Intervention For Young Adults Research Articles

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of an Online Meditation Intervention in Young Adults With Concussion History.

Mindfulness interventions (yoga, meditation) in traumatic brain injury populations show promising improvements ininjury outcomes. However, most studies include all injury severities and use in-person, general programming lacking accessibility and specificity to the nuance of concussion. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online, concussion-focused meditation intervention among young adults with a concussion history. Unblinded, single-arm, pilot intervention. Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 30 with a concussion history within the past 5years completed 10 to 20minutes per day of online, guided meditations for 6 weeks. Feasibility was assessed using the Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Concussion symptoms were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire, perceived stress the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and mindfulness the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics described the study sample and determined intervention adherence and feasibility. Paired sample t tests were used to examine preintervention/postintervention changes in concussion symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness, with descriptive statistics further detailing significant t tests. Fifteen participants were enrolled, and 12 completed the intervention. The majority completed 5+ days per week of the meditations, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (17.4 [1.8]) scores indicated high feasibility. Concussion symptom severity significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (11.3 [10.3]) compared with before the intervention (24.5 [17.2]; t[11] = 3.0, P = .01). The number of concussion symptoms reported as worse than before their concussion significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (2.7 [3.9]) compared with before the intervention (8.0 [5.7]; t[11] = 3.7, P = .004). Postintervention, 83.33% (n = 10) reported lower concussion symptom severity, and 75.00% (n = 9) reported less concussion symptoms as a mild, moderate, or severe problem (ie,worse than before injury). Findings suggest positive adherence and feasibility of the meditation intervention, with the majority reporting concussion symptom improvement postintervention. Future research is necessary to expand these pilot findings into a large trial investigating concussion-specific meditation programming.

Examining the prevalence of cardiovascular complications among individuals with early-onset type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a global health threat, with over 60% of cases in Asia. T2DM significantly increases the risk of diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease, contributing to heart failure through mechanisms like myocardial infarction. Diabetic patients face a two to fourfold increased likelihood of developing coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. The objective of this investigation was to assess the frequency of cardiovascular complications in individuals with early-onset type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Jashore Medical College, Jashore, Bangladesh. The study duration was one year from January 2023 to December 2023. and focused on adult Type 2 Diabetes patients admitted to tertiary care wards. Inclusion criteria encompassed ages 20-35, both sexes, Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis, and voluntary participation. Exclusion criteria included age under 20, severe concomitant diseases, Gestational Diabetes, advanced renal failure, and Type 1 Diabetes. Results: This study analyzed 270 cases, with participants predominantly aged 32-35 years (48.52%). Gender distribution showed 56.36% female and 43.64% male participants. Echocardiographic findings revealed normal electrocardiograms in 81.82% of cases, with myocardial infarction observed in 16 cases showing diverse cardiac abnormalities. Diabetic patients exhibited left ventricular diastolic dysfunction 1(0.91%) and hypertrophy 2(1.82%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of risk factors like obesity and hypertension highlights the intricate connection between metabolic and cardiovascular health. Early monitoring and intervention in young adults with type 2 diabetes are crucial for reducing cardiovascular risks.

Protocol for a Study Investigating Context-Specific Sedentary Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Health in College-Based Young Adults (CONTEXT-SB).

Sedentary behavior (SB) is detrimental to cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk, which can begin in young adulthood. To devise effective SB-CMD interventions in young adults, it is important to understand which context-specific sedentary behaviors (CS-SB) are most detrimental for CMD risk, the lifestyle behaviors that co-exist with CS-SBs, and the socioecological predictors of CS-SB. This longitudinal observational study will recruit 500 college-aged (18-24 years) individuals. Two laboratory visits will occur, spaced 12 months apart, where a composite CMD risk score (e.g., arterial stiffness, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, heart rate variability, and body composition) will be calculated, and questionnaires to measure lifestyle behaviors and different levels of the socioecological model will be administered. After each visit, total SB (activPAL) and CS-SB (television, transportation, academic/ occupational, leisure computer, "other"; ecological momentary assessment) will be measured across seven days. It is hypothesized that certain CS-SB will show stronger associations with CMD risk, compared to T-SB, even after accounting for coexisting lifestyle behaviors. It is expected that a range of intra-individual, inter-individual, and physical environment socioecological factors will predict CS-SB. The findings from this study will support the development of an evidence-based, multi-level intervention to target SB reduction and mitigate CMD risk in CBYA.

Resilience and Psychological Distress in Early Adulthood with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Scoping Review

According to Orenstein & Lewis (2021), young adults are at a transitional age and have demands on developmental tasks. When these demands are not met, it can cause feelings of suffering, activities that become obstacles and characterized by symptoms of anxiety and depression or called psychological disorders (Kalia & Knauft, 2020; Dharma et al, 2020). Psychological distress that are not balanced with adaptive problem solving can cause maladaptive distress, it called non-suicidal self-injury (Rahmasari, 2021). According to Hans et al (2022) bounce back is needed in young adults, so they can face the problem, or it called resilience. In the previous study by Khan & Ungar (2021), there were limited matters such as the search for coping strategies carried out by the sample in the study and protective factors from the emergence of self-harm and the non-specific definition of NSSI. Aims:identification research on resilience and psychological distress in young adults with NSSI. Method:scoping review. Result: 10 journals that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Hypothesis of this study is the results of the study indicate that the conditions of psychological distress in young adults with NSSI have low resilience and high levels of psychological distress. The benefits of this research theoretically are to enrich scientific references in the field of clinical psychology, especially regarding resilience and psychological disorders in young adults with NSSI and practically this research can be continued by taking into account several limitations and can be developed into interventions for young adults with NSSI.

Outcomes of Best-Practice Guided Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth and Young Adults with Emerging Symptoms: Part I. A Systematic Review of Socioemotional Outcomes and Recommendations

Youth-specific digital mental health interventions (DMHI) represent an emerging field of study, and aim to increase access, improve socioemotional outcomes, and, where required, support triage to targeted interventions. However, prior reviews have reported inconsistent findings on the clinical effectiveness of such interventions in young adults (12–25 years). Further, shortfalls remain for the impact of guided interventions based on the mode of delivery and the type of human support personnel (e.g., professional or peer) guiding the intervention. In response, this systematic review, co-designed with Australia’s leading mental health organization, aims to assess the effectiveness of guided digital programs in improving youth socioemotional outcomes. Included studies involve young people experiencing mental ill-health, receiving brief (i.e., 1–12 sessions), digitally delivered (at least partially) psychological interventions that were guided or partially guided, tested in a type of experimental study, with a socioemotional outcome. Specific socioemotional outcomes examined were depression, anxiety, stress, wellbeing, mindfulness, and quality of life. A systematic search of the contemporary published and grey literature identified 22,482 records with 32 relevant records published between 2018 and 2023. A narrative synthesis guided integration of findings. Results demonstrated strong evidence for the effectiveness of guided interventions on socioemotional outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) yet these effects were short-lived. When factoring in the use of different control groups (i.e., active vs. inactive), inconsistent effects were observed for the socioemotional outcomes of depression, anxiety, and stress. The mode of delivery (i.e., asynchronous, synchronous, combined) and the type of human support personnel did not appear to impact socioemotional outcomes. Results indicate efficacious brief digital interventions for depression and anxiety include refresher/follow-up content, goal setting content, and relapse prevention content. In contrast, poor efficacy is associated with interventions that include homework tasks, self-monitoring, and log-keeping content.PROSPERO, ID CRD42023405812.

Physical Health and Transition to Psychosis in People at Clinical High Risk.

The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) construct represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, but the relationship between risk for psychosis and physical health in these patients remains unclear. We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study, selecting the long-term cumulative risk of developing a persistent psychotic disorder as the primary outcome. We investigated associations between primary outcome and physical health data with Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust, UK (January 2013-October 2020). We performed survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models. The database included 137 CHR-P subjects; 21 CHR-P developed psychosis during follow-up, and the cumulative incidence of psychosis risk was 4.9% at 1 year and 56.3% at 7 years. Log-rank tests suggested that psychosis risk might change between different levels of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Kaplan-Meier curve analyses indicated that non-hazardous drinkers may have a lower psychosis risk than non-drinkers. In the Cox proportional hazard model, nicotine dependence presented a hazard ratio of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.1-1.64) (p = 0.01), indicating a 34% increase in psychosis risk for every additional point on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Our findings suggest that a comprehensive assessment of tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity in CHR-P subjects is key to understanding how physical health contributes to psychosis risk.

Mechanisms of Behavior Change for a Digital Resistance Training Intervention: A Mediation Study

ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Few interventions that seek to enhance resistance training behavior examine the mechanisms through which they exert their effects. Rather, many trials focus on physiological outcomes under tightly controlled training regimens. Understanding how to promote resistance training in everyday life is vital. This study aimed to examine the mediators of a remote-based 9-wk randomized controlled trial with a 4-wk self-regulation intervention period. Methods Sixty-one participants 18–35 yr of age who were not currently achieving the American College of Sports Medicine resistance training guidelines received two Zoom-based personal training sessions, resistance training equipment, and access to a Web site with training videos. After the two personal training sessions, participants were randomized to an intervention or comparison condition. Participants in the intervention condition received four weekly Zoom-based coaching calls to discuss barriers and solutions to resistance training participation. Resistance training behavior participation, self-efficacy, intention, behavioral expectations, and coping planning were assessed after the intervention period and at a follow-up 4 wk later. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine if the intervention had indirect effects on behavior through changes in any of the measured psychological variables. Results All necessary measures were completed by 96.7% of participants. After the intervention, direct effects were observed on self-efficacy (b = 0.68, standard error (SE) = 0.26, P = 0.01), intention (b = 0.77, SE = 0.27, P = 0.004), coping planning (b = 0.43, SE = 0.13, P = 0.001), and behavioral expectations (b = 19.7, SE = 5.3, P = 0.0001). Self-efficacy (b = 2.07, SE = 0.83, P = 0.01) and intention (b = 3.0, SE = 0.61, P = 0.0001) had direct effects on behavior. In the multiple mediation model, intention emerged as a significant mediator (b = 2.64, SE = 0.83, P = 0.001). Conclusion These findings suggest that changes in intention contributed to changes in behavior. Techniques that target behavioral intention may be appropriate for in-home strength-training interventions in young adults.

Preliminary Efficacy of a Multi-Behavioral Zoom-Based Peer Health Coaching Intervention in Young Adults: A Stepped Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a Zoom-based peer coaching intervention on health and risk behaviors in young adults. A convenience sample of young adults was recruited from one U.S. university (N = 89; 73.0 percent female). Participants were randomized to one of two coaching session sequences within the framework of a stepped wedge randomized controlled trial. One experimental sequence received a control condition and a single coaching session, and the second sequence received two sessions. The intervention was a 1-hour program delivered by peer health coaches in a one-on-one setting on Zoom. The program consisted of a behavior image screen, a consultation, and goal planning. Behavioral assessments were completed after each condition. Mixed-effects models were employed to test for behavior differences after coaching sessions compared with the control condition (no coaching session) adjusting for baseline scores. Participants reported significantly higher levels of vigorous physical activity (b = 750 metabolic equivalent of task minutes, p < 0.001), a lower frequency of e-cigarette use (b = -2.1 days; p < 0.001), and a lower risk of e-cigarette susceptibility after two sessions (relative risk = 0.04, p = 0.05), and higher odds of using stress reduction techniques after one session (odds ratio = 1.4, p = 0.04). A nonsignificant trend was observed for longer weekday sleep (b = 0.4 h/night, p = 0.11) after two coaching sessions. The Zoom-based peer health coaching intervention may be an efficient way to improve vigorous physical activity, lower e-cigarette use and susceptibility, and facilitate the use of stress reduction techniques in young adults. The results observed from this preliminary study warrants further investigation using powered effectiveness trials.

0682 Adapting a Transdiagnostic Sleep Intervention for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preliminary Data

Abstract Introduction Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently report a multitude of pervasive sleep and circadian problems, including difficulties initiating and maintain sleep, excessive sleepiness, delayed phase, and irregular sleep–wake schedules. These sleep and circadian problems often occur in unison rather than as isolated problems and further impair social functioning, cognition, mood, and overall quality of life, during a particularly challenging developmental stage. Although sleep and circadian problems have been identified as a critical and unmet public health concern for young adults with ASD, and there is a robust evidence for transdiagnostic sleep interventions, there is a paucity of research on the efficacy of these interventions in young adults with ASD. Methods Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C), a patient-centered sleep intervention which has demonstrated improvements in sleep and circadian problems and reduce symptomology in both mental and physical health domains across a variety of mental health disorders, will be adapted and iteratively pilot-tested, so that its contents and service delivery methods are appropriate for young adults with ASD. Qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews) will be used to conduct and analyze feedback from key stakeholders (n=20; 10 dyads of young adults with ASD and their caregivers), and used to directly guide adaptations of TranS-C. Results Preliminary data of 5 young adults (18-24y) with ASD show that these individuals are likely to receive multiple sleep disorder diagnoses at equally similar rates (60% circadian rhythm sleep disorder, 60% insomnia disorder), and concurrently present with comorbid mental health problems (60% anxiety disorder, 60% depression). Conclusion Our preliminary data along with existing studies suggest that (1) sleep and circadian problems experienced by individuals with ASD are multidimensional in nature, (2) negatively impact daytime functioning, both within several cognitive and mental health domains, and (3) require transdiagnostic approaches in individuals with ASD to address the broader range of sleep and circadian dysfunction experienced. Potential adaptations to TranS-C format and delivery may serve as a novel module for promoting intervention adherence and responding to unique features of ASD. Support (if any) Brad Hollinger Autism Research Endowment Award

Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.

Physical Health in Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) phase represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, which also could focus on improving physical health trajectories. We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study. The primary outcome was to describe the physical health of assessed CHR-P individuals, obtained via Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust, UK (January 2013-October 2020). The final database included 194 CHR-P subjects (46% female). Mean age was 23.70 ± 5.12 years. Percentage of tobacco smokers was 41% (significantly higher than in the age-matched general population [24%]). We found that 49% of subjects who consumed alcohol had an AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) score above 5 (hazardous drinking), with an average score of 4.94 (significantly higher than in the general population [2.75]). Investigating diet revealed low fiber intake in most subjects and high saturated fat intake in 10% of the individuals. We found that 47% of CHR-P subjects met the UK recommended physical activity guidelines (significantly lower than in the general population [66%]). Physical parameters (e.g., weight, heart rate, blood pressure) were not significantly different from the general population. This evidence corroborates the need for monitoring physical health parameters in CHR-P subjects, to implement tailored interventions that target daily habits.

Factors Associated with Self-Reported Changes in Alcohol Use among Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis between Canada and France.

While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted young adults' alcohol use patterns, little is known about how changes in alcohol use may differ across different settings. Our objective was to identify and compare factors associated with changes in alcohol use among young adults in Canada and France during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in October-December 2020 with young adults aged 18-29 (n = 5185) in Canada and France. In each country, weighted multinomial logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with self-reported decrease and increase in alcohol use separately (reference: no change). Respectively, 33.4% and 21.4% reported an increase in alcohol use in Canada and France, while 22.9% and 33.5% reported a decrease. Being 25-29 was a predictor of decrease in Canada, while living away from family was associated with an increase in France. In both countries, participants were more likely to report an increase if they reported depressive symptoms, smoking tobacco, or cannabis use. Conversely, those who had been tested for COVID-19 and those who were highly compliant with COVID-19 preventive measures were more likely to report a decrease. Efforts are needed to develop alcohol use interventions for young adults, including in ways that prioritize those with mental health challenges.

Altered patterns of central executive, default mode and salience network activity and connectivity are associated with current and future depression risk in two independent young adult samples.

Neural markers of pathophysiological processes underlying the dimension of subsyndromal-syndromal-level depression severity can provide objective, biologically informed targets for novel interventions to help prevent the onset of depressive and other affective disorders in individuals with subsyndromal symptoms, and prevent worsening symptom severity in those with these disorders. Greater functional connectivity (FC) among the central executive network (CEN), supporting emotional regulation (ER) subcomponent processes such as working memory (WM), the default mode network (DMN), supporting self-related information processing, and the salience network (SN), is thought to interfere with cognitive functioning and predispose to depressive disorders. We examined in young adults (1) relationships among activity and FC in these networks and current depression severity, using a paradigm designed to examine WM and ER capacity in n = 90, age = 21.7 (2.0); (2) the extent to which these relationships were specific to depression versus mania/hypomania; (3) whether findings in a first, "discovery" sample could be replicated in a second, independent, "test" sample of young adults n = 96, age = 21.6 (2.1); and (4) whether such relationships also predicted depression at up to 12 months post scan and/or mania/hypomania severity in (n = 61, including participants from both samples, age = 21.6 (2.1)). We also examined the extent to which there were common depression- and anxiety-related findings, given that depression and anxiety are highly comorbid. In the discovery sample, current depression severity was robustly predicted by greater activity and greater positive functional connectivity among the CEN, DMN, and SN during working memory and emotional regulation tasks (all ps < 0.05 qFDR). These findings were specific to depression, replicated in the independent sample, and predicted future depression severity. Similar neural marker-anxiety relationships were shown, with robust DMN-SN FC relationships. These data help provide objective, neural marker targets to better guide and monitor early interventions in young adults at risk for, or those with established, depressive and other affective disorders.

A 12 Week Remote Based Physical Activity Intervention In Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have low levels of physical activity (PA) due to a lack of opportunity or program accessibility. Participation in PA has been linked with positive mental health, which may be particularly beneficial for young adults with ASD who tend to report higher levels of stress and depression compared to their neurotypical counterparts. A remote-based exercise program may be more feasible and accessible to this population, however, no studies have tested such a program. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of a remote-based exercise intervention on stress and depression in young adults with ASD. METHODS: Sixteen participants were separated into a no-exercise control group (n = 6, 25 ± 2.92 yrs) and an exercise intervention group (n = 10, 26.5 ± 4.5 yrs). Individuals in the intervention group participated in two, 45-minute exercise sessions twice a week while the control group continued their usual routine. Self-reported PA levels, perceived stress, and symptoms of depression were assessed pre-post the 12-week program. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare the change in PA levels, perceived stress, and symptoms of depression between the exercise and control groups. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in PA scores (p < 0.001), and a significant decrease in symptoms of depression (p = 0.02) in the exercise intervention group, while neither PA levels or depression scores changed from baseline to post-exercise program in the control group. Neither the exercise intervention nor the control group showed a significant change in perceived stress levels following the end of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise intervention group had a significant decrease in depression symptoms while there was no change in the control group. Participation in a remote-based exercise program may be more accessible to young adults with ASD, while still providing mental health benefits.

Rethinking the Multidimensionality of Growth Mindset Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Framework Proposal.

Students, staff, and faculty in higher education are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data revealed that a good number of academic activities and opportunities were disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants. While much uncertainty remains for the next academic year, how higher education institutions and their students might improve responses to the rapidly changing situation matters. This systematic review and framework proposal aim to update previous empirical work and examine the current evidence for the effectiveness of growth mindset interventions in young adults. To this end, a systematic search identified 20 empirical studies involving 5, 805 young adults. These studies examined growth mindset within ecologically valid educational contexts and various content areas. Generally, these findings showed that brief messages of growth mindset can improve underrepresented students' academic performance and facilitate other relevant psychological constructs. In addition, we argue, although growth mindset has been identified as a unitary concept, it is comprised of multiple interdependent skills, such as self-control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Understanding the nature of growth mindset may contribute to successful mindset implementation. Therefore, this article presents a practical framework to help educators in higher education rethink the multidimensionality of growth mindset and to provide their students with alternative routes to achieve their goals. Finally, additional articles were discussed to help evaluate growth mindset interventions in higher education.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Differences between Body Mass Index (BMI) Classes Among College-Aged Young Adults

ObjectivesObesity continues to be a concern in the United States. A high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of obesity and many chronic conditions. However, most Americans consume fewer than the 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended per day by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Health interventions in young adults are likely to produce healthful habits that last a lifetime. This study examined whether fruit and vegetable intake differed between healthy weight and overweight participants in a sample of college-aged young adults.MethodsA survey, including a food frequency questionnaire and self-reported height and weight, measured average daily fruit and vegetable intake in a sample of college-aged young adults (N = 274). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and independent t-test was used to measure differences in fruit and vegetable intake based on BMI classification (healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 [n = 152] vs overweight: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [n = 109]). Underweight participants (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 [n = 13]) were excluded from analysis.ResultsFruit intake differed based on BMI classification (p = 0.01). Participants with a healthy weight reported consuming slightly more fruit than overweight participants (1.44 ± 1.66 < vs 1.01 ± 1.04 servings/day). However, there was no significant difference in vegetable intake between healthy weight and overweight participants (p = 0.60, 1.85 ± 1.52 vs 1.76 ± 1.27 servings/day).ConclusionsFiber and water in fruits may contribute to feelings of fullness, decreased overeating, and a healthier weight. While fruit and vegetable consumption can contribute to a healthy weight and other benefits, this study shows that fruit and vegetable consumption are not the sole drivers of a healthy weight. It also suggests the need for education about caloric balance, portion control, and physical activity, which are contributors to weight and BMI status.Funding SourcesNot applicable.

Effectiveness of an online application of the health action process approach (HAPA) theory on oral hygiene intervention in young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an online application based on HAPA theory on oral hygiene promotion in young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances.MethodsA WeChat mini-program (called “Clean Teeth”) based on HAPA theory was designed beforehand to improve oral-health behaviors and oral hygiene, and 44 participants aged 17–29 with fixed orthodontic appliances were recruited. Participants of the experimental group (n = 22) received the “Clean Teeth” mini-program, in addition to care as usual, and the control group (n = 22) only received routine oral health education. Data were collected during three orthodontic check-ups: baseline (T0), 6 weeks of follow-up (T1), and 12 weeks of follow-up (T2). All participants completed questionnaires assessing oral health behaviors and the psychosocial factors of the HAPA model and accepted the clinical examinations involving the dental plaque index and the gingival bleeding index.ResultsAfter a 12-week intervention, the plaque index and gingival bleeding index in the experimental group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The psycho-social parameters of social effects, expected outcomes, and action control were improved significantly after treatment, among which social effects increased significantly only in the experimental group but not in the control group.ConclusionsThe HAPA theory-based mini-program had positive effects on oral-health behavior promotion and oral hygiene among young adults with fixed orthodontic appliances.Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, with the number CTR2200056731, dated 12/02/2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Investigating emotion regulation and social information processing as mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences with psychosocial functioning in young swiss adults: the FACE epidemiological accelerated cohort study

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences increase the risk for psychological disorders and lower psychosocial functioning across the lifespan. However, less is known about the processes through which ACE are linked to multiple negative outcomes. The aim of the FACE epidemiological study is to investigate emotion regulation (emotional reactivity, perseverative thinking and self-efficacy for managing emotions) and social information processing (rejection sensitivity, interpretation biases and social understanding) as potential mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences and psychosocial functioning in a large population sample of young adults. It is embedded in a larger project that also includes an ecological momentary assessment of emotion regulation and social information processing and informs the development and evaluation of an online self-help intervention for young adults with a history of ACE.MethodsThe study plans to recruit 5000 young adults aged 18 to 21 from the German-speaking Swiss population. Addresses are provided by Swiss Federal Statistical Office and participants are invited by mail to complete a self-report online survey. If the targeted sample size will not be reached, a second additional sample will be recruited via educational facilities such as universities or teacher training colleges or military training schools. Three follow-ups are planned after 1 year, 2 years and 3 years, resulting in ages 18–24 being covered. The main exposure variable is self-reported adverse childhood experiences before the age of 18, measured at the baseline. Primary outcomes are psychosocial functioning across the study period. Secondary outcomes are social information processing, emotion regulation and health care service use. Statistical analyses include a range of latent variable models to identify patterns of adverse childhood experiences and patterns and trajectories of psychosocial adaptation.DiscussionThe results will contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that link ACE with psychosocial functioning which is crucial for an improved insight into risk and resilience processes and for tailoring interventions. Furthermore, the identification of factors that facilitate or hinder service use among young adults with ACE informs healthcare policies and the provision of appropriate healthcare services.Trial registration number: NCT05122988. The study was reviewed and authorized by the ethical committee of Northwestern and Central Switzerland (BASEC number 2021-01204).

Preferences for Mobile-Supported e-Cigarette Cessation Interventions Among Young Adults: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BackgroundDespite the steady rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) uptake among young adults, increasingly more young people want to quit. Given the popularity of smartphones among young adults, mobile-based e-cigarette cessation interventions hold significant promise. Smartphone apps are particularly promising due to their varied and complex capabilities to engage end users. However, evidence around young adults’ preferences and expectations from an e-cigarette cessation smartphone app remains unexplored.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to take an initial step toward understanding young adults’ preferences and perceptions on app-based e-cigarette cessation interventions.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive approach, we interviewed 12 young adults who used e-cigarettes and wanted to quit. We inductively derived themes using the framework analysis approach and NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software.ResultsAll participants agreed that a smartphone app for supporting cessation was desirable. In addition, we found 4 key themes related to their preferences for app components: (1) flexible personalization (being able to enter and modify goals); (2) e-cigarette behavior tracking (progress and benefits of quitting); (3) safely managed social support (moderated and anonymous); and (4) positively framed notifications (encouraging and motivational messages). Some gender-based differences indicate that women were more likely to use e-cigarettes to cope with stress, preferred more aesthetic tailoring in the app, and were less likely to quit cold turkey compared with men.ConclusionsThe findings provide direction for the development and testing of app-based e-cigarette cessation interventions for young adults.

Feeling Down in Lockdown: Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Emotionally Vulnerable Individuals

We examined whether young adults with internalizing psychopathology during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period exhibited different patterns of emotional responses than those without such psychopathology during the implementation of the “lockdown” in Cyprus, Greece. Two-wave longitudinal research was conducted i one hundred six college students completing measures of affective experiences, mental health, and quality of life during the prepandemic and lockdown periods. Increased negative affect and internalizing symptoms during the prepandemic period and decreased positive affect and increased perceived stress during the lockdown period both significantly predicted increased internalizing symptoms during the lockdown period. We discuss findings within the context of actions and interventions for young adults with existing internalizing symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic.