International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 32 Issue 1

February 2020

Issue of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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Contents
Journal Overview

Editorial

November 13, 2018

Pelvic inflammatory disease: management requires a patient, prudent, prejudice-free provider

Donald E. Greydanus, Joav Merrick, Maria Demma Cabral

Article number: 20180216

August 17, 2016

A latent class approach to understanding patterns of peer victimization in four low-resource settings

Amanda J. Nguyen, Catherine Bradshaw, Lisa Townsend, Alden L. Gross, Judith Bass

Article number: 20160086

Abstract

Background: Peer victimization is a common form of aggression among school-aged youth, but research is sparse regarding victimization dynamics in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Person-centered approaches have demonstrated utility in understanding patterns of victimization in the USA. Objective: We aimed to empirically identify classes of youth with unique victimization patterns in four LMIC settings using latent class analysis (LCA). Methods: We used data on past-year exposure to nine forms of victimization reported by 3536 youth (aged 15 years) from the Young Lives (YL) study in Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states), Peru, and Vietnam. Sex and rural/urban context were examined as predictors of class membership. Results: LCA supported a 2-class model in Peru, a 3-class model in Ethiopia and Vietnam, and a 4-class model in India. Classes were predominantly ordered by severity, suggesting that youth who experienced one form of victimization were likely to experience other forms as well. In India, two unordered classes were also observed, characterized by direct and indirect victimization. Boys were more likely than girls to be in the highly victimized (HV) class in Ethiopia and India. Urban contexts, compared with rural, conferred higher risk of victimization in Ethiopia and Peru, and lower risk in India and Vietnam. Conclusion: The identified patterns of multiple forms of victimization highlight a limitation of common researcher-driven classifications and suggest avenues for future person-centered research to improve intervention development in LMIC settings.

January 7, 2017

Validity and reliability of insomnia severity index and its correlation with pittsburgh sleep quality index in poor sleepers among Indian university students

Zubia Veqar, Mohammed Ejaz Hussain

Article number: 20160090

Abstract

Objective: Insomnia severity index (ISI) is a widely used scale in various demographic groups but its psychometric properties have not been established in a sample of Indian subjects. This study was conducted as a preliminary study to extend and confirm the applicability of ISI to an Indian population of university students and to establish its correlation with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Materials and methods: The study was conducted among the student population of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India, with due approval by the institutional ethical committee. Twenty-five poor sleepers with a mean age of 25.24±7.04 years and a BMI of 24.2±2.5 kg/m 2 were recruited for the study from the university population. They were administered ISI and PSQI on test day and the same was repeated after 1 week. Results: The test-retest reliability for ISI (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC 2,1 −0.84) was excellent. It was further established by the Bland-Altman graph and scatter plot. The results also showed that ISI (Pearson’s coefficient r− 0.45) had a strong positive correlation with PSQI. Internal consistency for the ISI (Cronbach’s α–0.84) was excellent. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that ISI has excellent internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity for the university population of poor sleepers in India. Hence, it can prove to be a good tool for screening insomnia in the current population.

Original Articles

August 1, 2017

Factors affecting oral health determinants in female university students: a cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia

Najla S. Dar-Odeh, Fatimah Ali Aleithan, Ahmad A. Alnazzawi, Mohammad H. Al-Shayyab, Shaden O. Abu-Hammad, Osama A. Abu-Hammad

Article number: 20170084

Abstract

Objective This study aims at investigating factors affecting oral health patterns, attitudes and health risk behaviors among female university students. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to female university students in Al Madinah in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Students were requested to answer questions on demographic data, oral hygiene practices, dental attendance, smoking history, practice of sports and body weight and height. Results Two hundred and fourteen students participated with age range of 18–31 years (mean = 21.64 ± 1.72 years). Oral hygiene habits were reported by a percentage of 97.2%, 34.6%, 30.8% and 19.2% who used a tooth brush, dental floss, mouthwash, and a miswak (a teeth cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree), respectively. The only factor that was significantly associated with a good oral hygiene level was a university major of non-healthcare specialties (p = 0.009). Conclusion It is concluded that female university students use various oral hygiene methods, however, dental attendance is poor and a number of health risk factors are noticed like smoking, lack of practicing sport and unhealthy body mass index (BMI).

January 15, 2018

Patterns and predictors of disclosure of HIV positive status among youth living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria

Adesola Olumide, Eme Owoaje

Article number: 20170086

Abstract

Background Information on disclosure of HIV status among youth is sparse in spite of the fact that they bear a significant burden of the HIV epidemic. Our objective was to determine the predictors of HIV disclosure among youth aged 18–35 years in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among youth with HIV attending two HIV support groups and one ARV clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria. Information was obtained with the aid of an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Results There were 170 clients with a mean age of 29.6 ± 3.9 years; 140 (82.4%) were female and 139 (81.8%) had disclosed their status. Common people first informed included respondents’ mother 49 (35.3%), spouse 39 (28.1%) or father, 38 (27.3%). Disclosure to an unmarried sexual partner was low as only six (12.0%) of the 50 single youth who had a current sexual partner had disclosed their status to him/her. Youth who were aware that their spouse/partner was HIV positive (OR = 9.87; CI = 1.09–88.83) or negative (OR = 9.98; CI = 1.18–84.70) were more likely to have disclosed their status than those unaware of their spouse/partners’ status. Disclosure was also higher among members of an HIV support group (OR = 3.32; CI = 1.03–10.72). Conclusions Many respondents had disclosed their status although disclosure to an unmarried sexual partner was low. Interventions to improve HIV disclosure especially among unmarried sexually active youth could improve disclosure and overall management of HIV in our study area.

August 22, 2017

Teenage pregnancy – a study in São Tomé and Príncipe

Fábia Carvalho, Inês de Medeiros, Catarina Faria, Djamilla Cotu, Endza Paula Will, Edgar Neves, Teresa Pontes

Article number: 20170088

Abstract

Introduction The increasing number of pregnant teenagers in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) represents a serious public health issue. The aim of this study was to characterize the population of pregnant adolescents followed in a health facility dedicated to maternal health in STP. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant teenagers that attended the Mother and Child Protection Center during the first quarter of 2017. The survey contained questions on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and risk behaviors, family, partners and health support. Results The mean age of the 51 pregnant teenagers included was 16.37 ± 0.8 years. Eight girls reported that they had planned to fall pregnant. Teenagers whose pregnancy was unplanned usually present with a previous family history of adolescent pregnancy. About 59% of girls engaged in sexual activity before 16 years of age with a mean number of sexual partners of 1.84 ± 0.88. In this study, 51% of the girls do not use any contraceptive method, usually because their partner refuses to do so. The preferred contraceptive method are condoms. Information on contraception is given mainly at school. Pregnant girls’ first medical consultation was at a mean gestational age of 6 weeks. Abortion was considered by 51% of girls after pregnancy was confirmed. Conclusion Teenage pregnancy imposes health problems for the mother and child and contributes to educational and socioeconomic disadvantages. The collaboration of healthcare providers, teachers and parents is needed to enhance sexual health education. This is the first study in STP on teenage pregnancy; although the sample is small, the authors believe that the results are representative of the general population.

September 13, 2017

A case-control association study of 12 candidate genes and attempted suicide in French adolescents

Bojan Mirkovic, David Cohen, Claudine Laurent, Malaika Lasfar, Christophe Marguet, Prsicille Gerardin

Article number: 20170089

Abstract

Background Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10–19-year-olds. Evidence has shown that attempted suicide is a complex interplay of genes and environmental factors. In the adult population, possible associations between genetic polymorphisms and suicidal behaviors have been investigated for several genes, most often with inconsistent findings and poor replicability of significant associations. This study aimed to identify gene variants conferring risk for adolescent suicide attempt. Methods We selected the genes and variants after an analysis of the literature and a selection of the most significant associations identified. We performed analysis on 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 genes ( COMT , CRHR1 , FKBP5 , SLC6A4 , HTR1B , HTR2A , TPH1 , TPH2 , BDNF , NTRK2 , NOS1 and IL28RA ) for association with suicide attempt, hopelessness and impulsivity in an independent sample, composed of 98 adolescent suicide attempters who required hospitalization based on emergency assessments, and 150 healthy volunteers. Quality controls, deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium and statistical tests of association (case/control) were calculated using PLINK. Asymptotic p-values were corrected with the Benjamini-Hochberg method. The level of significance was set to 0.05. Results We identified four polymorphisms of interest, rs10868235 ( NTRK2 ), rs1659400 ( NTRK2 ), rs2682826 ( NOS1 ) and rs7305115 ( TPH2 ), with significant associations for suicide attempts or for the quantitative hopelessness or impulsivity phenotypes. However, none of the associations withstand statistical correction tests. Conclusion Our results do not support the role of the 22 SNPs selected in suicide attempt or hopelessness and impulsivity in adolescent population. However, the relatively small sample size and the probable effect of gene-gene interaction or gene-environment interaction on suicidal behavior could not be ruled out.

August 18, 2017

Characteristics, reasons, behavior and knowledge towards waterpipe smoking in Saudi Arabia

Elluru Venkatesh, Mohammad Yousef Al Jemal, Abdullah Saleh Al Samani

Article number: 20170090

Abstract

Background The present scenario shows that waterpipe smoking, one of tobacco smoking methods, the practice off which dates back at least 400 year is appealing to the youth. Waterpipe tobacco smoking is frequently linked with nations of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) comprising Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon and Syria. The present study shows the socio-demographic characteristics, behavior and knowledge of youth towards waterpipe smoking. Recognizing these features may help emphasize intervention methods. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data about waterpipe smoking comprising sociodemographic, behavior, reasons and knowledge from 230 university students. Results 230 questionnaires were distributed from which only 199 were included in the study as 31 were excluded because of incompleteness of the survey. The mean age for starting smoking was 19.49 ± 3.75 years with 32.5% of family members and the majority of their friends engaged with waterpipe smoking. Pleasure and happiness (76%), helps me to deal with pressure (78%) and acceptance by society (91%), were the major reasons cited for waterpipe smoking. It being less harmful and less addictive (55%) compared to cigarettes and no objection from the parents (58%) were the other cited reasons. Furthermore, less than 50% of the participants had correct knowledge of its harmful effects. Conclusion It is clearly evident from our findings that there is a meagre amount of knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking. It is essential that programs to impart knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking and dependence should be of the utmost importance.

February 5, 2018

Investigation of the prevalence and causes and of legal abortion of teenage married mothers in Iran

Fatemeh Ghodrati, Narges Saadatmand, Saeid Gholamzadeh, Marzieh Akbarzadeh

Article number: 20170091

Abstract

Background The therapeutic abortion law, in accordance with the fatwa issued by our Muslim jurisprudent approved by the parliament in 2005, has made major developments in dealing with cases of therapeutic abortions. Objective This study aimed at identifying the prevalence and causes of therapeutic abortion requests to the Legal Medicine Organization of Fars province, Shiraz, by pregnant teenager mothers. Methods This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive survey. In this study, all documents related to therapeutic abortion requests from the Legal Medicine Organization of Fars province (southern Iran) from 2006 to 2013 were investigated. The total sample size included 1664, out of which 142 were teenagers. Sampling was carried out using Convenience method. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, version 16, descriptive statistics and χ 2 . Results In this study, 142 mothers were under 20 years of age (8.5%). The prevalence of fetal abortion license requests was 110 (78.6%) and for maternal causes was 30 (21.4%). There was no significant statistical correlation between fetal causes in different years (p = 0.083). The most common causes of fetal abortion request were for thalassemia treatment in 78 cases (79.9%) followed by fetal malformations (20.9%); also, the most common maternal cause was thalassemia in 14 cases (51.9%) and depression in three cases (1.11%), respectively. Conclusion Our results showed that after approval of therapeutic abortion law, requests for therapeutic abortion due to fetal causes are extensively increasing. There is still a need for coordination of judicial, medical and legal authorities for prompt notification.

November 23, 2017

Effect of a brief training program for primigravid adolescents on parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding in the southeast of Iran

Zahra Moudi, Behjat Talebi, Mahnaz Shahraki Pour

Article number: 20170092

Abstract

Background Annually, about 16 million adolescent girls give birth, accounting for 11% of all births worldwide. Ninety-five percent of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries, and previous studies have addressed the need for parenting interventions in developing countries with limited health care resources to improve parenting behaviors. Objective To explore the effect of a brief training program for primigravid adolescents on parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding. Subjects We enrolled 116 married pregnant adolescents. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted during August 22, 2016–February 3, 2017. The intervention group received three sessions of training on neonatal care, while the control group received the routine care. We evaluated parenting self-efficacy using the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP S-E) questionnaire, the mother-infant bonding using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) and social support by means of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The participants were followed up for 1 month. Results The mean ages of the intervention and the control groups were 16.37 ± 0.97 and 16.27 ± 1.12 years, respectively. The intervention group obtained higher self-efficacy and bonding scores compared to the control group. The logistic regression model showed that the second (evoking behaviors) and the third (reading behavior or signaling) subscales of the PMP S-E, the route of delivery and women’s educational levels could predict the mother-infant bonding scores. Conclusion Primigravid adolescents can benefit from brief interventions during pregnancy through improving their parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding.

September 26, 2017

Caring for adolescents in Guatemala: provider perspectives

Areej Hassan, Juan Carlos Reyes Maza, Hayley G. Teich, Erwin H. Calgua Guerra

Article number: 20170121

Abstract

Purpose Today’s generation of adolescents is the largest in history, creating a major challenge for low and middle income countries faced with the necessity of addressing their growing healthcare needs. Our objective was to assess the extent to which health care providers in Guatemala are trained, knowledgeable and feel comfortable providing services to adolescents. Methods A sample of 20 medical providers were recruited from the School of Medicine at San Carlos University and its affiliated hospitals. Providers were interviewed face-to-face for 30–40 min using a semi-structured guide exploring their training, knowledge, skills and experience in adolescent health care. Recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed for emergent themes using principles of framework analysis. Results The provider’s mean age was 33.7 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10.2]. Most were female (65%) and practiced medicine in a metropolitan location. Results revealed the presence of five major themes: (1) Need for dedicated adolescent health services; (2) Presence of a multitude of barriers to providing adolescent health care; (3) Perceived comfort level in communicating with adolescents; (4) Limited knowledge of current adolescent specific services, programs, and guidelines; and (5) Gaps in medical education and training. Conclusion Providers recognize the need for increased and dedicated adolescent health care services. There is strong support for the creation of a credentialed national adolescent health training program.

January 13, 2018

Blunted cortisol reactivity and risky driving in young offenders – a pilot study

Sophie Couture, Marie Claude Ouimet, Katarina Dedovic, Catherine Laurier, Pierrich Plusquellec, Thomas G. Brown

Article number: 20170123

Abstract

Adolescent risky driving is a significant burden on public health. Young offenders (i.e. under custody and supervision of the criminal justice system) may be particularly vulnerable, but research is scant. Previous work indicated that blunted cortisol reactivity to stress is a marker of risk-taking predisposition, including risky driving. In this study, we hypothesized that young offenders display higher levels of risky driving than a non-offender comparison group, and that cortisol reactivity contributes to the variance in risky driving independent of other associated characteristics (i.e. impulsivity, risk taking, alcohol and drug use). We found that young offenders (n = 20) showed riskier driving in simulation than comparison group (n = 9), and blunted cortisol reactivity was significantly associated with risky driving. The results suggest young offenders are prone to risky driving, and that individual differences in the cortisol stress response may be an explanatory factor.

November 23, 2017

Comparing health promotion behaviors of male and female high school students in Southeast of Iran

Nasibeh Salari, Jamileh Farokhzadian, Faroukh Abazari

Article number: 20170124

Abstract

Background Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods of human life. Many healthy or risky behaviors may be formed during this period and continue to the end of life. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the health promotion behaviors of male and female students in high schools. Methods In this descriptive-comparative study, 609 high school students were selected using multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected using demographic and health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLPII) questionnaires. Results The mean of health promotion behaviors was moderate in female (2.43 ± 0.46) and male (2.61 ± 0.45) students. The highest and lowest means in the male students were respectively the dimensions of spiritual growth and health responsibility. Also, the highest and lowest means in the female students were dimensions of interpersonal relationships as well as physical activity and exercise. The status of male health promotion behaviors was significantly more favorable than that of the female (p = 0.001, t = −4.71). The male students had a better situation than female in terms of all the six dimensions of HPLPII, so there was a significant difference between them in the four dimensions of spiritual growth, stress management, physical activity and health responsibility. There was also a significant relationship between the history of physical and mental illness in the past year and the students’ health promotion behaviors (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results indicated the importance of promoting self-care and educational interventions in the aspects such as physical activity and health responsibility of young people in order to improve the health of the community.

February 17, 2018

Sleep disorder prevalence in at-risk adolescents and potential effects of nightmare triad syndrome

Natalia D. McIver, Barry Krakow, Jessica Krakow, Michael R. Nadorff, Victor A. Ulibarri, Robert Baade

Article number: 20170125

Abstract

Objective At-risk high school students, those considered to have a higher probability for academic failure or dropping out, were assessed for various sleep disorders. Effects were compared between students with and without the nightmare triad syndrome (NTS+), the sleep disorders’ cluster of frequent nightmares, insomnia disorder and suspected sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Methods Data were gathered at a charter school for at-risk youth using: computer based surveys, physical airway exams, and mental health interviews by school social worker. Ninety-two students were enrolled, and 70 completed all study components. Results Students were teenaged [17.10 (1.50) years], male (52.2%) slightly overweight [BMI 25.50 (6.41)] Hispanics (87.0%); two-thirds (65 of 92) subjectively reported a sleep problem. Frequent nightmares (39.1%), insomnia (ISI ≥ 12, 41.3%), and SDB risk (79.3%) were common. Several presumptive sleep disorders (insomnia, SDB risk, parasomnia, or nightmares) were associated with worse sleep quality and lower quality of life. Nineteen students met criteria for NTS. Compared to NTS−, NTS+ showed significantly lower quality of life (p < 0.003, g = 0.84). Regression analyses revealed higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in NTS+ students. NTS was associated with reduced quality of life independent of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion Prevalence of presumptive sleep disorders was high with a tendency for clusters of sleep disorders in the same individual. Students with NTS+ showed worse outcomes and reduced quality of life, mediated partially by depression and anxiety. To examine relationships between sleep disorders and mental health in at-risk adolescents, research investigations must include both subjective and objective measurements of sleep.

January 18, 2017

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine uptake and awareness among student freshers enrolled at Northern Ireland universities

Peter J.A. Moore, B. Cherie Millar, John E. Moore

Article number: 20160087

Abstract

A new MenACWY conjugate meningococcal vaccination programme was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in August 2015, for 13–18 year olds, as well as for first-time university entrants up to 25 years. This reflected the response made by Public Health England, due to the recent rapid increase of meningococcal group W (MenW) disease and on advice of the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) the uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among first-time university students, (ii) vaccine and meningitis awareness, (iii) optimal communication modalities via a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and (iv) current international vaccination policies relating to non-UK students. A survey was completed by 1210 students, 868 first-time freshers and 342 non-freshers, from healthcare-related, non-healthcare-related and engineering/computing faculties. The survey included an anonymous questionnaire and consented students were aged 17–50 years with a 2:3 ratio of male:female. Vaccine uptake amongst 18-year-old students was 90.7% and 87.3% in female and male cohorts, respectively, falling to 72.1% and 67.7% (19-year cohort) and 32.7% and 39.6% (20- to 25-year cohort) in males and females, respectively. Students reported that posters, clinics and talks were the preferred methods of communication and not social media. There was general lack of awareness of the signs/symptoms of meningitis and approximately 30% of students falsely believed that administration of the MenACWY vaccine excluded the risk of contracting meningitis. Overall, there was a successful vaccination campaign; however, there was a lack of meningitis awareness. Due to differing international meningococcal vaccination schedules, international students enrolling at UK universities need to be informed about current UK policies. For the successful introduction of any vaccination programme amongst university students, it is fundamental that a MDT is established to inform and deliver such a programme in an efficient and timely manner.

July 21, 2017

Seeking sexual health information? Professionals’ novel experiences of the barriers that prevent female adolescents seeking sexual health information

Kerry McKellar, Linda Little, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth Sillence

Article number: 20160118

Abstract

Objective Sexual health professionals are key stakeholders in implementing sexual health intervention programmes, yet their views are largely absent from the literature. Sexual health professionals provide a unique perspective on teen sexual health issues as they engage in confidential discussions with a wide range of teenagers. This study aimed to provide an in-depth exploration of professionals’ perceptions of teenagers’ sexual health information seeking practices and barriers. Furthermore, the research provided a unique re-examination of key predictors of risky sexual behaviours, which have been highlighted by previous research. Methods Nine semi-structured interviews were undertaken with sexual health professionals to explore their perceptions of teenagers’ sexual health information seeking practises and barriers. Subsequently the professionals rank ordered the 57 factors identified in previous research in terms of their perceived importance in predicting risky sexual behaviours. Results Four themes emerged: “ society and media ”; “ environment and family ”; “ peer influences ”; and “ the self ”. The rank order task confirmed that 33 of the 57 factors were perceived as highly important by sexual health professionals. Conclusion Society, peers, environment and family are perceived as barriers to teenagers seeking reliable sexual health information, but these are dependent on the individual person. An individual with higher self-esteem is more confident in seeking sexual health information and applying this knowledge appropriately. Self-esteem was also identified as a key perceived predictor of risky sexual behaviours. Therefore, there is scope for intervention programmes targeting self-esteem and knowledge, so teenagers have the confidence to seek out sexual health information and to make their own informed sexual health decisions.

August 29, 2017

Youth friendly communication in a transition clinic aimed at adolescents with chronic illness

Signe Hanghøj, Kirsten A. Boisen, Kjeld Schmiegelow, Bibi Hølge-Hazelton

Article number: 20170083

Abstract

Background Good communication skills are considered a cornerstone in a “youth friendly approach”. However, research in the field as well as transition guidelines only sparsely explain what doctor-patient communication involves. Furthermore, only few guidelines exist regarding concrete communication skills for health professionals who want to apply a youth friendly communication approach to their practice. Objective To examine how health professionals trained in adolescent medicine practise a youth friendly approach when communicating with adolescents with chronic illness. Methods Data from 10 non-participation observations of transition consultations with adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were analysed using a qualitative positioning analysis approach focusing on the health professionals’ reflexive and interactive positionings as well as the décor of the consultation room. Results The health professionals in the transition clinic positioned the adolescent patients as independent interlocutors, children, and adolescents, and they positioned themselves as imperfect/untraditional, appreciative and non-judgmental. The positionings were based on a number of linguistic tools such as affirmation, recognition, examples, asking for the adolescents’ own expert knowledge and the décor. The health professionals actively negotiated power. Conclusion Positionings and linguistic tools were inspired by youth friendly tools including the HEADS (Home Education/Eating Activities Drugs Sex/Safety/Self harm) interview, motivational interviewing, and an adolescent medicine practice. A central component was negotiating of power. Limitations of the study include a risk of too positive interpretations of data, i.e. because of the presence of the observer, who could have affected the health professionals’ positionings.

Retraction

Publicly Available July 28, 2016

Retraction of: Characteristics of sleep habits among adolescents living in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP)

Luiz A. Del Ciampo, Adriana L. Louro, Ieda R.L. Del Ciampo, Ivan S. Ferraz

Article number: 20165000

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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