Volume 36, Issue 5

Introduction Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is contentious due to societal and religious taboos in the Javanese Muslim community and being misunderstood as a potential catalyst for the premarital sex of unmarried adolescents. The existing practice of SRH education cannot guarantee reliable information about adolescent sexuality. The research aims to understand the intergenerational perception of SRH education conducted at high schools, which has not been comprehensively researched. This qualitative study was conducted in 2016 to explore the perspectives of adults and adolescents regarding school-based SRH education. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were used for data collection, while data analysis was conducted using a feminist perspective. Content The study identified gaps in the delivery of SRH education among Javanese Muslim, Indonesia. SRH education had not adequately addressed how adults and adolescents perceived sexuality as taboo due to moral panic about premarital sex and societal expectations placed on girls to maintain their virginity. Peer counsellors, responsible for imparting SRH information and facilitating communication with adolescents, reproduced adult moral values toward their peers, leading to a reluctance among adolescents to share their issues. Consequently, SRH education failed to reach those experiencing unwanted pregnancy or a toxic intimate relationship. Summary and Outlook The results of the study indicate the need to challenge intergenerational perceptions regarding sexuality and gender expectations to promote a positive gender perspective within SRH education in Indonesia.

Objectives The tobacco epidemic is more than just a health concern. It is a socioeconomic one with far-reaching effects. Smoking being the most common mode of tobacco use worldwide, has an impact on human life and well-being. Hence, this study aimed to seek the knowledge and awareness of adolescents about e-cigarettes and spread awareness about the harmful effects of vapig so as to reduce the ongoing rise in cigarette consumption among these individuals. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 teenage children of urban schools in Delhi NCR of age group 14–17 years which collected information on teenage vaping practices, views about vaping, and their accessibility to vaping items. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences – SPSS version 25 through frequency and percent, graphs, Bar chart and Chi-squared test. Results A total 100 participants took part in the survey out of which of 59 were males and 41 were females. A significant proportion of the participants (94 %) possessed knowledge of e-cigarettes, and 14 % had actually used them at some point. Most of the participants were aware of the disposable variety of e-cigarettes and most of them thought that e-cigarettes were less addictive. Conclusions A significant portion of educated young adults who have never vaped are susceptible to using e-cigarettes in the future. It is also discovered that e-cigarettes are still available and being promoted in spite of the restrictions. In addition to good health education for minors, more stringent enforcement of current rules and monitoring could help prevent larger uptake in the future.

Objectives To evaluate an association between eating patterns and sleep quality in Chilean university students. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Participants included students from 4 Chilean universities. Each student was administered survey Questionnaire on the frequency of healthy and unhealthy eating habits and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and their weight and height were taken to obtain the Body Mass Index (BMI). Results A total of 1,079 young university students, 80.26 % were women and the average age was 21.7 years. The 73.68 % have inadequate sleep quality. There is a significant differences in frequency between sleep quality and the intake of breakfast (p<0.001), fish (p<0.05) and dinner (p<0.05), that is, university students who reported optimal sleep consume breakfast and dinner on a daily basis and their fish intake is in line with nutritional recommendations. With respect to the association between sleep quality and healthy dietary patterns, it is observed a significant association (p<0.01) between optimal sleep and daily breakfast consumption in model 3 (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.61 (0.46–0.82)). Regarding unhealthy dietary patterns, a significant association (p<0.05) is observed in model 3 between sleep quality and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.42 (1.02–1.96)). Furthermore, a significant association between optimal sleep and salt consumption is observed in both model 2 (OR: 0.73 (0.54–0.99)) and model 3 (OR: 0.72 (0.53–0.97)). Finally, a significant relationship between not tobacco use and optimal sleep is observed (OR: 0.68 (0.48–0.96)). Conclusion A positive relationship between healthy diet and sleep quality was observed in university students, which certain dietary patterns, such as the consumption of breakfast and low salt consumption and alcohol, are crucial to talk about a good sleep quality in this population group.

Objectives Due to lack of information and deceptive advertising, young people widely consume energy drinks, although they should be careful because of their contents. Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other additives that can stimulate the body. They can cause irritability, anxiety, insomnia and can increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Aim of this research was to study consumption of energy drinks among medical university students in Kazakhstan. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect information. Students enrolled in various courses at the medical university, including interns and residents, were invited to participate. A total of 764 respondents took part in the survey. Results Among the trainees, 41.4 % had consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months, and at the time of the survey, 16.2 % of the respondents had consumed these drinks. Respondents who do not drink alcohol are 3 times (p<0.001) more likely not to use energy drinks compared to those who drink alcohol. Those who do not exercise are 4.7 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to active athletes. Participants who had not consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months were 1.8 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to those who drank them. Conclusions Consumption of energy drinks by students can temporarily increase physical and mental performance, improve mood and raise energy levels, while at the same time, they also come with serious health risks. Therefore, educating students about the potential risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Background Motorcyclists constitute the highest proportion of victims of road traffic accidents. Riding a motorcycle without a license in teenagers is one of the accident-causing behaviors. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of qualitatively investigating the obstacles and underlying factors of utilizing a motorcycle without a license among adolescent boys in Iran. Methodology The present research qualitative research employed the grounded theory approach. The study population of the current research included all teenagers aged 10–18 years old in Farsan City of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in 2023. The sample size was 14 obtained on the principle of data saturation using the purposeful sampling method. Interviews with participants using a semi-structured questionnaire were conducted. For data coding, MAXQDA 2022 software was used, and data analysis was done with open, axial, and selective coding methods. Results The lowest age at the first experience riding a motorcycle was 10 years old. Most of the cases had their first experience of riding a motorcycle at the age of 14 years. By achieving theoretical saturation in the interviews, 51 open codes were identified, and our qualitative data analyses resulted in 7 obstacles to unlicensed motorcycling in 4 categories. “Traffic rules and the desire to get a license”, “accidents and financial, life and insurance losses”, “the existence of a suitable structure for motorcycle riding training”, and “opposition of families and unavailability of motorcycles”. Also, regarding the 15 factors underlying driving a motorcycle without a license, 7 categories, “disregarding traffic rules”, “inappropriate educational structure”, “excitement and pleasant feeling”, “spending life and free time”, “enthusiasm and love” Youth”, “Encouragement and support of significant others and availability of motorcycles”, “Economic problems” were obtained. Conclusions According to the findings, the obstacles and underlying factors of riding motorcycles without a license were identified from the perspective of teenagers, by focusing on these factors and also changing or modifying the things that can be changed, the occurrence of this behavior and ultimately the resulting injuries can be reduced.

Objectives To assess screen time and its correlates among adolescents in selected rural areas of Puducherry. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 years visiting the Pediatrics and other departments at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences (SLIMS), Puducherry. The sample size of 164 was determined based on previous studies, with a systematic random sampling technique used for participant selection. Data collection involved a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic factors, screen time, sleep, dietary, and physical activity patterns. Increased screen time was defined as more than 2 h per day, and adequate physical activity was considered as at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercises. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 17, with associations tested using Chi-square analysis and a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 18.2 (0.9) years, with 86 % in the 16–19 years age group. Males comprised 53.7 %, and 66.5 % were from rural areas. The mean screen time was 4.4 (1.5) hours per day, with 79.1 % exceeding the recommended limit. Mobile phones were the most frequently used devices (92.7 %), primarily for watching movies (51.8 %) and videos (23.8 %). Increased screen time was significantly associated with younger age (10–15 years), urban residence, and school-going status. Adolescents with increased screen time exhibited lower physical activity and inadequate sleep. Additionally, increased consumption of packaged foods was observed among those with higher screen time. Conclusions More than three-fourths of the adolescents exceeded the recommended screen time, negatively impacting their physical activity and sleep. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyle choices among adolescents in rural Puducherry.

Objectives We aimed to estimate the association between depressive symptoms’ trajectories during adolescence and young adulthood and sleep quality in early adulthood. Methods Data from 802 participants of the EPITeen study, evaluated at 13, 17 and 21 years of age, were analysed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and three trajectory classes from adolescence to adulthood were previously identified ( High , Moderate , Low ). The prevalences of poor sleep quality, overall (score>5) and in its specific dimensions: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, use of sleep drugs and daytime dysfunction (score≥2), at 21 years of age were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Associations were estimated using adjusted odds ratio (OR) and the respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Results At 21 years of age, 29.8 % young adults presented poor sleep quality, which was significantly different between those in the Low and High depressive trajectories (14.3 and 53.1 %, respectively, p<0.001). Compared with participants in the Low trajectory , those in the High trajectory were more likely to present poorer sleep quality at 21 years of age (OR=6.34 95 % CI: 3.94–10.21), particularly worse levels of sleep disturbance (OR=5.89 95 % CI: 2.84–12.21), daytime dysfunction (OR=7.63 95 % CI: 3.63–16.06) and subjective sleep quality (OR=6.61 95 % CI: 3.69–11.85). Conclusions Poor sleep quality in early adulthood was more frequent among individuals who had high levels of depressive symptoms since adolescence. Monitoring depression until adulthood may help to identify those at higher risk of sleep problems which, in turn, can lead to worse health outcomes over time.

Objectives To assess adolescents’ attitudes, satisfaction, and practices regarding their body image across body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods In this cross-sectional survey (2019–2020), we recorded anthropometry of 2,089 girls and boys between 13 and 17 years from semi-urban schools in western India. Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was used for multidimensional attitudinal assessment of body image and weight-related variables. The Stunkard scale was used to assess body shape perception. Results In higher age categories, boys were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.012, p linearity=0.001), cared more about grooming (p=0.007, p linearity=0.001), and regarded themselves more physically fit (p=0.003, p linearity 0.030 up to 16 years). Boys with normal BMI were more satisfied with their appearance (p=0.001), fitness (p=0.024), and more alert about symptoms of illness (p<0.000) than others. With increasing BMI, older girls and boys were more preoccupied with their weight and perceived themselves to be heavier (p=0.001). A majority of underweight girls perceived their weight as normal. Students engaged in weight loss practices irrespective of their BMI category. Boys wanted a bigger, and girls a smaller body shape than their current shape. We found body shape dissatisfaction in 66.4 % adolescents, more in boys than in girls (p=0.001). Conclusions Body shape dissatisfaction is quite common among semiurban adolescents, with boys outnumbering girls. BMI, age, and sex are associated with weight perception and attitude toward body image. Unindicated weight loss practices are prevalent.

Objectives The main objective is to study gynecological and obstetrical emergencies among adolescents admitted to the emergency room in our department. Methods At the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, we carried out a retrospective study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adolescents who consulted over a period of 12 months were described. Results We recorded 78 emergencies during the study period, representing a frequency of 0.39 %. Gynecological and obstetrical emergencies in adolescents are dominated by abdominal-pelvic pain (36 %), followed by pregnancy diagnoses (16.7 %), and dysmenorrhea in 10 % of cases. Admission decisions were made in only 6.4 % of cases. Conclusions Advances in adolescent gynecology highlight the importance of specialized care for this population, crucial for preventive healthcare. Evaluation and management rely on recognizing clinical challenges and understanding specific issues.

Objectives Assessment of the relationship between dietary patterns and menstrual disorders among female medical and paramedical students at Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Methods Beni-Suef University conducted a cross-sectional analytical questionnaire-based study. Three hundred fifty two female medical and paramedical students agreed to participate in the study. The collected data about demographics, physical activity, menstrual history, and dietary assessment were transferred to SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. A p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of irregular cycles, heavy blood flow, severe dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was found to be (21.9 %), (13.1 %), (35.5 %), and (68.9 %), respectively. Poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet (40.1 %) and physical activity (69.9 %) was present. Females with irregular cycles (p=0.472), heavy menstrual blood flow (p=0.007), and severe dysmenorrhea (p=0.029) reported lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Mothers’ educational level (p=0.034), family income (p=0.005), and family size (p=0.009) were significantly associated with dietary adherence. Conclusions Poor adherence to regular physical activity and the Mediterranean diet is highly prevalent in our research and is highly associated with menstruation disorders. So, it is critical to support health education programs emphasizing healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity to improve menstrual health and women’s quality of life.

Objectives Adolescence is an important transition phase and the burden of anemia among adolescent school-going children is not well explored. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anemia among school-going adolescent girls and to explore their awareness on anemia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 adolescent girls studying in a residential school of Bibinagar village, Telangana. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect the data. Hemoglobin (Hb) was estimated using TrueHb. Data was entered into excel and was analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Results The mean (±SD) age of the adolescent girls was 13.8 (±0.99) years. About 74.2 % of the girls were in 12–14 years’ age group. About 91.7 % had attained menarche. The prevalence of anemia was 81.6 % with a mean (±SD) Hb of 9.5 (±2.7) g/dl among adolescent girls. Among the adolescent girls, 32.7 % had severe anemia, 31.8 % had moderate anemia and 17.1 % had mild anemia. About 86.2 % adolescent girls had heard of anemia while 60.8 % adolescent girls felt that anemia is preventable and only 27.6 % were aware about iron-rich foods. About 38 % of adolescent girls were not aware of any causes of anemia. Conclusions The prevalence of anemia was very high among the school-going adolescent girls of rural Telangana. The awareness regarding causes of anemia and iron-rich foods was low among study adolescent girls. Thus, there is a dire need to conduct frequent Test, Treat and Talk (T3) Anemia camps in schools through district school health program.

Objectives This qualitative study explored perceptions of anemia prevention among adolescent girls from low- to mid-socioeconomic backgrounds to identify educational needs for effective intervention. Methods This qualitative study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling based on specific criteria, with each FGD comprising 7–9 participants. A total of 3 FGDs were conducted, involving 23 high school female students. The discussions, guided by an interview guide, took place in classrooms at two different schools. Verbatim transcripts were created from the FGD recordings and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results The study revealed several information gaps, including an incomplete understanding of anemia, prevention strategies, and its consequences. Comprehensive knowledge about the causes and effects of anemia, along with the importance of iron supplementation, was identified as essential educational needs for adolescent girls. Support from family members and teachers was deemed crucial during the implementation of anemia prevention strategies. The participants recognized anemia as a serious health issue and emphasized the importance of prevention. Conclusions Key aspects of anemia prevention need to be integrated into nutrition education programs for adolescents. Addressing these information gaps can enhance the promotion of anemia prevention strategies and improve adherence among adolescents.