Factors associated with media use among adolescents: a multilevel approach.

BACKGROUND: During the last few years, several studies have reported a high screen time use among adolescents that can be related to negative health effects. The aims of this study were to describe screen time use among secondary school students and to identify individual- and school-level factors associated with media use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a self-reported questionnaire was performed among a representative sample of 2675 secondary school students (13-19 years old). Adolescents reported the amount of time spent viewing television, playing videogames and using the computer as well as other health-related behaviours and attitudes. Multilevel analysis was carried out and prevalence ratios were calculated to determine the association between media use and related factors. RESULTS: Around 50% of the students reported watching television for ≥2 h/day during weekdays. Boys reported playing videogames for ≥2 h/weekday much more often than girls (14.6 and 1.5%, respectively). 68.2% of boys and 61.7% of girls reported using the computer for ≥2 h/weekday. In the multilevel analysis, the main factors associated with screen-related sedentary behaviours were attending schools from a low socio-economic status neighbourhood, eating unhealthy food and not reading books frequently. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of adolescents reporting an excessive use of media devices is high, especially among students attending schools from deprived areas. Interventions to reduce screen time among adolescents may be necessary to reduce the risk of some metabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as being overweight and obesity in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Bullying among schoolchildren: differences between victims and aggressors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with bullying behaviors among adolescents by analyzing victims, aggressors and victims/aggressors separately. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a representative sample of 3,089 secondary school students (13-18 years old) in Barcelona (Spain). To define bullying behaviors, we used three questions about different types of mistreatment (jeering, attacking, marginalizing). RESULTS: Compared with secondary school students not involved in bullying, victims, aggressors and victims/aggressors were more likely to be boys and to report negative mood states. Victims were younger, were more overweight or obese and were lighter cannabis users, while aggressors were also younger but reported more antisocial behaviors and more cannabis and alcohol use. Victims/aggressors reported more antisocial behaviors and were overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Being involved in bullying, independently of the role adopted, was associated with health-related problems, which can lead to psychological disorders in adulthood.

[Attitudes and preventive behaviours adopted during the (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus epidemic in Spain]. / Actitudes y comportamientos preventivos durante la pandemia de gripe (H1N1) 2009 en España.

BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2009 the emergence of new influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 caused widespread alarm. The objective of this study is to describe the knowledge and risk perceptions towards the disease and its vaccine and the preventive measures adopted by the population. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted in two rounds with quotas for age, sex, Autonomous Regions and size of municipality. Respondents were asked regarding perceptions, preventive measures, vaccination related to 2009 influenza (H1N1) 2009 and sociodemographic data. Proportional quota sampling based on age, sex, province and size of municipality was used. We performed a descriptive analysis of the main study variables and applied the chi-square test to study the statistical analysis for categorical data. RESULTS: Overall we obtained 1,627 valid responses. 823 (51,6%) were women, 502 (30.9%) were between 18 and 34 years old and 580 (35.6%) were between 35 and 55 years old. 729 (49,1%) were unskilled, manual workers, and 857 (52,7%) were living in cities larger than 50,000 inhabitants. Only 15,7 % declared to feel at risk to get influenza, and this proportion was much lower (3,9%) in the second wave, after the epidemic peak. Overall, more than 80% (n=1353) felt that unnecessary social alarm had been generated (n=1353). 1.253 (77%) of the participants adopted at least one preventive measure. Respiratory hygiene (n=951 58,5%) and hand washing (n= 624 38,4%). were the most common preventive measures adopted. CONCLUSIONS: The main adopted measures were those recommended by the government.

Actitudes y comportamientos preventivos durante la pandemia de influenza (H1N1) 2009 en España / Attitudes and preventive behaviours adopted during the (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus epidemic in Spain

Fundamentos: En la primavera de 2009 la aparición del nuevo virus de la gripe (H1N1) 2009 causó una enorme alarma social. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los conocimientos y las percepciones de riesgo sobre la enfermedad y su vacuna así como las medidas preventivas adoptadas por la población general en España. Métodos: Encuesta telefónica en dos oleadas a una muestra de teléfonos fijos con cuotas por edad, sexo, Comunidades Autonómicas y tamaño de municipio. El cuestionario incluía preguntas sobre percepciones, medidas preventivas y vacunación contra la gripe (H1N1) 2009. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo de las principales variables del estudio y se aplicó la prueba chi-cuadrado para estudiar la relación estadística para datos categóricos. Resultados: Respondieron el cuestionario 1.627 personas. 823 (51,6%) eran mujeres; 502 (30,9%) tenían entre 18 y 35 años y 580 (35,6%) entre 35 y 55. 729 (49,1%) eran trabajadores manuales y 857 (52,7%) vivían en municipios de más de 50.000 habitantes. Únicamente un 15,7% de los que respondieron se sentía a riesgo de contraer la enfermedad, percepción que disminuyó al 3,9% en la segunda oleada, tra el pico epidémico. En conjunto, más del 80% (n=1.353) pensaba que se había generado alarma social, y el 77% adoptó al menos una medida preventiva.. Las medidas preventivas más frecuentemente adoptadas fueron cubrirse la boca y la nariz con un pañuelo al toser o estornudar (n=951 ; 58,5%) y la higiene de manos con mayor frecuencia (n= 624 ; 38,4%). Conclusión: Las principales medidas adoptadas fueron las recomendadas por las autoridades sanitarias(AU)

Background: In the spring of 2009 the emergence of new influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 caused widespread alarm. The objective of this study is to describe the knowledge and risk perceptions towards the disease and its vaccine and the preventive measures adopted by the population. Methods:Atelephone survey was conducted in two rounds with quotas for age, sex, Autonomous Regions and size of municipality. Respondents were asked regarding perceptions, preventive measures, vaccination related to 2009 influenza (H1N1) 2009 and sociodemographic data. Proportional quota sampling based on age, sex, province and size of municipality was used.We performed a descriptive analysis of the main study variables and applied the chi-square test to study the statistical analysis for categorical data Results: Overall we obtained 1,627 valid responses. 823 (51,6%) were women, 502 (30.9%) were between 18 and 34 years old and 580 (35.6%) were between 35 and 55 years old. 729 (49,1%) were unskilled, manual workers, and 857 (52,7%) were living in cities larger than 50,000 inhabitants. Only 15,7 % declared to feel at risk to get influenza, and this proportion was much lower (3,9%) in the second wave, after the epidemic peak.. Overall, more than 80% (n=1353) felt that unnecessary social alarm had been generated (n=1353). 1.253 (77%) of the participants adopted at least one preventive measure. Respiratory hygiene (n=951 58,5%) and hand washing (n= 624 38,4%). were the most common preventive measures adopted. Conclusions: The main adopted measures were those recommended by the government(AU)

Evaluación de proceso del programa escolar de prevención del consumo de cánnabis 'xkpts. com' en adolescentes de Barcelona en 2006 / Process evaluation of the school-based cannabis use prevention program 'xkpts. com' in adolescents from Barcelona in 2006

Introducción: Con frecuencia los efectos positivos observados de las intervenciones preventivas escolares son menores a los esperados, habitualmente por una implementación inadecuada. Objetivos: Describir la evaluación de proceso del programa de prevención del consumo de cánnabis en escolares (xkpts.com), medir la satisfacción de los profesores con el programa y definir los parámetros cuantitativos y cualitativos para valorar la exhaustividad de la intervención. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Muestra: 117 aulas de 39 escuelas de 3º ESO (2812 escolares). La información se recogió mediante fichas de evaluación cumplimentadas por el profesorado y las familias. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la implementación de la intervención en las aulas y de la participación de las familias. Resultados: Tasa de respuesta de los profesores del 65%. La discusión fue la técnica más aplicada (100% de las aulas) y el DVD el recurso más utilizado (93,4%). El entrenamiento de habilidades se aplicó en el 72,4%de aulas. El 59,2% de aulas realizó una intervención aceptable (mínimo 8 de 16 actividades preventivas) frente al 38,2% de aulas con intervención cualificada (mínimo 1 actividad por cada sesión general y 2 por cada específica). La puntuación media de la valoración del programa fue 7,4 y el 81,6% del profesorado volvería a aplicarlo. La tasa de participación de las familias fue del 28,3% (796). Conclusiones: En dos de cada tres aulas la intervención fue aceptable y cuatro de cada diez cumplieron estrictamente el protocolo. Una mayor participación de las familias se corresponde con las escuelas con una mejor implementación de la intervención (AU)

Background: The observed positive effects of school-based prevention programs are frequently lower than what was expected, usually due to inadequate implementation. Aims: To describe the process evaluation of a cannabis use school-based prevention program (xkpts.com), to measure teachers’ satisfaction with the program and to define quantitative and qualitative parameters for assessing the exhaustiveness of the intervention. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample: 117 9th-gradeclasses in 39 schools (2812 students). The information was gathered by means of a self-report questionnaire for teachers and families. A descriptive analysis was made of the implementation of the intervention in the classrooms and of the families’ participation. Results: Teachers’ response rate was 65%. Discussion was the method most widely applied (100% of the classrooms) and DVD was the most widely used material (93.4%). Skills training was applied in 72.4% of the classrooms. In 59.2% of the classrooms there was an acceptable intervention (at least 8 of the 16 preventive activities), while in 38.2% there was a qualified intervention (at least 1 activity for each general lesson and 2 for each specific one). Mean score given to the program by teachers was 7.4, and 81.6% of them reported their intention to apply it again. Participation rate of the students’ families was 28.3% (796). Conclusions: The intervention was acceptable in two out of three classrooms, while in four out of ten the protocol was applied strictly. Greater participation of the students’ families corresponded to those schools in which the intervention was better implemented (AU)

[Process evaluation of the school-based cannabis use prevention program "xkpts.com" in adolescents from Barcelona in 2006]. / Evaluación de proceso del programa escolar de prevención del consumo de cánnabis xkpts.com en adolescentes de Barcelona en 2006.

BACKGROUND: The observed positive effects of school-based prevention programs are frequently lower than what was expected, usually due to inadequate implementation. AIMS: To describe the process evaluation of a cannabis use school-based prevention program (xkpts.com), to measure teachers' satisfaction with the program and to define quantitative and qualitative parameters for assessing the exhaustiveness of the intervention. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SAMPLE: 117 9th-grade classes in 39 schools (2812 students). The information was gathered by means of a self-report questionnaire for teachers and families. A descriptive analysis was made of the implementation of the intervention in the classrooms and of the families' participation. RESULTS: Teachers' response rate was 65%. Discussion was the method most widely applied (100% of the classrooms) and DVD was the most widely used material (93.4%). Skills training was applied in 72.4% of the classrooms. In 59.2% of the classrooms there was an acceptable intervention (at least 8 of the 16 preventive activities), while in 38.2% there was a qualified intervention (at least 1 activity for each general lesson and 2 for each specific one). Mean score given to the program by teachers was 7.4, and 81.6% of them reported their intention to apply it again. Participation rate of the students' families was 28.3% (796). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was acceptable in two out of three classrooms, while in four out of ten the protocol was applied strictly. Greater participation of the students' families corresponded to those schools in which the intervention was better implemented.

Factores relacionados con el acoso escolar (bullying) en los adolescentes de Barcelona / Factors related to bullying in adolescents in Barcelona (Spain)

ObjetivosLa violencia y el acoso escolar constituyen un problema social y de salud que ha generado una gran alarma en los últimos años. En este estudio se describe el acoso escolar y los factores relacionados en estudiantes de Barcelona.MétodosEstudio transversal de una muestra representativa de 2.727 estudiantes de 66 centros escolares de secundaria de Barcelona. Se definió «acoso escolar» como haber sido objeto de burla, golpeado o marginado cuatro o más veces, o al menos una vez en cada uno de los ítems, en los últimos 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística bivariado y multivariado para estudiar la relación entre el acoso y diversos factores, incluyendo variables sociodemográficas, actitudes y comportamientos.ResultadosLa prevalencia de acoso escolar fue del 18,2%, 10,9% y 4,3% en chicos, y del 14,4%, 8,5% y 4,5% en chicas de 2° y 4° de educación secundaria obligatoria y 2° de bachillerato o ciclos formativos de grado medio, respectivamente. Los factores que se asociaron con un incremento de la probabilidad de padecer acoso fueron el estado de ánimo negativo y la conducta violenta, mientras que tener mayor edad, el consumo de riesgo de alcohol, el consumo de cannabis e ir a bares y discotecas se asociaron negativamente.ConclusionesLos resultados confirman la relevancia del problema del acoso escolar en nuestro medio, y señalan diversos factores asociados, como el estado de ánimo negativo y varios comportamientos de riesgo, que deberían ser analizados con detalle en estudios longitudinales para diseñar e implementar programas preventivos apropiados(AU)

ObjectivesViolence and bullying in the school setting are a serious social and health problem that have created great alarm in the last few years. We aimed to describe bullying and factors related to this phenomenon in students in the city of Barcelona.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 2,727 students from 66 secondary schools in Barcelona. Bullying was defined as having been laughed at, hit or marginalized four or more times, or as having been the target of all three of these behaviors at least once, in the last 12 months. To analyze the associations among bullying and related factors including sociodemographic variables, attitudes and behaviors, we used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of bullying was 18.2%, 10.9% and 4.3% in boys and 14.4%, 8.5% and 4.5% in girls in the 8th, 10th and 12th grades, respectively. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of being bullied were negative mood states and violent behavior, while being older, alcohol consumption, cannabis use and going to bars and discos were negatively associated with being bullied.ConclusionsThis study confirms that bullying is a serious problem in our context and identifies certain factors, such as negative mood states and other risk behaviors. These factors should be further analyzed in longitudinal studies in order to design and implement appropriate prevention programs(AU)

[Factors related to bullying in adolescents in Barcelona (Spain)]. / Factores relacionados con el acoso escolar (bullying) en los adolescentes de Barcelona.

OBJECTIVES: Violence and bullying in the school setting are a serious social and health problem that have created great alarm in the last few years. We aimed to describe bullying and factors related to this phenomenon in students in the city of Barcelona. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 2,727 students from 66 secondary schools in Barcelona. Bullying was defined as having been laughed at, hit or marginalized four or more times, or as having been the target of all three of these behaviors at least once, in the last 12 months. To analyze the associations among bullying and related factors including sociodemographic variables, attitudes and behaviors, we used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of bullying was 18.2%, 10.9% and 4.3% in boys and 14.4%, 8.5% and 4.5% in girls in the 8th, 10th and 12th grades, respectively. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of being bullied were negative mood states and violent behavior, while being older, alcohol consumption, cannabis use and going to bars and discos were negatively associated with being bullied. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that bullying is a serious problem in our context and identifies certain factors, such as negative mood states and other risk behaviors. These factors should be further analyzed in longitudinal studies in order to design and implement appropriate prevention programs.

Factors associated with smoking progression among Spanish adolescents.

Smoking onset takes place in the early years of adolescence, and can be seen as a progression through stages of preparation, trying, experimentation, regular smoking and nicotine dependence or addiction. The objective of this study is to identify 1-year predictors of smoking consolidation among occasional smokers (experimenters) and of cessation among all smokers. A questionnaire developed to monitor trends in smoking and other health-related behaviors was administered in the spring of 1992 and again 1 year later (1993). The survey was carried out in six large, private schools in Barcelona and Raimat, in the Lleida province, in Catalonia (Spain). In total, 1460 schoolchildren aged 12-19 responded to both the baseline and follow-up questionnaires; 1236 questionnaires (84.7%) were matched through a personal code and were used for the longitudinal study. At the baseline survey 28% of the schoolchildren were regular smokers and 17.1 % were occasional smokers, with no differences by gender. At the follow-up survey, progression from occasional to regular smoking was observed in 42% of the girls and 22.7% of the boys. Other predictors of consolidation included drinking alcohol (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1-10.1) and reporting the intention to smoke in the future (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3-4.9). Among all the smokers at the baseline, predictors of cessation were smoking occasionally (versus regularly) (OR = 4.9; 95% CI = 2.8-8.6), negative attitudes regarding smoking (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.9-5.4), reporting no intention to smoke in the future (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.3-3.8), gender (OR for boys = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2-3.6), receiving weekly pocket less than 1000 ptas (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1-5.3) and age (OR for being 15 and younger = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1-4.9). We conclude that consolidation of smoking is twice as likely among girls than among boys. Intention to smoke seems to be a good predictor of future behavior, while attitudes may predict cessation, but not consolidation. Available pocket money seems to be a strong risk factor for smoking at this age.