Frequency Of Soft Drink Consumption Research Articles

Clustering of lifestyle risk factors in relation to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adolescents: a cross-national study of 45 low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundPrior research has reaffirmed lifestyle risk behaviors to cluster among adolescents. However, the lifestyle cluster effect on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) was unclear among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). No comparison of such associations was conducted across nations.MethodsData from 45 LMICs were obtained from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) between 2009 and 2019. Lifestyle behavior factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were ascertained by three single-item questions. Lifestyle risk scores were calculated via a sufficient dimension reduction technique, and lifestyle risk clusters were constructed using a latent class analysis. Generalized linear mixed models with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the lifestyle-STB associations.ResultsA total of 229,041 adolescents were included in the final analysis. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 7.37%, 5.81%, and 4.59%, respectively. Compared with the favorable lifestyle group, the unfavorable group had 1.48-, 1.53-, and 3.11-fold greater odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.30–1.69), plan (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.34–1.75), and attempt (OR = 3.11, 95%CI 2.64–3.65). Four clusters of lifestyle risk behaviors were identified, namely healthy lifestyles (H–L), insufficient intake of vegetables and fruit (V-F), frequent consumption of soft drinks and fast food (D-F), and tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking (S-A) clusters. Compared with H–L cluster, V-F cluster was associated with 43% and 42% higher odds of suicidal ideation and plan, followed by S-A cluster (26% for ideation and 20% for plan), but not significant in D-F cluster (P > 0.05). D-F cluster was associated with 2.85-fold increased odds of suicidal attempt, followed by V-F cluster (2.43-fold) and S-A cluster (1.18-fold).ConclusionsClustering of lifestyle risk behaviors is informative for risk stratification of STBs in resource-poor settings. Lifestyle-oriented suicide prevention efforts should be initiated among school-attending adolescents in LMICs.

IMPACT OF SOFT DRINK CONSUMPTION ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE KOREAN YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR WEB-BASED SURVEY

This study investigates the impact of soft drink consumption on adolescent mental health using data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. Analyzing responses from a large sample of adolescents, the study explores the association between soft drink consumption and indicators of mental health, including depressive symptoms and suicide attempts. Results reveal a significant correlation between frequent soft drink consumption and adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents. The findings underscore the importance of considering dietary habits in adolescent mental health interventions and highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier beverage choices among youth.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and contributing factors in professional drivers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading global cause of disability and pose a significant public health issue, particularly among professional drivers who are prone to such conditions due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and exposure to whole-body vibrations. The objectives of this study are to assess the demographic, general, lifestyle, and wellness profiles of professional drivers, gauge their work environment characteristics, and measure the proportion of musculoskeletal symptoms using the modified Nordic questionnaire. This descriptive study collected data from 67 professional drivers at major bus stands in Lahore using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results revealed that the drivers, predominantly middle-aged (average age 39.72 ± 9.53 years) and married (95.52%), reported limited formal education (average 7.56 ± 3.91 years). Lifestyle assessments indicated high rates of smoking (61.19%) and frequent consumption of soft drinks (88.06%). In their work environment, most drivers (68.66%) worked daytime shifts, and a significant proportion (56.72%) experienced vibration exposure. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal symptoms were in the lower back (58.21% in the past 12 months, 43.28% in the past 7 days) and hips/thighs (61.19% in the past 12 months), impacting their ability to work. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted ergonomic and lifestyle interventions to improve the occupational health and safety of drivers, potentially reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and enhancing overall well-being and productivity.

The relationship between children’s oral health behaviours and oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundUnderstanding oral health behaviour s and their impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) may serve as an instrument to articulate the conventional oral health policy framework, thereby ameliorating the overall health of young individuals in the long term.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between children’s oral health behaviour s and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in the capital governorate, Kuwait.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 607 children aged 12–14 years, randomly selected from schools in Kuwait Capital Region. A validated Oral Health Behaviour s and OHRQoL Child Perception Questionnaires (CPQ12-14) was used to collect the data. Chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA were used to examine the association between oral behaviour s and children’s OHRQoL.ResultsAbout 52.2% of participants were males and the overall response rate was 93.8%. The mean ± SD for total OHRQoL impact was 3.1 ± 0.58, while the total mean for individual domains- for oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being and social well-being were 2.89 ± 0.63, 2.89 ± 0.72, 3.1 ± 0.91 and 3.4 ± 0.61, respectively. There was no significant difference in total OHRQoL impact score by frequency of last dental visit, flossing, use of mouth rinse or chewing gum (p > 0.05) but for the overall OHRQoL, frequency of soft drink intake was the only significant predictor associated with 0.2-unit decrease (B = -0.207, 95% CI, p = 0.002) in total OHRQoL scores.ConclusionsHigh frequency of soft drink consumption was related to poorer OHRQoL. Behaviour changing interventions based on OHRQoL inferences coupled with clinical intervention are needed.

Periodontitis assessed with a new screening tool and oral health-related quality of life: cross-sectional findings among general-population adults.

IntroductionPeriodontitis, as a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease, has complex relationships with other diseases and ultimately with well-being. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between self-report periodontitis, as measured with the recently developed and validated modified Periodontal Screening Score (mPESS), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQol) in a large population-based sample derived from the French NutriNet-Santé e-cohort.MethodsThe sample was composed of 32,714 adults (75.5% women) with a mean age of 48.8 ± 13.9 years. Periodontitis was assessed based on age, smoking, and oral health status data obtained in 2011–2012, which allowed calculating the mPESS. An mPESS ≥ 5 was used to identify individuals at risk of severe periodontitis (main exposure). OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) (main outcome) and the total score was dichotomized for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, considering physical health status, dietary and lifestyle confounding variables, were performed.ResultsOverall, 6407 participants (19.6%) were at a high risk of severe periodontitis. A total of 7383 participants (22.6%) presented a relatively poor OHRQoL (OHIP-14 > 8, highest quartile). In the multivariable model, each of the following variables was independently and significantly associated with lower OHRQoL: older age (50–64 years), female sex, obesity, snacking between meals, frequent consumption of soft drinks and sweets/chocolate, risk of severe periodontitis, and having < 20 natural teeth were significantly. An mPESS ≥ 5 showed the highest odds for relatively poor OHRQoL (OR = 3.45; 95% CI 3.21–3.72).ConclusionThe results support the association between periodontitis and OHRQoL in non-clinical samples. The use of mPESS could be tested in future prevention programs aiming at improving OHRQoL.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-022-03215-x.

Associations between Self-Objectification and Lifestyle Habits in a Large Sample of Adolescents.

The aim of the present study was to test associations between self-objectification and health-related lifestyle habits in a large sample of adolescents. In 2019–2020, a large sample of adolescents (n = 1402, 40.4% boys) participated in the survey and, as a part of a larger study, filled in questionnaires on self-objectification and lifestyle. Self-objectification was assessed using the Self-Objectification Questionnaire (SOQ). The lifestyle questionnaire had three batteries: eating attitudes and behaviors, dietary habits, and questions on harmful behaviors together with time spending patterns: sedentary lifestyle and physical activity. The ages ranged from 15–19 years with a mean age of 16.97 ± 0.46 years. Self-objectification (SO) was associated with a less healthy lifestyle: more frequent dieting and unhealthy eating habits in girls, skipping breakfast, and a lower number of meals per day. Adolescent boys and girls with higher SO demonstrated more frequent smoking and alcohol consumption until they felt dizzy and more frequent consumption of soft drinks, energy drinks, and fast foods. Girls with higher SO demonstrated lower perceived physical activity and longer duration of internet browsing for non-educational purposes. The results of the present study inform healthy lifestyle promotion programs for adolescents, suggesting that including psychoeducation about self-objectification, body functionality, and positive embodiment might be an effective strategy.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Female Secondary School students in Ar Rass City, Qassim Region.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal condition associated with many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. To determine the prevalence of IBS and the associated risk factors among female secondary school students in Ar Rass city, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2021 among female students attending government secondary schools at Ar Rass city, Qassim region. Two schools were selected by simple random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire using Google Form, submitted to the WhatsApp groups of the students, gathered personal data, and behavioral, lifestyle and health background characteristics of the participants. The questionnaire included Rome IV criteria for IBS diagnosis. Out of 612 invited students, 429 responded (response rate: 70.1%). Twenty-eight incomplete questionnaires were excluded leading to 401 participants in the final analysis. The mean (± SD) age of study participants was 17.3 (±2.05) years. The overall prevalence of IBS was 21.4% (n=86); 11.7% (n=47) were already diagnosed; however, 9.7% (n=39) were newly detected in our survey. The factors associated with IBS included frequent consumption of soft drinks (p=0.016), low vegetable consumption (p=0.003), poor mental health (p<0.0001), family history of IBS (p<0.0001) and history of chronic disease (p<0.0001). IBS is prevalent among female secondary school students in Ar Rass city. Unhealthy diet and poor mental health are associated with IBS. Creating awareness regarding IBS and about importance of healthy lifestyle is recommended. School staff need to be trained to promote the physical and mental health of the students.

Polysubstance use among national samples of in-school adolescents in Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago

This study aimed to provide estimates on current polysubstance use among adolescents in three Caribbean countries. Cross-sectional and national school health survey data (2016-2017) were analysed from 6 269 adolescents (median age = 15 years) in Dominican Republic (n = 1 306), Jamaica (n = 1 455), and Trinidad and Tobago (n = 3 508). More than one in ten of the participating students engaged in current polysubstance use. In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, the associations with current polysubstance use were stronger than with current single substance use among older adolescents (15-18 years or older), male sex, with passive smoking, high psychological distress, frequent soft drink consumption (≥3 times/day), and frequent fast-food consumption (≥ 3 days/week). Additionally, school truancy and parental tobacco use were associated with current polysubstance use, while adolescents reporting parental support were less likely have current single and polysubstance use. Intervention strategies to prevent and treat substance abuse by teenagers should prioritise psychosocial factors.

Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical indicators for added value of radiography in caries diagnosis in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

The aim was to assess the value of sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics in identifying adolescents who would benefit from radiographs for dental caries detection in a high-caries experience population. In total, 356 adolescents answered a validated questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and oral health behavior and were clinically and radiographically examined for caries. The outcome was the benefit arising from radiographs for caries detection at the patient level, defined as the number of surfaces clinically classified as sound but presenting radiolucency. A total of 169 participants (47.5%) benefited from radiographs. One-third of approximal lesions were detected clinically, whereas two-thirds, mostly initial lesions, were detected radiographically only. Adolescents who reported frequent consumption of soft drinks and sugary food, those with D1MFS (noncavitated and cavitated caries experience) ≥12, D5MFS (cavitated caries experience) ≥1, clinically detected approximal lesions, and active caries were significantly more likely to benefit from radiographs (P ≤ .002). Although some indicators showed moderate-to-good sensitivity (consumption of sugary food, caries activity) or specificity (absence of clinically diagnosed approximal lesions), the accuracy of indicators evaluated (isolated or combined) never reached 0.60. The possibility of correctly identifying which adolescents would benefit from radiographs for caries detection purposes was limited in a population with high-caries experience.

Dietary Determinants of Dental Caries Prevalence and Experience in Saudi Schoolchildren: Frequency versus Quantity.

Background Sugar-added diet has been associated with increased risk of developing dental caries. Objective To investigate the dietary determinants of caries prevalence and experience based on the frequency versus the quantity of consumption among Saudi schoolchildren. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that invited 12- to 15-year-old intermediate school students (N = 3000) in four cities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data collection comprised a pretested questionnaire and clinical examination. Caries was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and was recorded as a decayed, missing, filled tooth (DMFT). The questionnaire included questions regarding the consumption of different quantities and frequencies of multiple sugar-containing food items. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the influence of sugar-containing food on the dental caries experience (DMFT) and prevalence of decayed teeth. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data at 5% significance level. Results Of 3000 invited students, 2262 participated with a participation rate of 75.4%. Our study found that the frequency of soft drink consumption was significantly associated with increased caries prevalence (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65) and experience (adjusted B = 0.46, 95% CI 0.16–0.76). The frequency of consumption of fruit juice was statistically significantly associated with increased caries experience (adjusted B = 0.48, 95% CI 0.16–0.79). The interaction terms between the frequency and the quantity of consumption of energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened milk were statistically significantly related to caries experience and prevalence. Conclusion Although the frequency of consumption of sugar-containing drinks was more associated with caries experience and prevalence, the interaction between frequency and quantity was highly related to the prevalence and experience of dental caries.

Polysubstance use among national samples of in-school adolescents in Tonga and Vanuatu.

The study aimed to provide estimates on current polysubstance use among adolescents in Tonga and Vanuatu. Cross-sectional and national school health survey data were analyzed from 5028 adolescents (mean age 15.4 years) in Tonga and Vanuatu in 2016-2017. Polysubstance use was defined as currently using two or three substances of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. Results indicate that 72.9% of students reported zero current substance use, 14.5% single current substance use, and 12.6% current polysubstance use (2 or 3 types of substance use). In the adjusted multinational logistic regression analysis factors associated with current single and polysubstance included older adolescents (15-18 years or older), male sex, bullied, passive smoking, high psychological distress, and low peer support, whereby the associations with current polysubstance use were stronger than with current single substance use. In addition, parental tobacco use was associated with single substance use, and school truancy and frequent soft drink consumption (≥3 times/day) were associated with current polysubstance use, and high parental support was negatively associated with polysubstance use. More than one in ten of the participating students engaged in current polysubstance use. Several factors associated with current single and polysubstance use were found which can help in designing intervention strategies.

TV exposure and food consumption patterns-evidence from Indonesia.

Using cross-sectional survey data from Indonesia from 2007 and 2014, this study estimates the effect of the number of available television channels during childhood on food consumption later in life with a focus on unhealthy food items. To address endogeneity of television signal strength, I exploit exogenous variations in television signal quality due to random diffractions caused by topography within a small area. Using an instrumental variables approach the results suggest that exposure to television during youth of the household head has a positive effect on household-level snack and soft drink expenditures. At the individual level I document more frequent consumption of soft drinks. Additional analysis suggests that households shift their consumption basket at the expense of vegetables and staples. Finally, heterogeneous effects analysis imply that results are driven by young individuals who are younger than 24 years old.

Consumption of healthy food and ultra-processed products: comparison between pregnant and non-pregnant women, Vigitel 2018

Abstract Objectives: to characterize pregnant women’s eating habits and compare them to women of reproductive age, and to analyze the association between pregnancy and eating habits. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 13,108 women aged 18 to 50 years (179 pregnant women), included in the Vigitel 2018 telephone survey. Eating habits were assessed by the frequency of food consumption considered as food quality markers and by food eaten in previous day. NOVA classification was used to categorize food into: natural/minimally processed, and ultra-processed food products. The differences were verified by Pearson's Chi-square test and Poisson multiple regression. Results: in pregnant women, we observed lower percentages of natural juice intake (27.5%) and fruit (10.1%) 0-2 times/week, and higher percentages of juice (36.4%) 3-4 times and fruit (74.2%) ≥ 5 times/week compared to non-pregnant women. No differences were detected in the daily frequencies of food intake among the women. The day before the interview, almost 95% of the pregnant women consumed ultra-processed products. Pregnant women reported a lower frequency of soft drink consumption (12.3%) and sauces (7.4%) than non-pregnant women. Conclusion: pregnant women and non-pregnant women had high consumption of ultraprocessed products, highlighting the necessity of interventions, aiming to promote healthy eating.

Faktor Risiko Konsumsi Soft Drink dengan Kejadian Kegemukan pada Remaja di SMK Kristen Bala Keselamatan Palu

Adolescents are an age group that is prone to nutritional problems including obesity. Adolescent lifestyles that can trigger obesity include the consumption of soft drinks. The highest sweetener content in food and beverages is found in soft drinks, and it accounts for 12% of the total carbohydrate requirement which can trigger obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for soft drink consumption on the incidence of obesity in adolescents at the Vocational High School for Safety in Palu in 2018. This type of research used a case-control study. The sample in this study amounted to 64 people who were divided into 32 cases and 32 controls. A sampling of cases was carried out by the total population. Data collection techniques use digital scales and microtome to determine nutritional status, and the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire form to determine the frequency and level of consumption of soft drinks. The analysis showed that the p-value for the frequency of soft drink consumption was 0.802 and the level for consumption of soft drinks was 0.297, with the OR value for the frequency of consumption of soft drinks = 1.485 and the OR value for the level of consumption = 1.98. The conclusion is that there is no relationship between the frequency of consumption of soft drinks, the level of consumption of soft drinks with the incidence of obesity in adolescents at the Vocational School of Salvation Army Palu. but have a risk respectively 1.485 times and 1.98 times the incidence of obesity. It is recommended that schools pay more attention to the types of drinks that are marketed in the school environment and teenagers are expected to be wiser in choosing snacks.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Loneliness is associated with poor mental health, social-environmental factors, and health risk behaviours among national samples of in-school adolescents in four Caribbean countries

ABSTRACT The goal of the study was to estimate associations of loneliness with poor mental health, social-environmental and health risk behaviour indicators among adolescents in the Caribbean. Cross-sectional national ‘Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)’ data of four Caribbean countries (N = 9,143 adolescents) in 2016–2017 were analysed. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, loneliness was significantly positively associated with all five poor mental health outcomes (having no close friends, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, suicidal ideation, suicide plan and suicide attempt). Regarding social-environmental outcomes, loneliness was significantly positively associated with bullying victimization, having been physically attacked, involvement in fighting, frequent experiences of hunger and passive smoking (in particular among boys). In terms of health risk behaviour outcomes, loneliness significantly increased the odds for current tobacco use, ever drunk, trouble from alcohol use, ever amphetamine use, multiple sexual partners, leisure-time sedentary behaviour, injury and frequent soft drink consumption. In addition, among boys, loneliness increased the likelihood for current cannabis use. Loneliness is associated with poorer mental health, social-environmental risk factors and health risk behaviours. Results show the importance of taking loneliness into account in a number of mental, social, and physical health factors.

Is soft drink consumption associated with gestational hypertension? Results from the BRISA cohort.

It is still unknown whether excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to gestational hypertensive disorders, other than preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between soft drink consumption and hypertension during pregnancy, analyzing the relationship from the perspective of counterfactual causal theory. Data from pregnant women of the BRISA cohort were analyzed (1,380 in São Luis and 1,370 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption during pregnancy obtained in a prenatal interview. The outcome was gestational hypertension based on medical diagnosis, at the time of delivery. A theoretical model of the association between soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was constructed using a directed acyclic graph. Marginal structural models (MSM) weighted by the inverse of the probability of soft drink consumption were also employed. Using Poisson regression analysis, high soft drink consumption (≥7 times/week) was associated with gestational hypertension in São Luís (RR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10), in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.13-2.01), and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.45; 95%CI: 1.16-1.82) compared to lower exposure (<7 times/week). In the MSM, the association between high soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was observed in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.63; 95%CI: 1.21-2.19) and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.15-1.97), but not in São Luís (RR=1.26; 95%CI: 0.79-2.00). High soft drink consumption seems to be a risk factor for gestational hypertension, suggesting that it should be discouraged during pregnancy.

Difference on the prevalence, patterns and awareness of soft drink consumption among male and female Arab students.

The increase in soft drink (SD) consumption is emerging as a serious health issue. Our aim is to explore the prevalence and awareness regarding SD consumption among Saudi students. This cross-sectional study included 1000 apparently healthy Saudi students (527 males, 473 females) aged 16-23years. A designed questionnaire including various sections was used to obtain the required information. The BMI and frequency of SD consumption were significantly higher in males (P<0.001) than females, whereas, females exhibited higher awareness and knowledge regarding SD consumption than males. The SD consumption in females was due to society, taste, availability and markets, whereas in males it was due to cheap price. Females support the implementation of new policies to prevent consumption of SD. Arab students exhibited a high prevalence of SD consumption especially in males. Although females showed more awareness and knowledge about SD, various misconceptions were notable in both sexes. New policies, health promotion campaigns must be organized to raise awareness among children and parents. Parents and health educators should motivate and encourage the children to consume more water in the context of a healthy balanced diet.

Can the school environment influence oral health-related behaviours? A multilevel analysis of the Brazilian National Adolescent School-Based Health Survey 2015.

To investigate the association between the potential support of schools for oral health promotion and a set of oral health-related behaviours among adolescent students in Brazilian state capitals. A cross-sectional study using individual and school environment data from the 2015 Brazilian National Adolescent School-Based Health Survey (PeNSE) was conducted. The sample consisted of 51192 students from 1339 public and private schools in the 27 Brazilian State Capitals, aged 11-19years old. The outcomes were six oral health-related behaviours: dental visits; toothbrushing frequency; soft drink and sweets consumption; smoking and alcohol consumption. The explanatory variable was the Oral Health Promotion School Environment index (OHPSE). Covariates were the adolescents' sociodemographic characteristics and organizational aspects of the schools. A two-level multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression analysis with fixed slopes and random intercepts was performed, considering the complex sample design. The prevalence of risk behaviours was 28.0% for 'low frequency of annual dental visits', 6.9% for 'low daily toothbrushing frequency', 28.8% for 'high weekly soft drink consumption', 41.7% for 'high weekly sweet consumption', 18.9% for 'cigarette experimentation' and 52.6% for 'alcoholic beverage experimentation'. The schools were classified as low (36.3%), intermediate (30.4%) and high (33.3%) OHPSE. In the adjusted model, schools with 'high OHPSE' had lower prevalence of 'low frequency of annual dental visits' (PR=0.94 [95% CI 0.90; 0.99]), 'high weekly frequency of soft drink consumption' (PR=0.94 [95% CI 0.89; 0.99]) and 'sweet consumption' (PR=0.96 [95% CI 0.93; 1.00]) than those with 'low OHPSE'. In addition, schools with 'intermediate OHPSE' had higher prevalence's of 'low daily toothbrushing frequency' (PR=1.12 [95% CI 1.03; 1.23]) and 'cigarette experimentation' (PR=1.08 [95% CI 1.01; 1.16]) than those with 'low OHPSE'. 'Alcoholic beverage experimentation' was not associated with OHPSE. The potential support of schools for oral health promotion was associated with most of the oral health-related behaviours among adolescent students. Those attending schools with higher OHPSE scores reported a higher annual frequency of dental visits and a lower weekly frequency of soft drink and sweet consumption, while those in schools with intermediate OHPSE had a lower daily toothbrushing frequency and a higher rate of cigarette experimentation.

Soft Drink Consumption and Mental Health in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Examination

PurposePrevious studies showed associations between soft drink consumption and mental health problems in adolescents, but the direction of these effects is unknown. This study examines the hypotheses that soft drink consumption predicts aggression and depressive symptoms over time and that these mental health problems predict soft drink consumption. MethodsInterviews were conducted with 5,147 children and their caregivers from three sites at child ages 11, 13, and 16. At each time point, youth reported on their frequency of consuming soft drinks, aggressive behavior, and depressive symptoms. An autoregressive cross-lagged path model tested reciprocal relationships between soft drink consumption, aggressive behavior, and depressive symptoms over time. ResultsMore frequent consumption of soft drinks was associated with more aggressive behavior at each time point and depressive symptoms at ages 11 and 13 (r = .04 to .18, p ≤ .002). After adjusting for covariates and stability of each behavior over time, soft drink consumption at ages 11 and 13 predicted more aggressive behavior at the next time point (β = .08 and .06, p < .001). Aggressive behavior at age 13 also predicted more soft drink consumption at age 16 (β = .06, p = .002). Soft drink consumption at age 13 predicted fewer depressive symptoms (β = −.04, p = .007), but depressive symptoms did not predict soft drink consumption. ConclusionsMore frequent consumption of soft drinks may contribute to aggressive behavior in adolescents over time; there is some support for reciprocal relationships. There is no evidence for soft drink consumption contributing to adolescents' depression. Future research should examine longitudinal effects over shorter intervals.

High prevalence of school truancy in a national sample of in-school adolescents in Kuwait: Internalizing, externalizing and social risk factors

ABSTRACT Academic achievements in adolescents can be reduced by school truancy. This investigation reports on the prevalence and correlates of school truancy in adolescents in Kuwait. The study participants comprised of 3,637 adolescents (15 years median age) that took part in the nationally representative and cross-sectional “Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS)” in Kuwait in 2015. Results indicate that 48.5% of the students reported one or more days truancy in the past month (32.5% 1–2 days and 16.7% 3 or more days truancy). In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, female sex, older age, current tobacco use, frequent soft drink consumption, suicide attempt, poor parental and peer support were independently and positively associated with 1–2 days and/or 3 or more days truancy (past month). A very high prevalence of school truancy was discovered in Kuwait and several risk factors identified that can be incorporated in interventions.