Predictors For Girls Research Articles

Factors associated with blood pressure and nutritional status among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: The association between obesity and hypertension in adolescents necessitates the identification of potential predictors at an early stage. This study aimed to examine the association of sex and place of residence with nutritional status and blood pressure in adolescents aged 10-18 years. Methods: A sample of 198 subjects aged 10-18 years was included in this study. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire, whereas nutritional status and blood pressure were measured using standardized measures. Statistical analyses, including the independent t-test, Pearson and Spearman correlation test, and linear regression, were conducted to identify potential risk factors, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight-obesity (24.7%) and hypertension (11.1%) among the subjects. Significant correlations were observed between body weight, height, age, and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Boys exhibited higher mean body height and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) than girls. Nutritional status was positively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, with nutritional status emerging as the primary predictor in both private houses and boarding schools (p < 0.05). Furthermore, age at menarche was found to be a predictor of blood pressure in boys, whereas age was a predictor in girls. Conclusions: BMI predicts nutritional status and blood pressure, whereas age and menarche age are crucial factors that depend on sex. Based on these findings, it is critical to manage obesity and hypertension by considering characteristics such as nutritional status, sex, and age

Predictors of Girls’ Performance in Mathematics among Senior High School Students

The study employed the Explanatory Sequential design of the Mixed-Methods approach to investigate the factors that affect female students’ performance in mathematics. Stratified and Simple Random Sampling techniques were used to sample three hundred and fifty-six (356) participants from four different Senior High Schools within the Northern Region to participate in the survey while 12 key informants were selected using the Expert Purposive Sampling technique for key informant interviews. Questionnaires and interview guides were the main instruments used for data collection. Inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data while inductive thematic analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data. The results of the analyses showed that gender stereotypes, the socio-economic status of parents, self-motivation by the female students, the social environment in which the female students find themselves and teacher efficacy were the main factors affecting female students’ performance in mathematics.

Quality of attachment relationships and frequency of mathematics- and science-related activity offers in kindergarten as predictors of girls' and boys' mathematics-related motivation

Abstract. During the kindergarten years and until shortly before school start, there are no gender differences in (precursors of) mathematical competencies or mathematics-related motivation. Shortly after school entry, however, boys are already superior to their female peers in mathematics-related competencies and motivation. We investigated in a cross-sectional study two aspects of process quality in kindergarten that can favorably influence the development of mathematics-related motivation, especially of girls: the frequency of offers of mathematics- and science-related activities and a high-quality attachment relationship with the teacher. In 135 independent dyads, the quality of attachment between kindergarten teacher and child was assessed by a one and a half-hour standardized observation (Attachment Q-Set). The teacher provided information on how often she provides mathematics- and science-related activities. The children were asked about their mathematics-related motivation and precursors of mathematical competencies were measured using a standardized test. Results show, in line with existing studies, that girls and boys did not yet differ in their precursors of mathematical competencies and mathematics-related motivation at the end of kindergarten. Girls were involved in significantly higher quality attachment relationships with their teachers than boys. While girls' mathematics-related motivation increased with the frequency of the provision of relevant activities, it did not play a role for boys' motivation. We discuss (a) how teachers can be encouraged to offer mathematics-and science-related activities more often and (b) whether a comparable quality of attachment would be shown for boys as for girls if the kindergarten teacher were male.

Exposure to violence across multiple contexts and health risk behaviours in South African adolescents: the moderating role of emotion dysregulation

Objective: The association between violence exposure and health risk behaviours in South African adolescents, and the moderating role of emotion dysregulation were investigated. Design: A multi-ethnic sample of adolescents (N = 925: boy: 47.3%, girl: 52.7%, M age = 16 years, SD = 1.54) completed a survey. Main outcome measures: Violence exposure across different contexts (home-, school-, community-, political victimisation), emotion dysregulation (inability to regulate sadness and anger) and a composite measure of health risk behaviours (smoking, substance use, risky sexual behaviour) were examined. Results: Boys reported more risk behaviours than girls, t (844) = 5.25, p < 0.001. Direct community victimisation was a predictor for boys’ risk behaviours, B = 0.22, p < 0.001. Indirect school victimisation and direct community victimisation were predictors for girls’ risk behaviours, B’s = 0.19, p’s < 0.01. Girls reported higher emotion dysregulation than boys, t (748) = −2.95, p < 0.01. Only for girls, emotion dysregulation moderated the associations of indirect home victimisation, B = 16, p < 0.01, and direct community victimisation, B = 15, p < 0.05, with risk behaviours. Conclusion: Interventions may target emotion regulation skills, particularly for girls, to enhance resilience to the negative effects of violence on behaviours.

Associations between Stress, Psychosomatic Complaints, and Parental Criticism among Affluent Adolescent Girls

A growing body of research has shown that adolescent girls in the context of affluence face a series of unique pressures that may increase social-emotional problems. Little research, however, has examined associations between perceived stress and psychosomatic complaints among privileged youth. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between stress, psychosomatic complaints, and parental criticism in a sample of preadolescent and adolescent girls (n = 218) from selective, private schools. Using OLS regression analyses, cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were evident between perceived stress and psychosomatic complaints, with increases in stress associated with increases in psychosomatic problems. Parental criticism was also examined as a predictor of girls’ psychosomatic complaints and stress levels. Results indicated that parental criticism was significantly and positively associated with psychosomatic problems in cross-sectional models and that perceived stress levels mediated this association. Additional analyses demonstrated that the relationship between psychosomatic complaints and stress may be bidirectional. Taken together, results from this exploratory study suggest that girls in the context of affluence may also experience psychosomatic complaints, in addition to social-emotional problems.

Sex-specific risk factors for childhood wheeze and longitudinal phenotypes of wheeze

Although sexual dimorphism in wheeze and asthma prevalence are well documented, sex-specific risk factors for wheeze and longitudinal wheeze phenotypes have not been well elucidated. By using a large prebirth cohort, this study aimed to identify sex-specific risk factors for wheeze from birth through midchildhood and identify distinct longitudinal wheeze phenotypes and the sex-specific risk factors associated with these phenotypes. Mothers reported child wheeze symptoms over the past year approximately yearly on 9 occasions starting at age 1year. We identified sex-specific predictors of wheeze, wheeze phenotypes, and sex-specific predictors of these phenotypes by using generalized estimating equations, latent class mixed models, and multinomial logistic analysis, respectively. A total of 1623 children had information on wheeze at 1 or more time points. Paternal asthma was a stronger predictor of ever wheezing in boys (odds ratio [OR], 2.15; 95% CI, 1.74-2.66) than in girls (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.19-1.96; P for sex by paternal asthma interaction=.03), whereas being black or Hispanic, birth weight for gestational age z score, and breast-feeding duration had stronger associations among girls. We identified 3 longitudinal wheeze phenotypes: never/infrequent wheeze (74.1%), early transient wheeze (12.7%), and persistent wheeze (13.1%). Compared with never/infrequent wheeze, maternal asthma, infant bronchiolitis, and atopic dermatitis were associated with persistent wheeze in both sexes, but paternal asthma was associated with persistent wheeze in boys only (OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 2.33-7.83; P for sex by paternal asthma interaction=.02), whereas being black or Hispanic was a predictor for girls only. We identified sex-specific predictors of wheeze and longitudinal wheeze patterns, which might have important prognostic value and allow for a more personalized approach to wheeze and asthma treatment.

Predicting Physical Activity in 10-12 Year Old Children: A Social Ecological Approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among predisposing (perceived competence and enjoyment), reinforcing (social environments), enabling factors (motor skills, fitness, physical environments) and physical activity among 288 children, and to identify the age and gender differences among participants. The children completed previously validated questionnaires assessing their perceived competence, enjoyment, school social and physical environments, and physical activity. Physical fitness was measured by FITNESSGRAM fitness testing. Students’ motor skills were assessed by PE Metrics. The results indicated that perceived competence and enjoyment predicted physical activity for boys, while perceived competence was the only predictor for girls. Age effects for fitness and skill were significant, as were gender differences for skill, social environment and perceived competence. This study suggests the importance of supportive teachers who provide enjoyable physical education that builds perceived competence for children to improve fitness, motor skill development and physical activity participation. The results support associations between predisposing factors and self-reported physical activity as theorized within the social ecological model.

History of family violence, childhood behavior problems, and adolescent high-risk behaviors as predictors of girls' repeated patterns of dating victimization in two developmental periods.

This study aims to document the prevalence of repeated patterns of dating victimization and to examine, within the frameworks of an ecological model and lifestyle/routine activities theories, associations between such patterns and family, peer, and individual factors. Dating victimization in adolescence (age 15) and early adulthood (age 21) was evaluated in 443 female participants. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that history of family violence, childhood behavior problems, and adolescent high-risk behaviors were associated with an increased risk for girls of being victimized (psychologically and/or physically/sexually) in their dating relationships, either in adolescence or early adulthood, or at both developmental periods.

Relation between parental conflict and psychosocial problems among young adolescents

Hostile and constructively unresolved conflicts between parents are damaging for the positive family environment and, therefore, can have a negative impact on the psychosocial functioning of their children. The impact of the interparental conflict on children depends on the way in which parents express and resolve their disagreement and, also, in the way in which children interpret its meaning and its implication for their wellbeing. Thus, this paper seeks to examine the extent in which a child’s perceptions of the interparental conflict explain the disorder in psychosocial adjustment of a child. In other words, various dimensions of a parental conflict were examined (i.e. conflict characteristics, their appraisals of threat and self-blame) to explain the presence of internal (depression symptoms) and external (proactive and reactive aggression symptoms) problems in young adolescents. The research was carried out on 352 school children who were at an average of 13 years of age (of which 192 were girls and 160 were boys). The analyses examining the differences between boys and girls show that boy are more likely to express proactive and reactive types of aggressive behaviour and to self-blame for the interparental conflict. More so, results of the regression analysis show that frequent exposure to a highly hostile internparental conflicts and aggression can result in a proactive aggressive behaviour in boys. On the other hand, perceptions of threat during the interparental conflict significantly explain the reactive aggressive behaviour in girls. More so, the perception of threat dimension further explains presence of the depression symptoms in boys and girls. Furthermore, the self-blame dimension has been another significant depression symptoms predictor in girls.

Swedish high-school pupils' attitudes towards drugs in relation to drug usage, impulsiveness and other risk factors.

Background. Illicit drug use influences people’s lives and elicits unwanted behaviour. Current research shows that there is an increase in young people’s drug use in Sweden. The aim was to investigate Swedish high-school pupils’ attitudes, impulsiveness and gender differences linked to drug use. Risk and protective factors relative to drug use were also a focus of interest.Method. High school pupils (n = 146) aged 17–21 years, responded to the Adolescent Health and Development Inventory, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Knowledge, and the Attitudes and Beliefs. Direct logistic, multiple regression analyses, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance were used to analyze the data.Results. Positive Attitudes towards drugs were predicted by risk factors (odds ratio = 37.31) and gender (odds ratio = .32). Risk factors (odds ratio = 46.89), positive attitudes towards drugs (odds ratio = 4.63), and impulsiveness (odds ratio = 1.11) predicted drug usage. Risk factors dimensions Family, Friends and Individual Characteristic were positively related to impulsiveness among drug users. Moreover, although boys reported using drugs to a greater extent, girls expressed more positive attitude towards drugs and even reported more impulsiveness than boys.Conclusion. This study reinforces the notion that research ought to focus on gender differences relative to pro-drug attitudes along with testing for differences in the predictors of girls’ and boys’ delinquency and impulsiveness. Positive attitudes towards drugs among adolescents seem to be part of a vicious circle including risk factors, such as friendly drug environments (e.g., friends who use drugs) and unsupportive family environments, individual characteristics, and impulsiveness.

Gender differences in mathematics and science: the role of the actiotope in determining individuals’ achievements and confidence in their own abilities

Despite changes, gender differences in math and science continue to exist in some countries. We examined whether the actiotopes of boys and girls at the high school level in math and science differed and the extent to which (a) their actiotope components, (b) the progressive development of their actiotopes (dynamic perspective), and (c) the co-adaptation of their actiotopes (systems perspective) function as predictors for girls’ and boys’ achievements and confidence in one’s own abilities in math and science. To answer these questions, we examined girls and boys (N = 361) in Canada, the Czech Republic, and Germany with a questionnaire. The results suggest that girls are less effective at progressively developing their actiotopes in the fields of math and science and that modifications in their actiotopes were less well balanced by stabilizing forces. Independent of gender, the actiotope aspects considered here are suited to predicting achievements and confidence in one’s own abilities in math and science.

ADOLESCENT GIRLS' COGNITIVE APPRAISALS OF COPING RESPONSES TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Peer sexual harassment is a stressor for many girls in middle and high school. Prior research indicates that approach strategies (seeking support or confronting) are generally more effective than avoidance strategies in alleviating stress. However, the deployment of effective coping behaviors depends partly on how individuals evaluate different options (i.e., cognitive appraisal). The present study tested sociocultural (ethnicity, parents’ education), interpersonal (perceived support from peers, mother, and father), developmental (age, perspective taking), and individual (self-esteem, feminist self-identification) factors as predictors of girls’ cognitive appraisals of coping responses to sexual harassment. The sample comprised 304 girls (M age = 15.5 years, range = 14 to 18 years) from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds who reported having previously experienced sexual harassment (e.g., unwanted sexual comments or actions). Cognitive appraisals of coping were based on the reported likelihood of confronting, seeking help, or using avoidance in response to sexual harassment. Regression analyses indicated that feminist identity, self-esteem, perspective taking, perceived support, and parents’ education were variously related to appraisals of different responses.

학령기 아동의 성별에 따른 자기 지각과 우울 간 관계

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-perceptions and school children`s depression according to their gender. The participants comprised 578 school age children in Daegu or Gyeongbok Province. The participants completed measures of self-perception(SPPC) and depression(CDI). The SPPC consisted of 6 domains, self-perception(scholastic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence, physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global self-worth). The collected data were analyzed by means of MANOVA, Repeated measures MANOVA, and Multiple Regression Analysis(using SPSS PC(19.0 version). The results were as follows. (1) Among the domain specific areas of self-perception, global self worth scored the highest amongst the other subscales(scholastic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence, behavioral conduct and global self-worth) in both boys and girls. (2) Level of depression in school children differed according to sex and domain specific self-perception which was social acceptance, physical appearance, behavioral conduct and global self worth. (3) Self-perception on depression was a more salient predictor in girls than boys. Among the domain specific area of self-perception, global self worth was the best predictor in both boys and girls.

The relationship between coordination, motor abilities and anthropometric characteristics of preschool girls

Coordination as complex motor ability in preschool age represents a base for development of other abilities and thus point out their relationships with overall motor development of a child. The goal of this research is to analyze the relationship of coordination with motor abilities and anthropometric characteristics of preschool girls. In a sample of 197 girls aged from 4 - 6 years, seven tests of motor skills were applied and five anthropometric measures. Using standard multiple regression, a statistically significant correlation between motor abilities/anthropometric characteristics and coordination of preschool girls was identified. The system of motor and anthropometric variables as a whole explains 41% of variance of the depended variable. Among the variables of the predictor system, the best predictors of girls' performance on coordination test, were the following variables: hand tapping, standing broad jump and abdominal skinfold. The results suggest that the preschool girls' motor skills are related in a specific way and that coordination has a large impact on other motor skills.

Depression in Low-Income Elementary School Children in South Korea

This study examined depression in low-income elementary school children and identified gender differences in factors that influence depression from an ecological perspective. Participants were 262 first- to sixth-grade children recruited from six Korean community centers. Personal factors were anxiety and self-concept. Environmental factors consisted of caregiver (perceived caregiving style), school (perceived school life and quality of peer relations), and neighborhood. The outcome variable was depression. The predictors of boys' depression were anxiety, perceived school life, and neighborhood. Predictors of girls' depression were anxiety, self-concept, caregiving style, and neighborhood. School nurses are encouraged to screen elementary school children for depressive symptoms and consider gender differences and environmental factors when intervening in depression. School-focused interventions may be more effective for boys; family-focused interventions may be more beneficial for girls.

Is news media related to civic engagement? The effects of interest in and discussions about the news media on current and future civic engagement of adolescents

This study explored whether discussions about the media, when positively linked to interest in the news media, were related to adolescents' current and future civic engagement. A sample of 2638 adolescents (age M = 17, SD = 1.2), who participated in a school-based study on positive socialization, completed self-report measures on interest in the news media and discussions about the media with parents and friends. Current civic engagement was measured by involvement in volunteering and civic commitments. Future civic engagement was measured by intentions to participate in civic activities in the future. The results showed that more interpersonal discussions about the media and higher interest in the news media both predicted higher civic engagement. Positive links between discussions about the media and current civic engagement were partly mediated by interest in the news media. In addition, interest in the news media together with current civic engagement fully mediated a positive link between discussions about the media and future civic engagement. Moderating effects of gender were observed, with discussions about the media a better predictor of boys' interest in the news media, and current civic engagement a better predictor of girls' future civic engagement.

Paternal Asthma is a Predictor for Childhood Asthma in the Consanguineous Families from the United Arab Emirates

Consanguinity is known to increase the burden of genetic disorders among offspring. However, the effect of consanguinity on a complex disorder like childhood asthma has not been studied previously. Therefore, we explored this relationship by studying the asthma prevalence in children between 6 and 14 years of age among the local Arab families of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where consanguinity is known to be highly prevalent. A total of 1136 children from 295 families met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of childhood asthma was higher among children in consanguineous families (43.3%) compared to non-consanguineous (22.6%, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the degree of consanguinity and the number of asthmatic children per family (p = 0.0002). Girls from consanguineous families had proportionately more asthma (42.9%, p < 0.001) compared to boys (23.1%, p = 0.539).Paternal asthma in consanguineous families increased asthma risk for both boys and girls (p = 0.021 for boys, p < 0.001 for girls), while maternal asthma had no significant impact on asthma in offspring. Prevalence of childhood asthma was significantly higher in consanguineous families. The significant asthma predictors for girls from the consanguineous families were the degree of consanguinity and paternal asthma. The only predictor for boys was paternal asthma. These interesting observations merit further studies on both larger samples and in other consanguineous communities for confirmation.

Temperament and parenting during the first year of life predict future child conduct problems.

Predictive associations between parenting and temperament during the first year of life and child conduct problems were assessed longitudinally in 1,863 offspring of a representative sample of women. Maternal ratings of infant fussiness, activity level, predictability, and positive affect each independently predicted maternal ratings of conduct problems during ages 4-13 years. Furthermore, a significant interaction indicated that infants who were both low in fussiness and high in predictability were at very low risk for future conduct problems. Fussiness was a stronger predictor of conduct problems in boys whereas fearfulness was a stronger predictor in girls. Conduct problems also were robustly predicted by low levels of early mother-report cognitive stimulation when infant temperament was controlled. Interviewer-rated maternal responsiveness was a robust predictor of conduct problems, but only among infants low in fearfulness. Spanking during infancy predicted slightly more severe conduct problems, but the prediction was moderated by infant fussiness and positive affect. Thus, individual differences in risk for mother-rated conduct problems across childhood are already partly evident in maternal ratings of temperament during the first year of life and are predicted by early parenting and parenting-by-temperament interactions.

Longitudinal predictability of sexual perceptions on subsequent behavioural intentions among Bahamian preadolescents

To assess the relationship of baseline behavioural intentions and sexual perceptions with subsequent intentions regarding sexual initiation and condom use in Bahamian preadolescents. Longitudinal data were obtained at baseline and 8 months later from 424 sexually inexperienced Bahamian youth aged 9-12 years, who served as 'controls' in a HIV risk-reduction intervention study. Sexual perceptions were measured based on a social cognitive model, protection motivation theory. Baseline intention to have sex was a strong predictor of follow-up intention to engage in sex for boys, but was not a predictor for girls. Baseline condom use intention was not related to subsequent intention to use condoms for either male or female youth. Perceptions of girls, compared with boys, were less endorsing of sexual initiation. Some protection motivation theory constructs regarding sexual perceptions were predictive of subsequent behavioural intentions. Among boys, low perceived self-efficacy to avoid sexual intercourse and positive feelings about having sex predicted their intention to have sex. Among girls, perceived peer sexual behaviour and a limited understanding of the adverse consequences of sexual intercourse were predictors of their subsequent intention to initiate sex. Perceived self-efficacy to use condoms and response efficacy of condom use were significant predictors of condom use intention for both boys and girls. These results suggest that prevention intervention efforts should target predictive perceptions and consider sex differences in sexual perceptions.

Plausible Reports of Energy Intake May Predict Body Mass Index in Pre-Adolescent Girls

Inaccurate reporting of energy intake makes it difficult to study the associations between diet and weight status. This study examined reported energy intake at age 9 years as a predictor of girls’ body mass index (BMI) at age 11 years, before and after adjusting for parents’ BMI and girls’ pubertal status. This prospective, observational cohort study included 177 non-Hispanic white girls and their parents. When the subjects were 9 years of age, three 24-hour recalls were used to categorize girls as plausible or implausible over-reporters and under-reporters based on previously published methods. Height and weight was measured to calculate BMI. Linear and hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict girls’ BMI. Results revealed that girls who under-reported had significantly higher BMIs than plausible and overreporters. Among the total sample and among implausible reporters, reported energy intake was not a significant predictor of BMI; however, among plausible reporters, reported energy intake explained 14% of the variance in BMI and remained a significant predictor after adjusting for parental BMI and girls’ pubertal status. Systematic bias related to underreporting in dietary data can obscure relationships with weight status, even among young girls. A relatively simple analytical procedure can be used to identify the magnitude and nature of reporting bias in dietary data.