International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 32 Issue 6

December 2020

Issue of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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Contents
Journal Overview

Review

Publicly Available September 26, 2018

Declining age at menarche in Indonesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abdul Wahab, Siswanto Agus Wilopo, Mohammad Hakimi, Djauhar Ismail

Article number: 20180021

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Abstract

Background There has been much research on the average age at menarche onset. In higher income countries the lowering in average age at menarche is earlier than in middle-income countries and lower income countries. Indonesia as a middle-income country also has some research experience related to the average age at menarche for girls. Objectives This study aimed to review the lowering of the average age at menarche in Indonesia and to predict changes in average age at menarche. Methods This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis using references from Google Scholar, PubMed and Popline databases on the trend of age at menarche in Indonesia and other data sources from local and national survey reports. Metaprop command in STATA was used to do the meta-analysis of proportion of early age at menarche and time series with auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used in analyzing the trend and predicting the age at menarche. Results The results show that in Indonesia the timing of age at menarche onset has significantly lowered during the 40 years before 2010. There was meaningful decrease of age at menarche, which changed from 14.43 years [confident interval (CI) 95%: 14.42, 14.44] to 13.63 years (CI95%: 13.63, 13.64). Using the ARIMA model, mean age at menarche onset for the next year predicted that the coefficient regression would be −0.0245 (CI95%: −0.0275, −0.0215). The predicted average age at menarche shows a decrease of 0.0245 years (8–9 days) each year. Conclusion The findings indicate a significant lowering of age at menarche in Indonesian girls that has continued as a predictable trend through time until the present, paralleling recent socioeconomic changes. These predictions provide key indicators of a girl’s future healthy transition from childhood into young adulthood.

Original Articles

November 19, 2020

Implementing family based treatment in a child and youth eating disorder program: impact on admissions

Hayley Thompson, Kim Hurst, Heather Green, Jodie Watkins, Nigel Collings, Shelly Read

Article number: 20170139

Abstract

Objectives Anorexia Nervosa (AN) treatment is frequently associated with high costs often due to the use of hospitalization. In Family Based Treatment (FBT) a main goal is to manage recovery of AN in the home environment rather than relying on lengthy hospital admissions. This study examined whether the use of hospitalization altered following the introduction of FBT to a youth eating disorders program in 2009. Method This study compared retrospective data of 71 female adolescent patients diagnosed with AN: 10 who received treatment as usual prior to the implementation of FBT; 10 who were treated immediately after FBT implementation; and a further 51 adolescents who received FBT since 2009. Results Results indicate that since the implementation of FBT there was a significant reduction in admissions to the medical ward and a significant reduction in cumulative length of stay on both the psychiatric and medical wards in adolescents presenting with AN.

September 6, 2018

High incidence of concussion, but low knowledge levels among young adults

Ronald Chow, Drew Hollenberg, Wesley Ng, Dixon Pinto

Article number: 20180003

Abstract

Cerebral concussion is a brain injury, that involves a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain as a result of biomechanical forces. With the increasing prevalence, it is important that the public is knowledgeable about concussion and its symptoms, so that they can bring attention to individuals with concussion symptoms soon after onset, for appropriate care. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledgeability of young adults. Secondary aims were to compare the knowledgeability of young adults of different age, of different countries of residence, of different sex, and of different perceived knowledge about concussions. An online survey was circulated to young adults in Canada, the US and the UK. The survey consisted of three components – a consent form, respondent demographics and eight questions to assess each respondent’s knowledgeability of concussions. The knowledgeability of each respondent was determined by the summation of the number of correct responses to the knowledge questions. A total of 307 respondents consented and completed the survey in its entirety. The mean knowledge score was 4.25 out of 8. None of the cohort analyses based on demographics – 19 years old and under vs. 20 years and older; North Americans vs. non-North Americans; females vs. males – suggested that one group was more knowledgeable than the other group. These results suggest that educational programs can be developed to increase awareness of concussions. As each cohort seems to have similar starting knowledge levels, it seems appropriate to develop a uniform program to first try to increase knowledgeability, and then produce specialised programs to raise knowledge of certain cohorts. However, prior to the establishment of programs, further studies should be conducted to verify the results disclosed herein.

October 20, 2018

Socio-cognitive factors influencing Greek lyceum female students’ intention to receive a Pap smear and a vaccine against HPV

Apostolos Εfkarpidis, George Koulierakis, Polichronis Efkarpidis

Article number: 20180005

Abstract

Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99.7% of cervix cancers worldwide. As this is a preventable and treatable cancer, if diagnosed early, it is important to explore not only young women’s related knowledge, but also their intentions for prevention activities, through a theoretical perspective. Objective To investigate the role of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Health Locus of Control theory (HLC) (social cognitive models) to act as potentially influencing factors for the prevention intentions among lyceum female students. Methods This cross-sectional study took place from January to May 2014, among 1129 female students, who attended lyceums in six islands of the Cyclades Region, Greece. Students filled-in a self-complementary questionnaire, after the necessary approval was provided by the relevant authorities. Results Intention to take the Pap smear was determined by student’s level of knowledge (p < 0.001) about Pap smears, their age (p = 0.004), HPV susceptibility (p < 0.001), subjective obstacles of taking the Pap smear (p < 0.001) and subjective benefits of the Pap smear (p < 0.001). The vaccination intention against HPV was influenced by the subjective benefit from vaccination (p < 0.001) and the level of knowledge of the vaccine (p < 0.001). Conclusions Knowledge, age and HBM variables were significantly associated with students’ intention for vaccination and screening on HPV. The study demonstrates the importance of raising awareness through specific education programmes in schools and theory-based tailored health programmes on HPV aspects (transmission, prevention, treatment) to increase the intention for prevention.

December 20, 2019

Predictors of sun protection behavior in high school students of Ahvaz: a cross-sectional study

Mahdi Moshki, Mahmood Karimy, Heydar Rahmati Asl, Mehdi Mojadam, Marzieh Araban

Article number: 20180006

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to predict sun protection behavior by using the protection-motivation theory (PMT). Introduction Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence has a very important role in the development of skin cancer in the future. Case This was a cross-sectional study. Applying multi-stage random assignment, 380 students from Ahvaz were entered into the study in 2014. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire based on the PMT. An independent t-test, the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman’s correlation and a regression test were used to analyze data by SPSS 15. Result Among 380 students, 48.2% were male and 51.8% were female. Constructs of the PMT accounted for (adjusted R 2 ) 39% observed variance of protection-motivation or intention to do behaviors and 15% observed variance for sun-protection behaviors through protection motivation, self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility, respectively. Discussion The PMT may be used as a framework to design intervention programs in an attempt to improve intention to perform sun protection behaviors of students. However, the model did not show optimal predictive power for adherence to sun-protection self-care behavior. The findings from this study have important implications in skin cancer prevention.

October 20, 2018

The associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with self-rated health in young adults: a population-based study

Lovro Štefan, Goran Sporiš, Tomislav Krističević

Article number: 20180007

Abstract

Background The main purpose of the present study was to explore significant associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with poor self-rated health. Methods Subjects were 2100 university students (49.6% of women), aged 18–24 years. The associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with self-rated health were examined by using structured questionnaires. Results After adjusting for sex, body mass index (BMI), socio-economic status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, presence or absence of chronic diseases, psychological distress and physical activity, very short [<6 h, odds ratio (OR) = 4.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95–11.76] and very long (>10 h, OR = 4.09; 95% CI 2.26–7.39) sleep duration and poor sleep quality (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.01–2.05) were associated with poor self-rated health. Conclusions Our results show both dependent and independent associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with self-rated health in a large sample of young adults. Thus, policies that promote adequate sleep duration and good sleep quality are warranted.

October 20, 2018

Unpreparedness, impurity and paradoxical feeling: menstruation narratives of Iranian women

Afsaneh Sadat Seyed Hosseini

Article number: 20180008

Abstract

Background Menstruation is universally experienced by all healthy females from menarche to menopause, although the cognitive and emotional dimension of this experience may differ across time and place. Objective This qualitative study was conducted to explore the menstruation experiences of Iranian women. Methods Eight Iranian university students, aged between 21 and 25 years, who were resident in Tehran, were interviewed and data were analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. Results Two main themes of the participant narratives were identified: “The menarche” and “women’s perception of menstruation”. Each of these elements comprised a number of sub-themes. The menarche experience was related to “inadequate preparation”, “fear and horror” and “the mother”. Women perceived menstruation as “shameful and secret”, “sickness and impurity”, “bothersome and painful”, accompanied with “paradoxical feelings” and “irregularity and unpredictability”. Discussion The results of this study revealed that menarche experience for most of the women was a negative experience. Feelings of being fearful, shocked or worried could be influenced by inadequate preparation for menstruation. They reveived insufficient information from school or their friends and their mothers, specifically. Menstruation is shameful, kept secret and is usually hidden from men. Most of them experienced menstruation as a sickness and considered menstruating women as impure who must obey religious rules. Some of them had symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. For some women menstruation was both painful and pleasing and its irregularity and unpredictability made women anxious. The findings of this study highlight the effect of sociocultural factors on the menstruation experience.

June 28, 2018

Changes in weight, physical activity and its theory-based psychosocial correlates within an adolescent bariatric clinic: contrasts with adults with extreme obesity

James J. Annesi

Article number: 20180011

Abstract

Albeit their practical implications, psychosocial correlates of physical activity and related weight loss in the treatment of extreme obesity have been only sparsely addressed in adults; and even more minimally focused upon in adolescents. This research contrasted results of a 6-month social cognitive theory-based physical activity-support protocol along with standard nutrition counseling in groups of adolescents (n = 19; age mean = 15.4 years) and adults (n = 26, age mean = 44.7 years) with class 3 (extreme) obesity [overall body mass index (BMI) mean = 53.4 kg/m 2 , standard deviation (SD) = 8.2]. Although baseline total mood disturbance scores were significantly greater in both groups when contrasted with age-corresponding normative values, between-group scores did not significantly differ. BMI and physical activity changes over 3 and 6 months were significantly more favorable in the adult group. There were significant overall improvements in exercise self-efficacy, physical activity self-regulation and total mood disturbance scores, however, the self-efficacy and self-regulation increases were significant in only the adult group. Inverse relationships between changes in physical activity and BMI were stronger in the adult group. Regardless of group, simultaneous entry of changes in exercise self-efficacy, physical activity self-regulation and total mood disturbance scores, over both 3 and 6 months, significantly predicted physical activity changes (R 2 -values = 0.45–0.75, p-values < 0.001). In each model, self-regulation change was the most salient of those three psychosocial predictors. Although findings suggested that psychosocial correlates of physical activity, leading to weight change, are similar in adolescents and adults with extreme obesity, facilitation of larger effect sizes and/or foci on additional theory-based determinants may be required for clinically meaningful treatment outcomes in adolescents.

September 8, 2018

Mechanisms of change of traditional mindfulness practice in Thai adolescent students: a cross-sectional mediation study

Somboon Jarukasemthawee, Kullaya Pisitsungkagarn, Thanapol Leangsuksant, Natalia Lara González

Article number: 20180012

Abstract

Given the substantial evidence for the efficacy of secular mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for reducing psychological distress and increasing wellbeing, research attention has more recently turned to investigating the mechanisms by which this is achieved and has revealed that MBI works not only directly on reducing distress, but also indirectly through a reduction in mediating problems such as rumination and emotional regulation difficulty. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have yet been undertaken to evaluate the effect on such mediating conditions, of traditional Buddhist mindfulness meditation, as practiced in Eastern cultures and increasingly in the West, from which MBIs have been derived but remain distinctly different. The current study was therefore designed to examine the effect of traditional mindfulness on mediating conditions in participants who were born into and were experienced in this approach. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between traditional mindfulness and distress, and between traditional mindfulness and the mediating conditions of rumination and emotional regulation difficulty, in Thai adolescent students experienced in Buddhist meditation practices. The results resonate well with the findings from MBI studies, showing significant negative correlations between rumination and distress and emotional regulation difficulty and distress, and significant positive correlations between mindfulness and the mediators. The implications of the benefits of traditional mindfulness for reducing non-clinical distress, rumination and difficulties in emotion regulation are discussed.

August 25, 2018

Resilience among secondary school students in South-Western Nigeria; association with abuse and neglect

Oluwapelumi Adeyera, Obioma Uchendu, Eme Owoaje

Article number: 20180013

Abstract

Introduction Resilience, which aids coping and adjustment, prevents the development of mental health issues for individuals exposed to adversities. Abuse and neglect are some of the adversities that affect the health of adolescents. This study examined the relationship between abuse, neglect and resilience of adolescents. Methods The study adopted a cross-sectional design among 522 secondary school adolescents using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Information on socio-demographics, abuse, neglect and resilience were elicited. Associations were tested with significance set at 5%. Results The mean age of respondents was 15.9 ± 1.5, 301 (57.7%) were females and 144 (27.6%) were from polygamous homes. Two hundred and forty-three (46.4%) had high resilience, 141 (27.0%) moderate resilience and 138 (26.6%) had low resilience. Psychological, physical and sexual abuse were reported among 238 (45.7%), 168 (32.1%) and 45 (8.6%) adolescents, respectively, while 71 (13.6%) and 134 (25.8%) experienced psychological and physical neglect, respectively. Adolescents who experienced physical abuse and sexual abuse were about 2 and 2.5 times less likely, respectively, to have high resilience than those who did not experience physical and sexual abuse. Conclusion Abuse and neglect negatively influence resilience of adolescents. Interventions targeted at reducing abuse and neglect should be incorporated in adolescent health protocols to increase their resilience.

August 14, 2018

Physical activity and physical fitness as protective factors of adolescent health

Andrea Lukács, Péter Sasvári, Emőke Kiss-Tóth

Article number: 20180017

Abstract

Objective This quantitative correlational design study aimed to examine the variation in adolescent health and lifestyle characteristics across self-reported physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) levels. Methods Data were collected from 422 students (50.2% males) (16.33 SD = 1.66 y/o) attending a high school. An online questionnaire was used to gather data on the following characteristics: self-reported well-being, overall life satisfaction, depression (including self-harm and suicidal ideation), perceived health status, eating disorders, sleepiness, substance use (alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use), body mass index, PA participation and PF levels. Results Of the participants, 42.4% reported at least 5 days of PA a week for 60 min per day. These high active individuals had significantly better well-being, health status, life satisfaction, PF and consumed fewer alcohol beverages. High PA and better PF inversely correlated with depression. Conclusions It seems that high PA and better PF have a positive impact on adolescent perceived health, health-risk behaviors and mental health. Increased levels of PA can play a vital role in the primary care, prevention of health risks and in adolescent health promotion. Accordingly, educational institutions are an excellent setting to promote and provide sport facilities and encourage students to be more physically active.

July 13, 2018

On the question of non-medical cognitive enhancers among in-school adolescents: prevalence, predictors and potential health-related harms

Eric Janssen, Stanislas Spilka, Olivier Le Nézet, Jalpa Shah

Article number: 20180018

Abstract

Little is known about the use of non-medical cognitive enhancers (NCEs) in the general population, and even less among youth. The study utilises a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of adolescents attending high schools to provide a comprehensive overview of NCEs and to assess risk factors such as socio-demographics, schooling, mental health and related substance use among French adolescents. A total of 6692 students attending high school (secondary schools) answered an anonymous questionnaire collecting information on demographics, health, psychoactive substance uses (neuroleptics, tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, illicit substances) and patterns of sociability. The use of cognitive enhancers appears to be an underestimated phenomenon among youth. Prevalence of use is heavily gender-influenced, with females twice as likely to use NCEs than males. More than daily school commitments, the use of cognitive enhancers is related to the proximity of the national secondary education examination. Moreover, mental health, use of prescribed anxiolytics and other psychoactive substances are significantly independently associated with the use of cognitive enhancers, particularly among females. The unregulated use of cognitive enhancers is a predictor of potential mental frailty and a substance-based response to stressful events, a behaviour likely to persist during adulthood. The study underpins the lack of contextual and comparable data. Systematic monitoring of younger students in neighbouring countries is required to develop reliable prevention programmes.

August 14, 2018

Overweight or obesity and related lifestyle and psychosocial factors among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam

Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer

Article number: 20180019

Abstract

This study aimed to assess overweight and obesity and associated factors in school-going adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. The sample included 2599 school-going adolescents that responded to the Global School-based Student Health Survey (mean age 14.7 years, SD = 1.4). Body weight status was assessed based on self-reported height and weight and the international child body mass index standards. The relationship between lifestyle factors, including physical activity and dietary behaviour, and overweight or obesity were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate a prevalence of overweight or obesity of 35.1% and obesity of 17.3%. In multivariable regression analysis, bullying victimisation was positively and frequent fast food consumption, having experienced hunger and meeting physical activity recommendations were negatively associated with overweight or obesity. High prevalence rates of overweight or obesity were found and several risk factors identified, which can assist in guiding interventions.

September 26, 2018

Traversing the liminal: what can Fontan adults’ transition experiences and perspectives teach us about optimizing healthcare?

Karin du Plessis, Rebecca Peters, Evelyn Culnane, Yves d’Udekem

Article number: 20180020

Abstract

Background Successfully transitioning to adult care is important for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients, particularly those at the worst end of the spectrum with a Fontan circulation, as their ongoing health engagement affects their health outcomes. Yet, there is a lack of literature exploring patient perspectives about their transition experiences, and what helps or hinders successful transition to adult care. Methods Young adults with a Fontan circulation (n = 18) from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry participated in in-depth phone interviews. Thematic analyses were used to analyze the qualitative interview data. Results We identified six key themes which stood out from patient experiences, including differences between pediatric and adult congenital cardiac care, the need for preparation through formal transition programs, and the important role of support systems. Conclusion To become active managers of their healthcare and remain engaged with the healthcare system, young people would benefit from coordinated efforts between pediatric and adult care to formally prepare them for transition to adult care. This should include involvement from their support network and ongoing education about their health condition. The study highlights the importance of studying patient perspectives through qualitative research to better inform health service provision in the CHD space.

November 13, 2018

Perception of parenting styles by in-school adolescents in South-West Nigeria

Abimbola Margaret Obimakinde, Olayinka Omigbodun, Olurotimi Adejumo, Babatunde Adedokun

Article number: 20180023

Abstract

Background Parenting styles can be explained as behavioural strategies parents use to interact with their offspring. It is importance to understand the perception of parenting styles received by adolescents undergoing socio-cognitive development, however, there are few Nigerian studies exploring this topic. Objective To describe the perception of parenting styles received by in-school adolescents in South-West Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional multistage study was conducted among students attending public and private schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaires, evaluating socio-demographic characteristics and perception of styles of parenting received by the adolescents. Result The prevalent perceived parenting style was the authoritative style (73.1%) and the least perceived was the permissive (3.8%) style. Female adolescents perceived fathers as being more negligent (65.2%), permissive (66.7%) and authoritarian (56.0%) but less authoritative (40.4%) than male adolescents (p = 0.01). Adolescents in lower social class perceived their mothers as more authoritarian (78.6%) and negligent (72.7%) in contrast to adolescents in higher social class (p = 0.889). Conclusion Perceived parenting style is the tendency of the adolescent to cognizance the behaviour of parents in a particular manner in all situations and develop a perception about their parents. The prevalent authoritative style is the ideal and most desirable style of parenting worldwide, as it describes parents who maintain a balance between high levels of demandingness and responsiveness, consistently supervising their adolescent’s behaviour and practicing constructive criticism. Other styles of parenting can be perceived by adolescents and may prevail across socio-economic divide, as depicted by this study.

June 13, 2018

Socioeconomic status is a predictor of neurocognitive performance of early female adolescents

H. J. Madhushanthi, Savithri W. Wimalasekera, C. Sampatha E. Goonewardena, A. A. Thamara D. Amarasekara, Janaka Lenora

Article number: 20180024

Abstract

Objective Previous studies have shown that high socioeconomic status (SES) is significantly associated with inhibitory control, working memory, verbal comprehension and IQ. However, in the Asian setting, with its prevailing poverty, information about the influence of SES on cognitive development of female adolescents is limited. This study was aimed to investigate the association between SES and neurocognitive performance of early female adolescents in Sri Lanka. Methods Female adolescents aged 11–14 years (n = 200) of low and middle SES were studied to assess neurocognitive function. After obtaining baseline data, eight subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC – IV), Test Of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI-3) and two computer-based executive function tests (inhibition and visuo-spatial working memory) were administered to assess neurocognitive measures of the above adolescents. The results were compiled into a data base and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results Higher SES was associated with higher performance in all neurocognitive tests. Low SES adolescents obtained significantly poor test scores for executive function test (inhibitory control: p < 0.0001) and for WISC [verbal comprehension index (VCI): p < 0.0001), working memory index (WMI): p < 0.0001 and estimated full scale IQ (EFSIQ): p < 0.0001)] when compared with middle SES adolescents. Maternal education alone significantly predicts VCI and EFSIQ than the combined influence of parental education, occupation and income. Psychosocial adversities of adolescents were inversely correlated with VCI (r = −0.30; p < 0.001) and EFSIQ (r = −0.20; p < 0.001) of WISC and mathematics performance (r = −0.34; p < 0.001) at examination in school. Conclusion Findings of the study revealed the importance of upliftment of SES of the society to improve the cognitive and academic outcomes of low SES individuals.

Retraction

Publicly Available December 22, 2020

Retraction of: Assessment of academic performance of licensed athletes

Zehra Aycan, Sinem Akgül, Selçuk Gençay, Nuray Kanbur, Orhan Derman

Article number: 20202140

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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