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Background: Efforts to engage boys and young men in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Sweden remain limited, with only a small proportion accessing youth clinics, the primary providers of such services. Existing initiatives are often ad-hoc and lack institutionalization within public policy and practice. This study aims to identify feasible and effective interventions to improve boys' and young men's access to youth clinics in Sweden. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study investigates interventions, strategies, and factors influencing access to SRH services for boys and young men in Sweden. Firstly, a systematic literature review will be conducted to identify evaluated interventions globally. Secondly, strategies to attracts boys and young men in youth clinics in Sweden will be mapped. Thirdly, case studies in two regions in Sweden – chosen for their demographic and geographic diversity – will be conducted interviewing healthcare providers, managers, policymakers, and boys and young men. Lastly, Q-methodology will be used to rank all identified strategies. Healthcare providers and managers will rank these strategies based on their perceived effectiveness and feasibility while boys and young men will rank the interventions based on perceived effectiveness. Discussion: The added value of this project is generating robust evidence regarding boys and young men's involvement in SRH services, especially their access to youth clinics. This is crucial for (1) developing gender-sensitive services and service delivery models that effectively promote young men's SRH; (2) informing future young men's health policies ensuring that their unique SRH concerns are addressed; and (3) improving young men's participation in SRH provision. This will ultimately foster a culture of shared responsibilities and advance gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence marks a crucial period for the establishment of physical health and fitness, shaping future adult health trajectories. This study aimed to investigate the changes in health-related fitness concerning age among adolescent boys. A sample of 80 students aged 13-16 from Upashahar Maddhamic Viddalay, Jashore, was selected at random to assess health-related fitness components including low back and hamstring flexibility, abdominal muscle strength endurance, upper-body strength (chin-ups), and body composition. Fitness was assessed by measuring the components of Health-Related Physical Fitness as prescribed by AAHPERD (1984). In addition to these fitness components the body composition of the subjects was assessed by measuring triceps and subscapular skin folds, all their parameters were the criteria for measurement in the present study. Statistical analyses, including mean values, standard deviation, and 't' tests (where table value at .05 levels for of 38 was 2.02), were conducted to determine significant differences across age groups. The results indicate that abdominal muscle strength endurance, as measured by sit-ups, showed significant differences at .05 level between age groups, with class VII and IX exhibiting higher mean values compared to class VIII and X. This suggests that factors such as academic pressure and lifestyle choices may impact physical fitness levels among adolescent boys. However, when considering upper-body strength, flexibility, and body fat percentage, the study did not find significant differences between age groups. This indicates that these aspects of health-related fitness may be less influenced by age alone and more by individual factors or environmental influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Efforts to engage boys and young men in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Sweden remain limited, with only a small proportion accessing youth clinics, the primary providers of such services. Existing initiatives are often ad-hoc and lack institutionalization within public policy and practice. This study aims to identify feasible and effective interventions to improve boys’ and young men’s access to youth clinics in Sweden. Methods Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study investigates interventions, strategies, and factors influencing access to SRH services for boys and young men in Sweden. Firstly, a systematic literature review will be conducted to identify evaluated interventions globally. Secondly, strategies to attracts boys and young men in youth clinics in Sweden will be mapped. Thirdly, case studies in two regions in Sweden – chosen for their demographic and geographic diversity – will be conducted interviewing healthcare providers, managers, policymakers, and boys and young men. Lastly, Q-methodology will be used to rank all identified strategies. Healthcare providers and managers will rank these strategies based on their perceived effectiveness and feasibility while boys and young men will rank the interventions based on perceived effectiveness. Discussion The added value of this project is generating robust evidence regarding boys and young men’s involvement in SRH services, especially their access to youth clinics. This is crucial for (1) developing gender-sensitive services and service delivery models that effectively promote young men’s SRH; (2) informing future young men’s health policies ensuring that their unique SRH concerns are addressed; and (3) improving young men’s participation in SRH provision. This will ultimately foster a culture of shared responsibilities and advance gender equality.

There is an insufficiency of data on the characteristics of physical performance of schoolchildren in the critical period of ontogenesis associated with pubertal development.The aim of the study. To determine the factors and level of physical performance of schoolchildren aged 13–14 years, taking into account pubertal development.Methodology. The study involved healthy male adolescents aged 13–14 years (n = 165). Five stages of puberty were determined. To diagnose the level of physical performance, a complex of functional and ergometric tests and a battery of motor tests were used. The structure of performance was determined based on the factor analysis.Results and discussion. We determined the factors characterizing physical performance: aerobic capacity; absolute aerobic power; anaerobic alactic performance; anaerobic glycolytic performance; relative aerobic power. The identified factors are associated with zones of relative power. It has been established that during puberty, changes in indicators combined into different factors occur non-linearly and non-simultaneously. The results of the study show that subjects of the same age with stages II, III and IV of puberty differ in the level of key bioenergetic performance criteria. Transition to higher stages of puberty is accompanied with progressive dynamics of most indicators associated with factors of anaerobic performance, while indicators of aerobic power and capacity change in different directions, showing in some cases a tendency to temporarily decrease.Conclusion. It is advisable to use the results of the study when organizing various types of monitoring the functional state and regulation of aerobic and anaerobic physical activity in adolescents aged 13–14 years at different stages of puberty. The obtained materials can serve as a scientific basis for improving the physical education system in order to increase the functional capabilities of children’s bodies during the critical period of ontogenesis associated with pubertal development

Background Better affordability of data plans and an increase in “budget” smartphones have resulted in an exponential rise in internet and smartphone users. The ease of access to sexually explicit material (SEM) coupled with adolescents’ impulsivity makes them prone to excessive SEM exposure and may affect the development of sexuality via the perceived realism of such content. This study was done to study the influence between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and sexuality development among late adolescent boys. Methods One hundred and thirty-four adolescents aged 18-19 years, studying in a medical university, participated in this cross-sectional study. Smartphone Addiction Scale – short version (SAS-SV) to evaluate PSU and a content validated semi-structured proforma to evaluate gender identity, sexual orientation, sources of information on pubertal changes, and exposure to pornographic content was used. We expressed results as proportion and summary measures (Mean±SD), Chi-square test to find influence between PSU and adolescent sexuality development. Results We found a 45.5% prevalence of PSU. Among study participants, 88% were attracted to the opposite sex, 6% were attracted to the same-sex, and 6% were attracted to both sexes. Three per cent of participants liked wearing clothes of the opposite sex, 7.5% wanted to be members of the opposite sex, whereas 10.4% were not comfortable with their genitalia. They obtained information regarding pubertal changes from friends (85) and media (78). Many had exposure to pornographic content (90%), with the youngest being nine years old. Conclusion Nearly half of the late adolescents have PSU. Pornographic contents are accessed through Smartphones.

Abstract Background Disordered eating refers to unhealthy, sometimes excessive eating including so-called compensatory behaviours such as extreme dieting or voluntary vomiting. Between 24% and 30% of adolescent boys are suggested to engage in disordered eating, making it a significant public health issue. However, current instruments for assessing disordered eating among adolescents have been primarily developed and validated for girls and women, which may make for flawed assessment of boys. The aim of this study is to shed light on adolescent boys’ perceptions of eating, weight, and food intake to better understand their perspectives in service of disordered eating research. Methods This exploratory study was conducted from May to November 2022 using focus groups with a total of 39 adolescent boys (aged 12–19 years) who attended 7th to 12th grade in one of four schools in Southern Sweden. In addition, participants completed a form with questions on background demographics and eating habits. The transcripts of the focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The quantitative data showed that around one third of the adolescent boys were overweight or obese. They ate at least one meal per day with the family and ate healthy food about five days per week and unhealthy food about three. Analysis of the qualitative data yielded six themes: The intertwined relationship between food and one’s health, “Don’t worry, food makes you happy,” “To be hungry or not. That is the question,” Boys DO care about appearances, Dieting and weight gain, and Disordered eating is a tricky matter. Conclusion Adolescent boys appeared to have a good understanding of food and healthy eating. They also experienced body positivity and seemed to have only minor issues regarding their weight. The primarily pathological perspective used to measure disordered eating among girls seems in need of revision to adhere to boys’ thoughts and ideas regarding eating and weight.

Background: Human growth and maturation are continuous processes, and transition from childhood into adulthood is not abrupt, the period of adolescence encompasses rapid changes in physical changes and maturation, and in psychological development. Objective: To study the dietary habit, mean calorie intake and mean protein intake of last 24 hours in the study population. Materials and Methods: The present cross- sectional study was conducted in the field practice areas of Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan and Urban Health Training Centre, Aligarh, of the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University. Results: Majority of students (91.6%) used to take meals three times a day and only 8.4% used to had meal twice a day, out of them most of them were from rural area. mean calorie and mean protein intake being less in whole age group of 10-19 years than the reference values given by ICMR 2010. Total mean calorie of 10-19 years age group was 1995.09 in urban and 2056.07 in rural area. Total mean protein intake of 10-19 years age group was 44.56 gm/day in urban and 41.44 gm/day in rural area. Conclusion: Overall 98.77% rural and 94.92% urban students were found to be deficit in calorie intake in 24 hours recall method and protein intake was deficit in 84.37% urban and 93.44% rural students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one-quarter of the world's population is suffering from anemia, out of which 12.7% of men suffer from anemia around the globe. In India, anemia is a moderate public health problem (ranging from 20 to 39.9%). Prevalence of anemia is 25% in men and 31% in adolescent boys, in India. In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in anemia prevalence among adolescent boys (15–19 years) in 23 states, and among men (15–49 years) in 17 states. Anemia in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is a severe public health problem. Despite being a vital issue, indicators for anemia in men are not given due importance in national health statistics reports. This article highlights the issue to prioritize men's health in the context of anemia at state and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Excessive use of smartphones can cause a decrease in physical activity. The present study aims at analysing and comparing the relationship between smartphone screen time and physical activity in a sample of Czech and Slovak secondary school male students. The survey instrument (nonstandardised) for measuring smartphone screen time and physical activity was intentional sampling of 1225 Czech and Slovak secondary school male students (aged 17.50 ± .65 years) who attended the last year of secondary schools. Chi-square test (χ2) and descriptive statistics were used to analyse and compare the data. Determining the relationship between smartphone screen time and physical activity was carried out for 9 months. After analysing the data, it turned out that 42.12% (n = 516) of the survey group pointed to 1 to 3 hours/ day of smartphone screen time (p ˂ 0.01). When evaluating their smartphone screen time, the survey group (n = 1225) considered it as adequate (58.21%, n = 713) (p ˂ 0.01). In terms of the smartphone screen time activity, the survey group (n = 1225) preferred social networking services (53.58%, n = 656) (p ˂ 0.01). Smartphone apps are adequate tools not only to improve quality of life, but also to promote leisure- time physical activity among adolescent boys.

Introduction: The demand for appearance and performance enhancing substances, including muscle building supplements and anabolic androgenic steroids, is increasing in Australia. However, little is known about the associations between appearance and performance-based factors and appearance and performance enhancing substances (APES), particularly among adolescent boys. This study sought to examine (a) the prevalence of muscle building supplement use in a sample of adolescent boys and (b) how both performance and appearance factors relate to muscle building supplement use and favourable attitudes towards anabolic androgenic steroids in this sample. Method: N = 488 adolescent boys aged 13-16 (Mage = 14.59) from nine Australian schools completed measures of supplement use, favourable attitudes towards using steroids, muscle dissatisfaction, body fat dissatisfaction, mesomorphic ideal internalisation, weight training, and sports participation. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to examine cross-sectional correlates of muscle building supplement use and favourable attitudes towards using anabolic androgenic steroids. Results: In the past three months, 12.7% of the sample had used muscle building supplements. Both appearance and performance-related factors - mesomorphic ideal internalisation and weight training - were related to muscle building supplement use. Only one appearance-related factor - body dissatisfaction - was related to favourable attitudes towards anabolic androgenic steroids. Discussion: The findings from this study are important as they may help to guide intervention strategies regarding appearance and performance enhancing substance use by Australian adolescent boys, with the ultimate goal of ensuring this population's safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educating boys about puberty and menstruation has been hypothesized to aid in reducing menstrual stigma and negative attitudes about menstruation. We developed and piloted a school-based intervention for girls and boys to increase knowledge about puberty and foster a more supportive environment for menstruating schoolgirls. In this sub-study, we conducted 24 formative in-depth interviews and four group vignette exercises for schoolboys to develop the intervention package. We then carried out pre- and postintervention surveys and conducted four follow-up focus group discussions to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the intervention package among schoolboys and to develop recommendations for scale up. During the formative phase, boys reported minimal knowledge concerning puberty but felt puberty education was vital for all. Following the intervention, boys' awareness of menstruation increased compared to baseline [PD: 15%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2, 29]. The reported comfort level of discussing puberty-related issues in a school club or with friends also increased [PD: 13%; 95% CI: 2, 24]. In focus groups, boys reported finding the sessions helpful and informative. Engagement of schoolboys, combined with well-delivered intervention materials and social and behavior change communication interventions is feasible and can contribute to a more supportive and girl-friendly environment in schools. HIGHLIGHTS Establishing a common pool of accurate information about puberty and menstruation creates room for open discussion and destigmatization of menstruation.; Engagement of schoolboys, combined with well-delivered intervention materials and social and behavior change communication interventions can contribute to more supportive and girl-friendly environments in schools. This in turn may contribute to lower school dropout rates.;

Approximately one-quarter of the world's population is suffering from anemia, out of which 12.7% of men suffer from anemia around the globe. In India, anemia is a moderate public health problem (ranging from 20 to 39.9%). Prevalence of anemia is 25% in men and 31% in adolescent boys, in India. In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in anemia prevalence among adolescent boys (15–19 years) in 23 states, and among men (15–49 years) in 17 states. Anemia in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is a severe public health problem. Despite being a vital issue, indicators for anemia in men are not given due importance in national health statistics reports. This article highlights the issue to prioritize men's health in the context of anemia at state and national levels.

Anderson Bendera, Keiko Nakamura, Kaoruko Seino, Saber Al-Sobaihi Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Division of Public Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Keiko Nakamura, Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Division of Public Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan, Tel +81 3-5803-4048, Fax +81-3-5803-4034, Email nakamura.ith@tmd.ac.jpBackground: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains the leading cause of years of life lost among adolescent boys in eastern and southern Africa. Medical male circumcision (MMC) is a cost-effective one-time intervention that can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV acquisition in men by approximately 60%. Despite its importance in HIV prevention, the uptake of MMC remains suboptimal among adolescent boys. This study aimed to identify factors associated with low MMC uptake among adolescent boys in Tanzania.Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the 2016– 17 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants’ characteristics. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with low MMC uptake among adolescent boys.Results: A total of 2605 older adolescents (15– 19 years) and 1296 young adolescents (10– 14 years) were analyzed. The MMC uptake rates among older and young adolescents were 56.5% and 45.1%, respectively. Lower MMC uptake was found among respondents in rural areas (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28– 0.57), in the traditionally non-circumcising zone (aRRR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.23– 0.41), participants with no formal education (aRRR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.23– 0.41), and those living in lower wealth quintile households (aRRR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11– 0.36). Respondents who were not covered by health insurance (aRRR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48– 0.94) and those who had no comprehensive HIV knowledge (aRRR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44– 0.70) were also found to have lower uptake of MMC.Conclusion: To achieve and maintain high MMC coverage, MMC interventions for HIV prevention should focus on uncircumcised adolescent boys who are rural residents, of lower socioeconomic status, and residing in traditionally non-circumcising communities. Furthermore, dissemination of HIV knowledge and increasing health insurance coverage may encourage more adolescent boys to undergo MMC.Keywords: adolescent boys, HIV prevention, medical male circumcision, Tanzania

Abstract Background Multiple sexual partnership (MSP) is a major cause of HIV/AIDS epidemic and unplanned pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigate how individual, household, interpersonal, community and structural factors correlate with multiple sexual partnership of adolescent boys and young men in Ghana. Methods We pooled secondary data from the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS). Analytic sample of 1422 males aged 15–24 years who are sexually active and never married were used for the study. The outcome variable for the study was two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Five models were fitted using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression to identify predictors of multiple sexual partners. Results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results The pooled data prevalence of multiple sexual partnership was 28.1%, with 18.7%, 30.0% and 33.3% of adolescent boys and young men involved in multiple sexual partnerships in 2003, 2008 and 2014, respectively. Results of the study showed that young men aged 20–24 years [ORadj = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01–1.91], being from household with richest wealth index [ORadj = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.01–3.06] and those with secondary/higher education [ORadj = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.44–6.06] were more likely to have multiple sexual partners. On the other hand, those who delayed their first sex [ORadj = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29–0.70] and those currently using modern contraceptive methods [ORadj = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.28–0.50] were less likely to have multiple sexual partners. Conclusion The findings provide support for the social ecological argument that sexual health behaviours are influenced by individual, interpersonal, community and contextual characteristics. Future policies and interventions seeking to address the increasing prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships among adolescent boys and young men should take into consideration family planning programmes and sexual education in affluent communities, secondary and higher institutions.

IntroductionThe demand for appearance and performance enhancing substances, including muscle building supplements and anabolic androgenic steroids, is increasing in Australia. However, little is known about the associations between appearance and performance-based factors and appearance and performance enhancing substances (APES), particularly among adolescent boys. This study sought to examine (a) the prevalence of muscle building supplement use in a sample of adolescent boys and (b) how both performance and appearance factors relate to muscle building supplement use and favourable attitudes towards anabolic androgenic steroids in this sample.MethodN = 488 adolescent boys aged 13–16 (Mage = 14.59) from nine Australian schools completed measures of supplement use, favourable attitudes towards using steroids, muscle dissatisfaction, body fat dissatisfaction, mesomorphic ideal internalisation, weight training, and sports participation. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to examine cross-sectional correlates of muscle building supplement use and favourable attitudes towards using anabolic androgenic steroids.ResultsIn the past three months, 12.7% of the sample had used muscle building supplements. Both appearance and performance-related factors – mesomorphic ideal internalisation and weight training – were related to muscle building supplement use. Only one appearance-related factor – body dissatisfaction – was related to favourable attitudes towards anabolic androgenic steroids.DiscussionThe findings from this study are important as they may help to guide intervention strategies regarding appearance and performance enhancing substance use by Australian adolescent boys, with the ultimate goal of ensuring this population’s safety.

Abstract Background Anemia is a significant public health challenge that affects the population of all nations. Anemia among adolescents emerged as an alarming public health issue as it harms an individual’s physical capacity and cognitive and work performance. The study aims to determine the effect of changes in individual and household level factors on the prevalence of anemia among adolescent boys and girls. Method The study utilized data from two waves of the “Understanding the lives of adolescent and young adults” (UDAYA) survey, conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during 2015–16 (wave-1) and 2018–19 (wave-2). The sample size for the present study was 4216 and 5974 unmarried adolescent boys and girls aged 10–19 years in both waves. We performed descriptive analysis to observe the characteristics of adolescents during 2015–16. Further, changes in selected independent variables from wave-1 to wave-2 were examined using the proportion test. Moreover, random-effect regression models were employed to examine the association of changes in individual and household level factors with anemia prevalence among adolescents. Results The prevalence of anemia decreased over time among adolescent boys (33 to 30%), whereas it increased among adolescent girls (59 to 63%). The results from the random-effect model show that adolescent boys who used shared toilets were more anemic than those who used a private restroom [β:0.05, 95% CI:(0.01, 0.08)]. Moreover, underweight [β:0.05, CI:(0.01, 0.09)] and thin [β:0.04, CI:(0.00, 0.07)] adolescent boys were more likely to be anemic compared to their normal counterparts. Additionally, boys who belonged to the poorest [β:0.08, CI:(0.02, 0.14)] households had a higher risk of anemia than the richest household. Conclusion The anemia prevalence was higher among adolescents aged 10–19 years in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This study has filled an information gap by providing state-level representative estimates indicating underweight status and thinness as the common factors behind the anemia prevalence among adolescent boys than in girls. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent in certain age groups in India. Hence, Anemia prevention efforts and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation programs are currently being strengthened in India, targeting the high-risk population.

Background. The established pathogenetic link between the presence of hypogonadism in males and disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism makes it possible to assume the presence of pathogenetic parallels between testosterone deficiency and the formation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The purpose of the study was to identify prognostic factors that contribute to the formation of hepatic steatosis in adolescent boys with hypoandrogenism (HA). Materials and methods. The study involved 157 adolescent boys with delayed puberty aged 14–18 years. The level of testosterone, γ-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and its fractions, blood lipids, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined, and an ultrasound examination of the hepatobiliary system was carried out. A system-informational analysis, the methodology of the non-homogeneous sequential Wald statistical procedure was used to determine the significant prognostic signs regarding the formation of violations of the functional state of the hepatobiliary system. Results. Patients with HA were divided into groups according to testosterone level: stage 0 hypoandrogenism — 13 (12 %), stage 1 hypoandrogenism — 18 (17 %), stage 2 hypoandrogenism — 22 (21 %), and hypoandrogenism 3 stage with the lowest content of testosterone — 53 (50 %) of adolescent boys. An increase in HA stage was associated with a tendency to an increase in the level of liver enzymes. Pathological changes in the lipid content were detected in 75 % of patients. An increase in the HOMA-IR was reliably more frequent in adolescent boys with the HA stage 3 (45 %) compared to the patients with HA stage 0 (25 %), χ2 < 0.05. Ultrasound examination revealed signs of steatohepatosis in almost a third of adolescent boys with HA. The frequency of liver enlargement in HA increased according to the stage of androgen insufficiency and was significantly higher in patients with HA stage 3 compared to those with HA stage 0 (47 and 23 %, respectively). Almost one third of adolescent boys with HA had ultrasound signs of pancreatic steatosis, regardless of the stage of androgen deficiency. Overweight or obesity, increased activity of aminotransferases, the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, and the presence of insulin resistance according to the HOMA-IR were identified as significant informative prognostic factors for the formation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Testosterone level from 12.0 to 8.0 nmol/l turned out to be prognostically unfavorable in terms of the risk of developing hepatic steatosis. Conclusions. Prognostically significant factors for the formation of hepatic steatosis in adolescent boys with HA include the presence of insulin resistance according to the ­HOMA-IR, elevated or normal body mass index, an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and atherogenic index, a decrease in testosterone level, an increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.

Background: Multiple sexual partnership (MSP) is a major cause of HIV/AIDS epidemic and unplanned pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigate how individual, household, interpersonal, community and structural factors correlate with multiple sexual partnership of adolescent boys and young men in Ghana. Methods: We pooled secondary data from the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS). Analytic sample of 1422 males aged 15–24 years who are sexually active and never married were used for the study. The outcome variable for the study was two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Five models were fitted using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression to identify predictors of multiple sexual partners. Results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results: The pooled data prevalence of multiple sexual partnership was 28.1%, with 18.7%, 30.0% and 33.3% of adolescent boys and young men involved in multiple sexual partnerships in 2003, 2008 and 2014, respectively. Results of the study showed that young men aged 20–24 years [ORadj = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01–1.91], being from household with richest wealth index [ORadj = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.01–3.06] and those with secondary/higher education [ORadj = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.44–6.06] were more likely to have multiple sexual partners. On the other hand, those who delayed their first sex [ORadj = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29–0.70] and those currently using modern contraceptive methods [ORadj = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.28–0.50] were less likely to have multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: The findings provide support for the social ecological argument that sexual health behaviours are influenced by individual, interpersonal, community and contextual characteristics. Future policies and interventions seeking to address the increasing prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships among adolescent boys and young men should take into consideration family planning programmes and sexual education in affluent communities, secondary and higher institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that leisure time lowers stress and depression and improves your quality of life, thus being something worth making time for. However, most secondary school students do not make effective use of their leisure time. Aim of Study. Our study was aimed at analysing and comparing leisure time of secondary school male students in terms of selected regions of Slovakia. Material and Methods. A non--standardized survey of leisure time was carried out through an intentional sampling with the survey group size of 1830 secondary school male students (aged 17.35 ± 0.82 years) who attended the final year (4th) of grammar and vocational secondary schools. Basic descriptive statistics and the chi-square test (X2) were used to analyse and compare the data. Data on leisure time was collected from January to June, 2021. Results. After analysing the survey answers, on average 43.98% (n = 805) of the survey group declared 1 to 3 hours/day of leisure time during the working week vs 5 hours/day of leisure time during the weekend (p < 0.01). In terms of spending their leisure time being active was declared by 58.94% (n = 1078) of the survey group (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Leisure time of the survey group differs significantly in terms of hours/day, way of spending and interest area (p < 0.01; 0.05). An example is average leisure time of the survey group during the working week and weekend, because in terms of selected regions of Slovakia the results revealed statistical differences (p < 0.01; 0.05); in particular between the selected regions of western (Bratislava Region), eastern (Košice Region, Prešov Region) and northern (Žilina Region) Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Substance use among adolescents is risky behavior that had emerged as a concern in both developed and developing countries. Evidence revealed that substance use is more frequent among those adolescents whose immediate family members (parents, siblings and grandparents) also indulge in such consumption; however, scarce literature is present in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study examined whether substance use among family members and in the community is associated with the substance use behavior of adolescent boys in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Method We used the data for 5969 adolescent boys aged 10–19 years from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey conducted in 2016. A three-level random intercept logit model was utilized to understand the association of adolescent substance use behavior with familial and community context. Results We found that 16% of adolescent boys were using any substance (tobacco or alcohol or drug). The substance use was significantly higher among adolescent boys who were school dropouts (40%) than those who were currently in school. The prevalence of substance use is also high among those who were working (35%). Moreover, 19, 24 and 28% of the adolescents come from families where at least one of the family members consumed tobacco, alcohol and drugs, respectively. The odds of substance use were 2.13 times [CI:1.44–3.17] higher among those adolescent boys whose family members also indulged in substance use. Moreover, the likelihood of substance use was 1.24 times [CI:1.01–1.68] higher among the adolescent boys who come from a community with high substance use. Additionally, the risk of substance use is more likely among adolescent boys belonging to the same household of the same community. Conclusion It is evident that exposure to substance use in the family and community increases the likelihood of substance use among adolescent boys. There is a need for household- and community-level programmatic interventions to alleviate the risk of substance use among adolescents.

Background: Anemia is a significant public health challenge that affects the population of all nations. Anemia among adolescents emerged as an alarming public health issue as it harms an individual's physical capacity and cognitive and work performance. The study aims to determine the effect of changes in individual and household level factors on the prevalence of anemia among adolescent boys and girls.Method: The study utilized data from two waves of the "Understanding the lives of adolescent and young adults" (UDAYA) survey, conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during 2015-16 (wave-1) and 2018-19 (wave-2). The sample size for the present study was 4216 and 5974 unmarried adolescent boys and girls aged 10-19 years in both waves. We performed descriptive analysis to observe the characteristics of adolescents during 2015-16. Further, changes in selected independent variables from wave-1 to wave-2 were examined using the proportion test. Moreover, random-effect regression models were employed to examine the association of changes in individual and household level factors with anemia prevalence among adolescents.Results: The prevalence of anemia decreased over time among adolescent boys (33 to 30%), whereas it increased among adolescent girls (59 to 63%). The results from the random-effect model show that adolescent boys who used shared toilets were more anemic than those who used a private restroom [β:0.05, 95% CI:(0.01, 0.08)]. Moreover, underweight [β:0.05, CI:(0.01, 0.09)] and thin [β:0.04, CI:(0.00, 0.07)] adolescent boys were more likely to be anemic compared to their normal counterparts. Additionally, boys who belonged to the poorest [β:0.08, CI:(0.02, 0.14)] households had a higher risk of anemia than the richest household.Conclusion: The anemia prevalence was higher among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This study has filled an information gap by providing state-level representative estimates indicating underweight status and thinness as the common factors behind the anemia prevalence among adolescent boys than in girls. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent in certain age groups in India. Hence, Anemia prevention efforts and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation programs are currently being strengthened in India, targeting the high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individualization of Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) status has contributed to a culture of blame that frames adolescent boys’ transition into employment and economic independence. Drawing on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we explored how adolescent boys categorized as “at risk” of becoming NEET engage with a school-based work-readiness intervention. We interviewed five adolescent boys aged 13–14 years about their experiences of the intervention. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three main themes were constructed: (1) challenge mediated by choice; (2) access to supportive relationships; and (3) recognizing personal development. The findings illustrate the interrelatedness of adolescent boys’ engagement with, and within, their environment; findings support a push to consider engagement as an ecological concept. We end with considerations for more ecologically sensitive approaches to work-related intervention and the assessment of adolescent boys’ “at risk” status.

Background: Bullying, as one of the unsolved problems in schools, leads to undesirable consequences. Effective factors associated with bullying, like moral disengagement, are crucial. However, no qualitative study has been conducted to build a model for moral disengagement and bullying. Aims: Identifying fundamental, procedural, and consequential factors of moral disengagement in bullying. Method: The study was qualitative, based on grounded theory. The statistical population included all male students of middle and high schools of the Abhar city. 17 students and a focus discussion group with the average age of 15.5 were selected through purposive sampling in the 2018-19 academic year. The method was semi-structured interviewing. Data analysis was performed using the Corbin and Straus methodology (2008) and the ATLAS.ti 8 software. Results: From initial 630 open codes, 19 secondary subjects and 7 main subjects were obtained. Results showed that the core category of beliefs and functional attitude to bullying are influenced by fundamental factors including determinant experiences, violent atmosphere, and bullying, and procedural factors including weak emotional perception, dysfunctional social perception, and externalization. Conclusions: Fundamental and procedural factors and related matters result in leveraging the moral disengagement mechanism and perpetrating bullying.

There has been an increase the prevalence of andrological diseases in all age groups in recent decades, including those with comorbid conditions such as pathology of the cardiovascular system and liver, which are manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Research aim: to investigate the relationship between formation of hepatic steatosis and hypoandrogenism (HA) in adolescent boys. Materials and methods. The study involved 42 adolescent boys aged 14–18 years with laboratory confirmed HA in whom total testosterone levels were less than 12.0 nmol/l. Sex hormones, gonadotropins, insulin levels, biochemical parameters of liver function, the state of free radical oxidation and antioxidant protection were determined in patients. Based on ultrasound examination adolescents with HA were divided into 2 groups: group 1 – 15 adolescents with signs of liver steatosis; group 2 – 27 adolescents with normal ultrasound parameters of a liver. The control group consisted of 38 boys of the same age with normal indicators of physical and sexual development without signs of pathology of the hepatobiliary system. Results. Individual assessment of sexual development allowed to diagnose I degree of delayed sexual development in 44.7%, II degree in 38.3% and III degree in 17.0% of adolescents. HA negatively affects the physical development of most boys (78.7%), due to short stature (40.0%), weight deficiency (20.0%) and overweight (18.7%). Factor analysis allowed to build a factor model of hepatic steatosis formation in adolescents with delayed sexual development and HA, which describes 76.0% of the sample and consists of five factors. Conclusion. Atherogenic changes of the lipid profile, androgen deficiency, insulin resistance, activation of cytolytic processes in the liver and oxidative stress formation due to a decrease in the effectiveness of antioxidant protection are important in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in boys with HA. A factor model of the hepatic steatosis development in adolescent boys with HA gives grounds for the development of therapeutic and preventive measures in adolescent boys with HA and comorbid liver pathology.

Abstract Background The extent and implications of muscle building protein supplement use among adolescents is relatively unknown. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of protein powder, creatine, and anabolic steroid use in a sample of 14–16 year-old boys in Australia, and the predictors of actual use, and intentions to use protein powder. Methods Data were obtained from questionnaires with Australian adolescent boys aged 14–16 years from one independent boy’s school in Melbourne (N = 237). Hierarchical linear and logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of intentions, and actual use of protein powder. Results 49.8% of boys reported current use of, and 62% intended to use protein powder; 8.4% used creatine, and 4.2% used anabolic steroids. Higher levels of drive for muscularity, participation in weight training, and playing a greater number of sports were significant predictors of higher current use and intentions to use protein powder, but age, BMI, body esteem, and ethnicity were not. Conclusions Prevalence of muscle building supplement use was relatively high among this adolescent population. This research has implications for intervention and prevention programs to educate young boys about muscle building supplements to reduce negative physical and psychological health effects of their use.

adolescents lack access to age- and sex-appropriate health information, which is vital for young people to make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. The present study was conducted with an objective to study the effectiveness of the interventionabout sexual and reproductive health education on knowledge, attitude, and menstrual practices of school-going adolescent boys. It was an interventional study consisting of a pre-test, intervention session, and post-test conducted among 100 school-going adolescent boys in ZPH School in Tiruchanoor rural area of Tirupati. There was a statistically significant increase in knowledgescores, it is evident from the above table that majority of the (57%) respondents having low to moderate knowledge. The overall knowledge regarding reproductive health awareness was poor in 21(43%)(32 %), average in 12(25%) and good in 16 (32%) of the respondents. The level of awareness improved significantly with increase in class of respondent (P < 0.05). Age and sex-appropriate health education programs can facilitate the development of healthy reproductive and sexual behaviour patterns among adolescents through the enhancement of knowledge and development of right attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use among adolescents is risky behavior that had emerged as a concern in both developed and developing countries. Evidence revealed that substance use is more frequent among those adolescents whose immediate family members (parents, siblings and grandparents) also indulge in such consumption; however, scarce literature is present in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study examined whether substance use among family members and in the community is associated with the substance use behavior of adolescent boys in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.Method: We used the data for 5969 adolescent boys aged 10-19 years from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey conducted in 2016. A three-level random intercept logit model was utilized to understand the association of adolescent substance use behavior with familial and community context.Results: We found that 16% of adolescent boys were using any substance (tobacco or alcohol or drug). The substance use was significantly higher among adolescent boys who were school dropouts (40%) than those who were currently in school. The prevalence of substance use is also high among those who were working (35%). Moreover, 19, 24 and 28% of the adolescents come from families where at least one of the family members consumed tobacco, alcohol and drugs, respectively. The odds of substance use were 2.13 times [CI:1.44-3.17] higher among those adolescent boys whose family members also indulged in substance use. Moreover, the likelihood of substance use was 1.24 times [CI:1.01-1.68] higher among the adolescent boys who come from a community with high substance use. Additionally, the risk of substance use is more likely among adolescent boys belonging to the same household of the same community.Conclusion: It is evident that exposure to substance use in the family and community increases the likelihood of substance use among adolescent boys. There is a need for household- and community-level programmatic interventions to alleviate the risk of substance use among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited research on adolescent boys and young men (ABYM)'s initial and onward HIV seropositive status disclosure, coping strategies and treatment adherence journeys especially in Zimbabwe. This qualitative exploratory study employed in-depth individual interviews at Chiredzi General Hospital in Zimbabwe to explore the dynamics of disclosure, coping and treatment adherence among ABYM. Twenty-one HIV positive ABYM with ages ranging from 14 to 21 were recruited from their scheduled visit to collect medication at the hospital. Findings indicate that ABYM disclosure journeys began with shock, confusion or misunderstanding and ended in a positive life outlook. Treatment adherence among ABYM was very poor due to poverty, erratic food supply, feeling sick after taking medication, forgetfulness and the public nature of medication collection centers. The study concluded that ABYM maintained secrecy in order to be accepted by their peers but also to protect themselves from stigma and isolation.

Abstract Background Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases including cortisol rhythm disorder and low testosterone. Furthermore, studies on obese children are quite limited and no concordance results have been obtained, especially for boys in puberty. Moreover, the sample sizes of previous studies were small, and were not representative. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey including 1148 boys aged 6–14 years, they were divided into overweight/obesity (OW/OB) group and normal weight (NW) group. Puberty status was assessed according to Tanner scale and testicular volume. Serum levels of pregnenolone, 17-OH progesterone, corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione were detected by LC-MS. Serum free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results The 17-OH progesterone, DHEA, androstenedione and free testosterone levels of OW/OB boys at prepubertal stage or at the age 6 =

Abstract Background Most European countries have seen a decrease in the prevalence of adolescent smoking. This decrease has, however, been patterned by gender. Girls’ smoking rates have now overtaken boys’ in many European countries. The two genders may not, however, share the same smoking beliefs and this could explain differences between the genders in smoking prevalence. We describe gender differences in smoking beliefs and investigate variations between countries, along with their gender context. Methods In 2016, we conducted the SILNE R study (Smoking Inequalities Learning from Natural Experiments – Renew) in 55 schools located in seven European countries: Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Ireland, and Germany. We surveyed 12,979 students aged 14–16 years (50% were girls). We classified smoking beliefs into four categories: positive individual, positive social, negative individual, and negative social beliefs. We expected girls to score higher on the last three of those categories and we hypothesized that countries with a more gender-equal culture would have less gender difference in beliefs about smoking. Results One out of two smoking beliefs differed significantly between genders. Negative social beliefs were more common in girls, while beliefs about the dating-related aspects of smoking were more common in boys. We identified Germany and Belgium as the only countries with no gender differences in any of the belief scales. No correlation was found, however, between these scales and the Gender Inequality Index. Conclusions In some countries, gender-specific interventions might be implemented; however, two opposing strategies might be used, depending on whether such programs are aimed at boys or girls.

Sexual abuse is among the psychological trauma that seriously threatens the health of adolescents and requires them professional help. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ACT-CBT therapy and parent management training (PMT) on the affective capital of adolescent boy with sexual abuse. The research method was semi-experimental, and research design was three groups with three stages include pre-test, post-test and two months of follow-up. Among fifty 14-17 years old adolescent boys with sexual abuse in Isfahan, in the summer 2018, 45 adolescent were selected based on criteria of entry and exit and then randomly assigned in three groups, each group with 15 adolescent. Golparvar (2017) affective capital questionnaire was used to measure the dependent variable in the pretest, post-test and two months of follow-up. The ACT-CBT therapy and parent management training (PMT) received treatment in 10 sessions and the control group did not receive any treatment. The data were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance and post-hoc Bonferroni test. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance and post-hoc Bonferroni test showed that, only there is a significant difference between ACT-CBT therapy with parent management training (PMT) and the control group in affective capital (P 0.05).

Abstract Background While the determinants and impacts of child marriage among girls have been well documented, little research exists on the practice among boys. This paper explores the sociodemographic profile of men who married by age 18 and assesses whether they are more or less advantaged than their peers in terms of their sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Methods This analysis used the most recent data from nationally representative household surveys for the 15 countries with the highest prevalence of marriage by age 18 among men aged 20–24 at the time of the survey. The prevalence of child marriage was then explored for the full cohort of men aged 20–49 through descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Available reproductive health indicators were explored, comparing men who married during childhood and men who married in adulthood. For the youngest and oldest cohorts, the total number of children fathered and the total ideal number of children were compared based on whether men married by age 18. Results For this subset of countries, the prevalence of child marriage among men aged 20–24 ranges from 8.4 to 27.9%. The practice appears most common among respondents living in the poorest households and in rural areas, and with no education or only primary schooling. Men who married as children appear less likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV than their peers who married in adulthood. Little difference among men who married by age 18 and those who married in adulthood was observed regarding knowledge or use of modern methods of contraception. In almost all countries with data, the odds of having fathered three or more children among men aged 20–29 are higher for those who married as children compared to their peers. In four countries, the odds of exceeding one’s ideal family size among men aged 40–49 also appear higher among those who married during childhood compared to men who married at older ages. Conclusion These results highlight the need for further research to identify drivers of the practice and short- and long-term outcomes for men who married during childhood, specifically concerning fatherhood, fertility preferences, and completed family size.

Malnutrition among adolescents is often associated with inadequate dietary diversity (DD). We aimed to explore the prevalence of inadequate DD and its socio-economic determinants among adolescent girls and boys in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the 2018–19 round of national nutrition surveillance in Bangladesh. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the determinants of inadequate DD among adolescent girls and boys separately. This population-based survey covered eighty-two rural, non-slum urban and slum clusters from all divisions of Bangladesh. A total of 4865 adolescent girls and 4907 adolescent boys were interviewed. The overall prevalence of inadequate DD was higher among girls (55⋅4 %) than the boys (50⋅6 %). Moreover, compared to boys, the prevalence of inadequate DD was higher among the girls for almost all socio-economic categories. Poor educational attainment, poor maternal education, female-headed household, household food insecurity and poor household wealth were associated with increased chances of having inadequate DD in both sexes. In conclusion, more than half of the Bangladeshi adolescent girls and boys consumed an inadequately diversified diet. The socio-economic determinants of inadequate DD should be addressed through context-specific multisectoral interventions.

Background: Rates of adolescent HIV and unintended pregnancy in southern Africa are amongst the highest in the world. Gender-transformative interventions that address underlying gender inequalities and engage both males and females have been emphasised by the World Health Organisation, amongst others, to target prevention. However, few such gender-transformative interventions have been rigorously developed or evaluated. Objective: To expedite potential impact and reduce development costs, we conducted a needs assessment to inform the co-design, in consultation with local stakeholders, of adapted versions of an existing gender-transformative Relationships and Sexuality Education intervention for use in South Africa and Lesotho. Methods: Adaptation of the intervention was guided by a modified version of Intervention Mapping (IM). This process involved consultation with separate adolescent, community and expert advisory groups and a collaboratively conducted needs assessment, which drew on focus groups with adolescents (8 groups, n = 55) and adults (4 groups, n = 22) in South Africa and Lesotho, and was informed by our systematic review of the literature on the determinants of condom use among adolescents in the region. Results: The findings clarified how the intervention should be adapted, which individual- and environmental-level determinants of condom use to target, and actions for facilitating successful adoption, evaluation and implementation in the new settings. Conclusions: The IM approach allows for a systematic appraisal of whether components and processes of an existing intervention are appropriate for a new target population before costly evaluation studies are conducted. The findings will be of interest to those wishing to rigourously develop and evaluate gender-transformative interventions engaging men to improve health for all.

Background: Rates of adolescent HIV and unintended pregnancy in southern Africa are amongst the highest in the world. Gender-transformative interventions that address underlying gender inequalities and engage both males and females have been emphasised by the World Health Organisation, amongst others, to target prevention. However, few such gender-transformative interventions have been rigorously developed or evaluated. Objective: To expedite potential impact and reduce development costs, we conducted a needs assessment to inform the co-design, in consultation with local stakeholders, of adapted versions of an existing gender-transformative Relationships and Sexuality Education intervention for use in South Africa and Lesotho. Methods: Adaptation of the intervention was guided by a modified version of Intervention Mapping (IM). This process involved consultation with separate adolescent, community and expert advisory groups and a collaboratively conducted needs assessment, which drew on focus groups with adolescents (8 groups, n = 55) and adults (4 groups, n = 22) in South Africa and Lesotho, and was informed by our systematic review of the literature on the determinants of condom use among adolescents in the region. Results: The findings clarified how the intervention should be adapted, which individual- and environmental-level determinants of condom use to target, and actions for facilitating successful adoption, evaluation and implementation in the new settings. Conclusions: The IM approach allows for a systematic appraisal of whether components and processes of an existing intervention are appropriate for a new target population before costly evaluation studies are conducted. The findings will be of interest to those wishing to rigourously develop and evaluate gender-transformative interventions engaging men to improve health for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to assess lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidative defense (AOD) changes in adolescent boys with obesity using the integral index. Materials and Methods: We examined 19 adolescent boys (mean age of 4.41±0.45 years) with obesity of the first degree (the study group). The control group included 23 healthy boys (mean age of 15.12±0.32 years). The study included the collection of anamnestic data, physical examination, and anthropometric data analysis (body weight (BW), height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body mass index (BMI)). Laboratory analysis included an assessment of the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and blood glucose, as well as the intensity of LPO and AOD in blood plasma and primary and secondary products of LPO. To measure the intensity of OS, the oxidative stress index (OSi) was calculated (the ratio of the LPO-AOD system indicators in the study group to average indicators in the control group). Results: We found a statistically significant increase in BW, BMI, SDS BMI, WC, and HC in the study group compared to the control group. The obese patients had higher values of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL compared to the control group. In the study group, we found a significant decrease in the concentration of diene conjugates and an increase in the level of ketodienes and conjugated trienes. The values of α-tocopherol and retinol, and SOD activity were significantly decreased in the study group compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant changes in total antioxidant activity and glutathione status components. According to the data received, the OSi level in the group of obese patients increased approximately 7 times, which confirms the results on the development of antioxidant insufficiency in this pathology.

Manhood values are highly prioritized among most culturally orientated South African Black communities with an ideology that revolves around the concept of masculinity. The notion of manhood values is deeply rooted in male dominance, sexual drive, and traditional male circumcision. The goals of this study were to (a) explore the experiences of school health nurses in the provision of sexual and reproductive health among adolescent boys; and (b) recommend suggested action to develop adolescent boys to adapt a healthy behavioral lifestyle through a health-promoting school program. This study employed a qualitative approach utilizing a descriptive and exploratory research design. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for individual interviews to collect data. A total of 21 school health nurses were selected to participate in face-toface interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS ti (version 8) software. Five overarching themes were yielded and categorized as facilitators, barriers, and suggested action to improve sexual and reproductive health services as follows: (a) legislative frameworks and policies; (b) male medical circumcision, and prevention of HIV/AIDS and STIs; (c) lack of support from teachers and school-governing bodies; (d) risky sexual behaviors among the learners; and (e) empowerment and personal skills development. The study concludes with a discussion and recommendations that a comprehensive health-promoting school program should be developed for adolescent boys with guaranteed ownership and sustainability of male sexual and reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extent and implications of muscle building protein supplement use among adolescents is relatively unknown. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of protein powder, creatine, and anabolic steroid use in a sample of 14-16 year-old boys in Australia, and the predictors of actual use, and intentions to use protein powder.Methods: Data were obtained from questionnaires with Australian adolescent boys aged 14-16 years from one independent boy's school in Melbourne (N = 237). Hierarchical linear and logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of intentions, and actual use of protein powder.Results: 49.8% of boys reported current use of, and 62% intended to use protein powder; 8.4% used creatine, and 4.2% used anabolic steroids. Higher levels of drive for muscularity, participation in weight training, and playing a greater number of sports were significant predictors of higher current use and intentions to use protein powder, but age, BMI, body esteem, and ethnicity were not.Conclusions: Prevalence of muscle building supplement use was relatively high among this adolescent population. This research has implications for intervention and prevention programs to educate young boys about muscle building supplements to reduce negative physical and psychological health effects of their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in associations of serum acylated and des-acylated ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY) and leptin levels with physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CReF) in adolescent boys (mean age of 14.0 years) with overweight (OWB; n=55) and with normal weight (NWB; n=154). Methods: Total PA was measured by 7-day accelerometry (counts/min) and CReF by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak/kg). Results: No differences were found in serum PYY, acylated ghrelin or des‑acyl ghrelin levels, whereas mean leptin (11.6±10.6 vs. 2.0±2.7 ng/ml; p

Victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment in South Africa. However, professionals in these settings face a dilemma, as they often cannot accommodate every child’s cultural needs. This study explored the cultural challenges experienced by adolescent boys living at a CYCC in Ekurhuleni. Findings indicate that CYCCs are doing an excellent job at ensuring a nurturing environment for the children. However, it also emerged that there are challenges related to preserving the culture of children as a result of constraints of resources and limited staff diversity.

Background: Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases including cortisol rhythm disorder and low testosterone. Furthermore, studies on obese children are quite limited and no concordance results have been obtained, especially for boys in puberty. Moreover, the sample sizes of previous studies were small, and were not representative.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey including 1148 boys aged 6-14 years, they were divided into overweight/obesity (OW/OB) group and normal weight (NW) group. Puberty status was assessed according to Tanner scale and testicular volume. Serum levels of pregnenolone, 17-OH progesterone, corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione were detected by LC-MS. Serum free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay.Results: The 17-OH progesterone, DHEA, androstenedione and free testosterone levels of OW/OB boys at prepubertal stage or at the age 6 = < 10 years group were higher than those of the NW boys (all the P values were < 0.01). Furthermore, androstenedione and free testosterone levels were lower in OW/OB boys at late puberty, and the trend continued at the post pubertal stage for FT (P < 0.01-0.05). DHEA, androstenedione, and FT levels persisted to be higher at the 10~ < 12 years in OW/OB boys but not for 17-OH progesterone. FT level was lower in the OW/OB group at the 12~ < 15 years group. The SHBG levels in the OW/OB boys were lower than those in the NW ones at the 6~12 years group, and prepubertal to early pubertal stage.Conclusions: Premature adrenarche is more likely in OW/OB boys. More attention should be given to the lower androgen levels of OW/OB boys at late pubertal and post pubertal stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the mechanical efficiency (ME) and associated factors in obese, overweight, and normal-weight adolescent boys during incremental cycle exercise test to exhaustion. Forty-five sedentary adolescent boys (13–14 years old) were separated in three groups according to the percentage of fat mass as follows: 15 normal-weight (NW) (body fat: 16.0 ± 1.9%), 15 overweight (OW) (body fat: 24.0 ± 1.6%), and 15 obese (OB) (body fat: 31.0 ± 3.0%). All groups completed an incremental cycle exercise to exhaustion in which energy consumption (E, W), ME (%), lipid oxidation rate (LO, %), plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were determined consecutively at rest and at three intensity levels corresponding to 50 and 75% of each participant's maximal heart rate (50%HRmax and 75%HRmax) and peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2peak). During the incremental cycle exercise test, plasma epinephrine, and norepinephrine responses as well as ME determined at 50%HRmax, 75%HRmax, and at VO2peak stages were significantly lower in OB compared to NW and OW individuals (ps < 0.01). Multiple linear regressions showed that body weight (ß = -0.64, p < 0.001), energy consumption (ß = -0.24, p < 0.05) and lipid oxidation (ß = 0.69, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of ME at 50%HRmax. However, at 75%HRmax and V ˙ O2peak, significant predictors of ME were epinephrine (ß = 0.34, ß = 0.49, respectively, ps = 0.01), norepinephrine (ß = 0.26, ß = 0.60, respectively, ps < 0.05) and power output (ß = 0.62, ß = 0.71, respectively, ps < 0.01). These findings suggest that excess in body weight exerts a negative effect on ME at a low intensity by increasing energy consumption for obese and overweight adolescent boys, while at higher intensities (75%HRmax and VO2peak) the lower ME could be better explained by the lower power output and catecholamine responses that were attenuated among obese and overweight adolescent boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a shortage of longitudinal surveys in highly trained adolescent table tennis athletes reporting typical changes in performance related, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to: (1) examine yearly variations of performance related parameters, and (2) report the variability of selected hematological and biochemical markers utilized to ascertain health status, and training influences in a group of young Arab table tennis athletes. Methods: Data were collected from ten male adolescent players with a mean age of 14.2±1.3 years and a mean table tennis training experience of 6 years. Physical and biochemical measures were carried out at three important time points throughout the training season: a baseline measure (PRE - September); a mid-season (transition) measure (MID - February); an end of season measure (END - May). Results: Performance related parameters tended to significantly improve over time (P = 0.05), with lowest values displayed during PRE-measure. Hematocrit (P = 0.05), serum testosterone (P = 0.01), mean cell volume (MCV) (P = 0.001) and reticulocytes (RET) (P = 0.017) significantly increased at the END training period compared to PRE. Moreover, 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.001) showed a drop during MID to then significantly increase at the END whilst sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG; P = 0.005) decreased at the END period compared to MID. Conclusions: In conclusion, based on our findings, changes in certain physical parameters and, hematological and biochemical markers, take place during the training period. Therefore, coaches, sports scientists and nutritionists should take into consideration these fluctuations and plan and alter their training programs accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by extreme body dissatisfaction and a drive for muscularity that leads to compulsive behaviors to attain an ideal body shape. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the level of body image dissatisfaction (BID) among male adolescents (N = 149, mean age = 15.01 + 1.85 y and mean BMI = 23.26 + 5.01 kg/m2) and whether or not BID was correlated with behaviors associated with MD. A secondary purpose was to examine if a difference exists between athletes and non-athletes. Methods: The Eating Attitude Survey (EAS) was used to assess attitudes toward body weight and shape while the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) was used to assess the behavioral and psychological characteristics of MD. Results: This sample of male adolescents indicate some level of BID, which is also associated with overall higher scores for all subscales of the MDI, but especially the subscales relating to muscularity. Athletes in particular showed higher levels of BID and higher scores on the MDI. Conclusion: Individuals who work with adolescent boys should be aware that they can develop body dissatisfaction and may participate in compensatory behaviors that may be harmful to their overall health and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study to assess the effectiveness of video assessed teaching programme on prevention of domestic violence among adolescent boys at selected college. The objectives were to assess the pre and post test effectiveness regarding prevention of violence among adolescent boys, to determine the effectiveness of video assessed teaching programme on prevention of violence and to find out the association between post-test knowledge score and selected demographic variable. A quasi experimental study was used and non probability purposive sampling technique with the sample of 60 adolescent boys. Questionnaire was formulated and used to assess the knowledge . The collected data was tabulated and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The man value is 4.66 and h standard deviation value is o.3252. Adolescent boys were having adequate knowledge 46.6%,moderately adequate knowledge 33.3% and inadequate knowledge 20%,video assessed teaching programme so, it shows improvement in the knowledge was shown after administering the teaching programme. So such research studies will help to increase the knowledge level of the adolescent boys thereby prevention of domestic violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]