Adolescent Health Research Articles

Correlation Analysis of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior with Childhood Abuse, Peer Victimization, and Psychological Resilience in Adolescents with Depression.

In recent years, the number of adolescents with depression has been increasing annually, with individuals often exhibiting non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior. The purpose of this study is to investigate the family (childhood abuse), school (peer victimization), and individual (psychological resilience) factors of adolescents with depression with or without NSSI (the Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation [C-FASM] scale), and to analyze the correlation between the above psychological and social factors and the frequency of NSSI, to provide a basis for NSSI prevention and intervention in adolescents with depression. We recruited 355 adolescents with depressive symptoms to participate in this study and divided them into Group NSSI (N = 227) and Group no-NSSI (n-NSSI) (N = 128) based on the C-FASM scale. The Short-Form Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Multidimensional Peer Visualization Scale (MPVS), and Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RISC) scores were compared between two groups of adolescents. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between NSSI frequency and the above scores. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and total CTQ-SF score in Group NSSI were significantly higher than those in Group n-NSSI (all p < 0.001). Physical victimization, verbal victimization, social manipulation, attacks on property, and total MPVS score in Group NSSI were significantly higher than those in Group n-NSSI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Goal concentration, emotion regulation, positive perception, family support, interpersonal assistance, and total RISC score in Group NSSI were significantly lower than those in Group n-NSSI (all p < 0.001). The frequency of NSSI was significantly positively correlated with emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and total CTQ-SF score (r = 0.366, p < 0.001; r = 0.411, p < 0.001; r = 0.554, p < 0.001; r = 0.220, p = 0.001; r = 0.255, p < 0.001; r = 0.673, p < 0.001). The frequency of NSSI was significantly positively correlated with physical victimization, verbal victimization, social manipulation, attacks on property, and total MPVS score (r = 0.418, p < 0.001; r = 0.455, p < 0.001; r = 0.447, p < 0.001; r = 0.555, p = 0.001; r = 0.704, p < 0.001). The frequency of NSSI was significantly negatively correlated with goal concentration, emotion regulation, positive perception, family support, interpersonal assistance, and total RISC score (r = -0.393, p < 0.001; r = -0.341, p < 0.001; r = -0.465, p < 0.001; r = -0.272, p = 0.001; r = -0.160, p = 0.016; r = -0.540, p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the importance of family (childhood abuse), school (peer victimization), and individual (psychological resilience) factors for NSSI in depressed adolescents, and these factors are closely related to NSSI frequency. Maintaining a good family environment, solving the problem of peer victimization at school, and developing corresponding measures to improve psychological resilience are of great significance for improving the mental health of depressed adolescents and reducing the risk of NSSI.

Cannabidiol for Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders

Parents and patients have inquired about the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating child and adolescent mental health conditions. This review examines the current literature regarding CBD containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders for youth 20 years and younger. Although there are several areas of growing interest for potential use of CBD, such as social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder, the evidence base remains limited. Large-scale controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of CBD for treatment of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(6):e186–e192.]

Cannabidiol for Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders

Parents and patients have inquired about the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating child and adolescent mental health conditions. This review examines the current literature regarding CBD containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders for youth 20 years and younger. Although there are several areas of growing interest for potential use of CBD, such as social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder, the evidence base remains limited. Large-scale controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of CBD for treatment of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(6):e186–e192.]

CSP2023: 9 - Physiotherapeutic Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: The evidence for who, what and why

CSP2023: 9 - Physiotherapeutic Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: The evidence for who, what and why

Social anxiety disorder: prevalence and dominant factor among adolescents in urban and rural school

In the age range of 16-18 years, commonly known as adolescence, individuals undergo a period of self-discovery in their socio-emotional development. Failures during this process can lead to individuals experiencing anxiety in social interactions, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. The Indonesia National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS), findings also indicate that the most prevalent mental disorder among adolescents is anxiety disorder (a combination of social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder), is equivalent to 15.5 million. The widespread use of the internet and social media, on one hand, has led to a high dependency on smartphones among teenagers, causing them to spend more time interacting in the virtual world. Over an extended period, this condition can lead to social anxiety due to the fear of failure and lack of success. The objective of this research is to explore whether there is a difference in social anxiety among teenagers living in rural or urban areas, related to factors such as the duration of smartphone usage, school activities, and so on. The results of this research are crucial for providing feedback to high schools, especially for early detection of potential anxiety symptoms from the beginning, in order to prevent and provide appropriate treatment for social anxiety, thus not affecting students' academic achievements. It is recommended that schools conduct early detection measures.

Describing use of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults in Canada

BackgroundGiven the high prevalence of use of muscle-building supplements, such as whey protein and creatine monohydrate, there remains a need for more research to understand use among adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to describe the influences of muscle-building supplement use, the amount of time researching muscle-building supplements, common places of purchase, information sources, symptoms during use, medical attention sought, and perceptions of problematic use. MethodsData from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (N = 912) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the primary variables and chi-square tests and one-way ANOVAs were used to identify gender differences. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the sociodemographic associations with reported symptoms during use, not seeking medical attention for symptoms, and perceived problematic use. ResultsProtein bars (58.9 %) and whey protein powders or protein shakes (52.2 %) were the most reported muscle-building supplements used. Nearly half (43.7 %) of participants reported social media influencers as a primary influence of use, while over two-thirds (69.3 %) reported seeking information from online websites. Participants spent the most time researching the risks and benefits of creatine monohydrate. Nearly two-thirds of participants reported at least one symptom while using muscle-building supplements, despite 87.8 % of those participants not seeking medical attention. Only 9.8 % of participants perceived their use as problematic, with distinct sociodemographic factors linked to symptoms and perceptions of problematic use. ConclusionsFindings provide important information about the use of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults that can guide harm reduction and intervention efforts among healthcare, public health, and policymaking professionals.

A test of competing mediators linking trouble sleeping to cannabis use in adolescents and emerging adults.

This study examined day-level associations between trouble sleeping and three cannabis-use indices (likelihood/quantity of use and impaired control). We evaluated behavioral and cognitive mediators of the association between trouble sleeping and cannabis outcomes. Youth (N = 86, ages 15-24, 48.8% female, 58.8% White, 18.6% Latine) who regularly used cannabis were recruited for an intervention study. This preregistered secondary data analysis leveraged data from a 1-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study completed prior to intervention. Trouble sleeping, cannabis use, and impaired control over use were assessed each morning; negative affect, risk-taking propensity, and cannabis craving were assessed multiple times and aggregated to create a daily average. Multilevel structural equation modeling evaluated hypothesized temporally sequenced associations and putative mechanisms at the day (i.e., within) and person (i.e., between) level. In bivariate analyses at the person level, there were large-effect associations between trouble sleeping and craving and negative affect, and between craving and cannabis-use likelihood and quantity (rs from .34 to .48). In multilevel analyses at the day level, participants were less likely to use cannabis the next day after reporting more trouble sleeping (β = -.65, p < .001). Trouble sleeping was not directly associated with subsequent cannabis-use quantity or impaired control, or indirectly via negative affect, risk-taking propensity, or craving. Trouble sleeping had differential relations with cannabis-use indices at the day and person levels. To promote youth health and reduce cannabis use, future research may consider the unique, person- and situation-driven mechanistic processes at play. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quality Indicators for Transition from Paediatric to Adult Care for Youth with Chronic Conditions: Protocol for an Online Modified Delphi Study.

The transition from paediatric to adult care poses a significant health system-level challenge impeding the delivery of quality health services for youth with chronic health conditions. In Canada and globally, the transition to adult care is regarded as a top priority in adolescent health in need of readily applicable, adaptable, and relevant national metrics to evaluate and benchmark transition success across disease populations and clinical care settings. Unfortunately, existing literature fails to account for the lack of engagement from youth and caregivers in developing indicators, and its applicability across chronic conditions, primary care involvement, and health equity considerations. Our proposed study aims to establish a consensus-driven set of quality indicators for the transition to adult care that are universally applicable across physical, developmental, and/or mental health conditions, clinical care settings, and health jurisdictions. Using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach, a panel comprised of youth, caregivers, interdisciplinary healthcare providers, and health system leaders will be established to collaborate with our research team to ensure the study methodology, materials, and knowledge dissemination are suitable and reflect the perspectives of youth and their families. We will then conduct an iterative 3-round Online Modified Delphi (OMD) study (n= 160) to (1) compare and contrast the perspectives of youth, caregivers, health care providers, and health system leaders on quality indicators for transition, and (2) prioritize a key set of quality indicators for transition applicable across disease populations that are the most important, useful, and feasible in the Canadian context. Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) multi-stage analytic approach, data from each panel and stakeholder group will be examined separately and compared to establish a key set of indicators endorsed by both panels. The study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Physicians Services Incorporated. This study will produce quality indicators to evaluate and inform action equitably to improve transition from paediatric to adult care for youth and their families in Canada.

Effectiveness of Video and Leaflet Educational Media in Increasing Adolescent Mental Health Literacy

Mental health determines the well-being of adolescents, because adolescence is a time when major changes occur in the body, psychology and society. Mental health literacy is important to increase the capacity of adolescents to face unexpected challenges, for this reason education is needed to increase literacy. Delivering education requires interesting media so that information can be conveyed well, video media and leaflets can be used as educational media. The aim of this research is to determine the difference influence of video and leaflet-based on education of adolescent mental health literacy at Bintang Harapan Vocational School Bekasi. This research design uses a two-group pretest-posttest design without control. The sample for this research was taken using proportionate stratified random sampling with a total of 210 adolescents who were divided into105 adolescents ach in the video and leaflet education groups. Mental health literacy was measured using the MHL-q (Mental Health Literacy-Questionnaire) questionnaire. Data analysis used the independent t-test. The results of the research show that there is no difference in the effect of video and leaflet interventions on adolescent mental health literacy with p value = 0.253 (p&gt; 0.005), so it can be concluded that video and leaflet-based education are equally influential in increasing adolescent mental health literacy. Confounding factors that influence adolescent mental health literacy are gender and access to information. It is recommended that video and leaflet educational media can be used as health education media, especially to increase mental health literacy in adolescents.

Prevention of stunting with nutrition and reproductive health education of adolescents in west Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

The problem of stunting in Indonesia is a serious threat that requires appropriate handling. Basic Health Research data in 2018 shows that stunting cases in Indonesia are still relatively high, reaching 30.8%. Behavior change is one of the pillars of efforts to deal with malnutrition and stunting. Adolescent reproductive health is defined as a healthy condition in the system, function, and process of adolescent reproduction physically, mentally, and socio-culturally. The Community Service activities that will be carried out are a Community Partnership Program scheme focusing on service in the health sector which focuses on adolescent reproductive health. The targets of this activity are teachers and students of 1st State Senior High School, Gunungsari, Lombok, West of Nusa Tenggara. This Community Service aims to increase knowledge and implementation regarding strengthening character and leadership spirit and using technology wisely, increasing knowledge and skills about motor activities through the socialization of sports movements, anthropometric measurements related to adolescent reproductive readiness, and breast self-examination. The methods used are seminars, focus group discussions, and training.

The Influence of Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Age, and Gender on the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adolescents in Bolaang Mongondow Regenc

This study analyzed the influence of Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, Age, and Gender on Adolescent Health and Quality of Life in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. This was an analytic study with a cross-sectional approach conducted in junior and senior high schools in Bolaang Mongondow Regency in October 2023 with a total sample of 406. The results of the study found that physical activity and nutritional status had a p&gt;0.05 value in all domains, while the age variable had a p&lt;0.05 value in the psychological and social domains, the gender variable had a p&lt;0.05 value in the psychological domain, then to analyze the most influential variables, the researcher conducted a logistic regression test and obtained the results of the gender and age variables having the most decisive influence on the quality of life of adolescent health in the psychological domain by 8.6%. This study concludes that Physical Activity and Nutritional Status are unrelated and do not affect the quality of life of adolescents in the Bolaang Mongondow district. At the same time, the variables of age and gender influence only the psychological and social domains of quality of life health; gender and age variables have the most decisive influence. This study implies that Physical Activity and Nutritional Status are not the main factors that influence the quality of life of adolescents in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. However, Age and Gender have a more significant influence, especially on psychological aspects.

Impact of Social Media Usage on Body Image Perception among Adolescents in Malawi

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social media usage on body image perception among adolescents in Malawi. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Exposure to idealized images and content often leads to body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem. Adolescents frequently compare themselves to the highly curated and often edited images they see online, which can create unrealistic expectations and negative self-perception. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among young girls, who are more likely to internalize societal beauty standards perpetuated by social media. Additionally, the constant feedback loop of likes and comments can exacerbate concerns about appearance, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. However, study suggest that positive social media interactions and exposure to body-positive content can mitigate these negative effects, highlighting the nuanced relationship between social media and body image. Overall, while social media offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also poses significant risks to adolescents' body image and mental health. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social comparison theory, objectification theory and uses and gratifications theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of social media usage on body image perception among adolescents in Malawi. Educational institutions should implement media literacy programs that equip adolescents with critical thinking skills to navigate social media content effectively. Policymakers and regulatory bodies should work with social media platforms to enforce content moderation policies that restrict the promotion of harmful content related to body image, such as extreme dieting, beauty stereotypes, and body shaming.

Factors associated with an increased risk of anxiety among adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown in the French Grand Est area

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adolescent mental health worldwide. The current study aims to assess the feelings of French adolescents and the factors related to anxiety among these adolescents during the first lockdown due to COVID-19. A sample of 284 French adolescents from the Grand Est region aged 12–18 years completed an online survey evaluating their pandemic-related anxiety symptoms, behaviors, and feelings regarding the contingent strategies of lockdown that were taken and their living and learning conditions, family relationships, and social support. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-6) was used to assess anxiety. Data on parents' mental health status were also collected. A word cloud was generated to visualize respondents' feelings according to word use frequency. Cross-sectional analysis with linear regression was performed to identify the factors associated with a higher level of anxiety in adolescents. Higher anxiety scale scores were observed among females than among males (β = 1.2; P = 0.0005), among adolescents experiencing conflicts at home (β = 0.9; P = 0.03) and difficulties in isolation (β = 1.1; P = 0.02) than among those who did not report any difficulty, and among those working less than 2 h a day (β = 1.1; P = 0.003) than among those working more. Anxiety scale scores were lower in adolescents with higher family social support (β = −0.66; P < 0.001) and those with parents with no anxiety (β = −2.28; P < 0.001), lower anxiety (β = −1.38; P = 0.018), and higher mental health-related quality of life (β = −0.04; P = 0.03). These findings suggest a need to support interventions targeting parents’ anxiety, develop strategies to increase family support, and establish consistent work schedules for children.

PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN TENTANG PERILAKU MENYIMPANG PADA KADER REMAJA

The increasing rate of juvenile delinquency is very worrying for many parties. Both related to mass fights, drugs, premarital sexual relations, drinking and so on. Even though various efforts have been made, until now the incidence rate is still difficult to reduce. The forum for activities provided to teenagers, such as the Youth Posyandu, the formation of youth cadres is still not running optimally. The aim of this community service is to optimize the knowledge of juvenile cadres through health promotion and discussions on juvenile delinquency. The method used through interactive discussions about juvenile delinquency (deviant behavior). The results of this community service activity are that the knowledge of teenage after health education and interactive discussions is mostly very good. Adolescent health education activities are felt by youth cadres to be very beneficial, the cadres really want this activity not to stop here, but to continue

Parental involvement in school-based sexuality education in the WHO European Region: findings from a scoping review and expert consultations

ABSTRACT There is a major political commitment at the European Union level to providing good quality sexuality education in schools. Multiple studies in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region have demonstrated the importance of sexuality education for the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Parents’ role in providing information about sex, sexuality and relationships has also been widely recognised, though we know little about the involvement of parents in school-based sexuality education and the possible outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to systematically identify initiatives within the WHO European Region that involve parents in school-based sexuality education. We identified five programmes – four of which had been implemented in the UK and one in Turkey. In addition, online expert consultations provided professional insights and resources related to the topic. This review indicates that initiatives to involve parents in school-based SE exist within the region. Although our results refer to the benefits of involving parents in school-based sexuality education, such as improving communication between parents and children and contributing to parental trust in a school’s approach to sexuality education, it also indicates barriers, for example, lack of time on the part of parents and teachers.

Sexual History Documentation in Pediatric Patients with Technology Dependence.

Adolescent sexual health documentation reflects the depth of discussion physicians conduct with their patients. Limited studies exist on rates of sexual history documentation in technology-dependent patients. We sought to identify whether treatment gaps exist in a technology-dependent adolescent population. Well-child visits for patients with enterotomy or tracheostomy dependence, 12 to 19 years age, and seen in our urban clinic over a 3-year period (n = 14) were compared with a randomly selected peer group without technology dependence. Documentation of sexual activity, sexual orientation, safe sex and sexually transmitted infection (STI) guidance, and contraception or condom use were noted. Results demonstrate lower rates of documentation in sexual orientation, safe sex and STI guidance, and contraception or condom use in patients with technology dependence when compared with patients without technology dependence. Similar differences were noted in the 16- to 19-year group between the experimental and control groups. No differences were noted between gender and age groups.

Epidemic preparedness and innovations in digital healthcare: enhancing post-pandemic speech-language pathology services for child and adolescent mental health in Qatar

BackgroundThis paper discusses the critical importance of epidemic preparedness and innovations in digital health care by examining the transformative impact on speech-language pathology (SLP) services in a specialist outpatient child and adolescent service (CAMHS).MethodThis retrospective review analyzes referral data from three periods: pre-pandemic (15 March 2019–14 March 2020), pandemic (15 March 2020–14 March 2021), and post-pandemic (15 March 2021–14 March 2022). Statistical analyses assess trends in referrals and diagnoses during these periods. Feedback was also obtained from Parents of children who received virtual consultations during the pandemic.ResultsThe results reveal an increase in the demand for SLP services during and after the pandemic, with a surge in referrals (increased from 9.7 to 12.9% when compared pre-pandemic to post-pandemic periods; Chi-Square value 3.33, P = 0.068) for children with social communication challenges and autism spectrum disorder. Phone and video consultations were effectively adopted. Feedback from families shows a positive response (69%–98% of participants responded as strongly agreed and agreed on various items listed in feedback form specifically designed in line with the service objectives) to telehealth interventions, with many parents finding virtual consultations effective and helpful.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the importance of telehealth SLP services in meeting the increasing demand for mental health interventions among children and adolescents. It suggests integrating telehealth into clinical practice beyond the pandemic and highlights the need for long-term evaluation and addressing potential barriers to access.

Interplay of Family Dynamics and School Engagement in Self-Harm Adolescent: A Rapid Literature Review

Little research has explored the synergistic links between the home and school environments of adolescent self-harm, the purpose of this PRISMA review is to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which the home and school environments influence adolescent self-harm behaviors, as well as how the two interact to influence adolescent mental health. The researcher published the study in PubMed and Web of Science databases was systematically searched for family environment and school involvement in adolescent self-harm, and a total of 40 studies met specific inclusion criteria. The study found that family environment and family cohesion and adaptability affect adolescents’ emotional coping skills, which in turn affects adolescents’ emotional engagement, behavioral engagement, and cognitive engagement at school. The school environment also counteracts adolescents’ mental health, acting as a moderator to some extent. There is still a gap in research on family–school interactions, and future research on this topic is needed to provide effective prevention strategies for adolescents’ self-harm behaviors.

청소년의 신체활동과 주관적 건강 인식 관계에서 체질량지수와 주관적 체형 인식의 매개효과와 조절효과 분석

청소년의 신체활동과 주관적 건강 인식 관계에서 체질량지수와 주관적 체형 인식의 매개효과와 조절효과 분석

Oral health in youth with visual impairment: A longitudinal survey

This longitudinal survey aims to demonstrate improvement in oral hygiene among a group of youth with visual impairment (VI) achieved by repeated oral hygiene training, compare their progress with healthy peers (CG) and assess their oral health knowledge. In 100 VI (55♀, 45♂; ± 17.8 years) and 45 CG (23♀, 22♂; ± 17.2 years) oral hygiene training and a Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHI) rating were repeated six times at three-month intervals. The VI were divided into four subgroups according to the toothbrush hardness/type. A questionnaire was given to both groups. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed at 5% significance level. Both groups showed reduction in QHI, the VI had overall higher QHI values than CG. Use of an electric toothbrush in VI led to lower QHI in the last examination (p < 0.03). 69% of participants recommended dental specialists to improve communications by acquiring more illustrative aids. VI changed toothbrush less often (p < 0.02). A higher incidence of dental plaque was confirmed in VI compared to CG. After education and individual training, gradual plaque reduction has occurred in both groups. Using an electric toothbrush in VI resulted in better QHI outcomes. Repetitive preventive intervention in youth with VI helped them to adopt healthier oral hygiene habits.