Young Adults Research Articles

Global Burden of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults in 204 Countries and Territories.

Global Burden of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults in 204 Countries and Territories.

Complex Treatment of A Rare Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Optic-Chiasmal Brain Tumor In An Adolescent Child-A Clinical Case With Literature Review

Non-germ cell tumours (NGCTs) are rare intracranial neoplasms occurring in adolescents and young adults. A multidisciplinary team including a neurosurgeon, oncologist, radiologist, pathohistologist, ophthalmologist, pediatric oncohematologist, neurologist and endocrinologist is required for diagnosis and treatment. We present a rarely diagnosed optic-chiasmal non-germinomatous germ cell tumour (NGGCT) in a 16-year-old boy, accompanied by pituitary insufficiency (diabetes insipidus and central hypothyroidism) and severely impaired vision bilaterally. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the tumor biopsy, as well as the level of tumor markers (human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid are significant factors for determining the diagnosis-cranial GCT or cranial NGCT. Because the tumor was inoperable, we performed 3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive radiotherapy to a total tumor dose of 55 Gy. In such rare childhood brain tumors, complex treatment achieves long-term local tumor control, requiring long-term monitoring by an ophthalmologist and endocrinologist.

The prevalence and predictors of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and fibrosis/cirrhosis among adolescents/young adults.

We investigated the current prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and fibrosis/cirrhosis and identified at-risk populations for MASLD and MASLD-related fibrosis among US adolescents and young adults in the United States. Utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020, the prevalence of MASLD and fibrosis/cirrhosis was assessed via controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score and liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography in participants aged 12-29 years with at least one cardiometabolic criteria and absence of other chronic liver disease. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of MASLD and MASLD-related fibrosis. The overall prevalence of MASLD was 23.9% (95% CI: 21.3-26.5 for CAP ≥ 263 dB/m) and 17.3% (95% CI: 14.7-20.0 for ≥285 dB/m), respectively. The prevalence of fibrosis and cirrhosis in MASLD was 11.0% and 3.1%, respectively. When categorized by age, the prevalence of MASLD varied from 16.8% (of which 6.2% [fibrosis], 1.8% [cirrhosis]) in early and middle adolescents (12-17 years), to 25.5% (11.8% [fibrosis], 4.8% [cirrhosis]) in late adolescents and young adults (18-24 years), and to 30.4% (of which 13.2% [fibrosis] and 2.1% [cirrhosis]) in older young adults (25-29 years). The independent predictors for MASLD included male sex, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, body mass index, and low HDL-cholesterol. In contrast, diabetes and body mass index were associated with an increased risk of fibrosis in individuals with MASLD. The prevalence of MASLD and related fibrosis in adolescents and young adults in the United States has reached a significant level, with a substantial proportion of cirrhosis.

"An urgent need for transition of care programs for adolescents and young adults with neurogastroenterology and motility disorders".

Transition of Care for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Neurogastroenterology & Motility (NGM) Disorders.

Empirically derived profiles of neurocognitive functioning in youth and young adults with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder associated with neurocognitive deficits. In contrast to variable-centered approaches, no known research has utilized person-centered strategies to identify multidimensional patterns of neurocognitive functioning of an individual with SCD. The purpose of the present study was to create empirically derived profiles and identify predictors of neurocognitive functioning subgroups among youth and young adults with SCD. Individuals with SCD (N = 393, mean age 14.05 years, age range 8-24, 50.4% female/49.6% male) completed neurocognitive assessments. Latent profile analysis derived subgroups/classes of neurocognitive functioning and determined relations with demographic and medical variables. Three latent classes emerged: average functioning (n = 102, 27%), low average functioning (n = 225, 60%), and exceptionally low functioning (n = 46, 12%). Older age was associated with membership in the low average and exceptionally low functioning groups (relative to the average group). Being prescribed hydroxyurea was associated with membership in the average functioning group (relative to the low average group) and absence of hydroxyurea use was associated with membership in the exceptionally low group (relative to the low average group). Lower social vulnerability was associated with membership in the average functioning group compared to the low average and exceptionally low groups. Clinicians can help reduce disparities in cognitive development for individuals with SCD by promoting early treatment with hydroxyurea and implementing methods to reduce social vulnerabilities that can interfere with access to evidence-based care.

Association between inflammatory potential of diet and anthropometric indicators of adiposity among a sample of Turkish university

Purpose The inflammatory potential of diet may play a role in the regulation of low-grade chronic inflammation derived from obesity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and anthropometric indicators of adiposity among Turkish adults. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 833 young adults (mean age = 23 ± 5.2 years). The inflammatory potential of the diet was evaluated with a DII. Data on dietary intake were collected by a single 24-h dietary recall, and DII was estimated from 25 dietary components. Also, the Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) adherence screener was applied using the 14-item assessment tool. Findings The proinflammatory diet was statistically associated with young (p < 0.001), singles (p < 0.001), high school degree (p = 0.011), students (p < 0.001), not working or unemployed (p < 0.001), eating outside (p = 0.016) and lower adherence to a Med-Diet (p = 0.027). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between the DII score and body weight (BW), waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (r = 0.107; p = 0.002, r = 0.092; p = 0.008, r = 0.115; p = 0.001, respectively). Besides, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between MED score and BW, WHtR and neck circumference (r = −0.101; p = 0.004, r = −0.084; p = 0.016, r = −0.175; p = 0.000, respectively). Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first Turkish study to assess the association between the anthropometric indicators of obesity and DII or adherence to Med-Diet in young adults. Lower DII scores and higher adherence to Med-Diet are related to the better status of anthropometric indicators of adiposity.

One-year outcomes of traumatic injuries among survivors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study on the employment outcomes and functioning state

BackgroundTraumatic injury is one of the top public health challenges globally. Injury survivors often experience poor health and functioning and restricted participation in employment. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity...

Associations between receiving non-consensual image and video sexts and average sleep duration among adolescents and young adults

Background Sexting is the sending and receiving of nude or partially nude images or videos. Despite it being a part of contemporary relationships, it can have adverse effects. This is particularly the case when receiving non-consensual sexts. To date, there remains a gap in the literature on whether receiving non-consensual sexts is associated with poor sleep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between receiving non-consensual sexts and average sleep duration. Methods Data from Wave 2 (2022) of the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviours (N = 906) were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between receiving non-consensual sexts (both image and video) in the past 12 months and average sleep duration (≤5 h, 6 h, 7 h, 8 h, and ≥9 h) in the past 2 weeks. Analyses were stratified by gender. Results Girls and women who received non-consensual image and video sexts, compared to those who did not, were more likely to report ≤5 h of average sleep in the past 2 weeks, relative to 8 h of average sleep. There were no significant findings among boys and men. Conclusion Findings underscore that receiving non-consensual image and video sexts may negatively impact sleep among girls and women, which may be contextualised by trauma responses experienced because of gender-based sexual violence. Healthcare and mental health professionals should be made aware of this association to provide effective care to girls and women.

Precarious employment in young adulthood and later alcohol-related morbidity: a register-based cohort study

ObjectivesThe prevalence of precarious employment is increasing, particularly among young adults where less is known about the long-term health consequences. The present study aims to test if being precariously employed...

Advance care planning in British Columbia: awareness and engagement (2012–2020)

ObjectivesThis study examines trends in advance care planning (ACP) awareness, engagement, attitude and experiences among the public in British Columbia (BC), Canada, from 2012 to 2020. This time period is...

Pain perception during baroreceptor unloading by lower body negative pressure.

People with high blood pressure have reduced sensitivity to pain, known as blood pressure hypoalgesia. One proposed mechanism for this is altered baroreceptor sensitivity. In healthy volunteers, stimulating the carotid baroreceptors causes reduced sensitivity to acute pain; however, this effect may be confounded by a rise in blood pressure due to baroreflex stimulation. The present study tests whether baroreceptor unloading contributes to the physiological mechanism of blood pressure-related hypoalgesia. In the present study, pain perception to thermal stimulation of the forearm was studied in 20 healthy volunteers during baroreceptor unloading by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) at -5 and -20 mmHg. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously throughout. To address issues relating to stimulation order, the sequence of LBNP stimulation was counterbalanced across participants. Increased heart rate was observed at a LBNP of -20 mmHg, but not -5 mmHg, but neither stimulus had an effect on blood pressure. There was no change in warm or cold sensory detection thresholds, heat or cold pain thresholds nor perceived pain from a 30s long thermal heat stimulus during LBNP. Therefore, baroreceptor unloading with maintained systemic blood pressure did not alter pain perception. The current study does not support the hypothesis that an altered baroreflex may underlie the physiological mechanism of blood pressure-related hypoalgesia. This work provides evidence that, when measured in normotensive healthy young adults, the baroreflex response to simulated hypovolaemia did not lead to reduced pain sensitivity (known as blood pressure hypoalgesia).

Effect of Meniscal Tear Patterns and Preoperative Cartilage Status on Joint Space Width After Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) is performed to treat young adults with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis associated with varus deformity. However, factors influencing joint space width (JSW) vary according to the type of medial meniscal tear and have not yet been completely elucidated. To examine changes in JSW according to the type of medial meniscal tear after MOWHTO and analyze the influencing factors. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. This study was conducted on 134 patients who underwent MOWHTO for medial osteoarthritis and were followed up for >2 years. The patients were classified into 3 groups based on medial meniscal status: intact, nonroot tear, and root tear. The authors then measured the JSW preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and >2 years postoperatively; analyzed whether the change in JSW varied according to meniscal status; and determined the association of these changes with the preoperative cartilage grade of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were used to evaluate clinical function. Of the 134 patients, the medial meniscus was intact in 29 patients, a nonroot tear was observed in 58 patients, and a root tear was observed in 47 patients. Postoperatively, JSW increased for all groups, but the timing of the increase varied between the groups (P < .001). JSW increased the most 6 months postoperatively in the intact group and 3 months postoperatively in the nonroot tear and root tear groups (P < .001). Additionally, the increase in JSW was the greatest in the root tear group. Preoperatively, MFC and MTP cartilage status differed among the groups; MTP status did not affect the JSW, but MFC status did (P < .001). The IKDC score increased from the preoperative to postoperative time point in all groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. The authors observed that the amount and timing of increase in JSW were dependent on the pattern of medial meniscal tear observed when MOWHTO was performed. In addition, the cartilage grade of MFC before surgery was associated with changes in JSW. The IKDC score was not significantly different between groups. However, a longer follow-up period is needed to analyze the correlation with the meniscal tear pattern and JSW.

Young adults with vision impairment in India: Loneliness and social networks.

To examine the prevalence of loneliness and associated factors in young adults with vision impairment (VI), including quality of life (QoL) in India. Two hundred and three VI young adults (18-35 years) and 219 age-matched non-VI (controls) adults completed the loneliness scale, WHOQOL-BREF, Social Network Index (SNI) (network diversity, people in network size and number of embedded network subscales) and questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and independent mobility. Rasch analysis was used to validate the questionnaires and interval-level scores were generated. Generalised linear models were used to estimate independent associations of sociodemographic factors, VI characteristics, social networks and QoL with loneliness. The prevalence of moderate and severe loneliness in the VI group was 10% (95% CI: 6.5, 15.4) and 4.4% (95% CI: 2.0, 8.2), respectively, and higher than that of controls. The VI group had a worse loneliness score than controls (-1.66 ± 2.25 vs. -2.13 ± 1.85 logits; p = 0.03). Those with ≤12 years and >12 years of education had loneliness scores of -1.58 ± 2.45 and -1.82 ± 1.99 logits, respectively (p = 0.01). Compared with controls, the VI group reported fewer extended family members, neighbours and friends leading to significantly smaller networks and network diversity (all p < 0.001). Loneliness scores demonstrated a significant correlation with only two SNI subscales for both groups: people in network size (r = -0.28 for VI; r = -0.30 for non-VI; p < 0.001 for both) and number of embedded networks (r = -0.22 for VI; r = -0.21 for non-VI; p = 0.002 for both). Both education (β = 0.45; p = 0.04) and QoL (β = -0.27, p = 0.02) were predictors of loneliness. Loneliness was commonly experienced by young VI adults and was higher among those with lower levels of education. Loneliness decreased with the presence of a larger number of people in network, suggesting that interventions to increase social activity and participation may be valuable in young VI adults.

Satisfaction rates, function, and return to activity following young adult total hip arthroplasty.

Young adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) largely have different indications for surgery, preoperative function, and postoperative goals compared to a standard patient group. The aim of our study was to describe young adult THA preoperative function and quality of life, and to assess postoperative satisfaction and compare this with functional outcome measures. A retrospective cohort analysis of young adults (aged < 50 years) undergoing THA between May 2018 and May 2023 in a single tertiary centre was undertaken. Median follow-up was 31 months (12 to 61). Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and focus group-designed questionnaires were distributed. Searches identified 244 cases in 225 patients. Those aged aged under 30 years represented 22.7% of the cohort. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (50; 45.5%) and Perthes' disease (15; 13.6%) were the commonest indications for THA. Preoperatively, of 110 patients, 19 (17.2%) were unable to work before THA, 57 (52%) required opioid analgesia, 51 (46.4%) were reliant upon walking aids, and 70 (63.6%) had sexual activity limited by their pathology. One patient required revision due to instability. Mean OHS was 39 (9 to 48). There was a significant difference between the OHS of cases where THA met expectation, compared with the OHS when it did not (satisfied: 86 (78.2%), OHS: 41.2 (36.1%) vs non-satisfied: 24 (21%), OHS: 31.6; p ≤ 0.001). Only one of the 83 patients (75.5%) who returned to premorbid levels of activity did so after 12 months. Satisfaction rates of THA in young adults is high, albeit lower than commonly quoted figures. Young adults awaiting THA have poor function with high requirements for mobility aids, analgesia, and difficulties in working and undertaking leisure activities. The OHS provided a useful insight into patient function and was predictive of satisfaction rates, although it did not address the specific demands of young adults undertaking THA. Function at one year postoperatively is a good indication of overall outcomes.

Cumulative Exposure to Natural Hazards and Mental Health in China: Are Older People More Vulnerable or More Resilient Than Younger and Middle-Aged Adults?

AbstractDespite the well-documented impacts of single natural hazards like earthquakes, less is known about the psychological adaptation to multiple natural hazards, particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the associations of multiple natural hazards with depression among Chinese adults. Data were retrieved from the China Family Panel Studies conducted during 2010–2018. With a sample of 11,633 Chinese adults, multilevel logistic regression was employed to examine the relationships between natural hazard exposure and depression in the total sample and different age groups. Overall, experiencing four or more natural hazards was associated with a higher risk of being depressed. Regarding hazard type, the number of hydrometeorological and biological hazards was associated with a higher likelihood of depression, whereas the number of geologic and other hazards was related to a lower risk of depression. Middle-aged adults from villages were more likely to be affected by natural hazard exposure than older and younger adults. The findings of this study show that cumulative exposure to natural hazards can generate lasting effects on depressive symptoms, particularly in middle adulthood. The findings also suggest that older adults from rural areas may have accumulated more resilience to mitigate the adverse well-being effects of hazard events. Policies and interventions should enhance disaster awareness and preparation for aging residents from multi-hazard communities.

Barriers to Mental Health Care Transition for Youth and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: Stakeholders' Perspectives.

Youth and young adults (YYA) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have high rates of co-occurring mental health (MH) conditions. The time during transition from pediatric to adult health and mental health care can be a very challenging, with risk of loss of services leading to poor outcomes. This study aimed to explore barriers to transition from pediatric to adult health and mental health care and services for individuals with IDD and co-occurring MH conditions, by eliciting the view of stakeholders, including disability advocates. Qualitative analysis was conducted using grounded theory, and themes were coded based upon the social-ecological model (SEM). We generated themes into multiple levels: the individual level, the family level, the provider level, the systems of care level, and the societal level. Stakeholders expressed a critical need to improve coordination between systems, and to increase provider availability to care for YYA with IDD and co-occurring MH conditions.

Disease-modifying therapies for sickle cell disease: Decisional needs and supports among adolescents and young adults.

Shared decision-making is one promising solution to addressing barriers in use of disease-modifying therapies for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD). A thorough understanding of decisional needs can guide the development of decisional supports and promote shared decision-making. Informed by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF), we conducted a qualitative analysis to assess decisional needs and supports reported by AYAs with SCD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with AYAs and their caregivers, and online crowdsourcing was used with SCD providers. Thematic and descriptive content analyses were used to summarize perspectives on decisional needs and supports regarding disease-modifying therapies. Fourteen AYAs (Mage =21years, 57% male, 93% non-Hispanic Black, 79% HbSS), 11 caregivers (80% female, 100% non-Hispanic Black), and 40 healthcare providers (65% female, 65% non-Hispanic White, Myears in practice =14.8years, 75% physicians) participated. Thematic analysis revealed needs related to: decisional conflict, inadequate knowledge, unclear expectations, and inadequate supports and resources. Six forms of support emerged as important for decision-making: establishing an open and trusting patient/family-provider relationship, providing information, accepting ambivalence and unreadiness, supporting implementation of a decision, addressing inadequate health and social services, and promoting adequate social, emotional, and instrumental help. This is the first study to assess decisional needs and supports for AYAs with SCD considering disease-modifying therapies. Additional research is needed to examine which decision supports are the most impactful to promote effective shared decision-making in this population.

Children exhibit a developmental advantage in the offline processing of a learned motor sequence

AbstractChanges in specific behaviors across the lifespan are frequently reported as an inverted-U trajectory. That is, young adults exhibit optimal performance, children are conceptualized as developing systems progressing towards this ideal state, and older adulthood is characterized by performance decrements. However, not all behaviors follow this trajectory, as there are instances in which children outperform young adults. Here, we acquired data from 7–35 and &gt;55 year-old participants and assessed potential developmental advantages in motor sequence learning and memory consolidation. Results revealed no credible evidence for differences in initial learning dynamics among age groups, but 7- to 12-year-old children exhibited smaller sequence-specific learning relative to adolescents, young adults and older adults. Interestingly, children demonstrated the greatest performance gains across the 5 h and 24 h offline periods, reflecting enhanced motor memory consolidation. These results suggest that children exhibit an advantage in the offline processing of recently learned motor sequences.

Could marriage be a glorified transactional relationship? A cognitive blending approach to analogies of marriage in Dholuo

The last few decades have seen declining marriage rates as people prioritize other life goals over marital commitments. While the explanations for this shifting tide are multifaceted, scholarly evidence suggests that portrayal of marriage in a negative light scares many young adults from the institution. Every community equips its people with experiences, attitudes and linguistic resources to conceptualize abstract phenomena such as marriage. Against this background, this study seeks to analyze analogies of marriage in Dholuo to reveal how cultural resources and experiences influence the conceptualization of marriage. The study adopts a descriptive research design. Data for the study was collected through interviews. Forty (40) speakers of the Kisumu South Nyanza (KSN) dialect were asked to provide analogies used to describe marriage in Dholuo. A total of 66 analogies were collected. Four annotators used the synectic method of analogy identification to verify the collected expressions. One analogy which implies that marriage is a transactional relationship was selected for analysis using the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT). The study found that analogies pervade daily conversations but they are unconsciously used to describe abstract phenomena such as marriage. Additionally, the study found that in some marriages in the Luo community, love chemistry, compatibility and emotional investment take a backseat and partners see each other as a means to satisfy their selfish interests. The findings also indicate that conceptual mental spaces as a tenet of the CIT provide a plausible model for interpreting marriage as an abstract concept in Dholuo. The study concludes that analogy is culture-specific and should be investigated through the lenses of a cognitive linguist.

Cross-sectional association between 24-hour movement guidelines and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students

Background The world’s first 24-h movement guidelines for adults were released on 15 October 2020 in Canada, though evidence of their associations with health indicators in young adults is sparse. This study aimed to report the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and associations with depressive symptoms in a sample of Chinese university students. Methods Cross-sectional data from 1,793 Chinese university students (mean age = 20.7 years, 63.6% female) were used. Sociodemographic information, movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration), and depressive symptoms were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Results The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was 27.8% in Chinese university students. Logistic regression results show that compared to those who met the 24-h movement guidelines, odds ratio (OR) for depressive symptoms in those who met fewer recommendations contained in the 24-h movement guidelines were significantly higher (OR for none = 3.4, 95% CI [2.1–5.5], p &lt; 0.001; OR for one = 2.7, 95% CI [2.0–3.8], p &lt; 0.001; OR for two = 1.5, 95% CI [1.1–2.1], p = 0.013). Conclusion The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines in Chinese university students was relatively low and should be enhanced through multiple strategies. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with lower risk for depression in Chinese young adults. It is suggested that moving more, sitting less and sleeping well in this population may reduce the occurrence of depression.