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Background: Seeing portrayals of tobacco and alcohol in music videos (MVs) may reduce perceived risks, increase susceptibility, and lead to the initiation of tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents and young adults. Previous studies have predominantly concentrated on assessing tobacco and alcohol contents in English-language MVs within Western countries. However, many other countries have not only been influenced by the English music market but have also produced music in their native languages, and this content remains underexamined. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of tobacco- and alcohol-related content in top Vietnamese MVs on YouTube from 2013 to 2021, to describe how tobacco and alcohol are portrayed in these MVs, and to examine associations between these portrayals and MV characteristics. Methods: A total of 410 Vietnamese MVs, including the top 40 or 50 most viewed released each year between 2013 and 2021, were analyzed. General information, such as the song name, its release date and ranking, age restriction, musical genre, and type of MV, was collected. We examined tobacco and alcohol content in the MVs, with specific details such as tobacco types, their brands, as well as the number, age, sex, and roles of individuals smoking or drinking. Results: Among the 410 MVs, 36 (8.8%) contained tobacco-related content and 136 (33.2%) featured alcohol-related content. Additionally, 28 (6.8%) out of 410 MVs included both tobacco and alcohol content. The prevalence of videos with tobacco and alcohol content fluctuated over the years. In MVs with tobacco-related content, a higher proportion of hip-hop or rap songs contained tobacco-related content (n=6, 30%) compared to other music genres. In MVs with tobacco-related content, cigarettes were the most frequently shown product (n=28, 77.8%), and smoking scenes were often depicted at parties (n=13, 36.1%) and during dancing and singing scenes (n=12, 33.3%). Among the 31 MVs portraying actual tobacco use, tobacco use was typically depicted with 1 person, often a young adult male, while 38.7% (n=12) showed singer(s) smoking. For MVs with alcohol-related content, there was a high proportion showing alcohol images at parties, bars, or pubs (n=96, 70.6%). Among 87 MVs containing drinking scenes, 60.9% (n=53) involved groups of young adults of both sexes, and 64% (n=56) depicted singers drinking. Additionally, only 2 (5.6%) MVs included health warnings about tobacco harm, and 2 MVs (1.5%) included warnings about drinking restricted to individuals 18 years and above. Conclusions: The notable prevalence of tobacco and alcohol content in leading Vietnamese YouTube MVs raises concerns, especially as most of this content is portrayed without any warnings. The study underscores a regulatory gap in addressing such content on the internet, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter regulations and age restrictions on platforms such as YouTube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Real-time surveillance of emerging infectious diseases necessitates a dynamically evolving, computable case definition, which frequently incorporates symptom-related criteria. For symptom detection, both population health monitoring platforms and research initiatives primarily depend on structured data extracted from electronic health records. Objective: This study sought to validate and test an artificial intelligence (AI)–based natural language processing (NLP) pipeline for detecting COVID-19 symptoms from physician notes in pediatric patients. We specifically study patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) who can be sentinel cases in an outbreak. Methods: Subjects in this retrospective cohort study are patients who are 21 years of age and younger, who presented to a pediatric ED at a large academic children's hospital between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2022. The ED notes for all patients were processed with an NLP pipeline tuned to detect the mention of 11 COVID-19 symptoms based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. For a gold standard, 3 subject matter experts labeled 226 ED notes and had strong agreement (F 1-score=0.986; positive predictive value [PPV]=0.972; and sensitivity=1.0). F 1-score, PPV, and sensitivity were used to compare the performance of both NLP and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) coding to the gold standard chart review. As a formative use case, variations in symptom patterns were measured across SARS-CoV-2 variant eras. Results: There were 85,678 ED encounters during the study period, including 4% (n=3420) with patients with COVID-19. NLP was more accurate at identifying encounters with patients that had any of the COVID-19 symptoms (F 1-score=0.796) than ICD-10 codes (F 1-score =0.451). NLP accuracy was higher for positive symptoms (sensitivity=0.930) than ICD-10 (sensitivity=0.300). However, ICD-10 accuracy was higher for negative symptoms (specificity=0.994) than NLP (specificity=0.917). Congestion or runny nose showed the highest accuracy difference (NLP: F 1-score=0.828 and ICD-10: F 1-score=0.042). For encounters with patients with COVID-19, prevalence estimates of each NLP symptom differed across variant eras. Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to have each NLP symptom detected than patients without this disease. Effect sizes (odds ratios) varied across pandemic eras. Conclusions: This study establishes the value of AI-based NLP as a highly effective tool for real-time COVID-19 symptom detection in pediatric patients, outperforming traditional ICD-10 methods. It also reveals the evolving nature of symptom prevalence across different virus variants, underscoring the need for dynamic, technology-driven approaches in infectious disease surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inuit youth in Northern Canada show considerable resilience in the face of extreme adversities. However, they also experience significant mental health needs and some of the highest adolescent suicide rates in the world. Disproportionate rates of truancy, depression, and suicide among Inuit adolescents have captured the attention of all levels of government and the country. Inuit communities have expressed an urgent imperative to create, or adapt, and then evaluate prevention and intervention tools for mental health. These tools should build upon existing strengths, be culturally appropriate for Inuit communities, and be accessible and sustainable in Northern contexts, where mental health resources are often scarce. Objective: This pilot study assesses the utility, for Inuit youth in Canada, of a psychoeducational e-intervention designed to teach cognitive behavioral therapy strategies and techniques. This serious game, SPARX, had previously demonstrated effectiveness in addressing depression with Maori youth in New Zealand. Methods: The Nunavut Territorial Department of Health sponsored this study, and a team of Nunavut-based community mental health staff facilitated youth's participation in an entirely remotely administered pilot trial using a modified randomized control approach with 24 youths aged 13-18 across 11 communities in Nunavut. These youth had been identified by the community facilitators as exhibiting low mood, negative affect, depressive presentations, or significant levels of stress. Entire communities, instead of individual youth, were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Results: Mixed models (multilevel regression) revealed that participating youth felt less hopeless (P=.02) and engaged in less self-blame (P=.03), rumination (P=.04), and catastrophizing (P=.03) following the SPARX intervention. However, participants did not show a decrease in depressive symptoms or an increase in formal resilience indicators. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that SPARX may be a good first step for supporting Inuit youth with skill development to regulate their emotions, challenge maladaptive thoughts, and provide behavioral management techniques such as deep breathing. However, it will be imperative to work with youth and communities to design, develop, and test an Inuit version of the SPARX program, tailored to fit the interests of Inuit youth and Elders in Canada and to increase engagement and effectiveness of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media platforms rely on algorithms to filter and select content, thereby personalizing every individual's social media experience. Many use social media without awareness of this personalization and its impact, pointing to a need to both understand and improve literacy among active social media users. This qualitative study addresses adolescents' social media literacy through an investigation of their experiences with personalization on social media, aiming for a nuanced perspective of their outcomes. A thematic analysis of eight focus group interviews with 47 students aged 15–19 years uncovered two main themes: (1) diverse levels of adolescents' awareness and familiarity with personalization and (2) positive, negative, and mixed emotions toward personalization. Theme one uncovered that although the adolescents were largely unfamiliar with the terminology, when prompted, most of them could provide examples of personalization, whereas theme two revealed that adolescents appreciated relevant content and yet were uneasy about certain features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abstinence is one of the most important aspects of “ABC” approach to prevent the spread of HIV through changing sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to review the studies conducted in the field of sexual abstinence education. Methods:We investigated the published experimental or quasi-experimental studies from 1998 to 2018 on the impact of sexual abstinence education in the Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, PsycNET and Sience direct databases. Inclusion criteria were: Randomized Controlled Trials on adolescents receiving abstinence education programs in both English and Persian languages. The outcome measure was sexual behaviors. Of the 1195 articles, 10 papers were evaluated and analyzed by two researchers separately. The quality of the studies was evaluated by Critical Appraisal Skills Program and judged by Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and divided into three levels of low, high and unclear risk of bias. Results: Seven of the ten included studies in this review reported positive results of abstinence education on sexual behaviors in adolescents. Conclusion: Some evidence supports the efficacy of any particular abstinence education on different aspects of sexual behaviors in adolescents. But, unfortunately, there is no strong evidence in this area. Evaluations of sexual abstinence education using behavioral indicators and long-term follow-up are needed to truly assess its impacts.

The social success skills valued and ultimately acquired by youth during their formative years can be better understood by examining the social spaces, processes, and interactions that are related to their personal aspirations and related media experiences. Using a phenomenological approach, I conducted a year-long multi-case study about two Black male high school students’ thoughts on social success, their aspirations, their social experiences, and their experiences with media. The participants were selected using purposeful sampling. I collected data through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations. I performed analyses by using the hermeneutic cycle which requires one to repeatedly read text, write reflections, and interpret data (Kafle, 2011; Laverty, 2008). Findings suggest that my participants’ aspirations held influence over the type of media content with which they chose to engage. Additionally, their thoughts about social success were influenced by their family members’ personal life experiences and the skills their family members valued. Moreover, their sociocultural contexts influenced their evolving thoughts on social success while their media served as resources to help them process their thoughts about social success and help them pursue their goals.

Social distancing is an important public health recommendation that has been implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Infections are rising among younger populations, but relatively little is known about youth social distancing behavior. Our qualitative study aims to examine youth engagement with social distancing and elucidate the reasons why guidelines are followed and broken. Members of the national MyVoice Text Message Cohort (aged 14–24) were surveyed from April 24 to April 30, 2020, through an open-ended text message poll. Responses were inductively coded and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Of the 944 youth who responded (response rate = 81.2%), 95% self-reported social distancing. However, 62% recalled instances of themselves or others breaking the guidelines and 19% expressed misconceptions about the rules. Notably, 14% of youth said they would encourage their friends to social distance by telling them it will accelerate a return to normal life. Feelings of social isolation were the most frequently cited (55%) negative impact of social distancing. Overall, responses from youth indicate significant variation in the interpretation of social distancing guidelines. Public health communications may need to address several critical misconceptions which impact the social distancing behaviors of youth. Further, safe methods for youth to interact with peers during periods of social distancing are necessary to prevent mental health impacts and to ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines.

Background: Abstinence is one of the most important aspects of “ABC” approach to prevent the spread of HIV through changing sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to review the studies conducted in the field of sexual abstinence education. Methods: We investigated the published experimental or quasi-experimental studies from 1998 to 2018 on the impact of sexual abstinence education in the Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, PsycNET and Sience direct databases. Inclusion criteria were: Randomized Controlled Trials on adolescents receiving abstinence education programs in both English and Persian languages. The outcome measure was sexual behaviors. Of the 1195 articles, 10 papers were evaluated and analyzed by two researchers separately. The quality of the studies was evaluated by Critical Appraisal Skills Program and judged by Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and divided into three levels of low, high and unclear risk of bias. Results: Seven of the ten included studies in this review reported positive results of abstinence education on sexual behaviors in adolescents. Conclusion: Some evidence supports the efficacy of any particular abstinence education on different aspects of sexual behaviors in adolescents. But, unfortunately, there is no strong evidence in this area. Evaluations of sexual abstinence education using behavioral indicators and long-term follow-up are needed to truly assess its impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion (50%-75%) of youth (younger than 21 years old) who become pregnant gain more weight during pregnancy than is recommended by the National Academy of Medicine. Excess weight gain during pregnancy is a strong risk factor for long-term obesity among mothers and their infants. There is a significant gap in our understanding of youth's knowledge and behavior related to weight gain during pregnancy. To develop effective interventions for pregnant youth, it is necessary to understand their distinct needs and preferences. Using a youth-centered qualitative approach, the purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, behaviors, and social factors that influence weight gain during pregnancy for youth. Participants completed weekly text message surveys and semistructured interviews to explore their perspectives of weight gain during pregnancy. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis on the basis of grounded theory. Pregnant youth ages 16-24 years old recruited from 2 urban, low-income, primary care clinics in Southeast Michigan. Among our sample (N = 54) 4 themes emerged. First, many youths were knowledgeable about healthy behaviors in pregnancy. However, the second theme showed that many youths reported barriers to engaging in these healthy behaviors, including stress, poor motivation, and issues of convenience. Third, they showed inadequate knowledge about exercise in pregnancy, and fourth, many endorsed food cravings that significantly influenced diet choices. Many pregnant youths have appropriate knowledge about healthy behaviors during pregnancy, but face many youth-specific barriers to achieving these behaviors. Interventions should address logistical challenges (eg, food access, cost, transportation) to healthy behaviors in pregnancy to make healthy diet and exercise more convenient for pregnant youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology, including mobile technologies and social media, offers powerful tools to reach, engage, and retain youth and young adults in HIV prevention and care interventions both in the USA and globally. In this report, we focus on HIV, technology, and youth, presenting a synthesis of recently published (Jan 2014-May 2015) observational and experimental studies relevant for understanding and intervening on HIV risk, prevention, and care. We present findings from a selection of the 66 relevant citations identified, highlighting studies that demonstrate a novel approach to technology interventions among youth in regard to content, delivery, target population, or public health impact. We discuss current trends globally and in the USA in how youth are using technology, as well as emergent research issues in this field-including the need for new theories for developing technology-based HIV interventions and new metrics of engagement, exposure, and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study guides social marketing campaigns to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young women by elaborating the health belief model (HBM). A self-administered, anonymous, web-based questionnaire was e-mailed to all entering female college students at a large, public university in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Findings elaborate the HBM constructs of perceived threat, benefits, barriers, and cues to action. Almost all participants had heard about the HPV vaccine and the majority of first-year students had received at least one shot in the vaccination series. Results expand understandings of perceived threat in relation to the HPV vaccine by explicating misinformation and knowledge gaps. Participants indicated that parents and physicians were their most trusted sources of vaccine information. Television and Internet cues to action were negatively associated with HPV vaccination among these women. Structural equation modeling results affirmed the HBM’s fit (comparative fit index = 0.935, normative fit index = 0.921, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.077). This finding suggests the importance of multimodal sources of information, expanding the dichotomous internal and external cues to action. Perceptions of vaccine safety remained a significant barrier to the uptake of HPV vaccination among participants. Racial disparities between White and non-White students could have a considerable impact on the established inequality in HPV vaccination rates in the United States. Results inform future social marketing campaign messages and strategies based on the HBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literature review was conducted on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to inform the development of the communications component of a teen dating violence prevention initiative entitled Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships. The review aimed to identify who influences youth in high-risk urban communities and how to best engage them. Sources included published peer-reviewed studies supplemented by publicly available data, research, and trend reports. The review identified four core influencer groups: peers, mass media, role models/mentors, and parents. Peers have a unique influence, especially with regard to dating and dating violence, which teens are more likely to discuss with peers than adults. Mass media is another key influence because of this audience’s high rates of media consumption and because it can deliver messages directly to youth. Role models and mentors—for example, family members, other known individuals, and media figures—all have a strong impact on the values, attitudes, and behaviors of our audience. Parents are also a critical source of influence, but poverty and communication challenges appear to weaken this influence. Understanding that teens prefer to talk to peers about their dating experiences, value peer opinions on dating more than those of other influencers, and are more likely to conform to peer norms than parent beliefs, it is recommended that the communications component of Dating Matters leverage the power of peer influence and incorporate it into a direct-to-youth communication strategy. Influencer-to-youth programming that provides parents and mentors with communications skills training may be an important complement to this approach and can be provided through other components of the Dating Matters initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly 1.5 million high school students a year are affected by dating violence and that youth who are physically hurt by a boyfriend/girlfriend are more likely to report binge drinking, suicide attempts, and other harmful behaviors. Dating violence may be more prevalent in economically and socially disadvantaged communities, especially in urban areas. Targeting youth with prevention messages before they start dating may avert teen dating violence and subsequent adult intimate partner violence; however, there is a dearth of materials available for youth in high-risk urban communities. This article reports on secondary analyses of market research databases and other sources, as well as on primary research (e.g., focus groups) conducted with youth in high-risk urban communities. This research is exploratory in nature and is limited by the fact that the qualitative findings cannot be generalized to the overall population of high-risk youth. While the focus groups included youth from various races/ethnicities and geographical areas, CDC is aware that the study samples were not representative of the entire parent population in the United States. This exploratory research was conducted to inform the development of a communication campaign designed to reach youth in high-risk urban communities. Key findings for high-risk youth are provided across a variety of constructs including demographics, media and technology usage and impact, daily life and time spent in relationships, peer relationships, and attitudes and approaches to relationships. Implications for reaching this audience are discussed. These include reaching youth in urban settings and using approaches that focus on their peers, the Internet, cell phones, television, and music venues. Communication approaches that utilize print media or organized sports and other youth-oriented clubs and groups as channels to reach high-risk youth may be less impactful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To examine the relationship between role model presence, type of role model, and various health-risk and health-protective behaviors among California adolescents. Methods: We used cross-sectional data on 4,010 multiethnic adolescents aged 12–17 years from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, a population-based random-digit dial telephone survey of more than 40,000 California households. The survey, conducted every other year since 2001, collects extensive demographic, health, and health-related information. Results: Fifty-nine percent of adolescents identified a role model. Affluent teens were more likely to have a role model than lower income teens. Role models were generally of the same ethnicity and gender as the teens; ethnic congruence was higher among African Americans and whites than Latinos and Asians; gender congruence was higher among males. Type of role model was significantly associated with health-related behaviors. Identification of a teacher was strongly associated with positive health behaviors. Correlations with health-promoting behaviors were generally smaller in magnitude but consistently positive among family member and athlete role models. Peer or entertainer role models were associated with health-risk behaviors. Conclusion: Not only role model presence but also the type of role model is an important predictor of adolescent health-related behaviors. Our findings have implications for designing youth targeted interventions and policies involving role models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article compares initial outcomes of a 9-hour federally funded comprehensive abstinence-based program delivered to minority youth at churches and public schools in Miami, Florida. Using a nonequivalent control group design, repeated measures MANOVA compared an unduplicated sample of 620 youth completing the program in churches (n=248) and in public school settings (n=372). Although the findings offer initial evidence in support of delivering the program to minority youth at both settings, youth at churches scored higher on every measure congruent with choosing abstinence until marriage. Similar percentages of youth in both settings, however, reported having sexual intercourse. Discussion of the findings, as well as implications for social work practice and the church, conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]