Long-term Negative Health Effects Research Articles

Abstract MP19: Hypertension Prevalence Among Youth aged 8–19 years in a National Survey — United States, 2017–2020

Hypertension in youth tracks into adulthood and has long-term negative health effects. In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new Clinical Practice Guidelines on pediatric hypertension. The guidelines updated blood pressure (BP) thresholds and age-sex-height percentile references for youth 1–17 years. Pediatric hypertension prevalence estimates since the new guideline are lacking. This study aims to provide the latest nationally representative prevalence estimates of elevated BP and hypertension in youth aged 8–19 years, total and stratified by age group, sex, race and ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI) category. For adolescents aged 13–17 years, both percentile-based thresholds and adult BP thresholds are available in the guidelines. We therefore compared adult BP thresholds for elevated BP (120–129/<80 mmHg) and hypertension (≥130/≥80 mmHg) with percentile thresholds in adolescents. We used data from 2017–March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to obtain a sample of 2600 youth after excluding those with no BMI or BP measures. Prevalence estimates of elevated BP and hypertension were 8.7% (95% CI: 6.9-10.6) and 5.4% (95% CI: 4.0-6.7), respectively. Estimates were higher among males and increased with age (Table). Youth with severe obesity had the highest prevalence of hypertension. Hispanic youth had the lowest prevalence of elevated BP. In adolescents, elevated BP prevalence was similar using percentile thresholds (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.3-15.1) and the adult threshold (10.8%, 95% CI: 8.5-13.7). Hypertension prevalence in adolescents was also similar for percentile thresholds (4.8%, 95% CI: 3.1-7.6) and the adult threshold (4.8%, 95% CI: 2.0-7.5). Our findings suggest ongoing concern of elevated BP and hypertension among youth in the US. Either percentile or adult based thresholds for determining high BP could be used among adolescents by researchers. Knowledge of current national estimates can inform policies and interventions to support cardiovascular health in youth.

The relationship between lifestyle habits and obesity among students in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia: using the Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire

BackgroundThe Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire was an initiative to assess the lifestyle habits influencing obesity rates in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including physical activity (PA) patterns, sedentary and eating behaviours. Since its implementation, the ATLS questionnaire has been used in several studies among different age groups and populations. This instrument has not previously been administered among the university students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where the obesity rates are the highest in the country. This research was the first that aimed to identify lifestyle habits influencing the rates of obesity among 18-25-year-old university students in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using the ATLS questionnaire.MethodsQuantitative cross-sectional research among n = 426 students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using the ATLS questionnaire.ResultsOut of n = 426 participants, n = 200 (47%) were categorised (using body mass index) as normal weight; n = 113 (26.5%) were overweight, and n = 73 (17.1%) were obese. The findings showed that most of the nutritional, PA, and sedentary behavioural factors (e.g., screen time) in the questionnaire were not associated with obesity status amongst the participants. In the obese group, more of the males that consumed fruits, French fries, cakes, sweets and doughnuts more than three times per week were likely to be obese, which was not the case for females.ConclusionThe reported lifestyles of the students could potentially lead to long-term negative health effects, which is of concern given the rising rates of overweight, obesity, and obesity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the Kingdom’s adult and ageing population. Further studies are recommended to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Saudi students in the Eastern Province in relation to PA, sedentary behaviours, and dietary habits, along with their views on how these can be improved.

Optimizing Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation With Telehealth Physical Activity Behavior Change Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation has little impact on sedentary lifestyles that have negative long-term health consequences. The purpose of this trial was to determine the effect of telehealth-based physical activity behavior change intervention on physical activity and functional outcomes following TKA. This study was a 2-arm, parallel randomized controlled superiority trial at a regional Veterans Affairs medical center. The participants were 92 US military veterans (mean age = 65.7 [SD =7.8] y) undergoing unilateral TKA. The Physical Activity Behavior Change (PABC) intervention included telehealth-based self-management training (10 30-minute sessions) delivered over 12weeks. The control intervention included telehealth-based health education sessions that matched PABC frequency and duration. Both groups participated in standardized conventional outpatient rehabilitation. Physical activity, measured as average daily step count, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were Life-Space Assessment questionnaire, 30-Second Chair-Stand test, Timed "Up & Go" Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. The Self Efficacy for Exercise scale and daily time spent in different postures (sitting/lying, standing, stepping) were exploratory variables. Outcomes were measured at baseline (before surgery), mid-intervention (8weeks after surgery), after the intervention (14weeks after surgery; primary endpoint), and follow-up (38weeks after surgery). The PABC group had an estimated 931 (95% CI = 42-1819) more daily steps than the control group from baseline to 14weeks, though a between-group effect was not sustained at 38weeks. There were no group differences in secondary outcomes. Participants included only military veterans using Veterans Health Administration services. The intervention targeted self-management and did not include peer support. The PABC intervention improved physical activity for veterans recovering from unilateral TKA at 14weeks after surgery, though the effect was not sustained at 38weeks. Physical function improved with rehabilitation but was not different between groups, indicating that physical function was not a primary driver of physical activity behavior. Conventional TKA rehabilitation has a negligible effect on free-living physical activity, which is relevant to long-term health outcomes. This trial identified telehealth physical activity self-management as effective in addressing activity behaviors, separate from conventional rehabilitation strategies.

Pediatric urinary tract infections caused by poultry-associated Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children and adults. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary reservoir of uropathogenic E. coli, which can be acquired from a variety of environmental exposures, including retail meat. In the current study, we used a novel statistical-genomic approach to estimate the proportion of pediatric UTIs caused by foodborne zoonotic E. coli strains. E. coli urine isolates were collected from DC residents aged 2 months to 17 years from the Children's National Medical Center Laboratory, 2013-2014. During the same period, E. coli isolates were collected from retail poultry products purchased from 15 sites throughout DC. A total of 52 urine and 56 poultry isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing, core genome phylogenetic analysis, and host-origin prediction by a Bayesian latent class model that incorporated data on the presence of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among E. coli isolates from multiple vertebrate hosts. A total of 56 multilocus sequence types were identified among the isolates. Five sequence types-ST10, ST38, ST69, ST117, and ST131-were observed among both urine and poultry isolates. Using the Bayesian latent class model, we estimated that 19% (10/52) of the clinical E. coli isolates in our population were foodborne zoonotic strains. These data suggest that a substantial portion of pediatric UTIs in the Washington DC region may be caused by E. coli strains originating in food animals and likely transmitted via contaminated poultry meat.IMPORTANCEEscherichia coli UTIs are a heavy public health burden and can have long-term negative health consequences for pediatric patients. E. coli has an extremely broad host range, including humans, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cattle. E. coli derived from food animals is a frequent contaminant of retail meat products, but little is known about the risk these strains pose to pediatric populations. Quantifying the proportion of pediatric UTIs caused by food-animal-derived E. coli, characterizing the highest-risk strains, and identifying their primary reservoir species could inform novel intervention strategies to reduce UTI burden in this vulnerable population. Our results suggest that retail poultry meat may be an important vehicle for pediatric exposure to zoonotic E. coli strains capable of causing UTIs. Vaccinating poultry against the highest-risk strains could potentially reduce poultry colonization, poultry meat contamination, and downstream pediatric infections.

THE ACUTE AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF REPEATED SUB-CONCUSSIVE IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH OF ATHLETES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Sub-concussive impacts—traumatic blows to the head that fail to present clinically as concussions—may be contributing factors that lead to long-term negative health consequences seen in athletes, including cognitive and emotional disturbances. The aim of this project is to consolidate the current body of literature examining the relationship between sub-concussive impacts and mental health in athletes via a narrative review examining the acute and long-term effects of sub-concussive impacts in athletes. METHODS Two undergraduate research cadets assisted the research team with identifying and organizing relevant literature in the topic area. This systematic search was first conducted in April 2023 with a final search conducted in August 2023 using a combination of manual searching and databases (e.g., PubMed). Studies were saved and exported to Excel for further analysis. Inclusion criteria included the need for the study to have been conducted in an athletic population with mental health outcomes being surveyed as a result of concussion or sub-concussion head impacts. Components of the articles were documented in an Excel spreadsheet with considerations for year of publication, country of origin, study design, sport, and purpose of study. RESULTS Fifty-seven studies were thoroughly reviewed via a full-text analysis to determine whether inclusion criteria were met. Six studies were included in the final review. Despite a consistent positive association between history of concussion and depression being identified, limited and inconsistent findings were observed in studies evaluating sub-concussive impacts. Definitions varied for what constituted a sub-concussive head injury, further diluting the availability of high-quality research in this topic area. CONCLUSION This narrative review has identified a limited amount of research conducted on the impact of sub-concussive head injuries on the mental health of athletes. This warrants further investigation as the implications of concussion and sub-concussive head impacts continue to affect the lives of athletes everywhere.

Exploring sedentary behavior during neo- or adjuvant treatment in patients with cancer: A phenomenological study

PurposeIncreased sedentary behavior during cancer treatment is common, which may have negative long-term health effects. Understanding patients' experience of sedentary behavior during neo- or adjuvant cancer treatment may be crucial in developing effective support for patients to reduce sedentary behavior. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore sedentary behavior in patients undergoing neo- or adjuvant cancer treatment. MethodsEleven interviews were conducted with patients undergoing treatment for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Participants were recruited from a university hospital in Sweden. Interviews were analyzed phenomenologically, and the results were presented as descriptions of the phenomenon sedentary behavior. ResultsThe overarching theme of sedentary behavior during cancer treatment was that sedentary behavior is experienced through being physically active or not. Furthermore, experiences of sedentary behavior increased with side effects and varied depending on the type and phase of cancer treatment, meaning that sedentary behavior is an adjustment to side effects. Additionally, sedentary behavior was influenced by life circumstances and social interaction, such as work status and having social support. Finally, sedentary behavior is influenced by strategies and motivations, such as the perceived benefits of physical activity and self-image. ConclusionsSedentary behavior is difficult for patients to discern, which is why health care personnel may need to help patients by increasing awareness of the negative impact of sedentary behavior in a way that does not stigmatize patients. Furthermore, developing support that targets periods with more side effects and helping patients reduce sedentary behavior throughout changing life circumstances may be helpful.

Adverse childhood experiences and yoga as "a practice of liberation".

The long-term negative health consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) pose a significant public health concern. Effective and engaging interventions that simultaneously address physical, mental, and socio-emotional health and mitigate the negative sequelae related to ACEs are needed. Promising evidence points to the impact of yoga and mindfulness on physiological and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about those who have experienced multiple ACEs and their perspectives on the influence of yoga and mindfulness on their lives. The current study examines the phenomenological experiences of adults with high ACEs who engage in yoga practice. Twelve adults participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. These included nine cisgender women, two cisgender men, and one gender nonbinary individual; 66.8% White, 16.6% multiracial, 8.3% Black/African American, and 8.3% Asian American/Pacific Islander. Participants were aged 20-63 years and endorsed four or more ACEs. They practiced yoga at least once a week for at least 6 months. Themes that emerged included: healing from trauma-related symptoms, integration of the whole self in mind-body practice, corrective experiences through yoga and mindfulness, and healing beyond talk therapy. Individuals with ACEs may experience yoga as a potentially valuable method for promoting healing through an integrative approach. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Forms of Bullying Prevalent in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Selected Schools in Machakos County, Kenya.

Bullying in schools is a global problem that has short- and long-term negative health consequences on both the bullies and victims. A report by the National Center for Educational Statistics (2019) shows that one out of every five (20.2%) students report being bullied. This has long term physical, psychological and academic negative impact among students. The researcher sought to assess the prevalence of forms of bullying in public secondary schools in Machakos sub county, Machakos County. The researcher employed descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select 280 respondents. The study used both open and closed ended questionnaires to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to describe quantitative data which were then analyzed, interpreted, and presented in form of tables and figures. The study established that about 71.5% of students participated in bullying and among the different forms of bullying verbal (38.9%) was leading followed by psychological (21.7%), sexual physical (15.3%) and cyber bullying (11.2%). The study revealed that boys suffered more physical and cyber bullying while girls suffered more of sexual and verbal bullying activities. The study concluded that four forms of bullying are prevalent in Machakos County and that there is need to seek solutions in order to curb it down.

Exploration of the potentially effective elements within the policy concept of caring neighbourhoods in addressing and preventing loneliness

Loneliness does not only occur later in life; children, adolescents and adults can also experience loneliness during their lifetime. Loneliness leads to a variety of short- and long-term negative health effects. Given those negative effects, there has been an increased demand to introduce interventions that reduce loneliness. Furthermore, recently different scholars make a plea from loneliness reduction to loneliness prevention.
 Today, one of the Flemish government's strategies in addressing and preventing loneliness is the development of caring neighbourhoods (1). The neighbourhood can play a role in addressing loneliness (2). A caring neighbourhood is not a fixed prescribed model, it is a policy concept. It is a systemic approach for greater quality of life, better health, social cohesion and resilience within a defined neighbourhood (3). At the Flemish policy level, a caring neighbourhood, as a guiding policy concept, is understood “as a neighbourhood where conditions are met so that people, regardless of age and large or small support needs in multiple life domains, can continue to live comfortably in their own home or within a familiar neighbourhood. A neighbourhood where people of all ages, young and older adults live together, where people feel good and safe, where quality of life is central, where residents know and help each other, where people and families receive the support they need, and where services and facilities are accessible and available to all” (3, p. 5). In the neighbourhood, many volunteers, caregivers and other organizations can play a role and can respond to signs of loneliness. In a caring neighbourhood, everyone should have the opportunity to participate actively (1).
 Over the years, a wide range of loneliness interventions, especially for older adults, have been developed. Recently, several reviews and meta-analyses are published in order to investigate the effectiveness of different intervention and prevention strategies to alleviate loneliness within all ages.
 Within this study, we look at the effective elements of different intervention strategies to reduce and prevent loneliness and to what extent they correspond to the objectives of a caring neighbourhood. We conducted an explorative literature search on Pubmed, Web of science and Google scholar and included 13 reviews or meta-analyses. The study selection criteria included reviews of intervention studies to reduce or prevent loneliness in all age-groups. Furthermore, these reviews also needed to scientifically evaluate the effective elements of these interventions.
 
 The results of this exploratory research open the debate on the potential and limits of caring neighbourhoods in order to reduce and prevent loneliness. The discussion develops the argument that in order to combat and prevent loneliness, the development of caring neighbourhoods is relevant but should not be overidealized.
 1.Flemish government. Flemish loneliness plan. 2022
 2.Newall NEG, Menec VH. Targeting Socially Isolated Older Adults: A Process Evaluation of the Senior Centre Without Walls Social and Educational Program. J Appl Gerontol [Internet]. 2015 Dec 1 [cited 2022 Nov 30];34(8):958–76.
 3.Flemish government, Department of Welfare, Public Health and Family. Inspiration framework at project call for caring neighbourhoods. 2021. Available from: https://www.zorgenvoormorgen.be/sites/default/files/media/20210610_inspiratiekader_FINAAL.pdf

Shifting Social Support: Mexican-American Women’s Navigation of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Periods During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences of Mexican-American women living at the U.S.–Mexico border, with an emphasis on participants’ perceptions of different forms of social support: material, emotional, and informational. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 22 Mexican-American women in Laredo, Texas, we show how pandemic-related changes reduced participants’ extensive social support networks to their immediate family members, with male partners frequently expected to make up for the loss of other relational support. These shifts in social support entrenched gendered caregiving roles and placed additional burdens on the women in this study postpartum. Furthermore, changes in healthcare protocols and access to critical healthcare information altered participants’ sense of preparedness and agency with regard to the birthing process and breastfeeding. Altogether, our study contributes novel insights into how Mexican-American women at the U.S.–Mexico border experienced the compounded loss of social support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods in the context of COVID-19, which may lead to negative long-term health consequences among this population.

High fat diet-induced maternal obesity in mice impairs peripartum maternal behaviour.

Obesity during pregnancy represents a significant health issue and can lead to increased complications during pregnancy and impairments with breastfeeding, along with long-term negative health consequences for both mother and offspring. In rodent models, diet-induced obesity (DIO) during pregnancy leads to poor outcomes for offspring. Using a DIO mouse model, consisting of feeding mice a high fat diet for 8 weeks before mating, we recapitulate the effect of high pup mortality within the first 3 days postpartum. To examine the activity of the dam around the time of birth, late pregnant control and DIO dams were recorded in their home cages and the behaviour of the dam immediately before and after birth was analysed. Prior to giving birth, DIO dams spent less time engaging in nesting behaviour, while after birth, DIO dams spent less time in the nest with their pups compared to control dams, indicating reduced pup-engagement in the early postpartum period. We have previously reported that lactogenic hormone action, mediated by the prolactin receptor, in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) is critical for the onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. We hypothesized that DIO dams may have lower lactogenic hormone activity during late pregnancy, which would contribute to impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. Day 16 lactogenic activity, transport of prolactin into the brain, and plasma prolactin concentrations around birth were all similar in control and DIO dams. Moreover, endogenous pSTAT5, a marker of prolactin receptor activity, in the MPOA was unaffected by DIO. Overall, these data indicate that lactogenic activity in late pregnancy of DIO dams is not different to controls and is unlikely to play a major role in impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour.

RED-S: A Review of the Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

ABSTRACT Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a complex syndrome of endocrine, metabolic, and physiological maladaptation. Adverse effects on physiological and psychological health and the performance of the athlete may occur due to a prolonged exposure to low-energy availability (LEA). LEA occurs when there is an energy intake (EI) deficiency relative to exercise energy expenditure (EEE) and normal physiological functioning. Early detection of the state of LEA and RED-S is crucial to prevent long-term negative health consequences. Given that LEA is the underlying cause of RED-S, increasing the athlete's energy availability (EA) to an optimal level is the recommended treatment. This paper reviews the current evidence and recommendations for the screening and diagnostic tools of LEA and RED-S, the recommended treatment strategies including reducing EEE, increasing EI, carbohydrate availability, within-day EA, psychological support, and the multidisciplinary team's role, and finally, it reviews the literature on its recovery process. It aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the research to date, with practical recommendations for the identification, management, and treatment of RED-S.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated risk factors among under five children in rural Haldwani

Background: The foundation of any nation is children. Malnutrition in children is global issue that may have both short- and long-term irreversible negative health consequences and thus associated with morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of under-nutrition among under-five children in rural area of Haldwani. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted on Four hundred children residing in the rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 7.75%, 9.25%, and 4%, respectively among under five children. The risk factors found significantly associated with undernutrition and sociodemographic profile were family size, parent’s education, mother’s occupation, and the socioeconomic class. The maternal factors found significantly associated with undernutrition were intake of iron folic acid tablets during antenatal care and postnatal care period, duration of pregnancy, site of delivery. Prelacteal, colostrum given, exclusive breastfeeding, and age of introducing complementary feeding and occurrence of recurrent diarrhea, recurrent acute respiratory infection, and worm infestation were child characteristics and medical illness found significantly associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: In this study, 17.5% of children were found undernourished. Factors determining undernourishment were parents literacy, social class, type and size of family, iron folic acid taken during pregnancy, feeding practices, immunization status, history of recurrent diarrhea, and other infections in the past 1 year.

A randomized, controlled trial of a Nordic, protein-reduced complementary diet in infants: effects on body composition, growth, biomarkers, and dietary intake at 12 and 18 months

BackgroundHigh intake of protein and low intake of plant-based foods during complementary feeding can contribute to negative long-term health effects. ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a protein-reduced, Nordic complementary diet on body composition, growth, biomarkers, and dietary intake, compared with current Swedish dietary recommendations for infants at 12 and 18 mo. MethodsHealthy, term infants (n = 250) were randomly allocated to either a Nordic group (NG) or a conventional group (CG). From 4 to 6 mo, NG participants received repeated exposures of Nordic taste portions. From 6 to 18 mo, NG was supplied with Nordic homemade baby food recipes, protein-reduced baby food products, and parental support. CG followed the current Swedish dietary recommendations. Measurements of body composition, anthropometry, biomarkers, and dietary intake were collected from baseline and at 12 and 18 mo. ResultsOf the 250 infants, 82% (n = 206) completed the study. There were no group differences in body composition or growth. In NG, protein intake, blood urea nitrogen and plasma IGF-1 were lower compared to CG at 12 and 18 mo. Infants in NG consumed 42% to 45% more fruits and vegetables compared to CG at 12 and 18 mo, which was reflected in a higher plasma folate at 12 and 18 mo. There were no between-group differences in EI or iron status. ConclusionsIntroduction of a predominantly plant-based, protein-reduced diet as part of complementary feeding is feasible and can increase fruit and vegetable intake. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02634749.

A merely national ‘universal’ basic income and global justice

A merely national ‘universal’ basic income and global justice

Impact of mycotoxins and their metabolites associated with food grains

Mycotoxins are secondary toxic metabolites synthesized by numerous filamentous fungi including members of the genus Fusarium, Penicillium, Drechslaria, Aspergillus, Claviceps, Monascum, Alternaria, Cephalosporium, Nigrospora, and Trichoderma. Among them, Aspergillus and Fusarium species are major plant pathogens recognized to induce infection and produce mycotoxins in food crops. More than 400 mycotoxins have been documented and among them, aflatoxin, fumonisins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, citrinin, ergot alkaloids, and patulin are the most prominent compounds linked to a variety of human and animal health disorders. Genus Fusarium and Aspergillus belong to a saprophytic group, which can infect and contaminate many crops at pre and post-harvest stages. Mycotoxins can have a variety of negative effects on health in both humans and animals. Mycotoxins and their metabolites can cause severe acute poisoning, which can result in death, as well as long-term negative health effects, such as cancer and immune-suppressive disorders in living beings (animals and humans). Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural goods has gained global significance, due to its toxic effects on living beings, as well as its importance to international trade. Our objective is to provide a consolidated information on the potential mycotixs in food grains and their significant impact on the health of the human beings.

Brain and Behavior: Cognitive Failures are Associated with Sensation Seeking via Adolescent Marijuana Use

A main concern regarding adolescent marijuana use is its long-term negative health effects, such as alterations to brain structure and function, which can lead to deficits in working memory (e.g., cognitive failures). This raises concerns for the development of proper executive functioning in marijuana-using adolescents. As such, understanding factors leading to adolescent marijuana use, such as personality, can allow for an assessment of predispositions that could pose a threat to their cognitive health. This study examined whether adolescent marijuana use mediates the effect of sensation-seeking on cognitive failures. An adolescent sample (N=165; 48.8% Female, 88.6% White, 84.9% Hispanic/Latinx, Mage=14.9) from a larger multi-wave study was assessed. Results show that high sensation-seeking tendencies predicted greater marijuana use (effect=0.08, p=0.02), and that marijuana use predicted greater false triggering (effect=0.96, p=0.01). Furthermore, a significant indirect effect between sensation-seeking and false triggering through days of marijuana use (effect=0.08, CI [0.01, 0.20]) was found. Findings suggest that marijuana use can impact executive functioning within the prefrontal cortex via alterations to myelination due to false signaling on oligodendrocytes. Additionally, a mature striatum coupled with an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex during adolescence may predispose sensation-seeking adolescents to try marijuana without considering the risk of memory impairments.

Undermining Desire: Reducing Unhealthy Choices by Highlighting Short-Term (vs. Long-Term) Costs

Abstract What motivates consumers to avoid unhealthy behaviors (e.g., consuming sugar, energy drinks, and fast food)? Traditional interventions and lay intuition suggest that to motivate themselves, consumers can consider the negative long-term health consequences of their decisions. Yet, consumers still struggle to avoid unhealthy behaviors. Seven experiments (N = 4,021) offer a different approach. We find that considering short-term costs of unhealthy behaviors (e.g., irritability or indigestion after eating sugar) better curbs these behaviors than considering long-term costs or no costs. We theorize that short-term costs are more effective at reducing unhealthy behavior because they are more strongly associated with the act of consumption, both in terms of immediate timing and perceived likelihood of costs occurring. As such, short-term costs are better at undermining the reason for consuming unhealthily: anticipated enjoyment of the consumption experience. We test this process by (a) demonstrating mediation via increased association strength and subsequent decreased anticipated enjoyment, (b) manipulating the association strength between consumption and costs (i.e., same cost realized sooner vs. later), and (c) demonstrating moderation via consumers’ goal for eating unhealthily. These results identify a powerful but underutilized self-regulation strategy—emphasizing short-term costs of unhealthy consumption—with implications for consumers and marketers.

LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF WOMEN ABOUT THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERWEIGHT DURING PREGNANCY

Worldwide half of women start pregnancy with overweight/obese, which greatly increases the risk of pregnancy and birth complications. Recommendations to improve preconception care emphasize the need to ensure that women of reproductive age understand factors that increase the obstetric and perinatal risks connected with high body mass index (BMI).
 Aim. Study whether women who start pregnancy with overweight were known of the increased risks of the gestational complications associated with a high (BMI) and the barriers and limitations that women had to optimize their body weight before conception.
 Materials and methods. total of 117 pregnant were enrolled in the research. The first group included 68 overweight women (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), the second - 49 normal body weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) before pregnancy. Two questionnaires were used: "Questionnaire on the assessment of the level of knowledge of women about the risks associated with overweight during pregnancy" and "Barriers and limitations that women had to optimize body weight before conception". Patients filled out the presented questionnaires individually during the first antenatal visit (9-12 weeks). The results were statistically analyzed using Statistica 10.0 program pack (StatSoft Inc., USA) and Microsoft Excel statistical analysis package. The differences between the groups were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
 Results. It was shown that the majority of women knew that overweight increased the general risk of pregnancy complications regardless of the woman's BMI. However, the chances of underestimating the high risk of operative delivery in overweight patients were (OR=3.80; 95% CI: 1.83-7.87; p<0.001 and OR=3.69; 95% CI: 1.58 -8.64; p=0.004), premature birth (OR=2.96; 95% CI: 1.47-5.95; p=0.003 and OR=2.99; 95% CI: 1.31-6 .83; p=0.015), adverse neonatal outcomes (OR=2.96; 95% CI: 1.47-5.95; p=0.0031), and especially fetal congenital anomalies of development (OR=5.50; 95 % CI: 2.62-11.54; p<0.001 and OR=12.38; 95% CI: 4.56-33.58; p<0.001) among patients of the first and second groups, respectively. An underestimation of the risk of diabetes, caesarean section, premature birth, and negative perinatal outcomes, and especially congenital fetal abnormalities, has been confirmed if weight loss occurs before conception. The main barriers and limitations for women to optimize their weight before pregnancy were insufficient basic knowledge about the risk of gestational, especially perinatal complications during pregnancy and childbirth associated with overweight, family culture and habits, unsuccessful repeated irregular attempts to weight lose, lack of information and consulting medical professionals on this issue. Only 14.7 % of women reported that they were satisfied with their appearance and health and did not need to lose weight.
 Conclusions. Being overweight, usually caused by incorrect lifestyle, including dietary choices and lack of physical activity, has long-term negative health consequences for women and their children. The preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods are unique opportunities for intervention to establish sustainable healthy lifestyles. It remains relevant to develop programs aimed at improving women's knowledge about overweight as a factor of high obstetric and perinatal risks, and lifestyle modeling with the aim of optimizing body weight at the preconceptional stage.

Placed-Based Experiences of the Young Adult Inmates in Nsukka Correctional Centre

Considering the peculiarities of the young adults in their transition period from adolescence to adulthood, this study aims to explore the place based experiences among young adult inmates in Nsukka Correctional Centre. Exploratory qualitative research design was employed. 15 young adults that have spent between 1 month and 10 years were purposely selected for the study. Informed consent form was signed by the participants after due explanations of the research purpose. Data were collected through face to face in-depth interviews done in a quiet office to maintain privacy. The data were transcribed, analyzed thematically and emergent themes were supported by quotes from the respondents. Findings from the study showed that the young adults were depressed, longed for freedom to become productive, regretted past mistakes and bored of regimented life. Recommendations were made for the reduction of the number of young adult inmates, by ensuring access to opportunities and increased support that enhance restoration from any long-term negative physical and mental health effects of incarceration and skills needed for resilience and effective functioning for sustainable national transformation when re-integrated into the society.