Sport, Physical Activity, and Young People Who Are Incarcerated: A Scoping Review.

We present a scoping review of qualitative scholarly publications on sport and physical activity in secure custody facilities for young people published over a 22-year period, finding the literature remains geographically, substantively, and theoretically scant. We identify and assess predominant themes in the following four areas: (1) sport's potential contribution to young persons' rehabilitation and desistance; (2) the structure and organization of sport programs; (3) sport and coping with the experience of incarceration; and (4) other themes, including health outcomes and gender and race. Our scoping review provides a foundation for researchers and policymakers to advance knowledge about sport-based interventions in the lives of young people who are incarcerated.

'When I came to university, that's when the real shift came': alcohol and belonging in English higher education.

While young people's alcohol consumption has fallen sharply in the United Kingdom and other high-income countries, universities remain places where heavy drinking is routine and normative. Drawing on interviews with undergraduate students, this article explores how heavy drinking is part of how students negotiate a sense of belonging and form personal relationships. Theoretical work on belonging and relationality is used to make sense of students' encounters with alcohol. Consistent with the decline in youth drinking, several interviewees had limited experience of heavy drinking prior to university, and some were not interested in taking it up. After describing how heavy drinking facilitates belonging in certain spaces of student life, we examine the strategies of non- and low-drinking students in navigating these spaces. Attending to their strategies suggests that becoming known as 'social persons' is key to negotiating belonging without drinking heavily. We conclude by considering how universities might better accommodate the desire for belonging for the increasingly large proportion of students with limited experience of or desire for alcohol by creating opportunities for students to form personal relationships in ways that do not involve alcohol or where alcohol is peripheral to the activity.

Impact of COVID-19 early in the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents in Australia and Cambodia: a cross-national comparison using a quantitative descriptive and comparative approach.

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents is a major concern. Most research has been conducted only in more economically developed countries. Using data from two similar surveys administered during July-September, 2020 in Australia (a high-income country) and Cambodia (a low-middle income country), this paper examined the impact early in the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents in the two countries. We found that COVID-19 had mostly negative impacts on participants' mental health; threats to personal safety; education; support for schooling; basic necessities such as food, income, employment, and housing; and responsibilities at home. This finding suggests that even short-term disasters may have negative repercussions, and regardless of differences in wealth, culture, and government response. We found that threats to personal safety appeared to be more prevalent in Cambodia than in Australia, the impact on mental health of the Cambodian participants may have been greater than reported, and that, in both countries, support for online or distance schooling during periods of lockdown was wanting, particularly at the state and school levels. This study will contribute to our understanding of the impact of major disruptive global events on young people in both more economically developed and developing countries.

Changes in Rates of Special Considerations in Higher Education Applications Pre- and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental ill health has been observed globally in young people, particularly those in their final years of secondary school. Students' negative experiences coincide with a critical transitional period which can disrupt milestones in social and educational development. This study aimed to use innovative population-level data to map the impact of the pandemic on students entering higher education. METHODS: Pre-pandemic (2019/2020) and pandemic (2020/2021) tertiary education application data were obtained from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. Prevalence of applications for special consideration related to mental ill health were compared between cohorts across various geographical areas and applicant demographic subgroups. Relative risk regression models were used to understand the role of different risk factors. RESULTS: Rates of mental health-related special consideration applications increased by 38% among all applications (pre-pandemic: 7.8%, n = 56 916; pandemic: 10.8%, n = 58 260). Highest increases were observed among students in areas with both extended and close-quarter lockdown experiences, and areas impacted by 2019/2020 black summer bushfires. The increases were higher among Year 12 students and students with other special consideration needs (e.g., physical condition, learning disability). Slightly higher increases were observed in areas with higher socio-economic status, which may potentially be related to inequality in mental health service access. CONCLUSION: As consequences of mental health difficulties and academic disruption in youth can be long lasting, it is critical to establish a mental health support framework both in and outside of higher education to facilitate young people's recovery from the pandemic.

Evidence Gaps in Economic Evaluations of HIV Interventions Targeting Young People: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) face the burden of navigating the unique physical, psychological, and social challenges of adolescence while coping with a stigmatized infectious disease that requires lifelong care. Consequently, YPLWH experience worse HIV outcomes compared to children and adults. This systematic review seeks to collate evidence on the health and economic impact of HIV interventions targeting YPLWH and to identify gaps in the available evidence that may inform future economic evaluations of interventions for YPLWH. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus databases for peer-reviewed articles published through April 24, 2022 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022356244). Our inclusion criteria encompassed economic evaluations of HIV interventions that report health and economic outcomes among individuals ages 10-24 years. Three investigators screened articles at the title, abstract, and full-text levels. The data were extracted in accordance with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022. RESULTS: Of the 3,735 unique articles retrieved through our search, 32 met our inclusion criteria. Of these 32 articles, 8 (25%) evaluated a behavioral, educational, or financial intervention, 6 (19%) voluntary medical male circumcision, 5 (16%) HIV screening or testing, 4 (13%) pre-exposure prophylaxis, 3 (9%) a hypothetical HIV vaccine, 2 (6%) antiretroviral therapy, 1 (3%) condom distribution, and 3 (9%) a combination of interventions. Twenty-two studies (69%) focused on Africa, 9 (28%) on North America, and 1 (3%) on Europe. Thirty studies (94%) were cost-effectiveness analyses and 2 (6%) were cost-utility analyses. Of the intervention types captured by this review, most were deemed cost-saving or cost-effective. Only two studies-one evaluating a financial intervention and one evaluating HIV testing-concluded that the intervention was not cost-effective. DISCUSSION: Evidence presented by this review suggests that investments in HIV prevention and treatment for young people can be a cost-effective, and sometimes cost-saving, solution to combating the global HIV epidemic. However, additional evaluations of HIV interventions targeting young people, which adhere to standardized reporting practices, are needed to permit comparability of cost-effectiveness outcomes between interventions and settings.

Cost-Effectiveness of Population-Based Helicobacter pylori Screening With Eradication for Optimal Age of Implementation.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori screening with eradication reduces gastric cancer (GC) development. However, it was unknown at what age the H. pylori screening should be implemented to achieve the greatest benefits at the least cost. This study aimed to determine the optimal age of H. pylori screening for primary GC prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A state transition model for a hypothetical cohort of 15-year-olds from a healthcare payer perspective on a lifetime horizon was developed. Nine ages for H. pylori testing were considered: 15, 18, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 years. H. pylori screening was compared with no screening and annual, biennial, and triennial endoscopies starting at age 50. The main outcomes were costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), life expectancy life-years (LYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, GC cases, stage I GC cases, and GC-related deaths. One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the uncertainty of the parameters. RESULTS: All H. pylori screenings at ages 15-80 were more cost-effective than all endoscopies and no screening. H. pylori screening at age 15 yielded the greatest cost-saving and benefits. The cost-effectiveness was sensitive to the adherence rate of H. pylori screening at age 15. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that H. pylori screening at age 15 was 99.6% cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$50,000 per QALY gained. Compared with no screening and biennial endoscopy in 15.6 million 15-year-olds from 2022 to 2037, respectively, H. pylori screening at age 15 saves US$9.70 million and US$2.39 billion, increases 1.26 million QALYs with 1312 LYs and 651 LYs, prevents 436 GC cases with 254 stage I GC cases and 305 stage I GC cases, and avoids 176 GC-related deaths and 72 GC-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal age for population-based H. pylori screening at ages 15-80 is the youngest, 15 years old. Shifting population-based H. pylori screening to younger people will reduce GC morbidity and mortality worldwide, along with a detailed investigation of the feasibility and long-term consequences of H. pylori eradication at a young age.

Contextual Variables Associated with Challenging Behaviors in Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to report on a novel method of identifying variables associated with challenging behaviors in natural interactions between mothers and their adolescents with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). METHODS: Videotaped interactions of 47 dyads interacting with an iPad game, completing a puzzle, and making a snack and were coded for challenging behaviors by adolescents with FXS, and maternal behaviors that preceded these behaviors. We described the frequencies of adolescent challenging behaviors, then used sequential and survival analyses to identify maternal and adolescent behaviors that preceded self-injurious behavior (SIB) and aggression. RESULTS: Across all the dyads, 109 instances of SIB and 79 instances of aggression were identified during the 30 min of recorded interaction. Most of these challenging behaviors occurred during the iPad activity. The sequential analysis indicated that maternal requests for behavioral compliance frequently preceded both SIB and aggression. Survival analyses revealed that the likelihood of SIB or aggression was increased if the mothers requested behavioral compliance after the child engaged in another challenging behavior. CONCLUSION: Challenging behaviors including SIB and aggression were frequently observed in many participants. The sequential and survival analyses were useful for identifying precursors to these behaviors. Further research is needed to investigate preventative strategies based on the results of sequential and survival analyses.

The lived experience of weight loss maintenance in young people.

INTRODUCTION: There continues to be an imbalance of research into weight loss and weight loss maintenance (WLM), with a particular lack of research into WLM in young people under 18 years. Failure to coherently understand WLM in young people may be a potential contributor to the underdeveloped guidance surrounding long-term support. Furthermore, no research has investigated young people's preferences around WLM support following the attendance of a residential intensive weight loss intervention from a qualitative perspective. This study explored the influences of WLM in young people following a residential intensive weight loss intervention, considered how interventions could be improved and sought to develop recommendations for stakeholders responsible for designing WLM interventions. METHODS: The context in which this research is framed was taken from a residential Intensive Weight Loss Intervention for young people aged 8-17 years in England. Six semi-structured interviews were carried out to understand the lived experience of WLM, including barriers and enablers influencing WLM, adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. FINDINGS: Three superordinate themes were developed to explain the barriers and enablers to WLM; (1) Behavioural control and the psychosocial skills to self-regulate WLM; (2) Delivering effective social support; and (3) Conflicting priorities and environmental triggers. CONCLUSION: The findings of this research mirror that of other studies of WLM in young people, with the majority of young people struggling to maintain weight loss. However, by exploring the experience of WLM in young people through qualitative means, it was possible to understand the specific motivators and barriers influencing WLM behaviours in this context, providing recommendations to support WLM. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The interview guide was developed in consultation with a young person from the intervention, and through discussions with the intervention stakeholders (delivery staff and management staff). The interview guide included topics such as knowledge and skills; experience of weight loss; reflections on weight maintenance, and experiences of daily life postintervention. We piloted the interview schedule with one young person who had consented to take part in the research. This first interview was used to check for understanding of questions and to assess the flow of the interview.

Engagement in rapid public health research among young people from underserved communities: maximising opportunities and overcoming barriers.

BACKGROUND: Inclusion in public health research of young people from low-income households and those from minority ethnic groups remains low. It is recognised that there is a need to change the way in which research is conducted so that it becomes more inclusive. The aim of this work was to identify novel and innovative ways to maximise recruitment and inclusion of diverse participants when doing co-production within very short time frames for emergency responses. METHOD: We conducted interviews with young people from low-income and minority ethnic backgrounds, and members or leaders of groups or organisations supporting or representing young people from underserved communities. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants took part in an interview. This included 30 young people from low income or minority ethnic backgrounds and 12 community leaders/service providers. Of the 30 young people, 26 participants identified as female and 12 participants identified as being from a minority ethnic background. Participants discussed a number of interrelated barriers to research involvement and identified ways in which barriers may be reduced. Prejudice and discrimination experienced by young people from underserved communities has led to substantial mistrust of educational and governmental establishments. Rigid and unfamiliar research practices further limit the involvement of young people. Four themes were identified as ways of supporting involvement, including: making opportunities available for young people, adaptations to research governance, understanding and acknowledging challenges faced by young people, and ensuring reciprocal benefits. CONCLUSION: This research explored barriers to engagement in rapid public health co-production. Working with communities to co-produce rapid recruitment and research procedures to suit the needs and the context in which young people live is necessary.

Young people's support for and personal interest in an advance provision model for medication abortion.

PURPOSE: To assess young people's interest in advance provision (AP) of medication abortion- receiving mifepristone and misoprostol from a clinician in advance for their future use. METHODS: From November 2022-August 2023 we administered an electronic survey regarding advance provision to patients assigned female at birth at four Bay Area youth-serving clinics. RESULTS: Among 152 people ages 14-24 years (mean 17.9) surveyed, 73.7% (95% CI, 65.9%-80.5%) supported and 46.1% (95% CI, 65.9%-80.5%) were interested in the AP model. AP interest was higher among people who experienced three or more difficulties trying to access reproductive healthcare [70.6% (95% CI 44.0%, 89.7%)] and who experienced food or housing insecurity [60.3% (95% CI 46.6%, 73.0%)]. Most youth (81.6%) had a safe place to store the pills for later use; this proportion was significantly higher among people ages 18-24 years (88.5%) than teens ages 14-17 years (74.3%, p=.025). The most common perceived advantages of AP included being able to have the abortion earlier in pregnancy (61.8%), privacy (57.9%) and convenience (50.7%). Common disadvantages noted included concern that people might take the pills incorrectly (50.0%) or lose the pills (40.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Young people have considerable interest in AP of medication abortion. Further research is needed to document the AP model's feasibility, clinical outcomes, and effect on access for adolescents.

'I Didn't Know What Was Going to Happen': Children's and Young People's Experiences and Their Involvement Before and After Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.

AIMS: To explore experiences, expectations, and involvement of children and young people (CYP) in decision-making for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, post-operative physiotherapy treatment and outcomes. METHODS: A qualitative study design using one to one interviews. Five CYP (2 girls and 3 boys) participated, and interviews lasted between 45 min and 2 h. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Children and young people are reliant on their parents to make decisions and inform them of the SDR process. Experiences of living with cerebral palsy and its management are centered on their routine social, psychological, and physiological challenges. Individual characteristics and attributes of CYP have an impact on how they cope with the rehabilitation burden and adjust to their changing levels of function and participation. CONCLUSIONS: Although CYP reported that SDR offers them a greater 'freedom to choose' in how they participate in daily life, further consideration is required to meet their psychosocial needs, particularly in preparing for SDR and adjusting afterwards.

Conceptualisation of health among young people: a protocol for systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Self-reported health is a widely used health indicator in surveys and questionnaires. The measure gained attention when research identified its association with mortality in the 1970s and 1980s. The measure is also associated with morbidity and other health outcomes such as the utilisation of health services. Self-reported health is a particularly useful measure for young people because this age group is generally clinically healthy. However, it is known that many chronic conditions have long latency periods that are initiated early in life. Because of its predictive nature, self-reported health can be used to estimate young people's current and future health. Despite its widespread use, however, self-reported health remains a poorly understood concept. This paper presents the protocol for a systematic review that will identify and synthesise qualitative studies that investigate the factors that are considered by young people when they assess their health, and when they talk about health overall. METHODS: The population of the review is young people aged 10-24 years, with or without health conditions. We will search the databases of MEDLINE (Ovid®), PsycINFO (APA PsycNet), ProQuest Sociology Collection, and Web of Science Core Collection™. We will also utilise techniques of reference checking and forward citation searching, as this strategy has been shown to result in a higher number of high-quality studies in social science systematic reviews. Google Scholar and Google Search were used during preliminary searches; Google Scholar will be utilised for forward citation searching. We will include studies written in English, German, or Finnish; there will be no lower date limit. One reviewer will screen all citations. A second reviewer will independently screen a sample of 20% of the abstracts. Data will be extracted by one researcher, two other researchers will independently review all data extracted, and quality appraisal will be completed by the first reviewer. We will utilise the Quality Framework for the appraisal of included articles and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. DISCUSSION: The results of this systematic review will improve the understanding of the factors that are considered during the self-assessments of health; this will improve the interpretation of the results of quantitative research. Also, an improved understanding of the conceptualisation of health will inform the development of health policies and interventions that support young people's health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022367519.

School-based interventions targeting substance use among young people in low-and-middle-income countries: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Globally, harmful substance use is among the leading causes of premature deaths in the general population, and most of these behaviours are initiated during pre-adolescence to young adulthood. Preventing the onset or reducing the prevalence of substance use among young people is thus a global health priority. Diverse school-based interventions have been implemented in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs); however, evidence regarding their theoretical underpinnings and core components is lacking. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the underlying (social/behavioural) theories, models or frameworks (TMF) and core (practical) components of school-based interventions in LMICs aimed at preventing the onset or reducing the prevalence of substance use among young people. METHODS: Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we searched scientific literature databases for articles published from 1995 to 2022. A further search was conducted using the reference lists of included articles. We selected randomized and non-randomized trials of school-based interventions in LMICs that aimed at preventing the onset or reducing the prevalence of substance use among young people. We used Covidence software to screen titles and abstracts, as well as full texts. We then extracted the data and analysed it using a descriptive content analysis approach. Two reviewers conducted the screening, extraction and data analysis and discussed discrepancies, and clarified doubts and uncertainties through consultation with the other team members. FINDINGS: A total of 58 articles were included in the review. Most articles (63.8%) used either a single or combination of two or more TMFs to inform their interventions. The most widely used TMF was social learning theory followed by theory of planned behaviour. We identified six core components of substance use prevention interventions: education, school environment, school policy, parental involvement, peer engagement and counselling. CONCLUSION: This scoping review outlines the core components of school-based substance use prevention interventions used in low-and-middle-income countries and the common theories, models or frameworks that underpin the design of those interventions.

"It's changing our lives, not for the better. It's important that we have a say". The role of young people in informing public health and policy decisions about gambling marketing.

BACKGROUND: Marketing has a significant impact on the normalisation of gambling for youth across the globe. This has included shaping positive attitudes towards gambling, as well as increasing the social and cultural acceptance of gambling - particularly aligned with valued activities such as sport. Because of this, public health experts argue that gambling marketing poses a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of youth. While young people are increasingly exposed to, and impacted by marketing for gambling products, they are rarely consulted about policy issues and options. This study aimed to explore young Australians' perceptions of current policy responses to gambling advertising, whether they thought young people should be involved in discussions and decisions about gambling marketing regulations, and their perceptions of the duty of governments to protect young people from gambling industry marketing strategies. METHODS: Qualitative focus groups (n = 22) were held with n = 64, 12-17 year olds in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. Participants were asked to reflect on current gambling policies, particularly relating to marketing, what they thought should be done about gambling marketing, and if and how young people should be included in public health responses to gambling. An interpretivist 'Big Q' approach to reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Young people highlighted the need for more effective regulations around the content and frequency of gambling marketing. They also wanted to see more realistic representations of the negative impacts of gambling to counter persistent positive commercial marketing messages. Most thought that young people should be given an opportunity to have a say about responses to gambling due to their unique experiences. Participants identified mechanisms to increase young people's engagement in decision making, such as direct lines of communication to different levels of government, involvement in research, and diversifying ways of engagement. Specific recommendations included more regulatory action such as bans on gambling advertising. CONCLUSIONS: Creating formal structures that facilitate the inclusion of young people's perspectives in decisions made about gambling can result in more innovative and effective strategies to prevent the harms from gambling industry products, promotions, and practices.

Gender-Based Dating Violence and Social Media among Spanish Young People: A Qualitative Study.

(1) Gender-based dating violence is common among adolescents. This violence has global repercussions and can have immediate and delayed consequences on health. Also, cases of dating violence and sexual abuse using technology are increasing. The aim of this research is to describe and understand the perceptions and experiences of Spanish university students aged 18 to 22, about gender-based dating violence and its perpetuation through social media. (2) A qualitative descriptive study was used, following the five consolidated criteria for reporting and publishing COREQ qualitative research. (3) The inductive analysis of the data obtained in the focus group session and the individual interviews of the twelve participants was organised into three major themes: the concept of gender violence that Spanish youth have, the education they have received on gender-based violence and whether they consider that social media are a way to exercise this type of violence. (4) Spanish youth have a broad vision of the attitudes and behaviours that make up gender-based dating violence in an affective relationship. The education received at home is of vital importance for young people, but not all receive it. Social media are frequent tools through which many young people perpetuate controlling partner violence and normalise aspects and situations of gender violence, making it necessary to stress them in prevention programs.

Access to best-evidenced mental health support for care-experienced young people: Learnings from the implementation of cognitive therapy for PTSD.

OBJECTIVES: Rates of PTSD are up to 12 times higher in care-experienced young people (CEYP) compared to their peers. Trauma-focused CBTs (tf-CBT) are the best-evidenced treatment for youth with PTSD, yet, in practice, CEYP often struggle to access this treatment. We worked alongside services to understand barriers and facilitators of the implementation of cognitive therapy for PTSD (a type of tf-CBT) to CEYP. DESIGN: This was an active, open implementation trial. METHODS: We recruited 28 mental health teams across England, including general CAMHS, targeted CAMHS for CEYP and social care-based teams. From these teams, participants were 243 mental health professionals, from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Following recruitment/intervention training, teams participated in rolling three monthly focus groups and individual interviews, to understand what helped and hindered implementation. Data were analysed using a framework analysis conducted using CFIR 2.0. RESULTS: Almost half of the teams were able to implement, but only approximately one quarter with CEYP, specifically. Universal barriers that were discussed by almost all teams particularly highlighted service structures and poor resourcing as major barriers to delivery to CEYP, as well as the complexities of the young person and their network. Unique factors that differentiated teams who did and did not implement included commissioning practices, the culture of the team, leadership engagement and style, and the development of supervision structures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings offer key considerations for mental health teams, service leads, commissioners and policy-makers to enhance delivery of best-evidenced mental health treatments like CT-PTSD, for CEYP.

"Older people will die of old age. I'll die of climate change": engaging children and young people in climate decision making for public health.

BACKGROUND: The climate crisis is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and future generations. While there are calls for children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, current power structures limit their participation. This paper aimed to understand children's perspectives about the impact of the climate crisis on their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to facilitate their greater engagement in decisions made about the climate crisis. METHODS: Online in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 28 children (aged 12-16 years) across Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were used to prompt discussion about how the climate crisis impacted their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to engage them in climate decision making. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from data. Images were analysed for ascribed meanings. RESULTS: First, participants stated that they and future generations will inherit the climate crisis from older generations, specifically decision makers. Second, they described a need to address a range of age-related barriers that limit children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, including perceptions about their capabilities. Finally, they discussed strategies and mechanisms to embed children and young people's perspectives within climate decision making, including at civic and political levels. CONCLUSIONS: Children and young people have the right to be involved in decisions made about the climate crisis which significantly impact their futures, including their health and wellbeing. They argue for structural changes to embed their views in climate decision making, and describe a range of engagement strategies and mechanisms to structure their perspectives and knowledge with decision making processes. Furthermore, genuine involvement of children and young people in climate discussions must avoid youthwashing and tokenistic participation. The public health community can help address barriers to youth participation in climate action and should actively engage and collaborate with children and young people to facilitate their political and democratic influence over the climate crisis. This involves making room and creating an accessible seat at the decision making table to ensure their perspectives are embedded in climate decisions.

A two-pronged approach to understanding reciprocity and mental health relationship in developing countries: evidence from young informal construction workers in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems disproportionately affect young people in developing countries. However, there is limited research on help-seeking behaviours and the social support systems that improve mental wellbeing among vulnerable youth populations. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the relationship between social support reciprocity and mental health among young informal construction workers in Nigeria, a population at high-risk for occupational and socioeconomic stressors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 686 informal workers to measure reciprocity, mental health-related quality of life, and covariates. In-depth interviews with 32 participants provided qualitative context. RESULTS: Quantitative analyses showed 25% of participants reported poor mental health. Reciprocity positively predicted mental health after controlling for covariates. Qualitative findings revealed reciprocity occurs directly between individuals as well as indirectly through trade unions and religious groups. Indirect exchanges through groups helped address limitations of direct support due to limited resources. CONCLUSIONS: This study fills important gaps in understanding how social relationships impact mental health in developing country contexts. Findings emphasize the role of collective action and community-based support systems in promoting mental wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Insights can inform culturally relevant, systems-level mental health interventions.

Research Ethics of Involving Adolescents in Health Research Studies: Perspectives From Australia.

PURPOSE: Adolescent participation in health research studies is critical yet complex given the lack of clarity around issues such as consent. This study aimed to understand how those conducting research in Australia navigate research ethics in health research involving adolescents, through qualitative interviews. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to recruit 23 researchers involved in adolescent health research using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and audio-recorded after obtaining informed consent. Thematic analysis was used to construct themes and data were organised using NVivo. RESULTS: Two contrasting positions emerged from the data: (1) framing of adolescents as inherently vulnerable, their participation in research understood in terms of risk and protection and (2) adolescent engagement in research is understood in terms of empowerment, emphasising their capacity to make decisions about research participation. We traced these positions through three key themes, particularly in relation to the role of ethics committees: (1) competing positions as a result of inferior or superior knowledge about adolescent lives, (2) competing positions resulting in a risk averse or an empowerment approach, and (3) reflections on processes of obtaining consent which involves gatekeeping and tokenism. DISCUSSION: Our study highlights the contentious topic of navigating ethics committee requirements for the needs of adolescents. Majority of participants felt the current research ethics establishment is not favourable for researchers or adolescents themselves. While it is imperative that perceptions of ethics committees also be studied in the future, our study provides preliminary understanding of how experiences and perceptions shape how researchers interact with the research ethics establishment.