Social media uses amongst adolescents: motives, minority stress and eudaimonic well-being / Uso de redes sociales en adolescentes: motivación, estrés de minorías y bienestar eudaimónico

Introduction: The scientific evidence regarding the effects of online social media use on the well-being of adolescents is mixed. In gen-eral, passive uses (receiving, viewing content without interacting) and more screen time are related to lower well-being when compared with active uses (direct interactions and interpersonal exchanges). Objectives:This study ex-amines the types and motives for social media usage amongst adolescents, differentiating them by gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as its effects on eudaimonic well-being and minority stress. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1259 adolescents, aged 14 to 19 (M= 16.19; SD= 1.08), analysing the Scale of Motives for Using Social Net-working Sites, eudaimonic well-being, the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory, screen time and profile type. Results:The results found that longer use time is related to finding partners, social connection and friendships; that gay and bisexual (GB) adolescents perceive more distal stressors online;and that females have higher levels of well-being. Discus-sion: The public profiles of GB males increase self-expression, although minority stress can be related to discrimination, rejection or exclusion. Dif-ferentiated socialization may contribute to a higher level of well-being in females, with both active and passive uses positively effecting eudaimonic well-being in adolescents.(AU)

Introduction: The scientific evidence regarding the effects of online social media use on the well-being of adolescents is mixed. In general, passive uses (receiving, viewing content without interacting) and more screen time are related to lower well-being when compared with active uses (direct interactions and interpersonal exchanges). Objectives: This study examines the types and motives for social media usage amongst adolescents, differentiating them by gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as its effects on eudaimonic well-being and minority stress. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1259 adolescents, aged 14 to 19 (M = 16.19; SD = 1.08), analysing the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites, eudaimonic well-being, the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory, screen time and profile type. Results: The results found that longer use time is related to finding partners, social connection and friendships; that gay and bisexual (GB) adolescents perceive more distal stressors online; and that females have higher levels of well-being. Discussion: The public profiles of GB males increase self-expression, although minority stress can be related to discrimination, rejection or exclusion. Differentiated socialization may contribute to a higher level of well-being in females, with both active and passive uses positively effecting eudaimonic well-being in adolescents.(AU)

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Health Outcomes in Adolescents: An Umbrella Review.

CONTEXT: Proper nutrition represents 1 of the domains of adolescents' well-being. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD), as a healthy, traditional, and sustainable dietary pattern, plays a crucial role in promoting adequate growth and preventing chronic noncommunicable diseases. OBJECTIVE: The currently available evidence on the effects of adherence to the MD (AMD) in association with several physical health outcomes in adolescence is summarized in this review. DATA SOURCES: Five electronic databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials, published in English during 2013-2022, and that assessed the health impact of AMD among adolescents were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION: Details on study design, methods, population, assessment of dietary patterns, health outcomes, and main results were extracted. RESULTS: The search yielded 59 references after removal of duplicates. Applying PICOS criteria, 4 systematic reviews and 3 meta-analyses ultimately were included in this review. The AMD was evaluated in association with overweight/obesity and adiposity in 2 studies, musculoskeletal health in another 2, inflammation in 1 study, and cardiometabolic health in 1 study. The seventh review examined all mentioned health outcomes (overweight and obesity, musculoskeletal health, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health) in relation to AMD. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this umbrella review showed limited evidence and a lack of consistency about the relation between AMD and health outcomes of interest in adolescence, indicating the need for more studies to better understand it. SYSTEMIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023428712.

The effects of different levels of sports activity on health-related quality of life and lifestyle habits in high school Italian students.

Physical activity (PA) is an important predictor of physical and mental health preventing chronic degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate in a group of Italian high school students whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lifestyle habits (diet) are associated with the level of physical activity performed (low, moderate, high). Data were collected from 2819 adolescents (n = 951 males). HRQoL was analyzed using the Italian version of the KIDSCREEN-52. Physical activity level was analyzed using the PAQ-A, while eating habits with KIDMED. Practicing physical activity in general improves HRQoL. Specifically, adolescents practicing moderate or high PA, in single dimensions of HRQoL, showed better mood (p < 0.001), self-perception (p < 0.001), family relationships (p < 0.001), reported a higher perception of socioeconomic status (p < 0.05), relationship with peers (p < 0.001), and social acceptance (p < 0.001). High PA subjects reported increased physical (p < 0.001) and mental health (p < 0.001), increased autonomy (p < 0.001), and school learning (p < 0.001). For lifestyle habits, practicing moderate PA showed higher adherence tox the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results highlighted a positive association between the frequency of PA levels, some dimensions of HRQoL, and risk behaviors. These findings demonstrated the protective role of sports not only as a preventive strategy for the onset of chronic degenerative diseases, but also as an educator of healthy lifestyle habits, thus suggesting the importance and need to implement strategies to promote sports practice.

Improving the identification of bone-specific physical activity using wrist-worn accelerometry: A cross-sectional study in 11-12-year-old Australian children.

Physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence is important for the accrual of maximal peak bone mass. The precise dose that benefits bone remains unclear as methods commonly used to analyze PA data are unsuitable for measuring bone-relevant PA. Using improved accelerometry methods, this study identified the amount and intensity of PA most strongly associated with bone outcomes in 11-12-year-olds. Participants (n = 770; 382 boys) underwent tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography to assess trabecular and cortical density, endosteal and periosteal circumference and polar stress-strain index. Seven-day wrist-worn raw acceleration data averaged over 1-s epochs was used to estimate time accumulated above incremental PA intensities (50 milli-gravitational unit (mg) increments from 200 to 3000 mg). Associations between time spent above each 50 mg increment and bone outcomes were assessed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, maturity, socioeconomic position, muscle cross-sectional area and PA below the intensity of interest. There was a gradual increase in mean R2 change across all bone-related outcomes as the intensity increased in 50 mg increments from >200 to >700 mg. All outcomes became significant at >700 mg (R2 change = 0.6%-1.3% and p = 0.001-0.02). Any further increases in intensity led to a reduction in mean R2 change and associations became non-significant for all outcomes >1500 mg. Using more appropriate accelerometry methods (1-s epochs; no a priori application of traditional cut-points) enabled us to identify that ∼10 min/day of PA >700 mg (equivalent to running ∼10 km/h) was positively associated with pQCT-derived measures of bone density, geometry and strength in 11-12-year-olds.

How do Differences in Adolescent and Caregiver Reports of Adolescent Adverse Childhood Experiences Relate to Adolescent Depression?

Objective: To compare adolescent and caregiver reports of adolescent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their relationship with current adolescent depression and to analyze the relationship between ACEs and depression. Methods: We recruited 46 adolescent-caregiver dyads from a large, inner-city medical center's adolescent medicine clinic. Adolescents and caregivers completed the Center for Youth Wellness ACE questionnaire, encompassing traditional ACEs (eg, abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) and nontraditional ACEs (eg, foster care, parental death, exposure to community violence). Adolescents also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9A (PHQ-9A) depression screening tool. Results: Among adolescents, 14 (30%) reported no traditional ACEs, 11 (24%) reported 1, and 21 (46%) reported more than 1. Regarding nontraditional ACEs, 16 (35%) reported none, 11 (24%) reported 1, and 19 (41%) reported more than 1. Caregiver reports consistently indicated lower ACEs compared with adolescent self-reports (P < .005). For the PHQ-9A scores, 26 (57%) of adolescents showed no or minimal depression, 14 (30%) mild, and 6 (13%) moderate depression. A moderate positive correlation emerged between PHQ-9A scores and self-reported traditional ACEs (rs = 0.5, P < .001) and nontraditional ACEs (rs = 0.49, P < .001). In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the absolute differences in adolescent and caregiver reports of traditional ACEs and PHQ-9A scores (n = 46, ρ = 0.51, P < .001). Conclusions: As the differences in ACE reports between adolescents and caregivers increased, there was a corresponding increase in adolescent depression scores. It is essential to incorporate comprehensive ACE screening and encourage open communication between adolescents and caregivers, which may improve mental health outcomes.

Utilization of adolescent-friendly health services and its determinants in a rural area of Maharashtra.

Context: Adolescent phase is a very crucial period in one's life, much emotional and psychological support is needed for an adolescent to bloom into a responsible adult. But unfortunately adolescents do not get the support or they fail to seek support due to lack of awareness. Government of India, to address this issue has established dedicated adolescent friendly health services (AFHS). This study estimates the utilisation of adolescent friendly health clinics in a rural area of Maharashtra. Aims: Aim is to the study the utilisation of adolescent friendly health services and its various determinants in a rural area of Maharashtra. Objectives: Objectives of this study were to assess the sociodemographic profile of study participants, to study the utilisation of adolescent friendly health services among them and to determine the factors associated with utilisation of adolescent friendly health services. Settings and Design: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 late adolescents from a rural area of Maharashtra from October 2022 to December 2022. Methods and Material: With the help of data from Gram panchayat about residing adolescents in the rural field practice area of tertiary care hospital, all late adolescents were included in this study after obtaining informed consent. Data was collected with and Statistical analysis was done using 'Open Epi Info' software. Results: Out of 290 adolescents, 35% (102) were aware of adolescent friendly health clinics (AFHS), 20% (58) utilised AFHS, the significant sociodemographic components for utilisation were found to be females (AOR: 2.161,95% CI: 1.088-4.295), Bauddha religion (AOR: 2.465,95% CI: 0.585-10.383), socioeconomic class I and II- B.G Prasad classification (AOR: 1.544,95% CI: 0.786-3.030), higher secondary education (AOR: 8.025,95% CI: 1.434-44.916) and Government schooling (AOR:0.389,95% CI: 0.080-1.889). Conclusions: Though initiatives are taken from the Government to lend a helping hand to the adolescents, awareness and utilisation seems to be minimal.

TikTok and teen mental health: an analysis of user-generated content and engagement.

BACKGROUND: TikTok is a social media mobile application that is widely used by adolescents, and has the potential to serve as a revolutionary platform for public and mental health discourse, education, and intervention. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to describe the content and engagement metrics of the hashtag #teenmentalhealth on TikTok. METHODS: In this study, we: (a) conducted a directed content analysis of the Top 100 TikTok videos tagged with #teenmentalhealth, and (b) collected data on video engagements (views, likes, saves, and shares) and computed view-based engagement rates. RESULTS: The videos collectively garnered 144,320,591 views; 28,289,655 likes; 219,780 comments; 1,971,492 saves; and 478,696 shares. Most of the generated content were from teens and therapists. Engagement metrics revealed strong user engagement rates across user types. The most prevalent content categories represented across videos were personal experience, coping techniques or treatment, humor, interpersonal relationships, and health campaign. The content categories with the highest engagement rates were relatable media representation, health campaign, social isolation, and humor. Only a single video incorporated evidence-based treatment content. CONCLUSION: TikTok facilitates communication and information dissemination on teen mental health. Future research should focus on improving the quality and credibility of digital content while maintaining engagement through creativity, self-expression, and relatability. Use of popular social media platforms and community-engaged research to disseminate evidence-based content may help bridge the translational research gap.

Association of Soda Drinks and Fast Food with Allergic Diseases in Korean Adolescents: A Nationwide Representative Study.

INTRODUCTION: A high consumption of carbonated soft drinks (i.e., soda drinks) and fast food is potentially associated with the observed global rise in adolescent allergic diseases. Thus, our study aimed to examine the potential associations between the consumption of soda drinks and fast food and allergic conditions, identifying specific relationships across subgroups and each allergic condition (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis). METHODS: This study uses large-scale data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (total n = 865,614). Soda drinks and fast food were defined by a self-reported questionnaire and allergic conditions by physician-diagnosed within 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the weighted odds ratios (ORs), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for allergic diseases associated with the intake of soda drinks and fast food. RESULTS: Among 865,614 adolescents in grades 7-12 (male, 51.40%), patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were 18,568 (2.15%), 153,536 (17.74%), and 59,014 (6.82%), respectively. Current asthma was associated with soda drinks (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12) and fast food consumption (1.25; 1.17-1.33). Interestingly, stronger associations were observed for female high schoolers, compared to male high schoolers and middle schoolers, in relation to the consumption of soda drinks (1.31; 1.19-1.44) and fast food (1.46; 1.26-1.69) with asthma. Current allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis had no significant association with fast food consumption and soda drinks. CONCLUSION: This first large-scale study suggests that fast food and soda drinks consumption are potentially associated with current asthma, with stronger associations observed in females than males, underscoring the need for sex-specific allergy prevention programs.

Inter-examiner Reliability of Two Methods for Scoring Post-Orthodontic White Spot Lesions from Digital Photographs.

Objective: To compare the reliability of two scoring systems for detecting white spot lesions (WSLs) from clinical photographs captured during debonding of fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: Digital images of 58 healthy adolescents (34 females and 24 males) were examined, depicting 384 buccal surfaces of maxillary incisors, canines, and first premolars. Three trained examiners (E1, E2 and E3) independently evaluated the fully anonymized photos in a randomized order using the Gorelick index (GI) and the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II). A 1-2-week interval separated the scorings. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Fisher's z-test, and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied to compare the scoring methods and express examiner agreement. Results: The two scoring systems showed a moderate to strong positive relationship, but inter-examiner variations were significant (p<0.05). We found moderate to good reliability (ICC 0.60 to 0.84) with the ICDAS II system and good to excellent values with the GI (ICC 0.72 to 0.94), depending on the examiner. The agreement concerning the sound surfaces and the most severe WSLs was perfect, whereas the scoring of the milder lesion stages appeared more uncertain. Conclusion: A moderate to strong positive relationship was demonstrated between the two methods when scoring the presence and severity of WSLs from digital images. Significant inter-examiner variations affected reliability.

Demographic and clinical profile of adolescents suicide attempters admitted to an emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic - a retrospective cohort study using hospital information system.

Background: The prevalence of suicidal attempts among adolescents during COVID-19 significantly increased compared with pre-pandemic estimates. The aim of the study was to explore the demographic and clinical profile of adolescent suicide attempters admitted to the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method: The retrospective analysis included, on the basis of electronic medical records in the CliniNet system, sociodemographic and clinical data of patients aged 10-18 years with a diagnosis of suicide attempt. Follow-up period: from March 20, 2020 to May 16, 2023. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 425 emergency department visits among adolescents aged 11-17 due to a suicide attempt, with the largest number in the 15-17 (69%) age range. The percentage of emergency department visits was higher among females (80%) and urban residents (75.3%). Self-poisoning was the most common cause of suicide attempts (52.4%), followed by self-harm (41.4%), hanging (3.2%) and jumping from a height (2.1%). The most common toxic substances in self-poisonings were antidepressants and antipsychotics, followed by paracetamol. About 70% of visits were associated with adolescent mental disorders, of which depressive disorder was the most common. One death per 425 visits was recorded (0.2%). Conclusions: Adolescents attempting suicide during COVID-19 were most likely female, aged 15-17, city dwellers, undergoing psychiatric treatment mainly for depressive disorders. The mental health consequences of the pandemic may be more long term, and further monitoring will be needed in the years to come.

Evaluating usability of and satisfaction with mHealth app in rural and remote areas-Germany GIZ collaboration in Bosnia-Herzegovina to optimize type 1 diabetes care.

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management in children and adolescents requires intensive supervision and monitoring to prevent acute and late diabetes complications and to improve quality of life. Digital health interventions, in particular diabetes mobile health apps (mHealth apps) can facilitate specialized T1DM care in this population. This study evaluated the initial usability of and satisfaction with the m-Health intervention Diabetes: M app, and the ease of use of various app features in supporting T1DM care in rural and remote areas of Bosnia-Herzegovina with limited access to specialized diabetes care. Methods: This cross-sectional study, performed in February-March 2023, evaluated T1DM pediatric patients who used the Diabetes: M app in a 3-month mHealth-based T1DM management program, along with their parents and healthcare providers (HCPs). All participants completed self-administered online questionnaires at the end of the 3-month period. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: The study population included 50 T1DM patients (children/parents and adolescents) and nine HCPs. The mean ± SD age of the T1DM patients was 14 ± 4.54 years, with 26 (52%) being female. The mean ± SD age of the HCPs was 43.4 ± 7.76 years; all (100%) were women, with a mean ± SD professional experience of 17.8 ± 8.81 years. The app was reported usable in the domains of ease-of-use and satisfaction by the T1DM children/parents (5.82/7.0), T1DM adolescents/young adults (5.68/7.0), and HCPs (5.22/7.0). Various app features, as well as the overall app experience, were rated positively by the participants. Conclusion: The results strongly support the usability of mHealth-based interventions in T1DM care, especially in overcoming care shortage and improving diabetes management and communications between HCPs and patients. Further studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of apps used to support T1DM management with routine care.

The Intersection of Faith and Neurodiversity: Unraveling Religiosity in Autistic Adolescents-A Critical Review Analysis.

This literature review aims to explore religiosity, faith, and related beliefs in autistic adolescents. The term religiosity was used interchangeably with various related concepts such as faith, spirituality, and religious beliefs, and a broader, multifaceted approach encompassing the cognitive, subjective, social, cultural, and emotional domains of religiosity is analyzed in this population subgroup. In alignment with the neurodiversity paradigm, this review endeavors to adopt an inclusive lens toward autism spectrum conditions, appreciating the spectrum of cognitive and behavioral differences and highlighting the importance of recognizing strengths and challenges alike, reflecting the nuanced discourse surrounding neurodiversity and autism spectrum conditions. However, terms such as "high-functioning autism" and "disorder" were used where needed to reflect the journals included in the review. A systematic search was conducted by accessing academic search engines such as APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycTests, and PubMed. Only peer-reviewed articles written in English and performed on human subjects were included using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Several recurring themes were identified from the 13 articles selected after review for relevance and quality. The most important finding was the association of different terminologies and features while exploring "religiosity in autism." Thirty-nine key themes were identified, which were grouped into six major themes. These were religious faith, spirituality, and its expression in autistic adolescents; religious behaviors and practices of autistic adolescents; cognition and religion in autistic teens; social and cultural influences on religiosity in autistic young ones; parents' and carers' influence, perspectives, and experiences about faith and spirituality on autistic adolescents; and perceived benefits of faith to autistic teens: parents and adolescent perspectives. Looking at the concept of religiosity and spirituality as a whole, it can be inferred from the available research included in this review that religiosity (cognitive abilities, behaviors, and experiences) in a subset of autistic adolescents (high-functioning autism) might not be significantly subdued as compared to neurotypical adolescents. However, there is not enough research to conclude the same or the opposite for autistic adolescents in general. When found, reserved religiosity could be attributed to a plethora of factors, and decreased mental ability or mentalization, empathy, or imagination did not seem to be the sole or primary predictors or contributors to religiosity. The role of culture, parents, carers, and religious affiliations was significant and might be a stronger contributor to religiosity and its expression than other previously argued predictors like mentalization. Many autistic teens and their carers regard religiosity and spirituality as essential domains in their and their children's lives, want their children to be given opportunities to be a part of religious groups and affiliations, and look forward to government, religious, and healthcare authorities actively supporting them in this domain. The findings call for policymakers, religious leaders, and stakeholders to devise strategies for inclusion and support for autistic adolescents. The possible role of religion as a resource and coping strategy for these children and their families is worth exploring.

Prediabetes in children and adolescents: A ticking bomb!

Prediabetes in children and adolescents is on the rise which has drawn significant attention over the past decade. It is an early warning sign of the underlying pathophysiological changes which in due course of time might compound into type II diabetes mellitus. The incidence of prediabetes in adolescents ranges from 4%-23% which is alarmingly high and requires active intervention from the system. We have discussed early identification of high-risk patients, prompt screening and active intervention to manage this growing problem.

Transcranial direct current stimulation as early augmentation in adolescent obsessive compulsive disorder: A pilot proof-of-concept randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is proven to be safe in treating various neurological conditions in children and adolescents. It is also an effective method in the treatment of OCD in adults. AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of tDCS as an add-on therapy in drug-naive adolescents with OCD. METHODS: We studied drug-naïve adolescents with OCD, using a Children's Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (CY-BOCS) scale to assess their condition. Both active and sham groups were given fluoxetine, and we applied cathode and anode over the supplementary motor area and deltoid for 20 min in 10 sessions. Reassessment occurred at 2, 6, and 12 wk using CY-BOCS. RESULTS: Eighteen adolescents completed the study (10-active, 8-sham group). CY-BOCS scores from baseline to 12 wk reduced significantly in both groups but change at baseline to 2 wk was significant in the active group only. The mean change at 2 wk was more in the active group (11.8 ± 7.77 vs 5.25 ± 2.22, P = 0.056). Adverse effects between the groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: tDCS is safe and well tolerated for the treatment of OCD in adolescents. However, there is a need for further studies with a larger sample population to confirm the effectiveness of tDCS as early augmentation in OCD in this population.

Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: Exploring the disease heterogeneity and research gaps to optimum management.

Over the past 20 years, the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents have increased, particularly in racial and ethnic minorities. Despite the rise in T2DM in children and adolescents, the pathophysiology and progression of disease in this population are not clearly understood. Youth-onset T2DM has a more adverse clinical course than is seen in those who develop T2DM in adulthood or those with T1DM. Furthermore, the available therapeutic options are more limited for children and adolescents with T2DM compared to adult patients, mostly due to the challenges of implementing clinical trials. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the de-velopment and aggressive disease phenotype of T2DM in youth is important to finding effective prevention and management strategies. This review highlights the key evidence about T2DM in children and adolescents and its current burden and challenges both in clinical care and research activities.

Breastfeeding challenges among adolescent mothers: a phenomenological study at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The natural and best approach to give newborns the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development is through breast feeding. Breastfeeding rates fall more sharply with time for mothers under the age of 20 years. AIM: This study sought to explore the challenges experienced by adolescent mothers who visit the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative phenomenology design and collected data from adolescent mothers. Data were gathered with the aid of a semistructured in-depth interview guide from 13 breastfeeding adolescent mothers. Data for the study were analysed using content analysis. The study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. FINDINGS: Two major themes were generated from the study to be the challenges that confront adolescent breastfeeding mothers, and they are maternal factors of breastfeeding barriers and societal factors of breastfeeding barriers. Subcategories were generated for both themes during the process. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Training of pregnant adolescents during antenatal care visits on how to manage the inability to lactate, breastfeeding stress, painful and sore nipple, engorged breast, stigma from society will lessen their burden. Furthermore, training close family members and friends on how to be kind and support adolescent mothers during breast feeding is important. In-service training should be organised for health workers to enhance their knowledge and practice of approaching and guiding adolescent mothers on effective breast feeding and the provision of cubicles in public places where adolescent mothers can comfortably breastfeed.

Examining the relationship between physical literacy and resilience against COVID-19-induced negative mental states in Chinese adolescents.

Research indicates that COVID-19 has had adverse effects on the mental health of adolescents, exacerbating their negative psychological states. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Physical Literacy (PL) on Negative Mental State caused by COVID-19 (NMSC) and identify potential factors related to NMSC and PL in Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 729 Chinese high school students with an average age of 16.2 ± 1.1 years. Participants' demographic data, PL data, and NMSC data were collected. PL and NMSC were measured using the self-reported Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (PPLA-Q), the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19). Adolescents in the current study demonstrated higher levels of NMSC and lower PL, with average scores of 3.45 and 2.26, respectively (on a scale of 5). Through multiple linear regression analysis, Motivation (MO), Confidence (CO), Emotional Regulation (ER), and Physical Regulation (PR) were identified as factors influencing NMSC in adolescents. The study findings contribute to providing guidance for actions aimed at alleviating NMSC among adolescents.

Child and adolescent exposure to unhealthy food marketing across digital platforms in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents are exposed to a high volume of unhealthy food marketing across digital media. No previous Canadian data has estimated child exposure to food marketing across digital media platforms. This study aimed to compare the frequency, healthfulness and power of food marketing viewed by children and adolescents across all digital platforms in Canada. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, a quota sample of 100 youth aged 6-17 years old (50 children, 50 adolescents distributed equally by sex) were recruited online and in-person in Canada in 2022. Each participant completed the WHO screen capture protocol where they were recorded using their smartphone or tablet for 30-min in an online Zoom session. Research assistants identified all instances of food marketing in the captured video footage. A content analysis of each marketing instance was then completed to examine the use of marketing techniques. Nutritional data were collected on each product viewed and healthfulness was determined using Health Canada's 2018 Nutrient Profile Model. Estimated daily and yearly exposure to food marketing was calculated using self-reported device usage data. RESULTS: 51% of youth were exposed to food marketing. On average, we estimated that children are exposed to 1.96 marketing instances/child/30-min (4067 marketing instances/child/year) and adolescents are exposed to 2.56 marketing instances/adolescent/30-min (8301 marketing instances/adolescent/year). Both children and adolescents were most exposed on social media platforms (83%), followed by mobile games (13%). Both age groups were most exposed to fast food (22% of marketing instances) compared to other food categories. Nearly 90% of all marketing instances were considered less healthy according to Health Canada's proposed 2018 Nutrient Profile Model, and youth-appealing marketing techniques such as graphic effects and music were used frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Using the WHO screen capture protocol, we were able to determine that child and adolescent exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods across digital media platforms is likely high. Government regulation to protect these vulnerable populations from the negative effects of this marketing is warranted.

Assessment of Adolescents' Overweight and Obesity Risk Factors Among Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia has been progressively increasing. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various morbidities and mortality. Identifying the factors that contribute to obesity in this age group is crucial for implementing targeted prevention measures. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity among adolescents aged nine to 17 years residing in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year at Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The study included overweight/obese individuals (cases, n = 125) and normal-weight individuals (controls, n = 201) who were selected based on their body mass index and classified according to the World Health Organization's reference for defining overweight and obesity in individuals aged five to 19 years. Data were collected from both groups using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The study analyzed 125 overweight/obese students and 201 normal-weight students who were matched for sex and age (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for overweight or obesity among adolescents. A family history of obesity was found to be associated with a 5.735 times increased likelihood of obesity (95% CI: 3.318-9.912, p < 0.001). Another significant contributing risk factor for obesity was frequent consumption of four or more meals per day (adjusted odds ratio: 3.091, 95% CI: 1.094-8.736, p = 0.033). Students who used electronic devices for more than five hours were 2.422 times more likely to exhibit obesity (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Certain factors may increase the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents aged nine to 17 years. These factors include frequent eating, prolonged use of electronic devices, family history of obesity, and the misconception that obesity is not an illness. Tailored school health programs are needed to improve students' healthy lifestyles and eating behaviors, minimize sedentary entertainment and use of electronic devices, and engage children in physical activity.

Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. Methods: A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. Results: The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Conclusion: Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.