International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 32 Issue 4

August 2020

Issue of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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Contents
Journal Overview

Editorial

June 28, 2018

From under-eating to overindulgence – clinician perspectives on caring for adolescents with eating disorders

Elisabeth Yorke, Cathleen Steinegger, Alene Toulany

Article number: 20170198

Reviews

January 13, 2018

Theory analysis for Pender’s health promotion model (HPM) by Barnum’s criteria: a critical perspective

Zohreh Khoshnood, Masoud Rayyani, Batool Tirgari

Article number: 20170160

Abstract

Background Analysis of nursing theoretical works and its role in knowledge development is presented as an essential process of critical reflection. Health promotion model (HPM) focuses on helping people achieve higher levels of well-being and identifies background factors that influence health behaviors. Objectives This paper aims to evaluate, and critique HPM by Barnum’s criteria. Methods The present study reviewed books and articles derived from Proquest, PubMed, Blackwell Databases. The method of evaluation for this model is based on Barnum’s criteria for analysis, application and evaluation of nursing theories. The criteria selected by Barnum embrace both internal and external criticism. Internal criticism deals with how theory components fit with each other (internal construction of theory) and external criticism deals with the way in which theory relates to the extended world (which considers theory in its relationships to human beings, nursing, and health). Results The electronic database search yielded over 27,717 titles and abstracts. Following removal of duplicates, 18,963 titles and abstracts were screened using the inclusion criteria and 1278 manuscripts were retrieved. Of these, 80 were specific to HPM and 23 to analysis of any theory in nursing relating to the aim of this article. After final selection using the inclusion criteria for this review, 28 manuscripts were identified as examining the factors contributing to theory analysis. Evaluation of health promotion theory showed that the philosophical claims and their content are consistent and clear. HPM has a logical structure and was applied to diverse age groups from differing cultures with varying health concerns. Conclusion In conclusion, among the strategies for theory critique, the Barnum approach is structured and accurate, considers theory in its relationship to human beings, community psychiatric nursing, and health. While according to Pender, nursing assessment, diagnosis and interventions are utilized to operationalize the HPM through practical application and research.

January 25, 2018

Marijuana use among youths in Mississippi, United States

Rasaki Aranmolate

Article number: 20170195

Abstract

Background Increased use of marijuana among youths in Mississippi, United States is of great concern to Public Health in the 21st century. This study examined the prevalence of marijuana use according to gender, race and ethnicity. Method The data for this study was obtained from Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) for 2015, a cross-sectional survey of the Mississippi High School Students, which examined the prevalence and trends in the use of marijuana according to gender, race and ethnicity. The trends in the percentage of students that reported the use of marijuana and its product was examined by univariate t-test statistical analysis at p < 0.05. The frequency distribution was used to determine the percentage differences in the groups. Results The students that ever used marijuana was 39.4% in Blacks, 39.1% in Hispanics and 31.0% in Whites. A total of 13.7% male and female (4.8%) used marijuana before 13 years of age. In addition, the students currently using marijuana include Blacks (10.9%), Hispanic (13.7%) and Whites (7.2%). Approximately 9.7% of students ever used the synthetic product, which was higher in Hispanic (18.7%) when compared to Blacks (8.8%) and Whites (9.1%). Conclusion The use of marijuana is significantly higher among the male youth in Mississippi than females, which is a major public health concern. Furthermore, there was higher rates of smoking marijuana in Hispanics and Blacks when compared to White youth.

Original Articles

August 17, 2018

Gynecological problems among adolescent girls in a tertiary care centre of South Andaman district

Bhabani Pegu, Bhanu Pratap Singh Gaur, Anita Yadav, Vikas Yadav

Article number: 20170193

Abstract

Background Gynecological problems of adolescents occupy a special space in the spectrum of gynecological disorders because they are often different from the conditions that affect adult women. The objective of study was to determine the different gynecological problems in adolescent girls attending outpatient departments. Methods Adolescent girls of age 10–19 years were included in this study. Various gynecological problems were evaluated by detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination. Investigations like haemogram, coagulation profile, hormonal assays and ultrasonography were done wherever indicated. Descriptive analysis was done and results are expressed in terms of percentage. Results A total of 824 (8.33%) adolescent girls attended the gynecology outdoor patient department (GOPD) during the study period. Menstrual disorders (67.11%) were the commonest complaint, followed by vaginal discharge (18.68%) and UTI (9.8%). Menstrual disorders varied from irregular menstruation (55.15%), dysmenorrhea (30.74%) and amenorrhea (14.10%). Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was the commonest cause of menstrual irregularity followed by polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Teenage pregnancy (0.84%) and ovarian tumor (0.60%) was found in a few cases. Conclusion Adolescent girls’ gynecological problems should be evaluated thoroughly and managed accordingly. Adolescent health education needs to increase awareness and give further attention to gynecological problems.

October 15, 2018

The effect of educating the clients of rehab centers on the frequency of methadone poisoning among children: a study from Iran

Hakimeh Abdoli, Tabandeh Sadeghi, Majid Kazemi

Article number: 20170189

Abstract

Background Poisoning with methadone is considered dangerous and fatal, which can lead to decreased consciousness, coma, apnea and eventually death. Aims The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of educating the clients of rehabilitation (rehab) centers on the frequency of methadone poisoning among children. Methods In the present semi-experimental study, the study population included all of the clients referred to the rehab centers in an urban area of Iran who received treatment with methadone. Samples were selected using the census method. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire of which the content validity has been approved. To perform the educational program, educational brochures were distributed among all the rehab centers (33 centers) and one face-to-face educational session was conducted at each center. Six months after the intervention, the number of under 12 year-old children who were referred to hospital with methadone poisoning was calculated and compared to the same number from the 6 months prior to the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18. Results According to the results, the number of methadone poisonings during the 6-month period prior to the study was 29, while the same number during the 6-month period after the intervention was 9. Fisher’s exact test showed a significant difference between the number of methadone poisonings before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion The increased level of knowledge among the parents referred to rehab centers could decrease the rate of poisoning among their children. Therefore, performing this educational program is recommended for all the rehab centers.

December 15, 2017

Sibling cigarette smoking and peer network influences on substance use potential among adolescent: a population based study

Samira Mahboubi, Yahya Salimi, Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari, Hasan Rafiey, Homeira Sajjadi

Article number: 20170162

Abstract

Background Peer and parental substance use are established predictors for substance use among adolescent, little is known about influence of sibling cigarette smoking and its interaction with peer network on substance use potential that can introduce an important way for substance use prevention programs. Objective The aim of present study was to explore the association of sibling cigarette smoking and peer network with substance use potential among high school students in Tehran. Subjects Data were drawn from the population-based cross-sectional study of among 650 high schools students. Methods Multiple linear regression was used in order to determine the adjusted association between cigarette smoking among family members, peer network, their interaction and substance use potential. Result Having a sister who smokes (B = 3.19; p < 0.01) and peer network quality were associated with substance use potential (B = −0.1; p < 0.05). The increase in mean of substance use potential associated with decreases in peer network quality score is much more than in who have a sister with a cigarette smoking habit. Conclusion Having a sister who smokes interacts with peer network quality; appears to be one of the important mechanisms for adolescents’ tendency to substance use. These findings can help in a better understanding of substance use potential mechanisms, screening efforts and the formulation of prevention programs.

January 13, 2018

Opposite-sex relationship questionnaire for female adolescents: development and psychometric evaluation

Nasim Bahrami, Masoumeh Sibmar, AbouAli Vedadhir, Hamid Alavi Majd, Averil Parker

Article number: 20170163

Abstract

Aim The goal of the present study is to adopt state-of-the-art techniques and standards to develop and evaluate a measure, called the opposite-sex relationship questionnaire for female adolescents (OSRQFA), to assess the reasons why adolescent girls would or would not develop, a relationship with an adolescent boy. Methods A mixed-method, sequential, exploratory design was adopted. In the qualitative phase, an in-depth interview approach was used to identify the properties and dimensions to be included in the OSRQFA. In the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the OSRQFA were evaluated according to face, content and construct validity. Reliability and stability were assessed with Cronbach’s α and test–retest analysis, respectively. Results A preliminary questionnaire including 86 items which emerged from the qualitative phase of the study was designed. Based on the impact scores for face validity and the cutoff points for the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), the preliminary questionnaire was reduced to 57 items. The Kaiser criteria (eigenvalues >1) and scree plot tests demonstrated that 21 items forming six factors, which were labeled ‘innate predilection’, ‘abstinence’, ‘peer pressure’, ‘fear of the relationship consequences’, ‘family atmosphere’ and ‘risk taking’, that accounted for an estimated 66.19% of variance provided an optimal fit with the data. These scales had acceptable levels of internal consistency (α = 0.822) and stability (r = 0.871, p < 0.001). Conclusion The OSRQFA with 21 items and 6 factors demonstrated suitable validity and reliability in a sample of Iranian female adolescents. The OSRQFA’s has good psychometric properties, and can be used by other researchers in future studies.

Open Access April 30, 2018

Does it take a village? Fostering gender equity among early adolescents in Nepal

Rebecka Lundgren, Susannah Gibbs, Brad Kerner

Article number: 20170164

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Abstract

Background Gender inequity contributes to a range of poor health outcomes. Early adolescence presents a window of opportunity for gender transformative interventions to shift inequitable gender norms, attitudes and behaviors. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate a set of individual, family and community interventions to increase gender equity among very young adolescents (VYAs) in rural Nepal. Methods Two communities received the individual-level Choices intervention as well the family and community Voices and Promises interventions (CVP). Two comparison communities received only Choices. Samples of 1200 VYAs and 600 parents were interviewed at baseline before implementation and at end line 1 year later. Results In both CVP and Choices only areas most measures of gender norms, attitudes, and behaviors improved, suggesting a positive effect of the individual-level intervention. Increases in norms, attitudes, and behaviors reported by VYAs were generally greater in CVP areas compared to Choices areas, suggesting an added benefit from the family and community interventions. Parent-reported measures did not demonstrate an intervention effect of the family and community interventions. Uneven evaluation results, particularly among parents, may reflect implementation challenges such as the compressed 3-month intervention period due to the 2015 earthquakes and subsequent political unrest. Conclusion Overall findings are encouraging and suggest that adding family and community interventions may improve gender equity.

September 28, 2019

Correlation between vitamin D and blood pressure in adolescents

Débora Fonseca Valle, Denise Tavares Giannini

Article number: 20170165

Abstract

Introduction Low serum levels of vitamin D have been associated with hypertension worldwide. Hypovitaminosis D has been observed even in countries with high incidence of sunlight all year round. Several studies demonstrated a high prevalence of deficiency/insufficiency of vitamin D in adolescents. Objective To investigate the association between the nutritional status of vitamin D with anthropometric measures and blood pressure in overweight adolescents. Methods This a descriptive and cross-sectional study with overweight adolescents of both sexes aged 12–19 years. The anthropometric data, biochemical profile, blood pressure and serum vitamin D dosage were analyzed. The chi-squared test for verification of association and Student’s t-test to compare medians between variables were used. Results There were high frequencies of hypovitaminosis D (34%) and hypertension (43.3%) in overweight adolescents. We observed an inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and BP (r = −0.28, p = 0.005). Patients with desirable serum vitamin D had lower body mass index values (31.3 kg/m 2 vs. 33.9 kg/m 2 ; p < 0.02), waist circumference (95.2 cm vs. 101.1 cm; p < 0.03), waist-to-height ratio (0.58 vs. 0.61; p < 0.03) and systolic blood pressure (120 mm Hg vs. 127.6 mm Hg; p = 0.007). Conclusions High frequency of vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased BP and adiposity in overweight adolescents.

April 13, 2018

Alcohol use in adolescence: 5 years admissions at a pediatric emergency department

Marlene Rodrigues, Teresa Pontes, Juliana Almeida, Alexandra Estrada, Susana Carvalho

Article number: 20170166

Abstract

Objective To characterize the profile and pattern of alcohol consumption in adolescents, admitted with acute alcoholic intoxication (AAI) at a pediatric emergency department of North Portugal. Methods Retrospective descriptive study of adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years, admitted with AAI between 2012 and 2016. The following variables were evaluated: age, gender, drinking context, quantity and type of alcohol, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), previous episodes, associated injuries, transport to the emergency department, other drug consumption, blood alcohol level (BAL), blood glucose level, treatment and orientation. The χ 2 /Fisher’s exact test and t-Student test were performed (p < 0.05). Results A total of 180 adolescents with AAI presented. The majority of adolescents were older than 15 years old (71%) and 3% were younger than 14 years old. The mean age was 15.9 years [standard deviation (SD) 1.1 years] and 65% were males. The most common type of alcohol consumed was distilled drinks (60%). Recurrent alcohol use was identified in 7% and binge drinking was reported in 37% of patients. The mean BAL was 1.58 g/L (SD 0.6 g/L) and there were other drug consumptions (mainly cannabinoids) observed in 11% of patients. After emergency department discharge, 17% were followed at hospital consultation. There was no significant difference between boys and girls or between BAL and injuries or other drugs consumption. Conclusion This study confirms a high rate of alcohol use among adolescents, in particular “heavy episodic drinking”, revealing an easy access to alcohol at this age. The integration of alcohol use prevention programs in community and education systems should be encouraged and implemented in every adolescent consultation.

February 12, 2018

Relationship between adaptation and self-esteem in addicted female prisoners in the south east of Iran

Mahya Torkaman, Sakineh Miri, Jamileh Farokhzadian

Article number: 20170168

Abstract

Background Reduction of the adaptation and self-esteem can be the consequence of opium addiction and imprisonment. Drug use causes inappropriate behaviors in women, which are quite different from those in men. Social deviations, prostitution, high-risk sexual behaviors, abortion, divorce and imprisonment followed by loss of self-esteem are the consequences of women’s addiction. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between adaptation and self-esteem in addicted female prisoners. Methods In this descriptive analytical study, 130 addicted female prisoners were selected from a prison in the south east of Iran using census sampling. The data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale and the bell adjustment inventory (BAI). Results According to the results, women’s adaptation fell into the ‘very unsatisfactory’ range. The highest mean was related to the emotional dimension, while the lowest mean was in terms of the health dimension. In total, 96.4% of the participating women had low adaptation. The mean total self-esteem fell into the low range; in fact, 84.6% of the women had a low self-esteem. The results showed no significant relationships between adaptation and self-esteem in these women; however, self-esteem was significantly and inversely related to health and emotional adaptation. Conclusion The findings showed that the majority of the women had unsatisfactory adaptation as well as poor self-esteem. No significant relationships were observed between adaptation and self-esteem in the addicted female prisoners.

June 12, 2018

Improving the self-efficacy of teachers in schools: results of health promotion program

Jamileh Farokhzadian, Amirreza Sabzi, Parvin Mangolian Shahrbabaki

Article number: 20170170

Abstract

Background In order to effectively facilitate behavior change, it is essential to conduct health promotion programs on self-efficacy. Given the importance of the role of teachers in fostering the next generation, it appears that the promotion of self-efficacy in them can greatly contribute to the health of the community. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health promotion training workshop on self-efficacy for health practices and also, on general self-efficacy of teachers in schools. Methods This study was a quasi-experimental study, in which 120 teachers were selected by random sampling and randomly divided into two equal intervention and control groups (60 in each group). A health promotion training workshop was conducted for the intervention group. Data were collected by a three-section questionnaire (demographic, self-rated ability for health practices scale and general self-efficacy) before and 1 month after the training intervention. Results The self-efficacy scores for health practices and general self-efficacy were not significantly different between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, participants in the intervention group reported higher scores on both the self-efficacy for health practices (t = 4.05, p = 0.001) and general self-efficacy (t = 2.92, p = 0.004) compared to those in the control group one month after the intervention. Conclusion The health promotion training program had improving effects on the self-efficacy for health practices and general self-efficacy. This program was potentially a valid community health nursing intervention that can be presented and evaluated in various community settings.

April 10, 2018

Improving the attitudes of primary care practitioners toward adolescent care: a pre-post intervention pilot study

Maria Inês Santos, Frederico Rosário, Elisabete Santos, Alzira Ferrão

Article number: 20170176

Abstract

Background Investing in adolescent health is among the most cost-effective health measures. Primary care practitioners are ideally positioned to deliver such interventions. However, several barriers hinder them from engaging with adolescents. Objective To pilot test the impact of a 1-day training session on adolescent health on the attitudes of primary care practitioners toward adolescent care. Subjects Participants were family physicians and nurses enrolled in a 1-day training session on adolescent health. Methods A non-randomized, pre-post intervention study with no control group. Data on barriers for providing care to adolescents, preferred pediatric age group and attitudes toward adolescent care were collected immediately prior. Participants’ attitudes were measured again immediately after training. Results Most participants reported they preferred to attend pediatric groups other than adolescents. The most frequently reported barriers were: excessive amount of time needed and lack of training. Participants reported positive pre-training attitudes, with mean scores above the midpoint of the scale in all dimensions. Significant positive improvements were observed after training in Adequacy, Self-esteem and Satisfaction. Subgroup analysis showed that at baseline, professionals who preferred to work with adolescents had significantly more positive attitudes in Adequacy, Self-esteem and Satisfaction. After training there was a general improvement in attitudes in both groups, with attenuation of the differences between them. Conclusion Participation in a 1-day tailored educational intervention on adolescent health had a positive impact on the attitudes of primary care practitioners, regardless of their preferred age group. This improvement may lead to more active engagement with adolescents and substantial health gains.

June 25, 2018

Association between handgrip strength and back strength in adolescent and adult cricket players

Deepika Singla, M. Ejaz Hussain

Article number: 20170177

Abstract

Background Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on handgrip strength and its association with anthropometric variables, very few researchers have focused on assessment of back strength and its relationship with anthropometric variables in cricketers. Objective To investigate the degree of correlation between handgrip strength and back strength in cricket players of different maturity levels and to find the correlations of handgrip strength and back strength with anthropometric variables of age, height, body weight and body mass index (BMI). Methods Twenty-four adolescents; aged 16.6 ± 0.8 years and 32 adult cricketers aged 24 ± 4.6 years were tested for height, body weight, BMI, hand grip strength and back strength. t values, Cohen’s d and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Results Hand grip strength and back strength were not found to correlate with each other at p ≤ 0.05 in adolescent players while a statistically significant large sized correlation was observed in adult cricketers at p = 0.001. Back strength and body weight were found to have a statistically significant moderate sized correlation with each other ( r = 0.453 in the adolescent group and r = 0.355 in the adult group). Significant positive correlations were observed for left hand grip strength with height, body weight and BMI and also between back strength and age in the adult population of cricketers. Conclusion A significantly large correlation exists between handgrip strength and back strength in adult cricketers with no such correlation found for adolescent cricketers. Data of the present study justify its utility in the case of selection, assessment and rehabilitation of cricket players.

January 25, 2018

Prevalence and determinants of smoking behavior among male school adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Ali Saad R. Alsubaie

Article number: 20170180

Abstract

Objective Smoking and tobacco use is a growing public health problem, with often begins in adolescence. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of smoking behavior and the associated determinants among adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire with 453 male adolescent students in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to aggregate the findings and examine associations. Results The prevalence of smoking was 24.3% among adolescents. The main predictors of smoking behavior were found to be age (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–2.0; p < 0.001), studying in private schools (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.5; p < 0.001), having friends who smoke (OR = 13.9; 95% CI: 6.6–29.9; p < 0.001), smoking parent (OR = 18.1; 95% CI: 8.8–37.1; p < 0.001), perceived poor health (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.9–3.9; p = 0.041) and perceived dissatisfaction with life (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.33–13.3; p = 0.017). Smokers were more likely to believe that it is difficult to quit smoking (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6–5.5; p < 0.001). The top reasons for smoking were having smoker friends (78.2%), family neglect (45.5%), having smoker parents (41.8%), family problems (37.3%), enjoyment, and having smoker relatives. Conclusion This study concluded that a considerable proportion of adolescents are smokers. Adolescents with a smoking habit report poorer health and lower life satisfaction than non-smokers. Several personal and social factors were identified as important determinants for smoking.

April 2, 2019

Risk for eating disorders and body composition among adolescent female and male athletes and non-athlete controls

Suzana Pustivšek, Vedran Hadžić, Edvin Dervišević, Jamie Carruthers

Article number: 20170190

Abstract

Purpose The objective of this research was to investigate the risk for eating disorders (EDs) and compare body composition in participants with and without risk in adolescent Slovenian athletes and aged matched controls. Methods A total of 583 randomly selected adolescents, aged from 15 to 17 years, completed a sick, control, one stone, fat, food (SCOFF) questionnaire for detecting risk for EDs. Weight and body composition were measured using a bioelectrical impedance machine. Based on the data body mass index (BMI), percentiles were calculated. Results Overall, 37.7% of athletes and 39.8% of controls were classified as at risk for EDs. Girls showed a significantly higher frequency of risk than boys, 1:3.5. A higher percentage of underweight boys was found in control group compared to the athletes, but the difference was not significant in the subsample of girls. Differences in body composition show that the at-risk group had significantly higher values in BMI percentiles (p < 0.001) and percentages of fat mass (p < 0.001) and lower values in percentage of muscle mass (p < 0.01) and fat-free mass. Conclusions These finding demonstrate that the gap in risk for EDs between males and females is becoming smaller and stresses to consider specific parameters of body composition as being important when identifying at-risk groups for EDs.

February 5, 2018

Predicting high school students’ health-promoting lifestyle: a test of the information, motivation, behavioral skills model

Asieh Molaifard, Hashem Mohamadian, Mohammad Hossein Haghighi Zadeh

Article number: 20170194

Abstract

Background and aim Expenditure on adolescents’ health promotion is critical to enhancing quality of life and fundamental for the prosperity of countries. This study tried to investigate the relationships between information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model constructs as predictors of high school student’s health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) in Southwest Iran. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 400 students in Southwest Iran. Sample size required for this study was obtained using Soper’s structural equation modeling (SEM) calculator. The stratified random sampling method was used in this study. A path analysis was taken to evaluate the HPL main determinants utilizing SEM. Results Information only had a significant indirect relationship with adolescents’ HPL. But, both motivation and behavioral skills constructs had significant direct and indirect relationship with adolescents’ HPL. The behavioral skill construct was the most imperative predictor variable. In general, behavioral skills construct (75%), motivation (66%) and knowledge (50%) constructs had the highest impact on HPL. The IMB model was able to explain 71% of the variance in adolescents’ HPL. Conclusion The findings of the study showed that the IMB model was appropriate for explaining adolescents’ HPL. It is necessary that actions are taken to improve behavioral skills and promote adolescents’ HPL.

September 6, 2018

The effectiveness of group hope therapy on the mental health of type II diabetic patients referred to the diabetes clinic in South East Iran

Batool Pouraboli, Tayebeh Ilaghi, Abazari Faroukh, Majid Kazemi

Article number: 20170199

Abstract

Introduction Diabetes is a common disease that, besides affecting the physical health, also affects the mental health of patients. Therefore, promoting mental health along with drug therapy seems essential. The purpose of this study was to find the effectiveness of group hope therapy on the mental health of type II diabetic patients who were referred to the diabetes clinic of Imam Reza Hospital in Sirjan City. Materials and methods This was a semi-experimental study. The statistical population consisted of type II diabetic patients referred to a diabetes clinic in southeastern Iran. Forty subjects were selected according to the goals of study and inclusion criteria and were assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received group hope therapy in eight sessions. The instrument was General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and was completed by both groups before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and paired t-tests. Results The results showed that the mental health after the group hope therapy significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.02). Conclusion The results showed that the mental health of diabetic patients is more favorable using group hope therapy. This method can be used in diabetic patients.

July 5, 2018

Dental fluorosis and associated risk factors in early adolescents in India

Sandeep Kumar, Astha Chauhan, Arunoday Kumar, Siddharth Kumar, Anjali Gupta, Sayak Roy, Simran C. Kumari

Article number: 20170200

Abstract

Background Dental fluorosis has a negative impact on the facial esthetics of adolescents and is a worldwide oral health concern. Objective To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for dental fluorosis in early adolescents in India. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 800 adolescent school children selected from the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. The children were in the of 12–15-year age group. A total of eight schools from both Jhabua and Dhar districts were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices and various risk factors for dental fluorosis. Water samples were collected from each zone and sent to a laboratory for water fluoride estimation. Dental fluorosis was assessed using the Dean index. Chi-squared (χ 2 ) and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 40.5% in early adolescents. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 45% in the Jhabua district and 36% in the Dhar district. The water fluoride content was found to be the strongest predictor for dental fluorosis followed by the method of water storage. Conclusion Dental fluorosis affects a large number of adolescents in both the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. Effective policies focusing on oral health education and prevention of dental fluorosis need to be drafted.

Short Communication

August 17, 2018

Illness beliefs of adolescents with CFS and their parents: the perceived causes of illness and beliefs about recovery

Maria E. Loades, Katharine A. Rimes, Kate Lievesley, Sheila Ali, Trudie Chalder

Article number: 20170197

Abstract

The objective here was to explore beliefs about the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in a cohort of adolescents with CFS and their parents, and to explore the adolescent’s beliefs about recovery. Questionnaires were administered to a clinical cohort of adolescents (n = 104) and their parents (n = 102 mothers and 63 fathers), presenting to a specialist CFS unit. These included a question about the causes of their illness. Adolescents were also asked about the projected timeline of their recovery from CFS. The most commonly endorsed causes of CFS by adolescents and their parents were a virus and/or contextual factors and stress. Adolescents and their parents were in close agreement about the causes of CFS. Most adolescents said they did not know how long it would take them to recover from CFS. Informing adolescents about the prognosis for CFS is an important aspect of treatment.

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