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International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Editors-in-Chief: und

Sprache: Englisch

Erstveröffentlichung: 1. Januar 1985

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About this journal

The International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health (IJAMH) is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, scientific journal which aims to publish original research on the promotion, prevention and improvement of adolescents’ health and well-being globally.

IJAMH is the official publication of the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) – a multidisciplinary, non-government organization which aims to improve the health, development and wellbeing of 10-24-year-old adolescents and young adults, in every region of the world. As the official journal of of IAAH, IJAMH provides a peer-reviewed platform for advancing evidence-based practice, research, and advocacy in adolescent health. Through this partnership, the journal connects an international community of professionals, researchers, and policymakers, fostering collaboration and amplifying the global impact of adolescent health research and scholarship.

The current volume of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health (IJAMH) is open access via Subscribe to Open (S2O). All accepted articles will be published under a Creative Commons license at no cost to authors. Learn more about De Gruyter Brill’s Subscribe to Open program.

To reflect the breadth and complexity of adolescent health, IJAMH is structured around the following topical categories:

Physical Activity, Sleep, and Lifestyle Behaviours
Mental Health and Well-being
Chronic Illness and Transition to Adult Care
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Nutrition, Eating Behaviours, and Body Image
Substance Use and Risk Behaviours
Violence, Trauma, and Safety
Digital Health, Social Media, and Onlin e Safety
Health Equity and Access to Care
Adolescent Rights, Participation, and Health Advocacy

These categories are designed to guide readers and contributors through the diverse landscape of adolescent health research and help highlight emerging intersections across clinical, social, and global dimensions of care.

Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of individual s during adolescence. To achieve this, we aim not only to publish research that supports their healthy growth and development but also to empower young people with chronic conditions and special health needs to successfully transition from pediatric to adult care. The topical category Chronic Illness and Transition to Adult Care is one key focus of the journal and actively shaped in collaboration with the Society for Transition Medicine (Gesellschaft für Transitionsmedizin e.V., GfTM).

We seek original manuscripts, review articles, short communications, and letters to the editor from all disciplines worldwide. We welcome manuscripts from our colleagues in medicine, nursing, health services research, social work, psychiatry, psychology and youth work, public health and policy, and other disciplines working to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults.

Our International Edito rial Team is dedicated to producing a high-quality scientific journal that is essential reading for healthcare professionals, practitioners, researchers, educators, managers, policymakers, students, and other learners. All contributions undergo single-anonymized peer review by at least two experts in the field, appointed by the Editors-in-Chief or Associate Editors.

Article formats
Original Articles, Review Articles, Short Communications, Letters to the Editor

Ihre Vorteile

Interdisciplinary approach to adolescent medicine and health
Vast variety of topics connected to health issues
Valuable communication platform for researchers and practitioners
International and authoritative editorial board
Ahead of print publication

History

Founded in 1985. Previously published by Freund Publishing House Ltd – published by De Gruyter Brill since 2011. Official Publication of the International Association for Adolescent Health. Since its inception in 1987, IAAH has been committed to evidence-informed practices and policies, and to ensuring that young peoples’ voices inform our work.

Geschichte

Previously published by Freund Publishing House Ltd.

Open Access
Translation and validation of the Greek version of the Children and Adolescent Participation in Decision Making Questionnaire (CAP-DMQ)

22. Mai 2026

Panagiota Varela, Constantinos Togas, Maria Saridi, Evangelos Fradelos, Aikaterini Toska, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Anna Mavroforou

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Objectives To translate the Children and Adolescents Participation in Decision-Making Questionnaire (CAP-DMQ) into Greek and to assess its psychometric characteristics. Methods This study used a cross-sectional approach with a convenience sample of 300 students aged 12 to 16 from four high schools and two middle schools in Larissa, Greece, achieving a 100% response rate. Data were gathered over four months, from January to April 2025. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing SPSS version 29. Exploratory Factor Analysis was employed to examine the factor structure of the Greek adaptation of the CAP-DMQ. Results The analysis revealed a one-factor structure of the CAP-DMQ, based on Kaiser’s criterion (eigenvalue > 1), which accounted for 34.2% of the total variance. All items had factor loadings greater than 0.40 on the single factor. The highest loading was observed for item 7, while the lowest was for item 8. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the 10 items was 0.862, and McDonald’s ω was 0.865, both indicating good internal consistency. The mean CAP-DMQ score was 1.497 (SD = 0.145), reflecting a high level of participation in decision-making. Conclusions The results show that the Greek version of the CAP-DMQ has a single-factor structure and demonstrates strong internal consistency reliability. This version serves as a concise and reliable instrument for evaluating the involvement of children and adolescents in decision-making among Greek-speaking individuals.
Open Access
The silent trajectory: unaddressed adolescent arecanut chewing and early onset of oral submucous fibrosis

20. Mai 2026

Akshatha Shetty, Pushparaja Shetty, Usha Hegde

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Introduction Arecanut chewing is common in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, but its effects on young people are often ignored. Many adolescents start this habit early, which is concerning because it is linked to early development of Oral Submucous Fibrosis—a condition that can cause serious problems and may progress to cancer. Content A structured review was done using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including English studies from 2000 to 2025. Studies were included if they reported arecanut use in adolescents, focusing on age of initiation and oral fibrotic changes. Studies limited to adults or without age-specific data were excluded. Out of 25 studies, 12 focused on adolescents. Arecanut use was found to begin in early teenage years, influenced by peers, family habits, and low awareness of risks. Early signs of OSMF, such as reduced mouth opening, have been reported, with prevalence ranging from 3.4 % to 8.8 %. Processed arecanut products appear to increase early onset and severity. Summary Adolescence is a vulnerable period for both starting arecanut use and developing early features of OSMF, requiring greater clinical and public health attention. Outlook Arecanut use in adolescents should not be seen as a harmless cultural habit. Early detection, awareness, and prevention at school and community levels are essential. Better regulation of processed arecanut products is needed to reduce early exposure and prevent long-term oral health problems, including oral potentially malignant disorders.
Open Access
Associations between physical activity and mental well-being among adolescents in the Danish health behaviour in school-aged children study

15. Mai 2026

Kirstine Braendgaard, Liv Sund Troest, Mette Toftager

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Objectives There has been increasing global attention on the rise of negative mental health among adolescents. Much research has examined the relationship between negative mental health states and physical activity (PA) among adolescents. However, the association between positive mental health states (e.g. mental well-being), and PA has not been as extensively investigated. This study aimed to investigate the association between PA and mental well-being in adolescents and whether sex moderated the association. Methods Data stem from a Danish nationally representative sample of 3,732 adolescents aged 13 and 15 from the 2022 cross-sectional Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. PA was assessed using two measures: meeting the guidelines of 60-min daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and time spent on leisure time vigorous PA (VPA). Mental well-being was assessed using the SWEMWBS scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Our findings show significant positive associations between different measures for PA and mental well-being. The strongest association was found for meeting the MVPA guidelines. Adolescents who met the MVPA guidelines were more likely to report high mental well-being (OR=2.01, 95 % CI: 1.61–2.52). There was also a positive association between the other PA measures, however the positive association was lower with more VPA included in the exposure. The relationship between PA and mental well-being was not moderated by sex. Conclusions The results indicate that PA may be beneficial for mental well-being among adolescents. Further research is needed to understand the causal relation and mechanisms involved in the association.
Open Access
Association of social environment and body image with dietary diversity among adolescents in Pekanbaru, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

7. Mai 2026

Mitra Mitra, Renti Mahkota, Novita Rany, Oktavia Dewi, Ervira Dwiaprini As Syifa

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Objectives Inadequate intake of macro- and micronutrients or low dietary diversity can lead to nutritional problems among adolescents. This study aimed to examine the association between social environment, body image, and dietary diversity among senior high school students in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Methods This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 223 students selected using simple random sampling from two senior high schools in Pekanbaru. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, social environment, body image, nutritional knowledge, and household food security. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall and the Individual Dietary Diversity Score. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate (Chi-square), and multivariate (multiple logistic regression) analyses. Results Overall, 43.5 % of adolescents had low dietary diversity, while 32.7 % were exposed to an unfavorable social environment and 41.3 % reported a negative body image. Multivariate analysis showed that adolescents in a favorable social environment were more than twice as likely to have a diverse diet compared to those in an unfavorable environment (POR=2.08; 95 % CI: 1.15–3.74; p=0.015). Adolescents with a positive body image were 1.72 times more likely to consume a diverse diet than those with a negative body image, indicating a potential association (POR=1.72; 95 % CI: 0.97–3.04; p=0.062). Conclusions A supportive social environment and a positive body image are essential for promoting dietary diversity among adolescents. Interventions should focus on strengthening family and peer support, promoting positive nutrition messages through social media, and encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products through school- and family-based nutrition education programs.
Open Access
Reflections of a transnational Adolescent Medicine physician on gender social transition and language

20. April 2026

Nuray Kanbur

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Objectives Gender diverse adolescents and young adults (AYAs) can have the opportunity to live authentic self publicly only after social transition. Name and pronoun changes consistent with AYA’s affirmed gender are among the significant markers of social transition, with its recognition by others indicating a greater extent of social integration. Methods From the gender perspective, globally there are three types of languages which are natural gender, gendered and genderless languages. Results The challenges of pronoun changes are on a wide spectrum from very difficult to not at all , depending on the language spoken. There is no mention of any relationship between the social transition of gender diverse AYAs and the spoken language in the literature. In this paper, I would like to share my personal experience and reflections as a transnational adolescent medicine physician on the impact of spoken language on gender social transition. Within my clinical experience over the years, I believe the more gender expressions in the spoken language, the harder the social transition of a gender diverse youth. Conclusions I believe the health care providers serving gender diverse AYAs need to be cognizant of the potential impact of spoken language on social transition, especially in countries which have a wide linguistic diversity.
Open Access
Adolescent male sexual behavior and consistent condom use in La Romana, Dominican Republic

17. März 2026

Pamela Baez, Luz Messina, Mina Halpern, Silvia Amesty

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Objectives To describe sexual behaviors and condom use among young males from La Romana, Dominican Republic. Methods We surveyed young males about their sexual behavior, recent sexual activity, and condom use. The categories of self-reported condom use were: >90 %=consistent use; between 10 % and 89 %=inconsistent use; <10 %=never used condom. Results A total of 358 young males aged 15–24 years participated (median age 18.9 IQR 17–20); 84 % reported having had intercourse (median age at first sex 13.9 SD 2.5). Of the total, 178 (52 %) reported having sex in the past 30 days, of which 72 (45 %) reported consistent condom use. One-third reported always using condoms in the last 12 months and 121 (36 %) reported discussing contraception before having sex with their last sexual partner. Having sex in the past 30 days was associated with being married (p=0.03), dropping out of school, and having income in the past 12 months (<0.01 each), while consistent condom use was associated with younger age (p=0.05). The largest distribution of participants reporting consistent condom use in the past 30 days, past 12 months, and talking about contraception before having sex were participants whose mothers completed 11th grade (79 %, 60%, and 49 %). Conclusions Our study presents young male’s sexual behaviors similar to other countries in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of the mother’s level of education in the patterns of sexual behavior among young males, and indicating possible topics for educational programs designed for Dominican male youth.
Open Access
The cognitive–serotonergic interface of gaming: understanding how mobile game-play shapes the young adult brain

16. März 2026

Sushant Shekhar Katiyar, Preeti Jain, Aarti Sood Mahajan, Smita Kaushik, Mahima Kapoor

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Objectives In recent years mobile gaming has become the preferred leisure activity especially among young adults. Although behavioural and cognitive effects of gaming have been widely examined, far less attention has been given to its biochemical foundations – particularly the role of serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for impulse regulation, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Therefore, in the present study we assessed and compared the cognitive performance and serum serotonin levels among gamers playing action mobile game (AMG) and puzzle mobile game (PMG) genres and also evaluated the predictive role of gaming characteristics on cognition and serum serotonin levels of mobile gamers. Methods 30 participants each, who played ≥5 h/week of respective mobile game genre in past 6 months were recruited into AMG and PMG group. 30 participants who had not played any genre of mobile-game for ≥1 h/week in past 6 months and are non-gamers (NG) were recruited as controls. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Cognitive functions were assessed using pen-paper version of trail making test (TMT), Stroop colour word test (SCWT), letter cancellation test (LCT) and Ruffs figural fluency test (RFFT). Auditory and visual reaction times were recorded with the help of audio-visual reaction timer. Serum serotonin levels were assessed by immunoassay. Results Multivariate analysis revealed a significant effect of gaming group on combined cognitive measures (Pillai’s trace=0.657, F (26,140)=2.63, p<0.001, η 2 =0.328). The action mobile gamers exhibited faster auditory reaction time (ART) compared to the puzzle gamers (p<0.05) as well as had significantly lower serum serotonin levels than both puzzle gamers as well as non-gamers (p<0.001). Regression analyses model showed that gaming characteristics like gaming frequency, duration, age of onset, and expertise, accounted for 22 % of variance in ART (p=0.017) and 66 % of variance in serum serotonin levels (p<0.001). Conclusions These findings illustrate a genre-specific effect of mobile gaming on cognitive–serotonergic profile among young adults. Results further demonstrate that both the type and intensity of gameplay contribute to cognitive and neurochemical outcomes. However, no statistically significant differences emerged across groups in broader executive-function tasks suggesting that mobile gaming is not a uniform cognitive stimulus; rather, its effects are selective, genre-dependent, and influenced by the intensity and duration of engagement, linking gameplay behaviour to both cognitive performance and peripheral neurochemical profiles.
Open Access
From social media exposure to disordered eating: mechanisms, risks and protective factors in children and adolescents

16. März 2026

Asiye Burcu Kuş, Adnan Barutçu

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Social media (SM) has emerged as an important environmental context associated with children’s and adolescents’ eating behaviors, body image and psychological well-being, fueled by the proliferation of visual and appearance-focused content. Trends such as “thinspiration” and “fitspiration” have been widely linked to the internalization of unrealistic body ideals and higher levels of body dissatisfaction, particularly among adolescent girls. Concurrently, exposure to digital marketing of high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods has been associated with less healthy nutritional preferences and dietary norms among youth. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) to examine the association between SM exposure and disordered eating in children and adolescents, with a particular focus on underlying psychosocial, neurobiological and environmental mechanisms. Key mechanisms discussed include social comparison processes, appearance-related pressure, dopamine-mediated reward–reinforcement cycles and algorithm-driven amplification of appearance and food-related content. In addition to risk mechanisms, this review highlights protective factors that may mitigate adverse outcomes. Media literacy, supported by parental guidance and psychoeducation, emerges as a promising preventive framework capable of strengthening adolescents’ digital resilience and reducing vulnerability to disordered eating behaviors. From a public health perspective, media literacy should be considered not only an individual skill but also a scalable preventive strategy integrated into educational and health promotion initiatives. Overall, SM represents a complex digital ecosystem that poses both risks and opportunities for youth health. Conceptual integration of behavioral, neurobiological and public health evidence underscores the need for multidisciplinary and preventive approaches to promote healthier digital engagement among children and adolescents.
Open Access
Mental and physical quality of life among patients with scoliosis in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

9. März 2026

Sarah M. Obeidat, Mohammad S. Nazzal, Ziad Audat, Noor Ismael, Mohammad Mansi, Mohannad Hawamdeh, Saddam F. Kanaan

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Objectives Individuals with scoliosis may experience physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. They may also experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the mental and physical QOL levels of individuals with scoliosis in Jordan and their associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 109 individuals with scoliosis. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODASS II), the Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results Participation in low physical activity levels (β=−1.315, p=0.049), high WHODASS II overall score (β=−0.060, p<0.001), presence of ankle and foot pain (β=−1.905, p=0.002), and high DASS21-Depression score (β=−0.094, p=0.002) were associated with lower levels of the physical component of QOL. While high DASS21-Depression (β=−0.150, p=0.003) and DASS21-Stress score (β=-0.189, p=0.005), low DASS21-Anxiety score (β=0.122, p=0.001), presence of neck pain (β=−1.479, p=0.011), presence of hip pain (β=−1.378, p=0.022), and high WHODASS II overall score (β=−0.046, p=0.003) were significantly associated with the lower levels of the mental component of QOL. Conclusions The findings suggest that assessing quality of life (QOL) in individuals with scoliosis and screening its predictors can provide practical strategies to improve QOL. These strategies may include increasing physical activity, psychological counseling, and pain management.
Open Access
An exploration of psychosocial aspects of the school-home food environment in addressing double and triple burden of malnutrition among adolescent girls

9. März 2026

Sitti Patimah, Halida Thamrin, Yade Kurnia Yasin, Nurhayati, Asmuni, Andi Imam Arundhana, Muhammmad Rachmat

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Objectives This study aimed to explore the psychosocial aspects [attitudes, awareness, motivation, and self-efficacy] of key actors in the adolescent food environment, including parents, school food vendors, and teachers. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using focus group discussions [FGDs], semi-structured interviews, and document reviews with 28 participants from four secondary schools in Majene District, West Sulawesi. Participants included guidance counsellors, school health program coordinators, school principals, food vendors, and parents of adolescent girls. Teachers, food vendors, and parents were selected through school principals’ recommendations. Data were analyzed using thematic and narrative analysis. Results The findings indicate that collaborative attitudes, contextual awareness, multidimensional motivation [emotional and policy-related], and high self-efficacy among various actors play a significant role in addressing adolescent malnutrition. Conclusions This study concludes that psychosocial aspects [attitudes, awareness, motivation, and self-efficacy] are crucial in shaping supportive school and home food environment to address the dual-triple burden of malnutrition among adolescent girls. It recommends cross-sector collaboration among schools, families, food vendors, and government, strengthening nutrition education, healthy canteen regulations, and community empowerment through psychosocial approaches to supports adolescent health in a sustainable manner.
Open Access
Excessive screen time on posture, musculoskeletal pain, and quality of life in generation Z adolescents: a cross-sectional study with comparison between the sexes

2. März 2026

Gabriella Lavarda do Nascimento, Aline Silveira Cardoso, Gabriely Vitória Claudino, Giovanna da Silva Rangel, Matias Noll, Aline Faquin, Anelise Sonza

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Objectives Excessive use of electronic devices can cause postural changes, pain, and negatively impact generation Z adolescents’ quality of life (QoL). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare between sexes the static posture, postural self-perception, screen time, musculoskeletal pain, and QoL in generation Z adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study with adolescents. Postural analysis was conducted using the Software SAPo, self-reported posture, back pain, and screen time were assessed with the BackPei-CA, and QoL was evaluated using the Kidscreen-27 questionnaire. Statistical analyses included t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and adjusted logistic regression, with correction for multiple comparisons (p≤0.05). Results 408 adolescents were included (204 of each sex), with a mean age of 14.58 ± 1.98 years (males) and 14.56 ± 1.84 years (females). Postural assessment revealed head anteriorization and pelvic misalignment, with females showing greater head and pelvic angular deviations. No significant associations were found between cell phone use and cervical or pelvic alignment. Cell phones/tablets were the most frequently used devices, with higher daily use among females. Musculoskeletal pain was highly prevalent, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions, and more frequent in females; however, cell phone use was not independently associated with musculoskeletal pain after adjustment. The total sample of adolescents has a good QoL. Conclusions Adolescents, especially females, showed head anteriorization and pelvic misalignments, high screen time, and self-perceived inadequate postural habits. Musculoskeletal pain was frequent and more prevalent among females, despite good quality of life. Screen time alone was not associated with postural changes or pain, indicating a multifactorial etiology.
Open Access
Raising environmental awareness: evaluating microplastic education interventions in Jakarta’s high schools

25. Februar 2026

Ajeng Tias Endarti, Inggit Meliana Anggarini, Loveria Sekarrini

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Objectives Microplastics have emerged as a growing environmental and public health concern, found in air, water, and food, with potential health impacts including respiratory, digestive, and endocrine disruption. Therefore, the preventive effort needs to be amplified. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different microplastic education interventions, lecture-based education, peer group education, and infographic distribution, among high school students in DKI Jakarta. Methods A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 334 students from six schools, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of knowledge and attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, followed by Dunn’s post hoc test. Results Findings revealed that peer group and infographic interventions significantly improved knowledge scores, with the peer group showing the most substantial gains. However, lecture-based education did not yield significant improvement in knowledge. Attitude changes across all interventions were not statistically significant, although numerical improvements were observed, especially in the peer group. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in knowledge improvement across groups (p=0.0041), and Dunn’s test confirmed a statistically significant difference between peer group and lecture-based education. Conclusions The results suggest that interactive and peer-driven educational approaches may be more effective in enhancing students’ understanding of microplastic pollution compared to traditional lectures. However, attitude change may require more prolonged or multifaceted interventions that integrate psychosocial and behavioral elements. Given the formative nature of adolescence and their potential as agents of environmental change, incorporating targeted and participatory education into school curricula is essential. These findings underscore the importance of using context-specific, engaging methods for environmental health education, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 and SDG 13.
Open Access
The association of sleep duration, wake-up time, and lifestyle habits with obesity in adolescents

19. Februar 2026

Banu Turhan, Gönül Büyükyılmaz, Demet Taş, Mehmet Ali Sungur, Mehmet Boyraz

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Objectives Obesity is linked to excessive caloric intake, sleep behaviors, and the environment. Few studies explore the connection between wake-up time and obesity. This research aims to examine sleep patterns, timing, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors associated with obesity among adolescents aged 15–17. Methods This cross-sectional study at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital’s Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic from December 2023 to November 2024 included 453 adolescents (217 normal weight, 236 obese) without comorbidities. Data on demographics, sleep patterns, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet were collected via face-to-face questionnaires. Obese participants were classified into Class 1 and Class 2–3 based on body mass index. Results Obese participants woke up significantly later on weekdays (p=0.001). While normal-weight adolescents often woke between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, more obese adolescents woke after 9:00 AM. They also slept for more than 9 h more often (p=0.002). Obese adolescents spent more than 3 h in sedentary activity (p=0.022). Those with Class 2–3 obesity who did not exercise and had prolonged sedentary time were more common. Bedtimes did not differ significantly. Conclusions A delayed morning wake-up time was significantly associated with obesity among adolescents. Sleep timing appears to be as relevant to metabolic health as sleep duration. Reduced physical activity coupled with increased sedentary behavior is associated with obesity. Therefore, advocating for improved sleep hygiene, fostering consistent physical activity routines, and implementing behavioral awareness training in adolescents should be regarded as essential elements of obesity prevention initiatives.
Open Access
“It’s a sin against God”: understanding how Ghanaian adolescents frame suicide as sin, taboo, and crime

16. Februar 2026

Enoch Kordjo Azasu, Ali Lateef, Graham Zulu, Elizabeth Ali, Yaa Adutwumwaa Obeng, Abass Tando Abubakar, Sefakor Kpeklu, Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong

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Objectives Suicide remains a significant public health concern among adolescents in Ghana, yet limited research exists on how young people conceptualize suicide within their cultural context. This study aimed to examine how Ghanian high school students conceptualize suicide in relation to religious, cultural, and legal frameworks that shape their understanding. Methods This descriptive qualitative study was conducted as part of the 2024 Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey. Twenty junior high school students were purposively selected from rural, peri-urban, and urban schools across four major regions to ensure diverse representation. In-depth, semi-structured cognitive interviews were conducted in English. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s approach, with multiple coders contributing to thematic development and refinement. Results Participants described suicide through four overlapping constructs: as a sin, taboo, mental health issue, and crime. Religious framings emphasized divine ownership of life, biblical teachings, and spiritual consequences. Cultural perspectives focused on shame, communal identity, and ancestral values. Others associated suicide with criminality and police involvement. Across interviews, students expressed coexisting views, drawing from diverse belief systems to explain suicide occurrence and treatment. Conclusions Ghanaian adolescents do not conceptualize suicide in singular terms. Their understandings are shaped by the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and institutional narratives. Suicide prevention must be grounded in these lived meanings and avoid one-size-fits-all approach. Preventive strategies should engage religious leaders, affirm community values, reduce mental health stigma, and provide safe spaces for adolescents to alleviate distress. Addressing the nuanced logics adolescents draw upon is essential to designing interventions that resonate with their realities.
Open Access
Association of nutrition education and exercise with cardiometabolic health risk factors among overweight and obese adolescents: an odds ratio analysis

6. Januar 2026

Jeanne Martin Grace, Jaron Ras

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Objective To explore the association of nutrition education and exercise with cardiometabolic health risk factors among overweight and obese adolescents. Methods This quasi-experimental study utilised a pretest-posttest design to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and fasting biochemical markers [(glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)] among 41 participants. The intervention combined supervised aerobic and resistance exercise sessions thrice weekly with a weekly nutrition education session over 10 weeks. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for data analysis, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results Post-intervention, males had lower triglyceride (p=0.045) and LDL-C concentrations (p=0.043). In female adolescents, the intervention reduced diastolic blood pressure (p=0.045), LDL-C (p=0.012), insulin (p<0.001), and HOMA-IR concentrations (p=0.001). The intervention was a significant predictor of reduced LDL-C (p=0.003), HOMA-IR (p=0.010), blood glucose concentrations (p=0.020), and HbA1c levels (p=0.011). Conclusions The improvements in CMD risk factors suggest potential long-term benefits supporting the usefulness of such an intervention. However, divergent sex-specific responses to the intervention underscore the importance of developing sex-specific intervention programs.
Open Access
Early effects of cigarette smoke on adolescent endothelial functions: a novel endocan/cotinine ratio approach

5. Januar 2026

Elanur Yolal Karimov, Elnur Karimov, Kazım Okan Dolu, Mustafa Özçetin, Ayşe Kılıç

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Objectives This study aimed to investigate the early effects of cigarette smoke exposure on endothelial function in healthy adolescents by analyzing blood endocan levels and urinary cotinine concentrations. A novel endocan/cotinine ratio was proposed to enhance the assessment of endothelial response to tobacco exposure. Methods In this cross-sectional case-control study, 88 adolescents aged 13–18 years were recruited from Istanbul University between January and August 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: exposed (n=44) and non-exposed (n=44) to cigarette smoke. Blood endocan and urine cotinine levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation. Results Among the exposed participants, 11.4 % (n=5) were active smokers and 88.6 % (n=39) were passive smokers. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the exposed group (p=0.03). Although endocan levels did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.74), median values were higher in the exposed group (1847.5 pg/mL, range: 14.79–3,121.63) compared to controls (1806.2 pg/mL, range: 116.83–4,618.90). Urinary cotinine levels were markedly elevated in the exposed group (p<0.001).Significant positive correlations were found between exposure duration (pack-years) and both endocan levels (r=0.318, p=0.01) and cotinine levels (r=0.524, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was identified between cotinine and endocan levels specifically in the exposed group (r=−0.435, p=0.003), with regression analysis showing that each 1 ng/mL increase in urinary cotinine was associated with a 3.23 pg/mL reduction in serum endocan (R 2 =0.189, p=0.003), suggesting that cotinine levels accounted for 18.9 % of the variability in endocan concentrations. No such correlation was observed in the control group (r=−0.015, p=0.925).The endocan/cotinine ratio showed a decreasing trend in the exposed group (median: 25.69, mean: 28.76 ± 21.45) compared to non-exposed participants (median: 34.24, mean: 47.31 ± 53.89), though this difference did not reach statistical significance (U=1,149.0, p=0.132). A negative correlation was found between BMI and endocan levels (r=−0.337, p=0.001), while a weak positive correlation was observed between age and cotinine concentration (r=0.222, p=0.038). Conclusions Cigarette smoke exposure in adolescents leads to elevated cotinine levels and increased blood pressure (p=0.03), indicating early vascular changes. The observed negative correlation between cotinine and endocan levels (r=−0.435, p=0.003) may reflect a compensatory endothelial response. The endocan/cotinine ratio could serve as a novel, early biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in youth exposed to cigarette smoke.
Open Access
Effects of hypermobility on physical assessment parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study

5. Januar 2026

Derya Kilinç Duran, Neslihan Altuntaş Yilmaz, Fatma Erdeo

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Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypermobility on scoliosis degree, trunk rotation, lower extremity length difference, pes planus status, static and dynamic balance, and fall risk in individuals diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods This case-control study included 33 individuals with AIS (18 hypermobile, 15 non-hypermobile), aged 10–18 years, with Cobb angles ranging from 10° to 45°. Hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton Score, and those scoring 5 or higher were considered the hypermobile group. The degree of scoliosis was measured using the Cobb angle method, and trunk rotation was measured using a scoliometer. Lower extremity length discrepancy was assessed using a tape measure, and pes planus was assessed using the Navicular Drop Test. Static balance was determined using the Single-Leg Balance Test (eyes open/closed), dynamic balance using the Functional Reach Test (FUT), and fall risk was measured using the Morse Fall Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and intergroup comparisons and correlations were evaluated. Results Lumbar trunk rotation was significantly lower in the hypermobile group (p=0.02). No group differences were observed in other physical parameters. Positive correlations were found between the Cobb angle and upper thoracic and lumbar trunk rotation; a significant positive correlation was also found between the Cobb angle and pes planus status. Hypermobility was linked to gender, and better dynamic balance was associated with a lower risk of falling. Conclusions In individuals with AIS, hypermobility was determined to affect trunk rotation angle, particularly in the lumbar region, and to be associated with pes planus. Routine evaluation of hypermobility and pes planus is recommended, alongside exercises targeting dynamic balance to help reduce fall risk.

CiteScore	4	2024, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2025)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.484	2024, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2025; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.638	2024, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2025; Data Source: Scopus)

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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