Well-being Of Girls Research Articles

Understanding potential determinants of menstruation-related school absenteeism in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) plays a vital role in protecting the dignity, safety, privacy, and wellbeing of girls and women. In low- and medium-income countries, students often face challenges to manage their menstruation in schools. In 2019, Zimbabwe conducted the first national formative research to inform MHH programming in schools. This study conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the national formative research to explore potential determinants of menstruation-related school absenteeism in Zimbabwe. The analysis included 1,393 students from 50 schools, and the main outcome variable measured if students ever missed school due to menstruation. Multivariate analysis employed nested logistic regression models after controlling for the complex survey design. The results revealed that 20.6% of students had ever been absent from school due to menstruation-related issues. Students' age, challenges with concentration, physical sickness, and pain were significantly associated with school absenteeism in this context. Presence of a reliable school water source and availability of adequate handwashing resources at sanitation facilities were protective factors. The evidence-based MHH programming can be further advocated and scaled up to promote students' good health and wellbeing, maximize their educational opportunities, and develop their fullest potential in life.

Intersectionality, gender norms, and young adolescents in context: a review of longitudinal multicountry research programmes to shape future action.

Discriminatory gender norms can intersect and interact with other dimensions of discrimination-such as age, race, ethnicity, disability, education status, and sexual orientation-to shape individuals' experiences and impact their health and wellbeing. This interaction is referred to as intersectionality. Although the theory has been in circulation since the late 1980s, only recently has it gained traction in low-income and middle-income settings, and it has yet to fully penetrate global research on adolescence. The social and structural intersectional drivers of adolescent health and wellbeing, particularly during early adolescence (age 10-14 years), are poorly understood. The evidence base for designing effective interventions for this formative period of life is therefore relatively small. In this Review, we examine how gender intersects with other forms of disadvantage in the early stages of adolescence. Analysing data from hybrid observation-intervention longitudinal studies with young adolescents in 16 countries, our aim is to inform the health and wellbeing of girls and boys from a range of social contexts, including in conflict settings. Adolescents' perceptions about gender norms vary by context, depend on individual opinion, and are shaped by socioecological drivers of gender inequalities in health. Shifting those perceptions is therefore challenging. We argue for the importance of applying an intersectionality lens to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young adolescents and conclude with five practical recommendations for programme design and research.

Women's health and rights in the twenty-first century.

In the twenty-first century, the complex relationship between women's health and rights has been influenced by a range of interconnected challenges, including gender inequity, reproductive health disparities, maternal mortality and morbidity, and women's inability to access life-saving, high-quality healthcare services including family planning. Going forward, the world needs to find ways to implement the unfinished agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 1994 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus prioritizing health and rights for women and girls as essential not only to their survival but also to their progress, agency and empowerment. It is also important to consider the interconnection between women's health and rights and climate change, with its disproportionate impact on the well-being of girls and women, and to address the impact and opportunities afforded by digital technologies. By embracing a holistic approach, societies might be able to advance the cause of women's health and rights in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.

Prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women and girls in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) has zero health benefits. It can lead to short- and long-term risks and complications, including physical, sexual, and mental health and well-being of girls and women. It is a worldwide public health issue with more than 80% prevalence in Africa. It is a global imperative to strengthen work for the elimination, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) strives to eliminate FGM and monitor the progress made. However, one of a challenge in tracking progress is establishing baseline prevalence data within regions and countries. Therefore, this review aimed to pool the prevalence of FGM in Africa and identify the promoting factors among women and girls.MethodsThis review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist guideline. Both published and unpublished studies conducted from 2012 onwards were eligible. Studies written in non-English languages were excluded. To retrieve relevant studies; PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Journals Online databases, and African Index Medicus (AIM) were searched using a combination of searching terms. The Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale (NOS) tool was used to assess the quality of each included study. The Cochran’s Q chi-square and I2 statistical tests were used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the included studies. The Funnel plot and Egger's regression test (p value < 0.05) were used to evaluate meh publication bias. We used STATA for analysis and the overall and subgroup pooled effect size was estimated using the random effect model with DerSimonian and Laired pooled effect method. The overall prevalence of FGM and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95%CI (confidence interval) for contributing factors were calculated and presented using a forest plot.ResultThis study included 155 primary studies conducted on the prevalence and/or factors associated with FGM in Africa. The pooled prevalence of FGM was 56.4% (95%CI 49.7–63.6). The primary factors promoting the practice of FGM were family history of circumcision (AOR = 13.71, 95%CI 9.11−20.62), being a Muslim religion follower (AOR = 3.51, 95%CI 2.61−4.71), poor wealth index (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI1.27−1.51), higher age (AOR = 2.95, 95%CI 2.49−3.38), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.28, 95%CI 2.62−4.12), and rural residency (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI 1.84−2.80).ConclusionThe prevalence of FGM in Africa was found to be high. This study also observed a variation in FGM prevalence across regions and countries and a slight temporal decline over the study period. As the global community enters the final decade dedicated to eliminating FGM, there remains much to be done to achieve the elimination goal.

Prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic health surveys.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice involving the partial or total removal of external genitalia for non-medical reasons. Despite efforts to eliminate it, more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, and 3 million more undergo this practice annually. Tracking the prevalence of FGM and identifying associated factors are crucial to eliminating the practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FGM and associated factors among daughters aged 0-14 years. The most recent Demographic Health Survey Data (DHS) datasets from sub-Saharan African countries were used for analysis. A multilevel modified Poisson regression analysis model was applied to identify factors associated with FGM. Data management and analysis were performed using STATA-17 software, and the pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The study included a weighted sample of 123,362 participants. The pooled prevalence of FGM among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 22.9% (95% CI: 16.2-29.6). The daughter's place of birth (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.48-0.62), mother's age (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.4-2.11), father's education (AOR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98), mother's perception about FGM (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.35-0.48), FGM as a religious requirement (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12-1.35), mother's age at circumcision (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23), residing in rural areas (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.19), and community literacy level (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98) were factors associated with FGM. The high prevalence of FGM among daughters aged 0-14 years in sub-Saharan Africa indicates the need for intensified efforts to curb this practice. Addressing the associated factors identified in this study through targeted interventions and policy implementation is crucial to eradicate FGM and protect the rights and well-being of girls.

“In the Land of Dance”: Unpacking Sexualization and the Wellbeing of Girls in Competitive Dance

ABSTRACT In many dance competitions in North America, performances of sexualized choreography have become normalized. One result is that bodies of girl dancers are increasingly constructed as sexual objects. Sexual objectification is highly problematic for the development of girls’ self-identities, body image, psychological health, and overall wellbeing. Based on feminist perspectives on the body and data from feminist ethnography, this article investigates how objectification of young, female bodies in dance is reinforced through embodiment and repetition of sexualized movement and how it can negatively impact identity development and wellbeing. This research emphasizes that social-cultural processes of sexualization acting on the bodies and lives of young girls who dance should be of concern to all dance educators and privately-operated studios and suggests strategies for cultivating resistance and alternative approaches.

Analysis of Kanyashree Prakalpa with Survey Data

In India, several issues restrict a girl child to participate in an education system and one of the severe issue is child marriage. Though child marriage adversely affects both boys and girls, the practice has more adverse consequences for girls than for boys. Realizing the fact that reduction of child marriage would not be possible unless it included education as a gateway, the West Bengal Government introduced Kanyashree Prakalpa as a means of inclusive development and women empowerment. This paper studies the impact of a conditional cash transfer program called Kanyashree Prakalpa (KP) in the Indian state of West Bengal that aimed to improve the status and wellbeing of girls by reducing incidence of child marriage and increasing the secondary or higher education of girls till at least 18 years of age using secondary data. The main objectives of this paper is to analyse about the distribution pattern of grant and the effectiveness of this policy. Using different survey data, the present study is conducted to assess the impact of Kanyashree Prakalpa on the girl child in West Bengal. The paper also tries to highlight some social issues related to this policy. The study reveals that this policy has made success in reducing the child marriage as the percentage of drop out falls and number of girl child having formal education increases in the state throughout the year.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based health and well-being program for adolescent girls

BackgroundThe primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based health and well-being program (Health and Well-being for Girls: HWBG) on adolescent girls’ well-being, mindfulness, screen-time, and physical activity.MethodThe HWBG program was evaluated using a group randomized controlled trial (RCT) in one secondary school. A convenience sample of female students in Grade 8 (mean age 14 ± 0.5 years) was recruited for the study (n=4 classes; 89 girls). The 20-week multi-component HWBG program, guided by Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, was designed and delivered by a member of the research team. Randomization occurred prior to baseline assessments at the class level (n=4 classes) into dose-matched treatment conditions (i.e., two classes received the HWBG intervention and two classes received an alternate elective course as a wait-list control group). Process evaluation measures of recruitment, retention, adherence, and satisfaction were used to determine program feasibility. This study was designed to assess feasibility (primary outcome) and preliminary efficacy (secondary outcomes), rather than effectiveness. Preliminary efficacy of HWBG for improving mental and social health, screen-time, and physical activity were measured and analyzed using linear mixed-models.Results“The health and well-being program” targeting adolescent girls was found to be feasible for implementation as an elective course in a secondary school setting. Participants in the HWBG program reported high levels of satisfaction, the majority of lessons (45 out of 50), were implemented as planned and adherence to the planned HWBG program content was very high. Medium positive effects on mental health (d=0.45) and social health (d=0.50) were observed. Small effects were observed for physical activity, and no significant intervention effects were found for levels of recreational screen time. Participant ratings showed high levels of perceived benefit and enjoyment as indicated in the evaluation data (mean rating of 4.44 out of a possible 5.0) when asked whether the program was enjoyable.ConclusionThe study provides preliminary support for HWBG as a potentially feasible and enjoyable program suitable for use with adolescent girls in the secondary school setting. Potential of the study for facilitating improvements in pro-social and psychological well-being is also supported.Trial registrationACTRN12617000157370. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Understanding the impacts of child marriage on the health and well-being of adolescent girls and young women residing in urban areas in Egypt

BackgroundEgypt has made progress in delaying age at marriage, but child marriage continues to be practiced in many places across the country. This study investigates the impacts of child marriage on the health and wellbeing of girls residing in urban Egypt using a multi-method approach.MethodsThe quantitative component leveraged data from the 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey and focused on (1) reproductive health, (2) maternal health and (3) social outcomes among a subsample of ever-married urban women ages 20–24 (N = 1041). Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between child marriage and the three sets of outcomes. The qualitative component drew from 11 focus groups, 23 in-depth interviews, and 13 key informant interviews conducted in three urban sites in Egypt. The data was thematically analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive coding.ResultsThe prevalence of marriage under age 18 was 13.22%. Child marriage was significantly associated with ever use of contraception (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.95 95% CI 1.67–5.19), multiple births (AOR 12.93 95% CI 5.45–30.72), rapid repeat childbirth (AOR 2.20 95% CI 1.34–3.63), and pregnancy termination (AOR 1.89 95% CI 1.11–3.23). Many of these associations disappeared after adjusting for marriage duration. Girls married under age 18 had larger spousal age gaps (AOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.24–3.41) and higher odds of FGM (AOR 2.14; 95% CI 1.11–4.13). They were significantly more likely to report receiving no ANC care (AOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.80), and less likely to deliver through C-section (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.34–0.83). Consequences emerging from the qualitative data centered around five themes: (1) Access to and use of sexual and reproductive health services; (2) exposure to FGM; (3) marriage and birth registration; (4) marital relations; and (5) relationship with in-laws.ConclusionFindings provide important insights into the practice of child marriage in urban areas in Egypt and illustrate a range of adverse consequences associated with the practice.

Mothering Practices and Human Rights Abuses of Girls in Marginalized Contexts: Examining the Moral Culpability of Women who Abuse Children

The form of gender-based violence (GBV) analysed in this article relates to ‘harmful traditional practices’ (HTPs) detrimental to the health and well-being of girls. In response to calls to action from the international community, many states are enacting laws and regulations against HTPs. Scholars argue that criminal justice reform is a vital component of efforts to reduce HTPs. While this article supports establishing mechanisms to address violence against girls, I question whether criminalization is a suitable strategy. HTPs, although classified as GBV, have distinctive features. Their prevalence hinges on ideas surrounding ethnicity and/or religion in addition to the fact that women work directly and indirectly to sustain these violent practices. The developing contemporary understanding of HTPs within and without legal systems, to the degree that it focuses on perpetrators of abuse, ignores the role of women in the production and reproduction of HTPs. Criminalization of HTPs will have a disproportionate effect on mothers. This article seeks to question and understand the dilemma of determining the ‘moral culpability’ or responsibility of mothers who support and participate in violence against girls. Using postmodern feminism, I argue that a genuine commitment to protecting children requires an approach that accounts for the growing significance of culture, not only in defining action but also providing cultural components that play a role in the decisions of mothers.

The level of quality of life of schoolchildren with disorders of the autic spectrum in comparison with typically developed peers

In connection with the increasing the number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who enrolls in educational institutions of Ukraine, the issue of individualization of physical education (PE) of children with ASD in the school process becomes important. There is little data on the quality of life of schoolchildren with autism spectrum disorders. It does not allow to draw individual trajectories of physical education of such children, to help them to improve their adaptability. Most of studies have been performed on males. Objective: to analyze the level of cognitive, physical, emotional, social functioning and functioning in school of girls of primary school age with autism spectrum disorders and compare them with typically developed peers. It was found that there were no differences between the rates of girls with ASD and girls with typical development in walking and running, feeling of pain and low energy levels, the frequency of school absences due to doctor visits and the frequency of forgetting things. However, the level of development of cognitive, social and emotional functioning of girls with ASD is significantly lower than the indicators with typical development by all criteria. To overcome the problems with cognitive, social and emotional functioning of girls with ASD, it is recommended to select appropriate means of PE. In oder to improve the cognitive processes (attention, memory) of girls with ASD, we recommend to increase the amount of means that promote the development of coordination in PE classes; to improve physical functioning - exercises for developing muscle strength and endurance. The game activity with normal girls will help to improve the social well-being of girls with ASD. We should use oriental martial arts and oriental gymnastics to improve the psycho-emotional state of girls with ASD.

“Better for women. Improving the health and wellbeing of girls and women” (2019) - Towards a women's health strategy for the UK

Abstract The following key questions will be addressed in the presentations: 1. What women's health issues are of particular concern in the report? 2. What is the data situation on important women's health topics in the UK, are there data gaps? 3. On which groups of women is there a particular focus in the report? 4. How can the findings be translated into policy? What has happened so far?

10.N. Workshop: Women's health reports in Europe - From data to action

Abstract The great impact of gender on health is well researched and documented. In addition to the different morbidity rates of women and men, there are differences in the perception and communication of symptoms, in health-related behaviour and in the use of care services. The causes are primarily social and societal in nature. They are closely linked to biological gender differences. A close look at women's health is not only important to achieve improvements in health and well-being for 51% of the population. Evidence shows that healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. In recent decades, women's health reports have been published in many European countries, e.g. ‘Austrian Women's Health Report 2010/2011' or ‘Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2014 - The Health of the 51%: Women' (UK). As the most recent one, the Report on Women's Health in Germany was published in December 2020. It was prepared by Federal Health Reporting at the Robert Koch Institute with the assistance of many external experts. In addition to the differences and similarities in the health of women and men (‘differences between'), particular attention is paid to differences within the group of women (‘differences within'). Reporting on women's health is an important milestone and at the same time a starting point for further steps to improve women's health. In Austria, an ‘Action Plan on Women's Health' with 40 measures for women's health in Austria was published in 2018 by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection. In the UK, the 2019 report ‘Better for women. Improving the health and wellbeing of girls and women' was published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The authors call for the creation of Women's Health Strategies across the UK. The workshop aims to share experiences and network experts and activists from Europe. The authors of women's health reports will meet colleagues who have prepared action plans and strategies on women's health. They will discuss with participants who want to initiate such reports in their countries. We plan a 60-minute session with 3 presentations (10-15 minutes each) and time for discussion and audience interaction. The following key questions will be addressed in the 3 presentations: What women's health issues are of particular concern in your report? What is the data situation on important women's health topics in your country, are there data gaps? Which groups of women did you focus on in more detail in your report/your strategy? How can the findings be translated into policy? What has happened so far? Key messages The workshop on women's health in Europe is a networking event for authors and activists who have written reports and strategies or are planning to do so. Mutual learning helps putting women's health on the political agenda and achieving improvements.

Features of educational adaptation of young girls and young boys who are in institutions of higher medical education, using the distance format of the educational process

The study of the peculiarities of educational adaptation of young girls and young boys of higher medical education, using the distance format of the educational process, is an important component of research that involves identifying risk factors for the likely development of negative changes in the adaptive resources of their body. The research, based on the application of questionnaires and structured interviews, was conducted on the basis of National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, where 110 students of 1-st and 3-rd courses were under supervision during the observation period. The analysis of the obtained data involved the application of descriptive statistics procedures based on the use of a package of statistical analysis applications “Statistica 6.1 for Windows” (licensed № ВXXR901E245722FA). In the course of research the peculiarities of educational adaptation of young girls and young boys who are in the institution of higher medical education during the use of the distance format of the educational process are determined. During the analysis of the peculiarities of educational and, first of all, professionally-oriented education in a higher education institution, it was established that the level of academic success in all taught disciplines (p&lt;0.05) and in professionally-oriented subjects, in the distance learning format was higher than during the period of traditional classroom classes. It was found that distance learning helped to increase (p&lt;0.05) the level of nervous and emotional stress, and the main problems that arose during training in higher medical education in both options for organizing training and 1-st year and 3-rd year students mostly associated either with a feeling of constant fatigue, or with personal reasons. According to the physiological and hygienic assessment of the correlates of well-being of girls and boys at the end of school days in terms of distance learning format should be considered “bad”, which is primarily due to the growing share of relevant data which is primarily due to the increase in the share of relevant data and a decrease in the share of indicators that marked the state of health as “good”. The indicators regarding the peculiarities of the state of health and functional capabilities of the students’ body should have been considered similar.

Use of conditional cash transfers for addressing gender-based inequalities in health and education among children: studying the impact of the Shubh Laxmi scheme in Rajasthan, India

AbstractIn the last few decades, conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes have become very popular for addressing different development challenges. The use of CCT programmes to promote enrolment in schools, improve preventive health care and increase household consumption in Latin America has been well documented. However, the potential of CCT programmes to change more deep-rooted norms is not very clear. The Shubh Laxmi scheme, a CCT programme, was started by the Government of Rajasthan, India, to improve the status of health and education among girls. A study was undertaken to understand the changes in beneficiaries’ perspectives due to scheme. A total of 95 beneficiaries were randomly selected and in-depth interviews were conducted in order to understand the impact of the scheme. In addition, two focus group discussions were conducted with 30 non-beneficiaries in order to understand their awareness about the scheme and their perceptions of girls. The findings show that the CCT programme has helped in generating a positive attitude among beneficiaries towards the survival, education and well-being of girls. The key challenge was low awareness of the scheme and of the procedures for claiming its benefits. This study highlights that CCT programmes are useful for nudging people to address gender-based inequalities in health and education among children; however, effective implementation remains key.

The "11 for Health in Denmark" intervention in 10- to 12-year-old Danish girls and boys and its effects on well-being-A large-scale cluster RCT.

The present study investigates the well-being effects for 10- to 12-year-old children who participated in the school-based intervention "11 for Health in Denmark," which comprises physical activity (PA) and health education. Subgroup analyses were carried out for boys and girls. Three thousand sixty-one children were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG) by 5:1 cluster randomization by school. 2533 children (mean age 11.5±0.4; 49.7% boys) were assigned to IG and 528 children (mean age 11.4±0.5; 50.8% boys) were assigned to CG. IG participated in the "11 for Health in Denmark" 11-week program, consisting of 2×45 min per week of football drills, small-sided games, and health education. CG did not participate in any intervention and continued with their regular education. Before and after the intervention period, both groups answered a shortened version of the multidimensional well-being questionnaire KIDSCREEN-27. The "11 for Health in Denmark" intervention program had a positive effect on physical well-being in girls (IG: 48.6±8.5 to 50.2±9.3), whereas the improvement was not significant in boys. The program also hada positive impact on well-being scores for peers and social support (IG: 50.2±10.2 to 50.8±10.1), though when analyzed separately in the subgroups of boys and girls the changes were not significant. No between-group differences were found for psychological well-being or school environment. The intervention program had a positive between-group effect on physical well-being in girls, whereas the change was not significant in boys. The overall scores for peers and social support improved during the intervention period, but no subgroup differences were found.

Beyond will: the empowerment conditions needed to abandon female genital mutilation in Conakry (Guinea), a focused ethnography

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) can give rise to immediate and long-term health problems for girls/women. Numerous studies have identified the sociocultural determinants of this tradition, but so far, in a national context where FGM is highly practiced, virtually none have focused on people refusing to have their daughters cut. We therefore aimed to understand the sociocultural dynamics underlying the non-practice of FGM in Guinea, a country which has one of the most prevalent rates of this practice in the world. This research explored the demographic and sociocultural profiles of Guineans who do not practice FGM, as well as their non-practice experience in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure.MethodsWe used a “focused ethnography” methodology and conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 30 women and men from different generations (young adults, parents, grandparents) living in Conakry, Guinea.ResultsWe found that participants 1) do not disclose their non-practicing status in the same way, and 2) have different experiences with social pressure. A typology was created to describe participants as per their various profiles and experiences, which we named as: 1) the “activists”, 2) the “discrete”, 3) the “courageous”, 4) the “strategists”.DiscussionWanting to stop practicing FGM is not enough. The main empowering conditions allowing people to enact their decision not to have their daughters undergo FGM are: benefiting from social support (positive social capital), or being financially independent from the traditional solidarity network (sufficient economic capital). We therefore recommend finding ways to increase women’s/families’ empowerment to enact their decision not to practice FGM, mainly by: 1) providing them with new sources of social support, and 2) supporting them to gain more financial independence, including through schooling and improved access to better-paid employment.ConclusionsThis study was the first to explore the experience of people who do not practice FGM in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure. The results and recommendations of this research can inform strategies for FGM abandonment and therefore contribute to improving or developing intervention strategies that promote the health and well-being of girls and women.

The association between practicing sport and non-sport physical activities and health-related quality of life of Brazilian adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Summary Objectives To analyse the relationship between the total volume of physical activity (PA) and the practice of different types of PA with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Brazilian boys and girls. Equipment and methods Adolescents in 7th to 9th grades from six schools answered a questionnaire concerning the activities that they engage in during a typical week, including sport-related (e.g.: soccer) and non-sport-related (e.g.: walking) PAs. The frequency and duration of these activities were recorded, the volume of PA was calculated and the respondents were classified as fully active (engaged in both sport and non-sport PA), sport-active (engaged only in sport but not in non-sport PA), non-sport-active (engage only in non-sport PA), and non-active (did not engage in any type of PA regularly) using three cut-offs of volume: 30, 60, and 90 min/week. Students answered the KIDSCREEN 27, which measures five dimensions of HRQoL (physical well-being, psychological well-being, parent relations & autonomy, social support & peers and school environment). Multilevel linear regression analyses were used to test the association between PA and each dimension of HRQoL. Results Data of 861 adolescents (13.1 ± 1.1 years old, 52% girls) were included. A positive association was found between volume of PA and HRQoL. Being in the fully active category proved to be associated with increased scores in all dimensions across all models in boys and with physical well-being in girls, compared to the non-active category. Being in the sport active category was associated with four dimensions in boys, but only with physical well-being in girls. In conclusion, practicing PA is positively associated with HRQoL indicators, sports were related with increased HRQoL especially in boys, whereas additional non-sport related PA seems necessary for girls.

Active Travel of Czech and Polish Adolescents in Relation to Their Well-Being: Support for Physical Activity and Health.

The adoption of active travel (AT) habits in adolescence, supported by positive emotions, increases the chances of a lifelong positive attitude towards AT. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between active travel and well-being (WB), and to estimate the share of AT in weekly physical activity (PA) and its contribution to meeting the weekly PA recommendations in adolescents. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire—long form and the WHO-5 questionnaire were used to assess the level of AT, weekly PA and well-being of 2805 adolescents from 36 Czech and 39 Polish schools. A higher rate of AT is only significantly associated with higher well-being in girls. However, meeting AT recommendations in combination with higher WB increased the likelihood of meeting the weekly PA recommendations in both girls and boys. AT accounts for 22.5% of weekly PA of Czech (Polish 24.2%) boys. Concerning girls, it accounts for 24.9% of weekly PA in the Czech Republic and 24.5% in Poland. Meeting AT recommendations should be part of comprehensive school-based PA programs. State, school and municipal policies in the Central European region should pay more attention to the improvement of WB and the built environment for AT in secondary school adolescents.

Effectiveness of Spiritual Group Counseling on the Psychological Well-Being of Girls from Divorced Families

Effectiveness of Spiritual Group Counseling on the Psychological Well-Being of Girls from Divorced Families