Health Status Of Young Adults Research Articles

Proteomic insights into mental health status: plasma markers in young adults

Global emphasis on enhancing prevention and treatment strategies necessitates an increased understanding of the biological mechanisms of psychopathology. Plasma proteomics is a powerful tool that has been applied in the context of specific mental disorders for biomarker identification. The p-factor, also known as the “general psychopathology factor”, is a concept in psychopathology suggesting that there is a common underlying factor that contributes to the development of various forms of mental disorders. It has been proposed that the p-factor can be used to understand the overall mental health status of an individual. Here, we aimed to discover plasma proteins associated with the p-factor in 775 young adults in the FinnTwin12 cohort. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, 13 proteins with a significant connection with the p-factor were identified, 8 of which were linked to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. This exploratory study provides new insight into biological alterations associated with mental health status in young adults.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Physical Activity Patterns and Dietary Habits of a Nursing College Students in Central Karnataka

Introduction: Nutritional habits and physical activity influence the health status of young adults. Noncommunicablediseases (NCDs) such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major humanhealth problems of 21st century. NCD risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, increased consumption of diet richin sugar, fats and salt, tobacco and alcohol consumption are increasingly found among youth. Having properdietary habits (nutritional behaviour) and moderate physical exercise are the best methods for reducingCVD risk.Objectives: To assess patterns of physical activity and dietary habits followed by students studying at a nursingcollege in Chitradurga.Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Assessments, by questionnaire, included daily food intake, frequencyof consuming foodstuffs with an adequate nutritional value and evaluating adverse dietary habits and types ofphysical activity undertaken.Results: 175 students participated in the study. Physical activities of moderate and vigorous intensity werefollowed by 65.7% and 65.1% students respectively. Foods with good nutritional value were consumed in lesserquantities. 14.9% consumed < 1 vegetable serving/day, 38.3% consumed < 1 fruit serving / week. There werestudents who did not consume vegetables (8%) or fruits (14.9%) at all. Higher frequencies (2-6 days/week) ofconsumption of junk food (12.6%) and soft drinks (10.3%) were found.Conclusion: It is an encouraging fact to know that students were involved in moderate or vigorous physicalactivities on regular basis. Whereas healthy dietary practice was less and consumption of junk food and softdrinks was more. Present study highlights areas of nutritional concerns that must be addressed to bringabout reduction in proportion of modifiable risk factors of NCDs among youth in health care professionalcourses.

Investigating the Impact of Social Media Usage on the Mental Health of Young Adults in Buffalo City, South Africa

In South Africa, social media usage has consistently increased over time, with young individuals being the most active users. However, there are concerns about mental illness, such as depression, as a result of the surge in social comparison. This study explored the relationship between social media usage and mental health among young adults in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. This study used a quantitative research approach and was based on the positivism paradigm. Data was collected from 127 young individuals aged 14 to 35 who live in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality through the use of structured questionnaires. The data collected was analysed using a descriptive statistical package for the social sciences. The findings of the study amongst others showed that the young adults spend an average of 6 hours per day on social media platforms. Also, the fear of missing out (FoMO) was identified as another major reason why young adults stay on social media platforms for long hours every day. Based on the results presented in this study, one can convincingly state that the excessive use of social media is negatively contributing to the mental health status of young adults. Some of these detrimental impacts include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicide and other mental health issues. The study recommends amongst others that an urgent and continuous well-structured awareness campaign be made to help sensitise the young adults on the danger of excessive use of social media platforms, both on their mental health status and life in general.

Exercise improves mental health status of young adults via attenuating inflammation factors but modalities matter.

The mental health of young adults is a global public health challenge. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits mental health. However, it is still unclear which exercise mode is optimal for protecting mental health and its association with the immune system. This study aimed to compare the intervention effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MVCT) on mental health and assess the underlying mechanism of exercise interventions to improve the immune system, which facilitated the mental health status. This is a double-blinded RCT study conducted from October 13, 2020 to January 25, 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MVCT (N = 32), and control groups (N = 28) with a mean age of 25.26 (SD = 2.21), and 43% of males enrolled in the study. Professional coaches guided participants in HIIT and MVCT groups to perform 40 min of exercise training three times a week for 12-week while those in the control group received 1 h of health education twice a week. Questionnaires related to mental health status and blood samples of inflammatory factors, including immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), albumin (Alb), globulin (GLO), lymphocytes (LYM), and lymphocyte percentage (LYM) were assessed before and after the intervention. We found that blood inflammation factors increased significantly in the control group during 12 weeks (ΔIgA = 0.16 g/L, ΔIgM = 0.092 g/L, ΔAlb = 2.59 g/L, ΔGlo = 3.08 g/L, ΔLYM = 0.36, and ΔLYM% = 3.72%, p < 0.05), and both MVCT and HIIT intervention could effectively defend the increased inflammatory response compared with the control group (IgA: MVCT β = -0.14, p < 0.001, HIIT β = -0.096, p < 0.05; IgM: MVCT β = -0.12, p < 0.001; HIIT β = -0.068, p < 0.05; Alb: MVCT β = -1.64, p < 0.05, HIIT β = -1.14, p > 0.05; Glo: MVCT β = -3.17, p < 0.001, HIIT β = -2.07, p < 0.01; LYM: MVCT β = -0.34, p < 0.05, HIIT β = -0.35, p < 0.05). However, the MVCT intervention modality was more conducive to enhancing positive affect (β = 0.52, p = 0.018) and well-being (β = 1.08, p = 0.035) than HIIT. Furthermore, decreased IgA, Alb, and Glo were associated with improved mental health. Both 12-week HIIT and MVCT are beneficial to the immune system. The MVCT intervention mode is recommended to prevent mental health problems and attenuate immune inflammation, and the immune system is a potential mechanism that exercises improving mental health. [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04830059].

Association between clinical oral health status and perceived oral health in different age groups.

ObjectiveThe perceived oral health refers to the very own perception of a person’s oral health (OH). This study aims to explore the association of perceived oral health status (PSR-OHS) with clinically determined OHS in three age groups: young adults, adults and older adults. This study also aims to identify demographic, socio-economic and/or clinical factors that influence PSR-OHS.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in ten different dental hospitals of Pakistan. The one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze patient’s demographic distribution with PSR-OHS and oral functions. The complex sample general linear model was used to determine association between clinical OH and PSR-OHS. Analyses of each age group were conducted separately.ResultsA total of 1,804 outdoor patients participated in the study, out of which 660 were young adults, 685 adults and 459 were older adults. Overall self-perception of all age groups about their oral health was ‘good’ (mean = 3.71). Female gender and education status were a significant factor in young adults and adults. Family income affected PSR-OHS of only the adult age group. Frequent visit to dental clinic and preventive reason of dental attendance were associated with good PSR-OHS. DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score also affected the PSR-OHS of individuals. Association between PSR-OHS and clinical examination was confirmed by complex general linear model.ConclusionThere are differences in the perceived oral health status of young adults, adults and older adults. The variables, age, education, family income, DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score directly influence the self-perception of individuals.

Childhood Adversity and Mental Health Status of Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the frequency of childhood adversities among the university students of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and compare those adversities with their current mental health by measuring depression and anxiety.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad and ARID Agricultural University, Rawalpindi Pakistan from May to Aug 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Survey data of 388 students between 19-25 years of age group was collected from 2 universities in the twin cities using a simple random sampling method for data collection in the form of questionnaires. First, frequencies of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) were determined, followed by a comparison of ACE with common mental disorders, i.e., depression using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxiety using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) using the chi-squared test.&#x0D; Results: The frequency of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) was found to be highest among those students who had an ACE score of 1-3 (74.7%), followed by those with an ACE score of 4-6 (24.7%). Overall, females had more ACE (66.8%) than males (33.2%). Strong association of ACEs with depression (p-value &lt;0.05) and anxiety (p-value &lt;0.005) was found.&#x0D; Conclusion: Childhood adversity has adverse results not only on the affected individual's life but also on the people around that individual. For example, early life trauma in children of different age groups results in depression for a lifetime, anxiety disorders, cognitive dysfunctions, and lack of effective communication.

Health status of young adults with serious mental illness enrolled in integrated care.

People with serious mental illness (SMI) are more likely to develop chronic health conditions and die prematurely. Timely identification of modifiable health risk factors may enable early intervention. We aimed to describe the physical health characteristics and service utilization of young people with SMI. Young people with SMI enrolled in an integrated community mental health clinic (CMHC) and primary care program were assessed for physical and mental health history and past year service utilization. A total of 122 participants, ages 16-35 (m=27.0 ± 5.0 years), half male, 78.3% White were assessed. Half smoked cigarettes, half had obesity, almost half (47.5%, n=56) had hypertension, and about a third had laboratory metabolic abnormalities. The group averaged 10.7 ± 5.1 h of sedentary behavior per day. Obesity was associated with high blood pressure, prediabetes, poor self-rated health abilities, sedentary behavior and low health satisfaction. Over half had been to the emergency department (ED) for a medical reason (55.0%, n=66) and 24.6% had been hospitalized for a health condition in the past year. Over half had a lifetime cardiovascular risk score indicating a 50-67% chance of having a cardiovascular event; simply quitting smoking would reduce the number with this risk by almost half. Most physical health diagnoses were not recorded in the CMHC record. Young people with SMI newly enrolled in integrated care had high rates of smoking, obesity, hypertension, and other cardio-metabolic abnormalities contributing to high risk for future disease. Research is needed to examine appealing, scalable interventions to improve health, reduce unnecessary medical care, and prevent disparate chronic disease in this group.

Role of Psychological Flexibility and Social Support Satisfaction on the Mental Health of Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant mental and psychological distress, in addition to its impacts on physical health. Though young adults are at low risk of health complications from COVID-19, they’re still prone to many psychological problems, during such times marked by uncertainty, ambiguity, and loss of control. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the mental health status of young adults during the pandemic. It also seeks to look at the relationship between psychological flexibility and social support and the mental health of young adults. Method: Convenience sampling procedure was used. The questionnaires were circulated through Google Forms among people of the age group 18-35 years. A total of 211 participants completed the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), psychological flexibility was measured using the Flexibility subscale of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI), and Social Support Satisfaction was analysed using the Satisfaction subscale of the Sarason Social Support Questionnaire (SSQSR). The data were analysed using the Student t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results: A significant correlation was found for social support satisfaction, but not for psychological flexibility, with the other variables.

Level of Physical Activity and Its Relationship to Self-Perceived Physical Fitness in Peruvian Adolescents.

Background: Physical activity and physical fitness play an important role in adolescence. Both are considered to be indicators of the current and future health status of young adults. The main objective of this article was to report the normative values of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) instruments in Peruvian school adolescents. Methods: A sample of 1229 participants (622 girls and 607 boys) aged between 12 and 17 years was used. The type of study was descriptive-comparative. All measures used were obtained by means of self-administered instruments. The PAQ-A was used to assess the level of physical activity and the IFIS to assess the self-perceived physical fitness level of the adolescents. Results: It was observed that the PAQ-A questionnaire results obtained from the total sample was 2.34; significantly higher for boys (2.41) compared with girls (2.27). For the IFIS, the total score was 3.07, with boys obtaining 3.13 and girls 2.97. Conclusions: It was concluded that there was a direct relationship between the level of PA and self-perceived PF in Peruvian adolescents. Furthermore, adolescent boys were more physically active than girls and they had a better self-perceived PF with the exception of flexibility. Finally, there was a higher weight category involved at the lower level of PA.

Poorer Self-Reported Physical Health and Higher Anxiety Trait in Young Adults With Previous Coarctation Repair

Little is known about the impact of a coarctation repair on the functional outcomes of young adults. This study aimed to determine (1) the functional and mental health status in young adults with previous coarctation repair, and (2) the impact of late hypertension on their quality of life. A cross-sectional study using validated self-reported questionnaires (Short Form 36 version 2 [SF-36v2], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) was performed in 54 patients aged 15-47 years with previous paediatric coarctation repair. Questionnaire scores were compared to healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Patients' previously published 24-hour blood pressure monitoring results were included. Late hypertension was present in 64% (34/54) at a mean of 29±8 years after coarctation repair. SF-36v2 mean physical component summary score was significantly lower in coarctation patients compared with controls (53.1±6.8 vs 56.0±4.7, p=0.02), but there was no significant difference in mean mental component summary score (p=0.2). SF-36v2 mean role emotional score tended to be associated with 10 mmHg increases in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient 4.3 p=0.06). STAI mean trait anxiety score tended to be higher in coarctation patients compared with controls (36.6±9.0 vs 33.5±7.8, p=0.06). There was no significant difference in BDI scores between patients and controls. Young adults with previous coarctation repair report poorer physical health and tended towards higher anxiety trait compared to healthy controls. Strategies to improve self-reported physical health and anxiety should be explored. Long-term assessment of quality of life outcomes in coarctation patients is warranted.

Oral health status of young adults in Serbia - clinical and non-clinical assessment of undergraduate students in Belgrade

Introduction. Since 1987, there has been little information on oral health (OH) status of young adults aged 19 to 26 in Serbia. This study aimed to investigate the trends in OH status and OH-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of undergraduate student population in Belgrade in 2012. Materials and methods. The study included a total of 699 students of different study fields who underwent a dental examination, with 530 of them agreeing to an assisted survey and 275 forgoing a periodontal assessment. The survey consisted of six sections - basic information, socio-demographic data, oral healthcare use and habits, risk factors, OH self-assessment and OHRQoL. Clinical assessment was performed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth (DMFT) index; Gingival Index; Clinical Attachment Level; Community Periodontal Index, and Plaque index. OHRQoL was evaluated through a modified OH Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Results. The mean DMFT of the examined population was 10.24 (standard deviation [SD] 5.33). Students from East and South Serbia (DMFT=8.69 [SD=4.93]), technical study field (DMFT=8.84 [SD=4.94]), with mother?s having a university degree (DMFT=9.33 [SD=5.15]) and with satisfactory OH (DMFT=8.94 [SD=4.76]) were all significantly associated with lower DMFT. A significantly lower OHRQoL score was observed in students with satisfactory self-reported OH (Score=9.48 [SD=1.44]). The periodontal assessment showed no significant differences across all values of observed indexes. Conclusion. The mean DMFT of Belgrade?s young adults? population has decreased from 1987 to 2012 from 12.5 to 10.4. Self-reported OH is significantly associated with both the DMFT values and OHRQoL.

Relationship of Salivary Microbiome with the Worsening of the Periodontal Health Status in Young Adults: A 3-Year Cohort Study.

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the influence of the salivary microbiome on the worsening of the periodontal health status among Japanese young adults. We assessed the data of systemically healthy and non-smoking young (18–22 years) university students (n = 457) from Okayama University at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2016). The worsening group was defined based on an increase in the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) or an increase in probing pocket depth (PPD) from <4 mm to ≥4 mm. Unstimulated saliva samples were randomly collected from 69 students for microbiome analysis at follow-up. The salivary microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. The type of community in the salivary microbiome clustered by statistical analysis and diversity was not significantly associated with the worsening of the periodontal health status in cases of increasing %BOP and PPD (p > 0.05). The prevalence of some species was significantly higher in the worsening group than in the non-worsening group (p < 0.05) in both cases. The worsening of the periodontal health status was associated with some species, but not the type of community and diversity in the salivary microbiome among Japanese young adults.

Longitudinal functional health status in young adults with repaired dextro-transposition of the great arteries: A Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society study

ObjectivesImproved survival has led to interest in functional health status (FHS) as patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) transition to adulthood. Our primary objectives were (1) evaluation of The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) results; (2) comparison with results of patients who completed the Child Health Questionnaire-Child Form 87 (CHQ-CF87) previously, or the PedsQL Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) survey subsequently; and (3) determination of factors associated with SF-36 domains. MethodsSurvivors from the d-TGA Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society cohort (1985-1989) completed the SF-36 (2010) as a measure of FHS (n = 210; age 21-26 years). Patient characteristics, medical history, psychosocial factors, and previous adolescent CHQ-CF87 FHS assessment (2000) were explored for association with SF-36 domains, along with comparison with recent PedsQL data (2017). ResultsPatients scored themselves the same/higher than published normative data in 10 of 10 SF-36 summary scores/domains and similar in 5 of 6 PedsQL summary scores/domains. Factors commonly associated with lower summary scores/domains of the SF-36 were presence of cardiac symptoms, heart condition impacting physical activity/overall health/quality of life, unemployment, and lack of postsecondary education. Less commonly associated factors were lower birth weight, greater total medication number, female sex, shorter procedure-free interval, poor health knowledge, lower family income, younger age at SF-36, living with parents, and being married. These factors accounted for 17% to 47% of the variation in FHS summary scores/domains. FHS was minimally related to d-TGA morphology and repair type. ConclusionsPatients with d-TGA surviving into adulthood, regardless of morphology or repair type, can primarily expect normal FHS. Addressing the challenges of patients with d-TGA entering adulthood requires consideration of psychosocial factors and clinical management.

Health Status of Young Adults with Insurance Coverage Before and After Affordable Care Act Passage.

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in health status of California young adults with insurance coverage before and after passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For this cross-sectional descriptive study, electronic health record information for young adults between ages 18 and 25 years enrolled in a large Southern California Health Plan in 2008, 2010, or 2015 was obtained (N = 665,686). Absolute changes and standardized annual differences in demographics and age-sex-race standardized prevalence of Elixhauser health conditions for pre-ACA (2008-2010) and post-ACA (2010-2015) periods were calculated. The number of young adults enrolled in the Health Plan increased by 145,000 (65%) during the ACA transition with a shift toward low-income young adults. The increase in high-deductible insurance plans observed pre-ACA stabilized with a standardized annual difference of 0.22 pre-ACA vs 0.05 post-ACA. The prevalences of obesity and other health conditions between pre-ACA and post-ACA periods essentially were unaltered and comparable between young adults who became new members (< 1 year) and those with long-term memberships (≥ 3 years). In this California health care system, the health status of new young adult members was comparable to that of long-term members. Future research should assess whether these young adults retain their health insurance coverage after turning age 26 years and being removed from their parents' insurance plans.

Poorer Self-Reported Physical Health and Higher Anxiety in Young Adults with Previous Coarctation Repair

Background: Little is known about the impact of a coarctation repair on the functional outcomes of young adults. This study aimed to determine (1) the functional and mental health status of young adults with previous coarctation repair, and (2) the impact of late hypertension on their quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional study using validated self-reported questionnaires (Short Form 36 version 2 [SF-36v2], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) was performed in 54 patients aged 15–47 years with previous paediatric coarctation repair. Questionnaire scores were compared to healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Patients’ previously published 24-hour blood pressure monitoring results were included. Results: Late hypertension was present in 64% (34/54) at a mean of 29 ± 8 years after coarctation repair. SF-36v2 mean physical component summary score was significantly lower in coarctation patients compared with controls (53.1 ± 6.8 vs. 56.0 ± 4.7, p = 0.02), but there was no significant difference in mean mental component summary score (p = 0.2). SF-36v2 mean role emotional score tended to be associated with 10 mmHg increases in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient 4.3, p = 0.06). STAI mean trait anxiety score tended to be higher in coarctation patients compared with controls (36.6 ± 9.0 vs. 33.5 ± 7.8, p = 0.06). There was no significant difference in BDI scores between patients and controls. Conclusion: Young adults with previous coarctation repair report poorer physical health and higher anxiety compared to healthy controls. Strategies to improve self-reported physical health and anxiety should be explored. Long-term assessment of quality of life outcomes in coarctation patients is warranted.

Evaluation of Dietary Patterns and Health Status of Young Adults from Turkey: University Students from Urban and Rural Provinces

Young people’s taking nutrition in a healthy way and their getting proper eating habits are of great importance in terms of both individuals and society as a whole. However, the studies that have been conducted in our country show that the young skip meals, their consumption rate of fruits and vegetables is low and fast-food is their eating habit. This study was conducted with the participation of 617 students selected by random sampling method on a voluntary basis (313 female and 304 male) from the age range of 17-30 who are continuing their education at Ankara University (Faculty of Language, History and Geography) and Cumhuriyet University. In this study where the aim was to determine the basic eating habits, risk levels of eating habits and the frequency of food consumption of university students, students were given a questionnaire and by taking their anthropometric height and weight measures Body Mass Index was evaluated. 5.3% of the students was found to be underweight (&lt;18.5 kg/m2 ), 63.4% was normal (19-24.99 kg/m2 ), 23.2% was overweight (≥25 kg/m2 ) and 8.1% was obese (≥30 kg/m2 ). Whereas the rate of skipping main meal was 33.5%, it was determined that the most skipped meal was lunch. In the evaluation of risk levels of dietary habits, 37.8% of male students are at the high risk level and 2.6% of them are at the very high risk level. Similarly, 39.3% of females are at the high risk level and 1.9% percent of them are at the very high risk level. It was also found that the consumption rate of fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products of students was low. Therefore, it should be provided that young people will stay away unhealthy habits and they will take healthy nutrition.

Impact of the Affordable Care Act's Dependent Coverage Expansion on the Health Care and Health Status of Young Adults: What Do We Know So Far?

The dependent coverage expansion (DCE), a component of the Affordable Care Act, required private health insurance policies that cover dependents to offer coverage for policyholders' children through age 25. This review summarizes peer-reviewed research on the impact of the DCE on the chain of consequences through which it could affect public health. Specifically, we examine the impact of the DCE on insurance coverage, access to care, utilization of care, and health status. All studies find that the DCE increased insurance coverage, but evidence regarding downstream impacts is inconsistent. There is evidence that the DCE reduced high out-of-pocket expenditures and frequent emergency room visits and increased behavioral health treatment. Evidence regarding the impact of the DCE on health is sparse but suggestive of positive impacts on self-rated health and health behavior. Inferences regarding the public health impact of the DCE await studies with greater methodological diversity and longer follow-up periods.

Physical activity, nutritional status, and dietary habits of students of a medical university.

Nutritional habits and physical activity influence the health status of young adults. In this study, we engaged a group of 151 students from a medical university (90 female and 61 male subjects). Anthropometric parameters, dietary habits (a 7-day dietary recall), and level of physical activity were measured. It was found that the daily food rations of female (F) and male (M) students were improperly balanced and characterized by high amount of total and animal protein, phosphorus, vitamin A, cholesterol, and insufficient intake of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. Female subjects consumed low amounts of total fat and calcium. The intake of protein (total and animal), fat, phosphorus, and cholesterol correlated with higher body mass. The physical activity of the students was found to be higher than the average physical activity of the European Union populations, and a general tendency of lowering level of physical activity with age was observed. Students with the highest level of physical activity (MET > 1500) consumed lower amounts of simple carbohydrates (galactose and saccharose) when compared to students with lower physical activity (MET < 600, p < 0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that the dietary habits should be modified to prevent the development of diet-dependent diseases. Various forms of physical activity should be proposed to students and they should be encouraged to participate in high level of physical activity so as to promote good health status.

Health insurance coverage and self-reported health: new estimates from the NLSY97.

This paper provides new estimates of the relationship between health insurance coverage and health status of young adults using the confidential version of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort (NLSY97). Using a regression discontinuity design, I find that approximately 6% of young adults lose their health insurance coverage once they turn 19. However, in contrast to the findings from the recent literature, the effect of this discrete change in health insurance coverage on self-reported health status of young adults is quite limited and often statistically insignificant.

A cross-sectional study on oral health status of young adults in Turkish population

The purpose of the study is to bring out the oral health status and awareness of young adult population living in different regions of Anatolia. Army recruits aged 19 to 25 years were sampled and a 7 items questionnaire (3 of them was Health Insurence Study (HIS) questions) not including private questions such as name, address, etc; were presented to 2320 randomly selected recruits to bring out the prevalence and incidence of tooth loss, awareness of missing teeth, oral health and its effect on life quality, frequency of dental visits and the reasons of non-regular visits of young adult population in Turkey. For all education group and geographical region, 57.8% volunteers had no missing teeth and in the remainder had at least one missing teeth. Only 2.3% of the volunteers go to a dentist office for control (regularly). 35% of them was disregardful of their oral health and 24.2% of them answered “I don’t know that I should go regularly”. While college graduate population had 7 median value, primary school and secondary school graduates had median score of 8. There was statistically significant difference between them (p<0.05). Increasing pain complaints ensure the reduction of index score. The results illustrated, further investigations should be performed on oral health status of the young population and the effect of oral health status on an individual’s life quality is not well known by Turkish young population. J. Exp. Clin. Med., 2014; 31:165-170