Late Adolescence Research Articles

Private Sanitation and Psychosocial Health in Adolescent Girls

Abstract The relationship between access to private sanitation facilities at home and psychosocial development is documented among adolescents aged 12 to 22 in India and Ethiopia. Obtaining access to private sanitation (flush toilets or pit latrines in the household) is associated with significantly higher self-efficacy and self-esteem for adolescent girls but not boys. Associations are stronger for girls who lived in communities with higher overall access to private sanitation, consistent with the hypothesis that relative access may matter more for psychosocial development than absolute access. There was also a significant correlation with improved peer relations for girls in early (age 12 to 15) but not late (age 19 to 22) adolescence. However, there is no evidence that results are operating through improved physical health or parent relationships.

Helicopter Parenting among Late Adolescents

Background: In the contemporary context, helicopter parenting which is a common practice and in Southeast Asia region, it is a growing parenting approach. It has several components that affect adolescents and emerging adults physical, psychological and social well-being. The aim of the study is to measures the parenting style for the adolescent for which the Helicopter Parenting Scale (HPS) was used. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the state of helicopter parenting style of parents on late adolescents of Police Lines School and College, Rangpur, Bangladesh. Results: The mean age of the adolescent was 17.7±0.6 years. The mean of HP scores was 3.6±0.5. About three out of five participants had a perceived average level of HP (58.9%) and a few of them had a high level of HP (2.3%). A statistically significant association found within the level of HP and adolescent’s family type (p<0.05) and the perceived level of HP was average among the adolescents who came from the nuclear family (61.8%). The HP scores were high in the nuclear family (3.62±0.413) and parents’ living together (3.59±0.422). There were significant differences found in the HP scores with the adolescent’s family type and their parent’s relationship state (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study found that nuclear families were more likely to adopt helicopter parenting than other types of families, with their perceived level of this parenting style being assessed as averagely good. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 26-31

Smoking Pattern among Adult Popultation of a Village in Raozan Upazila, Chattogram

Background: Smoking seems to be a symbol of adulthood during stress and loneliness to many people. It is well established that most adults start tobacco use in late childhood or adolescence and continue lifelong. This study aimed to determine the smoking pattern among adult populations in a selected community of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2022 among adult populations in Raozan Upazila of Chattogram. 120 adults were included in the study by convenience sampling and information were collected by face to face interview. Various statistical analysis were performed. Results: Out of 120 respondents 115(96%) were male, 20(10%) were illiterate, 50(42%) were labor and 60(50%) belonged to lower middle class. Among the total respondents, 93(77%) were married. From the study, it was observed that majority 42(30%) belonged to age between 51-60 years. Out of 120 smokers, almost 90(75%) smoked cigarettes and only 12(10%) used to chew tobacco leaves. Among the smokers, 70(58.3%) used to smoke outside the house while only 6(5%) used any hidden place to smoke. Regarding health related problems, 51(42.5%) had breathing problems and 37(30.8%) had cough. 110(91.67%) used to smoke regularly whereas 10(8.33%) used to smoke ocassionally. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, little is known by the people regarding the harmful effects of smoking and associated risk factors. Special regulations and actions should be implemented to curb current adolescent smoking patterns. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 40-43

Adolescent empathy and epigenetic aging in adulthood: Substance use as a mediator.

Prosocial behavior during adolescence has been associated with better physical health, including slower epigenetic aging. However, little is known about the specific role of empathy in epigenetic aging and the mechanisms explaining this relationship. One such mechanism may be substance use, which is predicted by low empathy and contributes to accelerated epigenetic aging. Thus, the present study examined whether empathy during early adolescence predicts epigenetic aging in young adulthood and whether substance use in late adolescence and young adulthood mediates this effect. Participants included 343 individuals (58% female, 81% Black, 19% White) who were interviewed at mean ages of 13, 17, and 27 years. Participants self-reported their empathy at Time 1 and their alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use at Times 2 and 3. At Time 3, epigenetic aging was assessed from salivary DNA using the GrimAge, DunedinPACE, and PhenoAge clocks. A regression analysis demonstrated that higher empathy in early adolescence uniquely predicted lower epigenetic aging on the GrimAge clock in young adulthood even after adjusting for environmental and sociodemographic risk factors. Mediation models revealed that the link between empathy and lower epigenetic aging on all three clocks was mediated by lower tobacco use. These results suggest that higher empathy during early adolescence may contribute to better health throughout the lifespan due to lower tobacco use and slower epigenetic aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Conscious selection: Critical consciousness informs cultivation of social networks in a living and learning community

AbstractIncreased popular discourse about societal inequities highlights the importance of critical consciousness (CC) as a developmental competency for youth. Peer dialogue has been implicit to theories of CC, but we know little about how critical reflection, action, and sociopolitical efficacy inform interpersonal mechanisms through which social networks are selected in developmentally salient contexts. We used social network analysis methods to explore the role of CC components in how late adolescents cultivated their peer affiliation and friendship networks within a specific context of a college living and learning community. Participants (n = 37; 67.6% female; Mage = 18.18 years, 56.81% White) nominated individuals with whom they have positive interactions (437 nominations at wave 1) and friendships (157 nominations at wave 1) at two waves. At wave 1, participants reported on their CC components, frequency of daily inequities, and sociodemographic information. Stochastic actor‐oriented models were used to model how CC at wave 1 predicted how youth selected peer affiliations and friendships. Sociopolitical efficacy was positively associated with popularity in the affiliation network and activity in the friendship network. Critical action was negatively associated with both popularity and activity in the affiliation network and activity in the friendship network. These results provide new insights into how CC informs the ways young people cultivate their social networks in developmentally salient settings. This work highlights the need to better understand the relational implications of CC.

Bilateral Corneal Endotheliitis Following Corneal Cross-linking with Riboflavin and Ultraviolet A.

This case report aims to document a case of bilateral endotheliitis occurring shortly after riboflavin-assisted cross-linking (CXL) in a young male patient with progressive keratoconus. The objective is to identify potential risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes while considering relevant literature on similar cases. A male in his late adolescence with bilateral progressive keratoconus underwent bilateral CXL using riboflavin and ultraviolet A light exposure. Postoperatively, the patient received moxifloxacin drops, prednisolone acetate drops, and artificial tears. Seven days later, the patient presented with decreased vision, photophobia, and corneal findings consistent with endotheliitis. Treatment with prednisolone acetate and moxifloxacin eye drops was initiated. Two months later, visual acuity deteriorated, but anterior slit-lamp findings improved, and the intraocular pressure measurement was high. Prednisolone acetate was tapered, whereas loteprednol etabonate gel, brimonidine eye drops, and cyclosporine eye drops were initiated. After 7 months, visual acuity improved, and endotheliitis resolved, although mild residual central haze persisted. This case highlights the occurrence of acute idiopathic endotheliitis following routine CXL and its successful management. Although limited cases have been reported, a standardized treatment protocol is lacking. In our patient, the utilization of loteprednol etabonate gel, cyclosporine eye drops, brimonidine eye drops, and regular follow-up examinations led to improved clinical findings and visual acuity. Further studies are warranted to establish optimal treatment approaches for similar cases of endotheliitis following CXL.

Metachronous supernumerary teeth in a non-syndromic patient

This paper presents a case of metachronous supernumerary teeth in the mandibular premolar region, following previous removal of a supernumerary tooth and orthodontic treatment, in an adolescent patient following an interval of eight years. Individual or multiple supernumerary teeth can develop anywhere in the jaws, although it is unusual for sequential supernumerary teeth to develop in late adolescence and after orthodontic treatment, particularly in non-syndromic patients. The management of asymptomatic supernumerary teeth should fully consider the risks and benefits of surgical removal. Clinicians should remain aware of the possibility of subsequent supernumerary removal, and the presented case emphasises the importance of radiographic monitoring if subsequent orthodontic treatment is being considered following previous identification of supernumerary teeth.

''There is a Rainbow After The Rain'': The Role of Hope in Increasing Resilience Among Students of Universitas Negeri Malang

Students as individuals who are at the transition stage from late adolescence to early adulthood, also face various challenges, such as academic challenges, adapting to a new environment, and new responsibilities as a growing adult. This affects psychological conditions and makes students vulnerable to mental health problems. To face these various challenges, students need to have the skills and coping strategies for these various challenges. This term is known as resilience. Various studies show that resilience is related to positive outcomes for students. Various factors have been researched to increase resilience in students. Hope is one of the protective factors of resilience. Therefore, researchers are interested in seeing the role of hope in increasing resilience among students at Universitas Negeri Malang. The method used is quantitative, with hypothesis testing using simple linear regression. This research was conducted on 85 students of Universitas Negeri Malang (Male = 26; Female = 59). The research results show that there is a significant contribution from hope to student resilience, which is 27.7%. This research highlights the importance of students developing goals in their lives. The goals that they have will foster hope, by having the hope that students will be able to face difficult situations, and become more resilient and adaptive. Keywords: Keywords: hope, resilience, students

Emergence of African Traditional Medicine: Understanding the Learning Process and Pedagogic Implications for Adolescents of the North West Region of Cameroon

This article examines the global debates about indigenous knowledge and Africa’s traditional medicine from the pedagogy perspective. This study investigated the emergence of African traditional medicine with keen attention on understanding the learning/apprenticeship process and deducing pedagogic implications for adolescents’ learners in the North west Region of Cameroon. Specifically, the paper examined the extent, traditional medicine influence the development of cognitive skills in adolescents. The development of cognitive skills in late adolescents is marked by social competence, decision making, and problem solving. A conceptual review of the major concepts was done. Theoretically, the article was anchored on the social learning theory of Bandura (1977). A convergent parallel mixed method research design was used. The sample of the study emerged through purposive and convenient sampling techniques. A pilot study was done with 10 participants. Interviews were conducted with 15 elders and a questionnaire for 150 adolescents drawn from 6 villages in Oku Subdivision, namely: Elak, Jikijem, Lui, Manchok, Keyon and Simonkoh. Quantitative data was entered using EpiData Version 3.1 (EpiData Association, Odense Denmark, 2008) and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Standard version, Release 21.0 (IBM Inc. 2012). Interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim. Each interview or focus group was prepared as a single primary document and assigned for coding and analysis in Atlas.Ti 5.2 software (Atlas.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany). Statistically the weight of traditional medicine = 80.3%; Traditional medicine (R=0.382; P=0.000);. These are marked by alertness, critical thinking, decision making, social competence, problem solving, imagination, mathematical abilities, etc. From the study it is recommended that indigenous practices be taught formally in schools and that indigenous medicines be studied more keenly and upgraded.

Mid-Childhood Plasma Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Modifiable Lifestyle Factors, and Bone Mineral Density Through Late Adolescence.

There is limited research on associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with areal bone mineral density (aBMD) through adolescence and whether bone-strengthening factors ameliorate effects. In the Project Viva cohort (N = 484; 50% female), we used sex-stratified linear regression and quantile g-computation mixture models to examine associations of mid-childhood (median: 7.8 years; 2007-2010) plasma PFAS concentrations with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry total-body aBMD Z-score in early and late adolescence (median: 12.9 and 17.6 years, respectively). We explored stratum-specific estimates by parent/self-reported physical activity and dairy intake. Using linear mixed models, we evaluated associations with aBMD accrual from mid-childhood through late adolescence. Females with higher perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) had lower early adolescent aBMD Z-score [e.g., β(95%CI)] per doubling PFOA: -0.19(-0.41, 0.03)]. Youth with higher PFOA and PFDA had lower late adolescent aBMD Z-score, but CIs were wide [e.g., PFOA: females, -0.12(-0.40, 0.16); males, -0.10(-0.42, 0.21)]. Mixture models generally corroborated single PFAS results, and in linear mixed models, females with higher PFAS concentrations, and males with higher PFOA, had slower aBMD accrual. Less active males with higher PFOA, PFDA, and the PFAS mixture had lower late adolescent aBMD Z-score. Some PFAS appeared more negatively associated with the aBMD Z-score among those who consumed less dairy, but there was not consistent evidence of effect modification. Exposure to select PFAS may affect bone accrual through adolescence, with possible resilience conferred by greater physical activity and dairy intake.

The co-occurrence between symptoms of internet gaming disorder, depression, and anxiety in middle and late adolescence: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

The co-occurrence between symptoms of internet gaming disorder, depression, and anxiety in middle and late adolescence: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

Longitudinal links from attachment with mothers and fathers to adolescent substance use: Internalizing and externalizing pathways.

The present study examined whether internalizing and externalizing symptoms may mediate the association between adolescent-mother and adolescent-father attachment and substance use. The sample included 167 adolescents (47% girls) who were assessed at five time points with approximately 1 year between each assessment, beginning in middle adolescence (Mage=14.07) and ending in the transition to young adulthood (Mage=18.39). The adolescents reported their perceived attachment with both their mother and father during middle adolescence (Times 1 and 2), their internalizing and externalizing symptoms during late adolescence (Times 3 and 4), and their alcohol use during the transition to young adulthood (Time 5). The results showed that less secure adolescent-father attachment, but not adolescent-mother attachment, was predictive of heightened externalizing and internalizing symptoms. In turn, heightened externalizing symptoms were predictive of heightened alcohol use. Despite the nonsignificant direct association between adolescent-father attachment and alcohol use, less secure adolescent-father attachment was indirectly predictive of greater alcohol use, mediated through heightened externalizing symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of close and trusting father-adolescent relationships in the development of psychopathology and substance use behaviors. The developmental cascade from a less secure adolescent-father attachment to greater externalizing symptoms and heightened substance use, as well as implications for prevention and intervention of young adult substance use, are discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The differential pathways from adolescent-mother and adolescent-father attachment to substance use during the transition to young adulthood are not well known. Longitudinal data were used to test whether internalizing and externalizing symptoms may mediate the association between adolescent-mother and adolescent-father attachment and substance use. Less secure adolescent-father attachment predicted heightened internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and less secure adolescent-father attachment predicted greater alcohol use, mediated through heightened externalizing symptoms. The findings suggest that addressing insecure attachment with fathers during adolescence may reduce unhealthy substance use during the transition to young adulthood.

ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES

The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of dissatisfaction with body image—defined as the dissatisfaction resulting from the difference between the desired silhouette and the perceived one—among Fit Kid athletes. The study compared data based on age ranges and levels of competition and examined the possible association between higher weight and BMI with increased concern for body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used, and data were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. The main findings reveal a higher degree of body image dissatisfaction at the highest level of competition (national level) and among athletes with higher BMI and weight. Specifically, the factor with the highest scores was body dissatisfaction with the lower body. This suggests a higher risk of body image issues in late adolescence and at higher competitive levels, as well as among athletes with higher BMI values. These findings could offer valuable insights for coaches, who might address these issues through collaboration with nutritionists and sports psychologists.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Acute Upper Respiratory Diseases in Rural School Adolescents in Neyyattinkara Taluk, India

Introduction: Public knowledge and practices regarding the common cold is crucial to prevent improper treatment and preserve resources and well - being. Despite global studies on the topic, there's a gap in research focusing on rural school - going late adolescents, like those in Neyyattinkara Taluk. This study aims to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding acute upper respiratory illness among late adolescents in NeyyattinkaraTaluk. Methods: An observational cross - sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of late adolescents in rural schools of a part of India from July to September 2019. The study was done among late adolescents (aged 15 - 18) in government higher secondary schools of Neyyattinkara Taluk. A sample size of 197 was taken. Data was collected using a semi - structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding upper respiratory illness. Point estimate was done at 95% confidence interval. Results: Most of the adolescents had limited knowledge about upper respiratory illness, with 167 (85%) not considering it a disease. Self - medication 116 (59%) and reliance on home remedies 110 (56%) were common, while only 39 (20%) opted for antibiotics. Conclusions: There was average knowledge level in adolescents but persistent misconceptions, prevalent self - medication practices, and limited understanding of disease transmission regarding upper respiratory infections.

The Concept of Homosexuality and Homosexuals among Late Adolescents

In India, generally studies on dimensions of alternate sexualities, are rare. The social stigma surrounding sexual minorities often acts as a hindrance in the production of research focusing on alternative sexualities. Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate in India. But, the people of Kerala are still prejudiced towards homosexuality. Recent incidents, such as the legal fight for freedom by lesbian couples when they were separated by family and tortured (Onmanorama, 2022); the queer person's family's refusal to receive his body (The News Minute, 2022), reflects the highly homophobic attitude of the people. The presented study is qualitative and explores the conceptualization of homosexuality among late adolescents in Kerala. The study utilized semi-structured interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four major themes were extracted: (1) Knowledge about homosexuality and homosexuals, (2) Factors determining the attitude toward homosexuality and homosexuals, (3) Behavior toward homosexuality and homosexuals, and (4) Perceived causes of homosexuality. The non-visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community and lack of authentic sources of knowledge were found to be significant barriers to their understanding of homosexuality. Positive portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community in media and implementation of comprehensive sex education in institutions are recommended to foster a better understanding of homosexuality.

Digital Natives and Community Resilience: An Exploration of AAPI Families’ Digital Technology Use

The current study adopted community resilience and explored Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) digital natives’ supporting family members’ digital technology use and outcomes related to engagement. A sample of 29 AAPI late adolescents answered open-ended questions about the challenges, benefits, and familial dynamics when the group helped or instructed older family members in using digital technologies. Findings showcased complex intergroup dynamics between digital natives and their family members, including increased mutual respect, greater communication access, and worry of family members’ physical ailments interrupting digital technology use. Outcomes demonstrated how AAPI digital natives, amid family systems, embraced collectivist tendencies as a means of resilience amid the ongoing challenges related to digital technology use.

Fat mass mediating effect on the association of worsening insulin resistance with increased left ventricular mass in 1595 adolescents: a 7-Year Longitudinal and Mediation Study

Abstract Background Fat mass-insulin resistance vicious cycle has been established in the young population and late adolescence has been identified as the critical time when the pathologic cycle begins. However, the independent and synergistic effect of fat mass in the relationship of insulin resistance with cardiac structure remains unexamined in a large cohort of adolescents, possibly due to the scarcity of repeated echocardiography measures. Mounting effective prevention strategies relies on strong evidence of the timing of the earliest cardiovascular alteration induced by insulin resistance. Purpose To investigate the longitudinal association of insulin resistance with left ventricular mass (LVM) and the mediating effect of fat mass in adolescents. Methods From the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), UK birth cohort, 1595 adolescents aged 17 years who had fasting glucose and insulin measured at 17- and 24-year clinic visits were included. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated from fasting insulin x fasting glucose/22.5 at ages 17 and 24 years. Repeated echocardiography measured LVM indexed for height2.7 (LVMI2.7) was available at baseline and follow-up. Fat mass was repeatedly measured with dual-energy Xray absorptiometry at both time points. Multivariable adjusted association was examined using generalized linear mixed-effect models and adjusted for sex, family history of hypertension/diabetes/high cholesterol/vascular disease, socioeconomic status, and time-varying covariates measured at both baseline and follow-up such as age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, fat mass, lean mass, smoking status, sedentary time, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Mediation analysis was conducted with a structural equation model adjusting for same covariates, except fat mass. Results Among 1595 adolescents (mean [SD] age at baseline, 17.74 [0.38] years; 955 [59.8%] females]) median insulin resistance increased from 1.46 to 1.74, median fat mass increased from 15.6kg to 19.2kg and the mean LVMI increased from 35.4g/m2.7 to 38.1g/m2.7, over 7 years. In a fully adjusted model, increased insulin resistance from adolescence through young adulthood was significantly associated with increased LVMI (effect estimate 1.01g/m2.7 [95% CI, 0.63 – 1.57], p<0.001) across the 7-year observation period. Increased fat mass mediated (62.3% mediation effect) the longitudinal association between insulin resistance and LVMI from ages 17 – 24 years. Conclusion Worsening insulin resistance from adolescence through young adulthood was associated with increased cardiac mass, contributing 37% to the total increase in LVMI between ages 17 to 24 years but increased fat mass explained two-thirds of the relationship.

Psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 and subsequent depression and anxiety disorders

Abstract Background In recent years, the prevalence of self-reported mental health issues such as psychosomatic complaints has risen among adolescents in several countries, including Sweden. Despite this trend, a gap in the understanding remains regarding the implications of these complaints, including their ability to predict more severe mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety represent common mental health disorders among youth today, significantly affecting daily functioning. In light of this, the current study aims to investigate the association between self-reported psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 and the likelihood of being diagnosed with depression or anxiety by age 20. Methods Data was drawn from Futura01, a cohort study of Swedish adolescents who attended grade 9 in 2017 (n = 5,225). Information on psychiatric diagnoses was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register. Psychosomatic complaints were captured through self-reported frequencies of headache, stomach ache, and difficulties falling asleep, which were aggregated into an index (ranging from 3-15). Covariates included sex, parental education, parental country of birth, family type, and prior diagnoses of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results The findings show that higher levels of psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 were prospectively associated with increased odds of being diagnosed with depression (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.22-1.34) as well as anxiety (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.25-1.35) by age 20, even after adjusting for prior diagnoses and other covariates. Conclusions This study highlights the potential for psychosomatic complaints during adolescence to act as early indicators of future mental health disorders. Recognising the importance of these complaints and implementing public health interventions targeting mental health issues among youth could help improve mental health outcomes in late adolescence and young adulthood. Key messages • Adolescents reporting frequent psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 were more likely to receive subsequent specialised care due to a depression or anxiety diagnosis in a Swedish sample. • Interventions directed at youth experiencing frequent psychosomatic complaints may have a beneficial impact on their future mental health outcomes.

Examining factors associated with cocaine use in late adolescence and early adulthood

Abstract Background In 2022, cocaine was the leading problem drug for which individuals sought treatment in Ireland, overtaking opioids for the first time. Despite increasing concerns about cocaine, there is limited longitudinal research examining factors associated with cocaine use in the general youth population. We describe levels of use and associated factors at 17 and 20 years old Methods Past-year cocaine use was studied at age 17 (N = 5965) and 20 (N = 4679) in a nationally representative cohort. Individual, family, social and environmental exposure variables were selected a priori. Weighted logistic regression models were fitted using Generalised Estimating Equations to multiply imputed and complete case data. Results Cocaine use was reported by 220 (4%) at age 17, and 1072 (23%) at age 20. Both individual and community factors predict use. Earlier alcohol initiation and having friends who use cannabis were strongly associated with increased odds of cocaine use at both ages. Those with parents who reported that neighbourhood intoxication or drug-taking was common had elevated odds of cocaine use at age 17. Conclusions Past-year cocaine use at 20 years old in this cohort is substantially higher than other international cohort studies. Levels of cocaine use increase significantly between 17 and 20 years old. Acknowledgement: Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). It is managed by DCEDIY in association with the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Results in this report are based on analyses of data from Research Microdata Files provided by the CSO. Neither the CSO nor DCEDIY take any responsibility for the views expressed or the outputs generated from these analyses. Key messages • Our study underscores significant cocaine use rates and correlations with early substance initiation and neighbourhood factors. • This emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive, multilevel strategy for preventing cocaine use.

Diet quality trajectories from infancy to age 18 and their association with diet quality at age 26

Abstract Background and objectives Dietary habits during childhood and adolescence show strong stability. However, no studies have investigated dietary trajectories from infancy to adulthood. We therefore aimed to 1) identify diet quality trajectories from age 1 to 18 years and 2) explore how trajectories are associated with diet quality at age 26 years. Methods The study included 620 individuals from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP), started in infancy (n = 1062). Food and nutrient intake was assessed annually from age one to age 18, and again at age 26 using 4-day food records. A food-based diet score (range 0-33) was calculated to indicate diet quality. Group-based modelling was used to model trajectories of diet quality between the ages of 1 and 18 years. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations between the diet quality trajectory groups and diet quality at age 26 years. Results By the age of 18, we found five diet quality groups: 1) low (19% of participants) with a mean diet score of 12 points, 2) decreasing (25%) with a mean diet score of 15 points, 3) increasing (15%) with a mean diet score of 16 points, 4) intermediate (31%) with a mean diet score of 18 points, and 5) high (10%) with a mean diet score of 22 points. The diet quality trajectory groups were associated with 0.4 (decreasing), 2.5 (medium), 3.8 (increasing) and 4.1 (high) points higher diet scores at age 26 compared to the low diet quality trajectory group (p < 0.001 for all). Discussion Five distinct dietary trajectories were found from infancy to late adolescence, with a clear difference between the groups with the lowest and highest diet quality. However, the differences in diet quality levelled out by the age of 26 years. Our results suggest that diet quality established already in childhood moderately predicts diet quality into adulthood. Key messages • Diet quality established in childhood moderately predicts diet quality in young adulthood. • Five distinct dietary trajectories were found from infancy to late adolescence, with a clear difference between the groups with the lowest and highest diet quality.