Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41181928
·
Publisher ↗
The prolonged isolation during the pandemic has raised concerns about the potential increase in digital technology use among adolescents. However, adolescents are considered particularly vulnerable to problems of digital...The prolonged isolation during the pandemic has raised concerns about the potential increase in digital technology use among adolescents. However, adolescents are considered particularly vulnerable to problems of digital mental health. The present study aimed to assess adolescents' Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) during public health emergencies in Malaysia. This study conducted a survey of adolescents (n=781) in April-June 2021 to assess the risk of FoMO. The study shows that descriptive analysis for overall FoMO score is moderate level (M=2.53, SD=0.84). Moreover, there was a statistically significant between Time Spent on Social Media (M=5.93, SD=3.67) and FoMO (M=2.53, SD=0.84), the direction of the correlation was positive, which means that students who spent more hours using social media tend to increase their level of FoMO [r (781) = 0.201, p<0.01]. These findings show early indications of digital mental health among adolescents. Therefore, positive aspects of online activities should be promoted. In the meantime, we must consider how the awareness about the detrimental effects of digital media use should be raised. Therefore, significant improvements in health communication among adolescents are needed to increase their understanding and knowledge of applying proper digital mental health practices and adapting to the new norms during the pandemic.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41172485
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Climate change presents a significant threat to the well-being of medical students, further impacting their physical and mental health in the context of already demanding academic and clinical responsibilitie...OBJECTIVES: Climate change presents a significant threat to the well-being of medical students, further impacting their physical and mental health in the context of already demanding academic and clinical responsibilities. This study aims to examine how future healthcare professionals perceive the health-related consequences of climate change and to what extent they feel equipped to address the challenges posed by this global issue. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire to gather data. The invitation to participate was extended to students from different academic programs within a medical university. A total of 697 students completed the survey. RESULTS: Most respondents were male students aged between 21 and 23 years, with the majority hailing from Pakistan, India, and Kazakhstan. The survey showed a high level of awareness among students about the health impacts of climate change: 80 % expect serious health impacts in their communities in the next 20 years. The majority believe that climate change will increase the burden of health care, lead to an increase in infectious and mental diseases, and affect vulnerable populations. 72.9 % support the inclusion of climate in health education. The relationship between awareness and support for mandatory climate education is statistically confirmed (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights medical students' strong awareness of climate change's impact on health and the importance of integrating this topic into medical education. Enhancing future physicians' knowledge and resilience to environmental threats is crucial for effective healthcare in a changing climate.
Gutman G, Saldanha N, Dave S
… +2 more, Fisher M, Cerise J
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41140004
·
Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: It is known that the frequency of eating disorders (EDs) increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study evaluates the presentation of demographic/clinical characteristics of patients with EDs during the pand...PURPOSE: It is known that the frequency of eating disorders (EDs) increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study evaluates the presentation of demographic/clinical characteristics of patients with EDs during the pandemic, and compares them to those that presented during 2014-2015. METHODS: Our division conducted a study on EDs in adolescent patients presenting from May 2014 to April 2015. That study examined presenting demographic/clinical variables. This current study looked at those same variables for patients presenting from September 2020 to May 2021, during the pandemic. The variables were compared. RESULTS: 285 patients (23.8/month) presented for an ED evaluation beginning May 2014: Earlier Group (EG); 365 patients (40.6/month) presented during the pandemic: Covid Group (CG). The following differences were found: (1) 81 % of EG and 70 % in CG identified as White (p<0.001). (2) Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN) was diagnosed in 23.2 % of EG and 36.4 % of CG - Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was diagnosed in 16.1 % of EG and 21.0 % of CG (p<0.001). The frequency of AAN patients/month nearly tripled and ARFID doubled. (3) 34.0 % of EG had a history of anxiety compared with 41.9 % in CG (p<0.05), and this increase in anxiety was seen primarily in patients with AAN and ARFID. (4) In EG, 60.0 % were scheduled to return in 1 week and 23.9 % in 2 weeks, while in CG 32.1 % were scheduled to return in 1 week and 42.2 % in 2 weeks (p<0.001), and this difference was seen primarily in patients with AN and ARFID. There was no significant difference in age, gender, weight, BMI, illness length, menstrual status, ED behaviors, medications and history of OCD/depression between the groups. DISCUSSION: The presentation of EDs in adolescents rose dramatically during the pandemic, prompting a question of if and what changed in characteristics about EDs. Although the nature of the disorder remained largely the same pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, there were some noted demographic and clinical differences. Some of these may be pandemic related - worsening adolescent mental health increased ED prevalence, so return visits were spaced farther apart. Other differences reflect societal changes - a wider racial distribution may represent the increased diversity of the NYC area; increased AAN may represent the increase in overweight patients during the pandemic; the rise in co-morbid anxiety correlates with increased prevalence of mental health issues during the pandemic. Further research needs to be done to address the evolving qualities and characteristics of EDs.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41130600
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These fatty acids are essenti...OBJECTIVES: Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These fatty acids are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning during childhood and early adolescence. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between ADHD symptoms and dietary omega-3 intake among Palestinian early adolescents aged 10-12 years, with particular attention to socioeconomic determinants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 211 participants (38 with ADHD, 173 without ADHD). Parents completed a culturally adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to estimate intake of omega-3-rich foods (e.g., fish, nuts, seeds). ADHD symptoms were assessed by subtype, and socioeconomic factors were recorded. Group differences were tested, and logistic regression evaluated associations between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms. RESULTS: Children with ADHD reported significantly lower omega-3 intake (mean=0.60 ± 0.68) than their peers without ADHD (mean=0.89 ± 0.72; p<0.001). The hyperactive/impulsive subtype had the lowest intake (mean=0.42 ± 0.62). Logistic regression indicated that each unit increase in omega-3 intake was associated with a 45 % reduction in hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (OR=0.55, p=0.03). Adolescents' age, gender, parental education, parental employment, and family income were significantly associated with children's omega-3 intake (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower dietary omega-3 intake is associated with more severe ADHD symptoms, particularly in the hyperactive/impulsive subtype. Socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate nutritional deficiencies, with potential consequences for neurodevelopment and behavioral health. Public health interventions-such as school-based nutrition programs, caregiver education, and subsidies for omega-3-rich foods-may support mental health and cognitive development among children and early adolescents in resource-limited and conflict-affected settings.
Kiblawi R, Giese L, Klamt S
… +4 more, Obed M, Markowski A, Schneider A, Dingemann J
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41086526
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Adolescents with congenital gastrointestinal malformations, such as esophageal atresia, anorectal malformations, and Hirschsprung's disease, frequently face long-term physical and psychological sequelae. Desp...OBJECTIVES: Adolescents with congenital gastrointestinal malformations, such as esophageal atresia, anorectal malformations, and Hirschsprung's disease, frequently face long-term physical and psychological sequelae. Despite increasing recognition of the need for structured transition of care (TOC) programs, standardization remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured interdisciplinary TOC program for adolescents with gastrointestinal malformations, focusing on patient well-being, gastrointestinal quality of life, transition competence, and satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study including all patients aged ≥14 years with esophageal atresia, anorectal malformations, and/or Hirschsprung's disease who participated in a standardized TOC program at Hannover Medical School. The multidisciplinary team included pediatric and adult gastroenterologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and surgeons. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up using validated instruments: WHO-5 (well-being), GIQLI (gastrointestinal quality of life), TCS (transition competence), and the ZAP questionnaire (satisfaction). RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were included. Compared to healthy controls, patients scored significantly lower on the WHO-5 and GIQLI (p<0.0001), indicating reduced well-being and quality of life. TCS scores improved significantly from 27.35 to 31.80 (p=0.015) during the visits, reflecting increased transition competence. Satisfaction with the program was high across all ZAP domains, particularly in interaction (93.1 %) and organization (91.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first standardized transition of care program for patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformations in Germany. The program improved transition competence and was associated with high patient satisfaction. While emphasizing the value of structured, patient-centered transition care, larger studies are needed to validate these findings and support wider implementation.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41086430
·
Publisher ↗
The dynamic interplay between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), sense of coherence (SOC), and dental anxiety has garnered increasing attention in recent years, highlighting the need for a comprehensive unders...The dynamic interplay between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), sense of coherence (SOC), and dental anxiety has garnered increasing attention in recent years, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of their interconnections. This review synthesizes current evidence from interdisciplinary research to explore how these constructs interact and influence one another. OHRQoL reflects the functional, psychological, and social impact of oral health, while SOC represents an individual's capacity to perceive life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Dental anxiety, a prevalent barrier to oral healthcare, can significantly impair OHRQoL and is influenced by both subjective health perceptions and coping mechanisms. The literature indicates that a strong SOC may mitigate dental anxiety and buffer the negative effects of poor oral health on quality of life. Conversely, heightened dental anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, exacerbating oral health problems and diminishing OHRQoL. This review underscores the importance of a biopsychosocial approach in dental care, advocating for integrative strategies that enhance SOC and reduce anxiety to improve overall oral health outcomes and patient well-being. Gaps in the literature and directions for future research are also discussed, with emphasis on longitudinal studies and intervention-based approaches.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41082728
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to behavioral issues in adolescents, yet the protective role of family dynamics remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relationship betwen ACE...OBJECTIVES: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to behavioral issues in adolescents, yet the protective role of family dynamics remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relationship betwen ACEs and adolescent behavioral problems while exploring the moderating role of family functioning. METHODS: The case-control study analyzed secondary data from the Indonesia National Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS) on 198 male adolescents (10-17 years). Conditional logistic regression and moderation analysis were used to assess the impact of ACEs on behavioral problems and the moderating role of family function. RESULTS: Compared with adolescents with no ACE exposure, adolescents with 1-2 ACEs had a higher risk of behavioral problems (OR=5.96, 95 % CI [2.29, 15.15], p<0.001), increasing further with ≥3 ACEs (OR=8.65, 95 % CI [3.21, 23.3], p<0.001). Positive family function reduced these risks (adjusted OR=4.94 for 1-2 ACEs; OR=6.95 for ≥3 ACEs). Family communication had the strongest protective effect (OR=0.33-0.41, p<0.05), but mediation analysis showed family function was not a strong mediator (OR=2.73, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Family function is a predictive factor in adolescent behavioral outcomes, serving as a protective buffer against the negative effects of ACEs. However, it does not fully mediate this relationship. Future research should explore additional mediators, such as peer support and coping strategies, to develop more targeted interventions.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41017043
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, knowledge, and practices related to non-prescribed weight loss supplements among university students, and to identify reported side effects to support targeted...OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, knowledge, and practices related to non-prescribed weight loss supplements among university students, and to identify reported side effects to support targeted health education. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among students at a public Egyptian university using a self-administered bilingual (English and Arabic) questionnaire. A total of 437 male and female undergraduates from all academic years were selected through multistage random sampling technique. Sample size was calculated via OpenEpi (v24.1), and data were analyzed using SPSS (v25). RESULTS: The prevalence of weight loss supplement use among students was 12.6 %. Among users, 43.6 % self-prescribed these products, and 80 % were females. Social media and family recommendations were key influencing sources for nearly 60 % of users. Moreover, 40 % of users reported experiencing side effects. The mean knowledge score among all participants was 3.15 ± 0.89 out of 4. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that 12.6 % of university students use weight loss supplements, and 43.6 % of them consume these products without medical consultation. The gap between knowledge and practice highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns and stricter regulation.
Wahba M, Ahmed GS, Anwar MM
… +2 more, Hifnawy TMS, Mahmoud Khalil D
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41004597
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To estimate anemia prevalence and risk factors among adolescent females in Beni-Suef Governorate. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional mixed quantitative and qualitative survey was conducted among 1000...OBJECTIVES: To estimate anemia prevalence and risk factors among adolescent females in Beni-Suef Governorate. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional mixed quantitative and qualitative survey was conducted among 1000 adolescent females in the seven Beni-Suef governorate, Upper Egypt districts from November 2023 to March 2024. A structured questionnaire including socio-demographic and menstrual history was used. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted to assess their awareness. Hemoglobin testing was performed on the participants, and the diseased ones were treated. RESULTS: Anemia is highly prevalent among adolescent females in the Beni-Suef governorate (35.8 %). Residence (Adjusted OR=0.652, 95 % CI:0.439-0.970), and daily number of pads (Adjusted OR=1.208, 95 % CI:1.006-1.451) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for anemia in adolescent females. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is highly prevalent among adolescent females. Early assessment and management of anemia is highly recommended. Nutritional interventions such as food fortification, supplementation, and nutrition education should be provided. Micronutrient supplementation programs should be implemented in all basic schools, and extensive nutrition awareness initiatives should be implemented for adolescent females and caregivers.
Musfira M, Hadju V, Indriasari R
… +4 more, Ibnu IF, Citrakesumasari C, Thaha AR, Foo LH
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40997290
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Optimal cognitive development in early life is crucial for academic achievement and long-term quality of life. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding its association with nutritional st...OBJECTIVES: Optimal cognitive development in early life is crucial for academic achievement and long-term quality of life. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding its association with nutritional status, especially among underprivileged school-aged children and adolescent girls. This study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status and cognitive function among adolescent girls aged 11 to 17 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 372 adolescent girls from two schools in Takalar District between July and November 2024. Data collection included questionnaires, 24-h dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, and cognitive function assessments using the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of cognitive function. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 14.0 ± 1.5 years. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and chronic energy deficiency (CED) was 18.0 , 11.3, and 19.9 %, respectively. Girls with CED and stunting had significantly lower cognitive scores than their counterparts (CED: 74.3 ± 13.8 vs. 78.8 ± 13.8; p<0.05; Stunting: 73.3 ± 12.6 vs. 79.0 ± 13.9; p<0.01). Regular intake of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements was associated with higher cognitive scores (80.2 ± 13.1 vs. 77.0 ± 14.1; p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BMI-for-age z-score (β=3.419; p<0.01), IFA intake (β=4.054; p<0.05), and height-for-age z-score (β=0.652; p<0.01) were significant predictors of cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional status was significantly associated with cognitive function among adolescent girls in underprivileged communities. Targeted nutrition interventions may be critical in supporting cognitive development in this vulnerable population.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40996437
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To explore the prevalence of ACEs, social anxiety (SIA), and perceived social support (PSS) among Indian students, and to investigate the relationship between ACEs, SIA, PSS, and three types of coping strateg...OBJECTIVES: To explore the prevalence of ACEs, social anxiety (SIA), and perceived social support (PSS) among Indian students, and to investigate the relationship between ACEs, SIA, PSS, and three types of coping strategies, i.e., (PF, AF, EF). This study also aims to examine the mediating role of perceived social support (PSS) in the ACEs-SIA relationship and identify the three types of coping strategies used by students with ACEs and social anxiety. METHODS: The present study is exploratory and uses a correlational design. The sample comprised 210 students aged 17-21. The participants were administered the following instruments: the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Test, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Brief COPE Inventory. RESULTS: The present study's findings indicate a significant positive correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and social anxiety levels among Indian college students. Higher ACE scores were associated with increased social anxiety. Perceived social support showed a significant negative correlation with social anxiety, suggesting that greater social support is linked to lower anxiety levels. Among coping strategies, emotion-focused coping was the most commonly used, followed by problem-focused coping and avoidant-coping. Emotion-focused coping showed a positive correlation with social anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the long-term psychological impact of childhood adversity and highlight the protective role of social support in buffering social anxiety symptoms in late-adolescent and young-adult college students. The reliance on emotion-focused coping strategies, although providing immediate relief, does not address the underlying issues, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions promoting problem-focused coping. The study also underscores the critical role of perceived social support in mitigating the adverse effects of ACEs, indicating a need to enhance social support networks to foster resilience among Indian college students.
Doszhanova G, Abduldayeva A, Iskakova S
… +2 more, Ibrayeva D, Kuanyshbayeva G
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40994358
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns of adolescents to develop targeted medical and organizational interventions for optimizing nutrition and physical activity. METHODS: Research was conducted in A...OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns of adolescents to develop targeted medical and organizational interventions for optimizing nutrition and physical activity. METHODS: Research was conducted in Astana in the fall of 2024 and involved 162 adolescents aged 15-19 years (mean age: 17.8 ± 0.41 years) who were classified into special medical groups based on preventive health examinations. Dietary data were collected using the World Health Organization-recommended 24-h recall method, and nutrient intake was assessed against national dietary recommendations and Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization standards. RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated that adolescents in special medical groups had significantly reduced daily caloric intake (p<0.001) and an imbalanced macronutrient profile, characterized by excessive consumption of animal fats and simple carbohydrates alongside insufficient intake of polysaccharides and dietary fiber. Widespread deficiencies in essential micronutrients were observed, particularly in vitamins A, D, B1, B6, B9, C, and E, as well as calcium, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. These nutritional inadequacies were closely associated with reduced physical endurance, increased fatigue, and lower academic and physical performance, underscoring the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the necessity of dietary interventions and tailored physical activity programs to enhance the overall health and functional capacity of adolescents requiring specialized medical supervision.
Ranta JPJ, Kaltiala R, Kraav SL
… +5 more, Therman S, Kekkonen V, Kivimäki P, Kajavuori P, Tolmunen T
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40980965
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate three key areas: firstly, to determine the prevalence of youth who identify as transgender within the adolescent psychiatric population. Secondly, we sought to examine the prevalence a...OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate three key areas: firstly, to determine the prevalence of youth who identify as transgender within the adolescent psychiatric population. Secondly, we sought to examine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety disorders among transgender-identifying individuals in comparison to cisgender-identifying individuals. Finally, we explored the potential correlations between perceived gender incongruence and depression and anxiety disorders. METHODS: We compared transgender-identifying and cisgender-identifying adolescents in a sample of youth referred to Kuopio University Hospital's outpatient psychiatric clinic in Finland (total n=746). The data were gathered from self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured diagnostic interviews. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-IA) and anxiety levels were measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). Among other measures the participants were asked if they identified as transgender. Of those who responded in the affirmative to this question, further enquiry was made into the extent to which they perceived incongruence to their body. RESULTS: The prevalence of participants self-identifying as transgender was 11.3 % (n=74). Compared to their cisgender-identifying peers, these individuals exhibited higher mean scores on the BDI and GAD-7 scales, with effect sizes being small. Furthermore, adolescents who identified as transgender did not have a higher rate of anxiety or depressive disorder diagnoses compared to their cisgender peers. A sex difference was observed among cisgender-identifying individuals, with female participants demonstrating higher mean scores on both the BDI and GAD-7 scales. However, no such difference was observed among transgender-identifying participants. No significant correlations were found between levels of perceived gender incongruence and BDI and GAD-7 scales. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescent psychiatric patients, depression and anxiety are equally common among transgender and cisgender identifying youth and not related to perceived strength of gender incongruence. Psychiatric treatment must be provided as appropriate regardless of gender identity experience.
Oka GA, Deshmukh K, Halder P
… +2 more, Ilanchoorian D, Gandhi AP
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40980898
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Pranayama has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential therapeutic effects on mental and physical health. However, a lack of age-specific synthesis of its efficacy, especially among...BACKGROUND: Pranayama has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential therapeutic effects on mental and physical health. However, a lack of age-specific synthesis of its efficacy, especially among adolescents, highlights the need for focused evaluation in this population. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze (SRMA) the effectiveness of pranayama in reducing stress and anxiety in adolescents. METHODS: A systematic search was done on four databases, namely, the Cochrane Library, Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Web of Science, for articles published between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2024. Independent screening of the articles was done by two reviewers, and duplicates were removed using NESTED Knowledge. Quality assessment of the studies was done using Cochrane and the JBI tools. A meta-analysis was undertaken in "Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA)" software, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I statistic. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this SRMA of which 11 were RCTs and 7 were quasi-experimental studies. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) was -1.166 [95 % CI: -1.979 to -0.353], indicating a moderate effect on stress reduction in favor of deep breathing. GRADE assessment revealed very low certainty of evidence due to serious concerns in the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision domains. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating pranayama into adolescents' daily lives can help reduce their anxiety and stress levels. Rigorous research is required to generate good quality scientific evidence in this field.
Narayanan Pp S, Murugan A, Ramakrishnan J
… +3 more, Rajan Parasuraman Udayakumar K, Raj L R, Thulasingam M
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40975893
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. To reduce its incidence, the government is set to roll out a Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescent girls. OBJECTIVES: To...BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. To reduce its incidence, the government is set to roll out a Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescent girls. OBJECTIVES: To find the association between risk perception, self-efficacy, vaccine response efficacy and willingness to vaccinate adolescents (9-18 years) against HPV and to explore factors associated with willingness for vaccination among adolescent girls, their parents and healthcare workers. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted among parents of adolescent girls aged 9-18 using multistage simple random sampling in Puducherry. After a brief education session, a self-developed and validated questionnaire was used to assess perceived risk, self-efficacy, vaccine response efficacy and willingness for HPV vaccination. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Out of 388 participants, majority (78.1 %) had heard of cervical cancer, and 6.2 % were aware of HPV infection. Of the participants, 44.8 % (95 % CI: 39.9-49.8 %) had a high perceived risk, 49 % (95 % CI: 44.0-53.9 %) had low self-efficacy, and 70.9 % (95 % CI: 66.2-75.2 %) believed in high vaccine response efficacy. Additionally, 91.5 % of participants were willing to vaccinate under a universal immunisation schedule, and only 44.1 % from private providers. Participants who were willing to vaccinate had a higher risk perception of HPV infection and cervical cancers, high belief in vaccines and low self-efficacy in their own health (p<0.001) compared to those who were not willing for HPV vaccination.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2026 Feb · PMID 40966852
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding anaemia and to find out health-seeking behaviour about anaemia among school going adolescent girls. METHODS: A community based cross-sectiona...OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding anaemia and to find out health-seeking behaviour about anaemia among school going adolescent girls. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 300 adolescent schoolgirls. RESULTS: The present study observed that the maximum proportion of the study participants were in the age group of 17-19 years 173 (57.7 %), followed by 14-16 years 113 (37.7 %), and 10-13 years of age group were 14 (4.6 %). The maximum proportion of the study participants were from General Category 135 (45 %), followed by OBC Category 83 (27.7 %), and SC/ST Category 82 (27.3 %). The majority of the fathers of study participants were literate (approx. 85 %). Illiteracy was present only in 46 (15.33 %), education level up to primary was 101 (33.67 %), middle 56 (18.67 %), secondary 43 (14.33 %). CONCLUSIONS: Rural adolescent girls are prone to anaemia there was adequate knowledge but moderate attitude and inadequate practiceEducation level of participants, mother's education level, and socio-economic status had a major influence on the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding anaemia.
Cardenas Fujita LS, Navarro Mariscal AA, Colunga Rodríguez C
… +1 more, Castellanos Martin HD
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40762958
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument that measures the main risk behaviors in adolescence. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases: first, the development of the instrument...OBJECTIVES: Develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument that measures the main risk behaviors in adolescence. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases: first, the development of the instrument through content validation with experts in the field, and then a second phase was conducted with a cross-sectional design and non-probabilistic sampling for psychometric purposes. The sample consisted of a total of 100 adolescents with an age range of 12-17 years, recruited from a tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico. The participants who gave their consent to participate in the study answered the developed instrument. RESULTS: In total, 72 % were women, with age (x̄ 14.4). The final version of the questionnaire on risk behaviors in adolescents consisted of three dimensions: high prevalence, dissocial, accidents; and 12 items, with a Likert-type rating, whose answers are equivalent to a value of 0 for no risk, one for low risk and two for moderate risk, obtaining adequate content validity by the experts. The instrument as a scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.79) and as a dichotomous questionnaire KR-20 0.76. The exploratory factor analysis obtained three components, which together explained 56.9 % of the total variance; KMO 0.76 and Bartlett's sphericity test p 0.001. The confirmatory factor analysis supports the proposed model with at least five adequate fit indices (RMSEA 0.042, CFI 0.95, TLI 0.93, X/gl 1.17). CONCLUSIONS: The adolescent risk behavior questionnaire (Cuestionario de Conductas de Riesgo en la Adolescencia, CCRAC) is a spanish, brief, freely usable instrument that is easy to apply in multiple settings. Its psychometric characteristics make it reliable and valid for screening behaviors with potential negative consequences for health in clinical contexts.
Hasib Joarder MA, Saha P, Chakraborty S
… +7 more, Akter K, Amir S, Chowdhury MR, Dowllah IM, Alam UK, Jai Maug AK, Alam MM
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40758943
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis is a global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting adolescents in low-and middle-income countries. Malnutrition worsens immune function, delays recovery and increases the risk of t...OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis is a global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting adolescents in low-and middle-income countries. Malnutrition worsens immune function, delays recovery and increases the risk of treatment failure in Tuberculosis patients. The objectives of this study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescents undergoing TB treatment in urban Bangladesh and identify the determinants of malnutrition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, among 339 adolescents receiving Tuberculosis treatment in five hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nutritional status was primarily assessed by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Anthropometric data were collected to calculate BMI-for-age and height-for-age z-scores to verify nutritional status. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe malnutrition was 14.2 % and another 41.6 % were found moderately malnourished in PG-SGA. The z-scores also showed 14.2 % had severe malnutrition and 21.2 % had moderate malnutrition. The mean BMI was 17.89, with 59.3 % of participants underweight and 63.7 % experiencing some degree of stunting. Eating difficulties, particularly appetite loss, were reported by 45.4 % of adolescents. While 52.8 % received some nutrition-related information, only 1.8 % received comprehensive nutritional care. Logistic regression identified significant predictors of malnutrition, including female gender (AOR=0.51, p=0.01), presence of major comorbidities (AOR=3.67, p=0.01), eating difficulties (AOR=3.41, p<0.01), Type I Tuberculosis (AOR=2.57, p<0.01), and less than four meals (AOR=2.69, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both PG-SGA and anthropometric indicators revealed significant nutritional deficits. Integrated nutritional support and management of comorbidities should be prioritized alongside Tuberculosis care to improve treatment outcomes.
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40737537
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Adolescent knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Indonesia is low and moderate. This study aims to determine the influence of peer mentorship on improving adolescents' knowledge and attitude...OBJECTIVES: Adolescent knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Indonesia is low and moderate. This study aims to determine the influence of peer mentorship on improving adolescents' knowledge and attitudes about SRH. METHODS: This study uses a quasi-experimental pre- and post-test with a control group design. The population is adolescents in high school, aged 15-19. Eight students were selected as volunteers to be trained by professionals as mentors. The sample was selected using a proportional random sampling technique, with 91 students in each group. Peer mentoring was carried out for three months with 12 meetings. A questionnaire measured knowledge and attitudes before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The majority of respondents were women (57.1 %) and men (42.9 %), with the most common age being 17 years old (29.7 %). There was no difference between the characteristics of the respondents and the variables studied. Respondents' knowledge level increased in the high category after the intervention from 67 to 95.6 %; positive attitudes increased from 48.4 to 51.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Peer mentoring interventions significantly influenced respondents' knowledge. The peer mentoring approach effectively increases adolescents' knowledge and attitudes. It is recommended that this assistance become a school program.
Kılıç B, Nalbant K, Ünal D
… +5 more, Esen Öksüzoğlu M, Devecioğlu HB, Saruhan K, Ergül B, Çelik YS
Int J Adolesc Med Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40705993
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of specific learning disorder (SLD) on quality of life, expressed emotion, and clinical features in adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorde...OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of specific learning disorder (SLD) on quality of life, expressed emotion, and clinical features in adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: A total of 35 adolescents participated in the study, 15 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD alone, while 20 were diagnosed with both ADHD and SLD. The adolescents completed the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI), the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Parents filled out the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)-Proxy Report, the Expressed Emotion Scale (EES), and the Conners Parent Rating Scale-48 (CPRS-48). RESULTS: According to the children's self-reports, the ADHD+SLD group showed significantly lower physical health-related quality of life and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to their peers. However, based on parental reports, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the children's quality of life or the levels of expressed emotion among parents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with ADHD+SLD tend to perceive their physical health-related quality of life as lower. Therefore, it is crucial to identify this issue early and implement appropriate interventions.