Associations between left-behind children's characteristics and psychological symptoms: a cross-sectional study from China.

BACKGROUND: Parent-child separation poses a significant challenge for left-behind children (LBC). However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the correlation between left-behind characteristics and the psychological symptoms of LBC. This study investigated psychological symptoms among LBC and explored associations between left-behind characteristics and those symptoms. METHODS: Using stratified cluster sampling, 1,832 LBC aged 13-18 years from three cities in East China were selected for analysis. Participants' depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the General Anxiety Disorder 7, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in detection rates of psychological symptoms among LBC in different groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to infer associations between left-behind characteristics and psychological symptoms. RESULTS: Depression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 32.86% and 33.24%, respectively, of participating LBC. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in detection rates of depression symptoms by sex, grade, and timing of parent-child separation. Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety symptom rates by sex, grade, type of caregiver, and timing of mother-child separation. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between LBC's anxiety symptoms and mother-child separation that occurred during post-primary school, and type of caregiver (father only or mother only). Our findings confirm a positive association between left-behind characteristics and anxiety symptoms among LBC. CONCLUSION: The timing of mother-child separation and type of caregiver are potential risk factors for the development of anxiety symptoms in this population.

Association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency and muscle strength: results from a sample of Chinese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Although sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has become an important and widespread concern, there are few studies on the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency and muscle strength in Chinese adolescents. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency and muscle strength in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: A stratified whole-group sampling method was used to survey 25,893 adolescents aged 13-15 years old in China for sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency and muscle strength for grip strength and standing long jump. The subjects' basic information, body mass index (BMI), and covariates were investigated. The association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency and muscle strength was analyzed by multivariate logisitc regression analysis. RESULTS: The proportions of Chinese adolescents who consumed sugar-sweetened beverage ≥ 3 times/week, 1-2 times/week, and < 1 time/week were 12.23%, 52.79%, and 34.98%, respectively. The differences in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency were statistically significant when compared across gender, parental education, duration of physical activity, snacks, and mode of commuting to school (χ2 values = 228.570, 51.422, 275.552, 3165.656, 10.988, P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that overall Chinese adolescents with sugary drinks 1-2 times/week (OR = 1.207, 95% CI:1.132-1.287) and sugary drinks ≥ 3 times/week (OR = 1.771, 95% CI:1.611-1.947) were associated with lower muscle strength compared to sugary drinks < 1 time/week showed a positive association (P < 0.01). The same trend was found for boys and girls. CONCLUSION: Chinese adolescents' sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is common, and high-frequency sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with lower muscle strength. In the future, we should control the use of sugar-sweetened beverages and increase muscular strength training in Chinese adolescents to promote healthy growth.

Association of Soyfoods or Soybean Products Consumption with Psychological Symptoms: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study of Chinese University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

There is a strong association between soyfoods or soybean product consumption and adolescent health, but there are few studies on the association between soyfoods or soybean product consumption and psychological symptoms among university students. To this end, this study investigated the association between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese university students and analyzed the association between them. A three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method was used to administer questionnaires on soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms to 7742 university students in China. Self-assessment questionnaires were also administered to confounding variables such as basic demographic information, family status, parental education, body mass index (BMI), and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the association and differences between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms. The proportion of Chinese university students' soyfoods or soybean products consumption in ≤one time/week, two-four times/week, and ≥five times/week were 38.81%, 40.24%, and 20.95%, respectively. University students' psychological symptoms problem detection rate was 16.22%. The detection rate of psychological symptoms was lower among university male students (14.75%) than female students (17.35%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 9.525, p < 0.01). After adjusting for relevant covariates, students with soyfoods or soybean products consumption ≤one time/week (OR = 1.83, 95% CI:1.52, 2.21) had a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to university students with soyfoods or soybean products consumption ≥five time/week (p < 0.01). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese university students had lower consumption of soyfoods or soybean products and a higher detection rate of psychological symptoms. There was a negative association between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms. Our study provides a scientific reference for the government and educational decision-making authorities and suggests that education on eating behavior and dietary guidance should be emphasized among university students in the future to maintain a reasonable consumption of soyfoods or soybean products for better physical and mental health development.

Correlations between muscle strength and psychological health in Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Studies indicate that muscle strength is associated with good mental health. However, it remains unclear whether muscle strength is directly correlated with psychological symptoms in Chinese adolescents. Given the declining muscle strength and worrying mental health status of Chinese adolescents, the present study aimed to estimate the correlation between muscle strength and psychological symptoms as well as explore the gender differences in those correlations in Chinese adolescents. Method: From April to July 2018, a total of 14,344 Chinese adolescents from eight provinces were selected using a stratified clustered sampling method. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents (MSQA), a verified and validated questionnaire that assesses three psychological areas: emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and social adaptation difficulties. Muscle strength was assessed using grip strength, sit-ups, and standing long jump. The Chi-square test was used to compare the detection rates of the different categories of psychological symptoms. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations between muscle strength and psychological symptoms and explore the gender differences in those correlations in Chinese adolescents. Results: In general, the detection rate of psychological symptoms for Chinese adolescents was 21.39%. Males had a higher detection rate of psychological symptoms (22.12%) than females (20.66%, p < 0.05). Psychological symptoms were present in significantly fewer Chinese adolescents with a muscle strength index >P75 (19.26%) than among Chinese adolescents with a muscle strength index ≤P25 (23.00%) (χ2 = 23.417, p < 0.01). Compared with females, the OR values for males in most groups were over one (OR = 1.04-1.43), indicating that males have a higher risk of psychological symptoms than females. Conclusions: The psychological symptom detection rate of Chinese adolescents is correlated with muscle strength. Psychological symptoms were more correlated to muscle strength in males than in females. The significance of the present study lies in the important insights for integrated mental and physical fitness intervention strategies that promote muscle strength and psychological symptoms simultaneously.

Association between Physical Fitness Index and Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Children and Adolescents.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between different physical fitness indices (PFIs) and psychological symptoms and each dimension (emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, social adaptation difficulties) of Chinese children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 7199 children and adolescents aged 13−18 in Jiangxi Province, China, were tested for grip strength, standing long jump, sit-ups, sit and reach, repeated straddling, 50 m run, 20 m shuttle run test (20 m SRT) items. The physical fitness indicators were standardized, converted to Z score and added up to obtain the PFI, and the self-assessment of the psychological section of the multidimensional sub-health questionnaire of adolescents (MSQA) to test the psychological symptoms, using the chi-square test to determine the psychological symptoms of different types of children and adolescents and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the association between psychological symptoms and different PFI grades. Results: The higher the PFI of Chinese children and adolescents, the lower the detection rate of psychological symptoms, emotional symptoms and social adaptation difficulties, from 25.0% to 18.4%, 31.3% to 25.7% and 20.1% to 14.4%, respectively. These results were statistically significant (χ2 = 14.073, 9.332, 12.183, p < 0.05). Taking the high-grade PFI as a reference, binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Generally, compared with the high-grade PFI, children and adolescents with a low-grade PFI (OR = 1.476, 95% CI: 1.200−1.814) or medium-grade PFI (OR = 1.195, 95% CI: 1.010−1.413) had a higher risk of psychological symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The lower the PFI of Chinese children and adolescents, the higher the detection rate of psychological symptoms, showing a negative correlation. In the future, measures should be taken to improve the physical fitness level of children and adolescents in order to reduce the incidence of psychological symptoms and promote the healthy development of children and adolescents.

Associations between Physical Fitness Index and Body Mass Index in Tibetan Children and Adolescents in Different High-Altitude Areas: Based on a Study in Tibet, China.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between physical fitness index (PFI) and body mass index (BMI) of Tibetan children and adolescents in different high-altitude areas in Tibet, China. Methods: Using the stratified cluster sampling method, 3819 Tibetan children and adolescents from three different high-altitude areas including Nyingchi, Lhasa and Nagqu in the Tibet area of China were given grip strength, standing long jump, sitting forward bend, 50 m running and endurance running tests. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the physical fitness index in different high-altitude areas. In addition, the method of curve regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between PFI and BMI. Results: In general, the level of PFI in Nagqu, Tibet, China was lower than that in Nyingchi and Lhasa, and the levels of girls were generally lower than those of boys. The proportions of malnourished, normal, overweight and obese Tibetan boys in high-altitude areas were 11.8%, 79.7%, and 8.5%; those of girls were 3.3%, 82.3%, and 14.4%, respectively. The curve regression analysis showed that the model fitting of male Nyingchi, Lhasa, Nagqu and female Nyingchi, Lhasa, Nagqu were all significant (F values were 29.697, 34.709, 37.500, 9.123, 9.785, 6.939, p < 0.01). The relationship between BMI and PFI generally showed an inverted "U" curve relationship. Conclusion: The negative impact of overweight and obesity on physical fitness of Tibetan boys in high-altitude areas is significantly higher than that of girls, and the negative impact of overweight and obesity on physical fitness of boys in Lhasa and Nyingchi area is more significant than that in the Nagqu area. In the future, attention should be paid to Lhasa and the occurrence of overweight and obesity among Tibetan boys in Nyingchi area in order to prevent the sharp decline of physical fitness and promote the physical and mental development of Tibetan children and adolescents in high-altitude areas.

Association between mental health and executive dysfunction and the moderating effect of urban-rural subpopulation in general adolescents from Shangrao, China: a population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between mental health and executive dysfunction in general adolescents, and to identify whether home residence and school location would moderate that association. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: A subsample of the Shanghai Children's Health, Education, and Lifestyle Evaluation-Adolescents project. 16 sampled schools in Shangrao city located in downstream Yangtze River in southeast China (December 2018). PARTICIPANTS: 1895 adolescents (48.8% male) which were divided into three subpopulations: (A) adolescents who have urban hukou (ie, household registration in China) and attend urban schools (UU, n=292); (B) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend urban schools (RU, n=819) and (C) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend rural schools (RR, n=784). MEASURES: The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess adolescent mental health symptoms, and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (parent form) was applied to measure adolescent executive dysfunction in nature setting. RESULTS: Mental health symptoms were common (depression: 25.2%, anxiety: 53.0%, stress: 19.7%) in our sample, and the prevalence rates were lower among UU adolescents than those among the RR and RU, with intersubgroup differences in screen exposure time explaining most of the variance. We found the three types of symptoms were strongly associated with executive dysfunction in general adolescents. We also observed a marginal moderating effect of urban-rural subgroup on the associations: UU adolescents with depression (OR 6.74, 95% CI 3.75 to 12.12) and anxiety (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.86 to 16.66) had a higher executive dysfunction risk when compared with RR youths with depression (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 4.12) and anxiety (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.33), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rural adolescents experienced more mental health symptoms, whereas urban individuals with mental health problems had a higher executive dysfunction risk.

Compared With Girls, Boys' Psychological Symptoms Are More Likely to Be Influenced by Lifestyle in Chinese Middle School Students.

Purpose: To explore the relationship between Chinese middle school students' lifestyles and psychological symptoms and compare the differences between genders. Method: Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 14,356 students aged 13-18 years from 8 cities in China were selected as participants. The Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents was used to estimate psychological symptoms. Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between lifestyle and psychological symptoms. Results: The psychological symptom detection rate of Chinese middle school students was 21.37%. The detection rate of psychological symptoms for boys was 22.1%, which was significantly higher than for girls (20.64%, χ2 = 4.608, P < 0.05). According to the Logistic regression analysis, factors that have a positive correlation with the demonstration of psychological symptoms (P < 0.01) include: how the students go to school (by foot or on the vehicle) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07-1.25); inadequate time for sleep (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.28-1.72); video watching time ≥2 h/d (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.39); never exercise (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.07-2.76); never participate in extracurricular exercises (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.27-1.66); have breakfast occasionally (OR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.22-1.50); never have breakfast (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.62-2.24); always have snacks (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13-1.44); always drink sugared beverages (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22-1.55); picky with food occasionally (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.33). Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between unhealthy lifestyle and the occurrence of psychological symptoms, and boys are more easily influenced by lifestyles than girls.

Comparison of the status of overweight/obesity among the youth of local Shanghai, young rural-to-urban migrants and immigrant origin areas.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in adolescents and children has become a global public health problem and lots of factors influence the status of obesity and overweight. The present study aims to compare the health-related factors which could influence the obesity in Chinese children and adolescents in three different groups which including the local developed city group, rural-to-urban migrants group and immigrants origin areas group. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study consisted of 2457 children and adolescents aged 7-10 years old including 914 rural-to-urban migrants subjects, 795 local Shanghai subjects and 748 from immigrant origin areas. Physique measurements and self-reported information on health-related factors, such as physical activities, dietary habits, socio-economic factors such as family income, sleep habits, etc. were collected by questionnaire. SPSS16.0 was used in the analysis. RESULTS: Mean level of body height, body weight and sitting height were different among the three groups, local youth group was higher in all the indexes than the other two groups. Grip for both hands were higher in local group also, while the heart rate was lowest in rural-to-ruban migrants group. The mean BMI in three groups showed significant difference, highest for local group. Higher SBP level was found in city and rural-to-urban migrants group also. However, no difference of DBP between groups was detected. The distribution of pre-hypertension and hypertension in three groups were significantly different and the distribution of overweight and obesity between genders in all three groups were different. The prevalence of overweight was 19.04% in rural-to-urban migrants group (19.92% for male and 17.64% for female), 28.21% for city group (35.64% for male and 20.72% for female); while no overweight or obesity subjects were found in immigrant origin areas group in this study. When compared the overweight and obesity prevalence between city group and rural-to-urban migrants, we found the overweight was more common in the local youth group. Univariable Logistic regression analysis and multivariable analysis results suggested that the more rice intake, higher family income and SBP higher than 140 mmHg were risk factors to obesity for rural-to-ruban migrants, while good dietary habits (no TV watching during meals) was preventive factor to obesity and SBP higher than 120 mmHg and unsocial factor were associated with obesity for rural-to-urban migrants. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed the prevalence of overweight and obesity in developed city children and adolescents and rural-to-urban migrants were relatively high, especially more common in local population and male gender. Lifestyle, dietary and psychological factors offered important contribution in increasing or decreasing the risk of obesity.

Sports-induced blood sugar utilization prevents development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor of extremely high lethality in humans. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is the predominant precancerous lesion for PDAC and is frequently detected in the normal and inflamed pancreas. However, only a few of PanIN eventually progress into PDAC. Thus, understanding of the regulation of PanIN-to-PDAC conversion appears to be critical for prevention of the occurrence of PDAC. Here, we evaluated the effect of sports on the progression of PanIN into PDAC in an established mouse PDAC model (Ptf1a-Cre; K-ras fx/fx). We found that swimming (3 min twice per day) since 12 weeks of age significantly decreased the incidence of the development of PDAC in these PanIN-baring mice at 24 weeks of age. Moreover, swimming significantly decreased fasting blood sugar and improved glucose response in these mice, compared to the control. Furthermore, implantation of insulin pellets into the mice not only reduced fasting blood sugar and improved glucose response, but also significantly reduced the incidence of development of PDAC, which mimicked the effect of swimming. Taken together, our study suggests that sports-induced blood sugar utilization may prevent development of PDAC.