{"title":"Frontmatter","authors":"","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-frontmatter5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2023-frontmatter5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136127412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characteristics of Malaysian 16-year-old girls who reported regular binge eating episodes and the associated risk factors: a descriptive study.","authors":"Yi-Ting Tang, Jia Xian Liew, Weng-Tink Chooi","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0064","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Adolescents may suffer from binge eating (BE), that refers to consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time and accompanied by feelings of loss of control (LOC) over eating. This study compared the prevalence of BE between 16-year-old Malaysian girls from two types of public schools, Malay-English-medium and Chinese-Malay-English-medium schools. Additionally, this study identified associated risk factors of those who presented regular BE episodes, including LOC eating, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction (BD) and eating disorders (EDs) psychopathology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>398 participants completed self-reports assessing BE symptoms, LOC eating, state anxiety, trait anxiety, EDs psychopathology, and BD. They also reported heights and weights. Descriptive statistics, <i>t</i>-tests, chi-square tests, and <i>Z</i>-test for independent proportions were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was no significant difference in either the prevalence of BE or EDs psychopathology between participants from the two types of schools. 71 (17.8 %) participants reported moderate-to-severe symptoms of BE, and 46 (11.6 %) reported moderate-to-severe levels of LOC eating. Those who reported moderate-to-severe symptoms of BE reported significantly higher levels of LOC eating, BD, drive to be thinner, BMI, state anxiety, and EDs psychopathology, compared to those who reported none-to-minimal BE.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BE and LOC eating appeared to be relatively common among secondary school girls in Malaysia. The relatively high prevalence of BE amongst adolescents in our sample highlighted the importance of early identification of signs for BE as preventive measures from developing EDs psychopathology among children and adolescents. We propose that attitudes towards eating and body image-related concerns should be included in school screenings aimed at preventing psychological problems in minors.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":" ","pages":"411-422"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10245635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Léonel Philibert, Patrice Ngangue, Judith Lapierre, Elizabeth Bernardino, Gbètogo Maxime Kiki, Gisèle Mandiangu Ntanda
{"title":"Vulnerability analysis of Haitian adolescent girls before pregnancy: a qualitative study.","authors":"Léonel Philibert, Patrice Ngangue, Judith Lapierre, Elizabeth Bernardino, Gbètogo Maxime Kiki, Gisèle Mandiangu Ntanda","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0114","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This article aims to analyze the vulnerabilities experienced by Haitian adolescent girls before their pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative research design was developed from Dewey's social survey. From October 2020 to January 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 pregnant adolescents living in Haiti's North and North-East departments. Thematic data analysis was performed using the qualitative data analysis software QDA miner, 6.0.5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The adolescent girls interviewed were between 14 and 19. The study showed that adolescent girls experienced economic and social hardship, gender issues, and barriers to contraceptive use before pregnancy. These girls have experienced restrictive conditions that make them vulnerable to risky sexual practices and unwanted pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results have indicated that Haitian adolescent girls' vulnerabilities before their pregnancy result from economic, social, and cultural injustices to which they are exposed from early childhood. These adolescent girls are also highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and rape, as well as pregnancy. It is essential to address these issues when implementing programs aimed at improving the living conditions of adolescents in Haiti, including the prevention of early and unwanted pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":" ","pages":"403-410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10161758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Attitude and practice of secondary school students towards voluntary counselling and testing in Mwanza, North-West Tanzania.","authors":"Joshua Majeshi, Clement N Mweya","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0123","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has become popular in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, for people to learn about their HIV status and get motivation for positive sexual behaviour change. Our study explored the attitude and practice of secondary school students towards VCT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Magu, Mwanza, North-West Tanzania. Recorded information included sex, factors promoting or hindering VCT attendance, reasons why attending VCT is necessary, awareness of VCT locations and source of information.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 340 students interviewed, 93.2 % knew that VCT was necessary and had reasons such as getting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education, checking HIV status and getting advice if found to be HIV positive. The majority (74.4 %) knew the location of the VCT centres. However, only 20.3 % made use of the VCT services. Those who did not use VCT services had reasons such as time limitations, believing they were not infected and fear of being labelled HIV positive.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study shows that most secondary school students know that VCT is necessary and the locations of the VCT centres, but only a few use VCT services. More effort should be put into educating students and society on the importance of using VCT services.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":" ","pages":"395-401"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10483300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Digital consumer behaviour: insights into the perceptions of late adolescents' consumption of digital media on cognitive health.","authors":"Suzan Deenal Pinto, Malavika Anakkathil Anil","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0045","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Digital media has become an indispensable facet of adolescents' everyday lives, playing a crucial role in their daily routines, encompassing various activities such as accessing information, accomplishing academic tasks, and facilitating interpersonal communication. Literature evidence on the effects of digital media on cognitive health is bi-directional, having both positive and negative impacts. The present research aimed to explore the perceptions of digital media consumption on cognitive health in late adolescents between the age of 17 and 21 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A self-reported online survey was administered to 173 adolescents, and the data were analysed using statistical software (SPSS 17).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that some late adolescents recognize the importance of cognition in their daily activities and health, particularly for activities focused on cognitive, academic, personal, and social skills. Mobile phones, laptops, and television were the most commonly preferred gadgets, while e-pads, Alexa, smartwatches, Kindle, tablets, and play stations were less preferred. Interestingly, a high proportion of participants reported neutral perceptions of digital media's influence on cognitive health, highlighting the need to create awareness and educate late adolescents on healthy digital media consumption.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings hold significant implications for the development of comprehensive guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for digital media usage among late adolescents. Additionally, the research sheds light on the strategies adopted by adolescents to regulate and optimize their consumption of digital media, thereby providing valuable insights into effective practices and potential areas for improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":" ","pages":"383-393"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10477420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohd Altaf Dar, Mudasir Maqbool, Irfat Ara, Mehrukh Zehravi
{"title":"The intersection of technology and mental health: enhancing access and care.","authors":"Mohd Altaf Dar, Mudasir Maqbool, Irfat Ara, Mehrukh Zehravi","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0113","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent times, technology has increasingly become a central force in shaping the landscape of mental health care. The integration of various technological advancements, such as teletherapy, virtual care platforms, mental health apps, and wearable devices, holds great promise in improving access to mental health services and enhancing overall care. Technology's impact on mental health care is multi-faceted. Teletherapy and virtual care have brought about a revolution in service delivery, eliminating geographical barriers and offering individuals convenient and flexible access to therapy. Mobile mental health apps empower users to monitor their emotional well-being, practice mindfulness, and access self-help resources on the move. Furthermore, wearable devices equipped with biometric data can provide valuable insights into stress levels and sleep patterns, potentially serving as valuable indicators of mental health status. However, integrating technology into mental health care comes with several challenges and ethical considerations. Bridging the digital divide is a concern, as not everyone has equal access to technology or the necessary digital literacy. Ensuring privacy and data security is crucial to safeguard sensitive client information. The rapid proliferation of mental health apps calls for careful assessment and regulation to promote evidence-based practices and ensure the delivery of quality interventions. Looking ahead, it is vital to consider future implications and adopt relevant recommendations to fully harness technology's potential in mental health care. Continuous research is essential to evaluate the efficacy and safety of digital interventions, fostering collaboration between researchers, mental health professionals, and technology developers. Proper training on ethical technology utilization is necessary for mental health practitioners to maintain therapeutic boundaries while leveraging technological advancements responsibly.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":" ","pages":"423-428"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10032470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amel Amara, Nihel Omri, Jihene Sahli, Chakib Zedini, Tasnim El Ouni, Ali Mtiraoui, Manel Mallouli, Mariem Ghardalou
{"title":"Prevalence and predictors of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug experimentation among Tunisian middle and high school-adolescents.","authors":"Amel Amara, Nihel Omri, Jihene Sahli, Chakib Zedini, Tasnim El Ouni, Ali Mtiraoui, Manel Mallouli, Mariem Ghardalou","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0117","DOIUrl":"10.1515/ijamh-2022-0117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Psychoactive substance experimentation among Tunisian adolescents remains one of the most threatening public health concerns. In spite of this, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of these behaviors in the Tunisian context. This study aims to assess the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug experimentation and its predictive factors among adolescents in the delegation of Nfidha, Sousse governorate, Tunisia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross sectional study in middle and high schools in the delegation of Nfidha, Sousse governorate, Tunisia, during the first trimester of the 2019-2020 school year using an anonymous questionnaire self-administered to a randomly drawn representative sample of 1,352 pupils. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, substance experimentation among school-adolescents, academic performance as well as family and peer' factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Tobacco was the most commonly experimented substance with a prevalence rate of 17.5 % (CI 95 %: 14.8-18.8 %). The prevalence of alcohol and illicit drugs use were 3.3 % [CI 95 %: (2.1-3.9 %)] and 2 % [CI 95 %: (1.1-2.6 %)] respectively. Being male (Adjusted (AOR)=4.09, p<0.001), being a high school pupil (AOR=2.81, p<0.001), having experiencing academic failure (AOR=1.60, p=0.007) and having a father and siblings who use tobacco (AOR=1.72, p=0.002; AOR=2.03, p=0.001 respectively) were the predictors of tobacco experimentation in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, being male (AOR=8.40, p<0.001), having experienced academic failure (AOR=2.76, p=0.017) as well as having a father and siblings who use alcohol (AOR=5.90, p<0.001; AOR=3.03, p=0.045 respectively) and having experienced tobacco (AOR=4.28, p<0.001) were the determinants of alcohol experimentation. Similarly, having a history of academic failure (AOR=3.44, p=0.041), having peers who use illicit drugs (AOR=3.22, p=0.028), having a history of tobacco and alcohol experimentation (AOR=6.52, p<0.001; AOR=3.49, p=0.046 respectively) were the predictors of illicit drug experimentation among adolescents.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A substantial number of socio-demographic and environmental factors have been identified as being involved in experimentation with psychoactive substance during adolescence. Therefore, further prevention programs targeting not only adolescents, but also all risk factors are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":"35 4","pages":"363-373"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10539165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The PCOS puzzle: putting the pieces together for optimal care.","authors":"Mohd Altaf Dar, Mudasir Maqbool, Irfat Ara","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2023-0102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted hormonal disorder that has significant ramifications for both women's reproductive and metabolic well-being. This analysis aims to offer a thorough comprehension of PCOS by investigating the various contributing factors that are crucial for its effective management. We delve into the topic of hormonal imbalances, such as elevated androgens and disrupted estrogen-progesterone dynamics, and their effects on reproductive and metabolic health. Furthermore, we explore the intricate connection between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and PCOS, highlighting their pivotal role in metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, we examine fertility challenges, irregular menstrual patterns, and metabolic complications while also reviewing current treatment methodologies. Moreover, we address the latest research concerning genetic, environmental, and epigenetic influences on PCOS. By piecing together these essential elements, healthcare professionals can attain a comprehensive understanding of PCOS and deliver optimal care for those affected by the condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":"35 4","pages":"299-311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10223655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Afsaneh Omidimorad, Maryam Nazari, Najmeh Bahmanziari, Mohammad Haddad Soleymani, Seyyed Hamed Barakati, Gelayol Ardalan, Tahereh Aminaee, Rahim Taghizadeh, Mohammad Esmail Motlagh, Abtin Heidarzadeh
{"title":"Priority strategic directions in adolescent health in Iran based on the WHO's Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents.","authors":"Afsaneh Omidimorad, Maryam Nazari, Najmeh Bahmanziari, Mohammad Haddad Soleymani, Seyyed Hamed Barakati, Gelayol Ardalan, Tahereh Aminaee, Rahim Taghizadeh, Mohammad Esmail Motlagh, Abtin Heidarzadeh","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2023-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In line with the World Health Organization's Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!) guidance, the goal of the current research was to identify critical strategies for adolescents' health and to determine the role and distribution of responsibilities among the leading players in the field of adolescent health in Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The current qualitative and applied study is part of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education's \"Adolescent, Youth and School Health\" plan to develop the \"National Adolescent Health Plan Document\" in 2020. First, stakeholder analysis was done, then a pool of nationally appropriate strategies was selected from the list of priority strategies recommended by the WHO in the AA-HA! through several group sessions. After that, the experts selected priority strategies based on the criteria of feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, guaranteed resources, coordination with other plans and temporal priority, scoring, and executive priorities. Eventually, the priority strategies were assigned to different players/stakeholders in the field over several sessions bearing in mind the methods of implementation and the target groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The experts identified 58 priority strategies/actions for adolescent health under the seven priority areas of positive development, sexual protection, reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, self-harm, violence, unintentional injury, communicable and non-communicable diseases, nutrition, and physical activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The highest identified priority areas were in the areas of vaccination; special health care package for service providers; training and education to promote health literacy and self-care, life skills, sexual awareness, and prevention/protection against violence; community-based mental health services, planning for adolescents' spare time, substance use prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":"35 4","pages":"313-321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10165416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers to adequate nutrition in pregnant adolescent Colombian females.","authors":"Erin L Sherer, Ana Maria Bello Trujillo","doi":"10.1515/ijamh-2023-0060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2023-0060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnant adolescent females face nutritional challenges. The nutritional demands of a growing fetus, when added to the requirements for growing adolescent bodies, are risk factors for undernutrition. An adolescent expectant mother's nutritional status therefore affects both the mother's and the child's future growth, development, and potential development of diseases later in life. In Colombia, the rate of female adolescent pregnancies is higher than neighboring countries and the global average. The most recent data suggest that approximately 21 % of all pregnant adolescent females in Colombia are underweight, 27 % suffer from anemia, 20 % suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and 19 % suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Contributing factors to these nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy may be the region in which the female lives, the female's ethnicity, and the female's socioeconomic and educational status. In rural parts of Colombia, limitations regarding access to prenatal care and food choices that include animal source proteins may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies. To help remedy this, recommendations include encouraging nutrient dense food sources with higher protein content, eating one additional meal per day, and taking a prenatal vitamin throughout the pregnancy. Making healthy eating choices can be difficult for adolescent females with limited resources and education; therefore, it is recommended that discussions about nutrition begin at the first prenatal visit for optimum benefits. These factors should be considered for the development of future health policies and interventions in Colombia and other low-income and middle-income countries where pregnant adolescent females may be experiencing similar nutritional deficiencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13823,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health","volume":"35 4","pages":"291-297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10222551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}