Health Promotion For Young People Research Articles

Screening the Possible Mental Health Issues in Adolescents

Abstract: The abstract reflects the collective decision of a group of computer engineering students who are passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and clinical psychology for young people. They see the transformative potential of data from insights to use technology to increase the efficiency and accessibility of health promotion for young people. The basis of their approach is a commitment to technological development and they aim to create advanced tools and platforms that engage young people digitally, leading to mental tests, that are more supportive and effective. Familiar with many aspects of youth health, these students are eager to collaborate. They believe that collaboration with professionals in fields such as psychology, social work, medicine and education is essential to develop solutions to mental health problems and mental challenges. Students emphasized ethical considerations such as privacy, consent, and technology provision at the center of their efforts. Ultimately, these briefs demonstrate their firm belief in the potential of computer engineering expertise to shape the future of youth mental health support, as well as the goal of promoting youth health and recovery through assessment, better use, and empowerment.

Strategies of youth engagement in health promotion: listening sessions, task force participation, surveys and other strategies.

Youth engagement is often purported as a critical dimension of health promotion for young people, but the strategies used to facilitate this engagement are seldom evaluated or studied. This study explored the strategies used to engage youth in a strategic planning process to develop comprehensive health and wellness plans in 28 US school districts. Participating school districts conducted listening sessions, administered anonymous surveys, included youth on a district task force, and employed other strategies to engage youth. Following this initiative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from all school districts (n = 34) to enumerate the use of these strategies across districts and understand their perspectives related to the effectiveness and importance of these strategies for engaging youth in health promotion. The most prevalent strategy used by districts was listening sessions (27 districts; 564 youth), followed by including youth on the task force (19 districts; 39 youth), anonymous surveys (18 districts; 1988 youth) and other methods (5 districts). Interviewees clarified the benefits and challenges of each strategy and provided commentary on youth engagement for health promotion. The results stress the importance of building trusting relationships with youth, using multiple strategies to engage youth, and embodying an equity mindset throughout the development and implementation of youth engagement efforts.

Associations between Parenting Style and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Aged 11-17 Years: Results of the KiGGS Cohort Study (Second Follow-Up).

Few studies from Germany have investigated the associations between parenting style and children’s and adolescents’ health. Little attention has been directed to whether these associations vary with familial socioeconomic or migration status. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the association between parenting style and the mental health of children and adolescents aged 11–17 years using data from the KiGGS cohort study (second follow-up). We calculated mean Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) total difficulties scores stratified by parenting style (authoritative, permissive, demanding–controlling, emotional distancing). Linear regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, socioeconomic status, migration status, and family status were performed. We also analyzed moderating effects of socioeconomic and migrations status on associations between parenting style and SDQ scores. There were only small differences between the permissive and the authoritative parenting styles. Significantly higher mean scores were observed for the demanding–controlling and emotional distancing styles for both the mother and father. These associations persisted after full adjustment and did not vary by socioeconomic or migration status. Parenting behavior is an important predictor of children’s and adolescents’ mental health. The promotion of good relationships within families and improving parenting skills offer promising approaches for health promotion in young people.

Interactive pedagogical strategies in Health Education: "Think-Pairs-Share" and Collective Construction

Introduction: Health Education in Sexual and Reproductive Health, appear in the practice of nursing students, as a form of health promotion in young people. The development of these skills is essential during nursing degree. Aims: As part of preparation of clinical practice, in Primary Health Care, a seminar was held - Dating without Risks-, with the purpose of promoting knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health, developing active health education strategies and promoting reflection on sexuality in young people. Methodology: We used pedagogical strategies, transferable to a Health Education session: Think-Pairs-Share; Fill in with post-it and Collective Construction. We asked about the importance of Health Education and the approach to sexuality in young people, risk behaviours in dating and a collective construction of an "Affections Alphabet". Results: The seminar exceeded the student’s expectations. The strategies used appear to be easily transferable to Health Education sessions in clinical practice context, providing more interaction between the group, promoting greater openness in approaching the theme.

Interactive pedagogical strategies in Health Education: "Think-Pairs-Share" and Collective Construction

Introduction: Health Education in Sexual and Reproductive Health, appear in the practice of nursing students, as a form of health promotion in young people. The development of these skills is essential during nursing degree. Aims: As part of preparation of clinical practice, in Primary Health Care, a seminar was held – Dating without Risks-, with the purpose of promoting knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health, developing active health education strategies and promoting reflection on sexuality in young people. Methodology: We used pedagogical strategies, transferable to a Health Education session: Think-Pairs-Share; Fill in with post-its and Collective Construction. We asked about the importance of Health Education and the approach to sexuality in young people, risk behaviours in dating and a collective construction of an “Affections Alphabet”. Results: The seminar exceeded the student’s expectations. The strategies used appear to be easily transferable to Health Education sessions in clinical practice context, providing more interaction between the group, promoting greater openness in approaching the theme. Conclusion: The evaluation proves the importance of using these strategies, as well as the increasing level of preparation for Health Education in this area, as a fundamental skill in nursing degree.

Mental health promotion for young people - the case for yoga in schools.

Mental wellbeing among young people is deteriorating. Poor mental wellbeing can be related to unmanaged stress. Adverse Childhood Experiences are widespread and result in young people having stressful lives. Stress has many manifestations, and coping with it can lead to risky health-related behaviours. A safe, scientifically-supported, efficient and effective set of stress-reduction skills is provided by the practice of yoga. At present, yoga is available privately, not publicly. After appropriately designed and evaluated interventions, the public provision of yoga could be integrated within the school curriculum, thereby reducing the high prevalence of prescription medication and offering a preventative strategy to promote positive mental health among young people. We suggest that the long-term benefits of an investment in a curriculum-embedded school-based yoga programme would do much to reduce stress both now for future generations.

The Current Events Held by Local Governments and Proposals for Possible Collaboration Within the Local Governments Focusing on Health Promotion for Young People

The Current Events Held by Local Governments and Proposals for Possible Collaboration Within the Local Governments Focusing on Health Promotion for Young People

Promoting mental health in out of home care in Australia.

Young people in out of home care (OoHC) typically have worse mental health outcomes than peers who grow up within a family of origin. Innovations to improve the mental health of this group have tended to focus on pathology rather than mental health promotion and prevention of mental illnesses, and are often costly and challenging to implement. This qualitative study explored perspectives from young people with experience of OoHC in Melbourne, Australia regarding the promotion of mental health in OoHC. The study informed the subsequent development of a system-level intervention to support workers and carers in OoHC and evaluation of its implementation, the Ripple study. We conducted thematic analysis of data from interviews and focus groups with 14 young people aged 18-24 years with diverse identities and experiences of foster, kinship and residential care. We identified four key themes. These were providing a home-like environment; having someone to talk to; connecting to the wider community and having opportunities to become an active citizen. There is a need for both mental health promotion and treatment approaches in interventions to support workers and carers and young people in OoHC. Mental health promotion strategies should include a focus on enhancing existing capacities of carers and workers. Mental health promotion for young people in OoHC depends on strong intersectoral collaboration and youth participation.

Chronic sleep deprivation and gender-specific risk of depression in adolescents: a prospective population-based study

BackgroundChronic exposure to sleep deprivation may increase the risk of depression in young people who are particularly vulnerable to changes in sleep and mental health. Sleep deprivation and incident depression may also differ by gender. We investigated the prospective association between cumulative sleep deprivation and subsequent levels of depressive symptomatology among adolescents from a gender perspective.MethodsA longitudinal study of 3071 young people in the British Columbia Adolescent Substance Use Survey (BASUS) cohort with three sleep time and two depression measures over 12 months (2011–12). Multivariable linear regression models with interaction terms estimated gender-specific associations between self-reported chronic sleep deprivation and changes in depressive symptomatology; post-estimation analysis calculated adjusted mean depression scores for each level of cumulative sleep deprivation.ResultsCumulative sleep deprivation was associated with a monotonic increase in depression scores at follow-up in young women, but no consistent pattern was seen in young men. During follow-up, 15% of young women were chronically sleep deprived and 29% were depressed (CESD ≥24). Young women reporting chronic exposure to sleep deprivation had higher CESD scores at follow-up (21.50 points, [CI95 19.55–23.45]), than those reporting no history (16.59 [15.72–17.45]); that remained after multivariable adjustment (19.48 [17.59–21.38]).ConclusionResults suggested that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of major depression among young women. Mental health promotion for young people should include relevant strategies to ensure young women can achieve recommended amounts of sleep.

Health promotion in young people: Identifying the predisposing factors of self-care health habits.

Unhealthy behaviors are strongly associated with chronic diseases, disabilities, or mortality. Identifying the predisposing factors that influence on self-care healthy habits will improve an early detection of high-risk groups. Four hundred and sixty-six Spanish young people aged 18-25 years were assessed. Global perceived health self-care was predicted by Value of health and Conscientiousness, both in females (R2 = 0.185; F = 29.661; p < 0.001) and males (R2 = 0.154; F = 17.849; p < 0.001). The results have shown gender differences in health self-care habits. Health promotion policies should include specific health consciousness-based strategies.

Health promotion for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Research confirms that children and young people with severe learning disabilities do not have the same level of access to high-quality care, health education and health promotion activities as children and young people without disabilities. This article discusses a quality improvement, action research project to investigate alternative approaches to health promotion that enhance the health and well-being of children and young people with complex neurodisabilities. The project involved assessment of school records and completion by staff of an eight-question survey. It found that the proactive approach of school nurses in raising awareness and understanding through questioning was positively received, and reinforced how meaningful and relevant information could be delivered to these young people. The project also had unexpected benefits, including more integrated team working, increased knowledge, greater awareness and understanding of the importance of health promotion participation, and student satisfaction.

Mental health promotion for young people in Lithuania

Mental health promotion for young people in Lithuania

Physical health promotion for young people at ultra-high risk for psychosis: An application of the COM-B model and behaviour-change wheel.

People with psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia, have high rates of unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as smoking and physical inactivity. Young people who seek help for mental health care, particularly those at high risk for psychosis, often also display high rates of these unhealthy behaviours. Although healthy living interventions have been applied to people with established psychosis, no attempt has been made to offer them to young people at risk for developing psychosis, despite potential benefits to mental and physical health. We propose that the COM‐B model (consisting of capability, opportunity and motivation) and behaviour‐change wheel might be an appropriate framework that mental health nurses and other health professionals could apply. Using a systematic and theoretically‐based approach to intervention development could result in effective methods of health promotion in this group. Further training and development for mental health nurses could encourage a greater integration of mental and physical health care.

Sexual health promotion for young people delivered via digital media: a scoping review

BackgroundYoung people are at risk of poor sexual health and are, therefore, in need of comprehensive, effective sexual health education. Young people are confident and constant users of digital technology, such as the internet and mobile phones, and there are many innovative possibilities for sexual health education involving these technologies.ObjectivesTo summarise evidence on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and mechanism of action of interactive digital interventions (IDIs) for sexual health; optimal practice for intervention development; contexts for successful implementation; research methods for digital intervention evaluation; and the future potential of sexual health promotion via digital media.DesignLiterature review of evidence on digital interventions for sexual health for young people, integrating the findings with the views of young people, parents and experts in digital media/sexual health. IDIs are defined as digital media programmes that provide health information and tailored decision support, behaviour-change support and/or emotional support. We focus on sexual well-being for young people aged 13–24 years in the UK.ResultsThere are many imaginative IDIs for sexual health promotion, but few interventions address issues that are important to young people, such as sexual pleasure and relationships. It is vital to collaborate with young people and to use Behaviour-Change Theory in designing interventions. We located 19 randomised controlled trials of IDIs for sexual health promotion for young people, finding a moderate effect on sexual health knowledge [standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.92], a small effect on confidence (self-efficacy) (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.20) and a positive effect on sexual behaviour (odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.61), but no significant effects on safer sex intention or biological outcomes. One study suggests that IDIs may be as good as face-to-face interventions for sexual health knowledge and safer sex intention. There are no existing data on the cost-effectiveness of IDIs for sexual health promotion. The impact of an IDI will be determined by the proportion of the target population reached, intervention efficacy, adoption in a setting, how well it is delivered and maintenance/sustainability. All of these elements must be addressed for IDIs to be successful. More collaboration is needed to capitalise on the knowledge of users and stakeholders, the design and software skills of the commercial sector and the theoretical expertise and evaluation skills of academia.ConclusionsIDIs are effective for knowledge acquisition and sexual behaviour, and could usefully contribute to sexual health education in schools, in clinic settings and online; however, there are obstacles to overcome, such as access to information technology and ensuring the quality and safety of interventions.Future workMore evidence is needed on the best designs for interventions (e.g. choice of behaviour-change mechanisms and interactive features) and the best models of delivery (e.g. setting, modes of delivery, methods of facilitation and support for engagement) to improve sexual behaviour, biological outcomes and sexual well-being in a cost-effective way.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

Emotional wellbeing and mental health: an exploration into health promotion in young people and families.

Promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing (EWB) in children and young people (YP) is vitally important for their psycho-social development. Critical review of the literature reveals a dearth of research that has explored the perspective of the child, adolescent or adult in this concept, with much research being intervention focused and promoted at crisis level. The current study aims to address this gap in understanding of young persons' and parents' perspectives. A small-scale, exploratory qualitative study was conducted with YP, and parents of YP aimed at exploring the meaning of EWB and how it could be promoted. Data were collected via focus groups with 15 YP (aged 18-24 years) and 15 interviews with parents of a different group of YP. Study participants identified key constructs for good EWB as stability, coping ability, happiness, confidence, balance, empathy and being grounded. Feeling comfortable with self, managing and controlling emotions and having the confidence to persevere with challenges were all felt to contribute to a positive sense of EWB. Sources of support were overwhelmingly cited as family and friends, with schools identified as a potentially good environment for supporting and promoting the EWB of pupils. Participants stressed the need for a positive attitude change towards YP, advocating this as promoting a sense of belonging and community citizenship. A lay-informed 'recipe' for successful EWB promotion is drawn out, centred on the core goal of raising awareness and understanding of YP's EWB, in the YP themselves, their parents, schools and the wider community. This research provides key messages for society, policy makers, education and public health and healthcare practitioners for integration into the delivery of services for YP and families that include education on supporting EWB, activities for YP and a multi-agency approach to supporting families within the community.

Does Viewing Explain Doing? Assessing the Association Between Sexually Explicit Materials Use and Sexual Behaviors in a Large Sample of Dutch Adolescents and Young Adults

Concerns have been voiced that the use of sexually explicit materials (SEMs) may adversely affect sexual behaviors, particularly in young people. Previous studies have generally found significant associations between SEM consumption and the sexual behaviors investigated. However, most of these studies have focused on sexual behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections or sexual aggression and/or failed to adequately control for relevant covariates. Thus, research more thoroughly investigating the association between SEM consumption and a broader range of sexual behaviors is needed. The study aims to investigate SEM consumption patterns of young people, and to assess the strength of the association between SEM consumption and a range of sexual behaviors, controlling for a comprehensive array of variables previously shown to affect these relationships. Online cross-sectional survey study of 4,600 young people, 15-25 years of age, in The Netherlands was performed. The main outcome measures were self-reported SEM consumption and sexual practices. The study found that 88% of men and 45% of women had consumed SEM in the past 12 months. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses to control for other factors, the association between SEM consumption and a variety of sexual behaviors was found to be significant, accounting for between 0.3% and 4% of the total explained variance in investigated sexual behaviors. This study suggests that, when controlling for important other factors, SEM consumption influences sexual behaviors. The small to moderate associations that emerged between SEM consumption and sexual behavior after controlling for other variables suggest that SEM is just one factor among many that may influence youth sexual behaviors. These findings contribute novel information to the ongoing debates on the role of SEM consumption in sexual behaviors and risk, and provide appropriate guidance to policy makers and program developers concerned with sexual education and sexual health promotion for young people.

Has untargeted sexual health promotion for young people reached its limit? A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundTheoretically, there may be benefit in augmenting school-based sexual health education with sexual health services, but the outcomes are poorly understood. Healthy Respect 2 (HR2) combined sex education with youth-friendly...

Integrating Psychological Theory Into the Design of an Online Intervention for Sexual Health: The Sexunzipped Website

BackgroundThe Internet can provide a confidential and convenient medium for sexual health promotion for young people.ObjectiveThis paper describes the development of an interactive, theory-based website (Sexunzipped) aimed at increasing safe sexual behavior of young people, as well as an outline of the evaluation protocol.MethodsThe website focuses on safer sex, relationships, and sexual pleasure. An overview of the site is provided, including a description of the theoretical constructs which form the basis of the site development. An integrated behavioral model was chosen as the guiding theory for the Sexunzipped intervention. A randomized trial design will be used to evaluate the site quantitatively.ResultsThe content of the site is described in detail with examples of the main content types: information pages, quizzes, and decision-making activities. We describe the protocol for quantitative evaluation of the website using a randomized trial design and discuss the principal challenges involved in developing the site, including the challenge of balancing the requirements of theory with young people’s views on website content and design.ConclusionsConsiderations for future interventions are discussed. Developing an online behavior-change intervention is costly and time consuming. Given the large public health potential, the cost involved in developing online interventions, and the need for attractive design, future interventions may benefit from collaborating with established sites that already have a user base, a brand, and a strong Internet presence. It is vital to involve users in decisions about intervention content, design, and features, paying attention to aspects that will attract and retain users’ interest. A central challenge in developing effective Internet-based interventions for young people is to find effective ways to operationalize theory in ways that address the views and perspectives of young people.

UNDERSTANDING SELF-HARM IN YOUNG PEOPLE: AN EMOTIONAL UNBALANCE IN NEED FOR INTERVENTION

Self-harm behavior refers to the intentional self-destruction or alteration of body tissue without deliberate suicidal intent. Studies claimed self-harm as being associated to obsessive-compulsive characteristics and eating disorders, emotion-regulation functions when interpersonal distress occurs and physiological reactivity during a distressing task in association to social problem-solving deficits. Three national studies referring to young people will be presented. The main study’s aim was to understand frequency of self-harm in Portuguese students and understanding the associations between self-harm and risk behaviors. A convenience sample of 206 was collected among high school and university students. The instrument used was a self-completed questionnaire: “Teens Self-Destructive Scale”. A minority of self-harmers was found. Results suggested associations between self-harm, eating disorders and difficulties regarding self-regulation of emotions and that self-harm can be considered a non-adaptive and not successful personal strategy to manage emotions. Findings from the other two national studies will be referred. All together, these findings demonstrate the relevance of studies in this domain and helped producing guidelines in terms of therapeutic interventions. During the last decades, young people became more literate regarding health information and more aware of risk behaviors, but did not improve their literacy about emotions and how to deal with them. Are we in need for a "positive" approach to mental health promotion in young people? Key words: protective factors, risk factors, self-harm, students.

How they got it and how they wanted it: marginalised young people's perspective on their experiences of sexual health education

Young people in Australia are at greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, and priority actions are necessary for this population group. This study of marginalised and at-risk young people in out-of-school environments was conducted in Western Australia with the aim of obtaining young people's perceptions about their experience of sexual health education and preferred means of gaining sexual health knowledge and skills. A participatory research methodology was implemented through a series of workshops with 88 young people recruited through community youth agencies. The results of the study support what is already known about sexual health promotion for young people and the importance of a holistic approach to promoting positive relationships and sexual health. However, the findings emphasise that this should include the need for demonstrated trust, confidence and safe environments, and the complementary role of community youth agencies and peer-based programmes which may play an important role in reaching young people who may disengage with, or not be reached by school-based sexual health education.