International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 29 Issue 4

August 2017

Issue of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available April 22, 2016

Drinking, driving and a bit of cannabis

Joav Merrick

Article number: 20160026

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November 4, 2015

Adolescent suicide and testosterone

Postnatal testosterone may be an important mediator of the association between prematurity and male neurodevelopmental disorders: A Hypothesis

Timothy R. Rice, Leo Sher

Article number: 20150058

Abstract

Completed suicide is much more common in men than in women. Its incidence rises precipitously in adolescence. One biological hypothesis that accounts for the increased frequency of completed suicide in men is that the male sex hormone testosterone partially mediates the observed increase in suicide frequency among men. It is the aim of this communication to review the relevant literature and to describe putative biological mechanisms for this association. Specifically, we propose that the impairment wrought by of high levels of testosterone in the adolescent upon the emotion regulation system contribute to an account for these findings. Herein, we describe this neural system and the specific effects of testosterone upon the system. We conclude with a discussion of clinical implications and applications with an aim of stimulating further research.

January 20, 2016

Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health: an ecological perspective

Maryam Hajizade-Valokolaee, Fereshteh Yazdani-Khermandichali, Zohreh Shahhosseini, Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi

Article number: 20150097

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is the key time in the formation of sexual confidence and fertility in people and many risky sexual behaviors in this sensitive era are the roots of many adulthood diseases. STD and early pregnancy are among the most important issues of adolescence. Objective: This study deals with reviewing ecological factors related to the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents. Methods: As this study was a narrative review the researchers conducted their computer search in public bases such as Google Scholar and then in more specialized ones such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Up-to-date, SPRINGER, SID, Magi ran, Iranmedex and Irandoc with the key words adolescents, sexual health, reproductive health and ecological from 1991 to 2015. Initially 152 articles were elicited and after a review study of the title and abstract, 80 articles entered the study. After reading the full text, 39 articles were chosen for writing the current review article. Results: Reviewing the articles led to organizing the contents in three main classes according to Bronfenbrenner’s suggestion namely ecological factors at microsystem, mesosystem and macrosystem levels which include individual predisposing factors, environmental enabling factors and social reinforcing factors. Conclusion: Adolescents are at a high risk of STD and early pregnancy. Many factors are considered as effective at this critical era, based on which comprehensive intervention based on ecological factors is needed to step forward toward preventing adolescence risks.

November 13, 2015

Studying physician-adolescent patient communication in community-based practices: recruitment challenges and solutions

Michael E. Bodner, Alicia Bilheimer, Xiaomei Gao, Pauline Lyna, Stewart C. Alexander, Rowena J. Dolor, Truls Østbye, Terrill Bravender, James A. Tulsky, Sidney Graves, Alexis Irons, Kathryn I. Pollak

Article number: 20150064

Abstract

Background: Practice-based studies are needed to assess how physicians communicate health messages about weight to overweight/obese adolescent patients, but successful recruitment to such studies is challenging. This paper describes challenges, solutions, and lessons learned to recruit physicians and adolescents to the Teen Communicating Health Analyzing Talk (CHAT) study, a randomized controlled trial of a communication skills intervention for primary care physicians to enhance communication about weight with overweight/obese adolescents. Materials and methods: A “peer-to-peer” approach was used to recruit physicians, including the use of “clinic champions” who liaised between study leaders and physicians. Consistent rapport and cooperative working relationships with physicians and clinic staff were developed and maintained. Adolescent clinic files were reviewed (HIPAA waiver) to assess eligibility. Parents could elect to opt-out for their children. To encourage enrollment, confidentiality of audio recordings was emphasized, and financial incentives were offered to all participants. Results: We recruited 49 physicians and audio-recorded 391 of their overweight/obese adolescents’ visits. Recruitment challenges included 1) physician reticence to participate; 2) variability in clinic operating procedures; 3) variability in adolescent accrual rates; 4) clinic open access scheduling; and 5) establishing communication with parents and adolescents. Key solutions included the use of a “clinic champion” to help recruit physicians, pro-active, consistent communication with clinic staff, and adapting calling times to reach parents and adolescents. Conclusion: Recruiting physicians and adolescents to audio-recorded, practice-based health communication studies can be successful. Anticipated challenges to recruiting can be met with advanced planning; however, optimal solutions to challenges evolve as recruitment progresses.

November 10, 2015

Differences in use of contraception by age, sex and HIV status of 10–19-year-old adolescents in Nigeria

Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan, Morolake Odetoyinbo, Abigail Harrison

Article number: 20150059

Abstract

Objective: The study tried to identify predictors of good knowledge of contraceptive methods and use of condoms at the last sexual act with a girl/boyfriend by adolescents aged 10–19 years in Nigeria. It also tried to find the association between age, sex and HIV status with the study outcomes. Methods: This was a cross sectional study that recruited a geographically representative sample of 749 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) and 825 HIV negative/untested adolescents aged 10–19 years in Nigeria. A face to face interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on their socio-demographic profile, awareness of contraceptive methods, and use of contraceptives. Study participants were recruited from six of the 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. Chi-square was used to establish association between self-reported HIV status, age and sex, and awareness of contraceptive methods and condom use during last sex act. Significant predictors of ‘good knowledge of modern contraceptive’ and ‘use of condoms by sexually active adolescents at last sex act’ were also determined using logistic regression. Results: Being a student significantly reduced the odds of having good knowledge about modern contraceptives (OR: 0.46; CI: 0.32–0.65; p<0.001). Having a tertiary level of education (OR: 1.36; CI: 1.12–1.64; p=0.002) and being HIV negative (OR: 2.92; CI: 1.98–4.32; p<0.001) increased the odds of having good knowledge of modern contraceptives. The only significant predictor for use of condoms at last sexual intercourse with a boy/girlfriend is self-efficacy about being about to negotiate condom use with a boy/girlfriend (OR: 141.01; CI: 14.99–1326.36; p<0.001). Conclusion: The study findings reiterate the need to introduce adolescents in general and ALHIV specifically to condom use in early adolescence prior to commencing sexual activities; and the need to provide adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria.

November 13, 2015

Auditory and visual reaction times in school going adolescents: effect of structured and unstructured physical training – a randomized control trial

Vivek Kumar Sharma, Senthil Kumar Subramanian, Vinayathan Arunachalam, Krishnakumar Radhakrishnan, Sarah Ramamurthy, Balasubramanian Sulur Ravindran

Article number: 20150060

Abstract

Background: Cognitive development of adolescents is influenced by their physical activity status. Exercises requiring greater cognitive engagement are likely to have a stronger effect on their executive cognitive functions than simpler exercises. Materials and methods: In our randomized, single blinded, parallel group, active controlled trial (CTRI/ 2013/08/003897) the recruited healthy student volunteers, aged 12–17 years (n=439), were allocated into structured physical activity (SPA) and unstructured physical activity (USPA) groups by age and gender stratified block randomization. Physical training for the respective groups was administered by physical education instructors for 2 h per day, 6 times per week, continuously for 6 months. SPA was designed as recommended by the WHO physical activity guidelines for children and young people, while USPA included any indoor or outdoor recreational activity of the participant’s choice. This paper describes a part of our findings: comparison of auditory and visual reaction times (ART and VRT), recorded pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis was done by an investigator blinded to the allocation sequence using paired and unpaired t-test for inter- and intra-group comparisons, respectively, by following per-protocol analysis [SPA (n=172) and USPA (n=175)]. Results and Conclusion: Both ART and VRT significantly improved in either group but the effect size was more in SPA group vs. USPA group (VRT: 0.87 vs. 0.76; ART: 0.79 vs. 0.65). Thus structuring the physical training in a cognitively engaging manner leads to greater improvements in the perceptual, executive cognitive response phenomenon of growing adolescents.

November 4, 2015

Racial/ethnic disparity in obesity among US youth, 1999–2013

Ruopeng An

Article number: 20150068

Abstract

Background: One fundamental goal in the Healthy People 2020 is to achieve health equity and eliminate disparities. Objective: To examine the annual trends in racial/ethnic disparity in obesity among US youth from 1999 to 2013. Subjects: Nationally representative sample of 108,811 students in grades 9th–12th from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 1999–2013 surveys. Methods: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported height and weight. Obesity in youth is defined as BMI at or above 95th sex- and age-specific percentile of the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the annual prevalence of obesity by race/ethnicity, adjusted for gender and age group and accounted for the YRBSS survey design. Between-group variance (BGV) was used to measure absolute racial/ethnic disparity in obesity, and the mean log deviation (MLD) and the Theil Index (T) were used to measure relative racial/ethnic disparity in obesity, weighted by corresponding racial/ethnic population size. Results: The obesity prevalence among non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic African Americans, non-Hispanic other race or multi-race, and Hispanic increased from 10.05%, 12.31%, 10.25%, and 13.24% in 1999 to 13.14%, 15.76%, 10.87%, and 15.20% in 2013, respectively. Both absolute and relative racial/ethnic disparity in obesity increased initially since 1999 but then steadily declined starting from mid-2000s back to around its original level by 2013. Conclusion: The obesity epidemic in youth is marked by salient and persistent disparity pertaining to race/ethnicity. No improvement on racial/ethnic disparity in obesity among American youth was observed during 1999–2013.

November 10, 2015

Prevalence of stress and stress tolerance levels among adolescent boys – a district level cross sectional study in South India

Kallol Roy, Veena G. Kamath, Asha Kamath, Johnson Alex, Asha Hegde

Article number: 20150054

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a tumultuous period of hormonal and psychological transitions ranging from 10 to 19 years (WHO). This growth phase is usually accompanied by stressors. Very few studies have reported the prevalence of stress levels among adolescent boys. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and determinants of stress and its tolerance levels among high school boys. Methods: A cross sectional study design was selected for this purpose. A standardized self reported questionnaire was administered to 1153 high school boys. A score of 130 and more was used to classify the participants as stressed. Results: The prevalence of stress and its tolerance levels was found to be 55% and 33.7%, respectively. Also correlations suggest that parental education and occupational status play a significant role in adolescent stress. Together, these findings suggest necessitating an intervention to counter the same. Conclusion: The proportion of stressed adolescent boys (55.5%) reported to have poor stress tolerance (41%). Studies addressing stress among high school adolescents remain unexplored. The basic determinants of stress are not researched upon these age groups. Our study reports the prevalence of stress to be 55% among high school boys. This could be the fundamental basis of designing suitable stress management programs for adolescents that could reduce their stress levels.

November 13, 2015

Self-concept and social comparison and their relation with smoking and alcohol consumption in adolescents

Aysel Özdemir, Gülay Koçoğlu

Article number: 20150061

Abstract

Background: Some attitudes that possess certain risks such as smoking and alcohol consumption rate are increasing among the adolescent age group. For this reason it is very important to shape the attitudes of adolescents during their growth period. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association of social comparison and self-concept of adolescents’ relation with smoking and alcohol consumption. Subjects: Study was conducted as a prospective study in nine high schools which are located in city of Bursa, Turkey. Nine hundred and fifty-three (n=953) students were included. Methods: Data were gathered using a questionnaire form especially developed by researchers for this study according to relevant literature. For social comparison and self-concept evaluation Piers-Harris Self Concept Scale and Social Comparison Scale of Gilbert were used. Results: The mean age was 15.74±1.27 and 411 of cases (43.1%) were male. It was determined that smoking and alcohol consumption increased as the age of adolescents’ age increases. Rate of smoking and alcohol consumption was significantly higher in males compared to females. The mean self-concept scale score of the cases who smoke (52.30±11.01) were found to be lower than the non-smokers (56.07±10.13). The mean social comparison scale score of smoking adolescents’ (70.25±23.99) was higher than the non-smokers (69.43±25.47). Conclusion: The social comparison scale scores were found to be higher in adolescents who consume alcohol and smoke tobacco. In contrast to this result self-concept scale scores were low. As a conclusion this study reveals that attitudes such as smoking and alcohol consumption are mostly influenced by self-concept of the adolescents and family attitudes towards adolescents.

November 18, 2015

Passive smoking: knowledge, exposure and responses among adolescents in a rural setting in Sri Lanka

Emmanuwelge Madhurangi Perera, Nalika Sepali Gunawardena

Article number: 20150076

Abstract

Background: Passive smoking adversely affects the health of those exposed to it. Exposure to passive smoking among adolescents is also associated with early initiation to smoking. Objective: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, exposure and response to passive smoking among adolescents in a rural setting in Sri Lanka. Subject: Adolescents studying in grade 10 in seven rural schools in Polonnaruwa district. Methods: A cross-sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among 498 adolescents selected proportionate to the size of the student population using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Results: The response rate was 99.6% (498/500). Only 69.3%, (n=345) had heard of the term passive smoking. Of those who had heard of the term, 83.2%, (n=287) was accurate about what the term meant. Only 2.4% (n=12) of the study population was categorized as having a good level of knowledge on passive smoking. Self reported exposure levels to passive smoking was low among a majority (81%, n=406). On inquiring how they had reacted or will react to a situation of exposure to passive smoking, a majority (92.2%, n=459) indicated that they had/will rescind from the situation. Conclusion: The level of knowledge on passive smoking was poor among the adolescents in the rural setting in Sri Lanka. Despite the low level of exposure, the adolescents indicated that they were/will be assertive when faced with a situation of exposure to passive smoking. The study recommends that knowledge of adolescents on passive smoking be improved.

November 13, 2015

The contribution of the health management studies program to the professional status of graduates

Orit Haller-Hayon, Liat Korn, Racheli Magnezi

Article number: 20150062

Abstract

Background: This study examines the contribution of the Health Management Bachelor’s degree program at an Israeli university to the professional development of its graduates. The aims of this study were: To examine the perceived gaps between acquired knowledge and required knowledge within the workforce; To explore the potential changes in the graduates’ occupation conditions or professional status following their studies; To test the contribution of the curricula content studied by the graduates to their understanding, knowledge and integration within the healthcare system; and to examine the graduates perceptions towards required content, that should be added to the curricula. Methods: A structured, self-reported questionnaire was administered to 182 Health Management Department individuals whom have graduated from the Bachelors program between the years 2005 and 2009. Results: The majority of the graduates reported the existance of a knowledge gap (greater among males, young and single than among females, older and married graduates). Most of the courses which were ranked as the lowest contributing ones were related to Management (e.g. Mathematics for Social Sciences, Accounting Fundamentals, Finance Theory), while the graduates recommended the inclusion of additional components to the curricula. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that a perceived gap exists between the acquired and the required knowledge of the Health Management Studies graduates. Various changes have been reported by the graduates (such as wage raise and role changes), following their study completion, suggesting that the program has partially contributed to their professional status. A ‘Learning by Sharing’ forum of academic staff, employers and graduates is recommended.

December 9, 2015

Hacking the hospital environment: young adults designing youth-friendly hospital rooms together with young people with cancer experiences

Kirsten A. Boisen, Anne Boisen, Stine Legarth Thomsen, Simon Meggers Matthiesen, Maiken Hjerming, Pernille Grarup Hertz

Article number: 20150072

Abstract

Background: There is a need for youth-friendly hospital environments as the ward environment may affect both patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Objective: To involve young people in designing youth-friendly ward environment. Methods: We arranged a design competition lasting 42 h (Hackathon). Students in architecture, design, engineering, communication and anthropology participated (27 young adults) – forming eight groups. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with current or former cancer experience participated as sparring partners. We provided workspace and food during the weekend. The groups presented their products to a jury and relevant stakeholders. Results: The groups created eight unique design concepts. The young designers were extremely flexible listening to ideas and experiences from the young patients, which led to common features including individual and flexible design, privacy in two-bed wardrooms and social contact with other hospitalized AYA. The winning project included an integrated concept for both wardrooms and the AYA day room, including logos and names for the rooms and an ‘energy wall’ in the day room. Conclusion: A hackathon event was an effective mode of youth participation. The design concepts and ideas were in line with current evidence regarding pleasing hospital environment and youth-friendly inpatient facilities and may be applicable to other young patients.

March 12, 2016

Helmet use of adolescent cyclists at Crescent School in Toronto, Canada

Ronald Chow, Drew Hollenberg, Alexandru Pintilie, Cooper Midroni, Stuart Cumner

Article number: 20150123

Abstract

Numerous studies have highlighted that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury; the purpose of this study was to determine the helmet-wearing rate of adolescent boys and the reasons for those who do not wear helmets. A questionnaire was developed and completed by 257 students. A higher percentage of older students reported a long bike commute to school (over 20 min). The frequency of helmet use and awareness of helmet legislation was lower amongst the older students. Common reasons for not using a helmet across all ages included its uncomfortable nature, the confidence of the rider’s cycling ability to not crash, and negligence. Further reminders and educational sessions regarding the importance of helmets could help to increase the helmet use of students across the grades.

November 4, 2015

Successful treatment of short stature with growth hormone replacement therapy in a patient with anorexia nervosa

Yuji Koike, Masaya Akibayashi, Yukako Yokouchi

Article number: 20150071

Abstract

A 19-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic requesting treatment for short stature. She had been repeatedly hospitalized at a psychiatric unit and was subsequently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). She was 139.3 cm (–3.6 SD) tall and weighed 25.5 kg (23% lower than standard weight). She had primary amenorrhea and her bone age (BA) was 11.8 years. She had low insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I (80 ng/mL) and a basal growth hormone (GH) level of 1.47 ng/mL. Treatment with recombinant GH was initiated. At 22 years of age, she was 152.2 cm (–1.1 SD) tall and weighed 39.7 kg. As she had shown a favorable response to GH treatment, therapy was discontinued. We suggest that it is worthwhile treating AN patients with GH replacement therapy for short stature, once low IGF-I levels without GH resistance, delayed puberty, delay in BA, and nutritional stabilization are taken into consideration.

November 10, 2015

Characteristics of the most viewed YouTube™ videos related to bullying

Corey H. Basch, Kelly V. Ruggles, Alyssa Berdnik, Charles E. Basch

Article number: 20150063

Abstract

Bullying is an intentional act that can wreak havoc in the life of an individual. With more than 1 billion users, YouTube™ is a powerful medium for disseminating information. The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which content related to bullying is present on YouTube™ with respect to source, content, number of views, length, and year uploaded. Collectively, the videos in this sample were viewed more than half a billion times. The source of the most widely viewed videos was consumers, and none of the most widely viewed videos was posted by a governmental agency or a professional organization. The most common content in the videos was describing or depicting violence (n=89). Over one-half addressed getting help (n=56). Suicide was mentioned in 38 of the videos. Additional investment by professional agencies is warranted to improve understanding about ways to increase the dissemination of positive messages about bullying prevention, and about helping adolescents who are bullied on social media.

August 30, 2017

Strategy instruction for middle and secondary students with mild disabilities: Creating independent learners

Utako Elaine Legler

Article number: 20170001

About this journal

In 2022, Imelda Coyne, Professor in Children's Nursing & Co-Director of the Trinity Research in Childhood Centre (TRiCC) and Maria Demma Cabral, Associate Professor in Adolescent Medicine in Cottage Children's Medical Center, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, took over as Co-Editors-in-Chief of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health (IJAMH).

Both bring a tremendous wealth of experience and expertise on adolescent health and well-being in broad contexts, and we are excitedly looking forward to this new phase of the journal.

Objective
The International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health (IJAMH) is an international, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, scientific journal with aim to publish original research in all aspects of promotion and improvement of adolescents’ health and wellbeing. 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, clinical medicine, nursing, health services research, public health and policy and other disciplines that strive to improve adolescents’ health and wellbeing internationally. Our International Editorial Board is dedicated to producing a high-quality scientific journal that is essential reading for healthcare professionals, practitioners, researchers, educators, managers, policy makers, students, and other learners and which advances and promotes adolescents’ health and wellbeing.

Topics

Medicine and Clinical Medicine
Health issues
Adolescents
Hygiene and Environmental Medicine

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