The effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior to prevent the consumption of fast food in a population of teenagers.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing prevalence of fast food consumption among teenagers, providing the necessary training and self-awareness is the best solution for institutionalizing the prevention of fast food consumption by this group. Therefore, this issue should be taken seriously, as should the implementation of educational interventions to prevent the consumption of fast food. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the various health education styles and methods that works well. However, given that a number of local data points are crucial in establishing the efficacy of the model employed, this study looks into the impact of TPB-based education in preventing fast food intake among teenagers. METHODS: A total of 180 male students, ages 15 to 18, participated in this quasi-experimental study in Shiraz, Iran. Cluster sampling was used in the study, and participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 90) and the control group (n = 90). A theory-based questionnaire was used to gather data, and both the control and experimental groups had to complete it before and three months after the intervention. The data were examined using paired t, independent t, and chi-square statistical tests after being entered into SPSS-24. RESULTS: The results of the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the two study groups before the intervention in terms of knowledge (P = 0.14), attitude (P = 0.57), subjective norms (P = 0.94), perceived behavioral control (P = 0.81), behavioral intention (P = 0.42), or behavior (P = 0.25). However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the noted variables (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the McNemar test results demonstrated that the experimental group's consumption of fast food varied significantly before and after the intervention (P = 0.001), but not in the control group (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The study's findings demonstrated that TPB-based treatments are successful in helping male students change their habits of consuming fewer amounts of fast food. This study demonstrated that the instructional techniques employed improved the fast food consumption behavior of the intervention group as well as the TPB's structure (attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral intention).

Association between bullying victimization and health risk behavior in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between bullying victimization and health risk behaviors in adolescents. METHODS: A representative sample of 1020 adolescents participated in the study. The variables such as bullying, health risk behaviors (tobacco, drugs, alcohol, sedentary behavior, smartphone use, level of physical activity, and sleep), and economic status were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using binary logistic regression and ordinal, gross, and adjusted logistic regression (p<0.05). RESULTS: Victims of bullying were more likely to smoke (OR 1.75; 95%CI 1.28-2.40), consume alcohol (OR1.43; 95%CI 1.05-1.94), have worse sleep quality (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.28-2.91), and more sedentary behavior (OR 1.43; 95%CI 1.08-1.89) than those who were not bullied. However, victims were more likely to have high levels of physical activity than their non-bullied peers (OR 1.66; 95%CI 1.22-2.27). CONCLUSIONS: Bullying victimization was associated with an increased predisposition for the adoption of health risk behaviors. Interestingly, victims were also more prone to participate in physical activity.

Association of the COVID-19 lockdown with health risk behaviors in South Korean adolescents.

Since there is no certainty about when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown will be affected by health risk behaviors, so we investigate the effect of COVID-19-related health risk behavior changes using school-based self-reported data from a nationally representative South Korean adolescent population. We analyzed web-based self-reported data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey in 111,878 participants (57,069 in COVID-19 prepandemic); 54,809 in during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included 12 to 18-year-olds. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess socioeconomic status, health risk behaviors, and psychological factors. Health risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, substance use, and sexual experience significantly decreased in COVID-19 pandemic than in COVID-19 prepandemic. Psychosomatic changes such as stress levels, violence experience, depression, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts were significantly lower in COVID-19 pandemic compared to COVID-19 prepandemic (P < .001). After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, less alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-0.93), less exercise (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89-0.94), less sexual experience (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.77-0.86), less violence experience (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.55-0.67), less stress (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.84-0.88), less depression (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.83-0.88), less suicidal ideation (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.89-0.97), plans (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.76-0.88), attempts (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.71-0.85) were significantly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic compared to COVID-19 prepandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in health risk behaviors among Korean adolescents, resulting in alcohol drinking, sexual experience, drug use, violence experience, and suicidal behaviors (idea, plan, and attempts) being decreased during the lockdown period.

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.

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of educational programs about HIV prevention on knowledge, attitude, and behavior among adolescents.

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents is on the rise due to a lack of comprehensive knowledge, leading to suboptimal attitudes and behaviors, which emphasizes the critical need for targeted interventions. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions for HIV prevention among adolescents by assessing their impact on knowledge, attitude, and behavior. A systematic review of seven databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, JSTOR, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCO were identified, and 14 eligible randomized controlled trials published until June 2023 were included. Two independent authors assessed quality appraisal using the Risk of Bias 2.0. Outcomes were measured using the standard mean difference (SMD) with random effects model and a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore heterogeneity. The results showed significant improvements in participants' knowledge (SMD: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.78-1.49), behavior intentions (SMD: 1.22, 95%CI: 0.37-2.07), and attitude (SMD: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.02-0.95) after receiving HIV prevention education programs. Interventions grounded in theoretical principles and incorporating technology, group settings, and audio-visual aids were found to be effective in enhancing knowledge of HIV prevention and promoting behavioral intentions. Peer-led education positively impacted both knowledge and attitude. Moreover, excluding parents from these programs was identified as a crucial factor in improving adolescents' knowledge of HIV prevention. In conclusion, educational programs focused on HIV effectively enhance adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among adolescents. Professionals planning interventions should consider these impactful components in designing comprehensive strategies.

Violence tendency and internet addiction in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between internet addiction and violence tendency in adolescent students and the factors affecting violence tendency. METHODS: The research was conducted on 2,648 middle school students in Turkey. A socio-demographic form, the Young Internet Addiction Scale, and the Violence Tendency Scale were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: It was determined that there was a significant positive relationship between the Young Internet Addiction Scale and the Violence Tendency Scale. Age has a positive effect on violence tendency levels. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the variables of age and internet addiction contribute to the occurrence of violence tendency. Psychiatric nurses should plan trainings and evaluate its effectiveness to raise awareness.

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.

Traditional socio-cultural practices and early pregnancies in Togo: Between social norms and violation of adolescent rights.

This article shows how certain traditional socio-cultural practices that influence the root causes of teenage pregnancy violate the rights of adolescents. The data came from the action-research entitled "Multisectoral and transformative approaches to rites and initiations for adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights", conducted by the Togolese Association for Family Welfare (ATBEF) in May 2022. The option is made for a qualitative approach. The information collected was recorded on dictaphones and then transcribed from the local languages of collection into French. Content analysis was used to write the research report. The results reveal that these practices, which are still prevalent in the localities of the study, and which exert pressure on adolescent girls, are also products of violations of many girls' rights.

Cet article montre en quoi certaines pratiques socio-culturelles traditionnelles qui influencent les causes profondes de la survenue des grossesses chez les adolescentes, constituent une violation des droits de ces dernières. Les données proviennent de la recherche action titrée « Approches multisectorielles et transformatrices des rites et initiations pour les droits en santé sexuelle et de la reproduction des adolescentes ¼, menée par l'Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF) en mai 2022. L'option est faite pour une approche qualitative. Les informations collectées ont été enregistrées sur dictaphones puis transcrites des langues locales de collecte vers le français. L'analyse de contenu a été utilisée pour la rédaction du rapport de recherche. Les résultats révèlent que ces pratiques encore prégnantes dans les localités de l'étude et qui exercent des pressions sur les adolescentes, sont aussi des produits des violations de nombreux droits des filles.

Factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescents in three regions of Senegal.

The study aimed to evaluate the use of contraception by adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in three municipalities of Senegal, as well as the associated factors. The study was conducted in 2022 and used a cross-sectional approach. The sample size was 940 participants. Sampling was done using a multistage stratified random sampling method. The chi-square test and logistic regression using R software version 4.2.1 were used to analyze the data. Only 2.2% of adolescents had ever used a contraceptive method. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, those residing in Kolda, married adolescents, and those who were aware of family planning were more likely to use family planning methods. We conclude that policymakers in Senegal should implement policies and programmes for improving the reproductive health needs of adolescents in Senegal.

L'étude consistait à évaluer l'utilisation de la contraception par les adolescentes âgées de 10 à 19 ans dans trois communes du Sénégal, ainsi que les facteurs qui y sont associés. L'étude menée en 2022 a utilisé l'approche transversale. La taille de l'échantillon était de 940 participants. L'échantillonnage a été réalisé en utilisant une méthode de sondage aléatoire stratifié à plusieurs degrés. Le test de chi-carré et la régression logistique au moyen du logiciel R version 4.2.1 ont été utilisé pour analyser les données. Seulement 2,2% des adolescentes avaient utilisé une méthode contraceptive. Les adolescentes âgées de 15 à 19 ans, celles qui résident à Kolda, les adolescentes mariées étaient plus nombreuses et celles qui ont été sensibilisée à la planification familiale étaient plus nombreuses que les autres à utiliser les méthodes de planification familiale. Ainsi, il est nécessaire que les autorités améliorent la mise en œuvre des programmes axés sur les besoins de santé reproductive des adolescentes au Sénégal.

Initiatory rites, sexual activity, and early pregnancies of adolescent girls in the savannah region of Togo: Views of canton chiefs, priests and initiates.

Teenage pregnancy and marriage are major concerns in many schools in Togo, due to the large number of cases recorded each year by the Ministry of Primary, Secondary, Technical Education, and Handicrafts. The aim of this article is to describe the rites associated with early pregnancy and the perceptions held by the populations of Gando in the Savannah region. The study was based on documentary research and interviews with several actors, including initiating priests, canton chiefs, and young initiates. The results show that the rites: Okpenkpen, Tkonte, Ignogues have a link with early pregnancy, and the populations perceive them relatively well.

Les grossesses et mariages chez les adolescentes constituent une vive préoccupation dans beaucoup d'établissements scolaires au Togo en raison du nombre important de cas recensés chaque année par le Ministère des enseignements primaire, secondaire, technique et de l'artisanat. L'objectif de cet article est de décrire les rites ayant un lien avec les grossesses précoces et les perceptions qu'ont les populations de Gando dans la région des Savanes. Pour y parvenir, la méthodologie utilisée est basée sur la recherche documentaire et les entretiens avec plusieurs acteurs, entre autres, les prêtres initiateurs, les chefs de cantons et les jeunes initiés. Les résultats montrent que les rites : Okpenkpen, Tkonte, Ignogues ont un lien avec les grossesses précoces et les populations les perçoivent relativement bien.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.