Rural Adolescents Research Articles

Stress-induced eating in rural adolescents: Unique variability among boys and adolescents with obesity

Stress may contribute to the development of obesity through its effects on dysregulated eating, although this has not yet been examined among low-income, rural adolescents. We examined adolescents’ stress-induced changes in eating an ad libitum meal, and after, in the absence of hunger (EAH), and the extent to which these varied by sex, race, and weight status. Participants included 260 adolescents, drawn from a sample of rural households experiencing poverty. Adolescents completed two home visits while salivary cortisol was measured; during the control (low stress) visit, they completed questionnaires and procedures thought to elicit low levels of stress and had BMI assessed. During the stress visit, adolescents completed a 20-min set of psychosocial stress challenges before eating. At each visit, adolescents consumed an ad-libitum meal after which they were additionally given large portions of snacks (EAH task). Results revealed that indeed cortisol was higher during the stress visit, across the sample. Boys showed stress-induced increases during ad-libitum meal intake (for calories, fat, and carbohydrates) whereas girls exhibited decreased intake. Further, adolescents with obesity showed stress-induced increases in fat intake, but only when hunger was satiated (EAH). There were no differences by race. These findings provide the first evidence of stress-induced alterations in food intake in a rural, low-income sample of adolescents and point to a strong vulnerability for stress-induced increases in eating in rural boys as well as stress-induced increases in fat intake when satiated as a possible contributor to obesity in youth.

An Epidemiological Study on Prevalence of Anaemia among The Adolescents in Upper Primary School, Ramakrishnapuram Village, Kothakota Mandal, Wanaparthy District, Telangana State, (India)

Anaemia is a global health challenge and India is no exception. Large number of studies including National Family Health survey -5 has quantified the prevalence of amenia among children, adolescents, women is reproductive age group pregnant and Lactating mother and adolescents. Hower, there is a lack of studies arrange rural adolescents, especially in Wanaparthy district of Telangana. This study was conducted among adolescents’ students of a government upper primary located in Ramakrishnapuram village of Wanaparthy district to detect the prevalence of anaemia and study the associated socio demographic factors.

Firearm Experiences, Behaviors, and Norms Among Rural Adolescents

Rural adolescents are at high risk for firearm-related injury, yet most existing prevention efforts are informed by research conducted in urban areas. Despite the need to account for rural perspectives, few studies have investigated the unique social ecological context of firearms for rural adolescents or have directly engaged with rural adolescents to understand their views on firearm use. To describe rural adolescents' firearm behaviors and perceptions of firearm-related social norms within their communities, peer groups, and families. This cross-sectional study used a convergent mixed-methods design and involved a community-based participatory research approach. Participants comprised 93 adolescents residing in rural Washington state and enrolled in a county or tribal reservation 4-H youth development program as an intermediate or senior age-level grouping (ie, aged 12-19 years). Adolescents completed a survey and participated in a semistructured focus group or interview between September 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Individual handgun behavior and peer, family, and community perceptions of firearm-related social norms. The sample included 93 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 15.7 [1.7] years; 49 female participants [52.7%]). Approximately half of participants (52 [55.9%]) had carried a handgun at some point in their lives, with a mean (SD) age at first carry of 10.9 (3.1) years. Primary themes across quantitative and qualitative data focused on social norms (specifically, acceptable and unacceptable ways to engage with firearms, reasons for carrying firearms, and places to carry a firearm). In this cross-sectional study, rural adolescents in 4-H programs generally understood acceptable and unacceptable firearm carrying behaviors, which aligned with state laws. Findings provide context for rural adolescent behaviors such as carrying a firearm predominantly for prosocial reasons (hunting, recreation, and sport) and adult behavior such as carrying for protection of person and personal property. Understanding firearm-related social norms in rural communities holds implications for firearm injury prevention efforts, especially related to enhancing training, developing norms-based prevention approaches, and tailoring efforts to rural settings.

Educational Expectations and Academic Persistence among Rural Adolescents: The Protective Role of High Self-Esteem.

Rural adolescents are at higher risk of reduced academic persistence due to socioeconomic barriers. Educational expectations are theoretically viewed as important for adolescents' learning behaviors, and cross-sectional research has supported this assumption. However, few longitudinal studies have investigated the influence of educational expectations on adolescents' academic persistence. In addition, research has not clearly identified whether self-esteem moderates this link among adolescents who experience greater economic risk. Using data from two time points (i.e., six months apart), this study aims to provide a more complete understanding of whether, and under what conditions, rural adolescents' educational expectations influence academic persistence. The participants consist of 631 adolescents (Mage = 13.34 years at T1), and all the adolescents are from families with rural household registrations. The results show that the interaction term of educational expectations and self-esteem significantly predicts academic persistence. Specifically, after controlling for baseline academic persistence, educational expectations positively predict later academic persistence for rural adolescents with lower self-esteem, and educational expectations do not significantly predict later academic persistence for those with higher self-esteem. This study reveals the protective role of self-esteem in rural adolescents. High self-esteem benefits rural adolescents by protecting them from the effects of lower educational expectations on academic persistence. This finding also emphasizes the importance of developing self-esteem interventions for rural adolescents with low educational expectations to prevent them from experiencing weaker academic persistence.

Influence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome on Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Rural Spanish Children and Adolescents

The presence of visceral adipose tissue implies a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than subcutaneous adiposity, the most dangerous heart fat. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) could have great potential as a detection indicator of cardiovascular diseases, although it has seldom been studied in Spanish children. Objective: The objective of the current research was to describe the values of EAT in a Spanish pediatric population and to investigate the associations between EAT and anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid and glucose profiles, and metabolic syndrome. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study of elementary and high school students (aged 6 to 17) measured anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid and glycemic profiles, and echocardiographic fat thickness. The analysis was based on regression and discriminant analysis. Results: The results of this study (N = 227) showed that the body mass index (BMI) was 20.29 ± 4.54, with an overweight set of 49.77%, and the percentage for metabolic syndrome was 5.3%. EAT was linked to being male, BMI percentile, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.001), hypertension, higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This paper argues that in children with higher elevated EAT thickness values, this correlates with cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, elevated LDL levels, and metabolic syndrome.

The Rural Youth Public Health Summit: A Pilot Pathway Program for Rural Adolescents.

There is a pressing need to increase the health care and public health workforce in rural communities across the United States. In Colorado, many of the rural communities are medically underserved, lacking resources and employment prospects to appropriately address the health needs of its communities. A potential strategy to address these medically underserved areas and the public health workforce shortage is to develop pathway programs for rural adolescents into health-related careers. The Rural Youth Public Health Summit (Summit) was a pilot pathway program for rural secondary school students hosted at a 4-year public university. The planning and formation of the Summit were done through the collaboration of school administration and teachers, university faculty and staff, educational non-profits, and health care and public health professionals. The Summit's goals were to increase awareness and interest in public health careers and to further partnerships between a university and rural secondary schools. Participants included 22 secondary school students and 10 chaperones from rural schools. Throughout the 2-day Summit, participants engaged in campus tours, a keynote speaker, workshops facilitated by faculty and public health professionals, and an overnight stay in the dorms. Despite some limitations, the Summit showed promising results as a pilot program in its ability to conduct planning, outreach, recruitment, and facilitation of a pathway program to connect rural adolescents to college education and career opportunities in public health.

Longitudinal impacts of sleep problems on psychotic-like experiences in Chinese rural adolescents: difficulties in emotion regulation and psychache as chain mediators

Longitudinal impacts of sleep problems on psychotic-like experiences in Chinese rural adolescents: difficulties in emotion regulation and psychache as chain mediators

Bullying Victimization, Non-suicidal Self-injury, and Psychotic-like Experiences in Chinese Rural Adolescents: Exploring Transactional Associations

Bullying Victimization, Non-suicidal Self-injury, and Psychotic-like Experiences in Chinese Rural Adolescents: Exploring Transactional Associations

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about gender equality: a cross-sectional survey of adolescents from rural India.

Background: Gender equality is a fundamental human right and vital to accelerate global progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adolescents' involvement is essential to achieve such equality and SDGs to develop peaceful sustainable societies. However, there are limited data especially from developing countries such as India to plan gender equality related programmes targeted at adolescents. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess gender equality related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among 16 to 19 year-old adolescents from sixty villages of the Maharashtra state of India. Results: Data from 1306 respondents (667 females and 639 males) showed a mean score of 30 out of 44, suggesting an overall moderate gender equality score in rural adolescents. The majority of girls (68.3%) were in the high scoring group, whereas the majority of boys were in the moderate group (60.3%). Regression analysis showed that responses from boys were associated with lower scores compared to responses from girls by five points (adjusted β-coefficient: -4.99, 95%CI: -5.85 to -4.12, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is a need to involve adolescents with a major focus on boys to improve gender equality in rural areas of Maharashtra. This will help introduce concepts of equality from an early age to educate boys, empower girls, and address gender-based discrimination and violence against girls and women.

Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics in adolescent : an evaluation of a latent profile and its associated risk factors

BackgroundThe psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDA) has a significant effect on well-being and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the latent heterogeneous classes of the PIDA among adolescents and investigate the relationships among identified subtypes and sociodemographic variables, the status of left-behind children, and the clinical manifestations of malocclusion.MethodsA cross-sectional study on the PIDA among 1451 adolescents aged 11 to 12 years in elementary schools in a rural area in Guangxi, China, was conducted. The PIDA on adolescents was also investigated via latent profile analysis; each predictor was tested via ordinal logistic regression.ResultsThree latent classes for the PIDA were identified: low-risk (48.2%), medium-risk (39.8%), and high-risk (11.9%) groups. There were significant differences among the three latent classes. The results revealed that being female, The duration of maternal employment outside the hometown, the largest anterior maxillary irregularity, the largest anterior mandibular irregularity, and the antero-posterior molar relationship (ORs of 1.737, 1.138, 1.117, 1.157, and OR = 1.242; P < 0.001, < 0.01, < 0.01, < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively) had significant effects on the PIDA on adolescents.ConclusionsThe occlusal features, being female and the duration of maternal employment outside the hometown are risk factors that influence the PIDA on adolescents. This provides an evidence for improving the PIDA status among rural adolescents.

Rural adolescent attitudes and use of helmets while riding ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes

BackgroundHead injuries are the most common cause of death in some motorized vehicles for which helmet use can significantly decrease the risk. Our objective was to determine rural adolescents’ attitudes regarding helmets and their use while riding ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes.MethodsA convenience sample of 2022 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference attendees were surveyed. After compilation, data were imported into the statistical program, R (https://www.R-project.org/). Descriptive statistics, contingency table, logistic regression and non-parametric alternatives to ANOVA analyses were performed.Results1331 adolescents (13–18 years) participated. One half lived on a farm, 21% lived in the country/not on a farm and 28% were from towns. Nearly two-thirds (65%) owned an ATV with 77% of all having ridden one in the past year. Farm residents had the highest ATV ownership (78%) and having ridden (80%) proportions, both p < 0.001. Overall, ownership and ridership for motorcycles (22% and 30%, respectively) and dirt bikes (29% and 39%, respectively) was significantly less than ATVs, all p < 0.001. Of ATV riders, those living on farms or in the country/not on a farm rode them more frequently than those from towns, p < 0.001. Higher percentages always/mostly wore helmets when riding dirt bikes (51%) and motorcycles (57%) relative to ATVs (21%), p < 0.001. Those from farms had lower proportions wearing helmets versus those living elsewhere for all vehicles. Helmet use importance ratings (1–10, 10 high) were not different for motorcycles (mean 8.6, median 10) and dirt bikes (mean 8.3, median 10), but much lower for ATVs (mean 6.1, median 6). Females, non-owners, and helmet law supporters all had higher helmet use importance ratings. Males, those from farms, and owners and riders of the vehicles all had lower proportions that supported helmet laws. Support for helmet laws was significantly lower for ATVs (30.7%) than dirt bikes (56.3%) or motorcycles (72.3%), both p < 0.001. Those whose families had strict ATV “No Helmet, No Riding” rules had much higher helmet use and helmet importance ratings.ConclusionsOur study indicates that the safety culture surrounding helmet use is relatively poor among rural adolescents, especially on farms, and deserves targeted interventions.

A national study of firearm exposure and safety training among rural youth

BackgroundData regarding rural youths’ experience with firearms, including safety training, is highly limited despite their frequent presence in homes. Our objective was to investigate rural adolescents’ use of firearms and whether they had received formal firearm training.MethodsA convenience sample of 2021 National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Convention & Expo attendees were given an anonymous survey at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital injury prevention booth. The survey explored their use of rifles/shotguns and handguns and whether they had completed a certified firearm safety course. Descriptive and comparative analyses, including multivariable logistic regression analyses, were performed on compiled data.Results3206 adolescents ages 13–18 years participated with 45% reporting they lived on a farm or ranch. The vast majority of participants (85%) had fired a rifle/shotgun; 43% reported firing them > 100 times. Of those that had fired rifles/shotguns, 41% had done so before 9 years old. Most had also fired a handgun (69%), with 23% having fired handguns > 100 times. Of those that had fired handguns, 44% had done so before 11 years. Average age for first firing rifles/shotguns was 9.5 (SD 3.1) years, and 11.1 (SD 3.0) years for handguns. Males, non-Hispanic Whites, and those living on farms or in the country had significantly greater percentages who had fired a rifle/shotgun or a handgun. Significant differences were also seen by U.S. census region. Over half (64%) reported having gone hunting. Of those that had used a firearm, 67% had completed a firearm safety training course. Overall, 23% were/had been members of a school or club shooting team and of these, 87% had taken a safety course.ConclusionsMost FFA member participants had fired both rifles/shotguns and handguns, many at very young ages. Significant differences in firearm use were noted by demographic factors including the home setting (i.e., farms and ranches) and their U.S. census region. Nearly one-third of adolescent firearm users had not received formal safety training. Promoting firearm safety should include advising families on when it is developmentally appropriate to introduce youth to firearms and on the importance of firearm safety training.

Exploring the relationship of rurality and region: An analysis of adolescent marijuana use in the United States

Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults has increased, however, there is a paucity of research concerning marijuana use among adolescents in rural areas. Current literature holds the assumption that adolescents in rural areas tend to use less marijuana and marijuana associated products compared with youth from urban and suburban areas. However, geographical features may contribute to unique stressors experienced by rural youth, resulting in distinct differences in usage that have been previously unexplored. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between rurality and geographic region by examining patterns of lifetime marijuana use in 12th graders across various geographical backgrounds. Using data from the Monitoring the Future Study database, participants were classified based on rurality (rural, medium suburban/urban, large suburban/urban) and geographic region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and data was analyzed to investigate the differences in lifetime marijuana and hash usage. Results demonstrated that rural adolescents in the Northeast and West reported lifetime marijuana and hash product use at the same level as their urban/suburban counterparts; however, there were differences across rurality among Midwest and Southern regions. These results suggest that lifetime marijuana use among rural adolescents is not uniform across geographic regions, indicating that geography should be heavily considered when formulating preventative and educational marijuana programs.

Smartphone use and its addiction among Jammu adolescents

Background: Smartphones play a crucial role in our everyday life. Smartphones help users to develop social connections with others, gain information and entertain themselves through various applications. With the widespread use of smartphone, the number of smartphone users has been increasing worldwide. As smartphones are getting popular, smartphone addiction has become a serious mental health problem among adolescents. Objectives: To find out significant differences in smartphone addiction among adolescents with respect to their gender and locale. Methodology: Descriptive survey method was used for conducting the study. The sample consists of 200 adolescents of government and private schools from Jammu and Kathua. ‘Smartphone Addiction Scale’ (2021) developed by Vijayshri and Masaud Ansari was used for data collection. Results: It was found that smartphone addiction was significantly higher among female adolescents (M=65.34) as compared to their male counterparts (58.61). Further, it was also found that smartphone addiction was significantly higher in urban adolescents (M=64.37) than rural adolescents (M=59.08). Conclusion: In order to combat smartphone addiction among adolescents, we advise the creation of healthy environment at the family and school levels. Teachers should provide knowledge to the students about smartphone security tips and educational programmes should be organized for protecting psychological well-being of the adolescents.

Perspectives of Rural High School Students Involved in a Multi-Component, After-School Physical Activity Intervention.

After-school physical activity interventions can assist high school students in meeting physical activity recommendations; however, little is known about what kinds of programs work best for students in rural settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore rural high school students' perceptions of a multi-component, after-school physical activity intervention. Interviews were conducted with 10 students who had participated in a physical activity intervention. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews. Participants indicated that the intervention provided a supportive and motivating environment through the use of innovative technology and peer relatedness/involvement. Although barriers such as time constraints often prevented them from achieving their weekly goals, students expressed overall satisfaction with the intervention and a heightened self-motivation for physical activity. The qualitative approach provides a greater understanding of the perspectives of rural adolescents participating in a physical activity intervention. Findings can be useful to school nurses and inform the development of future physical activity interventions.

Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among adolescent in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Adolescents represent 16% of the global population and they are identified as a critical demographic group for promoting sexual health. Adolescents are susceptible to engaging in risky sexual behaviors (RSB) such as early sexual initiation, having multiple sexual partners, substance use during sexual encounters and practicing unsafe sex. Adolescents represent 16% of the global population and they are identified as a critical demographic group for promoting sexual health. Adolescents are susceptible to engaging in risky sexual behaviors (RSB) such as early sexual initiation, having multiple sexual partners, substance use during sexual encounters and practicing unsafe sex. To assess risky Sexual behaviors and associated factors among adolescent in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gedeo Zone among adolescents. A total of 2780 (99.3%) adolescents were participated in the study and gave the response rate of 99.3%. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to gather the data and analyzed by using SPSS version 23. During analysis initially bivariable logistic regression model was used then, those variables with a level of significant at a P-value ≤ 0.25 were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression model. A level of significant at a P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in this study. Out of 428 sexually active adolescent 334 (78%) exposed to risky sexual practice. More than half 54.3% of adolescent was protestant in religion followed by Orthodox 34.2% and Muslim 11.5%. In terms of ethnicity, Gedeo 67.4% was the dominant ethnic group in the study area. Mean age at sexual initiation was 15 ± 1.8.Residence AOR 1.14 (1.36–5.25), Sex AOR 2.77 (1.31–5.86), Age AOR 2.01 (1.41–6.39), School attending AOR 1.93 (1.27–5.75), Watching Pornographies AOR 2.51 (1.36–4.62) and Parental monitoring AOR 2.10 (1.07–4.10) were independent predictor of risky sexual practice in this study. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was found to be alarming among adolescents aged 14–19 years, mostly rural and female adolescents and those adolescent start sexual practice earlier exposed to risky sexual practice than their counter parts. Sexual urge, watching pornography and not attending school were the major factor for risky sexual behaviors of adolescent. Parental over all control can protect risky sexual behaviors among adolescent.

Expected Future Subjective Social Status Moderates the Relations between Perceived Parental Expectation and Persistence among Chinese Rural Adolescents.

Adolescents' expectations on future subjective social status (SSS) may play a critical role in the relations between perceived parental expectations and persistence; however, there is a lack of research exploring this effect in the context of families experiencing greater economic risk. This study aimed to explicitly address this issue. A total of 698 Chinese rural adolescents participated in this study (Mage = 13.32 years; 54.60% boys). The results showed that for rural adolescents with lower expected future SSS, perceived parental expectation was negatively related to persistence; for rural adolescents with higher expected future SSS, perceived parental expectation was not significantly correlated with persistence. These findings imply the adverse effects of high perceived parental expectation on rural adolescents' persistence and that expected future SSS can alleviate this adverse relationship.

School Bullying Victimization and Depression Symptoms in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Internet Addiction and Moderating Role of Living Areas.

School bullying and depression are both serious social and public health problems among adolescents. Prior studies indicated a correlation between bullying and depression. However, the potential moderators remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of Internet addiction and the moderating effect of living in urban or rural areas in the relationship between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study of adolescents was conducted using two-stage random cluster sampling of students in urban and rural public high schools in China. A moderated mediation model was constructed to uncover the underlying mechanism of school bullying victimization and depression symptoms. A total of 2,376 adolescents (52.65% females, mean age ± SD a 14.69 ± 1.76 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of clinical depression symptoms with a cut-off value of 16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was 21.76% (95% CI: 20.15, 23.46), and with a cut-off value of 20 on the CES-D was 13.85% (95% CI: 12.51, 15.30) for overall. Our findings indicated a significant positive association between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms (p < 0.01) and a significant mediating effect of Internet addiction in the association between school bullying victimization and depression symptoms (indirect effect = 1.143, 95% CI: 0.677, 1.609; percentage of mediation: 16.7%, 95% CI: 10.3, 23.1). This indirect relationship was partially moderated by the living in urban or rural areas in the mediation process. Specifically, the effect of school bullying victimization on Internet addiction was greater among urban adolescents (simple slope: 0.774, 95% CI: 0.524, 1.024, p < 0.01) than among rural adolescents (simple slope: 0.337, 95% CI: 0.132, 0.543, p < 0.01), but moderating effect of urban-rural areas was not significant on the relationship between Internet addiction and depression symptoms. These findings highlight the mediating role of Internet addiction and the moderating role of living areas in school bullying victimization and adolescents' depression symptoms, which provide evidence for social work, mental health services, and policy interventions for adolescents in China.

Urban-rural differences in the impact of family educational inputs on adolescent mental health

This study examines the impact of family educational inputs on adolescent mental health and analyzes the role of urban-rural differences in this process. Through comparative analyses of urban and rural adolescents, it identifies the mechanisms by which family educational inputs affect adolescent mental health in different social contexts. The study adopted a quantitative approach, collecting data through questionnaires and analyzing them using statistical software. The results indicate that family educational inputs significantly influence adolescents’ mental health levels and that urban-rural differences play a moderating role in this process. Both financial and non-financial investments in education were significantly higher in urban families than in rural families, leading to better mental health outcomes for urban adolescents compared to their rural counterparts. Additionally, the relationship between socioeconomic status and adolescent mental health is particularly significant in the context of urban-rural differences.

The prevalence of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis among adolescents according to the negotiability data depending on the climatic zones in the Republic of Dagestan

The purpose of the study: The purpose of this work was to study the prevalence of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis in adolescents, depending on the factors of the ecosystem and climatic zones in the Republic of Dagestan according to the data of the incidence and morbidity. Material and methods of research: We analyzed statistical data on the incidence and incidence of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis among adolescents aged 14–18 years for 5 years (2018–2022) in the lowland, mountainous and foothill zones of the Republic of Dagestan according to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Dagestan. Previously, similar studies have not been conducted in this age group. Results and their discussion: From these data it can be seen that, firstly, in the republic as a whole, the increase in the incidence of bronchial astma in adolescents amounted to 124.4 % (from 0.86 to 1.93 per 1000 population); secondly, a steady increase in the incidence of bronchial astma is observed in rural areas (228 % vs. 53.8 % in cities), thirdly, the incidence has its own characteristics depending on the height of residence above sea level (mountains – more than 1000 m, foothills – 500–1000 m, plain – less than 500 m). A comparative assessment of the data on the prevalence of asthma in cities and rural areas revealed the following patterns: in general, adolescents in villages are almost 2 times less likely to suffer from bronchial asthma than in the city (summary figures for 5 years per 1000 population – in rural areas – 0.96, in urban areas – 1.78). Although the increase in the number of adolescents with bronchial asthma was also noted among urban residents (by 53.8 %), but among rural adolescents the increase in 5 years exceeded 4 times and amounted to 228 % (0.57 in 2018 and 1.86 in 2022). The heterogeneity of the incidence of chronic bronchitis by year was noted in all climatic zones. In the mountainous climatic zone, the incidence in 2018 was 14.7 per 1000, in 2019 there was a slight decrease (10.5), and in subsequent years there was a gradual increase and by 2022 it reached 19.3 per 1000 population. There were no large differences in morbidity in the foothill zone, although in 2022 it decreased to 3.2 compared to other years (6.4 in 2018, 7.2 in 2019, 5.3 in 2020 and 7.0 in 2021). The same situation was observed in the lowland zone, although in general, the incidence rate in this climatic zone increased from 5.5 in 2018 to 7.3 in 2022, with insignificant differences in 2019 (8,6) and 2020 (4,4). Conclusions: Bronchial asthma is a common disease among adolescents in the Republic of Dagestan and there is its close dependence on both climatic zones and ecosystem factors. When comparing the data on the prevalence of bronchial asthma in urban and rural areas, the following patterns were revealed: in general, adolescents in villages are almost 2 times less likely to suffer from bronchial asthma than in the city. Although the increase in the number of adolescents with AD was also noted among urban residents (by 53.8 %), but among rural adolescents the increase in 5 years exceeded 4 times and amounted to 228 %. Regarding chronic bronchitis, heterogeneity of morbidity by year was noted in all climatic zones. In the mountainous and lowland zones, there was an uneven increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis over the years, and in the foothill zone there was a downward trend. Such differences in morbidity rates can only be explained by the lack of a unified approach to the nomenclature and diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in various medical institutions of the republic.