Social epidemiology of online dating in U.S. early adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic associations of online dating in a demographically diverse U.S. national cohort of early adolescents. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (Year 2, 2018-2020, ages 11-12; N = 10,157). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, household income, parental education) and early adolescent-reported online dating behaviors. RESULTS: Overall, 0.4% (n = 38) of participants reported ever using a dating app. Males (AOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.11-6.78) had higher odds of online dating compared to females, and sexual minority identification (e.g., lesbian, gay, or bisexual; AOR 12.97, 95% CI 4.32-38.96) was associated with greater odds of online dating compared to heterosexual identification. CONCLUSION: Given the occurrence of online dating among early adolescents despite age restrictions, interventions might address age misrepresentation. Adolescent sexual health education may consider incorporating anticipatory guidance on online dating, especially for males and sexual minorities. Future research could further investigate online dating patterns from early to late adolescence and associated health effects.

Police Contact, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, and Suicidal Ideation: Findings From a National Sample of Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research is to investigate associations between police contact, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicidal ideation (SI) among a national sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults (ages 16-30). METHODS: Data used in this study were obtained from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (N = 940), a national survey of Canadians ages 16-30. RESULTS: Police contact was associated with higher odds of NSSI (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.86). Those who reported police contact with intrusion (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.49, 3.38) and police contact with harassment (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.30, 6.88) had higher odds of NSSI relative to respondents with no contact. Finally, any police contact was associated with higher odds of SI (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.34) and respondents experiencing police stops with harassment had higher odds of SI compared to those who had never been stopped (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.45, 4.24). CONCLUSIONS: Distressing police contact heightens the risk of NSSI and SI among young people. Rigorous evaluation of trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate strategies for identifying and intervening on NSSI and SI following adverse police encounters should be prioritized.

Association of body mass index with progression from binge-eating behavior into binge-eating disorder among adolescents in the United States: a prospective analysis of pooled data.

The association between body mass index (BMI) and binge-eating disorder (BED) is well-established. However, data on the extent to which BMI is associated with progression from binge-eating behavior into BED among adolescents are limited, which was the aim of this investigation. Participants were 9,964 U.S. adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, aged 9-13 at the time of study enrollment. A computerized parent-reported assessment was used to establish adolescents' binge-eating behaviors and BED. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for sociodemographic covariates were used to examine prospective associations between BMI and likelihood of BED onset among a) adolescents with binge-eating behavior, and b) adolescents with no binge-eating behavior. Of 975 adolescents who met study criteria for binge-eating behavior, 89 (9.1%) subsequently met study criteria for BED. Of 8,989 adolescents with no binge-eating behavior, 82 (0.9%) subsequently met study criteria for BED. BMI percentile was significantly associated with the likelihood of BED onset in participants with [ adjusted HR =1.03 (1.00, 1.06)] and participants without [adjusted HR =1.05 (1.03, 1.07)] binge-eating behavior. Results were also significant when examining BMI as a dichotomous predictor (above and below 85th percentile) among those with [adjusted HR =2.60 (1.00, 6.68) and those without [adjusted HR =6.01 (3.90, 11.10)] binge-eating behavior. Overall, results indicate that elevated BMI is prospectively associated with a greater risk for BED onset among U.S. adolescents with or without binge-eating behavior. Adolescents with a higher BMI may benefit from screening for binge eating, and prevention/early intervention strategies to mitigate the risk for developing BED.

Screen use in transgender and gender-questioning adolescents: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between transgender or gender-questioning identity and screen use (recreational screen time and problematic screen use) in a demographically diverse national sample of early adolescents in the U.S. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from Year 3 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study (ABCD Study®, N = 9859, 2019-2021, mostly 12-13-years-old). Multiple linear regression analyses estimated the associations between transgender or questioning gender identity and screen time, as well as problematic use of video games, social media, and mobile phones, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: In a sample of 9859 adolescents (48.8% female, 47.6% racial/ethnic minority, 1.0% transgender, 1.1% gender-questioning), transgender adolescents reported 4.51 (95% CI 1.17-7.85) more hours of total daily recreational screen time including more time on television/movies, video games, texting, social media, and the internet, compared to cisgender adolescents. Gender-questioning adolescents reported 3.41 (95% CI 1.16-5.67) more hours of total daily recreational screen time compared to cisgender adolescents. Transgender identification and questioning one's gender identity was associated with higher problematic social media, video game, and mobile phone use, compared to cisgender identification. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender and gender-questioning adolescents spend a disproportionate amount of time engaging in screen-based activities and have more problematic use across social media, video game, and mobile phone platforms.

Association of physical activity and screen time with cardiovascular disease risk in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

BACKGROUND: According to the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, limited evidence is available on sedentary behaviors (screen time) and their joint associations with physical activity (steps) for cardiovascular health in adolescence. The objective of this study was to identify joint associations of screen time and physical activity categories with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol) in adolescence. METHODS: This study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, comprising a diverse sample of 4,718 U.S. adolescents aged 10-15 years between 2018 and 2021. Steps were measured by a Fitbit wearable device and levels were categorized as low (1,000-6,000), medium (> 6,000-12,000), and high (> 12,000) averaged daily step counts. Self-reported recreational screen time hours per day were classified as low (0-4), medium (> 4-8), and high (> 8) hours per day. CVD risk factors including blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and cholesterol (total and HDL) were measured. RESULTS: The analytical sample averaged 6.6 h of screen time per day and 9,722 steps per day. In models including both screen time and steps, the high screen time category was associated with a 4.27 higher diastolic blood pressure percentile (95% CI 1.83-6.73) and lower HDL cholesterol (B= -2.85, 95% CI -4.77 to -0.94 mg/dL) compared to the low screen time category. Medium (B = 3.68, 95% CI 1.24-6.11) and low (B = 7.64, 95% CI 4.07-11.20) step categories were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure percentile compared to the high step category. The medium step category was associated with lower HDL cholesterol (B= -1.99, 95% CI -3.80 to -0.19 mg/dL) compared to the high step category. Findings were similar when screen time and step counts were analyzed as continuous variables; higher continuous step count was additionally associated with lower total cholesterol (mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Combinations of low screen time and high steps were generally associated with favorable cardiovascular health markers including lower diastolic blood pressure and higher HDL cholesterol, which can inform future adolescent health guidelines.

Adverse childhood experiences and dental cleaning during pregnancy: Findings from the North and South Dakota PRAMS, 2017-2021.

OBJECTIVE: Research demonstrates that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-that is, experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction-are related to lower preventive dental care utilization in childhood and adolescence. However, limited research has explored the connection between ACEs and preventive dental care utilization in adulthood, and no research has examined this relationship during pregnancy. The current study extends existing research by investigating the relationship between ACEs and dental cleaning and dental care utilization during pregnancy among a sample of women who delivered live births in North Dakota and South Dakota. METHODS: Data are from the 2017 to 2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in North Dakota and South Dakota (n = 7391). Multiple logistic regression is used to examine the relationship between the number of ACEs (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 or more) and dental cleaning during pregnancy. RESULTS: Relative to respondents with 0 ACEs, those with 4 or more ACEs were significantly less likely to report having dental care during pregnancy (OR = 0.757, 95% CI = 0.638, 0.898). By racial and ethnic background, the results showed that the significant associations are concentrated among White and Native American respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exposure to 4 or more ACEs is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of dental cleaning during pregnancy among women who delivered a live birth in North Dakota and South Dakota. Further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between ACEs and dental cleaning during pregnancy and replicate the findings in other geographic contexts.

Cumulative Police Exposures, Police Violence Stress, and Depressive Symptoms: A Focus on Black LGBQ Youth in Baltimore City, Maryland.

The present study investigates associations between cumulative police exposures, police violence stress, and depressive symptoms among Black youth, and whether LGBQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer) identities moderate these associations. Data come from the Survey of Police-Adolescent Contact Experiences (SPACE), a cross-sectional survey of a community-based sample of Black youth ages 12-21 in Baltimore City, Maryland (n = 345), administered from August 2022 to July 2023. We used multivariable ordinary least squares regression to estimate direct associations and product-term analysis to test for effect modification by sexual identities. We also calculate covariate-adjusted predicted depressive symptoms scores by cumulative police exposures and police violence stress across sexual identities. Findings indicate that LGBQ youth collectively reported higher levels of police violence stress than heterosexual youth. Still, LGBQ youth varied in their cumulative police exposures, which were significantly higher among bisexual and queer youth than lesbian or gay youth. Associations between cumulative police exposures, police violence stress, and depressive symptoms were significantly moderated by LGBQ identity, with the largest associations emerging for bisexual and queer youth. Police exposures and police violence stress also compounded to worsen depressive symptoms among the subsample of LGBQ youth. Collectively, our findings suggest that LGBQ youth-especially bisexual and queer youth-may be particularly vulnerable to the mental health harms of cumulative police exposures and police violence stress. Intersectional, public health approaches that combine prevention and treatment strategies are needed to mitigate LGBQ mental health inequities stemming from cumulative police exposures and police violence stress.

Screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying victimization: Findings from an international sample of adolescents.

Screen time, social media, and weight-related bullying are ubiquitous among adolescents. However, little research has been conducted among international samples. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying victimization among an international sample of adolescents from six countries. Data from the 2020 International Food Policy Study Youth Survey were analyzed (N = 12,031). Multiple modified Poisson regression models were estimated to determine the associations between weekday hours of five forms of screen time, and total screen time, and use of six contemporary social media platforms and weight-related bullying victimization. Analyses were conducted among the overall sample, and stratified by country (Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States). Greater hours of weekday screen time and use of each of the six social media platforms were associated with weight-related bullying victimization among the sample. Each additional hour of social media use was equivalent to a 13% (confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.16) increase in the prevalence of weight-related bullying victimization. The use of Twitter was associated with a 69% (CI 1.53-1.84) increase in the prevalence of weight-related bullying victimization. Associations between hours of weekday screen time, use of six social media, and weight-related bullying victimization differed by country. Findings underscore the associations between screen time, social media, and weight-related bullying among a sample of adolescents from six medium- and high-income countries. Country-specific and global public health and technology efforts are needed to address this burgeoning social problem.

Associations between receiving non-consensual image and video sexts and average sleep duration among adolescents and young adults.

Background Sexting is the sending and receiving of nude or partially nude images or videos. Despite it being a part of contemporary relationships, it can have adverse effects. This is particularly the case when receiving non-consensual sexts. To date, there remains a gap in the literature on whether receiving non-consensual sexts is associated with poor sleep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between receiving non-consensual sexts and average sleep duration. Methods Data from Wave 2 (2022) of the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviours (N =906) were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between receiving non-consensual sexts (both image and video) in the past 12months and average sleep duration (≤5h, 6h, 7h, 8h, and ≥9h) in the past 2weeks. Analyses were stratified by gender. Results Girls and women who received non-consensual image and video sexts, compared to those who did not, were more likely to report ≤5h of average sleep in the past 2weeks, relative to 8h of average sleep. There were no significant findings among boys and men. Conclusion Findings underscore that receiving non-consensual image and video sexts may negatively impact sleep among girls and women, which may be contextualised by trauma responses experienced because of gender-based sexual violence. Healthcare and mental health professionals should be made aware of this association to provide effective care to girls and women.

Physical Activity and Local Blue/Green Space Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To examine whether local blue and green space access was associated with weekly physical activity frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Population-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (May and June 2021). SAMPLE: Adults, ages 18-94 (N = 1,771). MEASURES: Self-reported data included the presence of blue spaces (e.g., lakes, outdoor swimming pools, riverside trails) and green spaces (e.g., parks, forests, or natural trails) in their neighborhoods, and days of physical activity per week (e.g., running, swimming, bicycling, lifting weights, playing sports, or doing yoga). ANALYSIS: Multiple Poisson regression assessed relationships between blue and green spaces and physical activity, with coefficients transformed into incidence risk ratios (IRR). RESULTS: Among participants, 67.2% reported living near a blue space and 86.1% reported living near a green space. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in access to blue and green spaces were observed, with less access among non-Hispanic Black participants and those with lower income and educational attainment. Living near blue (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.39) or green space (IRR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.54) was significantly associated with more frequent weekly physical activity. CONCLUSION: Proximity to blue or green spaces is associated with more frequent physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health promotion efforts should include equitable strategies to improve accessibility to blue and green spaces.

Mental Well-Being Among Adversity-Exposed Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: Further research is needed to understand factors associated with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Objective: To explore factors associated with improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced ACEs. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used data from the baseline (2016-2018) and sixth (March 2021) COVID Rapid Response Research (RRR) surveys of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, which includes 21 sites across the US. Adolescents aged 11 to 15 years who completed the COVID RRR mental health measures were included. Data analyses were conducted from June to August 2023. Exposures: School-based factors (eg, in-person school) and 8 coping behaviors (eg, exercise). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were adolescent-reported positive affect (PA) and perceived stress (PS). Adolescents were stratified by no ACEs, low-to-intermediate ACEs (1-3), and high ACEs (≥4). Linear regressions estimated associations between factors and mental health, adjusting for potential confounders. Unstandardized beta coefficients (B) were compared with equality of coefficients tests. Results: The 4515 adolescents in this study (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [0.88] years; 51% [95% CI, 50% to 53%] female) were racially and ethnically diverse (American Indian/Alaska Native, 2% [95% CI, 2% to 3%]; Asian, 8% [95% CI, 7% to 9%]; Black, 11% [95% CI, 10% to 12%]; Latino or Hispanic, 17% [95% CI, 15% to 18%]; White, 61% [95% CI, 60% to 63%]; other, 1% [95% CI, 0% to 2%]). For youths with high ACEs, caring for one's body (PA B = 4.02 [95% CI, 1.39 to 6.66]; PS B = -0.92 [95% CI, -1.84 to 0.00]), exercising (PA B = 3.19 [95% CI, 0.46 to 5.92]; PS B = -1.41 [95% CI, -2.40 to -0.43]), and engaging in healthy behaviors (PA B = 4.07 [95% CI, 1.28 to 6.84]; PS B = -1.01 [95% CI, -1.98 to -0.05]) were associated with higher PA and lower PS scores. In-person schooling had a greater impact on PA scores for youths with high ACEs (B = 5.55 [95% CI, 2.08 to 9.01]) than youths with low-to-intermediate ACEs (B = 1.27 [95% CI, 0.27 to 2.27]). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that in-person schooling and several coping behaviors (caring for one's body, exercising, and engaging in healthy behaviors) were associated with significantly higher PA and lower PS during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents with high ACEs. Adolescents with high ACEs demonstrated especially greater mental health scores when they reported in-person schooling. Future studies should build on these findings to identify clinical and school-based mental health protective factors for adolescents with high ACE risk.

Sleep Problems Among Black Youth Exposed to Police Violence on Digital Media.

Findings from a recent survey of a community-based sample of Black youth ages 12 through 21 in Baltimore City, Maryland (n = 345) reveal that viewing fatal police violence videos is associated with significant increases in the odds of youth sleep disturbances, and about 30% of this association is attributable to emotional distress after viewing the videos.

Prior Incarceration and Performance on Immediate and Delayed Verbal Recall Tests: Results From National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health-Parent Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the cognitive functioning of formerly incarcerated older adults compared to their never-incarcerated counterparts, focusing on immediate and delayed verbal recall. METHODS: Data are from 2,003 respondents who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health-Parent Study (AHPS; ages 47-82, mean age 62). AHPS participants were administered word recall memory exercises to the parent respondent from the Rey Auditory-Verbal administered Learning Test, including (a) 90-s (immediate or short-term verbal memory), (b) 60-s recall tests (delayed or long-term verbal memory), and (c) combined word recall on the 90-s and 60-s tests. RESULTS: Adjusting for control variables, respondents who reported prior incarceration had a lower rate of verbal recall on the combined word recall (incidence risk ratio [IRR] = 0.915, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.840, 0.997) and immediate word recall (IRR = 0.902, 95% CI = 0.817, 0.996). When restricting the sample to respondents over age 60, prior incarceration was associated with lower combined word recall (IRR = 0.847, 95% CI = 0.752, 0.954), immediate word recall (IRR = 0.857, 95% CI = 0.762, 0.963), and delayed word recall (IRR = 0.834, 95% CI = 0.713, 0.974). DISCUSSION: This study underscores the adverse impact of prior incarceration on cognitive functioning in the older adult population, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support for formerly incarcerated older adults. The results reinforce the importance of addressing the long-term consequences of incarceration, especially as individuals enter older adulthood.

Links of Previous Incarceration with Geriatric Syndromes and Chronic Health Conditions Among Older Adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between previous incarceration and various geriatric and chronic health conditions among adults 50 and older in the United States. METHODS: Data came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health - Parent Study (AHPS) collected in 2015-2017, including 2,007 individuals who participated in the parent study (Parent Sample) and 976 individuals who participated in the spouse/partner study (Spouse/Partner Sample). Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between previous incarceration and geriatric syndromes (dementia, difficulty walking, difficulty seeing, difficulty with activities of daily living) and chronic health conditions (self-reported poor/fair health, diagnosis of cancer, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, depression, and alcohol use [4 or more drinks per week]). RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, respondents with previous incarceration in the AHPS had significantly higher odds of reporting difficulty walking, activities of daily living difficulty, cancer diagnosis, depression diagnosis, and chronic lung disease (aORs= 2.21-2.95). Respondents in the AHPS spouse/partner study reported higher odds of difficulty seeing, cancer, depression, chronic lung disease, and heavy alcohol use (aORs= 1.02-2.15). CONCLUSIONS: Previous incarceration may have an adverse impact on healthy aging. Findings highlight the importance of addressing the enduring health impacts of incarceration, particularly as individuals transition into older adulthood.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trajectories of Firearm Exposure in Childhood.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal relationship between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in early life and trajectories of firearm exposure from early to middle childhood (ages 5-9 years old). STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LOGSCAN) study were used. The LONGSCAN study was a prospective study in the United States and contained data from 1354 children from age 4 to age 18 years old. Exposure to ACEs was measured through the wave 1 interview (age 5 years old) and trajectories of firearm exposure were created using data from waves 1 (age 5 years old) and two (age 9 years old). RESULTS: Two trajectories of firearm exposure in childhood were identified: a low exposure group and a group with persistently-high firearm exposure from ages 5 to 9 years old. ACEs were associated with membership in the high exposure group and children with four or more ACEs had over twice the odds of membership in the high exposure group compared with children with zero ACEs. CONCLUSION: ACEs exposure in early childhood is associated with persistently-high exposure to firearms from early to middle childhood. This finding highlights the need for pediatricians to consider screening for both ACEs and firearm exposure in routine examinations, as well as the need for future research to identify and evaluate interventions intended to address exposure to adversity and firearms.

Lower Perceived Neighborhood Collective Efficacy Indirectly Influences the Association Between Perceived Maternal Exposure to Community Violence and Household Food Insecurity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals of color and of low socioeconomic status are at greater risk of experiencing community violence and food insecurity, which are both influenced by neighborhood conditions. We evaluated neighborhood collective efficacy as a linkage between community violence exposure and household food insecurity. METHODS: Mothers from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study who completed phone surveys when the child was 3 (time 1, T1) and 5 years old (time 2, T2) were included (n = 2068). A covariate-adjusted structural equation model estimated direct and indirect effects of community violence exposure on household food insecurity. A covariate-adjusted multiple mediator model estimated the indirect effects of the 2 neighborhood collective efficacy subscales (informal social control; social cohesion and trust). RESULTS: At T1, 40% of mothers reported community violence exposure; 15% experienced food insecurity at T2. Mean neighborhood collective efficacy (range 1-5) at T1 was 2.44 (SD = 0.94). Neighborhood collective efficacy indirectly influenced the association between community violence exposure and food insecurity (indirect effect = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.007 to 0.040). Only social cohesion and trust contributed independent variance to the indirect effect model (indirect effect = 0.028, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Community-based efforts to reduce household food insecurity should emphasize building social cohesion and trust in communities experiencing violence.

Prospective association of screen time with binge-eating disorder among adolescents in the United States: The mediating role of depression.

OBJECTIVE: Screen time has been reported to be associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) among adolescents in the US; however, potential mediators remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate depression symptoms as a mediator of the prospective association between screen time and BED. METHOD: We utilized data from 9465 children (aged 9-11 years at baseline) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (2016-2021). A generalized structural equation model was used to examine the prospective association between average daily screen time at baseline and BED at year 2, adjusting for baseline BED diagnosis, and other potential covariates (e.g., age, sex, and income). Mediation was examined using bias-corrected (BC) 95% confidence intervals for the indirect effect of baseline screen time on year 2 BED through depression symptoms (change from baseline to year 1). RESULTS: One hundred and one participants (42.7% male, 49.4% racial/ethnic minority) met the criteria for BED in year 2. Participants were 9.9 years of age on average at baseline, 51.3% identified as male, and 43.1% identified as a racial/ethnic minority. Adjusting for covariates, screen time was prospectively associated with BED (OR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.03, 1.14], p = .005). Depression symptoms (B = .19, BC 95% CI [0.10, 0.28]) partially mediated (9.2%) the prospective association between screen time and BED. DISCUSSION: Among US adolescents, higher baseline screen time was prospectively associated with BED diagnosis at year 2, and this relationship was partially mediated by increased depression symptoms. Preventive approaches targeting high screen use may have utility for reducing BED risk among adolescents. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Among U.S. adolescents, higher screen time was prospectively associated with the incidence of BED. This association was partially mediated by the change in depressive symptoms. Preventive approaches targeting high screen use may have utility for reducing BED risk among adolescents.

Family member incarceration and loneliness among low-income U.S. veterans.

Exposure to incarceration can have significant ramifications for one's social relationships. However, the study of how the incarceration of a family member influences loneliness, including among specific segments of the population that experience elevated levels of loneliness, such as U.S. military veterans, has gone understudied. This study aimed to examine the relationship between family member incarceration and perceptions of loneliness among a sample of low-income U.S. military veterans. Data are from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences Study-a national survey of low-income U.S. veterans collected in December 2022 and January 2023. Multiple Poisson is used to assess the relationship between family member incarceration and a loneliness index, and multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship with specific constructs in the loneliness index. The results indicate that respondents who ever experienced the incarceration of a family member reported significantly more loneliness (incidence risk ratio = 1.189, 95% CI [1.035, 1.366]). Further, analyses of the specific items in the loneliness index revealed that family member incarceration was related to an increased risk of reporting feelings of often lacking companionship (relative risk ratio = 1.598, 95% CI [1.077, 2.370]) and often feeling isolated from others (1.711, 95% CI [1.014, 2.886]). Given the potential adverse consequences of loneliness and family member incarceration for well-being, the results from this study emphasize the need for increased attention and coordinated approaches in addressing feelings of loneliness, developing efforts to mitigate the harms of family member incarceration within the U.S. veteran community. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Social Media Use and Alcohol Sipping in Early Adolescents: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Social media can influence alcohol initiation behaviors such as sipping, which can lead to future adverse alcohol-related outcomes. Few studies have examined the role of problematic social media use, characterized by addiction, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse, especially in early adolescence. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prospective association between social media use and sipping alcohol in a nationwide sample of early adolescents, and the extent to which problematic social media use mediates the association. METHODS: We analyzed prospective data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 7514; ages 9-10 years at baseline; 2016-2018) to estimate associations between social media time (Year 1) and alcohol sipping (Year 3) using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for confounders and testing problematic social media use (Year 2) as a mediator. RESULTS: Social media time (Year 1) was prospectively associated with 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.20-1.43) times higher risk of new-onset sipping (Year 3). The association between social media time and new-onset alcohol sipping was partially mediated by problematic social media use at Year 2 (25.0% reduction in the association between the former two factors after adding problematic social media use, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Time spent on social media was associated with a higher risk of alcohol sipping in a diverse national sample of early adolescents, and the association was partially mediated by problematic social media use. Media literacy education and family media use plans could advise early adolescents about exposure to alcohol content on social media and warning signs for problematic use.

Sociodemographic Associations With Blood Pressure in 10-14-Year-Old Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and blood pressure among a demographically diverse population-based sample of 10-14-year-old US adolescents. METHODS: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 4,466), year two (2018-2020). Logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, household income, and parental education) with blood pressure among early adolescents. RESULTS: The sample was 49.3% female and 46.7% non-White. Overall, 4.1% had blood pressures in the hypertensive range. Male sex was associated with 48% higher odds of hypertensive-range blood pressures than female sex (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02; 2.14), and Black race was associated with 85% higher odds of hypertensive-range blood pressures compared to White race (95% CI, 1.11; 3.08). Several annual household income categories less than $100,000 were associated with higher odds of hypertensive-range blood pressures compared to an annual household income greater than $200,000. We found effect modification by household income for Black adolescents; Black race (compared to White race) was more strongly associated with higher odds of hypertensive-range blood pressures in households with income greater than $75,000 (odds ratio 3.92; 95% CI, 1.95; 7.88) compared to those with income less than $75,000 (odds ratio 1.53; 95% CI, 0.80; 2.92). DISCUSSION: Sociodemographic characteristics are differentially associated with higher blood pressure in early adolescents. Future research could examine potential mediating factors (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, tobacco) linking sociodemographic characteristics and blood pressure to inform targeted interventions.