International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 30 Issue 1

February 2018

Issue of International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

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Contents
Journal Overview

Editorial

December 15, 2016

Pre-aesculapian messages from ancient archives of Mesopotamia: the Epic of Gilgamesh and the library of Ashurbanipal

Donald E. Greydanus, Joav Merrick

Article number: 20160128

Review

April 18, 2016

A systematic review on critical thinking in medical education

Zenobia C.Y. Chan

Article number: 20150117

Abstract

Background: Critical thinking is the ability to raise discriminating questions in an attempt to search for better ideas, a deeper understanding and better solutions relating to a given issue. Objective: This systematic review provides a summary of efforts that have been made to enhance and assess critical thinking in medical education. Design: Nine databases [Ovid MEDLINE(R), AMED, Academic Search Premier, ERIC, CINAHL, Web of Science, JSTOR, SCOPUS and PsycINFO] were searched to identify journal articles published from the start of each database to October 2012. Results: A total of 41 articles published from 1981 to 2012 were categorised into two main themes: (i) evaluation of current education on critical thinking and (ii) development of new strategies about critical thinking. Under each theme, the teaching strategies, assessment tools, uses of multimedia and stakeholders were analysed. Discussion: While a majority of studies developed teaching strategies and multimedia tools, a further examination of their quality and variety could yield some insights. The articles on assessment placed a greater focus on learning outcomes than on learning processes. It is expected that more research will be conducted on teacher development and students’ voices.

Original Articles

April 9, 2016

Persistence of metabolic syndrome and its impact on glucose metabolism in overweight and obese children and adolescents

Anajás da Silva Cardoso Cantalice, Inês Fronteira, Jordana de Almeida Nogueira, Altamira Pereira da Silva Reichert, Carla Campos Muniz Medeiros, Neusa Collet

Article number: 20150118

Abstract

Objective: To verify the effects of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its relation to insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity after 24 months of follow-up. Design: Studies of repeated measures from April 2009 to April 2012. For both measurements, the evaluations performed were anthropometry, MS diagnosis, fasting blood glucose, glucose homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), and insulin level; at a second evaluation, glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) was used as an additional indicator of glucose metabolism alterations. Logistic regression between syndrome persistence and its components with glucose metabolism alterations was performed for each of its indicators. The SPSS version 17.0 software (95% CI) was used. Location: Center for Childhood Obesity, Campina Grande, Brazil. Subjects: Children and adolescents (n=133), aged 2–18 years, with overweight or obesity. Results: There was a significant decrease in MS during the study period, with persistence of the syndrome in 17.3% of the individuals. The presence of at least one alteration in glucose metabolism occurred in 45.1% of children and adolescents. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the average levels of HOMA-IR showed significant decrease at the end of 24 months (p<0.01), and an elevated waist circumference (WC) remained associated with IR (p<0.01). Conclusion: There was observed no relationship of IR or other indicator of glycemic disorders by persistence of MS. An elevated WC remained associated with IR after controlling for the effects of the following variables: gender, age group, and other MS components.

March 16, 2016

Cross-sectional analysis of food choice frequency, sleep confounding beverages, and psychological distress predictors of sleep quality

Adam P. Knowlden, Maranda Burns, Andy Harcrow, Meghan E. Shewmake

Article number: 20150120

Abstract

Background: Poor sleep quality is a significant public health problem. The role of nutrition in predicting sleep quality is a relatively unexplored area of inquiry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of 10 food choice categories, sleep confounding beverages, and psychological distress to predict the sleep quality of college students. Methods: A logistic regression model comprising 10 food choice variables (healthy proteins, unhealthy proteins, healthy dairy, unhealthy dairy, healthy grains, unhealthy grains, healthy fruits and vegetables, unhealthy empty calories, healthy beverages, unhealthy beverages), sleep confounding beverages (caffeinated/alcoholic beverages), as well as psychological distress (low, moderate, serious distress) was computed to determine the capacity of the variables to predict sleep quality (good/poor). Results: The odds of poor sleep quality were 32.4% lower for each unit of increased frequency of healthy proteins consumed (p<0.001; OR=0.676), 14.1% lower for each unit of increased frequency of healthy dairy food choices consumed (p=0.024; OR=0.859), 13.1% higher for each unit of increased frequency of empty calorie food choices consumed (p=0.003; OR=1.131), and 107.3% higher for those classified in the moderate psychological distress (p=0.016; OR=2.073). Conclusion: Collectively, healthy proteins, healthy dairy, unhealthy empty calories, and moderate psychological distress were moderately predictive of sleep quality in the sample (Nagelkerke R 2 =23.8%). Results of the study suggested higher frequency of consumption of healthy protein and healthy dairy food choices reduced the odds of poor sleep quality, while higher consumption of empty calories and moderate psychological distress increased the odds of poor sleep quality.

April 9, 2016

Adolescents’ knowledge and opinions about smoking: a qualitative study from the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Bhaktapur District, Nepal

Lene Povlsen, Umesh Raj Aryal, Max Petzold, Alexandra Krettek

Article number: 20150124

Abstract

Background: The use of tobacco products among adolescents in Southeast Asia represents a major public health burden. Two out of ten adolescents attending school are tobacco users and several factors influence them to initiate tobacco use. Most studies related to tobacco use are quantitative, whereas qualitative studies exploring adolescents’ smoking behavior and their views, knowledge and experiences are scarce. Objective: To gain a deep understanding of Nepalese adolescents’ knowledge and opinions about smoking and reasons for smoking initiation. Subjects: Adolescents from four secondary schools in the Bhaktapur district, Nepal. Methods: Eight focus-group discussions were conducted with 71 adolescents aged 13–16 years and from grades 8–10. Data were analyzed using manifest qualitative content analysis. Results: The participants knew that smoking represents health risks as well as socio-economic risks, but few described the addictive nature of tobacco and health risks related to passive smoking. Most participants related smoking initiation to the smoking behavior of peers and family members, but easy accessibility to cigarettes, ineffective rules and regulations, and exposure to passive smoking also created environments for smoking. Some expressed confidence to resist peer pressure and refuse to start smoking, but also expressed the need for prevention strategies in schools and for governmental initiatives, such as more strict implementation of tobacco control and regulations to prevent and reduce smoking. Conclusion: Curbing the tobacco epidemic in Nepal requires healthy public policies and multifaceted interventions to address the knowledge gap on health consequences associated with smoking among adolescents, teachers and parents/adults.

May 3, 2016

A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health

Veena Ganesh Kamath, Asha Kamath, Kallol Roy, Chythra Raghavendra Rao, Asha Hegde, Lena Ashok

Article number: 20150127

Abstract

In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH. Methods: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16–19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews. Results: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. “Pornography”, “wrong myths about RH”, “substance use”, and “sexual attractions” were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services. Conclusion: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.

November 12, 2016

Perception of primary school teachers to school children’s mental health problems in Southwest Ethiopia

Habtamu Kerebih, Hailay Abrha, Reiner Frank, Mubarek Abera

Article number: 20160089

Abstract

Background: Teachers perception of child mental health problems and their attitude to school-based mental health services helps in designing early intervention strategies aimed at promoting the service. However, little is known in this regard among primary school teachers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed perceptions and attitude of primary school teachers to child mental health problem and school-based mental health programs in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia in 2013. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was implemented among 568 primary school teachers in Jimma town, from 1 to 30 October 2013. Perceptions and attitude of teachers to children with mental health problems and school mental health related information were assessed using a structured self- administered questionnaire. Results: About 40% of teachers recognized the list of psychopathology items presented to them as child mental health problems while 54.4% of them rated child mental health problem as severe. Externalizing behaviors were perceived as the most severe problems. Teaching experience and teaching in public schools were significantly associated with the perception of severe type of child mental health problems. About 95% of teachers acknowledged that school-based mental health programs are important but limited availability was reported. Conclusion: Despite the high problem severity ratings, teachers’ perception of the psychopathology as a mental health problem in children was low. There was also a favorable attitude on the importance and the need of school-based child mental health programs. Thus, creating mental health awareness for teachers and establishing school mental health services to intervene in child mental health problem is crucial.

May 17, 2017

Preparation for sexual and reproductive self-care in Iranian adolescent girls: a qualitative study

Zainab Alimoradi, Nourossadat Kariman, Fazlollah Ahmadi, Masoumeh Simbar

Article number: 20160094

Abstract

Background Adolescence is one of the most important stages in every individual’s life. Pubertal changes and acquiring reproduction capability require adolescents to perform special health care processes. Also the possibility of involvement in high-risk sexual behaviors endangers adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health. Objective Increase and deepen the understanding and knowledge of the factors affecting Iranian adolescent girls’ readiness to take care of their sexual and reproductive health. Materials and methods The present qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis method. The participants included 18 adolescents who were aged 13–19 years old, single, studying at high school, art school, or university and had no history of chronic medical or psychological diseases; further, most of them had the experience of menstruation. Purposive sampling was initiated and continued until data saturation. Data collection were performed using in-depth and unstructured interviews. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews was conducted simultaneously with data collection using the Graneheim and Lundman approach .MAXQDA 2010 software was used for storage, retrieval, and management of the data. Findings Preparation for care was the main theme that emerged in this study along with 19 subcategories and four main categories, including desirable interaction between families and adolescents, readiness for puberty and menstruation, life skills and spiritual self-monitoring. Conclusion The education and health care systems’ authorities of the country can exploit the results of this study for making policies and interventions expedient to the society’s cultural conditions in order to improve the reproductive and sexual self-care status of adolescents’ girls.

April 9, 2016

Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels in adolescent smokers

Fatih Battal, Mustafa Tekin, Hakan Aylanç, Şule Yıldırım, Hakan Türkön, Fatih Köksal Binnetoğlu, Nazan Kaymaz, Naci Topaloğlu

Article number: 20150128

Abstract

Background: It is known that the biochemical marker linked to tissue ischemia, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), is related to oxidative stress. Cigarette smoking is a situation with increased oxidative stress causing cell damage and it is thought that many of the negative effects linked to smoking may occur after the biological material in the body is exposed to oxidative damage. This study aimed to identify variability in serum IMA levels in adolescents who smoke. Methods: This case-control study comprised 60 adolescents without any chronic disease. The smoking group was 30 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 years who smoked, while the control group was 30 healthy adolescents who did not smoke. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and serum IMA levels and serum nicotine metabolites were determined. Results: The serum IMA levels in the adolescents who smoked were 0.452±0.094 absorbance unit (ABSU), while the control group had ASBU levels of 0.427±0.054. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum IMA levels (p=0.210). There was a significant difference between the control and smoking groups in terms of serum nicotine metabolite levels (p<0.001). Conclusions: Among adolescents who smoke, serum IMA levels may not be a good marker for oxidative stress.

June 14, 2016

Perceptions and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents

Megan Racey, David Machmueller, David Field, Verena Kulak, Genevieve S. Newton

Article number: 20160002

Abstract

Background: Understanding how adolescents acquire health knowledge and where they currently seek answers to health-related questions may facilitate the development of interventions that will be both engaging and effective, and may help to improve health over the short- and long-term. Objective: The present study sought to investigate the perception and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents as stratified by gender. Methods: Thirty 50-min long focus groups were conducted with 143 participants. Focus group questions were built around the following three main categories: sources of knowledge, including preferred sources, sources accessed for general health, and sources accessed for personal/sensitive health; health information and behaviour change, including characteristics of health knowledge presentation that have influenced behaviour change; and learning preferences to promote behaviour change. Content analysis of focus group transcripts was performed. Results: The use of sources of health knowledge was similar between genders, with some differences noted between sources accessed for general as compared to personal health questions. As well, motivation appeared to be the primary influence of health behaviour change, with knowledge being reported as both as positive and neutral influence, most notably in the areas of diet and exercise. Lastly, adolescents reported several characteristics of health knowledge presentation that they felt would motivate positive behaviour change, including engaging and participatory activities. Conclusion: These results should be considered in the development of interventions to improve health-related behaviour in adolescents, although future research to quantify the use of sources of health knowledge by this population is recommended.

April 18, 2016

An exploratory study of fears among adolescent students from an urban cohort in India

Aditi Acharya, Ganpat K. Vankar, Avinash De Sousa

Article number: 20160003

Abstract

Background: Normal fear is an adaptive response to a real or imagined threat. Fears occur in children and adolescents at varying levels while they negotiate different developmental phases. Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the types of fears in children and adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19 years. Age and gender based differences in these fears were also studied. Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 2010 adolescents from an urban setting between the ages of 11 and 19 who filled in a proforma questionnaire for socio-demographic details and also filled in the Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised (FSSC-R). Statistical analysis of the data was done along with the use of descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of fears among adolescents was found to be 85.17% in the total sample. Girls reported a significantly greater number of fears (p<0.0001) and greater levels of fear (p<0.0001) than boys. Age however, did not affect the number of fears reported. Girls scored significantly higher on all the subscales of the FSSC-R. ‘Failing a test’ emerged as the most common fear expressed by the sample. Girls expressed a greater fear for snakes and earthquakes than boys. Conclusion: Girls expressed fears to a greater extent than boys and adolescents demonstrated a high level of fears in general. There is a need for further studies in this direction to elucidate the nature of fears in this population.

April 11, 2016

Alcohol misuse and gateway theory: a longitudinal study among adolescents in Switzerland

Yara Barrense-Dias, André Berchtold, Christina Akre, Joan-Carles Surís

Article number: 20160004

Abstract

Objective: Adolescence is a transitory and exploratory stage during which risky behaviors such as substance use take place. This study aims to assess the characteristics and predictive risk factors of alcohol misuse among adolescents. Methods: A sample of 621 youths was followed from ages 14 to 16 years in Switzerland between spring 2012 (T0) and spring 2014 (T1). Participants were divided into two groups according to their alcohol misuse evolution: those who increased it (Misusers) and those who decreased or never experimented it (Non-misusers). The final sample consisted of 574 adolescents. At T0, participants reported demographic data, substance use data and emotional well-being. A multivariate regression was performed to assess the explanatory variables of alcohol misuse at T1 using Non-misusers as the reference category. Results: Alcohol misuse in the previous month increased dramatically from 2.4% (T0) to 29.2% (T1). At the bivariate level, alcohol misuse was associated with residence, use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Compared to Non-misusers, Misusers were significantly more likely to live in a rural area (aOR: 1.75 [1.1:2.8]), use cannabis (aOR: 3.2 [1.0:9.8]) and have consumed alcohol (aOR: 2.65 [1.6:4.3]) at T0. Conclusion: Alcohol misuse increases dramatically with age. However, the only demographic difference between groups was that young adolescents living in rural areas were more likely to misuse alcohol. Moreover, having consumed alcohol without drunkenness and using cannabis at age 14 years predicted alcohol misuse at age 16 years. This finding is in line with the reverse gateway theory, where cannabis use precedes the use of legal substances.

May 13, 2016

Two-year prospective study of characteristics and outcome of adolescents referred to an adolescent urgent psychiatric clinic

Nasreen Roberts, Linda Booij, Nicholas Axas, Leanne Repetti

Article number: 20160006

Abstract

Objective: (a) To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of adolescents referred for urgent psychiatric consultation, and (b) compare suicidal with non-suicidal referrals. Methods: This was a 2-year prospective study. Data was gathered on demographic, historical and clinical variables. Comparison of suicidal and non-suicidal patients was conducted using χ 2 . A hospital database was used for referral and wait times. Results: Of 805 assessments, 55% were referred by emergency physicians and 28% by primary care physicians. Sixty-four percent of referrals were referred for suicidal behavior and depression and 19.6% for aggression. Eighty percent had a positive family psychiatric history and 59% were bullied. The most frequent psychiatrist assigned diagnosis was attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). Almost a quarter did not require psychiatric follow-up. Referrals to an outpatient clinic and admission were reduced significantly. Greater suicidality was associated with being female, presence of bullying-victimization and substance abuse [χ 2 (1)=9.33, p=0.002]. Conclusion: Suicidal behavior is the most common reason for urgent psychiatric consults. ADHD was the most frequent psychiatrist assigned diagnosis. Urgent psychiatric services can reduce admissions, referrals and wait times for hospital based clinics for low lethality, low intent suicidal behaviors and facilitate triage to community services.

June 14, 2016

Screening for celiac disease in patients with eating disorders

Nadia E. Saldanha, Eric C. Weiselberg, Martin Fisher

Article number: 20160007

Abstract

Purpose: Celiac disease (CD) affects approximately 1% of the population, and although it remains largely underdiagnosed, can have considerable long-term morbidity. Common presenting symptoms include gastrointestinal complaints and weight loss, which are also symptoms seen in patients with eating disorders (EDs). Because of this overlap, and the importance of early diagnosis of CD and identifying possible complicating factors in patients with EDs, screening in our program has become part of an initial assessment during the past 4 years. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients ages 7–22 years seen in our Division of Adolescent Medicine for an ED evaluation from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. Screening for CD was done with tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody (TTgAb) and anti-endomysial IgA antibody (aEAb). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) was also measured. Results: There were 1160 patients evaluated for an ED between 2011 and 2014, and 42.6% (494) were screened for CD during this time. Of those patients screened for CD the mean age was 16.0, compared to a mean age of 15.6 for those that were not screened, and 87.7% were female, compared to 84.7% of the unscreened group. Of the 494 screened, 10 (2%) screened positive with a TTgAb IgA EIA >20. Of the 10 who screened positive via blood test, four had biopsy confirmed CD via endoscopy, for an overall 0.8% prevalence in this cohort. Of the 457 patients who were also screened for IgA deficiency (92%), 5 (1.1%) had low IgA levels. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients being evaluated for an ED, 0.8% had biopsy confirmed CD. This is similar to the reported prevalence in the general population, suggesting that routine screening of patients with EDs for CD is not indicated. We still need to be vigilant, however, for subtle symptoms that may indicate underlying CD in a small percentage of patients with EDs.

June 14, 2016

Clustering of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among rural-based adolescents in south-west Nigeria

Ajibola Idowu, Adesegun O. Fatusi, Folakemi O. Olajide

Article number: 20160008

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of deaths globally and the key associated risk factors – alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking and poor dietary patterns – are often initiated in adolescence. Co-existence of these risk factors further increase the risk for NCDs. Yet, very little is known about the pattern of co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors for NCDs among Nigerian adolescents, especially those in rural areas. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of clustering patterns of behavioural risk factors for NCDs among in-school adolescents in rural areas of Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 476 adolescents recruited through multi-stage sampling across Osun State. Data were collected through a facilitated self-administered questionnaire with questions adapted from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) instrument. Data were analysed using Stata, with binary logistic regression used to identify determinants. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 14.7±2.0 years and females constituted 50.2% of them. Among the respondents, 36.1% had reported consuming alcoholic drinks but no one met the criteria for harmful alcohol use, while 8.8% had ever smoked cigarettes and only one respondent (0.2%) was a current smoker. The prevalence of poor diet (89.5%) and physical inactivity (85.9%) was, however, high. Poor diet and physical inactivity co-occurred in 369 (77.5%) respondents, while one respondent (0.2%) had three risk factors (poor diet, physical inactivity and current smoking). Being in a senior secondary school class (odds ratio, OR=1.6; 95% confidence interval, C.I.=1.04–2.39) and living with parents (OR=0.53; 0.33–0.90) were significantly associated with clustering of NCD behavioural risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of clustering of modifiable risk factors for NCDs was high among rural-based in-school adolescents in south-west Nigeria, and there is a need to mount effective interventions. Findings from this study have the potential to inform effective school-based NCD control programmes.

May 13, 2016

Knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and estimation of frequency of condom use among Iranian students based on a crosswise model

Katayon Vakilian, Seyed Abbas Mousavi, Afsaneh Keramat, Reza Chaman

Article number: 20160010

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy and condom use among Iranian students. Methods: Knowledge, attitudes towards condoms and self-efficacy of condom use questionnaire were translated and back translated. Then content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) questions higher than 0.6 and 0.71 were accepted, respectively. A “crosswise model” was used to estimate condom use. After pretest on 10 students, reliability test was done by test-re-test and Cronbach’s α. A multi stage sampling was done for 1500 students in Shahroud universities. They filled in a self administered questionnaire and gave it back to the researcher after 40–50 min. Findings: Knowledge, in females was (3.03±1.1) and in males was (3.53±0.83) (p=0.001). Also a small percentage of the students, i.e. 83 girls (9.1%) and six boys (1.1%) had good self-efficacy of condom use (p=0.001). Estimates relating to the use of condoms with a crosswise test showed that 16% of girls (CI=16, 24) and 27% of boys (CI=17, 38) had used a condom during intercourse. Conclusion: It seems that these three important indicators of reproductive health should be incorporated in AIDS control programs and training programs should emphasize it more.

August 10, 2016

Depressive symptoms, hostility, and hopelessness in inner-city adolescent health clinic patients: factor structure and demographic correlates

Kathleen A. Pajer, Michael C. Edwards, Andrea E. Lourie, Sherecce Fields, Savannah Kalman

Article number: 20160009

Abstract

Background: Depression, hostility, and hopelessness are risk factors for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD). People living in inner-city environments are particularly vulnerable. These associations may begin in adolescence, but research in this area is hampered by inadequate knowledge about how these negative psychological factors are related in teens and how they are affected by demographic characteristics. We hypothesized that depression, hostility, and hopelessness are one construct, and that this construct would be associated with race and gender in attendees at an inner-city adolescent health clinic. Methods: Two hundred and forty-six 15–18-year-old patients filled out instruments measuring depressive symptoms, hostility, and hopelessness. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine whether the negative psychological factors comprised a single construct or three separate ones. General linear modeling (GLM) was used to test the associations between demographic characteristics and the results of the factor analysis. Results: Depressive symptoms, hostility, and hopelessness were best characterized as three separate constructs, not one (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.041, 90% confidence interval (CI)=(0.035, 0.047), comparative fit index (CFI)=0.98). There were no significant relationships between demographic variables and depressive symptoms or hostility. Six percent of the variance in hopelessness scores was accounted for by gender, race, and the interaction between the two (F=3.76; p=0.006), with White males, reporting the highest levels of hopelessness. Conclusion: In an urban adolescent health clinic population, depressive symptoms, hostility, and hopelessness were best understood as three separate constructs. Hopelessness was significantly higher in White males. Implications for future clinical research on negative psychological factors in teens are discussed.

Short Communications

April 18, 2016

Japanese university students’ views on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals based on previous encounters

Nasa Ikuta, Yuji Koike, Naoko Aoyagi, Akira Matsuzaka, Kenji Ishihara, Toshie Hirohara, Fukumi Saito, Toshiyuki Takizawa

Article number: 20150121

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the acceptability of sexual minorities according to Japanese youth, we conducted a survey targeting university students. Methods: Participants were second- to fourth-year students (n=945) at Ibaraki University, Japan, who were randomly chosen for the survey to measure their attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. We divided the respondents into two groups: one group who had encounters with LGBT people, and one group with no such experience. Chi-square tests were used to compare responses between the groups. Results: More than 60% of the students considered LGBT people to be acceptable; the group with prior encounters had greater levels of acceptance compared to the group without such encounters. Conclusion: This is the first study to clarify the acceptability of sexual minorities among university students in Japan. Our data suggested that having contact with LGBT people in school life may help build an inclusive educational system.

April 9, 2016

YouTube™ videos related to human papillomavirus: the need for professional communication

Corey H. Basch, Grace Clarke Hillyer, Alyssa Berdnik, Charles E. Basch

Article number: 20150122

Abstract

YouTube™ is a frequently visited website that contains a large and diverse collection of health-related videos. The aim of this study was to identify the most popular videos on YouTube™.com related to human papillomavirus (HPV) and describe their content. This cross-sectional study involved using the search terms “HPV” and “human papillomavirus” to determine a purposive sample composed of an equal number of the most popular “professional” (n=35) and “consumer” (n=35) videos identified. Video content was analyzed and those videos related to HPV vaccination in any way were analyzed further to denote the nature of the message. The majority of videos (81.4%) provided general information related to HPV, discussed the association of HPV infection and the development of cancer (81.4%), and addressed HPV screening (64.3%). Just under one-half (n=34) of the videos addressed vaccination. Fifteen of these were neutral, while six were encouraging and 13 were discouraging. The videos included in this study were viewed ~17 million times, which indicates their potential for influencing public awareness and opinions. Of the videos devoted to HPV vaccination, few were encouraging. These videos may impede efforts to increase rates of HPV vaccination, which are already far below target levels.

April 9, 2016

Utility of salivary enzyme immunoassays for measuring estradiol and testosterone in adolescents: a pilot study

Mazen Amatoury, Jennifer W. Lee, Ann M. Maguire, Geoffrey R. Ambler, Katharine S. Steinbeck

Article number: 20150126

Abstract

Aim: We investigated the utility of enzyme immunoassay kits for measuring low levels of salivary estradiol and testosterone in adolescents and objectively assessed prevalence of blood contamination. Methods: Endocrine patients provided plasma and saliva for estradiol (females) or testosterone (males) assay. Saliva samples were also tested with a blood contamination kit. Results: Picomolar levels of salivary estradiol in females failed to show any significant correlation with plasma values (r=0.20, p=0.37). The nanomolar levels of salivary testosterone in males showed a strong correlation (r=0.78, p<0.001). A significant number of saliva samples had blood contamination. After exclusion, correlations remained non-significant for estradiol, but strengthened for testosterone (r=0.88, p<0.001). Conclusion: The salivary estradiol enzyme immunoassay is not clinically informative at low levels. Users should interpret clinical saliva with caution due to potential blood contamination. Our data supports the utility of the salivary testosterone enzyme immunoassay for monitoring adolescent boys on hormone developmental therapy.

April 9, 2016

Salivary testosterone as a potential indicator for risky behaviour associated with smoking-related peer pressure in adolescents

Adi Idris, Nur B. Ghazali, Nadzirah M. Said, Michael Steele, David Koh, Nik A. Tuah

Article number: 20150125

Abstract

Early smoking is considered an indicator for risky behaviour in adolescents. Although social indicators predicting adolescent smoking are known, biological indicators have not been defined. This study aimed to establish whether salivary testosterone could be used as a “predictive biomarker” for smoking-associated peer pressure. Saliva samples were collected from Bruneian adolescents (aged 13–17 years) by the passive drool method. Salivary testosterone concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Salivary testosterone concentration and smoking-associated peer pressure indicators were compared between adolescent males and females and statistical significance was determined by an independent samples t-test. A significant positive relationship between smoking-associated peer pressure and salivary testosterone levels in adolescents was found. However, this relationship was not significant when males and females were considered separately. Our data suggest that students who have tried cigarette smoking and have friends who are cigarette smokers have higher salivary testosterone levels.

About this journal

Objective

The International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health (IJAMH) is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, scientific journal which aims to publish original research on the promotion, prevention and improvement of adolescents’ health and well-being globally.

Starting 2025, the journal will be transferred to Diamond Open Access on a year-by-year basis. All articles will thus immediately appear under the Creative Commons license CC-BY. There will be no publication costs for the authors. The Open Access transformation is based on Subscribe-to-Open, an alternative model that enables the full Open Access transformation of journals by continuing existing subscriptions. The prerequisite for successful transformation is that subscriptions are continued to the same extent as before. The editors of the International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health and the publisher De Gruyter would therefore like to thank all subscribers for their support in making the transformation to Open Access possible.

Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of individuals during adolescence. To achieve this, we aim not only to publish research that supports their healthy growth and development but also to empower young people with chronic conditions and special health needs to successfully transition from pediatric to adult care. Starting in　2025, the journal will feature a dedicated section　"Transitions in Medicine and Health Care", focusing on this important topic. We work closely with the Society for Transition Medicine (Gesellschaft für Transitionsmedizin e.V., GfTM), whose official publication the journal is.

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, nursing, health services research, social work, psychiatry, psychology and youth work, public health and policy, and other disciplines working to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults.

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health regularly identifies focus topics that the editorial team considers to be of particular global relevance.

Focus Topics in 2024 and 2025

Innovations in Adolescent Health

Climate Change and Health

Refugee and Migrant Health

Promoting Mental Health

Diversity and Inclusion

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Our International Editorial Team is dedicated to producing a high-quality scientific journal that is essential reading for healthcare professionals, practitioners, researchers, educators, managers, policymakers, students, and other learners. All contributions submitted for publication undergo single-anonymized peer review by at least two renowned experts in the field, selected and invited by the Editors-in-Chief or the Associate Editors.

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