Secondary School Adolescents Research Articles

The unique contributions of depression and anxiety to suicidal ideation among Nigerian secondary school students: a cross-sectional survey.

It is important to establish the pattern of suicidal ideation among adolescents with depression and anxiety. This will help the schools prevent possible complete suicide among these groups of adolescents' trough counseling and education. This work is therefore aimed at determining the effects of depression and anxiety on adolescent suicide ideation and factors that predict suicidal ideation among adolescents attending secondary school in southeast Nigeria. A cross-sectional study among 450 secondary school adolescents in Enugu state, Nigeria. Information was obtained using the Columbia suicide severity rating scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Chi-square test, correlation analysis and Hierarchical logistic regression were used in the analysis, and the level of statistical significance was determined using a P-value of <0.05. The prevalence of anxiety was 36.4% while that of depression was 30.7%. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.4%. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents who were <15 years was 8.0% while those who were between 15 - 18 years was 13.5% and those more than 19 years of age was 22.5%. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents with depression is 21.7% and 78.3 % for those without depression while the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents with anxiety is 20.1% and 79.9 % for those without anxiety. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the poorest half was 16.4% and 10.2% in the richer half. There was a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation among the urban dwellers (53.3%) than the rural dwellers (46.7%).There was a positive correlation between suicide and age in years and this was found to be statistically significant, (n=450, r=0.107, p=0.023). A significantly higher proportion of respondents who had depression, 21.7% had suicidal ideation when compared with those who were not, (χ 2=12.170, p<0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher proportion of respondents who had an anxiety disorder, (20.1%) had suicidal ideation when compared with those who were not, 9.4%, (χ 2=10.291, p=0.001). The respondents who were 19 years and above had increased suicidal ideation, and the difference in proportions was found to be statistically significant, (χ 2=6.440, p=0.040). A significantly higher proportion of females, 16.6% had suicidal intentions when compared with the males, 7.1%, (χ 2=7.958, p=0.005). There is an increasing prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents with a preponderance of older age and female gender. There is a link between depression/anxiety and suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the poorest half was higher than that of the richer half. There was a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation among the urban dwellers than the rural dwellers.

Using the Socio-ecological Model to Explain the Findings of Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption among Adolescents in Public Schools in Uganda

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of alcohol among the youth could be attributable to socio-demographic characteristics. This paper anchors on the socio-ecological model to expound on the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of alcohol consumption among adolescents in public secondary schools. Specifically, the model was used to explore gender, religious affiliation, form or class of study, social media use, friendships, and involvement in places of entertainment as possible predictors of alcohol consumption. METHOD: Within the framework of the socio – ecological model, we employed a cross-sectional survey with quantitative methods to explore socio - ecological covariates of alcohol consumption among the youth in public secondary schools. The sample comprised 1819 participants, yielding a 91.8% response rate. Males were relatively more numerous (59.3%), and the mean age was 17.3 (SD = 1.9). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to deduce the association of selected demographics with the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption was generally high. Multivariate logistic regression showed a significant gender difference in the consumption of beer and spirits. Females had lower odds of consuming beer and spirits. Students in the Muslim and Pentecostal dominions were less likely to consume beer, wine, and spirits than their Roman Catholic and Anglican counterparts. Students in the Roman Catholic dominion had higher odds of consuming any type of alcohol compared to other religions. Loving to be in places of entertainment and the use of social media significantly predicted the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. CONCLUSION: These results could bear importance in demanding benchmarking of ecologically specific advocacy against alcohol consumption in schools. Further, results imply that youth drinking regulatory frameworks may be inclusive of the alcohol industry, including not only the producers of alcohol but also a large network of distributors, wholesalers, bars, and advertisers. Interventions for in-school youth drinking may need to be developed by benchmarking with and involving institutions at different levels of the ecological model, such as religious institutions, healthcare services, media, and the village councils.

Prevention of tobacco use in an adolescent population through a multi-personal intervention model.

The study aimed to assess the impact of a new intervention proposal involving students, teachers, and parents on smoking prevalence in secondary school adolescents. A quasi-experimental study was conducted, in which the response to a preventive multi-personal intervention model (intervention) against tobacco consumption was compared with a standard anti-smoking activity carried out by the local government administration (control). The study was carried out during the 2017-2018 academic year. The study population included 306 students (intervention 151, control 155) with a mean age of 13.4 years. The model involved the parents, the students (aged 15-17 years), and the teachers. The primary outcome was the change in smoking status one year after the intervention. The percentage of non-smokers increased from 84.1% to 88.7% in the intervention group and remained almost unchanged among controls (89.3% vs 89.9%). After one year, there was an increase in the prevalence of non-smokers of 4.6% and a decrease in the prevalence of smokers of 4.7% among students who received the multi-personal intervention, whereas changes among controls were almost negligible (there was in fact a slight increase in the prevalence of smokers of 0.9%). The students who received the intervention smoked less or quit smoking more than those in the control group (OR=0.135; 95% CI: 0.019-0.973, p=0.047). The multi-personal model developed in the study with the participation of teachers and parents focused on students was feasible, and effectively reduced the prevalence of smoking among high school adolescents.

Assessing online sexual exploitation among secondary school students in Tanzania from a routine activity theory perspective

ObjectivesIn this study, we first assessed whether four routine activity theory (RAT) variables (Internet exposure, target suitability, proximity to offender, and guardianship) determine Tanzanian adolescents' online sexual exploitation (OSE). Second, we identified two types of guardianship that moderate the relationships between these variables and adolescents' OSE. Third, we assessed the moderating effect of locality (rural area) on the relationships among the RAT variables and OSE. MethodOur analysis was based on a stratified random sample of 1014 secondary school adolescents aged 12–20 years (M = 15.67; SD = 1.35) recruited from urban and rural regions of Tanzania. We used Poisson regressions to test the main effects of the RAT variables and the moderating effects of two types of guardianship and locality on OSE. ResultsWe found that OSE increased with the suitability of the respondents and with online exposure. Social guardianship had a moderating effect on OSE by reducing the positive influence of target suitability. Living in a rural area also had a moderating effect on OSE through reinforcing the effect of proximity to potential perpetrators in cyberspace. ConclusionRAT can effectively increase our understanding of the OSE of minors in Tanzania. Furthermore, social rather than physical guardianship can mitigate the risk factors of OSE.

Non-communicable Diseases Week: Best Practices in Addressing the NCDs Burden from Tanzania.

Five million people die every year from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. In Tanzania, more than two-thirds of deaths are NCD-related. The country is investing in preventive and advocacy activities as well as interventions to reduce the burden. Of particular interest, the Ministry of Health (MoH) commemorates NCDs' week using a multisectoral and multi-stakeholders' approach. This paper highlights activities conducted during NCDs week with the aim of sharing lessons for other countries with similar context and burdens. A thorough review of official reports and the national strategic plans for NCDs was done including the 2020 and 2021 National NCDs' week reports, the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2015-2020, and the National NCDs agenda. NCDs week is commemorated annually throughout the country involving the five key activities. First, community awareness and participation are encouraged through media engagement and community-based preventive and advocacy activities. Second, physical activities and sports festivals are implemented with a focus on developing and renovating infrastructures for sports and recreation. Third, health education is provided in schools to promote healthy behaviors for secondary school adolescents in transition to adulthood. Fourth, health service provision and exhibitions are conducted involving screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, and physical activities. The targeted screening of NCDs identified 10% of individuals with at least one NCD in 2020. In 2021, a third of all screened individuals were newly diagnosed with hypertension, and 3% were found to have raised blood glucose levels. Fifth, the national NCDs scientific conferences conducted within the NCDs week provide an avenue for stakeholders to discuss scientific evidence related to NCDs and recommend strategies to mitigate NCDs burden. The initiation of NCDs week has been a cornerstone in advocating for NCDs control and prevention in the country. It has created awareness on NCDs, encourage healthy lifestyles and regular screening for NCDs. The multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches have made the implementation of the mentioned activities feasible and impactful. This has set an example for the united efforts toward NCD control and prevention at national, regional, and global platforms while considering contextual factors during adoption and implementation.

Student–Athletes’ Academic and Athletic Motivation Scale (SAAMS) for adolescents in secondary school: development, evaluation, and psychometric properties

Previous dual-career (DC) research focused on measuring student–athletes’ motivation in the academic and athletic contexts. Existing measurement instruments are insufficient for adolescent student–athletes and countries with independent education and sport systems. The Student–Athletes’ Academic and Athletic Motivation Scale (SAAMS) was developed based on the expectancy–value framework (EVF) with its dimensions ability beliefs, expectations, importance, interest, usefulness, and cost. The development of the SAAMS followed three phases: (1) item development, (2) scale development, and (3) scale evaluation. The initial version was tested with 346 student–athletes (mean age = 17.3 years; females = 47.7%). A revision phase resulted in a final SAAMS tested with 497 student–athletes (mean age = 17.0 years; females = 42.9%). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted for the evaluation. Several models were tested with the best results for a six-factor model as assumed by the EVF. The SAAMS is suitable for an extensive range of research and practical applications.

Prevalence and pattern of functional gastrointestinal disorders among secondary school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria.

Limited data exist on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among sub-Saharan African children. This study aimed to determine FGID prevalence and pattern among secondary school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 10-18 years in Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria from December 2020 to March 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 696 students from four secondary schools. Data were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire, the ROME IV questionnaire (QPGS-IV), and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The mean age of the adolescents was 13.6 ± 2.1. A total of 221 (31.8%) adolescents fulfilled the criteria for at least one of the FGIDs. The most common FGIDs were functional constipation (10.1%), functional dyspepsia (9.4%) and abdominal migraine (8.6%). There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of FGIDs between age groups (p = 0.07) and genders (p = 0.949). However, the prevalence of FGID sub-types showed that abdominal migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and functional non-retentive fecal incontinence were significantly higher in the age group 10-12 years (p = 0.045, p = 0.029 and p = 0.027, respectively) while only functional vomiting was significantly higher in male compared to female (p = 0.038). FGIDs are common among adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria. The pattern of FGIDs shows similarities and differences with reports from other parts of the world. Healthcare workers must be aware of these disorders to provide optimal care.

The influence of screen time on behaviour and emotional problems among adolescents: A comparison study of the pre-, peak, and post-peak periods of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought drastic changes globally in the past three years, one of which is an increase in the use of digital media or electronic devices. Previous studies have shown that long screen time may stimulate the neurobiological system, resulting in various behavioural and emotional problems; however, there is insufficient population-based evidence. This study aimed to investigate the influence of screen time on behavioural and emotional problems in Indonesian adolescents at three time points: the pre-, peak, and post-peak periods of COVID-19. Data were collected using an online community mental health survey. This survey incorporated the Youth Screen Time Survey to gauge screen time and the adolescent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess emotional, conduct, and prosocial behaviour problems. The participants were adolescents in secondary and senior high schools, with 337, 423, and 1,096 participants from the pre-, peak-, and post-pandemic periods, respectively, included in the analysis. Daily average screen time was compared, followed by the calculation of odds ratios for screen time and mental health problems during the different periods. The results demonstrated significant differences in adolescents’ total daily average screen time between the different pandemic periods. Decreased screen time was associated with reduced emotional, conduct, and prosocial behaviour problems, especially during the peak period. Thus, psychoeducation on screen time in adolescents should be considered as a point of interest for mental well-being interventions.

Using the Socio-ecological Model to Explain the Findings of Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption among Adolescents in Public Schools in Uganda

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of alcohol among the youth could be attributable to socio-demographic characteristics. This paper anchors on the socio-ecological model to expound on the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of alcohol consumption among adolescents in public secondary schools. Specifically, the model was used to explore gender, religious affiliation, form or class of study, social media use, friendships, and involvement in places of entertainment as possible predictors of alcohol consumption. METHOD: We employed a cross-sectional survey with quantitative methods. The sample comprised 1819 participants, yielding a 91.8% response rate. Males were relatively more numerous (59.3%), and the mean age was 17.3 (SD = 1.9). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to deduce the association of selected demographics with the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption was generally high. Multivariate logistic regression showed a significant gender difference in the consumption of beer and spirits. Females had lower odds of consuming beer and spirits. Students in the Muslim and Pentecostal dominions were less likely to consume beer, wine, and spirits than their Roman Catholic and Anglican counterparts. Students in the Roman Catholic dominion had higher odds of consuming any type of alcohol compared to other religions. Loving to be in places of entertainment and the use of social media significantly predicted the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. CONCLUSION: At the multivariate level, some socio-ecological factors could account for differential alcohol consumption among the students. Individual student-level factors such as gender and the institutional factor of religion could explain alcohol consumption among the students. Specifically, gender and religion were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. It is recommended that ecological differences and “gendered models” are considered as part of the interventions for in-school youth drinking.

An Assessment of Parental Involvement on Public Secondary School Adolescents’ Academic Performance in Sciences, in Lagos State, Nigeria

The study examined the assessment of parental involvement on secondary school adolescents’ academic performance in sciences in senior secondary schools, in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State. In this study, some relevant and extensive literature were reviewed under relevant sub-headings. The descriptive research survey was used to assess the respondents’ opinions using the researcher-made questionnaire. The sample for the study was achieved through systematic sampling technique. In this study, 120 (one hundred and twenty) respondents were randomly selected and used as samples to represent the population of the study. A total of three (3) null hypotheses were formulated and tested in this study. Also, the independent t-test statistical tool was used to test and analyze the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The three hypotheses were tested and accepted to have significant importance on adolescents’ academic performance.

Awareness and Knowledge of Physical Activity Recommendation among Secondary School Adolescents in Nsukka Education Zone

Awareness and Knowledge of Physical Activity Recommendation among Secondary School Adolescents in Nsukka Education Zone

Effects of armed-conflict on mental health among secondary school adolescents in Buea, south west region of Cameroon

Effects of armed-conflict on mental health among secondary school adolescents in Buea, south west region of Cameroon

Early Sexual Debut and the Associated Factors among School Going Adolescents in Selected Schools in Kenya.

Early sexual debut among adolescents' results in sexual and reproductive health consequences including unplanned pregnancies, pregnancy complications and sexually transmitted diseases. This study investigated the factors influencing early sexual debut among 13-19 years old students in secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two secondary schools in Kiambu County. A sample of 208 was calculated using Fischer's two stage formula and proportionately distributed per school population size. Students in each school were stratified into classes and respondents were selected by simple random sampling from each stratum. Responses were sought using self-administered questionnaires. Among the respondents 11(66.5%), 48(28.7%) and 8(4.8%) were aged 13-15, below 13 and above 15 years, respectively. Eighty-four (50.2%) respondents were male, 105(62.9%) lived with both parents while 41(24.6%) lived with mothers. Early sexual debut was (60.5%), being higher in males, 57 (67.9 %) compared to females, 44 (39.6 %). More than half of the respondents, 117(69.6%), thought sex before marriage was appropriate, among whom 75(64.1%), have had sex. Most of those who reported sexual debut, 69.9%, said that sexual encounter happened during school breaks. Reasons for refraining included fear of guardian (49.4%) and fear of HIV/AIDS 89(52.7%). However, more than two thirds, 71(70.3%) of those who feared HIV/AIDS and STI as a consequence of early sexual debut have had sex. Gender (P=.032), knowledge on sex (P=.025), use of mobile phones (P=.019), peer pressure (P=.046) and poverty (P =.037) were significantly associated with early sexual debut. A significant proportion of secondary school adolescents were engaged in early sexual debut. Thus, public health interventions should consider the broader determinants of early sexual debut, including the ecological factors in which the behavior occurs.

Using the Socio-ecological Model to Examine Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption among Adolescents in Public Schools in Uganda

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of alcohol among the youth could be attributable to socio-demographic characteristics. This paper anchors on the socio-ecological model to expound on the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of alcohol consumption among adolescents in public secondary schools. Specifically, the model was used to explore gender, religious affiliation, form or class of study, social media use, friendships, and involvement in places of entertainment as possible predictors of alcohol consumption. METHOD: We employed a cross-sectional survey with quantitative methods. The sample comprised 1819 participants, yielding a 91.8% response rate. Males were relatively more numerous (59.3%), and the mean age was 17.3 (SD = 1.9). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to deduce the association of selected demographics with the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption was generally high. Multivariate logistic regression showed a significant gender difference in the consumption of beer and spirits. Females had lower odds of consuming beer and spirits. Students in the Muslim and Pentecostal dominions were less likely to consume beer, wine, and spirits than their Roman Catholic and Anglican counterparts. Students in the Roman Catholic dominion had higher odds of consuming any type of alcohol compared to other religions. Loving to be in places of entertainment and the use of social media significantly predicted the consumption of beer, wine, and spirits. CONCLUSION: At the multivariate level, some socio-ecological factors could account for differential alcohol consumption among the students. Individual student-level factors such as gender and the institutional factor of religion could explain alcohol consumption among the students. Specifically, gender and religion were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. It is recommended that ecological differences and “gendered models” are considered as part of the interventions for in-school youth drinking.

Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Public and Private Secondary Schools in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of adolescents in private and public secondary schools in Asaba, Delta State. A cross-sectional analytical design was conducted among 282 adolescents from private day, private boarding and public secondary schools, selected by multistage sampling technique. Anthropometrics measures and socio-demographic characteristics data were collected using pretested questionnaire. Using WHO-reference-2007, height, BMI and weight-for-age were measured for stunting, wasting and underweight respectively and BMI-for-age for overweight and obesity. The collected data were entered in to Microsoft Excel and exported to SPSS for further statistical analysis. Chi-square test at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to quantify independent variables of nutritional indices. The mean age of the students in public, private day, and private boarding schools were 14.28±2.79, 13.54±2.24, and 14.04±2.53 years, respectively. The prevalence of stunting, thinness, underweight, normal weight and overweight among public school participants was 31, 35, 29, 71, 0% respectively; that of private day school participants was 34, 45, 29, 63, 9%, respectively whereas that of private boarding school participants was 39, 47, 23, 61, 16%, respectively. These differences in the underweight and obesity were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Statistical analyses revealed significant associations (p&lt;0.05) between socioeconomic levels and underweight, highlighting the vulnerability of adolescents from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The influence of poverty on stunting was particularly pronounced within private boarding schools. The result also showed that there was no significant association between thinness, stunting, underweight and eating patterns among adolescents in all school types, however, significant association were observed for overweight. Thus, nutrition interventions to improve nutritional status of the adolescents through providing comprehensive nutritional assessment and counseling services at community, school, and health facility levels, and creating household’s income-generating activities are recommended before they reach conception to break the intergenerational cycle effect of malnutrition.

Exploring Disruptive Adolescent Behaviours on Social Media: A Case Study During the Times of Crisis

Social media usage has been observed to increase in times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when it served as the primary means of communication with the outside world. The amplification is hypothesised to cause higher adverse consequences to adolescents with disruptive behaviours. These vulnerable youngsters, characterised by higher negative emotionality, could experience a more unfavourable impact of the media than those with non-disruptive behaviours. However, the extent to which the media can affect disruptive adolescents is unknown. Twenty-one secondary school adolescents identified with several disruptive behaviour records were selected for a survey and online observation of an explanatory mixed-method design. Nine adolescents’ personal Instagram accounts were observed for over three months. The data recorded a medium-high social media use among the respondents, particularly in maintaining existing relationships. There were patterns of oblivious, excessive attention-seeking posts from the qualitative exploration, which conflicts with the adolescents’ weak agreement on using the media to make themselves known. The adolescents’ postings on spiritual advice brought some engrossing tone down of the adolescents’ behaviours. The grounded religious beliefs could be their self-control mechanism when using the media. The echo chamber of their spiritual advice postings and controlled media use could be much-needed interventions for adolescents with disruptive behaviours.

Trauma Informed Interventions and Academic Adjustment among Adolescent Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya

Globally, the problem of escalating incidences of trauma among adolescents has adversely affected their physical, behavioral, emotional and psychological functioning hence impairing their quality and ability to adjust in school. The purpose of this study was to establish the effectiveness of trauma informed interventions and academic adjustment among adolescents in public secondary schools in Kisii County. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design. The study targeted a population of 1100 students from which 275 students were sampled through simple random and purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, Focused Group Discussions, in-depth interviews and academic adjustment scale. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were employed to analyze quantitative data. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results from Pearson Correlation coefficient affirmed a positive statistically significant nexus (n=.732, n= 275, p&lt;.0.05) between trauma informed interventions and academic adjustment. The qualitative data findings further affirmed that trauma informed interventions enhance academic adjustment and resilience among adolescents. The study concluded that effective adoption of trauma informed interventions are critical in coping with academic adjustment levels among adolescents.

Adolescents' Experience of Pain: A Focus Group Study in Sweden.

The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of pain among students at upper secondary schools (adolescents aged 16-19 years) in Sweden. Focus group (n = 9) interviews with 41 adolescents were conducted in southern Sweden in 2021. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis, which identified four categories encompassing the theme how pain expressed itself: (1) a warning bell-the body's way of saying that something is wrong; (2) school- and work-related pain; (3) interpersonal physical and emotional pain; and (4) heartache-a sign of humanity; and four categories describing the theme ways of dealing with pain: (1) turn your attention elsewhere; (2) "bite the bullet" and endure the pain; and (3) use painkillers or complementary treatments; and (4) ask for help from others. Findings are linked to the crucial role of school nurses in supporting students who experience pain.

Assessment of School Contributions to Healthy Eating, Physical Activity Education, and Support for Weight-Loss Attempts among Adolescents from Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

This study evaluates the contribution of schools in Saudi Arabia towards the provision of education and support concerning weight management among adolescents. It also identifies adolescents who have attempted to lose weight and examines their preferred weight-loss methods and their sources of weight-loss support. This study is a cross-sectional investigation that targets adolescents in intermediate and secondary schools in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire that looked at the involvement of the school in the provision of education pertaining to weight control and the weight-loss experiences of students who had attempted to lose weight. The study involved 501 adolescents, 45% of whom had attempted to lose weight, where the most common methods for weight loss being reducing food consumption (77%), exercising (75%), and fasting (49%). The assessment of the schools' contributions indicated its suboptimal role in the provision of education concerning physical activity compared to education about eating habits. The most commonly reported sources of weight-loss support were the students' families (54%), followed by community facilities (44%). The least common sources were the students' schools (24%). These findings indicate that schools need to enhance their contribution to encouraging adolescents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also ensuring multi-sectorial collaboration with families and community members.

Sleep quality and its relationship with school schedules and mental health of Nigerian secondary school adolescents.

This study aimed to determine the sleep quality of in-school Nigerian adolescents and its association with their schooling and mental health outcomes. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was conducted among adolescents attending public and private secondary schools within Ife Central Local Government, Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select study participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) - 9 and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - 7 questionnaires were used to determine sleep quality, depression and anxiety respectively. We studied 448 adolescents aged between 10-19 years with a mean age of 15.0±1.8 years. The majority of our respondents (85.0%) had poor sleep quality. More than half of the respondents (55.1%) had insufficient sleep during weekdays while only 34.8% had insufficient sleep during weekends. The school closing time and school type showed a statistically significant association with sleep quality (p= 0.039 and 0.005 respectively). The odds of having poor sleep quality increased by two-folds among adolescents in private schools when compared with those in public schools (aOR=1.97, 95%CI=1.069 - 3.627). Using multiple linear regression, only depression showed a statistically significant association with sleep quality at 95% CI (p<0.001) such that for every unit change in depression scores (PHQ-9), there will be a corresponding increase of 0.103 in sleep quality. Sleep quality is poor and is associated with the mental health of adolescents adversely. This should also be addressed in the development of appropriate interventions.