School Adolescents Research Articles

The Prevalence and Pattern of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Secondary School Adolescents in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the prevalence, pattern and socio-demographic factors associated with risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among adolescents in secondary schools in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa state. Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study. Place and duration: Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa state. The study was conducted in March/April 2021. Methodology: The study utilized self-administered questionnaires among 750 secondary school adolescents selected via multistage sampling. The proportion of adolescents with RSB and the socio-demographic determinants of RSB were analysed using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression with significance level set at p-value=0.05. Results: Of the 739 responses analysed, the prevalence of RSB was 156 (21.1%) and the mean age at sexual debut was 13.42±2.62 years. All sexually exposed adolescents had an early sexual debut, 23.7% had multiple sexual partners, and 98.1% reported inconsistent use of condoms. Transactional sex and sexual intercourse after alcohol/illicit drug use occurred in 56.4% and 15.4% of them, respectively. The predictors of RSB were attending a public school (AOR:2.046, 95%CI:1.243 to 3.368), peer pressure (AOR:10.451, 95%CI:6.460 to 16.909), difficulty in communicating with mother (AOR:2.050, 95%CI:1.203 to 3.493) and low maternal education (primary:AOR:2.834, 95%CI:1.300 to 6.181; and secondary: AOR:2.067, 95%CI:1.139 to 3.753). However, age below 18years (10-13years: AOR:0.194, 95%CI:0.051 to 0.741 and 14-17years: AOR:0.259, 95% CI:0.081 to 0.832) was protective of RSB. Conclusion: RSB is high among adolescents attending secondary schools in Yenagoa. Sex education, peer-based programmes and parent-adolescent communications should be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of RSB among adolescents.

Life Course Associations Between Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and the Prevalence of Prediabetes and Diabetes: A Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan and Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE Both air pollution and diabetes are key urban challenges. The association between particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure and prediabetes/diabetes in adults is well documented, but the health effects of life course exposure remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of PM2.5 exposure throughout various life stages on the prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes in adulthood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included 4,551 individuals with 19,593 medical visits from two open cohorts in Taiwan and Hong Kong between 2000 and 2018. Ambient PM2.5 exposure was assessed using a satellite-based model, delivering a 2-year average exposure at a resolution of 1 km2. Logistic mixed-effects models were used to investigate longitudinal associations between PM2.5 exposure and the prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes. Life course models were used to examine the impact of PM2.5 exposure at different life stages on prediabetes/diabetes in adulthood. RESULTS Over an average follow-up period of 9.93 years, 1,660 individuals with prediabetes/diabetes were observed. For the longitudinal association, every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an increased odds of having prediabetes/diabetes (odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.13, 1.54). The odds of adulthood prediabetes/diabetes increased by 15%, 18%, and 29% for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during school age, adolescence, and adulthood, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a link between PM2.5 exposure during each life stage and the prevalence of prediabetes/diabetes in adulthood, with the health impacts of exposure during adulthood being slightly greater. This study underscores the need for life course air pollution control strategies to mitigate the substantial disease burden of diabetes.

Improving Academic Standard of Low-Performing Adolescents: A Delphi Study

The Indian educational landscape, marked by infrastructure limitations and disparities in educator quality and school types, presents an opportunity for equitable education enhancement. This study employs the Delphi method to identify effective learning strategies for teacher training and policy considerations. Initially, 57 experts provided opinions on strategies for academically low-performing adolescents. Subsequently, 25 experts ranked these strategies’ importance using a Likert scale. In an independent round, 50 new experts with teaching experience shared insights into strategies implemented for low-performing school adolescents. Of 38 proposed strategies short-listed in the first round, experts strongly recommended 21, yet educators implemented only nine. Notably, strategies supported by existing literature and strongly endorsed by experts, such as experiential learning, reading aloud, and independent thinking, remain unimplemented. This absence could impede adolescents’ knowledge and hinder academic success. Integrating evidence-based strategies into the curriculum could enhance low-performing adolescents’ academic performance, career prospects, and life satisfaction.

"Exploring Social Media Usage Trends Among Adolescents in a Public Senior Secondary School in Abuja, Nigeria"

This study investigates social media usage trends and prevalence among 260 adolescents in a public senior secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with students aged 13 to 18 years. Data collected revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 63.1% possess a smartphone and indicated a high level of access to social media platforms. Their engagement with social media daily is primarily for social interaction, social comparison, entertainment, and academic support. Furthermore, the findings highlight patterns of usage that vary by gender, with female students displaying a higher, 60% tendency for interaction through visual content platforms, while male students favored gaming and sports-related content. The study also identifies potential concerns regarding the implications of excessive social media use, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and academic distraction. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and parental guidance to promote safe and responsible social media engagement. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescents' social media behaviors and offers recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to digital engagement in educational settings.

Effects of School-led Greenspace Interventions on Mental, Physical and Social Wellbeing in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

AbstractPromoting children’s and adolescents’ mental, physical, and social wellbeing is highly important to help them learn, create social connections, and stay healthy. Nature has the potential to restore cognition, reduce stress and mental fatigue, and improve wellbeing, all factors that are conducive to learning. There is growing interest in understanding the effects of nature on the wellbeing of children and adolescents, particularly in the school context. This paper presents a PRISMA-guided systematic review of the literature examining the effects of school-led nature interventions on the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of school children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years. Examples of school-led nature interventions include outdoor learning, walks in nature and green schoolyards. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies employing quantitative measures were selected, yielding 19 studies from 17 papers. Included studies were rated as being of high (n = 6) and moderate quality (n = 13). The results provide some evidence that nature exposure in the school context can improve the wellbeing of children and adolescents, particularly their positive affect, physical activity, and social relationships/interactions. The wellbeing effects of school-led nature interventions were also examined according to age and gender, with results indicating a gender effect, but inconclusive findings for age. Findings from this review support the integration of nature in schools to enhance the mental, physical and social wellbeing of children and adolescents.

Awareness Regarding Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Among School Students in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is a priority program in Nepal, yet significant knowledge gaps persist among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the awareness of ASRH among school adolescents and identify factors that influence their knowledge. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bageshowari Higher Secondary School in Bhaktapur Municipality, Nepal, involving 330 students aged 14-18 years. Participants were selected using a probability simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire that covered pubertal changes, sexually transmitted infections, family planning, and abortion. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The results revealed that 54.8% of adolescents demonstrated adequate ASRH awareness. Age was a significant factor, with older adolescents (≥16 years) showing higher awareness (46.6%) compared to younger adolescents (8.1%). Gender differences also existed, with females demonstrating higher awareness (35.1%) than males (19.6%). Ethnicity influenced awareness, with advantaged Janajatis showing higher awareness (31.1%). Grade-wise analysis indicated that awareness increased with higher grades, peaking at grade twelve (19.4%). Domain-specific analysis revealed the highest awareness for sexually transmitted infections (83.9%) and the lowest for abortion (35.2%). The study concluded that while ASRH awareness was moderate, there are significant gaps, especially concerning abortion. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions, particularly for younger adolescents and male students, and recommend incorporating ASRH topics into school curricula along with specialized awareness programs focusing on underperforming areas.

Relationship between Exposure to Violent Content on the Media and Aggressive Behaviour among Adolescent Learners in Western Region, Kenya

This study explores the relationship between exposure to violent media content and aggressive behavior among adolescent secondary school students in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya Counties, Kenya. These counties have relatively high media technology access, particularly mobile phones and radio, which exceed national averages. They also report notable incidences of student aggression, with Siaya and Kisii counties showing high rates of student unrest. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, the study utilized a mixed-method approach, adopting descriptive survey and correlational research designs. A sample of 417 students was drawn from a population of 190,555, selected using stratified random sampling method. Data collection involved questionnaires, content analysis, and the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI). A pilot study conducted in Vihiga County confirmed the reliability of the instruments, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.87. The study revealed a significant correlation between aggression and exposure to violent content on television (r = 0.211, p = 0.000), with television identified as the most substantial contributor to aggression (B = 0.218, p = 0.001). Notably, 46% of adolescents in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya reported constant exposure to violent media, while 11% frequently imitated the violence observed, primarily on mobile phones. Additionally, 9% of respondents justified the violence they encountered, and 56.5% exhibited mild violent tendencies. The study recommends stricter enforcement of media violence regulations, including enhanced penalties and parental guidance ratings, alongside the introduction of media literacy programs in schools. Additionally, it calls for limiting unsupervised internet access for minors, particularly in public cybercafes, to mitigate the negative influence of violent media content.

Supplemental Material for Adolescent Well-Being and School Engagement as a Function of Teacher and Peer Relatedness: The More (Relatedness) Is Not Always the Merrier

Supplemental Material for Adolescent Well-Being and School Engagement as a Function of Teacher and Peer Relatedness: The More (Relatedness) Is Not Always the Merrier

Nutritional status and physical activity levels of adolescents in public and private schools

Highlights The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high in both educational institutions. The overall level of physical activity in the adolescents was low. Public school students were more physically inactive compared to private school students. Tenth and eleventh graders are more physically inactive than ninth graders. Introduction: Obesity and physical inactivity in adolescents are associated with some diseases, and poor academic performance. Studies have reported differences in the level of physical activity according to the type of school. Objective: To compare the prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in adolescents in a public and a private school. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending a public school and a private school. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh-grade students between 14 and 17 years were included. Physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, and nutritional status using body mass index for age. Results: Information was collected from 343 students, of whom 55.10% (n=189) were from a public school. The 28.28% were overweight. The overall level of physical activity in adolescents was low (mean= 1.97 95% CI 1.92 – 2.01). It was found that public school students were more inactive adjusted (PR= 1.40; 95% CI 1.03 - 1.92) compared to private school students. Discussion: Adolescents do not achieve optimal levels of frequency and duration of physical activity, highlighting the need for educational programs and attractive interventions to promote physical activity. Conclusion: Adolescent students have low levels of physical activity, with more inactive students in the public school compared to the private school. The prevalence of overweight was high in both schools. How to cite this article: Arias-Silva María V, Pedreros-Lemuz Valentina, Rodríguez-Perdomo Angie L, González-Lozano Raúl A, Ramos-Castaneda Jorge A. Nutritional status and physical activity levels of adolescent in public and private schools. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(3):e3942. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3942

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Reducing School Anxiety in Adolescents: Pilot Study.

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a promising treatment approach for anxiety disorders. However, while its efficacy has been demonstrated in adults, research on the efficacy of VRET in the treatment of adolescents with anxiety disorders is largely lacking. A pilot study was carried out to test whether exposure to a virtual reality (VR) school environment elicits state anxiety and autonomic arousal in adolescents with school anxiety (diagnoses covering social anxiety disorder or specific phobia involving school contexts). In addition, we examined whether repeated VR exposure led to a reduction in this fear response, trait school anxiety, and social anxiety symptoms. Moreover, the relationship of presence, the subjective sense of "being there," during VR exposure with anxiety measures and treatment response was examined. In a pilot study, 10 adolescents with school anxiety (age range 14 to 17 years) participated in five VRET sessions. Self-reported state anxiety, heart rate, and presence during exposure, as well as trait school anxiety and social anxiety before and after treatment, were measured. The VR scenario induced state anxiety and autonomic arousal. After VRET, a significant reduction in state anxiety (η2=0.74) and social anxiety symptoms (d=0.82) as well as a trend toward a decrease in trait school anxiety were observed, while autonomic arousal did not change. In addition, presence during VR exposure was associated with state anxiety and treatment response. Our findings indicate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of VRET as a treatment method for symptoms of school and social anxiety in adolescents.

Socioeconomic Status and Age at Menarche in Türkiye.

The trend in declining age at menarche (AAM) largely continues while body size increases globally. The aim was to investigate trends in AAM, menstrual characteristics, and post-menarcheal anthropometric parameters in adolescents living in an urban area in Türkiye between 1999 and 2018. Female adolescent high school students in the Manisa region were asked about menarche and socioeconomic status (SES). There were 1017 girls in the first study (1999-2001) and 1304 (2016-2018) in the second study. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Adolescent girls were grouped into three socioeconomic status (SES) groups based on parental education and occupation, and all parameters were evaluated using SES. The mean ± standard deviation for AAM in the first period was 12.82 ± 1.07 years and 12.83 ± 0.9 years in the second. AAM did not differ between the two periods nor between SES groups in either period. Post-menarcheal height, weight, and BMI increased in the second period compared to the first study and across all SES groups (p < 0.05). The whole group AAM was similar in both periods, only 3 months earlier in the second period than in the first period. However, the AAM in girls with a post-menarcheal BMI indicating being overweight or obese was significantly earlier than that of those with a normal post-menarcheal BMI in both periods (p < 0.05). Despite changing sociodemographic characteristics and an increasing trend in height, weight, and BMI in all socioeconomic groups, no change was observed in mean AAM in an urban region of Western Türkiye over 18 years. While the inverse relationship between BMI and postmenarcheal BMI continued in both periods, the decline in AAM became more pronounced over the years in the presence of high postmenarcheal BMI.

Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio: Exploring the associations for high blood pressure risk in school-age adolescents

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent obesity present a global health concern, notably due to its association with adverse outcomes such as high blood pressure (HBP). Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are promising indicators for assessing HBP risk in school-age adolescents. However, their association with Stavnsbo-recommended WC cutoff points and high BP prevalence necessitates further investigation, holding potential implications for early intervention and prevention strategies. ObjectiveInvestigate the association between high blood pressure (HBP) and WC cutoff points advised by Stavnsbo, along with WHtR, in adolescents from privileged socioeconomic backgrounds in Brazil. MethodsThis cross-sectional study in 2022 involved 216 students aged 9 to 16 from a private school in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Data, collected through an internal project monitoring anthropometric and social indicators, included validated blood pressure assessments. Statistical analyses, employing t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, explored relationships between WC, WHtR, and blood pressure, adjusting for covariates. ResultsFemale participants had a lower prevalence of obesity (2.9% vs 5.3%) but a higher prevalence of overweight (27.5% vs 17.5%) compared to males. The overall excess weight prevalence was 26.4%, with females showing lower absolute risk scores for WC (25.5% vs 34.2%), WHtR (19.6% vs 23.7%), and HBP (21.5% vs. 40.3%). Significant associations were observed between HBP and WC (X2 = 9.759, P = 0.002) as well as WHtR (X2 = 6.335, P = 0.012) among males, with those in the “Risk” category exhibiting higher HBP prevalence. Overall, both WC and WHtR demonstrated significant associations with HBP (X2 = 12.428, P < 0.001, and X2 = 9.550, P = 0.002, respectively). Logistic regression indicated higher odds for HBP in males with risk values for WC (OR 3.876 [1.714–8.765 CI], P = 0.001) or WHtR (OR 3.684 [1.457–9.315 CI], P = 0.006). In the overall analysis, participants with risk values for WC had 3.2 (1.688–6.080 CI, P < 0.001) times higher odds, and for WHtR, 3.4 (1.679–6.934 CI, P = 0.001) times higher odds of HBP. ConclusionThis study highlights the associations between WC, WHtR, and HBP in adolescent schoolchildren. The results underscore the significance of gender-specific assessments and emphasize the potential of these anthropometric measures as valuable tools for identifying and managing HBP risk in adolescents. Further research and clinical applications are imperative to deepen understanding and address the health needs of this vulnerable population.

Longitudinal Associations Between Friendship Ethnic/Racial Composition and Ethnic/Racial Identity: The Role of School Ethnic/Racial Diversity.

Schools and friendships represent important but distinct contexts for adolescent identity development. However, research has yet to explore the long-term interplay between these factors on ethnic/racial identity (ERI). This study included a sample of 640 adolescents from 9 public high schools in a diverse United States metropolis (Mage = 14.50, SD = 0.67; 44% Asian, 20% Black, 36% Latinx; female = 68%, male = 32%, non-binary = 0%). Latent growth curve modeling was conducted to investigate longitudinal associations in friendship ethnic/racial composition and ERI exploration. From the 9th-11th grades, same-race friends and ERI exploration increased linearly whereas friendship ethnic/racial diversity decreased linearly. Adolescents attending more ethnically/racially diverse schools maintained more ethnically/racially diverse friends over time but did not differ in changes in ERI exploration compared to adolescents in less diverse schools. There was no association between the rates at which adolescents' friendship ethnic/racial composition and ERI changed over time. More ethnically/racially diverse friends in the 9th-grade predicted faster increases in subsequent ERI exploration. The findings highlight important differences in the roles of friendship and school contexts on ERI, suggesting that friendship ethnic/racial diversity, but not school ethnic/racial diversity, facilitated ERI exploration over time. School ethnic/racial diversity did facilitate a slower decline in friendship ethnic/racial diversity, emphasizing the importance of school integration.

Clinical Care of Acne Vulgaris for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

Abstract Primary care providers have reported feeling ill-equipped to care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients because of lack of training, and their treatment of acne has been shown to be variable and not standardized. This is an important practice gap, as TGD youth represent a historically underserved population in medicine, despite data suggesting that up to 9.2% of high school–age adolescents identify as TGD. Although needs and expectations for quality health-care in TGD youth do not necessarily differ from their cisgender peers, TGD adolescents have unique considerations in their care and are at risk for negative social and emotional outcomes secondary to minority stress, discrimination, and rejection by peers and family. Acne is estimated to affect approximately 85% of adolescents and is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and depression. As such, knowledgeable and culturally informed care of acne in TGD adolescents has important implications for quality of life for patients who desire effective treatment. This review article addresses these practice gaps by summarizing an approach to acne evaluation and management with an emphasis on appropriate regimens for TGD youth, and the unique psychosocial and medical considerations for this population.

Impact of Directed Problem-Solving Education on Secondary School Students' Physics Achievement

This study was done to examine the psychosocial effects of sexual partner seeking via social media accounts among adolescents; and assess whether sexual partner seeking matches with sexual orientations among adolescents using social media accounts in Dar es Salaam. Correlational research design and questionnaires were used to collect data among 264 adolescents in universities and 234 adolescents in secondary schools, who were sampled using stratified sampling technique. The obtained data were subjected to descriptive and correlational analysis and test using SPSS IBM Version 20 and presented in tables. The results indicate that sexual partner seeking via social media accounts has enhanced adolescents to be sexually overambitious to the extent of engaging in risky sexual debuts, disclosure of adolescents’ privacy/secrecy, demoralization due to postage of naked pictures or their sex videos after breaking up with the partners, together with intimidations, cyber-sexual abuse and sexual insults after meeting with untrustworthy sexual partner seekers. They also indicate that sexual partner seeking is relative to sexual orientations of adolescents as driven by self-interests and sexual feelings. Therefore, it is concluded that sexual partner seeking via social media accounts is done under risky circumstances and affects the psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents. It is also recommended that more studies should be done in order to inform about coping mechanisms for the adolescents who encounter the psychosocial effects after meeting sexual partner seekers via social media accounts.

Unmasking Risk Factors of Bullying Behaviors Among Adolescents in Schools Using Logistic Regression

Unmasking Risk Factors of Bullying Behaviors Among Adolescents in Schools Using Logistic Regression

Fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain interference in children and adolescents with chronic pain: a longitudinal study.

Research has shown that pain and sleep disturbance often co-occur and influence each other over time in children and adolescents with chronic pain. Longitudinal studies examining the underlying mechanisms of this association are scarce and have focused primarily on the role of internalizing mental health symptoms and mood. This longitudinal study aimed to determine whether fatigue underlies the co-occurrence and mutual maintenance of sleep disturbance and pain over time in children and adolescents with chronic pain. Participants were 355 school-aged children and adolescents (mean age = 11.63 year old; 67% female) with chronic pain. The participants provided sociodemographic information and responded a survey that included measures of pain (duration, intensity, interference), sleep disturbance, and fatigue at first assessment and 12 months later. Partially latent, cross-lagged, panel, structural equation models revealed that sleep disturbance, pain intensity, and pain interference co-occurred at both time points. Higher levels of sleep disturbance, pain intensity, and pain interference at first assessment predicted higher levels of sleep disturbance, pain intensity, and pain interference at follow-up, respectively. Higher levels of pain interference at first assessment predicted higher levels of sleep disturbance at follow-up while controlling for initial levels of sleep disturbance. Furthermore, fatigue was found to mediate the association between first assessment and follow-up sleep disturbance, the association between first assessment and follow-up pain interference, and the association between first assessment pain interference and follow-up sleep disturbance. The findings highlight the need to assess and address fatigue in children and adolescents with chronic pain and sleep disturbance.

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

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

Determinants of nutrition status among adolescents in selected secondary schools in rural Kanungu district Uganda

Background: Adolescence, the time between childhood and adulthood, often considered relatively healthy stage of life remain highly vulnerable to malnutrition. One crucial first step in reducing teenage malnutrition may be to attend to their dietary needs. This study examined the determinants of nutrition status among secondary school adolescents in the Kanungu district, Uganda. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional analytical study was employed in this study where both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used for triangulation purposes. A multi-stage random sampling method was applied to obtain the study respondents. The Cochran formula was utilized to obtain 340 study respondents. Results: More than a quarter (37.1%) of the study respondents had malnutrition. Households that were father-headed (OR=1.8,95%CI=1.03-3.20), having met the recommended number of meal frequency (OR=2, 95%CI=1.13-3.44), being aware of healthy dietary habits (OR=2.2, 95%CI=0.29-0.71), having a small household size of 1-4 members (OR=4.3, 95%CI=2.38-7.83) and being employed (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.17-3.93) increased the odds of having a normal nutrition status while having a primary level of education (OR=3.6, 95%CI=0.11-0.68), having an inadequate dietary score (OR=2.1,95%CI=0.28-0.76) reduced the odds of having a normal nutrition status. Conclusions: From this study, malnutrition was a public health concern. Households that were father-headed, being aware of healthy dietary habits, having a small household size of 1-4 members, and being employed increased the odds of having a normal nutrition status while having a primary level of education, having an inadequate dietary score reduced the odds of having a normal nutrition status.

Study on the Emergence and Intervention of Mental Health Problems among Chinese Adolescents

The mental health of Chinese adolescents has received widespread attention due to the rising rate of adolescent suicide. Although previous studies have focused on the causal analysis of such problems, there is still room for further improvement. This study examines the impact of mental health problems from four distinct perspectives in Chinese society. Specifically, cognitive, psychological, behavioral, and physical effects. Then, this study analyzes the causality of mental health problems from three different aspects of adolescents’ daily lives: school-related causality, family-related causality, and peer-related causality. On this basis, the paper makes the following recommendations: Students can develop time management and self-control skills to reduce stress in a high-pressure educational system. Parents and peers can provide emotional support and counseling to help students experiencing emotional distress. Parents, in particular, can aim to create a harmonious family environment to ensure the mental well-being of adolescents Schools can create a harmonious school environment and build healthy peer relationships to prevent bullying behavior.