Urban Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Cultural hair practices, physical activity, and obesity among urban African-American girls.

Hair holds cultural meaning and value for women of African descent. The values placed on hair type and hair style date back to preslavery days. There is a small body of literature that addresses the relationship between cultural hair practices and physical inactivity among black women. Understanding this is important because inactivity during childhood and adolescent years contributes to increased weight-related morbidity and mortality during adult years. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cultural hair practices, physical activity, and obesity among urban African-American adolescent girls. A convenience sample of 50 African-American girls completed questionnaires and were weighed and measured for body mass index (BMI) calculation. Cultural hair practices such as the amount of money (p = .047) and time (p = .015) spent on hair maintenance were associated with decreased physical activity but were not associated with BMI. Inactivity during adolescence can result in obesity, a major cause of chronic health conditions that contribute to morbidity and mortality as an adult. When nurse practitioners understand and appreciate the cultural differences and beliefs around cultural hair practices they will be able to develop culturally appropriate strategies that will aid in weight loss.

A Study of the Understated Violence Within Social Contexts Against Adolescent Girls

Violence against women is linked to their disadvantaged position in the society. It is rooted in unequal power relationships between men and women in society and is a global problem which is not limited to a specific group of women in society. An adolescent girl’s life is often accustomed to the likelihood of violence, and acts of violence exert additional power over girls because the stigma of violence often attaches more to a girl than to the perpetrator. The experience of violence is distressing at the individual emotional and physical level. The field of research and programmes for adolescent girls has traditionally focused on sexuality, reproductive health, and behaviour, neglecting the broader social issues that underpin adolescent girls’ human rights, overall development, health, and well-being. This paper is an endeavour to address the understated or disguised form of violence which the adolescent girls experience within the social contexts. The parameters exposed under this research had been ignored to a large extent when it comes to studying the dimension of violence under the social domain. Hence, the researchers attempted to explore this camouflaged form of violence and discovered some specific parameters such as: Diminished Self Worth and Esteem, Verbal Abuse, Menstruation Taboo and Social Rigidity, Negligence of Medical and Health Facilities and Complexion- A Prime Parameter for Judging Beauty. The study was conducted in the districts of Haryana (India) where personal interviews were taken from both urban and rural adolescent girls (aged 13 to 19 years) based on a structured interview schedule. The results revealed that the adolescent girls, both in urban as well as rural areas were quite affected with the above mentioned issues. In urban areas, however, due to the higher literacy rate, which resulted in more rational thinking, the magnitude was comparatively smaller, but the difference was still negligible.

Effect of Date Ball on Haemoglobin Level of Rural and Urban Adolescent Girls

Effect of Date Ball on Haemoglobin Level of Rural and Urban Adolescent Girls

Physical growth pattern of school going urban adolescent girls in Bangalore city

Background: With growing prioritization on adolescent health and incorporation of adolescent component in the National programme for mother and child, it is time we develop region wise growth charts for them. The objective of the study was to assess the growth pattern of adolescent school girl’s aged 13 and 14 years old belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds using simple anthropometric measurements.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 468 girl students. The sample comprised 13 and 14 year old girls studying in four schools representative of different socioeconomic backgrounds in Bangalore, Karnataka. Simple anthropometric measurement were performed and compared with WHO/IAP and ICMR reference standards.Results: The anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI of girls) in the four schools showed similar trends but were not comparable with the reference guidelines.Conclusions: There is a need to revise and develop regional guidelines for growth charts.

Self assessed symptoms and risk factors of anemia in urban school going adolescent girls

Self assessed symptoms and risk factors of anemia in urban school going adolescent girls

Activity Levels for Four Years in a Cohort of Urban-Dwelling Adolescent Females.

Evidence suggests that female adolescents and those living in urban environments may have lower physical activity (PA) levels compared with their peers. Yet few studies report PA for urban adolescent females, and there is no consensus regarding potential causes for low PA in this subgroup. We examined PA levels, in a large, diverse cohort of 14- to 17-yr-old urban-dwelling females and assessed the effect of socioeconomic, personal, and neighborhood/environmental factors on PA. One week of time-stamped step count data were collected on 926 girls from the Pittsburgh Girls Study at four annual visits. Valid recordings (worn at least 10 h on 3+ d) were examined and compared with normalized step count values from a U.S. population-representative sample. Relationships between important covariates and average steps per day were examined with regression models. Adjusted mean ± SD step counts per day at baseline were 5614 ± 2434 after controlling for important covariates with less than 6% of girls achieving at least 10,000 steps per day. The girls from the Pittsburgh Girls Study accrued ~45% of their steps during school hours. Age-specific median step counts per day for study participants were similar to the 25th percentile of U.S. population normalized values and did not significantly change during follow-up. Non-Hispanic African American race/ethnicity was associated with higher average step counts per day; obesity and a recent childbirth were associated with lower average step counts per day. Step counts in this cohort of urban adolescent girls were considerably lower than expected for U.S. adolescent females. Targeted efforts to improve PA levels in urban youth should consider the importance of school-based activity while increasing PA opportunities outside of school.

Environmental ethics among adolescents: A study of gender and locale difference

The present study entitled 'environmental ethics among rural and urban adolescent boys and girls' was undertaken in the Kapurthala district of Punjab. The study was designed to compare environmental ethics of adolescents across gender and locale. The sample comprised of 200 adolescents (100 boys and 100 girls) of age group 14-16 years. Environmental Ethics Scale by Taj was used to assess the environmental ethics of the adolescents. Gender differences revealed that girls possessed more environmental ethics as compared to boys. In locale differences urban adolescents were found to be more environment sensitive as compared to rural adolescents.

Food swamps and food deserts in Baltimore City, MD, USA: associations with dietary behaviours among urban adolescent girls.

To determine whether living in a food swamp (≥4 corner stores within 0·40 km (0·25 miles) of home) or a food desert (generally, no supermarket or access to healthy foods) is associated with consumption of snacks/desserts or fruits/vegetables, and if neighbourhood-level socio-economic status (SES) confounds relationships. Cross-sectional. Assessments included diet (Youth/Adolescent FFQ, skewed dietary variables normalized) and measured height/weight (BMI-for-age percentiles/Z-scores calculated). A geographic information system geocoded home addresses and mapped food deserts/food swamps. Associations examined using multiple linear regression (MLR) models adjusting for age and BMI-for-age Z-score. Baltimore City, MD, USA. Early adolescent girls (6th/7th grade, n 634; mean age 12·1 years; 90·7 % African American; 52·4 % overweight/obese), recruited from twenty-two urban, low-income schools. Girls' consumption of fruit, vegetables and snacks/desserts: 1·2, 1·7 and 3·4 servings/d, respectively. Girls' food environment: 10·4 % food desert only, 19·1 % food swamp only, 16·1 % both food desert/swamp and 54·4 % neither food desert/swamp. Average median neighbourhood-level household income: $US 35 298. In MLR models, girls living in both food deserts/swamps consumed additional servings of snacks/desserts v. girls living in neither (β=0·13, P=0·029; 3·8 v. 3·2 servings/d). Specifically, girls living in food swamps consumed more snacks/desserts than girls who did not (β=0·16, P=0·003; 3·7 v. 3·1 servings/d), with no confounding effect of neighbourhood-level SES. No associations were identified with food deserts or consumption of fruits/vegetables. Early adolescent girls living in food swamps consumed more snacks/desserts than girls not living in food swamps. Dietary interventions should consider the built environment/food access when addressing adolescent dietary behaviours.

Vitamin D deficiency and biochemical variations among urban Saudi adolescent girls according to season.

Objectives:To determine seasonal variations in the vitamin D status of Saudi adolescent girls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and its effect in biochemical and clinical characteristics.Methods:In this prospective study, a total of 2000 Saudi females aged 12-18 years from different schools in Riyadh, KSA participated and submitted a generalized questionnaire with clinical information. Fasting blood samples were obtained in 1618 subjects for the winter season (December to February) and only 499 subjects returned to submit fasting blood samples for the summer season (June-August). Circulating serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other biomarkers of bone remodeling were measured during both seasons.Results:Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L) was significantly higher during summer than winter (63.5% versus 40.8%; p<0.001). Mean serum PTH was also significantly higher during summer than winter (p<0.01). In all subjects, serum PTH showed a significant inverse association with 25(OH)D at levels below 40 nmol/L (r=-0.21; p<0.001). The prevalence of subjects having clinical and metabolic manifestations suggestive of osteomalacia was 2.1% (N=33 out of 1548).Conclusion:Seasonal variations in the vitamin D status of Saudi adolescent females significantly modifies biochemical parameters as response to vitamin D status change. In the meantime, heightened public health awareness should be given to populations at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Menstrual Cycle Pattern among Adolescent School Girls in Chhattisgarh

Background: The menstrual cycle is a very important indicator of women’s reproductive health and of their endocrine function. Menstruation, and the menstrual cycle are characterized by variability in volume, pattern and regularity. The purpose of this study was to determine the age of menarche, source of information regarding menstrual cycle, patterns, and problems faced by the adolescent rural and urban school girls, of Chhattisgarh, during menstruation. Method: The present study was cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 750 school going adolescent girls from rural and urban areas of Chhattisgarh. For collection of data Self-structured questionnaire based on issues related to menstruation cycle was used. Results: Average age of menarche for overall sample taken, of adolescent girls of Chhattisgarh is 14.33 years. Mean age of menarche for urban and rural adolescent girls. 14.45 years and 13.89 years respectively. The adolescent girls received information about menstrual cycle from various sources viz mother (34.6%), friends (19.4%) and sisters (16.8%). It was noticed that most of the adolescent girls (61.25%) experienced menstrual problems (59% urban girls and 64.5% rural girls reported menstrual problems). 45.6% of urban girls and 35.4% rural girls experienced abdominal pain as one of the major problem during menstrual cycle. 16% &amp; 20.3% urban and rural girls reported to suffer from headache during menstrual cycle respectively. During menstrual cycle, fatigue was observed in 17.8% urban girls and 22.4% rural girls. 20.6% and 21.6% urban and rural girls reported food craving respectively. Higher percentage of rural girls experienced psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue, food cravings and headaches, as compared to urban girls. Conclusion : Higher percentage of rural adolescent girls of Chhattisgarh experience problem during menstruation cycle as compared to the urban girls, the percentage of rural girls reporting psychological symptoms during cycle, is higher as compared to urban girls. Intervention program for awareness regarding Menstrual cycle and associated issues for adolescent girls and their parents should be planned so that the problems of the girls can be minimized.

Predicting Unprotected Sex and Unplanned Pregnancy among Urban African-American Adolescent Girls Using the Theory of Gender and Power.

Reproductive coercion has been hypothesized as a cause of unprotected sex and unplanned pregnancies, but research has focused on a narrow set of potential sources of reproductive coercion. We identified and evaluated eight potential sources of reproductive coercion from the Theory of Gender and Power including economic inequality between adolescent girls and their boyfriends, cohabitation, and age differences. The sample comprised sexually active African-American female adolescents, ages 15-21. At baseline (n = 715), 6months (n = 607), and 12months (n = 605), participants completed a 40-min interview and were tested for semen Y-chromosome with polymerase chain reaction from a self-administered vaginal swab. We predicted unprotected sex and pregnancy using multivariate regression controlling for demographics, economic factors, relationship attributes, and intervention status using a Poisson working model. Factors associated with unprotected sex included cohabitation (incidence risk ratio (IRR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (1.22, 1.81)), physical abuse (IRR 1.55 (1.21, 2.00)), emotional abuse (IRR 1.31 (1.06, 1.63)), and having a boyfriend as a primary source of spending money (IRR 1.18 (1.00, 1.39)). Factors associated with unplanned pregnancy 6months later included being at least 4years younger than the boyfriend (IRR 1.68 (1.14, 2.49)) and cohabitation (2.19 (1.35, 3.56)). Among minors, cohabitation predicted even larger risks of unprotected sex (IRR 1.93 (1.23, 3.03)) and unplanned pregnancy (3.84 (1.47, 10.0)). Adolescent cohabitation is a marker for unprotected sex and unplanned pregnancy, especially among minors. Cohabitation may have stemmed from greater commitment, but the shortage of affordable housing in urban areas could induce women to stay in relationships for housing. Pregnancy prevention interventions should attempt to delay cohabitation until adulthood and help cohabiting adolescents to find affordable housing.

A Comparative Study of Dietary Intake and Expenditure of Urban and Rural Adolescent Girls age 15-16 Years

A Comparative Study of Dietary Intake and Expenditure of Urban and Rural Adolescent Girls age 15-16 Years

Adolescent Sexual Minority Girls Are at Elevated Risk for Use of Multiple Substances

ABSTRACTBackground: Sexual minority youth, especially girls, are at risk for alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use when these substances are examined individually. However, little is known about concurrent use of these substances (i.e., three-substance use) in relation to sexual orientation. Objectives: The present study compared profiles of past year alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use between SMGs and heterosexual girls. In addition, because internalizing and externalizing symptoms are associated with substance use, we examined whether sexual orientation was associated with substance use profile over and above co-occurring psychopathology. Methods: Mixture modeling was used to identify patterns of alcohol (including binge drinking), cigarette, and marijuana use in the past year using a cross-sectional sample of urban adolescent girls (Pittsburgh Girls Study; N = 2,064; mean age = 17). Approximately 8% (n = 173) of the girls endorsed a lesbian or bisexual identity. Results: Five substance using classes were identified: low-level substance use (72%), marijuana use (5%), cigarette use (8%), alcohol use (8%), and three-substance use (7%). SMGs were at an increased risk for substance use than heterosexual girls, particularly three-substance use (OR = 6.69, p < .001), cigarette use (OR = 6.26, p < .001), and marijuana use (OR = 3.86, p < .001) classes. Substance use patterns were regressed on sexual orientation, internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety), and externalizing symptoms (i.e., conduct problems, oppositional defiant disorder). The disparities remained robust after controlling for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Conclusions/Importance: Clinicians and researchers should be aware of potential three-substance use among SMGs. Substance use interventions for SMG may benefit from targeting risk factors that cut-across several substances, particularly externalizing symptoms.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in urban adolescent girls: associations with race and pubertal status

ABSTRACTCardiorespiratory fitness affords health benefits to youth. Among females, weight-relative fitness declines during puberty and is lower among African American (AA) than Caucasian girls. Data indicate racial differences in pubertal timing and tempo, yet the interactive influence of puberty and race on fitness, and the role of physical activity (PA) in these associations have not been examined. Thus, independent and interactive associations of race and pubertal development with fitness in adolescent girls, controlling for PA were examined. Girls in grades 5–8 (n = 1011; Caucasian = 25.2%, AA = 52.3%, Other Race group = 22.5%) completed the Pubertal Development Scale (pubertal stage assessment) and Fitnessgram® Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test (cardiorespiratory fitness assessment). PA was assessed by accelerometry. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine associations among race, pubertal stage and fitness, controlling for vigorous PA, AA, and pubertally advanced girls demonstrated lower fitness than Caucasian and less mature counterparts. Puberty and race remained significantly associated with fitness after controlling for vigorous PA. The interaction effect of race and puberty on fitness was non-significant. The pubertal influence on fitness is observed among AA adolescents. Associations between fitness and race/puberty appear to be independent of each other and vigorous PA. Pubertally advanced AA girls represent a priority group for fitness interventions.

Dietary Inadequacy of Micronutrients in Adolescent Girls of Urban Varanasi: Call for Action

Background: Adolescent girls are vulnerable to dietary inadequacy in general and micronutrients (viz, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A and C etc) inadequacy in particular due to variety of reasons including their own food preferences. Lack of protective foods in their diet can have serious consequences. Objective: To assess dietary inadequacy of micronutrients in urban adolescent girls and to pinpoint their correlates. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was undertaken on 400 adolescent girls (10-19 years) of urban Varanasi, selected by adopting multistage sampling technique. Their socio-demographic and personal characteristics were obtained by interviewing parents or other responsible family member. Dietary intake of subjects was assessed by 24 hours recall oral questionnaire method and their micronutrients intake was computed by using nutritive value of Indian foods. Result: In case of 72.8%, 71.2%, 88.2% and 6.2% subjects calcium, iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C intakes were &lt;50% of Recommended Dietary Allowances. Taking 10-14 years as reference risk of less iron intake was more (AOR; 3.66 CI: 1.30-10.30) in subjects aged 18-19 years. When Scheduled Caste was taken as reference category, risk of less iron intake was more in subjects from other caste category (AOR; 2.91, CI: 1.07-7.91). In comparison to subjects having sibling &lt;4 risk of less calcium intake was more (AOR; 4.37 CI: 1.10-17.39) in subjects having sibling &gt;7.With reference to vegetarians, odds of less vitamin C intake was more in nonvegetarian (AOR=2.01: CI-1.10-3.65) and eggitarian (AOR=2.53: CI-1.03-6.19). Conclusion: Micronutrients deficiency in urban adolescents is quiet predominant and calls for community based interventions to streamline micronutrients supplementation and therapeutic strategies.

A study on knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among urban adolescent girls

Background: Adolescent girls often lack knowledge regarding reproductive health including menstruation hygiene which can be due to socio-cultural barriers in which they grow up. Methods: To explore the knowledge, practices and sources of information regarding menstruation and hygiene among adolescent girls in Bangalore, India. Methods: An epidemiologic study was undertaken using cross-sectional study method among 550 school- going adolescent girls aged 13-16 years. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 15. Results: Around 34% participants were aware about menstruation prior to menarche, and mothers were the main source of information among both groups. Overall, 69% of adolescent girls were using sanitary napkins as menstrual absorbent, while 6% were using both cloth and sanitary napkins. Almost half of the rural participants dried the absorbent inside their homes. Conclusions: There is a need to equip the adolescent girls with knowledge regarding safe, hygienic practices to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life.

Awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health in adolescent girls: a comparative study

Background: Adolescent period is characterized by physical, psychological and behavioural changes and girls can show different reactions to these changes. Proper information can help them in handling these changes without any stress. Tribal females are a vulnerable population and lack health care facilities. Limited data is available on awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health among tribal adolescent girls. Aims of the study were to study and compare the level of awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health between tribal and urban adolescent girls. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 adolescent girls between 10-19 years age 100 each, from urban and tribal setting. A predesigned questionnaire, which consisted of questions designed to evaluate the awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS software, student t test, Chi- square test and co-relation test. Results: Mean age of the study population was 13.76±1.2 years. Mean awareness of urban adolescent girls about pubertal changes and reproductive health was significantly greater than tribal adolescent girls. Awareness was more in older age and more literate adolescent girls. Conclusions: Information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns have to be strengthened to increase awareness on menstrual hygiene practices and sexually transmitted diseases among tribal adolescent girls as these are a vulnerable group.

Urban Rural Comparison of Anthropometry and Menarcheal Status of Adolescent School Going Girls of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Adolescence is the formative period of life. Poor adolescent health translates into poor maternal health leading to increased maternal morbidity with inter-generational consequences. To compare anthropometric, socio-demographic, menstrual and nutritional status of rural and urban adolescent school going girls of Western Rajasthan, India. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in two rural schools and one urban school of Jodhpur region. Anthropometric, socio-economic (family history, menstrual history, maternal education) and dietary habit data of 327 (137 urban and 190 rural) school going adolescent girls aged 11-16 years were collected using structured questionnaires by a school based survey after consent from parents and school officials. Height and weight were taken using the standard procedure. Stunting (height for age) and thinness [Body Mass index (BMI) for age] were calculated as per the National Center for Health and Statistics (NCHS) standards. Statistical analysis was done using student t-test, fisher-exact test and Chi-square test. Mean height was significantly higher in urban girls while mean BMI of adolescents was significantly higher in rural areas as compared to their urban counterparts. Growth spurt was between 12-13 years showing maximum increase in mean height, coinciding with or immediately post-menarche. Menarche was one year earlier in urban girls as compared to rural girls (p<0.001). Thinness was more prevalent among females in urban areas and stunting was more common amongst girls residing in rural areas. Life style habits (poor dietary habits, sedentary life style) of the urban girls may contribute to an early menarche but rural girls despite having a later onset of menarche; have a lower final height which may be attributed to their poor nutritional status. Improving nutrition of rural girls and modifying the life style of urban girls and educating their mothers will reduce the disparity and lead to better health and development of adolescent girls in this region and this could be expected to improve maternal health in future.

A comparative cross sectional study of knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in rural and urban schools of Rural Karnataka

Background: Comprehensive knowledge about good menstrual hygiene practice right from childhood may promote safe practices and may help in mitigating the suffering of women throughout their reproductive age. Among adolescent girls there is shyness and embarrassment regarding discussions about menstruation with friends and family members which can lead to adoption of non-scientific methods during menstruation. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practices related to menstrual hygiene among rural and urban school going adolescent girls and to provide health education regarding menstrual hygiene. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in August to October, 2015 among 220 school going adolescent girls. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data after obtaining informed consent and assent. Descriptive statistics like proportions and frequencies was computed. Chi-square test was the test of significance for qualitative data and p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: 220 adolescent girls were recruited in to the study. Majority of the girls were in the age group 15 years (46.8%), belonging to Hindu religion (90.9%). Urban girls attained menarche at earlier age than their counter parts in rural area. 87.3% & 65.4% of the urban and rural girls respectively used sanitary pads during menstruation. Majority of the girls from urban area (84.5%) got score of >9 for practices during menstruation whereas 52.7% of rural girls got an overall score >9. Most common reason for school absenteeism due to menstruation in both urban and rural girls was abdominal pain, second most common reason was fear of leak. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding menstruation was almost similar among the girls studying in both urban and rural schools. However, the practices during menstruation were not optimal in rural girls compared to urban girls. A variety of factors like lack of sanitary latrine and adverse social customs were found to be af

Ankle Accelerometry for Assessing Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls: Threshold Determination, Validity, Reliability, and Feasibility

Purpose: Ankle accelerometry allows for 24-hr data collection and improves data volume/integrity versus hip accelerometry. Using Actical ankle accelerometry, the purpose of this study was to (a) develop sensitive/specific thresholds, (b) examine validity/reliability, (c) compare new thresholds with those of the manufacturer, and (d) examine feasibility in a community sample (low-income, urban adolescent girls). Method: Two studies were conducted with 6th- through 7th-grade girls (aged 10–14 years old): First was a laboratory study (n = 24), in which 2 Actical accelerometers were placed on the ankle and worn while measuring energy expenditure (Cosmed K4b2, metabolic equivalents [METs]) during 10 prescribed activities. Analyses included device equivalence reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], activity counts of 2 Acticals), criterion-related validity (correlation, activity counts and METs), and calculations of sensitivity, specificity, kappa, and receiver-operating characteristic curves for thresholds. The second was a free-living study (n = 459), in which an Actical was worn for more than 7 days on the ankle (full 24-hr days retained). Analyses included feasibility (frequencies, missing data) and paired t tests (new thresholds vs. those of the manufacturer). Results: In the laboratory study, the Actical demonstrated reliability (ICC = .92) and validity (r = .81). Thresholds demonstrated sensitivity (91%), specificity (84%), kappa = .73 (p = .043), area under curve range = .81–.97. In the free-living study, 99.6% of participants wore the accelerometer; 84.1% had complete/valid data (mean = 5.7 days). Primary reasons for missing/invalid data included: improper programming/documentation (5.2%), failure to return device (5.0%), and wear-time ≤ 2 days (2.8%). The moderate-to-vigorous physical activity threshold (> 3,200 counts/minute) yielded 37.2 min/day, 2 to 4.5 times lower than that of the manufacturer's software (effect size = 0.74–4.05). Conclusions: Validity, reliability, and feasibility evidences support Actical ankle accelerometry to assess physical activity in community studies of adolescent girls. When comparing manufacturers' software versus new thresholds, a major difference was observed.