The moderating effect of understanding advertising intent on the relation between advertising recognition and problematic use of loot boxes among minors: An exploratory study.

The use of loot boxes has been compared to gambling due to its random nature, with the consequent risk of being conceived as an ordinary activity implemented in the daily routine. One of the factors contributing to these gambling behaviors is exposure to gambling advertisements. It is essential to protect children and adolescents from prejudicial advertising, since due to their psycho-evolutionary development, advertising makes them impressionable and suggestible. Currently, there is scarcely any research on the influence of advertising on underage buyers of loot boxes. Knowledge in this regard is important to adequately address efforts to protect minors from the potential impact of gambling and its advertising. Thus, this study aims to examine how understanding advertising intent in loot box advertising moderates the relationship between the recognition of loot box advertising and the problematic usage of loot boxes in a sample of adolescents. The present study used a cross-sectional design, and the sample is composed by 451 adolescents (85.8 % male) that played videogames and purchased loot boxes in the last 12 months. Results indicated that understanding advertising intent played a moderating role in the relationship between advertising recognition and Problematic Use of Loot Boxes, strengthening it positively. The findings showed that when there was a low degree of understanding advertising intent, the former relationship was not significant. However, with a high level of understanding advertising intent the relationship between advertising recognition and Problematic Use of Loot Boxes was significant and strengthened. This means that knowing how ads try persuading the player affects how adverts are linked to PULB. Specifically, if adolescents understand that ads are trying to sell them loot boxes, this knowledge makes the relationship between seeing ads and having PULB stronger. These results are of interest for advertising literacy strategies.

Perceptions of Food Marketing and Media Use among Canadian Teenagers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Despite the prevalence of digital food marketing to teenagers and its potential impact on food preferences and consumption, little is known about the specific food advertisements teenagers see in Canada and how they perceive them. Further, few studies consult teenagers directly about their perceptions of teen-specific food marketing content. To shed light on such issues, this study examines perceptions of food marketing and self-reported media use of Canadian teenagers via an online survey. Four hundred and sixty-four teenagers (ages 13-17) participated. Overall, teenagers identified Instagram and TikTok as the most popular social media platforms. The top food or beverage brands that teens felt specifically targeted them were McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Tim Hortons, while Instagram was deemed the most important media platform when it comes to teen-targeted food marketing. Teens deemed "celebrity" and "visual style" as the most important (food and beverage) advertising techniques when it comes to persuading teenagers to buy. Overall, the study provides insights into teen media use and brand preference, including the brands teens feel target them most directly and what they consider to be salient in terms of the food advertising they see. It also provides valuable details for researchers seeking to further identify and measure elements of teen-targeted food marketing.

Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Health Status According to Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Korean Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between water and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, health behaviors, and self-perceived health status using data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). The subjects included in this analysis were 57,302 Korean adolescents from the 7th to 12th grades. The intake patterns of water and SSBs were categorized into four groups: Group I, adequate water intake (≥4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake (≤1-2 times/week); Group II, adequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake; Group III, inadequate water intake (<4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake; Group IV, inadequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake (≥3 times/week). Complex sample analyses were used for considering strata, clusters, and weights for samples. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics between the water and SSB intake groups. As grade levels increased or if students were female, there was a significant increase in the proportion of students characterized by low water intake and high consumption of SSB. Adolescents with healthier beverage habits, characterized by adequate water intake and low frequency of SSB consumption (Group I), generally abstained from smoking and alcohol, were more physically active, and maintained a desirable diet, reporting a better perceived health status. In contrast, those with higher SSB consumption and inadequate water intake (Group IV) were more likely to perceive their health as poor, with higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, and poorer dietary habits compared to Group I. In conclusion, adolescents with desirable beverage consumption habits differed by sex and grade and they reported positive health behaviors and better overall health status. This suggests that there is a need for more active education and intervention in schools and families, as well as increased efforts by adolescents to promote healthy beverage habits.

Gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of condom use in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

This paper assessed gender differences and perceptions towards condom use among in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and summarised using frequencies and proportions. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. The level of statistical significance was a p-value of <0.05. Findings showed that a significantly higher proportion of male respondents (58.8%) had a good perception of condom use when compared to female respondents (45.8%). Gender, level of schooling, and working for pay had significant associations with good perceptions of condom use, while the significant predictors in the logistic regression model were gender, level of schooling, and working for pay. Interventions that promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and those that empower women with relevant skills by addressing unequal gender power relations in relationships should be prioritized.

Cet article a évalué les différences entre les sexes et les perceptions concernant l'utilisation du préservatif parmi les adolescents scolarisés dans l'État d'Ebonyi, au Nigeria. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale entreprise dans six zones de gouvernement local de l'État d'Ebonyi, au Nigeria. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire structuré et résumées à l'aide de fréquences et de proportions. Le test du chi carré et la régression logistique binaire ont été utilisés dans l'analyse. Le niveau de signification statistique était une valeur p <0,05. Les résultats ont montré qu'une proportion significativement plus élevée d'hommes interrogés (58,8 %) avaient une bonne perception de l'utilisation du préservatif par rapport aux femmes interrogées (45,8 %). Le sexe, le niveau de scolarité et le travail rémunéré étaient associés de manière significative à de bonnes perceptions de l'utilisation du préservatif, tandis que les prédicteurs significatifs dans le modèle de régression logistique étaient le sexe, le niveau de scolarité et le travail rémunéré. Les interventions qui promeuvent la santé et les droits sexuels et reproductifs des adolescents et celles qui donnent aux femmes les compétences nécessaires en s'attaquant aux relations de pouvoir inégales entre les sexes dans les relations devraient être prioritaires.

Can a school health club-based intervention significantly influence the drivers of gendered sexual norms and ideologies among in-school adolescents in southeast Nigeria?

Individual experiences, social policies, and environmental exposure shape beliefs, norms and ideologies about sexuality. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a school health club training programme in improving adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of gender norms and ideologies about sexuality. This was an intervention study among in-school adolescent boys and girls in 12 secondary schools in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. The intervention was the establishment of school health clubs in six schools (intervention), while the six other schools served as controls that did not have school health clubs. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. More than half of the adolescents in the intervention (58.3%) and non-intervention (56.1%) schools believed that men need sex more than women. About 90% of adolescents in school (in both arms) agreed that both boys and girls should remain virgins until marriage. Majority of adolescents in both intervention and non-intervention schools disagreed with the notion that "it is justifiable for a boy to hit his girlfriend". Female gender (OR: 1.6; CI 1.1-2.4), senior secondary school level (OR: 1.6; CI 1.0-2.5), and urban residence (OR: 1.7; CI: 1.1-2.5) were associated with the perception that boys do not respect girls who agree to have sex with them. Working for pay decreases the likelihood of having the perception that girls should remain virgin until they marry (OR: 0.4; CI: 0.2-0.9), while living in the urban area increases the likelihood of having the perception that boys should remain virgins until marriage (OR: 2.1; 1.1-4.1). Female gender (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-1.0) and urban residence (OR: 0.6; 0.4-0.9) decrease the likelihood of having the perception that men need sex more frequently than women do. In the intervention arm, female gender was associated with perception that boys do not respect girls who agree to have sex with them (OR: 2.4; CI: 1.3-4.3) while older age was associated with the perception that men need sex more frequently than women in the intervention arm (OR:1.2; CI:1.0-1.4). No predictor was found in the non-intervention arm. Although both intervention and non-intervention arms had positive perceptions of gendered sexual norms and ideologies, a school health club-based intervention could influence the drivers of these norms.

Les expériences individuelles, les politiques sociales et l'exposition à l'environnement façonnent les croyances, les normes et les idéologies en matière de sexualité. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer l'efficacité d'un programme de formation d'un club de santé scolaire pour améliorer les connaissances et les perceptions des adolescents concernant les normes de genre et les idéologies en matière de sexualité. Il s'agissait d'une étude d'intervention auprès d'adolescents, garçons et filles, scolarisés dans 12 écoles secondaires de l'État d'Ebonyi, au sud-est du Nigeria. L'intervention consistait en la création de clubs de santé scolaire dans six écoles (intervention), tandis que les six autres écoles servaient de contrôles qui ne disposaient pas de clubs de santé scolaire. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire pré-testé administré par l'intervieweur. Des analyses de régression logistique bivariées et multivariées ont été utilisées pour analyser les données. Plus de la moitié des adolescents des écoles d'intervention (58,3 %) et de non-intervention (56,1 %) pensaient que les hommes avaient plus besoin de relations sexuelles que les femmes. Environ 90 % des adolescents scolarisés (dans les deux bras) étaient d'accord sur le fait que les garçons et les filles devraient rester vierges jusqu'au mariage. La majorité des adolescents des écoles d'intervention et des écoles non-interventionnelles étaient en désaccord avec l'idée selon laquelle « il est justifiable qu'un garçon frappe sa petite amie ¼. Le sexe féminin (OR : 1,6 ; IC 1,1-2,4), le niveau d'études secondaires de deuxième cycle (OR : 1,6 ; IC 1,0-2,5) et la résidence urbaine (OR : 1,7 ; IC : 1,1 2,5) étaient associés à la perception que les garçons font ne respecte pas les filles qui acceptent d'avoir des relations sexuelles avec elles. Travailler contre rémunération diminue la probabilité d'avoir l'impression que les filles devraient rester vierges jusqu'à leur mariage (OR : 0,4 ; IC : 0,2-0,9), tandis que vivre en zone urbaine augmente la probabilité d'avoir l'impression que les garçons devraient rester vierges jusqu'au mariage. (OU : 2.1 ; 1.1-4.1). Le sexe féminin (OR : 0,7 ; IC : 0,5-1,0) et la résidence urbaine (OR : 0,6 ; 0,4-0,9) diminuent la probabilité d'avoir la perception que les hommes ont besoin de relations sexuelles plus fréquemment que les femmes. Dans le groupe d'intervention, le sexe féminin était associé à la perception que les garçons ne respectent pas les filles qui acceptent d'avoir des relations sexuelles avec eux (OR : 2,4 ; IC : 1,3-4,3), tandis que l'âge plus avancé était associé à la perception que les hommes avaient besoin de relations sexuelles plus fréquemment que les hommes. femmes dans le bras d'intervention (OR : 1,2 ; IC : 1,0-1,4). Aucun prédicteur n'a été trouvé dans le bras sans intervention. Même si les groupes d'intervention et de non-intervention avaient des perceptions positives des normes et idéologies sexuelles sexistes, une intervention basée sur un club de santé scolaire pourrait influencer les moteurs de ces normes.

Gender socialization and adolescent pregnancies in Togo.

The aim of this article is to understand the significance of the gender socialisation of adolescents and its impact on sexuality. This socio-anthropological study is based on qualitative surveys conducted as part of two action-research programmes implemented between 2018 and 2022 in Togo. The empirical data comes from individual semi-directed interviews, group interviews and life stories relating to the themes of sexuality, early pregnancy and gender-based violence. The results show that in these patriarchal societies, the socialisation of adolescents is structured around gender relations. The social construction of masculinity is based on a position of decision-making power for young boys, while that of femininity inculcates submissive behaviour in young girls. In these contexts, many young girls, even if they do attend school, find it difficult to express their opinions on matters of love and sex.

L'objectif de cet article consiste à appréhender la prégnance de la socialisation des adolescents.es et son impact sur la sexualité. Cette étude socio-anthropologique s'appuie sur des enquêtes qualitatives conduites dans le cadre de deux programmes de recherche action mis en œuvre entre 2018 à 2022 au Togo. Les données empiriques sont issues d'entretiens individuels semi-directifs, d'entretiens de groupes et de récits de vie relatifs aux thèmes de la sexualité, des grossesses précoces et des violences basées sur le genre. Les résultats indiquent que dans ces sociétés patriarcales, la socialisation des adolescents.es est structurée sur des rapports de genre. La construction sociale de la masculinité s'établit sur une position de pouvoir de décision des jeunes garçons tandis que celle de la féminité inculque aux jeunes filles des conduites de soumission. Dans ces contextes, de nombreuses jeunes filles, bien que scolarisées éprouvent des difficultés à exprimer leurs avis sur les questions amoureuses et sexuelles.

The relation between toxic substance consumption and the positive mental health of adolescents, a descriptive cross-sectional study.

This study aims to find out how adolescents' consumption of toxic substances such as tobacco and alcohol is influenced by the Positive Mental Health. A quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional design has been used to achieve the final conclusions. The intervention was carried out by applying the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire developed by Teresa Lluch to a group of adolescents from Don Juan Manuel High School in Guadalajara (Spain). Our results shows that the Positive Mental Health of adolescents have a great impact on the tobacco and alcohol consumption. The scientific literature consulted signs that people who do not consume substances tend to have better Positive Mental Health.

The effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: The participants of this cross-sectional study were adolescents. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Game Addiction Scale, and Buss-Perry Aggression Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Anova, correlation and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: In this study, game addiction and aggression levels of adolescents were determined as moderate. The game type that adolescents played the most was determined as war games with 35 %. The mean score of the Game Addiction Scale for male adolescents, those with medium and high income levels, those who play digital games for >8 h a day and every day, was found to be significantly higher. In this study, a positive and moderately significant correlation was found between Game Addiction Scale and Aggression Total Scale and Anger subscale (p < 0.05). Especially male gender (ß = 0.273), high income status (ß = -0.089), long time playing digital games (ß = 0.173) and playing digital games every day (ß = 0.360) were determined as predictors that increase game addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Digital game addiction can trigger aggression and anger in adolescents. Nurses play a crucial role in screening and identifying adolescents at risk of game addiction to prevent aggression and anger. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: According to the findings of this research, it is necessary to provide training and counseling to prevent digital game addiction in schools and to plan strategies by psychiatric nurses.

Eating attitudes, physical activity, and sleep quality levels of adolescents during the pandemic process.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to determine the eating attitude, physical activity, and sleep quality levels of adolescents during the pandemic process. METHOD: This descriptive study was completed by 987 adolescents. Data were collected by using the Adolescent Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), the International Physical Activity Evaluation Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: It was found that the mean age of the adolescents who participated in the study was 16.30 ± 1.30 and 23.1 % of them were male. During the pandemic process, adolescents consumed pastries, sugary foods and beverages, french fries, chips, etc. consumption was found to increase (41.7 %, 42.2 %, 45.2 %, respectively). It was also found that the mean DEBQ score of the adolescents was 75.13 ± 19.65 and the mean PSQI score was 10.99 ± 4.22. In the IPAQ, 29.9 % of the adolescents were found to be inactive, 44.7 % minimally active, and 25.4 % very active. It was determined that BMI, PSQI, gender, pastry, and sugary food consumption were important predictors of eating behavior. When the increase in consumption of pastries and sugary foods was added, it was seen that BMI, PSQI, and gender explained 7 % of the change in DEBQ and when the increase in pastry and sugary foods was added, it explained 11 % of the change in DEBQ. It was found that BMI, PSQI (p < 0.001), and gender (p = 0.001) had significant effects on students' eating behavior scores. CONCLUSION: Adolescents' eating out, emotional eating, and restrictive eating scores were found to be high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents were also found to have inadequate physical activity levels and poor sleep quality. It is recommended that projects and intervention studies be performed to help adolescents with these matters.

The health behaviors differences among male and female school-age adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa region countries: a meta-analysis of the Global School-based Student Health Survey data.

Background: Understanding gender disparities in adolescent health behaviors is crucial for developing targeted health promotion strategies. This study uses data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) across 17 MENA countries to analyze gender differences in adolescent health behaviors, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for both boys and girls. Methods: This meta-analysis incorporates data from recent years of the GSHS, covering 17 MENA countries. The objective was to assess and compare health behaviors between adolescent girls and boys. A random-effects model was employed to calculate odds ratios for gender comparisons in these behaviors. Statistical analyses and modeling were performed using JAMOVI software. Results: In most MENA countries, boys consumed more vegetables compared to girls. Girls were less likely to frequent fast food establishments (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and generally exhibited better self-care behaviors. Boys reported a higher prevalence of physical altercations (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.88-2.51) and were more involved in fights (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.46-3.67). Girls were more likely to miss school without permission and were consistently described as kinder and more helpful across various income levels. However, in some countries such as Oman and Tunisia, boys missed school more frequently. There were no significant gender differences in parental oversight of homework or knowledge of students' activities, but girls were reported to have stronger parental relationships and better parental understanding of their problems and free time, with exceptions in Morocco and the Palestinian Territory-Gaza. Boys were more likely to engage in smoking (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 2.69-4.76) and other substance use. Conversely, girls reported higher levels of physical inactivity and loneliness, but also demonstrated greater kindness and helpfulness in school settings and stronger parental relationships. Conclusion: Policymakers in the MENA region should develop and implement gender-specific interventions targeting key areas such as hygiene practices, physical activity, and substance use. By focusing on these targeted strategies, they can address the distinct health behaviors and needs of both boys and girls. Effective interventions in these areas are crucial for improving overall health outcomes and promoting healthier lifestyles, thereby enhancing adolescent health and well-being across the region.

Trends in Norwegian adolescents' substance use between 2014 and 2022: socioeconomic and gender differences.

BACKGROUND: Substance use is a global health concern and early onset among adolescents increases health risks. We explore national overall trends in prevalence and trends in socioeconomic inequalities in past year alcohol intoxication, cannabis use, and use of other illicit drugs among Norwegian adolescents (ages ∼ 15-19 years of age) between 2014 and 2022. METHOD: The present study builds on data from a nationwide repeated cross-sectional survey collected in 2014-2016 (T1), 2017-2019 (T2), 2021 (T3) and 2022 (T4). In total 415,560 adolescents (50.3% girls) completed the questionnaire during the study period. Trends in socioeconomic inequalities were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII). RESULTS: While the prevalence of alcohol intoxication remained fairly stable, the prevalence of cannabis and other illicit drug use increased between 2014 and 2022 among upper secondary school boys (13.3-17.6%, and 2.0-5.2%, respectively) and girls (8.8-12.8%, and 1.1-2.7%, respectively). Similar trends were observed among 10th-grade adolescents. Boys were more likely than girls to use cannabis or other illicit drugs, but the gender gap in cannabis use narrowed during the study period. Among upper secondary girls, use of cannabis and other illicit drugs was higher among those from less affluent backgrounds, with absolute and relative inequalities in cannabis use increasing between 2014 and 2022. Small inequalities in cannabis use and decreasing relative inequalities in the use of other illicit drug were observed among upper secondary boys. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing use of cannabis and other illicit drugs among Norwegian adolescents is concerning. Future studies should explore the underlying causes of this rise and explore the complex factors influencing adolescent substance use behaviours. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for developing targeted and effective interventions.

Associations of tobacco and alcohol use with sexual behaviors among adolescents in 59 countries: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual behaviors, particularly risky sexual behavior, has become a serious public health concern among adolescents worldwide, presenting a substantial obstacle to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there is limited research using consistent and standardized methodology to examine associations between tobacco and alcohol use frequency and both total and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents. We aimed to examine the association between tobacco and/or alcohol use with both total and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents worldwide. METHODS: Data were collected from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, which comprised 211,847 adolescents aged 12-17 years from 59 countries. The frequency of tobacco or alcohol use during the past 30 days was categorized as 0, 1-2, 3-5, 6-9, or ≥ 10 days. Tobacco and alcohol use were also categorized as non-use, tobacco use alone, alcohol use alone, and combined use. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to examine both the independent and combined associations of tobacco and alcohol use with total and risky sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Compared with no tobacco use, the odds ratio of engaging in sexual intercourse increased with the frequency of tobacco use from 1 to 2 days to ≥ 10 days (total: 2.03 [95% confidence interval 1.47-2.81] to 3.98[2.63-6.03]; risky: 2.43[1.75-3.38] to 4.21[3.26-5.42]), as well as with the frequency of alcohol use. Overall, combined users had greater likelihood of both total and risky sexual behaviors than tobacco users alone, alcohol users alone, and non-users. Similarly, the association between risky sexual behaviors and tobacco use alone was more pronounced among adolescent girls (vs. adolescent boys), as were those of risky sexual behaviors with alcohol use alone among younger adolescents aged 12-14 years (vs. aged 15-17 years) and with tobacco and/or alcohol use among adolescents in the Western Pacific region (vs. Regions of Africa and Americas). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest independent and combined associations between tobacco and/or alcohol use with sexual behaviors among adolescents, with variations across age, sex, and WHO region.

A qualitative study to control adolescent smoking behaviour in junior high school.

Objectives: To evaluate efforts made to help young people curb smoking behaviour. METHODS: The qualitative study was conducted from January to February 2020 at 3 junior high schools in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, after approval from the ethics review committee of the University of Indonesia. The participants were students in grades 7 and 8. Data was collected through interviews, documentation and field notes. Data was subjected to construct and content validation, and was qualitatively analysed using NVivo 12 Plus. RESULTS: Of the 16 students, 2(12.5%) were from grade 7, and 14(87.5%) from grade 8. Overall, 12(75%) adolescents had smoked. There were 5 themes that emerged: smoking compulsion, adolescent perspectives on smoking behaviour, knowledge of the risks associated with smoking, obstacles to quitting, and smoking control strategies. To curb adolescent smoking, there were 2 themes: barriers to quitting smoking, and smoking control strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to curb smoking should focus on increasing adolescent self-control.

Developing application software to quickly detect the adolescent's risky behaviour to prevent teen pregnancy.

Objective: To develop a software application for early detection of adolescent's risky behaviour, and promotion of safe reproductive health. METHODS: The multi-stage study was conducted from September 20, 2018, to April 3, 2019, at Rumbai District Pekanbaru, Riau-Indonesia. The planned software application was developed using the waterfall design model which is a sequential process. Every progress was acknowledged to be flowing downwards, like a waterfall, by going through the phases of requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. The application software was pilot-tested on a group of adolescents after it was first tested for validity. The adolescents were given a questionnaire at baseline and 2 weeks after the intervention to assess the application's effectiveness. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Validation of the tool was confirmed by Aiken's V values >0.85, with sensitivity 84.8% and specificity 75%. Of the 45 adolescents tested, majority respondens were girls 38(84,4%), early adolescent 18(40%), middle adolescent 16(35,5%) and late adolescent 11(24,4%). About 5(11.1%) were found to be positive, and 28(62.2%)were truly positive, while 3(6.7%) were found negative and 9(20%) were truly negative. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test assessments (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The application proved to be effective for the early detection of risky behaviour, and for the promotion of safe reproductive health.

Sufficient sleep and its contributing factors among high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from adolescent behaviors and experiences survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound changes in adolescent lives, including school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, and sleep schedule. We aimed to assess the risk and protective factors of sufficient sleep among adolescents during COVID-19. Methods: We conducted secondary analysis based on the cross-sectional school-based Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey in 2021 (n = 7,705). The ABES collected information on health-related experiences and behaviors during COVID-19. The outcome was sufficient sleep (eight and more hours of sleep on the average school night). The contributing factors included demographic, mental health, and adverse experiences indicators. We estimated the prevalence of sufficient sleep within each factor, and examined their associations using Chi-square test. We further investigated the contributing factors of sufficient sleep using multivariate logistic regression and reported the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: During January-June 2021, 23.5% of the U.S. high school students reported getting sufficient sleep. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that younger age (AOR, 2.04; 95%CI, 1.59-2.62), heterosexual identity (AOR, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.19-2.18), no poor mental health during the past 30 days (AOR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.03-1.82), no persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (AOR, 1.34; 95%CI, 1.09-1.66), no food and nutrition insecurity (AOR, 1.47; 95%CI, 1.17-1.85), never been abused by a parent emotionally (AOR, 1.38; 95%CI, 1.16-1.64), and no schoolwork difficulty (AOR, 1.24; 95%CI, 1.01-1.51) were associated with sufficient sleep. Conclusion: We estimated the national prevalence of adolescent sufficient sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that younger students, sexual heterosexual students, and students without certain mental health conditions or adverse experiences are at higher likelihood of sufficient sleep. These findings can help develop effective interventions on sleep duration in the response to a possible future pandemic caused by Disease X.

Self-ratings and peer-ratings of bullying perpetrators: Intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that differentiate bully subgroups.

Using a large sample of students (N = 1373; 40% girls; Mage = 14 years) from 54 classrooms in South Korea, this study identified subtypes of bullies based on specific combinations of self-reports and peer-reports and examined the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that explain the differences in characteristics between these identified groups. Latent profile analysis identified four subgroups of bullies: (a) non-bullies (59.5%), (b) peer-identified bullies (21%), (c) self-identified bullies (9.8%), and (d) self/peer-identified bullies (9.7%). Multinomial logistic hierarchical analysis revealed significant differences between the bully subgroups on the four intrapersonal factors (i.e., anti-bullying attitudes, perception of teachers' reaction to bullying, delinquent behavior, and depression; odds ratios [OR] ranged from 0.24 to 3.13) and three of the four interpersonal factors (i.e., overestimated popularity, rejection, and victimization; ORs ranged from 0.39 to 2.26). More specifically, compared to the peer-identified bully group, the non-bully and self/peer-identified bully groups showed opposite patterns of anti-bullying attitudes, delinquent behavior, and peer status (ORs ranged from 0.46 to 3.13). Relative to the peer-identified bully group, the self-identified bully group was more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms and perceive themselves as being victimized, was less likely to endorse anti-bullying attitudes, and had a less positive perception of teacher's reaction to bullying (ORs ranged from 0.24 to 1.40). Gender differences emerged as well. Implications for optimizing the screening of bullying perpetrators and anti-bullying interventions are discussed.

Sex-related inequalities in current cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Risky behaviours, including tobacco use, are highly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Although these behaviours are largely influenced by various sociodemographic factors, including sex, there is a paucity of regionally representative literature on the sex-related inequalities in cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa. This study examined the sex-based disparities in current cigarette smoking among adolescents aged 13-15 years in Africa. METHODS: The present study employed a secondary analysis of nationally representative data on 45 African countries obtained from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, accessible through the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory. We used the online version of the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) to generate the results. RESULTS: The prevalence of current cigarette smoking among the adolescents surveyed ranged from 1.6% in Eritrea to 10.4% in Mali among the low-income countries, from 1.3% in Tanzania to 13.1% in Mauritania among the lower-middle-income countries, from 5.2% in Gabon to 15.3% in Mauritius among the upper-middle-income countries, and 14.7% in Seychelles, the only high-income country in the study. The absolute summary measure (D) showed diverse sex-related disparities in the burden of current cigarette smoking among adolescents across the sub-regions. In all countries surveyed, the prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher among male adolescents compared to females, except in Liberia and Mozambique, where female adolescents bore a more significant burden than their male counterparts. Furthermore, male adolescents were more burdened with high cigarette smoking prevalence than females in low-income countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia, where such disparities were most pronounced. Meanwhile, we found less disparity in the burden of cigarette smoking between male and female adolescents in most of the lower and upper-middle-income countries surveyed. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the sex-based inequalities in the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents in Africa. In contrast to female adolescents, male adolescents bear a greater burden of current cigarette smoking. The burden of cigarette smoking is most pronounced in low-income countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia. Conversely, in most of the lower and upper-middle-income countries surveyed, the burdens of current cigarette smoking among male and female adolescents were found to be less disparate. Consequently, cigarette smoking prevention programmes and strategies must be implemented in all African nations. There is also the need to intensify interventions aimed at altering the smoking behaviour of male adolescents. Policymakers can develop and implement evidence-based interventions to address the burden of cigarette smoking among the adolescents. Finally, existing policies and programmes addressing adolescents' cigarette smoking should be re-assessed and strengthened to achieve their objectives.

Understanding the relationships among adolescents' internet dependence, reward, cognitive control processing, and learning burnout: a network perspective in China.

Alterations in the reward and cognitive control systems are commonly observed among adolescents with internet dependence (ID), and this impairment is often accompanied by social dysfunctions, such as academic burnout. However, the intercorrelations among ID, reward, cognitive control processing, and learning burnout remain unclear. We recruited 1074 Chinese adolescents to investigate the complex interrelationships among these variables using network analysis. The resulting network revealed patterns that connected ID to the behavioral inhibition/activation system (BIS/BAS), self-control, and learning burnout; these results exhibited reasonable stability and test-retest consistency. Throughout the network, the node of BAS-drive was the critical influencing factor, and the node of self-control was the protection factor. In addition, several symptoms of learning burnout and ID were positively associated with sensitivity to punishment. As revealed by the network comparison test, the network constructed among internet dependent (ID) group differed from the network constructed among internet nondependent (IND) group not only in the edges between BIS and learning burnout but also in terms of the edges associated with learning burnout. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the complex mechanisms underlying ID among adolescents from the perspective of the network relationships between core influencing factors and negative consequences. It validates the dual-system model of risky behavior among adolescents and offers a foundation for early warning and interventions for ID in this context.

Screen time, problematic screen use, and eating disorder symptoms among early adolescents: findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

PURPOSE: Emerging research evidence suggests positive relationships between higher screen time and eating disorders. However, few studies have examined the prospective associations between screen use and eating disorder symptoms in early adolescents and how problematic screen use may contribute to symptom development. METHODS: We analyzed prospective cohort data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 10,246, 2016-2020, ages 9-14). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the longitudinal associations between baseline self-reported screen time and eating disorder symptoms in year two. Logistic regression analyses were also used to estimate cross-sectional associations between problematic screen use in year two (either problematic social media or mobile phone use) and eating disorder symptoms in year two. Eating disorder symptoms based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS-5) included fear of weight gain, self-worth tied to weight, engaging in compensatory behaviors, binge eating, and distress with binge eating. RESULTS: Each additional hour of total screen time and social media use was associated with higher odds of fear of weight gain, self-worth tied to weight, compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, binge eating, and distress with binge eating two years later (odds ratio [OR] 1.05-1.55). Both problematic social media and mobile phone use were associated with higher odds of all eating disorder symptoms (OR 1.26-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest greater total screen time, social media use, and problematic screen use are associated with more eating disorder symptoms in early adolescence. Clinicians should consider assessing for problem screen use and, when high, screen for disordered eating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.