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Aim: Young people need protective information and skills in order to reduce the risk associated with unsafe sex. This study assessed and compared the sexual health knowledge, attitude and risk perception of in-school and out-of-school female unmarried adolescents in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design was used in which 391 in-school female adolescents (mean age: 15.9±1.4 years ) were selected from 25 private and 17 public schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria using multistage sampling method. A comparison group of 392 out-of school female adolescents (mean age: 15.5±2.5 years) was also selected from a major market in the same Local Government Area using cluster sampling technique. Data was collected from the respondents with pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires on reproductive and sexual health knowledge, risk perception and attitude, sexual behaviour, contraceptive knowledge and sources of sexual health information. Results: In-school girls demonstrated better knowledge of sexual and reproductive health compared to their out-of-school counterparts. The awareness of fertile period, contraception methods, STI and HIV transmission and prevention were all significantly better among the in-school adolescents compared to their out-of-school counterparts (P, South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH), Volume II, 2014

Биохимические показатели риска развития синдрома «относительного дефицита энергии» чаще выявляются у спортсменок раннего пубертатного возраста, что может привести к патологическим компонентам «триады женщин-атлеток». Большую роль в развитии метаболического синдрома у небольшой части (0,4–1,8%) спортсменок пубертатного возраста играют избыточная масса тела и снижение уровня липопротеинов высокой плотности. = Biochemical indicators of the risk of developing the syndrome of relative energy deficiency are more often detected in female athletes of early puberty, which can lead to pathological components of the triad of female athletes. An important role in the development of the metabolic syndrome in a small part (0.4-1.8%) of female athletes of puberty is played by overweight and a decrease in the level of high density lipoproteins.

Background: Adolescence is a very important and sensitive period of life and paying attention to the health of this period is of particular importance. Therefore, paying attention to the health of female adolescents, as future mothers, is doubly important. Objectives: This study was performed aiming to determine the physical health needs of female adolescents and related factors in the city of Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 435 high school female adolescents in the city of Tabriz using two-stage sampling method, in 2020. A demographic information form and the Female Adolescents Health Needs Questionnaire (FAHNQ; Shah Hosseini et al.) as a native questionnaire (validity=0.92, reliability=0.90) were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed by one-sample t-test, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan’s post hoc test using SPSS software version 16. Results: According to the findings, 90.34% and 9.66% of the samples attended public and non-public schools, respectively. The field of study of 53.79% of the participants was experimental sciences and 43.45% were studying in tenth grade. The level of physical health needs of female adolescents in Tabriz was high. The physical health needs of the study samples in public schools were higher than non-public schools, with twelfth-grade students more than other grades (P

Recent research has begun to focus on positive body image and how this can be supported in adolescence. Body appreciation is a key element of positive body image, and has been associated with self-reported health status, weight-related concern, family factors and psychological variables such as self-esteem. In this study we explored these associations among Hungarian adolescent females. Female high school students from two major towns in Csongrád county, Hungary (N = 454; age range from 14 to 20; M = 16.3 years, SD = 1.2) completed questionnaires assessing body appreciation, self-esteem, optimism, life satisfaction and health- and weight-related variables. Analyses revealed that body appreciation was most strongly related to self-esteem, as well as being positively associated with life satisfaction, self-perceived health, being in control of diet, and engagement in sport. Conversely, binge drinking, engaging in slimming behaviors and having eating disorders in the family were negatively associated with body appreciation. These findings provide some indications of factors that might be targetted in health education programs aiming to promote positive body image and to develop resilience against body dissatisfaction in this demographic group. Such programs should also include information of nutrition and media literacy.

This article is based on two research studies conducted on the Uruguayan Juvenile Justice System (UJJS); the first study (2011) examined female adolescent incarceration contexts, and the second one (2016) focused on female adolescents in their passage through a program of non-custodial measures. This research is aimed at understanding gendered punishment practices performed on women who are subjected to judicial measures in the UJJS, in order to give visibility to an issue that is usually silenced, among other reasons because the number of women subjected to these measures is low and due to a hegemonic male model in adolescent offense construction. Following a qualitative methodology research, combined with an ethnographic approach, I discuss the singularities characterizing the passage of female adolescents through the UJJS, by applying two strategies: (re)constructing a lost domesticity and managing bodies and sexualities. El presente artículo surge de dos investigaciones realizadas en el sistema penal juvenil uruguayo (SPJU); la primera (2011) aborda los contextos de privación de libertad de las adolescentes mujeres, la segunda (2016) trabaja con las adolescentes mujeres en su pasaje por un programa de medidas no privativas de libertad. Los objetivos de estas investigaciones buscan conocer las prácticas de castigo generizadas destinadas a las mujeres que cumplen medidas judiciales en el SPJU, de modo de visibilizar una temática que tiende a ser acallada, entre otras cosas por el escaso número de mujeres que transitan por estas medidas y por el modelo hegemónico masculino en las construcciones de la infracción adolescente. A través de una metodología cualitativa de investigación, con enfoque etnográfico discuto las singularidades de los tránsitos de las adolescentes por el SPJU, a través de dos estrategias; la (re)construcción de la domesticidad perdida y la gestión de los cuerpos y las sexualidades. Available from: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1070

Female adolescents are particularly at risk of body image concerns. These individuals tend to make greater use of Social Networks and this could lead adolescents into behaviors that increase the risk of online sexual victimization (OSV). This cross-sectional study seeks to investigate the relation between body image concerns and OSV in a sample of female adolescents (n = 229) and the mediating role of three types of risky online behaviors in this link. Body image concerns predict OSV both directly and indirectly. Two of the three risky online behaviors proved to be mediators of the indirect link, namely: indiscriminate expansion of online network of contacts; and willingness to have relationships with strangers met online. Surprisingly, the third behavior, Sexting and Exhibitionism, was not shown to be a mediating factor between body image concerns and OSV. From our results emerges that adolescent girls with a negative body perception have a higher risk of OSV, and the relation between the two variables can be mediated by some risky online behaviors. It is likely that female adolescents use SNs more and adopt risky online behaviors in order to receive gratification and reassurance about their negative body image.

Females ages 12 and older are the fastest growing segment of alcohol consumers in the United States, with the past decade showing a 16% increase in alcohol use per 12-month period and a 58% increase in high-risk drinking (i.e., > 3 drinks in a day and/or > 7 drinks in a week) per 12-month period. The increase in alcohol use and risk drinking poses unique and serious consequences for women. Women have a more rapid progression to alcohol-related problems and alcohol use disorders (AUD) than men, and if pregnant, women can potentially expose the fetus to alcohol. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based, integrated public health approach used to identify and address risky alcohol use among women in a variety of health and social service settings. This article presents the current status of SBIRT among girls ages 12 and older, women of childbearing age, and older women. Screening instruments, brief interventions, and implementation issues specific to women of all ages are described. Through this review of the current literature, care providers can determine best practices for the prevention and treatment of risk drinking in women of all ages presenting in health care settings.

Resumen Este trabajo presenta la experiencia de intervención con un grupo de niñas y adolescentes en el conjunto de Vivienda de Interés Prioritario (VIP) Plaza de la Hoja en Bogotá, en el proceso comunitario “Club Loto de la Hoja”. En ella se tuvo como objetivo el fortalecimiento de la organización colectiva y de la autonomía de las participantes a través de la transformación de los sentidos y significados que se han construido desde los sistemas de dominación patriarcal y adultocéntrico. A lo largo del proceso se tuvo como perspectiva pedagógica la educación popular apoyada en herramientas artísticas y lúdicas que llevaron al establecimiento de relaciones de cooperación, cohesión y liderazgo y a la expresión de las subjetividades al interior del grupo. Abstract This paper presents the experience of the intervention with a group of female children and adolescents in the social housing complex Plaza de la Hoja in Bogotá. Its objective was to strengthen the group organization and the autonomy of its members by transforming the meanings that there have been built by patriarchy and adultcentrism. Along the process, the pedagogical perspective was the popular education supported by artistic and playful tools; they led to the establishment of cooperation relationships, as well as cohesion, leadership and expressions of subjectivities inside the group.

Vitamin D has a pleiotropic effect and its deficiency is a risk factor for many diseases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dietary intake of vitamin D and the factors determining this intake by female post-primary school students in Poland. The study was conducted on a nationwide sample of 4469 female Polish adolescents (aged 14–20) recruited from all regions across Poland. The vitamin D intake was assessed using VIDEO-FFQ (Vitamin D Estimation Only—Food Frequency Questionnaire). The median dietary vitamin D intake was 2.33 μg per day and it was lower than the 15 μg recommended in Poland for more than 98% of the group. The highest vitamin D intake per day was noted for fish (0.52 μg), whereas the lowest was noted for fats (0.04 μg). Factors that influenced the dietary vitamin D intake were the amount and species of fish consumed, region of residence, use of vitamin D supplements, and vegetarian or vegan diets. In contrast, vitamin D intake did not depend on body mass index and age. Based on the results of the survey, it can be concluded that the alarmingly low intake of vitamin D by Polish female adolescents is a result of the limited supply of vitamin D primarily from fish and fish products. This may be due to insufficient nutritional knowledge, indicating an urgent need to educate the surveyed population in this area.

Adolescents are confronted with many reproductive health problems because of unstable conduct. This research aimed to investigate reproductive health behavior in female teens through the usage of a health belief model. This cross-sectional study was conducted in September, 2020 at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Malang, Indonesia. Data have been collected by questionnaires from 152 female high school students who were selected by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. The study found that there are relationships among perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and cues to action with p

Background: Some swimmers reach high performance level at a relatively young age. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between adolescent female swimmers’ 100 m front crawl race (Vtotal100) and several anthropometry, body composition, and physiological and specific strength indices. Methods: Nineteen adolescent female swimmers were examined for biological age (BA) and body composition. Oxygen uptake was measured during water-flume stage-test front crawl swimming with ventilatory thresholds examination. Specific strength indices were assessed during 30 s of tethered swimming. Stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were also examined. Results: BA was strongly correlated with anthropometrics and tethered swimming strength indices, and showed moderate to strong correlation with ventilatory thresholds. Speed of swimming in the race was moderately to largely correlated with speed at V˙O2&nbsp, max−VV˙O2max (r = 0.47–0.55, p &lt, 0.05)—ventilatory thresholds (VAT,&nbsp, VRCP) (r = 0.50–0.85, 0.05), SL (r = 0.58–0.62, 0.05), and SI (r = 0.79–0.81, 0.01). Conclusion: Results confirmed a significant role of biological maturation mediation on body composition and body size, ventilatory indices, and specific strength indices. BA was not a significant mediation factor influencing the swimming kinematics (SL, SI) and speeds of VAT, VRCP or VV˙O2&nbsp, max, which were strong predictors of the 100 m race.

Background Studies have examined the impact of contextual factors on the use of contraceptives among adolescents and found that many measures of income and social inequality are associated with contraceptive use. However, few have focused on maternal and primary health indicators and its influence on adolescent contraceptive use. This paper assesses whether maternal mortality rates, antenatal care visits, and primary healthcare coverage are associated with pill and condom use among female adolescents in Brazil. Methods We used data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a national, school-based cross-sectional study conducted in Brazil. A subsample of all female adolescents who had ever had sexual intercourse and were living in one of the 26 State capitals and the Federal District was selected (n = 7415). Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models were estimated to examine the effect of contextual variables on pill and condom use. Results Sixty-five percent of female adolescents reported using pill while 21.9% reported using condom during the last sexual intercourse. Adolescents living in municipalities with low maternal mortality and high antenatal care coverage were significantly more likely to use pill during the last sexual intercourse compared to those from municipalities with high maternal mortality and low antenatal care coverage. Primary healthcare coverage (proportion of the population covered by primary healthcare teams) was not significantly associated with either condom or pill use during the last sexual intercourse. Conclusion Our findings suggest that promoting the use of pill among female adolescents may require approaches to strengthen healthcare systems rather than those focused solely on individual attributes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that routine immunization coverage has declined in Europe. In this article, we present the findings of a Norman Fairclough–inspired critical discourse analysis undertaken to explore how the Danish media came to suggest a possible linkage between the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and serious side effects. The findings of the analysis highlight the social consequences of the controversy over the HPV vaccine, identified within the framework of three perspectives: (1) overall criticism of vaccine efficacy and safety, rooted in an ideological opposition; (2) a growing societal tendency to question the authority of the official health bodies; and (3) the specific controversy over the HPV vaccine. We suggest that the controversy over the HPV vaccine is rooted in an ideological conflict, and the declining acceptance implies that the perception that the vaccine causes serious side effects has gained currency among the general public.

Objective Adolescence is a critical developmental period with characteristic health risks and needs. Assessing adolescent health needs helps to improve the planning and implementation of effective interventions. This study aimed to describe the health needs and determinants of female adolescents. Methods This analytical descriptive study included 850 female students. The sampling method was multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected from a questionnaire consisting of two parts, the first probing into socio-demographic matters and the second into respondent health needs. Data analysis was performed via the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results The results showed that individuals attending private high schools not living with their parents had higher health needs than other students. Students with older fathers - particularly fathers aged 50+ years - had increased health needs. Psycho-emotional care topped the list of health needs, whereas services in the field of spiritual belief were in last place. Conclusion Our study found that the most important factors related to healthcare needs were level of education, type of school (private vs. public), and living with parents. The results of this study can be useful in designing and implementing interventions to prevent high-risk behaviors and promote adolescent health.

This observer-blind study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01462357) compared the immunogenicity and safety of two doses (2D) of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (2D of AS04-HPV-16/18) vs. two or three doses of the 4vHPV vaccine [2D or 3D of 4vHPV] in 1075 healthy girls aged 9–14 years. Girls were randomized (1:1:1) to receive 2D of AS04-HPV-16/18 at months (M) 0, 6 (N = 359), 2D of 4vHPV at M0, 6 (N = 358) or 3D of 4vHPV at M0, 2, 6 (N = 358). 351, 339 and 346 girls, respectively, returned for the concluding visit at M36. Superiority was demonstrated at M7 and M12; comparison of the immune response to both vaccine antigens was made between 2D of AS04-HPV-16/18 and 2D or 3D of 4vHPV at subsequent time points in the according-to-protocol immunogenicity cohort (ATP-I; N = 958 at M36) and the total vaccinated cohort (TVC: N = 1036 at M36). HPV-16/18-specific T-cell- and B-cell-mediated immune responses and safety were also investigated. At M36, anti-HPV-16/18 ELISA responses in the 2D AS04-HPV-16/18 group remained superior to those of the 2D and 3D 4vHPV groups. In the M36 TVC, geometric mean titers were 2.78-fold (HPV-16) and 6.84-fold (HPV-18) higher for 2D of AS04-HPV-16/18 vs. 2D of 4vHPV and 2.3-fold (HPV-16) and 4.14-fold (HPV-18) higher vs. 3D of 4vHPV. Results were confirmed by vaccine pseudovirion-based neutralisation assay. Numbers of circulating CD4+ T cells and B cells appeared similar across groups. Safety was in line with the known safety profiles of both vaccines. In conclusion, superior HPV-16/18 antibody responses were elicited by 2D of the AS04-HPV-16/18 compared with 2D or 3D of the 4vHPV vaccine in girls aged 9–14 years. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT0146235 .

The association between psychopathic traits and antisociality among females is an important and understudied area of research. Drawing on 377 female adolescents (103 se- lected from forensic settings and 274 selected from school set- tings) from Portugal, the current study examined the psychomet- ric properties of the Antisocial Process Screening Device Self- Report (APSD-SR) and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory - Short version (YPI-S) in female youth populations. When com- paring these two measures the YPI-S revealed clearer results in terms of its three-factor structure and internal consistency, and stronger convergent validity coefficients. The APSD-SR re- vealed problems in terms of its factor structure and internal consistency of its Callous-Unemotional (CU) and Impulsivity dimensions. Convergent validity was demonstrated among these measures and with measures of other facets of the psychopathy construct (CU traits, narcissism) and related constructs (reactive and proactive aggression), and discriminant validity was found with a measure of basic empathy. Expected significant associa- tions were found in terms of criterion-related validity with sev- eral indicators of delinquent careers including age of criminal onset, Conduct Disorder (CD), crime seriousness, violent crimes, alcohol use, and drug use., This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT; Grant SFRH/BPD/86666/2012) with co-financing of the European Social Fund (POPH/FSE), the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science, and by FEDER (PT2020 Partnership Agreement; UID/PSI/01662/2013).

Introduction: Obesity is an important health concern worldwide and is a growing problem in Iran. Adolescent obesity has a major role in development of adulthood obesity and its complications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated risk factors in female adolescents living in Tehran, Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 2,132 female adolescents aged 14-17 years in Tehran recruited between 2017 and 2018. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Underweight, overweight, and obesity were considered as < 5th, ≥ 85th, and ≥ 95th percentile, respectively, of CDC BMI-for age and sex criteria. Adolescents and their mothers filled in the questionnaires on physical activity, computer use, duration of breastfeeding, total sleep time, and family socioeconomic status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0 software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 24.1% and 6.5%, respectively. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were highest in the South District (28.9% and 7.7%, respectively) and were lowest in the North District (19.1% and 5.2%, respectively). There were significant differences in physical activity level (P < 0.001), total sleep time (P < 0.001), duration of breastfeeding (P < 0.01), and daily computer use (P < 0.001) among the four groups (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese). Regarding the socioeconomic status, parental education level and economic status were significantly higher in those who had normal weight compared to other weight groups (in both, P < 0.001).Conclusion: This study showed that overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Tehranhave become a major public health concern. Level of physical activity, computer use, sleep duration, breastfeeding duration, levels of parental education, and economic status were associated with overweight and obesity prevalence.

Introduction Thirty percent (30%) of all deliveries in 2014 were recorded among adolescents in Ghana, whom contraceptive use has been found to be low. Our study, therefore, aimed to retrospectively look at the trends and determinants of contraceptive use (modern and traditional) among female adolescents in Ghana. Materials and methods We used data from the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. The sample for this study comprised sexually active female adolescents aged 15–19 for each of the rounds thereby resulting in a sample of 426 in 2003, 389 in 2008 and 726 in 2014. We calculated the proportion of adolescents using contraceptives (either traditional or modern) for each of the three surveys. We computed the use of contraceptives among adolescents and the type of contraceptives used with respect to their socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to assess the determinants of contraceptive use at 95% confidence interval and Odds Ratios (OR) and p-values were reported. Results Contraceptive use declined from 22.1% in 2003 to 20.4% in 2014. Adolescents who were married had lower odds [OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.03–0.96] of using traditional methods of contraception compared to those who were not married. Those who read newspapers at least once a week were more likely to utilize modern contraceptives [OR=1.84, CI = 1.05–4.78] compared to adolescents who did not read newspapers at all. Similarly, those who watched television at least once a week were more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who did not watch television at all [OR = 2.25, CI = 1.06–4.78]. Conclusion These findings imply that intensifying educational messages on contraceptive use among adolescents using various newspapers and television stations to convey the messages and emphasizing the importance of using modern contraceptive is worthwhile., Highlights • Contraceptive use among female adolescents declined from 22.1% in 2003 to 20.4% in 2014. • Those who were married had lower chances of using traditional methods. • Female adolescents who read newspapers almost every day were more likely to utilize modern contraceptives. • Female adolescents who watched television at least once a week were more likely to use modern contraceptives.

Background: Lack of accurate menstrual knowledge, attitude, and practices leave female adolescents ignorant of the necessary health behaviors during menstruation. This study aimed to develop a menstrual health-seeking behavior questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior to evaluate its psychometric properties in female adolescents in Tehran. Methods: This study was conducted on 578 female adolescents aged 12–15 years in Tehran. The first draft of the menstrual health-seeking behavior questionnaire containing 52 items was developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The content and face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by a panel of experts. Construct validity was also assessed using exploratory factor analysis (KMO=0.73) with varimax rotation. Cranach’s alpha and test-retest were used to examine the reliability of the questionnaire. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. Results: The content and face validity of the 42 items were finally confirmed. Content validity index was greater than 0.73 for all six TPB constructs. Explanatory factor analysis yielded an acceptable fit for the six-factor model (RMSE=0.053, 95% CI 0.042–0.064). These factors jointly explained 65% of the variance in the outcome variables. Cranach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.91, demonstrating an excellent internal consistency and high reliability of the questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was also satisfactory for all items (ICC=0.86–0.94). Conclusion: The results illustrate that the menstrual health-seeking behavior questionnaire is psychometrically adequate and highly reliable. This theoretically grounded questionnaire can be well applied in future interventions for female adolescents to assess their menstrual health-related knowledge, attitude, and practices.

The present study examined the relationship between appearance-related social comparison on social networking services (SNSs) and body esteem in a cross-cultural context (three European countries, i.e., Austria, Belgium, and Spain, versus one Asian country, i.e., South Korea). The role of self-worth contingency on others&rsquo, approval was considered to be a psychological and cultural factor. Utilizing a large-scale cross-national survey of early and middle adolescents in 2017, the responses of female adolescents (N = 981) were analyzed. The results generally support the findings from previous studies but also reveal cultural differences. Appearance comparison on Facebook negatively influenced girls&rsquo, body esteem in all European countries, but not in South Korea. Self-worth contingency on others&rsquo, approval negatively influenced girls&rsquo, body esteem across all four countries. Finally, a positive relationship between self-worth contingency on others&rsquo, approval and appearance comparison on Facebook was found in all European countries, but not among Korean girls. These findings suggest the importance of self-worth contingency on others&rsquo, approval and cultural contexts can be used to study the effects of body image-related SNS use.

Background: Over the last two decades, early marriage in the Gambia declined significantly (from 58% to 30%), however this rate is still high. The reasons for the decline but continuing practice of early marriage, despite existing legislation prohibiting child marriage, are not very well understood. Very few studies have been conducted to find out what and how local factors influence decisions about early marriage in the Gambia. More information is therefore needed on underlying reasons for the persistence of early marriage in the Gambia so that program managers can use this information to design strategies to decrease early marriages. Methods: The study was conducted in 24 rural settlements in Lower Baddibu District in the North Bank Region of the Gambia. It was based on a mixed-methods design including a cross-sectional household survey with a sample of 181 female adolescents, focus group discussions with 16 male and female parents, and eight key informant interviews with community-based decision makers. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis, while survey data were analyzed using Stata. Results: The study finds that ethnicity and the fear that girls may engage in premarital sex are two important factors associated with early marriage in rural Gambia. In addition, lack of meaningful alternatives to marriage including work opportunities in rural areas may also limit the options and resources available to girls, resulting in early wedlock. Conclusions: These findings suggest that in order to decrease early marriages in rural Gambia, future efforts should focus on understanding and addressing the role of ethnicity in determining marriage patterns and allaying the fear around premarital sex.The findings also suggest a need to provide girls with employment-oriented education including vocational skills which may result into more empowerment and a delay in marriage.

Purpose: Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, this study explored the lived experiences of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers coping strategies during their transition to motherhood. Methods: Based on a phenomenological perspective, this qualitative study used in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to answer the research aim. The process of data gathering included 8 FGDs and 12 IDIs held with adolescent mothers and pregnant adolescents. Audio recordings were transcribed and imported into MAXQDA 2018 for analysis. Results: Applying the interpretative phenomenologial analysis (IPA), four key themes emerged. This included: news of pregnancy; adolescent motherhood; social support and coping strategies. The findings display female adolescents’ expressions of some of the negative aspects of motherhood they have been confronted with that have affected their lives. The dominant societal challenges posited by the adolescents included coping with economic and financial constraints, opting for unsafe abortion to reduce stigma associated with unplanned pregnancy, and managing the extra responsibility of taking care of the baby and the challenge of going back to school after delivery. Conclusion: There is the need to build social capital among community members regarding their support to improve the psychosocial well-being of adolescents during early motherhood.

In this randomized, partially-blind study ( clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT00541970), the licensed formulation of the human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (20 μg each of HPV-16/18 antigens) was found highly immunogenic up to 4 y after first vaccination, whether administered as a 2-dose (2D) schedule in girls 9-14 y or 3-dose (3D) schedule in women 15-25 y. This end-of-study analysis extends immunogenicity and safety data until Month (M) 60, and presents antibody persistence predictions estimated by piecewise and modified power law models. Healthy females (age stratified: 9-14, 15-19, 20-25 y) were randomized to receive 2D at M0,6 (N = 240 ) or 3D at M0,1,6 (N = 239). Here, results are reported for girls 9-14 y (2D) and women 15-25 y (3D). Seropositivity rates, geometric mean titers (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and geometric mean titer ratios (GMRs; 3D/2D; post-hoc exploratory analysis) were calculated. All subjects seronegative pre-vaccination in the according-to-protocol immunogenicity cohort were seropositive for anti-HPV-16 and -18 at M60. Antibody responses elicited by the 2D and 3D schedules were comparable at M60, with GMRs close to 1 (anti-HPV-16: 1.13 [95% confidence interval: 0.82-1.54]; anti-HPV-18: 1.06 [0.74-1.51]). Statistical modeling predicted that in 95% of subjects, antibodies induced by 2D and 3D schedules could persist above natural infection levels for ≥ 21 y post-vaccination. The vaccine had a clinically acceptable safety profile in both groups. In conclusion, a 2D M0,6 schedule of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine was immunogenic for up to 5 y in 9-14 y-old girls. Statistical modeling predicted that 2D-induced antibodies could persist for longer than 20 y.

ObjectiveTo investigate weight concerns among adolescent boys and relationships with health indicators and family factors.DesignAnalysis of the 2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey of 10–17-year-olds.SettingSchools in the Republic of Ireland.ResultsAmong 6187 boys, 25·1 % reported a desire to lose weight (weight ‘loss’ concern) and 7·7 % reported a desire to gain weight (weight ‘gain’ concern). Both types of weight concerns were associated with poor self-rated health, life satisfaction and happiness, and with more frequent emotional and physical symptoms. Family factors were associated with boys’ weight concerns. In adjusted analyses, the risk of weight ‘loss’ concerns decreased with daily family breakfasts (OR=0·80; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·97). The risk of weight ‘gain’ concerns decreased with frequent family evening meals (OR=0·77; 95 % CI 0·60, 0·99). Ease of communication with mother was associated with a decreased risk of weight ‘loss’ and weight ‘gain’ concerns among boys (OR=0·74; 95 % CI 0·60, 0·90 and OR=0·61; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·82, respectively). An open father–son relationship and having a father present in the home decreased the risk of weight ‘loss’ concerns (OR=0·69; 95 % CI 0·57, 0·82 and OR=0·81; 95 % CI 0·67, 0·98, respectively).ConclusionsBody weight concerns were reported by a sizeable minority of boys and were associated with negative health outcomes. The findings support the need to promote frequent family meals and facilitate open communication in families.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of sociocultural attitude towards appearance questionnaire in female adolescents. Method: This was a methodological study. The English version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian, using forward-backward method. Then the face validity, content validity and reliability were checked. To ensure face validity, the questionnaire was given to 25 female adolescents, a psychologist and three nurses, who were required to evaluate the items with respect to problems, ambiguity, relativity, proper terms and grammar, and understandability. For content validity, 15 experts in psychology and nursing, who met the inclusion criteria, were required. They were asked to assess the qualitative of content validity. To determine the quantitative content validity, content validity index and content validity ratio were calculated. At the end, internal consistency of the items was assessed, using Cronbach’s alpha method. Results: According to the expert judgments, content validity ratio was 0.81 and content validity index was 0.91. Besides, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91, and physical and developmental areas showed the highest reliability indices. Conclusion: The aforementioned questionnaire could be used in researches to assess female adolescents’ self-concept. This can be a stepping-stone towards identification of problems and improvement of adolescents’ body image.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are highly effective at preventing pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted infection (STI). Recent efforts to improve access to intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants have raised concerns about STI prevention and reduced condom use, particularly among teenagers and young women. We evaluated whether a provider-targeted intervention to increase LARC access negatively impacted dual method use and STI incidence among an at-risk patient population. We conducted a cluster randomized trial in 40 reproductive health centers across the United States from May 2011 to May 2013. After training providers at 20 intervention sites, we recruited 1500 sexually-active women aged 18-25years who did not desire pregnancy and followed them for one year. We assessed intervention effects on dual method use, condom use and STI incidence, modeling dual method use with generalized estimating equations and STI incidence with Cox proportional hazard regression models, accounting for clustering. We found no differences between intervention and control groups in dual method use (14.3% vs. 14.4%, aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.74-1.44) or condom use (30% vs. 31%, aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.79-1.35) at last sex at one year. STI incidence was 16.5 per 100 person-years and did not differ between intervention and control groups (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 0.88-1.64). A provider training intervention to increase LARC access neither compromised condom use nor increased STI incidence among young women. Dual method use was very low overall, highlighting the need to bolster STI prevention efforts among adolescents and young women.

Purpose of review Research in eating disorders in males has been active lately compared to the past. This review aims to provide an overview of the recently published studies of eating disorders in males. Recent findings Publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition has outlined more sex-neutral diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. Data of socioeconomic factors, prenatal influences, clinical characteristics, assessment, and mortality for eating disorders have been reported independently for males. Unlike in females, higher parental education showed no association with eating disorders in males, but twin or triplet status and lower gestational age at birth had an independent association with anorexia nervosa in males. Contrary to earlier suggestions, no differences in eating disorder symptoms such as binging, vomiting, or laxative abuse were observed between the sexes. Yet, males tended to score lower on eating disorder symptom measures than females. High rates of premorbid overweight and higher BMIs at various stages of eating disorders have been confirmed repeatedly. Higher age and lower BMI at admission, and restrictive anorexia nervosa subtype predicted fatal outcome for anorexia nervosa in males. Summary Contemporary research provides grounds for improved recognition, diagnosis, and treatment for males suffering from eating disorders.

Vocational identity is crystallized during adolescence and refers to the female adolescent's ability to know her qualities and defects, based on which she can decide on her future profession. Physical and sports education or the practicing physical exercises influence the decisional process – the cognitive (intellectual) process of controlling the female adolescents’ behavior in alternative conditions (Leonte, N., 2012). From this point of view, we thought we should emphasize on the existing relationship between practicing physical exercise and the choice of profession, and the intention of going to university, having in mind that the female adolescents’ vocational identity development and their career training represent one of the primordial objectives of the education process. The research methods we used are the following: bibliographical documentation, the direct pedagogical observation during the physical education classes, the enquiry method, the statistic-mathematical method, the graphic representation method. In the final testing, the groups participating in the experiment significantly increased their percentages of subjects that have chosen their profession, the significance threshold calculated by means of the dependent “Student” test being smaller than 0.05. After performing the tests, the subjects participating in the research are decided in what regards choosing the profession in proportion of 57.5% and 42.5% have not chosen their profession a thing which denotes a weak knowledge of themselves and an unclear way to follow in life. Our research data allow us to assert that the information – formation – awareness – self-organization – sports activity interrelation, where the female adolescents’ attitude is built up, ensures the motor skill self-adjustment and the motor behavior creative utilization in the permanently different life circumstances.

This randomized, partially-blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00541970) evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of 2-dose (2D) schedules of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine. Results to month (M) 24 have been reported previously and we now report data to M48 focusing on the licensed vaccine formulation (20 μg each of HPV-16 and -18 antigens) administered at M0,6 compared with the standard 3-dose (3D) schedule (M0,1,6). Healthy females (age stratified: 9–14, 15–19, 20–25 years) were randomized to receive 2D at M0,6 (n = 240) or 3D at M0,1,6 (n = 239). In the according-to-protocol immunogenicity cohort, all initially seronegative subjects seroconverted for HPV-16 and -18 antibodies and remained seropositive up to M48. For both HPV-16 and -18, geometric mean antibody titer (GMT) ratios (3D schedule in women aged 15–25 years divided by 2D schedule in girls aged 9–14 years) at M36 and M48 were close to 1, as they were at M7 when non-inferiority was demonstrated. The kinetics of HPV-16, -18, -31, and -45 antibody responses were similar for both groups and HPV-16 and -18 GMTs were substantially higher than natural infection titers. The vaccine had a clinically acceptable safety profile in both groups. In summary, antibody responses to a 2D M0,6 schedule of the licensed vaccine formulation in girls aged 9–14 years appeared comparable to the standard 3D schedule in women aged 15–25 years up to 4 years after first vaccination. A 2D schedule could facilitate implementation of HPV vaccination programs and improve vaccine coverage and series completion rates.

Little is known about the role social support may play in reducing the risk of adolescent dating violence perpetration and victimization. This study is a longitudinal analysis of the independent impact of social support from friends and parents on the risk of emotional and physical dating violence perpetration and victimization among a large sample of female youth (n = 346). Findings indicate that 22% of the sample indicated perpetrating physical dating violence against a partner, whereas almost 16% revealed being the victim of physical dating violence; 34% of the sample indicated perpetrating emotional dating violence against a partner, whereas almost 39% revealed being the victim of emotional dating violence. Negative binomial regression models indicated that increased levels of support from friends at Time 1 was associated with significantly less physical and emotional dating violence perpetration and emotional (but not physical) dating violence victimization at Time 2. Parental support was not significantly related to dating violence in any model. Implications for dating violence curriculum and future research are addressed.

Background: Previous studies revealed that female adolescents are more likely than males to engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to regulate negative emotions, however, the dimensions of emotion regulation that are associated with NSSI behavior in adolescents require further examination. The present study aimed to identify Taiwanese female adolescent clusters with NSSI engagement frequency and to evaluate the association of specific forms of emotion dysregulation with NSSI. Methods: The participants were 438 female adolescents (mean age = 15.23 years, SD = 1.24, range between 13 and 18) recruited from 11 high schools. Self-report questionnaires assessing NSSI, difficulties in emotion regulation, and positive and negative affect were administered, and 37% of respondents reported a history of NSSI. Results: The analysis of NSSI frequency yielded three groups: severe, moderate, and non-NSSI. High negative affect, low positive affect, and difficulties in all aspects of emotion regulation differentiated female adolescents in the severe NSSI group from their counterparts in the non-NSSI group. The moderate and severe NSSI groups were further distinguished by age of onset, negative affect, emotion regulation strategies, and impulse control. Adolescents classified in the severe group reported earlier onset of NSSI, higher negative affect, less emotion regulation strategies, and more difficulty with impulse control. Conclusions: The results indicate that assessments of NSSI and emotion regulation should be incorporated in youth mental health screening. The clinical implications of NSSI behavior intervention require further discussion.

Background It has been suggested that disturbances in melatonin (MEL) secretion might play a role in osteoporosis development in females with anorexia nervosa (AN). It might be hypothesized that changes in the levels of hormones of the pituitary-ovarian, -thyroid and -adrenocortical axes might mediate the potential relationship between MEL and bone tissue. Aim We investigated whether a relationship existed between MEL and LH, FSH-E2, TSH-FT3, FT4 and ACTH-cortisol axes in girls with AN. We also aimed to establish whether such a relationship might adversely affect the balance of the OPG/sRANKL system. Material/methods Eighty-six girls with AN and 21 healthy subjects aged 12.6 to 18.2 years participated in the study. The serum levels of hormones as well as OPG and sRANKL were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Discussion Our study participants with AN showed a significant reduction in body mass and body mass index (BMI), a decrease in LH, E2 and FT3 concentrations, increased MEL concentration at 02.00 hours and increased amplitude between its nocturnal and morning levels (Δ MEL2.00/9.00) as well as an increase in cortisol concentration. These changes were associated with a significant increase of OPG and sRANKL levels and a decrease in the OPG/sRANKL ratio. BMI values correlated positively with LH, FSH, E2, FT3 and the OPG/sRANKL ratio while the correlation between BMI and cortisol was negative. Δ MEL2.00/9.00 correlated positively with cortisol and negatively with LH, FSH, E2, FT3 concentrations and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. A positive correlation was observed between LH, E2 and the OPG/sRANKL ratio as well as between cortisol and sRANKL while the correlation between LH and OPG as well as between cortisol and the OPG/sRANKL ratio was negative. E2 and LH were shown to be significant and independent predictors of Δ MEL2.00/9.00. LH turned out to be a significant and independent predictor of OPG, cortisol and FT3 were significant and independent predictors of sRANKL, while LH, E2, Δ MEL2.00/9.00 and FT3 were significant predictors of the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Conclusions Alterations in OPG and sRANKL levels observed in girls with AN are associated with changes in nocturnal MEL secretion, the circadian rhythm of MEL, and LH, E2, FT3 and cortisol levels. Dysregulation of the relationships between MEL and LH, E2, FT3 and cortisol found in girls with AN might affect the balance of the OPG/sRANKL system. Low values of the OPG/sRANKL ratio associated with high OPG and sRANKL levels suggest some defect in the mechanism compensating for bone remodeling disturbances.

Background: Female distance runners are predisposed to thinness for performance reasons and at greater risk for health-related consequences than the general population. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the secular trends in thinness among competitive distance runners in Japanese high schools with sex-specific comparison. Methods: Body mass index (BMI) were analysed in 9,881 female and 12,786 male runners participating in the annual national road relay races between 1989 and 2014 using the directory of a track and field magazine. The age-specific trends of these variables and the prevalence of thinness were tested by linear and logistic regression, respectively. Results: Although BMI declined significantly among both male and female runners (coefficients: boys, -0.033, -0.030, and -0.032; girls, -0.033, -0.034, and -0.034 [all P < 0.001] in 15.5-, 16.5-, and 17.5-year-olds, respectively), the prevalence of severely thin runners significantly increased only among girls (odds ratios for the yearly change = 1.05 and 1.06 [both P < 0.01] for 16.5- and 17.5-year-olds, respectively). Only 0.13% of male runners were regarded as severely thin throughout the study period. Conclusions: The results suggested that severely thin girl runners has steadily increased. Surveys on the health consequences of extreme thinness are necessary for the female adolescent runners.

Introduction: Menstruation is a normal physiologic phenomenon which is indicative that a woman is ready for her reproductive roles. Adolescents are often uninformed and inexperienced on most health‑related issues including menstruation. This study therefore hopes to determine the common menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent females. Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study involving women aged 14–18 years. A pretested questionnaire was administered by trained female clinical assistants to those who cannot read and write; however, literate respondents self‑administered the questionnaires. Results: Three hundred and ninety‑six (95.4%) of the respondents were aware of menstruation before their first period. Four hundred and two (96.9%) respondents believed menstruation was caused by the age of maturity, while 13 (3.1%) reported failure of fertilization of the ovum resulted in menstruation. Close relations were common source of information on menstruation; however, the age of menarche ranged from 9 to 18 years, with a mean age of 13.4 ± 1.5 years. Sixty‑one (14.7%) respondents used clean cloth for menses, 271 (65.3%) used sanitary pad, while 83 (20.0%) used tampon. However, 55 (13.3%) reused their sanitary wares. Most respondents changed their sanitary wares twice in a day; they mostly bath twice in a day even during their periods. Conclusion: Most respondents were aware of menstruation before their menarche and their close relatives were their common source of information on menstruation, 13 years was the mean age of menarche; most respondents used sanitary pads; however, 20% of them still used tampons. Keywords: Female adolescents; menstrual hygiene; menstruation; sanitary wares

Amac: Bu calismanin amaci, Cocuk Esirgeme Kurumu (CEK)’ndaki cocuklarin agiz sagligi durumlarini, bilgilerini ve aliskanliklarini degerlendirmektir. Hastalar ve Yontem: CEK’nda ikamet eden, yaslari 12-18 arasinda degisen 55 kiz cocugunun agiz sagligi bilgileri ve aliskanliklari doldurduklari anket formlari kullanilarak degerlendirilmistir. Cocuklarin curuk duzeyini olcmek icin Dunya Saglik Orgutu (WHO) kriterlerinden DMFS; Decayed (Curuk), Missing (Eksik), Filled (Dolgulu), Surface (Yuzey) Indeksi, periodontal bulgulari degerlendirmek amaciyla da Gingival Indeks (GI) ve Plak Indeksi (PI) kullanilmistir. Calismanin verileri Tek yonlu varyans analizi, Tukey HSD ve Student t testleri kullanilarak istatistiksel olarak analiz edilmistir. Bulgular: On dort cocugun dis hekimligi korkusu oldugu belirlenmistir. Cocuklarin % 52,7’si estetik gorunuslerinden memnun olmadiklarini belirtmislerdir. Cocuklarin %78,2’si dis fircalamanin dis curuklerini onledigini bilmesine ragmen sadece 18 cocuk her gun duzenli olarak sabah ve aksam dislerini fircalamayi tercih etmektedir. Cocuklarin ortalama DMFS skoru 13.18±5.68, GI skoru 1.35±0.37 ve PI skoru 1.33±0.45 olarak hesaplanmistir. Sadece 11 cocuk (%20) dis ipi kullandigini belirtmistir. Dis ipi kullanan cocuklar ile kullanmayan cocuklar DMFS skorlari acisindan karsilastirildiklarinda, istatistiksel olarak anlamli bir fark gorulmezken, ayni grubun ortalama GI ve PI skorlari arasinda istatistiksel olarak anlamli bir fark bulunmustur (p Sonuc: CEK’nda ikamet eden kiz cocuklarinin dis curuklerinin ve diseti kanamalarinin sebeplerini bildigi anlasilmaktadir. Bu toplulugun agiz sagligi olumlu davranislarin iyi yonetilmesi ile belirgin bir iyilesme gosterebilir

The present study modeled the direct relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and adolescent peer-to-peer sexual victimization (APSV) and the mediated effect via variables representing the number of sexual partners, sexual risk behavior, and signaling sexual boundaries. A cross-sectional study on the effect of CSA on APSV was conducted, utilizing a multiple mediator model. Mediated and direct effects in the model were estimated employing Mplus using bootstrapped percentile based confidence intervals to test for significance of mediated effects. The study employed 327 Danish female adolescents with a mean age of 14.9 years (SD = 0.5). The estimates from the mediational model indicated full mediation of the effect of CSA on APSV via number of sexual partners and sexual risk behavior. The current study suggests that the link between CSA and APSV was mediated by sexual behaviors specifically pertaining to situations of social peer interaction, rather than directly on prior experiences of sexual victimization. The present study identifies a modifiable target area for intervention to reduce adolescent sexual revictimization.

Background. Cervical cancer is a major public health problem for women in sub-Saharan Africa. Availability of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could have an important public health impact. Methods. In this phase IIIb, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial (NCT00481767), healthy African girls and young women seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were stratified by age (10–14 or 15–25 years) and randomized (2:1) to receive either HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (n = 450) or placebo (n = 226) at 0, 1, and 6 months. The primary objective was to evaluate HPV-16/18 antibody responses at month 7. Seropositivity rates and corresponding geometric mean titers (GMTs) were measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Results. In the according-to-protocol analysis at month 7, 100% of initially seronegative participants in the vaccine group were seropositive for both anti–HPV-16 and anti–HPV-18 antibodies (n = 130 and n = 128 for 10– 14-year-olds, respectively; n = 190 and n = 212 for 15–25-year-olds). GMTs for HPV-16 and HPV-18 were higher in 10–14-year-olds (18 423 [95% confidence interval, 16 185–20 970] and 6487 [5590–7529] enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units (EU)/mL, respectively) than in 15–25-year-olds (10 683 [9567–11 930] and 3743 [3400–4120] EU/mL, respectively). Seropositivity was maintained at month 12. No participant withdrew owing to adverse events. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions. The HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine was highly immunogenic and had a clinically acceptable safety profile when administered to healthy HIV-seronegative African girls and young women.

BACKGROUND Only scarce data exist concerning the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or its sulfate form DHEAS and bone status in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). AIM We investigated whether a relationship existed between DHEAS and bone metabolism (as assessed based on serum osteocalcin [OC], and collagen type I cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide [CTx]). We also aimed to establish whether the above mentioned relationship might be affected by osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its soluble ligand sRANKL. MATERIAL/METHODS Fifty-six female patients with AN and 21 healthy female subjects aged 13 to 16 years participated in the study. Serum DHEAS, OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Our female patients with AN demonstrated significant suppression of DHEAS and bone markers, an increase in OPG and sRANKL levels, and a reduction of the OPG/sRANKL ratio. DHEAS, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio correlated positively with BMI. A significant positive correlation was also observed between DHEAS and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, OC and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and CTx and sRANKL. The correlation was negative in the case of DHEAS and CTx, DHEAS and sRANKL, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and sRANKL and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS DHEAS suppression in girls with anorexia nervosa was associated with a decrease in the levels of bone markers, an increase in OPG and sRANKL concentrations and a significant decrease in the OPG/sRANKL ratio. DHEAS suppression in girls with anorexia nervosa might have a harmful effect on their bone tissue, probably via a shift in the OPG/RANKL ratio toward a functional excess of sRANKL.

This paper illustrates the use of composite first person narrative interpretive methods, as described by Todres, across a range of phenomena. This methodology introduces texture into the presently understood structures of phenomena and thereby creates new understandings of the phenomenon, bringing about a form of understanding that is relationally alive that contributes to improved caring practices. The method is influenced by the work of Gendlin, Heidegger, van Manen, Gadamer, and Merleau-Ponty. The method’s applicability to different research topics is demonstrated through the composite narratives of nursing students learning nursing practice in an accelerated and condensed program, obese female adolescents attempting weight control, chronically ill male parolees, and midlife women experiencing distress during menopause. Within current research, these four phenomena have been predominantly described and understood through quantified articulations that give the reader a structural understanding of the phenomena, but the more embodied or ‘‘contextual’’ human qualities of the phenomena are often not visible. The ‘‘what is it like’’ or the ‘‘unsaid’’ aspects of such human phenomena are not clear to the reader when proxies are used to ‘‘account for’’ a variety of situated conditions. This novel method is employed to re-present narrative data and findings from research through first person accounts that blend the voices of the participants with those of the researcher, emphasizing the connectedness, the ‘‘we’’ among all participants, researchers, and listeners. These re-presentations allow readers to develop more embodied understandings of both the texture and structure of each of the phenomena and illustrate the use of the composite account as a way for researchers to better understand and convey the wholeness of the experience of any phenomenon under inquiry. Key words: Composite first person narrative, phenomenology, female adolescents, obesity, accelerated nursing program, male parolees, reintegration, healthcare, distress, menopause(Published: 12 April 2011)Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2011, 6: 5882 - DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v6i2.5882

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between weight reduction behaviour among non-overweight schoolchildren and dietary habits, perception of health, well-being and health complaints.DesignAnalysis of the 2006 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey, a cross-sectional study involving schoolchildren aged 10–17 years.SettingSchools in the Republic of Ireland.ResultsThe proportion of children (n3599) engaged in weight reduction behaviour (‘dieting’ among non-overweight students) was 10·3 %. Older children, females and those from higher social classes (SC) were more likely to report such behaviour. Non-overweight schoolchildren who reported weight reduction behaviour were less likely than those not engaged in such behaviour to frequently consume sweets, soft drinks, crisps and chips/fried potatoes (OR from 0·39 (95 % CI 0·17, 0·89) to 0·72 (95 % CI 0·53, 0·99)); were more likely to consume diet soft drinks (OR 1·50 (95 % CI 1·03, 2·18); and were more likely to miss breakfast during the week (OR 0·62 (95 % CI 0·48, 0·80). The risk of subjective health complaints increased (OR from 1·47 (95 % CI 1·13, 1·91) to 1·92 (95 % CI 1·48, 2·49)); as did body dissatisfaction (OR 9·17 (95 % CI 6·99, 12·02)), while perception of health and well-being decreased (OR 0·47 (95 % CI 0·36, 0·61)) to 0·54 (95 % CI 0·41, 0·70)). All analyses were controlled for age, gender and SC.ConclusionsWeight reduction behaviour among non-overweight schoolchildren is associated with considerable risk to physical health and emotional well-being. Since the risks associated with such behaviour varies by weight status, health professionals and researchers need to consider these issues in parallel.

Subject and methods: Eight hundred and twenty six female adolescents from two randomly selected female only secondary in llorin metropolis were interviewed with respect to their sexual behaviour and knowledge of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Results: The age ranged between 11 and 20years. Sexual activity is significantly associated with respondent's family type (polygamy and socio –economic status). Seven hundred and forty four (90.1%) had ever discussed sexual topic. About three –fifth 440(59.1%) had the first discussion with friends /peer. Five hundred and twenty six (63%) knew one or two symptoms of STD. Two hundred and eighty eight (34.9%) knew the condom use could prevent STD. Three hundred and eighty six (46.7) had experienced sexual intercourse. The youngest age at first sexual intercourse was 11 years with a mean age of 15.9years. In 140 (32.2%) of those that had sexual experience, the sexual partner was older and in 81(21%) there was some element of force/coercion. Motive for the first sexual intercourse included curiosity 149(38.6%), financial reward/inducement 97(25.1%) and urging of friends 85(22%). Conclusions: It is recommended that sex education should start at primary school level to educate female teenagers on the dangers of early initiation of sexual activity; and ways of protecting themselves against the sexual advances of the male gender. Key Words: Female adolescents, Sexual behavior, knowledge, Sexually transmitted disease; llorin. Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol.8(1) 2004: 10-16

mentally disabled adolescents besides experiencing barriers to the aspect of intelligence, they also have a drag on the aspect of social adaptation. They are less favored by other adolescents because of their behaviors that do not comply with the norms of society such as masturbating in any place, kissing anyone without shame, even having sexual intercourse, which in turn lead to pregnancy. Other conditions that make people in general dislike them because they look slouchy at the time of menstruation. Mentally disabled girls often do not realize if their shirt had been red by blood because her underwear is wet. The learning that leads to solving the above problem is the lesson of Self-Development. Self-Development means training skills for mentally disabled children to enable them to take care for themselves such as dressing, bathing, to the toilet (urinating, defecating) and to skillfully perform Vulva Hygiene. The obstacles faced in the Self-Development learning is in the lack of facilities and equipment to train the activity and the ability of teachers to find strategies, media and task analysis of the issues.Keywords: mentally disabled, female adolescents, Self-DevelopmentAbstrak, remaja tunagrahita selain mengalami hambatan pada aspek kecerdasan, mereka pun memiliki hambatan pada aspek adaptasi sosial. Mereka kurang disukai oleh remaja seusianya berkaitan dengan perilaku yang tidak sesuai dengan norma masyarakat seperti melakukan masturbasi disembarang tempat, tanpa rasa malu mencium siapa saja, bahkan melakukan hubungan seksual yang pada akhirnya menyebabkan kehamilan. Kondisi lain yang membuat orang pada umumnya kurang menyukai karena mereka berpenampilan jorok pada saat mengalami menstruasi. Anak tunagrahita tidak menyadari bajunya sudah merah oleh darah karena pakaian dalamnya sudah basah. Pembelajaran yang mengarah pada pemecahan masalah diatas yaitu pelajaran Bina Diri. Bina Diri berarti melatih keterampilan anak tunagrahita untuk mampu merawat diri seperti berpakaian, mandi, ke toilet (BAK, BAB) dan terampil melakukan Vulva Hygiene. Kendala – kendala yang dihadapi dalam pembelajaran Bina Diri berupa sarana dan alat untuk melatih kegiatan itu serta kemampuan guru dalam mencari strategi, media dan analisis tugas dari berbagai persoalan itu.Kata kunci : Anak Tunagrahita, Bina Diri.

Background A previous study on obese female adolescents in Yogyakarta done in the year 2007 suggests that genetic factors might influence insulin resistance. One genetic factor that has been associated \\lith insulin resistance in other populations is the 􀁐55C;T polymorphism in the uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) gene. Objective To investigate an association between the 􀁐55C;T polymorphism in the UCP3 gene and insulin resistance in obese female adolescents in Yogyakarta. Methods A total of79 obese female adolescents were enrolled in this cross􀁐sectional study. Genotyping of the 􀁐 5 SC/T polymorphism in the UCP3 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction􀁐 restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR􀁐RFLP). Results The TiT homozygous individuals had a higher risk of insulin resistance (OR 2.3; 95% CI 0.4 to 14.1), as well as higher fasting insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA􀁐IR) compared to individuals v.ith other genotypes. The T allele carriers also had a higher risk of insulin resistance (OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.7 to 2.5), as well as higher fasting insulin concentration and HOMA􀁐 IR compared to C allele carriers. However, none of these results were statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion The TiT genotype and T allele of the UCP3 gene 􀁐55CiT polymorphism was not significantly associated increased risk of insulin resistance in obese female adolescents in Yogyakarta. [Paediatr lndanes. 2012;52:152-6].

Background: Despite clear reasons for necessity of sexual health education for adolescents, it is a contested issue and has faced challenges in most cultures. Providing sexual education for non-married adolescents is culturally unacceptable in most Muslim societies. Objective: This qualitative study addressed socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for female adolescents in Iran. Materials and Methods: Qualitative data from female adolescents (14-18 yr), mothers, teachers, authorities in health and education organizations, health care providers and clergies were collected in two large cities of Iran including Mashhad and Ahvaz through focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis with MAXqda software. Results: Our results revealed that the main socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for adolescents in Iran are affected by taboos surrounding sexuality. The emergent categories were: denial of premarital sex, social concern about negative impacts of sexual education, perceived stigma and embarrassment, reluctance to discuss sexual issues in public, sexual discussion as a socio-cultural taboo, lack of advocacy and legal support, intergenerational gap, religious uncertainties, and imitating non-Islamic patterns of education. Conclusion: It seems that cultural resistances are more important than religious prohibitions, and affect more the nature and content of sexual health education. However, despite existence of salient socio-cultural doubtful issues about sexual health education for adolescents, the emerging challenges are manageable to some extent. It is hoped that the acceptability of sexual health education for adolescents could be promoted through overcoming the cultural taboos and barriers as major obstacles.