Volume 37, Issue 1

Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationship between marijuana use and aggression and victimization among Colombian adolescents. We aimed to clarify marijuana’s distinct role by comparing different categories of drug use and by considering the order of drug initiation. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional data collected from Colombian adolescents in 2016. The original sample included 80,018 students in Grades 7 to 11. Participants were categorized into marijuana-use groups – EXCLUSIVE (marijuana only), INITIAL (marijuana use before other drugs), and SUBSEQUENT (marijuana use following other drugs) – and non-marijuana-use groups – NON-DRUG (no use), ONE-DRUG (one other drug only), and MULTIPLE-DRUG (two or more other drugs).Aggressive behaviors (individual aggression, group aggression, harassment) and victimization were assessed based on self-reported involvement in the past 12 months. Logistic regression models examined associations between marijuana use patterns and these outcomes, controlling for sex, age, parental education, and grade repetition. For the SUBSEQUENT group, the total number of other drugs used was also controlled. Results Adolescents with no drug use had the lowest rates of all aggressive behaviors and victimization. As drug use increased, so did the prevalence of these outcomes, with MULTIPLE-DRUG users exhibiting the highest levels. Compared to NON-DRUG adolescents, each marijuana-use group (EXCLUSIVE, INITIAL, SUBSEQUENT) showed increased odds of some forms of aggression and victimization. For example, EXCLUSIVE users had higher odds of aggression compared to NON-DRUG users. However, the magnitude of these associations differed when comparing marijuana-use groups against each other and against ONE-DRUG and MULTIPLE-DRUG groups. INITIAL and SUBSEQUENT users often demonstrated greater odds of aggression than EXCLUSIVE users, suggesting that polydrug involvement and the sequence of drug initiation matter. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of moving beyond binary classifications of marijuana use when examining aggression and victimization among adolescents. Marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of aggression and victimization, but other substance use patterns and the temporal order of drug initiation influence this relationship. Policymakers, educators, and clinicians should consider these when designing preventive interventions. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and incorporate additional contextual variables to further clarify the mechanisms linking marijuana use to aggression and victimization.

Objectives The present study was done to study the knowledge change among Medical Officers (MO) and Community health officers (CHO) regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI with emphasis on adolescents after online training. Methods This is a retrospective record-based analysis conducted in the State Adolescent Health Centre, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh in 2023–2024 over 10 months. Participants were selected based on their attendance at online training sessions involving MOs and CHOs on menstrual cups, menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. The data from Google Forms for pretests and post-tests, containing a total of 30 questions in English and Telugu, covering menstrual hygiene, early marriage, and HIV/STI topics was retrieved. The study covered all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, with online training sessions conducted via Zoom. The proportion of correct responses to individual questions is given with a 95 % confidence interval. Statistical comparisons of scores of individual questions were done using the McNemar test. Statistical comparisons of total scores of pre-test and post-test were done using the paired t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Of the total 13,432 MOs and CHOs, 9,897 participated in the training with a response rate of 73.6 %. Among those who participated the training 2,809 (28.38 %) completed both pretest and posttest. The majority were CHOs (85.3 %), females, and aged under 35 years. Statistically significant increases in knowledge were observed across various aspects of menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. Increase in knowledge regarding menstruation 4.3 % (3.5–5.1 %), p-value:<0.001, first vaginal bleeding (first menstruation) 4.7 % (3.9–5.5 %), p-value:<0.001, complication seen in delivering babies in teen pregnancy 4.9 % (4.1–5.7 %), p-value:<0.001, the symptom of STI 7.0 % (6.1–7.9 %), p-value:<0.001, and others. The total pretest mean score was 16.73 ± 4.44 and the post-test mean score was 18.81 ± 4.39. There was a statistically significant difference between pretest and post-test mean scores p value<0.001. Conclusions The training program significantly improved knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI among the participants indicating the effectiveness of educational intervention in addressing gaps towards adolescent Health.

Background Stunting is a major health problem in developing countries due to chronic malnutrition that impacts physical growth, cognitive ability, and long-term productivity. The focus of stunting prevention is generally aimed at pregnant women and toddlers, while adolescents, especially adolescent girls, are often neglected. In fact, they will be the future mothers who determine the quality of the next generation. Malnutrition and anemia in adolescents increase the risk of giving birth to stunted children. Innovative nutritional intervention programs, such as nutrition education and iron supplements, are needed to break the cycle of stunting, involving adolescents as important targets in prevention. Karuni is a program specifically designed for teenagers aged 12–15 years with the main focus being on empowering teenagers through nutrition education, reproductive health and clean and healthy living behavior as well as involving parents to optimize the program. Methods This study used a phenomenological approach to explore the understanding of adolescent girls aged 12–15 years about the stunting prevention program in Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and FGDs with adolescents, officials running the Adolescent Health Care (PKPR) program, and related agencies. Data validity was guaranteed by triangulation of sources and NVivo was used for analysis. Results The identified five themes related to the adolescent intervention program for stunting prevention: program implementation, achievements, barriers, needs, and KARUNI model design. Program monitoring is important, but faces barriers such as the lack of prioritization and motivation. Cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation, and appropriate media are needed in the implementation of the KARUNI model to increase the effectiveness of the stunting prevention program for adolescents. Conclusions The importance of the role of adolescents in efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting, especially through collaboration between health centers ( Puskesmas ) and schools in implementing the PKPR program, providing iron tablets, and health screening.

Objectives Adolescents are increasingly consuming energy drinks (EDs), prompting worries about their potential mental health impacts. The association between ED use and psychological effects among Palestinian teenagers, particularly the impact of smoking habits such as waterpipes, electronic cigarettes, and cigarettes, is little studied. This study explores the correlation between ED consumption and mental health outcomes such as depression, insomnia, and stress among adolescents in Palestine. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2024, involving adolescents aged 12–18 recruited from schools in the West Bank. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire assessing ED consumption, smoking habits, depression (PHQ-9), insomnia (ISI), and stress (Adolescent Stress Scale). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results The research involved 1,668 adolescents, with a mean age of 15.67 years (±1.57 years). ED consumption was prevalent at 74.7 % (95 % CI: 76.5–72.7). Males and smokers, especially those using traditional cigarettes and waterpipes, exhibited a higher likelihood of consuming energy drinks (aPR: 2.18; 95 %CI: 1.64–2.91), (aPR: 2.99; 95 %CI: 1.49–5.59), and (aPR: 2.54; 95 %CI: 1.23–5.19). Depression exhibited a significant relationship with ED consumption (aPR: 2.25; 95%CI: 1.51–3.37). A dose-response relationship was identified between insomnia and ED consumption, with an adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) of 2.42 (95 % CI: 1.56–3.47) for moderate severity and 2.95 (95 % CI: 1.28–6.75) for severe insomnia. Conclusions ED consumption is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, particularly among smokers. Interventions targeting both ED use and smoking behaviors are crucial to improving mental health in Palestinian adolescents. The study was conducted during the Gaza war, a period marked by heightened stress levels among participants due to increased security checks and economic hardships. These challenges may have influenced participants’ stress levels and impacted their purchasing behaviors for EDs and tobacco shisha products. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these behaviors.

Objective Characterize the most frequently used ICD-10 diagnoses and procedures in the population aged 13–24 receiving care at Javesalud Healthcare Service Provider (HSP) in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. Through the statistical program R Studio, a database provided by the HSP was analyzed, considering variables such as type of identification document, sex, age, primary ICD-10 diagnosis code, and consultation date. Patients aged between 13 and 24 attended by this HSP between June 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, for 11.802 consultations, were included in the study. Results The analysis show a difference in the number of consultations according to gender (female/male ratio of 2.1:1), with a higher number of consultations from the young adult population (aged 19–24 years), who accounted for 57.4 % of the consultations. The data obtained indicates that the most frequent procedures involve promotion and prevention activities related to sexual and reproductive health, representing approximately 15 % of the consultations. Furthermore, the prevalence of various diagnoses was distributed differently according to the sex and age of the patients. For females, the most frequent diagnoses were similar but in different proportions, unlike males, where the main reasons for consultation behavior differed for each age group. While in adolescents, there is a predominance of two subgroups: dermatological diagnoses and follow-up exams, in young adults, HIV infection counseling predominates. Conclusions Adolescents and young adults constitute a group with epidemiological characteristics of great complexity, marked by a multitude of variables and significant interpersonal diversity. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct detailed studies in this age group and, at the same time, implement strategies that contribute to the promotion of their development and future well-being.

Objectives This study aims to explore the relationship between chronotypes, sleep quality, and anxiety among medical undergraduates, providing valuable insights for academic institutions seeking to enhance student well-being. Methods A cross-sectional design was used, involving 200 medical undergraduates who were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection included comprehensive clinical histories and the administration of three validated questionnaires: the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire Self-Assessment (MEQ-SA), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Participants were recruited during class breaks, and informed consent was obtained prior to participation. Results The majority of participants (76.5 %; n=152) exhibited a neutral chronotype, with a mean MEQ score of 50.18 (±7.781). No significant correlations were found between MEQ scores and variables such as sex, BMI, or electronic media use. However, individuals classified as evening types reported higher anxiety levels, with mean STAI-S and STAI-T scores of 56.09 (±4.566) and 49.09 (±6.202), respectively (ANOVA, F=31.798, p=0.001; F=30.294, p=0.001). The mean global PSQI score was 6.00 (±2.553), with 56 % of participants reporting poor sleep quality. Evening chronotypes had significantly poorer sleep quality, as evidenced by higher PSQI scores (8.14±1.670) (ANOVA, F=43.663, p=0.001). Conclusions The findings underscore the need for academic institutions to reconsider the alignment of academic schedules with students’ chronotypes, potentially enhancing academic performance and reducing health risks. Despite these contributions, the study has limitations, including geographical and demographic constraints and reliance on self-reported data, suggesting the need for further research to provide more comprehensive insights.

Objectives This study investigates the effectiveness of the P-Positive program in addressing emotional aggression among junior high school students in Lopburi Province, Thailand. Methods A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed with 54 participants aged 13–15. The intervention, conducted over 16 weeks, applied the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) framework. Key components included emotional regulation, empathy development, and behavioral change, facilitated through structured activities. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the EQ Metric, evaluating nine dimensions comprehensively. Results Statistically significant improvements were observed across all dimensions of emotional intelligence (p<0.001). The most notable improvements were in self-control, empathy, and decision-making, with motivation showing the highest mean difference (4.333). Inner peace exhibited the smallest mean improvement (1.593), but the change was still statistically significant. These findings highlight the program’s effectiveness in enhancing emotional intelligence and reducing aggression. Conclusions The P-Positive program shows strong potential as a scalable intervention for improving emotional well-being and mitigating aggression in adolescents. It offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and public health stakeholders, suggesting the importance of integrating such programs into broader educational and health initiatives. Further refinements to address specific dimensions like inner peace may enhance its impact.