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BACKGROUND: Despite regular consultation between adolescents/young adults (AYA) and their physicians, they are not regularly screened for psychosocial risk behaviours. This study examines physicians' self-reported psychosocial risk behaviour screening in AYA. It aims to highlight which elements hinder or improve screening abilities. METHODOLOGY: The design was a cross-sectional quantitative survey. Data were obtained through a self-reported questionnaire sent out to primary care physicians (PCP) in Switzerland in 2018. The target population consisted of 1,824 PCP (29% response rate). Participants were asked whether they screened youths from 3 age groups [10-14 y/o, 15-20 y/o, and 21-25y/o] for the HEEADSSS items during child well visits and routine checkups. Barriers to screening included primary consultation motive prioritization, insufficient time, patient compliance, reimbursement, lack of skills related to adolescent health, lack of referral options. Data were analysed first through a bivariate analysis using Chi-square tests then through a multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The majority of physicians partook in preventive screening for 3-5 psychosocial risk elements. They reported the primary consultation motive as well as a lack of available time as having a high impact on their screening habits. Physician's experience and having discussed confidentiality were related to an increase in the number of topics addressed. Confidentiality remained a significant variable throughout all analyses. CONCLUSION: Barriers such as lack of consultation time and prioritization issues were found by physicians to be critical but did not hinder screening habits. The main element impacting screening habits was assuring confidentiality and the second is self-efficacy.
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Médicos de Atención Primaria , Médicos , Adolescente , Niño , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Atención Primaria de Salud , Asunción de Riesgos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto Joven , AdultoRESUMEN
This study explores the characteristics of young female and male adults (mean age 26.3 years) reporting a low sexual desire. A 2017 Swiss national survey was carried out among young adults. Participants were divided into two groups based on their level of sexual desire: Low and High. Overall, 17.2% of females and 5.7% of males reported a low sexual desire. At the multivariate level, compared to females in the High group, females in the Low group had higher odds of being dissatisfied with their social life and with their sexual life in the past 4 weeks, having no current relationship and having accepted several times sexual intercourse without really wanting. Compared to males in the High group, males in the Low group had higher odds of reporting a non-heterosexual attraction (trend), having no current relationship and having accepted several times sexual intercourse without really wanting. The prevailing idea that young people, particularly males, always have high levels of sexual desire may not be accurate and warrants further consideration. These results show that sexual desire encompasses social aspects and underscore importance of addressing how stereotypes and social norms may influence our sexuality.
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Digital media and screens are ubiquitous in the daily lives of adolescents. The screen-addicted portrait of young people has gained public attention, and health professionals are often consulted about the impact of screen use on teenagers' physical and mental health. Scientific evidence suggests that screen use is associated with risks and benefits that need to be weighed up in a nuanced way. This paper takes a critical look at the issue of screen time and at the models for understanding a problematic screen use. These considerations underline the importance of adopting a contextual understanding of screen use in adolescence.
Les médias numériques sont omniprésents dans la vie quotidienne des adolescent-es. La figure de l'adolescent-e « addict-e ¼ aux écrans est devenue un sujet de préoccupation dans l'opinion publique et il est fréquent que les professionnel-les de la santé soient sollicité-es pour répondre aux interrogations sur l'impact de l'utilisation des écrans sur la santé mentale et physique des jeunes. Les données scientifiques indiquent que l'usage des écrans est associé à des risques et des bénéfices qu'il s'agit d'évaluer de manière nuancée. Dans cet article, nous discutons en particulier et de façon critique du temps d'écran et des modèles de compréhension de l'usage problématique de celui-ci. Ces réflexions nous amènent à souligner l'importance d'adopter une compréhension contextualisée de cet usage à l'adolescence.
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Conducta del Adolescente , Internet , Humanos , Adolescente , Salud Mental , Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Tiempo de Pantalla , Examen FísicoRESUMEN
Background: Youth alcohol use and misuse lead to adverse outcomes. However, the literature has not always associated complete abstinence with better health. Since recent literature indicates an increased proportion of young abstainers, the aim of this paper is to review the studies investigating this upward trend and the factors associated with it, such as socio-demographics, school performance, social life, physical and mental health, and parental influence. Methods: Different databases were searched and appropriated terms were used. Given that the trend has only emerged in recent years, the review was limited to papers published since 2000. A total of 970 papers were returned and 10 were retained for the present review. Results: All papers covered by the review acknowledge the existence of a new significant trend resulting in more young people in developed countries who are choosing to abstain completely from drinking alcohol. They are in good physical and mental health and perform better at school than their drinking peers. The quality of their social life, albeit slightly more limited than that of their drinking peers, appeared to be good. Conclusion: Young alcohol abstainers represent a group situated at the beginning of a continuum of alcohol consumption, they do well and are not very different from light drinkers. Alcohol abstinence at young age does not seem to have any downsides and should therefore be generally advised. To further promote such behavior, measures to encourage parental monitoring and more generous public expenditure on health services and family benefits should be encouraged.
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Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Etanol , Adolescente , Humanos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/psicología , Salud Mental , Abstinencia de AlcoholRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: One of the main concerns of parents is the amount of screen time of their teenagers, and most of them try to set rules about it. The objective of this exploratory study was to compare whether parents' rules changed during confinement and whether these changes were successful. METHODS: We studied a group of parents (N = 47) of 13-year-olds in Switzerland surveyed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Most parents (83%) indicated that screen-time rules for their teens had changed during containment, mainly to be less strict. Although only a minority of parents were successful in defining screen-time spaces or schedules for their teenagers, almost three out of four were successful when they encouraged non-screen-based activities. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study reveals that, during containment, parents decided to be less strict with their teens' screen-time use even though it remained their main worry. However, it also suggests that when activities non-involving screens are proposed, teens are likely to participate. These results seem to indicate that reducing screen time is not a matter of imposing restrictions but, rather, of proposing alternatives. Finally, further research is warranted to assess whether these changes in screen-time use are exceptional or here to stay.
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Conducta del Adolescente , COVID-19 , Humanos , Adolescente , Pandemias/prevención & control , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Padres , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Understanding risky sexual behaviors among adolescents is key in efforts devoted to reducing the health burden related to sexually transmitted infections and unintended or unplanned pregnancies. The aims of this study were to understand the association between number of lifetime sexual partners and time since sexual debut (TSSD) among adolescents and to determine whether sex modified this association. Data were drawn from the 2018-2019 COMPASS-Quebec study, a cohort study conducted in secondary schools in the province of Quebec, Canada. Of 18,467 respondents aged 14 years and older, 6991 (37.9%; mean age 15.3) reported consensual sexual intercourse and answered questions on their age at sexual initiation and number of lifetime sexual partners. Multilevel Poisson regressions with robust standard errors were estimated to adjust for covariates and produce adjusted group mean differences. The adjusted mean number of lifetime sexual partners ranged from 1.5 for those who had recently begun sexual activity (< 12 months) to 4.0 for those who had been active for > 35 months, an average rise of about 0.6 per year. Females-to-males adjusted mean differences showed that males reported more sexual partners than females at all time points, but the differences were only significant at the shorter (< 12 months) and longer (> 35 months) time spans. This study highlights the importance of taking into account TSSD when using and interpreting the number of lifetime sexual partners as risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Sex did not have a significant modifying effect on the relationship between number of lifetime sexual partners and TSSD.
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Conducta del Adolescente , Salud Sexual , Adolescente , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Embarazo , Asunción de Riesgos , Conducta Sexual , Parejas SexualesRESUMEN
Background The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of youths having ever exchanged sex and to assess if there were differences depending on whether they had done it once or several times. We also investigated what they exchanged sex for and their relationship with the last person they did it with. Methods A cross-sectional national survey was carried out in Switzerland in 2017 among young adults. The 5175 participants (51% males, mean age 26.3years) who answered the question 'Have you ever received something or obtained an advantage in exchange for a sexual act?' were divided into three groups: Never (96.8%), Once (1.5%) and Several (1.7%). Results In the multivariate analysis, compared to the Never group, those in the Once group were significantly more likely to be males, to have a poor mental health, to be non-exclusively heterosexual and to have had 10+ lifetime sexual partners. Those in the Several group reported the same characteristics, but were also more likely to be younger at first sexual contact, to have their parents not living together, to report a lower socioeconomic status and a history of sexual abuse, and to have ever sent sexual images/videos of themselves. They were also less satisfied with their financial situation. Conclusions Results indicate that transactional sex is a reality for some youths in Switzerland, and health professionals dealing with them should include this question in their sexual anamnesis. From a public health perspective, sexual education and prevention campaigns should include this phenomenon.
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Delitos Sexuales , Conducta Sexual , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Parejas Sexuales/psicología , Suiza/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Emergency contraception (EC) access was liberalised in 2002 in Switzerland by making it accessible in pharmacies without medical prescription. However, its dispensation still requires a confidential interview with a pharmacist. This qualitative study aims to explore experiences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) females who have gone to a pharmacy in order to obtain EC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty interviews were conducted from April to August 2019 with females aged between 15 and 25 years old at the interview. Inclusion criteria was to have requested at least one EC in a pharmacy between 2014 and 2019. A thematic content analysis was performed to extract themes brought up by the participants. RESULTS: Some participants reported that the most difficult moment in the process was the request at the counter. The majority of participants were escorted in a private back room but opinions were divided regarding this isolation. Experiences were sometimes negative due to lack of information and knowledge regarding the dispensation process. The interview also has also a preventive aim, but the information given during it often focussed solely on the risk of vomiting. Several participants reported having perceived or received moral judgements from pharmacists. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists are key resources and EC dispensation an opportunity for sexual health. This exploratory study presents several elements requiring the adaptation of practices in order to prevent them from becoming barriers for AYA to access EC. Concerns are regularly expressed by young women about privacy, embarrassment and judgement in the pharmacy context regarding contraception.
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Anticoncepción Postcoital , Farmacias , Adolescente , Adulto , Conducta Anticonceptiva , Femenino , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Farmacéuticos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Background Studies on virgins remain scarce. This study explores the characteristics of virgin young adults, the reasons for remaining virgin, and its potential social and health implications. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2017 Swiss study on sexual health and behaviour among young adults. A total of 5175 participants (mean age 26 years ± 0.01) were divided into virgins and non-virgins. Virginity was defined as never having had a sexual partner, defined as a person with whom the participant has had sexual contact with or without penetration. RESULTS: A total of 275 (5.3% (95% CI: 4.7-6.0), 58% males) were virgins. Virgins had higher odds of being male (aOR: 2.27 (95% CI: 1.62-3.17)) and reporting poorer health (1.43 (1.07-1.92)). They had lower odds of living on their own (0.24 (0.18-0.32)), being satisfied with their social life (0.78 (0.72-0.85)), having experimented with substances (e.g. drunkenness, 0.27 (0.19-0.67)) and having used online dating (0.52 (0.26-1.12)) or pornography (0.67 (0.42-0.94)). The main reason for remaining virgin was 'I have not found the right person' for females, and 'I have not had the occasion' for males. CONCLUSIONS: Among young adults, 1 in 20 is a virgin. Virgins do not seem to have gone through the usual experimentations of adolescence, are less socially driven and reported more health challenges. The main reason for remaining a virgin reveals gender-stereotyped responses. Sexual inactivity among young adults should be considered by health professionals to ensure the absence of distress and open discussion for potential questions.
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Abstinencia Sexual , Conducta Sexual , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Identidad de Género , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Adolescence and early adulthood are periods of experimentation during which health detrimental behaviours might be acquired. OBJECTIVE: This study's purpose is to evaluate physicians' likelihood of addressing health risk behaviours with youths depending on the youths' wishes, risk behaviours and personal characteristics. METHODS: Data were drawn from the third wave (2017-18) of the GenerationFRee longitudinal study carried out on a sample of 1970 youths aged 17-26 in Switzerland. Analysed risk behaviours were: eating disorders, substance use, emotional wellbeing, problematic Internet use and gambling. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs). RESULTS: Physicians discussed most risk behaviours with less than half of the youths. The odds of addressing risk behaviours were seldom raised when the risk behaviour was present, or when the youth wished to discuss it. Emotional wellbeing was addressed with half as many males as females (aOR 0.47), and drugs were found to be addressed more frequently with youths reporting a low family socio-economic status (aOR 6.18). When a risk behaviour is addressed it is mostly alongside an extended screening. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the low levels of health risk behaviours screening, regardless of the youths' wish to discuss the topic with their physician. Despite the low levels, physicians do tend to screen systematically, especially when discussing substance use. There is a need to improve physicians training in risk behaviour screening and counselling in order to increase this practice.
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Médicos de Atención Primaria , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Tamizaje Masivo , Asunción de Riesgos , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/diagnóstico , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Background:One of the possible negative consequences of sexting is the non-consensual sharing of received-intimate content. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and motives of youths who shared received-intimate images without consent. Methods: Data were obtained from a self-administrated Swiss survey on sexual behaviours among young adults (aged 24-26 years). Out of the 7142 participants, 5175 responded to the question 'Have you ever shared (forwarding or showing) a sexy photograph/video of someone else (known or unknown) without consent'?; 85% had never shared (Never), 6% had shared once (Once) and 9% had shared several times (Several). Data are presented as relative risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Participants who had shared received-intimate content without consent had higher odds of being male [2.73 (2.14-3.47)], foreign-born [1.45 (1.04-2.03)], reporting a non-heterosexual orientation [1.46 (1.10-1.93)], having sent one's own intimate image [1.76 (1.32-2.34)] and receiving a shared-intimate image of someone unknown [4.56 (3.28-6.36)] or known [2.76 (1.52-5.01)] compared with participants who had never shared. The main reported motivations were for fun (62%), showing off (30%) and failure to realise what they were doing (9%). Conclusions: Given the reported motivations, it appears crucial to remind youths of the seriousness of non-consensual sharing. Although females may also be perpetrators, the behaviour was more prevalent among males. Prevention and education need to consider a broad range of young people in their scenarios. Even if a particular focus on understanding and preventing males' perpetration must be considered, overall perpetration, including female's, must be discussed.
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Background The aims of this research were to determine personal differences depending on the reason for regretting or not first vaginal intercourse and its effects on sexual behaviour later on among young adults, and to assess the association between reasons for engaging in first vaginal intercourse and regretting it. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2017 Swiss national survey on youth sexual behaviours among young adults (mean age 26 years) living in Switzerland. Out of the 7142 participants, 4793 (51% females) answered the question 'Looking back now to the first time you had vaginal intercourse, do you think that ' with five possible answers: (1) I should not have done it (6.7%); (2) I should have waited longer (7.7%); (3) I should have done it earlier (7.4%); (4) It was about the right time (67.9%); and (5) I don't know (10.3%). The five groups were compared on sociodemographic and sex behaviour-related variables, analysed separately by gender. RESULTS: One-third of participants regretted their first experience. In the multivariate analysis, compared with the 'right time' group, all other groups were more likely to find their first experience unpleasant and to have done it with a casual partner. Those in the 'I should not have done it' and 'I should have waited longer' groups were also more likely to have done it because of external pressure, especially among females. CONCLUSIONS: The study results underline the significance to choose the right time and the right partner for first vaginal intercourse and the importance of including partner respect and avoiding external pressure as part of sexual education.
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Coito/psicología , Emociones , Conducta Sexual/psicología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , SuizaRESUMEN
Sexting was originally made public by dramatic consequences involving youths with contents that were disseminated and then used as a base for harassment. Despite a growing public and research interest, there is no consensus regarding its definition and measurements. As part of a larger qualitative study on sexting, we aimed to gather and compare opinions and perceptions of 32 youths (16-21 years) and 29 adults (11 parents and 18 teachers) on how sexting can be defined. Different constituent elements were discussed in terms of knowledge, mediums (text-only, photographs, videos, etc.), characteristics, actions (receiving, sending, disseminating, etc.) and contexts. The knowledge and the use of the term sexting was approximate for several participants. Youths used more suggestive elements in their definition and the vast majority of them defined sexting as an activity that could be positive and respectful between two consenting persons. It is necessary to develop a precise and consensual definition of sexting by separating different dimensions and by using a specific vocabulary according to youth perceptions as their main definition of sexting seems to be different from the one of most adults. Prevention messages should aim to reduce the risks by targeting the problems linked to sexting rather than prohibiting sexting per se. This exploratory study could pave the way for a clearer definition and measurement of sexting.
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Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Conducta Sexual/psicología , Envío de Mensajes de Texto/normas , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Padres , Investigación Cualitativa , Maestros , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Background: Since 2001, a recommendation of no more than 2 h per day of screen time for children 2 years of age or older was adopted in many countries. However, this recommendation was rarely examined empirically. The goal of the present study was to question this recommendation in today's connected world. Methods: We used data from the ado@internet.ch survey (spring 2012), a representative sample of 8th graders in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (n = 2942, 50.6% female). Internet use, health outcomes, substance use, well-being and socio-demographic characteristics were considered. Bi-variate statistical analyses were performed. Results: All outcomes were significantly associated with the time spent on internet, more time being associated with a higher prevalence of adverse consequences. Youth spending on average one more hour on Internet per day than the reference category (1.5-2.5 h) did not differ in terms of adverse health outcomes. Differences began to appear on sleeping problems, tobacco use, alcohol misuse, cannabis use and sport inactivity with youth spending between 3.5 h and 4.5 h per day on internet. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the absence of justification for setting a limit to only 2 h of screen time per day. Significant effects on health seem to appear only beyond 4 h per day and there may be benefits for those who spend less than an hour and a half on internet.
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Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Conducta Adictiva/epidemiología , Guías como Asunto , Internet/normas , Juegos de Video/normas , Adolescente , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Prevalencia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Suiza/epidemiología , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Disordered eating (DE) is known to predominate among girls, and historically studies have focused primarily on them. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the characteristics of adolescent and young adult males at risk of DE. Participants (N = 2269; 15-24 years) in a study assessing their lifestyle were divided into two groups based on the SCOFF five-question screening tool: a SCOFF[+] group for participants at risk of disordered eating, and a SCOFF[-] group for everyone else. SCOFF[+] participants were more likely to be overweight and obese; have a lower socio-economic status and non-Swiss parents; experience weight issues; and report a chronic condition, poorer emotional well-being and a less positive attitude towards life. With 10% of males at risk of DE, clinicians should be aware of their specific characteristics, which should be considered red flags. DE is no longer a female-specific issue.
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Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos/psicología , Obesidad/epidemiología , Sobrepeso/epidemiología , Síntomas Prodrómicos , Adolescente , Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Suiza/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Many studies have shown that the use of electronic media is related to sleep disturbance, but few have examined the impact of smartphones. The objective of this study was to assess longitudinally whether acquiring a smartphone had an effect on adolescents' sleeping duration. The study included 591 adolescents observed at baseline (T0, Spring 2012; mean age 14.3 years, 288 females) and 2 years later (T1). They were divided into owners (those owning a smartphone at T0 and T1; N = 383), new owners (those owning a smartphone at T1 but not at T0; N = 153), and non-owners (those not owning a smartphone at any time-point; N = 55). Groups were compared on sleep duration, sleep problems, and sociodemographic variables. Overall, all three groups decreased their sleeping time between T0 and T1. At T0, owners of a smartphone were found to sleep significantly less than non-owners and new-owners, especially on school days, and to report significantly more sleeping problems. At T1, new-owners and owners showed no differences on sleep duration or sleeping problems. CONCLUSION: The results emphasize that owning a smartphone tends to entail sleep disturbance. Therefore, adolescents and parents should be informed about the potential consequences of smartphone use on sleep and health. What is Known: ⢠The use of electronic media plays an important role in the life of adolescents. ⢠Smartphone use is increasing among young people and allows them to be connected almost anytime anywhere. What is New : ⢠Adolescents owning a smartphone sleep less hours on school days than their peers. ⢠Smartphones seem to have an important impact on youths' sleep duration.
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Propiedad/estadística & datos numéricos , Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia/etiología , Teléfono Inteligente , Adolescente , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Internet , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Clase Social , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
AIM: This study examined whether consuming energy drinks at the age of 14 predicted substance use at 16. METHODS: We followed 621 youths from an area of Switzerland who completed a longitudinal online survey in both 2012 and 2014 when they were 14 and 16 years of age. At 14, participants, who were divided into nonenergy drink users (n = 262), occasional users (n = 183) and regular users (n = 176), reported demographic, health-related and substance use data. Substance use at 16 was assessed through logistic regression using nonusers as the reference group and controlling for significant variables at 14. RESULTS: At the bivariate level, energy drink consumption was associated with substance use at both 14 and 16. Energy drink consumers were also more likely to be male, older, less academic, sleep less on schooldays and live in an urban area. In the multivariate analysis, smokers, alcohol misusers and cannabis users at the age of 16 were significantly more likely to have been regular energy drink users at the age of 14. CONCLUSION: Consuming energy drinks at 14 years of age predicted using legal and illegal substances at 16. Health providers should screen young adolescents for energy drink use and closely monitor weekly users.
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Conducta del Adolescente , Bebidas Energéticas/estadística & datos numéricos , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Privación de Sueño/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/epidemiología , Adolescente , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Comorbilidad , Escolaridad , Bebidas Energéticas/efectos adversos , Femenino , Predicción , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Fumar Marihuana/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Distribución por Sexo , Fumar/epidemiología , Suiza/epidemiología , Salud UrbanaRESUMEN
AIM: To compare the evolution of screen and Internet use by youths between 2012 and 2020 in Switzerland. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies of 10th-graders (age 13-14) were performed in Switzerland in 2012 and 2020, and compared in bivariate and multivariate analyses on sociodemographic, schooling, physical activity, emotional well-being, and screen use variables. RESULTS: We found that screen use had shifted to smartphones with 71.7 % of youths primarily using this device in 2020 compared to 23.2 % in 2012. In association with this change, young people's screen time had increased dramatically with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.90 for adolescents spending more than 4 h in front of screens in 2020 compared to 2012. No changes were found in the score on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to detect problematic screen use and for adolescents' emotional well-being. Furthermore, youths in 2020 engaged in less physical activity lasting 60 min daily, but the frequency of their extracurricular sport participation remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Young people spend more time on screens, especially because of an increase in smartphone use in 2020. However, youths do not seem to show more problematic behaviors regarding screen use, nor has this development affected their emotional well-being. The daily and continuous use of new devices is now an integral part of young people's lives. This process seems to be part of the growth of the digital world. However, Internet and screen addiction scales should be adapted to ensure that adolescents in need of help and counseling are identified.
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Conducta Adictiva , Teléfono Inteligente , Humanos , Adolescente , Suiza , Estudios Transversales , Emociones , Conducta Adictiva/diagnóstico , Conducta Adictiva/epidemiología , InternetRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There is a gap in the literature regarding data on sexting among youth under the age of 16 whereas the problems related to this practice could affect them more because of their ongoing development. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate and characteristics of sending one's own sexually related image among middle-school teens. METHODS: Data were obtained from a web-based in-school survey conducted between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample comprised 3006 (mean age 13.7; 50.2% males) 10th-grade pupils in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland). Participants were asked "Have you ever sent a sexually related/sexy image of yourself?". Analysis of variance/chi-square tests and multinomial regression analyses were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 93.0% reported never, 3.7% once and 3.3% several times. No gender differences were found. Sending was associated with older age, low academic performance, cyberbullying victimization and reception of unsolicited sexually related images. CONCLUSIONS: Education and health professionals should be aware that it is necessary to discuss the theme, perhaps with a more global approach including pressure, consent, exchange of nonsexual images, and so on from an early age. The context and reasons for sending remain to be explored, particularly to determine if the pressure is greater at this age.
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Acoso Escolar , Víctimas de Crimen , Envío de Mensajes de Texto , Adolescente , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Instituciones Académicas , Conducta SexualRESUMEN
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: Good practice and knowledge in terms of contraception at first sexual intercourse may lead adolescents to a safer sexual life. To date, research studies have mostly focused on women when investigating contraception use or on condom use only when addressing both genders. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE ADD: The present study adds to the current knowledge by offering a more in-depth view of contraception use at first intercourse among youths. This is achieved through a large selection of variables, the fact that we address both males and females and that we have considered a wide range of contraceptive means. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the rate of contraception use at first intercourse by youth in Switzerland and its association with social and personal characteristics. METHODS: Data were obtained from a self-administrated national survey on sexual behaviour among young adults (mean age 26 years). Participants (n = 4036) were divided into three groups based on the means of contraception used at first intercourse: condom, with or without contraceptive (86.4%), contraceptive only (8.3%) and non-use (5.3%). RESULTS: Only 5.3% did not use any contraception. Compared with the condom group, individuals in the non-use group were more likely to report a lower family socioeconomic status, to be foreign born, to have foreign-born parents, to have a non-intact family and to live in a Catholic canton. They were also more likely to have had their first intercourse in the context of a casual relationship, to have been intoxicated at the time and more likely to regret it. Participants in the contraceptive group reported a higher family socioeconomic status, had intact families, did not live in Catholic cantons, were older and in a steady relationship at first intercourse. CONCLUSION: Contraception is generally used at first intercourse in Switzerland. Improvements can still be made concerning contraception use in the most vulnerable social strata such as low income families or foreign status.