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Background: Movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity [PA], sedentary behaviors [SB], sleep) relate to mental health. Although movement behaviors are often analyzed as distinct entities, they are in fact highly inter‐dependent (e.g., if an individual increases sleep, then PA and/or SB must be reduced) and these dependencies should be accounted for in the analysis. We tested whether perceptions of time spent in movement behaviors (i.e., moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA [MVPA], light physical activity [LPA], SB, and sleep) related to depressive symptoms and self‐report mental health in young adults using a compositional analysis. We then estimated change in depressive symptoms with reallocation of time across movement behaviors using compositional time‐reallocation models. Methods: Data were drawn from the longitudinal NDIT dataset. Complete data were available for 770 young adults (Mage = 20.3, 55% females). Results: The proportion of time spent in MVPA relative to other movement behaviors related to depressive symptoms non‐significantly and to mental health significantly. Reallocating 15 min from MVPA to SB resulted in a significant (0.46 unit) increase in depressive symptoms, and reallocating 15 min of MVPA to LPA was associated with a (0.57) increase in depressive symptoms. Conclusion: These results indicate the importance of relative time spent in each movement behavior to mental health. Further research should examine these associations over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although body weight has been positioned as a strong predictor of physical and mental health, positive and negative body-related psychosocial factors may also be important. Further, both theoretical tenets and empirical evidence suggest that these associations may differ by gender. Our objectives were to examine the associations between body-related self-conscious emotions (body shame, body authentic pride) and physical and mental health in young adults, and to identify potential differences in these associations by gender. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study for 799 young adults (M [SD] age = 33.6 y [0.5]; 43.9% male). We estimated the associations between each of body shame and body authentic pride (i.e. the exposures) and both self-rated physical and self-rated mental health (i.e. the outcomes) in linear regression models that controlled for age, education and body mass index, and we examined potential gender differences in these associations by conducting gender-stratified analyses. Results: In females, self-rated health and mental health decreased by 0.37 and 0.38, respectively, with each unit increase in body shame. Self-rated health and mental health increased by 0.25 and 0.23, respectively, for each unit increase in body authentic pride. In males, self-rated health and mental health decreased by 0.35 and 0.45, respectively, with each unit increase in body shame, and increased by 0.32 and 0.21, respectively, with each unit increase in body authentic pride. Conclusion: Interventions that focus on body weight to the exclusion of body-related self-conscious emotions may side-step a key contributor to self-rated health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Variation in the TAS2R38 taste receptor gene alters the ability to taste bitter compounds. We tested whether TAS2R38 variation influences early smoking behaviours in adolescence, a critical period of acquisition when taste may influence the natural course of tobacco use. Design and participants: Observational study (Nicotine Dependence in Teens [NDIT]). Cox proportional hazards models were conducted using data from European ancestry adolescent participants who initiated smoking during follow‐up (n = 219, i.e. incident smokers). In young adulthood, cross‐sectional analyses were restricted to European ancestry self‐reported current smokers at age 24 (n = 148). Setting: Montréal, Canada. Measurements: In adolescents, the rates of attaining early smoking milestones were estimated for tasters {PAV diplotypes (i.e. PAV/PAV or PAV/AVI)} versus non‐tasters {AVI diplotype (i.e. AVI/AVI)}. In young adults, associations between tasting status and a nicotine intake biomarker (cotinine + 3'hydroxycotinine) and past‐week cigarette consumption were assessed. Findings Among incident smokers, similar rates to first whole cigarette were found between the diplotype groups (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–1.48; P = 0.765). However, smokers with the PAV (vs AVI) diplotypes attained monthly smoking more rapidly (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.04–2.32; P = 0.033) and had faster conversion to three different measures of tobacco dependence (International Classification of Diseases: HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 0.99–5.28; P = 0.052; modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire: HR, 3.02, 95% CI, 1.04–8.79; P = 0.043; Hooked on Nicotine Checklist: HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 0.98–3.60; P = 0.059). At age 24, those with PAV (vs AVI) diplotypes had higher mean cotinine + 3'hydroxycotinine (197 vs 143 ng/mL; P = 0.053). Conclusions: Adolescents with a genetic variation increasing their ability to taste bitter compounds appear to escalate more quickly to monthly smoking and tobacco dependence during adolescence and have higher nicotine intake in young adulthood versus those without that genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the association between objectively-measured physical activity (PA) intensities and sedentary behavior (SED) in a cohort of 532 children aged 8-10 y. PA and SED were assessed by accelerometer over 7-days. Television and computer/video-game use were self-reported. Associations between PA intensities and SED variables were assessed by Spearman correlations and adjusted multiple linear regression. Higher mean daily moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA (MVPA, VPA) were negatively associated with mean daily SED (r = -0.47 and -0.37; p< .001), and positively associated with mean daily total PA (r = .58 and 0.46; p< .001). MVPA was also positively associated with light PA (LPA; r = .26, p < .001 ). MVPA and VPA were not significantly associated with TV, computer/video or total screen time; accelerometer SED was only weakly associated with specific SED behaviors. On average, for each additional 10 min daily MVPA, children accumulated >14 min less SED, and for each additional 5 min VPA, 11 min less SED. Thus, over the course of a week, higher mean daily MVPA may displace SED time and is associated with higher total PA over and above the additional MVPA, due to concomitant higher levels of LPA. Public health strategies should target both MVPA and SED to improve overall PA and health in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) can promote mental health, but the mechanisms underpinning this association are not well-established. This study examined if perceptions of three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) mediate the association between number of years participating in PA and mental health in adolescence. Methods: Participants included 937 children (55% female) age 10–11 at inception of the longitudinal MATCH study, who provided data every 4 months over 6 years. Mediation analyses were used to assess the natural direct effect of number of years of PA participation (cycles 1–15) during late childhood and adolescence on later mental health (cycle 16), measured with the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), and the natural indirect effect through each of self-perceived autonomy, competence and relatedness, and self-report MVPA (cycle 15). Results: In single mediator models, indirect effects of autonomy, competence, relatedness and self-report MVPA were statistically significant. In joint mediation models (each of three models including one basic psychological need and MVPA), autonomy, competence and relatedness mediated 71, 27, and 51% of the association respectively; MVPA mediated 27–31% of the association. In the mediation model including all four mediators, relatedness mediated the largest proportion of the association, followed by autonomy and MVPA. Conclusion: Results support developing strategies to encourage adolescents to engage and remain involved in PA. This could foster perceptions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as well as MVPA, which in turn may enhance mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study is a prospective cohort investigation of 1294 students recruited in 1999-2000 from all grade 7 classes in a convenience sample of 10 high schools in Montreal, Canada. Its primary objectives were to study the natural course and determinants of cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence in novice smokers. The main source of data was self-report questionnaires administered in class at school every 3 months from grade 7 to grade 11 (1999-2005), for a total of 20 survey cycles during high school education. Questionnaires were also completed after graduation from high school in 2007-08 and 2011-12 (survey cycles 21 and 22, respectively) when participants were aged 20 and 24 years on average, respectively. In addition to its primary objectives, NDIT has embedded studies on obesity, blood pressure, physical activity, team sports, sedentary behaviour, diet, genetics, alcohol use, use of illicit drugs, second-hand smoke, gambling, sleep and mental health. Results to date are described in 58 publications, 20 manuscripts in preparation, 13 MSc and PhD theses and 111 conference presentations. Access to NDIT data is open to university-appointed or affiliated investigators and to masters, doctoral and postdoctoral students, through their primary supervisor (www.nditstudy.ca). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Binge drinking occurs frequently among young adults, posing risks to health and safety. Little is known, however, about which drinkers continue to binge later into adulthood. We sought to identify predictors of sustained binge drinking behaviors in young adulthood. Methods Participants from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens ( NDIT) cohort ( n = 609, 53% female) completed self-report questionnaires in 20 survey cycles ( SCs) during secondary school between 1999 and 2005, and in 2 postsecondary school SCs in 2007 to 2008 ( SC 21; Mage = 20 years) and 2011 to 2012 ( SC 22; Mage = 24 years). Participants reporting past-year binge drinking in both SCs 21 and 22 were categorized as sustainers ( n = 517). Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated 25 potential predictors of sustained binge drinking, binge-drinking frequency, and change in frequency over time among sustainers. Results Compared with stoppers, sustainers (85% of participants) were more likely to be younger, male, and to have no college/university education. Sustainers began drinking alcohol and binge drinking earlier, drank at least monthly during more secondary school grades, binged more frequently at age 20, and scored higher on impulsivity and novelty seeking in adolescence. Among sustainers, frequent binge drinkers were more likely to be male, to be nonstudents, to score higher on novelty seeking, and to have reported more depressive symptoms in adolescence. Sustainers who decelerated their binge frequency between SCs 21 and 22 were more likely to be female, to have achieved a higher level of education, and to report more depressive symptoms in SC 21. Conclusions The determinants of sustained binge drinking are similar to predictors of binge drinking reported in the literature. Early identification of, and intervention with, youth who are impulsive, inclined toward novelty seeking, and who report higher levels of early sub clinical depressive symptoms might forestall their involvement in risky alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine if smoking cessation counseling practices and related psychosocial characteristics improved among pharmacists between 2005 and 2010. Methods: Data were collected in 2005 and 2010 from randomly selected pharmacists in Québec, Canada. Participants completed mailed self-report questionnaires on cessation counseling practices and psychosocial characteristics (i.e., belief that counseling is the role of pharmacists, self-efficacy, barriers, and knowledge of community resources). The association between each of year and training (either during or after undergraduate studies) and each outcome was investigated in each sex separately with multiple linear regression models using pooled data across 2005 and 2010. Results: Among female pharmacists, cessation counseling for patients ready to quit improved over time. Training during and after undergraduate studies was significantly associated with higher self-efficacy, better knowledge of community resources, and improved counseling for patients ready and not ready to quit. Also, training after studies was significantly associated with more advantageous beliefs about counseling. Among male pharmacists, knowledge of community resources and perceived barriers to counseling improved over time, but there were no significant differences in cessation counseling. Training during and after undergraduate studies was significantly associated with higher self-efficacy. Training during undergraduate studies was also associated with higher counseling score in patients ready to quit, and training after studies was associated with better knowledge of community resources. Conclusion: Smoking cessation counseling for patients ready to quit improved from 2005 to 2010 among female pharmacists but not among male pharmacists. Training is generally associated with improved counseling and improved cessation-related psychosocial characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether smoking cessation counseling practices and related psychosocial characteristics among respiratory therapists (RTs) improved between 2005 and 2010. METHODS: Data were collected in mailed self-report questionnaires in 2005 and in 2010, in random independent samples of active licensed RTs in Québec, Canada. RESULTS: The response proportion was 67.6% in 2005 and 59.9% in 2010. There were no substantial differences in mean cessation counseling scores according to year of survey. RTs who reported that they had received cessation counseling training during their studies or after their studies (when they were in practice) had statistically significantly better counseling practices for both patients ready and patients not ready to quit than untrained RTs. In addition, their self-efficacy to provide effective counseling was higher and they perceived fewer knowledge-related barriers to cessation. Further, RTs trained after their studies perceived fewer patient-related and time barriers to cessation counseling, and had better knowledge of community resources. CONCLUSIONS: Although the proportion of RTs trained in smoking cessation counseling during and after studies increased between 2005 and 2010 (from 3% to 14%, and from 17% to 29%, respectively), sustained efforts are needed to increase the number of trained RTs, so that this translates into positive observable changes in counseling practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: In addition to individual-level characteristics, the social and physical environment may influence the initiation of cigarette smoking in adolescents. The objective of this paper is to describe the association between smoking intolerance in schools, and in restaurants and corner stores located near schools, and initiation of cigarette smoking among adolescents. Methods: Data on cigarette smoking were collected in self-report questionnaires every 3 months from 1999 to 2005 in a sample of 1,293 Grade 7 students in 10 secondary schools in Montreal, Canada. Baseline never-smokers (n = 868) were retained for analysis. School administrators completed questionnaires on tobacco control policies and activities within schools. Data on access to tobacco products and smoking restrictions in restaurants and corner stores located in school neighborhoods were collected through direct observation. Schools, restaurants, and corner stores were classified as smoking tolerant or intolerant. Time to initiation of cigarette smoking was modeled as a function of smoking intolerance in schools, restaurants, and corner stores in survival analyses (Cox proportional hazards modeling). Results: Students in smoking-intolerant schools were less likely to initiate smoking than students in smoking-tolerant schools (hazard ratio [HR; 95% CI] = 0.83 [0.68, 1.01]). Students attending schools located in neighborhoods with smoking-intolerant restaurants were less likely to initiate smoking (HR [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.68, 1.07]). There was no association between corner store smoking intolerance and initiation. Conclusions: Smoking intolerance in schools and restaurants may protect against initiation of cigarette smoking and could be useful targets for more intense tobacco control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies evidenced that adolescent never-smokers exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) endorsed nicotine dependence symptoms. Other studies showed that SHS exposure measured with biomarkers among never-smokers independently predicted withdrawal sensations and prospective smoking initiation. The aim of the present study was to replicate and extend these findings by investigating whether social and pharmacological measures of SHS exposure predicted precursors to smoking among never-smoking adolescents. Methods: Participants included 327 never-smokers aged 11–15 years attending sixth or seventh grade in French language schools in Montréal, Canada. They completed self-report questionnaires measuring their smoking status, social smoke exposure (number of smokers in their environment and number of situations where SHS exposure occurs), and precursors to smoking initiation (smoking expectancies, perceived nicotine dependence, and smoking susceptibility). Each participant provided a saliva sample from which cotinine biomarkers were derived to measure pharmacological exposure to SHS. Results: When predictors were modeled individually, number of smokers predicted perceived nicotine dependence (p ≤ .05), smoking susceptibility (p ≤ .001), and expected benefits (p ≤ .05), whereas number of situations predicted smoking susceptibility (p ≤ .01). When predictors were modeled simultaneously, number of smokers predicted perceived nicotine dependence (p ≤ .01), smoking susceptibility (p ≤ .01), and expected benefits (p ≤ .05). Conclusions: Social smoke exposure was a predictor for smoking precursors. Pharmacological exposure to SHS did not predict smoking precursors, which may be partly attributable to the low cotinine values observed in our sample. Suggestions for improved pharmacological measurement of SHS and implications for public health are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to test if parents' participation in an intervention based on an empowerment ideology and participatory experiences decreased the number of cigarettes smoked in homes. Sixty families were randomized to the intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 30) group. The intervention included three weekly group sessions followed by three weekly follow-up telephone calls over six consecutive weeks. During group sessions, parents shared experiences about environmental tobacco smoke, identified personal strengths and resources, and developed action plans. Data were collected in interviewer-administered questionnaires at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Ninety-three percent of the sample consisted of mothers, 77% of whom smoked during pregnancy. Forty-two percent of the total sample reported a household income of <$15,000. The median number of cigarettes smoked in the home daily decreased from 18 to 4 in the total sample however no statistically significant difference was detected between groups at 6 months follow-up. Participation in the study, independent of group, may have resulted in parents decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked in the home. Valuable lessons were learned about recruiting and working with this group of parents, all of whom faced the challenges of tobacco and almost half of whom lived in poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the availability of intramural or extramural sports in secondary schools is associated with physical activity levels in youth throughout secondary school and at age 20. METHODS: Eight hundred and eight adolescents from 10 secondary schools in Montreal, Canada, provided physical activity data every 3 months during the school year from ages 13 to 17, and again at age 20. School administrators completed questionnaires on the availability of intramural and extramural sports. Three-level general linear models were used to examine associations among the number of intramural and extramural sports, moderate and vigorous physical activity controlling for age, sex, body mass index, mother’s education, and school-level socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Regardless of whether or not they reported participating in intramural sports, adolescents in schools with more intramural sports engaged in 3.6 (p = .03) more total, and 1.3 (p = 0.03) more vigorous activities per week than those attending schools with fewer intramural sports. Number of extramural sports was not statistically significantly associated with physical activity, regardless of whether or not individual students participated. CONCLUSION: Providing more opportunities for intramural sports in secondary schools may be an effective strategy to help adolescents attain physical activity recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether changes in social context (i.e., frequency with which youth engage in physical activity [PA] alone, with teammates, with friends, with siblings, or with parents/grandparents) is associated with change in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) across Grades 5–8 and Grades 8–11 (N = 938). Data were self-reported annually. Across Grades 5–8, the frequency of PA in all social contexts declined over time, and changes in the frequency of PA alone, with teammates, with siblings, and in diversity of PA companion types were positively associated with change in MVPA. Across Grades 8–11, the frequency of PA with siblings, friends, and parents/grandparents declined over time, and changes in the frequency of PA alone, with teammates, with friends, with parents/grandparents, and in diversity of PA companion types were positively associated with change in MVPA. PA social contexts vary in how they associate with change in MVPA in youth over time. • Data were analyzed using piecewise latent growth modeling. • Physical activity (PA) declined over time in most social contexts. • Change in PA alone or with teammates associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). • Associations between change in PA with companions and MVPA varied by school level. • Change in diversity of PA companion types associated with change in MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The level of physical dependence is a measure of addiction that correlates highly with addiction-associated changes in brain structure. We sought to determine whether age at first inhalation and initial reactions to inhaling nicotine are related to level of physical dependence in early adulthood. Methods Young adults ( n = 312; mean age = 24 years; 51% female) from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study who had smoked at least once in the preceding three months completed self-report questionnaires in 2011–12. We assessed level of physical dependence with three validated self-report items assessing ‘wanting,’ ‘craving’ and ‘needing’ triggered by nicotine deprivation. Survey items assessed smoking behavior, including age at first inhalation, and recalled first reactions to inhaling nicotine. Results After adjusting for covariates, experiencing relaxation, heart racing/pounding, rush or “buzz” (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.94) and dizziness (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.18) at first nicotine inhalation were associated with an increased odds of being at a higher level of physical dependence in young adulthood; the association for experiencing relaxation (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.64) and heart racing/pounding (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.28) persisted after additionally controlling for all other first reactions. Neither age at first inhalation nor unpleasant first reactions predicted level of physical dependence. Conclusions In accordance with prior research, our findings suggest that smokers who are particularly sensitive to the pleasant, “buzz-related” and generally arousing effects of nicotine may be more likely to attain higher levels of physical dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of a prognostic tool to identify adolescents at risk for transitioning from never to ever smoking in the next year. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, a longitudinal investigation of adolescents (1999 to present). A total of 1294 students initially age 12 to 13 years were recruited from seventh-grade classes in 10 high schools in Montreal. Self-report questionnaire data were collected every 3 months during the 10-month school year over 5 years (1999-2005) until participants completed high school (n = 20 cycles). Prognostic variables for inclusion in the multivariable analyses were selected from 58 candidate predictors describing sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits of family and friends, lifestyle factors, personality traits, and mental health. Cigarette smoking initiation was defined as taking even 1 puff on a cigarette for the first time, as measured in a 3-month recall of cigarette use completed in each cycle. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of cigarette smoking initiation was 16.3%. Data were partitioned into a training set for model-building and a testing set to evaluate the performance of the model. The final model included 12 variables (age, 4 worry or stress- related items, 1 depression-related item, 2 self-esteem items, and 4 alcohol- or tobacco- related variables). The model yielded a c-statistic of 0.77 and had good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: This short prognostic tool, which can be incorporated into busy clinical practice, was used to accurately identify adolescents at risk for cigarette smoking initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated whether type of physical activity (PA) (sports, running, and fitness/dance) engaged in during adolescence is associated with body composition in late adolescence or early adulthood. Methods: Data were drawn from 631 participants in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, a prospective investigation of students ages 12-13 yr at inception. Self-report PA data were collected at baseline, in grade 7, and every 3-4 months thereafter during the 5 yr of high school (1999-2005). Anthropometric indicators (height, weight, waist circumference, triceps, and subscapular skinfold thickness) were measured at ages 12, 16, and 24 yr. On the basis of prior exploratory factor analysis, PA was categorized into one of three types (sports, running, and fitness/dance). Regression models estimated the association between number of years participating in each PA type (0-5 yr) during high school and body composition measures in later adolescence or early adulthood. Results: In multivariable models accounting for age, sex, and parent education, more number of years participating in running during adolescence was associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness in later adolescence and early adulthood (all P < 0.01). This association was no longer apparent in models that accounted for body composition at age 12 yr. The number of years participating in sports was positively associated with body mass index in early adulthood (P = 0.02), but fitness/dance was not statistically significantly associated with any outcome. Conclusion: Sustaining participation in running, but not in other PA types, during adolescence was related to lower body composition in later adolescence and adulthood. However, more research is needed to determine whether this association is attributable to a relationship between PA and body composition in early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: A habitual sedentary lifestyle is associated with adverse health outcomes; however, the predictors of sedentary behaviors have not been sufficiently explored to inform the development and delivery of effective interventions to reduce sedentary behaviors. This study examined whether reports of symptoms of depression could predict weekly time spent in sedentary behaviors (i.e., television watching, computer use) 4years later. Method: Self-reported symptoms of depression were assessed at age 20years (2007–08), and television watching time and computer use were assessed at age 24years (2011–12) in 761 adults (45% men) participating in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis, with separate models for men and women. Results: After controlling for past sedentary behavior, symptoms of depression at age 20years predicted more computer use 4years later in men (R 2 =.21, β=.13, p <.05), but not in women. Symptoms of depression did not predict television watching. Conclusions: Results highlight the need to distinguish between types of sedentary behaviors as their predictors may differ. Further, they provide support for the hypothesis that psychological factors, in this case symptoms of depression, may relate to select sedentary behaviors in young men. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]