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The study objectives were to examine the relationships between healthcare provider-confirmed current anxiety problems and organized activity participation including sports, clubs/organizations, and other activities. We used data from the 2018-2019 National Survey of Children's Health including 24,356 adolescents 12-17 years old. Poisson and logistic regression analyses were conducted. About 13% of adolescents had current anxiety problems. Poisson regression results indicated that adolescents with anxiety problems were less likely to participate in a higher total number of organized activities compared to children without anxiety problems. Similarly, logistic regression results indicated that adolescents with anxiety problems were at reduced odds of participating in at least one organized activity compared to adolescents without anxiety problems. Specific to activity type, adolescents with anxiety problems were at reduced odds of participating in sports and clubs/organizations. Study findings should be considered when creating and implementing community health promotion and education prevention programs and interventions for adolescents., Author(s): Kayleigh A. Gregory [sup.1] , Rebecca A. Vidourek [sup.1] , Keith A. King [sup.1] , Ashley L. Merianos [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/01e3m7079, grid.24827.3b, 0000 0001 2179 9593, School [...]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health problem in which transgender individuals are at elevated risk. The present study examined associations among IPV, demographics, sex work, and substance use in a national sample of transgender individuals. National data from the 2015 Transgender Survey (n = 27,715) was analyzed. Results indicated that nearly half (48.3%) of transgender individuals had experienced IPV in their lifetime. Lifetime IPV differed significantly based on demographics, sex work and substance use. Individuals at highest risk for lifetime IPV were those who self-identified as a trans man, were 25-64 years old, were Native American/Alaskan Native or Middle-Eastern/North African, had some college or less, had an annual income of $1-$24,999, had been part of a religious/spiritual community, had engaged in sex work and had used substances. Public and community health efforts are needed to address risk factors contributing to transgender involvement in IPV. Primary and secondary preventive measures are needed to effectively combat IPV. Primary prevention strategies should educate individuals regarding IPV, healthy relationships and the adoption of healthy coping and communication skills. Secondary prevention strategies should utilize screening procedures to identify individuals at risk and bolster social connectedness. Treatment programs should be developed to reduce IPV among individuals who use substances. Future research is strongly needed in this area., Author(s): Keith A. King [sup.1] , R. Andrew Yockey [sup.1] , Rebecca A. Vidourek [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.24827.3b, 0000 0001 2179 9593, Center for Prevention Science, University of Cincinnati, [...]

Alcohol use among college students is a national health concern. The epidemiology of alcohol use among Middle Eastern college students remains to be investigated. This study sought to understand the epidemiology of recent alcohol use among Middle Eastern college students. We use data from the 2017 to 2018 Healthy Minds Study to identify predictors of recent alcohol use among 1,763 Middle Eastern students nationwide. Weighted univariate analyses were conducted to determine significant predictors of recent alcohol use. Nearly half (45.5%) of Middle Eastern college students reported using alcohol in the past 2 weeks (recent alcohol use). Those at highest risk for recent alcohol use were in their 4th year of schooling (p < 0.001), living in a fraternity or sorority house (p < 0.001), and reported that religion was not a big part of their life (p < 0.001). Students who lived with their parents were less likely to drink alcohol (p < 0.001). Recent alcohol use among Middle Eastern college students is a national public health concern. Interventions are warranted to decrease this growing public health anomaly and to more effectively deal with this current public health crisis.

Anxiety disorders continue to be a major mental health problem among Hispanic youth. A greater understanding of particular risk factors among this at-risk population may assist school health professionals in developing psychosocial interventions designed to mitigate this growing problem. The present study evaluated a variety of school factors related to anxiety among a national sample of Hispanic youth in the US. A secondary analysis of the 2016 National Children's Health Survey was conducted. A total of 2,138 of Hispanic adolescents aged 12- to 17-years-old participated in the study. A sizeable percentage (10.9%) of Hispanic youth reported anxiety. Results from the final multivariate regression model indicated that bullying others or excluding them, being bullied or excluded by others, not doing all required homework, and school contact to parents about their child's behavior were all significant risk factors for anxiety among Hispanic adolescents in the US. These risk factors should be considered when planning school health and psychology interventions for Hispanic adolescents in the US.

Depression among adolescents is a public health concern. The present study examines the impact of sex, grade level, employment status, parental support, school-related influences, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors on the mental well-being of Asian American youth. A secondary data analysis of the 2020 Student Drug Use Survey was conducted. Of the N = 2332 Asian American youth, 19.6% (n = 456) reported depression. Of these, 24.2% (n = 286) identified as female, and 14.5% (n = 163) identified as male. Furthermore, univariate logistic regression analysis and logistic regression model analyses were employed. The final logistic regression model was found to be significant and suggests that lack of parental support, involvement in prosocial activities, and involvement in risky behaviors can predict depression among Asian American high school youth. The findings of this research study hold significant implications for the development of targeted interventions aimed at addressing depression among Asian American high school students. Identifying specific predictors such as the lack of parental factors, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors provides valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. By recognizing these influential factors, interventions can be tailored to enhance parental involvement, promote prosocial activities, and mitigate risky behaviors, thus potentially reducing the prevalence of depression among Asian American youth in high school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationships between current anxiety problems and school engagement, community service or volunteer work, and paid work among U.S. adolescents. The 2018–2019 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset was analyzed and included 24,609 adolescents ages 12–17 years. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyzes. A total of 12.6% of adolescents had healthcare provider-confirmed current anxiety problems. Adolescents with current anxiety were at decreased odds of engaging in school (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.29, 0.41) and participating in community service or volunteer work (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.59, 0.86) compared to adolescents without current anxiety. Adolescents with current anxiety were at increased odds of participating in paid work (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.38). This study reports that U.S. adolescents with anxiety were less likely to engage in school and participate in community service or volunteer work, but were more likely to participate in paid work compared to their peers without anxiety. Results should inform future interventions targeting adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: School connectedness is a leading school-based protective factor against youth engagement in risky behaviors. Research on teachers' individual practices in fostering school connections with their students is currently lacking. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to address gaps in the research by examining elementary and middle school teachers' use of specific strategies to positively connect students to school. Methods: An electronic survey was completed by 419 (60% response rate) elementary and middle school teachers. Results: On average, teachers reported using connection-building strategies at least once a week. The most frequently used strategies were acting like a positive role model for students and calling students by their first names. MANOVAs were conducted and found teachers who most frequently reported using connection-building strategies were elementary school teachers, those who had received training on school connectedness outside of/after college, and those working at a school with connection-building as a leading priority. Discussion: Training teachers on positively connecting students to school was associated with increased use of connection-building techniques in the classroom. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings have implications for health education professionals interested in increasing school connectedness among students through teacher practices and school priorities. (Contains 5 tables.)

Background: A sizeable percentage of Hispanic youth are affected by alcohol use. Research is needed to identify specific factors placing Hispanic youth at elevated risk. Purpose: This study examined whether recent alcohol use (past 30 days) and frequent episodic heavy drinking among 7th - 12th grade Hispanic students (N = 946) in Greater Cincinnati schools differed based on perceived harm of use, ease of access and parent/peer disapproval of use. Methods: The PRIDE national survey for grades 6-12 was administered to youth in their school classrooms. Results: One-in-four (24.5%) recently used alcohol and one-in-seven (15.2%) frequently (often/a lot) engaged in episodic heavy drinking. Students at highest risk for recent alcohol use and frequent episodic heavy drinking were those who felt use was not harmful/somewhat harmful, felt alcohol access was fairly easy/very easy and had parents/peers who did not disapprove of use. Discussion: These results should be considered when developing and implementing alcohol prevention efforts for Hispanic youth. Ongoing parent-child communication, rule-setting and rule enforcement should be encouraged. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings can assist health educators to more thoroughly understand how perceived harm, ease of access and parent/peer disapproval affect recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among Hispanic youth. (Contains 7 tables.)

Background: Non-medical prescription drug use is an increasing problem among university students. Purpose: The present study investigated university students' involvement in non-medical prescription drug (NMPD) use and associations between use and other risky behaviors. Methods: A sample of 363 university students completed a four page survey assessing involvement in NMPD use and risky behaviors. Results: Results indicated that approximately one in three university students have used prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription. Pain medication (22.4%) was the number one misused prescription drug followed by stimulants (17.5%). Almost half of university students reported using NMPDs with alcohol. Logistic regression analyses revealed being male and being a junior or senior increased the odds of involvement in NMPD use. Additional analyses revealed engaging in NMPD use was associated with increased odds for cigarette use, marijuana use, and suicidal ideation. Discussion: Health professionals should educate students about the dangers of NMPD use and attempt to identify students at high risk. Translation to Health Education Practice: Prevention programs should be developed to target university students who may be at risk for misuse. (Contains 4 tables.)

Background: Nearly half of all college students do not engage in the recommended amount of physical activity which may contribute to chronic diseases such as obesity. Purpose: To investigate college students' use and perceptions of wearable fitness trackers (WFTs) and the impact on confidence and motivation for increasing physical activity. Reasons for non-use were also explored. Methods: 356 College students completed a 25-item paper survey. Results: 22.5% reported using a WFT. Most wore their WFT either "every day without fail" or "most days" and half wore their WFT "all day and while sleeping". Analyses were significant for those reporting a high increase in physical activity and or a high increase in number of steps as being more likely to report a high motivation for physical activity. Discussion: Two reasons for use of WFT were weight loss and to track sleep. A common reason for non-use of WFT was cost. WFTs may help to increase motivation to engage in physical activity. Translation to Health Education Practice: When considering the use of WFTs, Health Educators would do well to identify affordable WFTs for use in interventions and be mindful of the barriers related to discontinuation of use.

Background: Anxiety is a mental health issue affecting many adolescents in the United States. Limited research on neighborhood characteristics and adolescent anxiety is available. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between adolescent anxiety and neighborhood characteristics in a national sample. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the 2016 National Survey on Children's Health was conducted for this study. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine associations between anxiety and demographic characteristics and neighborhood characteristics. Significant items from the univariate analyses were then retained and included in a final multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Results of the final model indicated that being female and white increased the risk of adolescent anxiety. Findings from this study also revealed that neighborhood characteristics significantly predicted adolescent anxiety. Discussion: Greater than one in ten adolescents experienced anxiety, which indicates additional prevention and intervention programs are needed to address this issue. Translation to Health Education Practice: Improving neighborhood conditions and enhancing community support are two methods that may prevent and reduce adolescent anxiety. Specific strategies for prevention and intervention are offered.

Background: Health concerns of body piercing include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, pain, and disease. Current gaps in the research include students' perceived piercing risks and safe piercing practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine university students' involvement in body piercing, risk consideration and adherence to safe piercing practices. Methods: A sample of 536 university students completed a 44-item survey regarding body piercing. Results: Results indicated that 35% had ever had a body piercing. Most obtained their piercing at a tattoo parlor (65%) and most did not consider the risks of allergic reaction (43%), HIV (31%), Hepatitis B (20%) or Hepatitis C (20%). Males were significantly less likely than females to have considered the risks and to have engaged in safe piercing practices. Two-thirds reported that information about the risks of body piercing would be helpful in making decisions on whether to obtain future piercings. Discussion: Education on potential complications is warranted. Awareness campaigns should ensure that young males are informed regarding risks and safety precautions. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators should become aware of the risks of piercings and share this information with young adults so they can make healthy and informed decisions. (Contains 5 tables.)

The prevalence of non-partner sexual violence among college students is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention. Although an integral part of the education system, international college students are often underrepresented in various studies. This calls attention to understanding the cultural nuances and multiple factors affecting this population. The current research delves into the experiences of sexual abuse among international students within the last 12 months, focusing specifically on incidents where sexual penetration or unwanted sexual touching occurred without consent. The study sheds light on the frequency and demographics associated with these distressing incidents using data from a large-scale survey conducted over the past year, encompassing a sample size of 13,242 international student respondents. Results reveal alarming statistics, with a substantial proportion of international students reporting experiences of non-partner sexual violence. Specifically, 4.8% of participants reported being sexually touched without consent, 1.9% reported attempted sexual penetration without consent, and 1.6% reported actual sexual penetration or being made to penetrate someone without consent. Moreover, the analysis indicates significant associations between experiences of sexual abuse and key demographic variables such as gender, relationship status, and number of sexual partners. Further exploration through univariate regression unveils compelling insights into the intersectionality of sexual violence, highlighting disparities based on biological sex, relationship status, and number of sexual partners among international students. The present study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to address the pervasive issue of non-partner sexual violence among international college students. By understanding the dynamics of these incidents and their correlates, institutions can tailor support services, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives to create safer and more inclusive environments for all international students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many misconceptions about breast cancer exist. College students have the opportunity to perform breast cancer risk-reducing behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess breast cancer knowledge among university students and examine the influence of breast cancer knowledge on health behaviors for breast cancer prevention. Methods: Data were collected via survey in which students were asked about health behaviors and 20 true/false statements about breast cancer. Results: College students were unable to accurately identify all truths and myths about breast cancer. The overall mean knowledge score for the sample was 10.59 (SD = 2.865), based on a potential range of 0-20 correct answers. Breast cancer knowledge was significantly influenced by race. Results of Pearson correlation coefficients indicated an inverse correlation between breast cancer knowledge and health behaviors. Discussion: Lack of accurate breast cancer knowledge is consistent with current literature. Health communication alone may not be enough to effect behavior change. Translation to Health Education Practice: This study provides valuable insights into knowledge about breast cancer and associated behaviors among college students. Knowledge, as well as other determinants of behavior, should be examined for their effects on breast cancer prevention. Sources of knowledge available to college students should contain valid information.

Background: Hookah tobacco use is an emerging public health problem. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to examine recent hookah tobacco use among college students and potential correlates including other drugs and drug education. Methods: The paper version of the National College Health Assessment II was completed by 765 students enrolled at one urban university. Results: Findings indicated that 14.2% of students used hookah in the past 30 days. Significant differences were found based on recent alcohol, recent cigarette use, recent cigar use, recent smokeless tobacco use, and recent marijuana use. Students who received tobacco education were at increased odds for hookah use (?[superscript 2] = 5.592, df = 1, P = 0.018). The final regression model predicted recent hookah use (omnibus ?[superscript 2] = 129.779, df = 6, P < 0.001) and accounted for 15.6% to 28.0% of the variance in recent hookah use. Discussion: Students using hookah were found to use other type of substances, which may warrant attention on college campuses. Translation to Health Education Practice: Study findings indicate that tobacco education programs may not adequately address hookah use. Health Education professionals may need to implement specific lessons on hookah as part of tobacco education programs.

Background: Steroid use among adolescents is an increasing health concern. Literature examining factors related to steroid use is limited. Methods: We investigated steroid use among 9th through 12th grade adolescents in the Greater Cincinnati area. A total of 38,414 adolescents completed the PRIDE Questionnaire. Associations between demographics, school factors, parent factors, sport participation, and steroid use were examined. Results: A total of 2.6% of adolescents reported using steroids in the past year. Most prevalent was steroid use among male, Junior/Senior, African-American, and Hispanic adolescents. Rates of steroid use differed significantly based on school and parent factors, but not sport participation. Adolescents who reported attendance at schools that frequently set and enforced rules for drug use or whose parents frequently set rules for drug use were at decreased odds for steroid use. School communication about drug use was negatively associated with steroid use. Conclusions: School administration and staff, as well as parents, are uniquely positioned to deter steroid use among adolescents. Findings suggest that limiting steroid screening to student athletes might miss a substantial proportion of the population at risk. Thus, broad-based screening and prevention programs may be more effective than programs targeting student athletes alone.

School violence, school violent victimization, and suicidal ideation among adolescents are serious public health concerns. This pilot study investigated the influence of steroid use on problem behaviors. Secondary data analyses of the 2014 PRIDE Questionnaire were performed based on information collected from 38,414 high school adolescents. Results indicated high rates of school violence, school violent victimization, and suicidal ideation. Steroid use was directly related to all three problem behaviors. Results varied based on sex, race, grade level, and ethnicity. Health professionals, schools, and prevention specialists may benefit from the findings of this study. Examination of other factors related to steroid use in relation to the aforementioned problem behaviors is imperative.

The study purpose was to examine the relationship between sports participation and recent alcohol and past-year alcohol use among students. A secondary data analysis of the PRIDE survey (N = 37,616) was performed. A series of chi-square analyses and odds ratios were conducted. Results indicated sports participation reduced the odds for past-year alcohol use among male students, but not recent use. Female students who participated in school sports often/a lot were at reduced risk for reporting both recent use and past-year use. Overall, sports participation had a protective effect on alcohol use. Recommendations for future research are included.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of school violence on recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among seventh- through 12th-grade students. A total of 54,631 students completed a survey assessing substance use and other risky behaviors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the research questions. Results indicate that one in three students reported involvement in school violence in the past year, one in five reported using alcohol in the past month, and one in 10 reported frequently (often/a lot) engaging in episodic heavy drinking. Compared with their nonviolent counterparts, male and female adolescents and high school students involved in school violence were twice as likely to report alcohol use. Junior high school students involved in school violence were six times more likely as those not involved to report using alcohol. Findings highlight the association between school violence and alcohol abuse. Professionals working with youths should address shared underlying factors contributing to school violence and underage drinking.

The study purpose was to examine the effect alcohol abuse/dependence and school experiences have on depression among a nationwide sample of adolescents. A secondary analysis of the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted. The results of the final multivariable logistic regression model revealed that adolescents who reported having past-year alcohol abuse/dependence and negative school experiences were at increased odds for reporting past-year depression. This study adds to the existing literature by revealing the association of alcohol dependence/abuse, negative school experiences, and adolescent depression above and beyond demographic covariates. Recommendations for future studies are included.

Background: Because marijuana is becoming more accessible and perceived norms of use are becoming increasingly more favorable, research is needed to understand characteristics of marijuana acquisition among adolescents. Purpose: The study purpose was to examine whether sources and locations where adolescent users obtain and use marijuana differed based on past month use, age of first use, time since last used, number of days used in the past month, perceived ease of access, perceived peer use, and demographics. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis (n = 3,102) of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were performed. Results: Adolescents at highest risk for buying marijuana were male, older, used in the past month, and older when they first used. Adolescents at highest risk for buying marijuana inside a home/apartment/dorm were more likely to have used in the past month. Adolescents at highest risk for buying marijuana outside in a public area were African American and used 6-19 days in the past month. Discussion: Because marijuana is becoming more accessible, preventionists should continue monitoring acquisitions. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings can be used to assist health educators to more thoroughly understand marijuana acquisition among adolescents.

Background: The primary purpose of this study was to determine if recent alcohol use and binge drinking was associated with school experiences among Hispanic youth. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH was administered to Hispanic youth (N?=?3457) in the privacy of their own homes. The school experience score was dichotomized into negative and positive school experiences. Results: A total of 13.8% of Hispanic youth reported recent alcohol use, and 8.0% reported that they had engaged in binge drinking. Hispanic youth who reported having negative school experiences were at increased odds for reporting recent alcohol use and binge drinking compared to counterparts with positive school experiences. Specifically, Hispanic students who were at highest risk for reporting recent alcohol use and binge drinking were in the age group 14 to 15 years, and the age group 16 to 17 years who reported having negative school experiences. Conclusions: These findings on school experiences should be considered when developing and implementing school-based prevention programs targeting Hispanic youth.