbid PTSD, and a control group of matched healthy individuals. Data collection encompasses clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging domains commonly affected in both disorders, utilizing various imaging markers (including gray matter macrostructure, white matter microstructural integrity, and regional functional connectivity).DiscussionThis study examines adolescent BPD with and without comorbid PTSD on clinical, neuroimaging, and cognitive levels. It is the first to use a comprehensive multi-modal approach within the same sample. Additionally, it uniquely explores hippocampal subfield volume differences in adolescents. Analysis of the relationship between the investigated domains and the effects of PTSD comorbidity will elucidate specific and shared alteration profiles in both disorders.Trial registrationIDRCB number 2019-A00366-51 / clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT0485274. Registered on 21/04/2021.

Empathy, personality, and aggression in male and female adolescents

AbstractThe relationship between empathy and aggression is inconclusive, with substantial evidence revealing moderator effects of factors such as age, sex, and personality. This study examines whether sex differences or sex similarities stem from the relationship between empathy, personality, and aggression. There were 197 adolescents enrolled in secondary education (89 males and 108 females), who completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Females scored higher than males in empathy factors (fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress), neuroticism, and in aggression (anger and hostility). Males and females showed similar outcomes in the association between perspective taking and personal distress with anger and hostility. Extraversion and neuroticism failed to explain additional variance in instrumental aggression (physical and verbal). Neuroticism, however, explained a meaningful larger amount of variance in the affective and cognitive components of aggression beyond empathy measures for both males and females, anger (9%) and hostility (15%), respectively. The findings suggest that, regardless of sex, empathy appears important for instrumental aggression (physical, verbal), whereas neuroticism is a robust predictor of affective and cognitive aggression (anger, hostility).

The adverse dyadic friendship (ADF): An exploratory retrospective view of female adolescents.

Friendships of adolescent girls play a significant role in providing socio-emotional support and enabling the attainment of developmental tasks. The present exploratory paper focuses on an aspect of close friendships that has yet to be widely examined, which we described as the Adverse Dyadic Friendship (ADF). This is a friendship whose negative elements are perceived from the distance of time as outweighing its positive ones. To examine the features of ADF, a qualitative study based on retrospective data obtained from 34 young adult females (Mage = 31.14, SD = 5.59) was conducted in Israel. Using a semi-structured online questionnaire, participants were asked to address a specific close same-sex friendship they had during their middle or high school years that has negatively affected them. The emerging themes (such as negative feelings and various coping strategies) suggest that ADF comprises an intense emotional condition, having implications on the development of individuals' self-perception. The consequences of ADF may be detrimental to adolescent girls' self-worth and friendship skills and extend into their adult life. Whereas the developmental literature emphasizes the positive aspects of friendship for adolescent girls, this study points out how ADF can also become a developmental challenge for them: on the one hand, ADF comprises a risk factor for their socio-emotional development, and on the other hand, presents an opportunity to learn and introduce changes in their lives. The main contribution of this paper is that ADF can stimulate further research on the complex aspects of friendship between adolescent girls.

The Influence of Loneliness and Absence of Father's Role on Aggressive Behavior in Adolescents

Purpose: Negative behavior is a picture of individual development experiencing problems, adolescents who develop will certainly show positive behavior. In fact, today many teenagers show negative behavior, one of which is aggressive behavior. This study aims to determine the effect of loneliness and the absence of father's role on aggressive behavior. Method: This type of research is quantitative research, researchers use an aggressive behavior scale, a loneliness scale, and a father's role absence scale. The sampling technique used Non-probability sampling with accindental sampling technique. The samples in this study were male and female adolescents throughout Indonesia, aged 10-24 years, unmarried, had complete parents, divorced parents, and the father died. The data analysis technique in this study used product moment for hypothesis analysis. Result: The first hypothesis of Loneliness with Aggressive Behavior in adolescents obtained a product moment correlation value of 0.734 (p &lt;0.01). Second hypothesis, the relationship between the Absence of Father's Role with Aggressive Behavior in adolescents obtained a product moment correlation value of 0.729 (p &lt;0.01). The effective contribution of the Absence of Father's Role with aggressive behavior in adolescents is 53.2%. The results of multiple linear regression analysis data to prove the third hypothesis, have an influence between Loneliness and Absence of Father's Role together with Aggressive Behavior obtained F of 162.637 (p &lt;0.05), the effective contribution of Loneliness and Absence of Father's Role with Aggressive Behavior is 62.3% while 37.7% is determined by other variables not measured in this study. Conclusion: This study proves that there is a positive and significant influence between loneliness and aggressive behavior, stating that the first hypothesis is accepted, the higher the loneliness obtained by adolescents, the higher the aggressive behavior, and vice versa. The existence of a positive and significant influence between loneliness and the absence of father's role with aggressive behavior simultaneously, states the third hypothesis is accepted.

Does parent-child connectedness influence substance use among Bhutanese adolescents: evidence from a national survey?

Highlights• Tobacco use was highest, followed by alcohol and marijuana use.• The prevalence of substance use was higher in male than female adolescents.• Parental homework supervision significantly lowered the odds of alcohol and tobacco use.• Parental free-time supervision significantly reduced the odds of alcohol and tobacco use.• No significant association was found between parent-child connectedness and marijuana use.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

Psychiatric hospitalizations among adolescents during the pandemic in Italy: a retrospective study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted child and adolescent mental health. The study outcome was the evaluation of the pandemic impact on adolescents' hospitalizations in an acute psychiatric ward. With an observational and retrospective design,we collected selected variables among adolescents hospitalized in an acute psychiatric ward from 01/07/2017 to 30/06/2022. Data were statistically processed. Our sample consisted of 118minors with an average age of 15.7±1.2 SD, mostly represented by females (61 %) and Italians (60.2 %), who made 204 hospitalizations inthe study period. The admissions by years drastically decreased in 2020 concomitantly with the lockdown and increased in the first half of 2022. The admission rate was higher in winter and spring, except in 2020 when all admissions decreased (p=0.000). Females more frequently were hospitalized for suicidal behavior and acute anxiety (p=0.000) and were discharged with acute stress reactions, eating disorders, and mood disorder diagnoses (p=0.000). Differently, males more frequently were hospitalized for aggressive behavior (p=0.000) and discharged with ADHD diagnosis (p=0.000). At multiple linear regression, the duration of hospitalization (dependent variable) was negatively associated with "the pandemic period" (p=0.017) and "absent aggressive behavior" (p=0.003), and positively with "autism" diagnosis (p=0.000). We highlighted the more stressful impact of COVID-19 pandemic on female adolescents, who required more frequently psychiatric hospitalizations due to suicidal behavior, anxiety and mood disorders.

Effects of open-skill and closed-skill exercise on subthreshold depression in female adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSubthreshold depression (SD) affects a significant proportion of adolescent females, posing a risk of major depression in later life. This study examines the effects of open-skill exercise (OSE) and closed-skill exercise (CSE) on SD, executive function (EF), and emotional states in female adolescents. MethodsA double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 95 female adolescents (mean age = 16.73 ± 0.42 years) with SD symptoms. Participants were assigned to OSE, CSE, or control (CON) groups and underwent an 8-week exercise program. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), with secondary outcomes including EF tasks and emotional assessments. Differences were examined using generalized linear mixed models with intention-to-treat and multiple imputation. ResultsBoth OSE and CSE significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with CSE showing greater improvement. EF assessments showed enhanced cognitive flexibility and working memory in both exercise groups at 4 weeks, and superior inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in the CSE group at 8 weeks. Emotional assessments indicated a notable reduction in negative emotions in the CSE group after 8 weeks. ConclusionsBoth OSE and CSE reduce SD symptoms in female adolescents, with CSE providing more sustained benefits for EF and emotional states. Further research on exercise interventions for mental health is warranted.Trial registration number: ChiCTR2400081139

Adolescent boys’ experiences of stress – a focus group study

BackgroundThe number of adolescents reporting that they are stressed has more than doubled among both boys and girls. Most focus is given to girls because they typically not only report higher levels of stress but also feel stressed more frequently than boys do. However, studies have confirmed that boys’ experience of stressors is the same, implying that genders are equally prone to experiencing stress. Although male and female adolescents appear to experience stress in a similar way, how they cope with these stressors might differ. This study focused on boys’ experiences of stress and how they cope with it.MethodEight focus groups were conducted with 39 adolescent boys aged 12–19 years enrolled in four schools in southern Sweden. The data was analysed inductively with conventional content analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in three categories: Stress perception – time as a key factor, Identifying stressors and levels of stress, and Silent struggles and distractions. The boys had experienced considerable stress in their lives, despite their limited understanding of the concept. Their coping skills focused on engaging in sports or distracting themselves from stressors while relying less on social support from peers, school staff, or family.ConclusionsAdolescent boys might need assistance in identifying stress and clearly voicing their specific concerns. They should also be provided with spaces that are free from stigmatization and judgement. Parents, teachers, and school nurses should be equipped with the appropriate tools and education on how to discuss stress and mental health in general with adolescent boys to prevent possible negative long-term consequences for both their physical and mental health.

State-level structural sexism and adolescent sexual violence victimization in the US

BackgroundAdolescent sexual violence victimization is a significant public health issue in the United States. Structural sexism, a form of gender inequality at the societal level, may play a crucial role in influencing the prevalence of sexual violence victimization among adolescents. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between state-level structural sexism and sexual violence victimization among adolescents and to explore how this relationship varies between male and female adolescents. Participants and settingData was derived from a nationally representative sample of high school students in grades 9–12 across the United States who participated in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) in 2017 and 2019. MethodsA state-level structural sexism index was created from nine different items to reflect the multidimensional nature of structural sexism. This study employs multi-level regression analysis to investigate the impact of state-level structural sexism on three types of sexual violence victimization: sexual violence, sexual dating violence, and physical dating violence. ResultsThis study revealed a significant interaction between structural sexism and gender. In states with higher levels of structural sexism, female adolescents reported increased likelihood of sexual violence (β = 0.013, p < .001), sexual dating violence (β = 0.006, p < .001), and physical dating violence (β = 0.006, p < .001) compared to males. Conversely, male adolescents in these states reported lower rates of victimization. ConclusionsThe results underscore the role of structural sexism in influencing sexual violence victimization among adolescents. Addressing structural sexism may be essential in mitigating the risk of sexual violence victimization, especially for female adolescents.

Youth Intimate Partner Femicide: Identification of Factors Specific to Femicide Against Adolescent and Young Adult Victims

Abstract Objectives Intimate partner femicide (IPF) is a public health issue with far-reaching and extreme consequences. As previous research mainly has treated IPF as an adult phenomenon, young victims of such violence have been rendered invisible. Consequently, youth IPF is not well understood and little is known about factors specific to IPF against adolescent and young adult females. Purpose The aim of this study is to examine factors related to youth IPF (≤ 25 years) and to compare cases of youth IPF with cases of adult IPF (≥ 26 years) regarding these factors. Victim and perpetrator characteristics are explored, as well as factors related to the relationship and circumstances of the crimes. Methods This epidemiological study is based on a national dataset that involves all homicides in Sweden between 1990 and 2017. Incidents of male-perpetrated femicide in which the perpetrator and victim were or had been in an intimate relationship were analyzed. Descriptive and multivariate analyses with odds ratios (OR) were conducted in order to make group comparisons between young (n = 62) and adult (n = 320) IPF. Results Our study reveals interesting differences between youth and adult IPF, in which youth IPF is more likely to be motivated by relationship break-up, involve strangulation of the victim and drug use. Conclusions Our study sheds light on the factors and circumstances that play an important role in youth IPF, and could be fruitful to target in future prevention and intervention efforts that aim to combat severe violence against adolescent and young adult females.

Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents with Genitourinary Complaints: Is There a Still Role for Endocervical Gram Stains?

Study objective: Adolescent females are disproportionately affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Endocervical Gram stain smears taken during gynecological examination are inexpensive, relatively easy procedures to perform and interpret. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of Gram smears in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in a female adolescent population presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with genitourinary complaints. Methods: This study was a retrospective, cohort analysis of consecutive females (ages 13 – 19) seen at three academic medical centers over a two-year study period. All patients underwent a pelvic exam with diagnostic testing for STIs. Positive criteria for a Gram stain included greater than ten white blood cells per high-power field, gram-negative intracellular/extracellular diplococci (suggesting GC), or direct visualization of TV organisms. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were used as the gold standard definition for CT/GC infection. Direct microscopic visualization of organisms on a separate wet mount prep was considered the gold standard for TV infection. Demographic information, clinical findings of cervicitis, and the results of diagnostic testing were obtained from ED records using standardized abstraction forms. Results: During the study period, 1303 adolescent females were evaluated for genitourinary complaints. A total of 181 adolescents (12.9%) had at least one documented STI. Overall, 298 patients (22.9%) had positive gram stains. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio for Gram stain in the diagnosis of STI were 28.7% (95% CI, 22.2 to 35.9), 78.1% (95% CI, 75.5 to 80.5), and 1.31 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.7), respectively. The sensitivity of Gram stain to Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were 35.9% (95% CI 26.8 to 45.8), 34.5% (95% CI 18.0 to 54.3), and 5.7% (95% CI 1.3 to 15.7), respectively. The consistency of the data recording was excellent, with a median kappa statistic of 0.89. Conclusions: The positive likelihood ratio of inflammation on endocervical Gram stain is too low to recommend its use to direct empiric treatment of adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Diagnostic uncertainty or treatment failures should prompt specific laboratory testing.