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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.

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training, resistance, and combined training on obesity-related hormonal factors in and sports adaptations in prediabetic adolescent boys Methods: In a quasi-experimental research project, 40 healthy sedentary boys with an age range of 13-15 years (BMI: 28-31 kg/m²; fat percentage: 32-36%) were selected based on fat percentage and aerobic fitness, and they were assigned into four High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Resistance, Combined and Control groups. Each training includes four sessions per week that lasts 45-60 minutes. Each HIIT session consisted of 6-8 repetitions of 30-60 seconds sprints at 80-85% of reserve heart rate (3.5 minutes rest between repetitions). Resistance training included movements of the main muscles of the upper body, trunk, and lower body. Combined training consisted of a combination of resistance training and HIIT. Fasting glucose concentration, HOMA index, and serum insulin of obese and overweight adolescent boys were measured before and after the training protocols. The changes in each studied indices during different stages of measurement were analyzed using 4x2 analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests via SPSS-22 software at a significance level less than 0.05. Results: Fasting glucose concentration did not change significantly in any groups. However, it decreased significantly only in the combined training group. The serum insulin level and the HOMA index decreased significantly in all three training groups, and the reduction of these indices in the combined training group was significantly greater than in the other two groups. Conclusion : Using the combination of HITT with resistance training improves and reduces the level of insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance. This combined training is a suitable method compared to each HITT and resistance training method alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Aim: Health-related behaviors during adolescence lay the foundation of health status during later life. Most of the studies on health behaviors among adolescents in India have a focus on adolescent girls. India has 133 million adolescent boys; it is important to understand patterns and determinants of physical inactivity and poor dietary intake among them. Method: We analyze levels and patterns of physical activity and dietary habits using data from the 'Understanding Lives of the Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA)' Survey, 2016, from Bihar, one of the less developed states in India. The analysis was carried out using data collected from 2004 adolescent boys aged 14–19 years covering 33,900 households. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of predictor variables on physical activity and dietary habits. Results: Most adolescent boys (71%) engaged in physical activities during the one month before the survey. Fifteen percent did not engage in physical activity during the reference period and 13% never participated in such activities. One-fourth consumed three or more food groups and 6% did not daily consume any of the six selected food groups. Participants' age, place of residence, schooling status, and co-residence with siblings are strong predictors of physical activity. Place of residence, caste and economic status, household head's gender, schooling of household head, and number of siblings are factors identified as predictors of dietary habits. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for steps to enhance participation in physical activities and to promote daily consumption of meals with adequate dietary diversity among adolescent boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual and dating violence (SDV) by male youth (≤ 25 years)—including sexual harassment, emotional partner violence, and rape—is a worldwide problem. The goal of this preregistered (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022281220) systematic review was to map existing SDV prevention programs aimed at male youth, including their characteristics (e.g., content, intensity), intended psychosexual outcomes, and empirically demonstrated effectiveness, guided by the principles of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We conducted searches in six online databases for published, peer-reviewed quantitative effectiveness studies on multi-session, group focused, and interaction based SDV prevention programs for male youth ending March 2022. After screening of 21,156 hits using PRISMA guidelines, 15 studies on 13 different programs, from four continents were included. Narrative analysis showed, first, broad ranges in program intensity (2–48 h total), and few program curricula included explicit discussion of relevant aspects of the TPB. Second, programs' main intended psychosexual outcomes were to change SDV experiences, or related attitudes, or norms. Third, significant effects were found mostly on longer term behaviors and short-term attitudes. Other theoretical proxies of SDV experiences, such as social norms and perceived behavioral control, were sparsely investigated; thus, program effectiveness on these outcomes remains largely unknown. Assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, moderate to serious risk of bias arose in all studies. We present concrete suggestions for program content, such as explicit attention to victimization and masculinity and discuss best practices for evaluation research, including assessments of program integrity, and examining relevant theoretical proxies of SDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Unhealthy behaviors including smoking, drinking, and drug use often begin during adolescence and are closely related to morbidity and mortality. This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among adolescent boys in Bihar, India. Data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA), conducted in 2015–16 in two Indian states, was used for analysis (n = 2004 adolescent boys aged 14–19 years). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to estimate the effect of various correlates on substance use. Prevalence of tobacco consumption (19%) is high, followed by consumption of alcohol (8%) and drug use (1.2%) among adolescent boys in Bihar. One-fifth have ever used at least one substance. Age, education, current schooling status, wealth quintile, household head's educational attainment, and mother's education level are found to be important factors influencing substance use. It is essential to adopt more pointed programs which can effectively reduce substance use among adolescents in this and similar states. Programs related to prevention of substances should be expanded effectively through health education programs, media messages at the grassroots level, especially in the socio-economically backward states in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

We describe GuysWork, a school‐based healthy living program for adolescent boys, and share results from a pilot evaluation in Nova Scotia, Canada, during COVID‐19. The team hypothesized the program would reduce loneliness, perceived stress, and adherence to key traditional male gender role norms postprogram. A longitudinal cohort pre‐ and postsurvey design was used. One‐hundred fifty‐two participants completed sections of UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Meanings of Adolescent Male‐Role Norms Scale (MAMS). Results were nonsignificant for loneliness and perceived stress. MAMS results were statistically significant with a medium effect size (r = −.26) but there are limitations in the study. This pilot study of GuysWork has resulted in important lessons learned that will ensure a forthcoming Atlantic Canada‐wide evaluation results in robust evidence with the potential to support the need for masculinity norm‐changing work specifically for adolescent boys in schools. Practitioner Points: Boys showed less adherence to adolescent masculinity norms after completing the GuysWork program.GuysWork uses a circle format for engaging boys in thought‐provoking, meaningful conversations related to their health, and the health of those around them.More evidence is needed to support this unique school‐based and curriculum‐aligned program for adolescent boys. This evidence will be gathered over the next 4 years as part of a larger longitudinal cohort pilot of the program in schools across Canada's Atlantic provinces. [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.

"Brotherhood" is used for marketing all-male Catholic schools and is often synonymously with "belonging." This article examines those terms from three perspectives—the academic literature, the students' views, and the views of faculty and staff—to define them. Regarding school, belonging can be defined as being affiliated with the institution, being personally accepted, respected, and included in the social environment. In Catholic schools, belonging is fostered through religion classes, religious art, statues, crucifixes, and displays of student work that illustrate beliefs and practices of the Catholic life, as well as social justice projects. The elements of brotherhood are a shared experience that unites the members and is consistent with the values of the group, group members caring about each other with a desire to see the members of the group succeed, and members taking responsibility for the group and making sacrifices when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the life stages that play a key role and is also affected by the epidemiology transition as the result of the development of the era. Consuming a lot of fast food and junk food nowadays causes adolescents, both girls and boys, to be subjected to nutritional problems such as the high body fat percentage. Adolescent boys even tend to be unaware of their health. This study aims to analyse nutritional factors which have an effect on body fat percentage in adolescent boys. Methods: This study was performed involving 1046 high school students in 5 Jakarta districts. Spearman's correlation and multiple linear regression were used for the data analysis of this study. Results: The result shows that there was a relationship between BMI-for-age, energy and macronutrient intakes, and body fat percentage. Adolescents with excessive intakes got affected by their body fat percentage, although their BMI-for-age is normal. The result of multivariate analysis suggests that BMI-for-age had the most effect on body fat percentage. Conclusion: There needs to be a regular education for adolescent boys to be aware of their body fat percentage and other factors that have an effect on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

This study aimed to determine the association between engagement in muscle-building exercise and weapon carrying and physical fighting among adolescent boys. Cross-sectional data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (U.S.) were analyzed (N = 4120). Muscle-building exercise was assessed based on the number of days reported in the past 7 days, recategorized into four levels of engagement (no engagement [0 days], low engagement [1–2 days], moderate engagement [3–5 days], and high engagement [6–7 days]). Three forms of weapon carrying (general, on school grounds, gun carrying) and two forms of physical fighting (general, on school grounds) were assessed. Five logistic regression analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the association between engagement in muscle-building exercise and weapon carrying and physical fighting, while adjusting for relevant demographic and control variables. Over 75% of participants reported engaging in muscle-building exercise. One in five (19.8%) participants reported any general weapon carrying in the past 30 days, 3.3% reported any weapon carrying at school in the past 30 days, 6.5% reported any gun carrying in the past 12 months, 28.0% reported any general physical fighting in the past 12 months, and 10.7% reported any physical fighting at school in the past 12 months. Logistic regressions showed that, compared to no engagement, participants who reported high engagement of muscle-building exercise had higher odds of general weapon carrying (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.54–3.07), gun carrying (AOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.23–3.64), and general physical fighting (AOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.53–2.79). These are novel findings that add to a growing literature related to engagement in muscularity-oriented behaviors among males. Prevention and intervention efforts are needed to ensure that adolescent boys engage in muscle-building exercise in ways that are not harmful and to reduce weapon carrying and physical fighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the moderating role of sport participation in the mediation model of media pressures, internalisation of appearance ideals and body dissatisfaction in adolescent boys. Five hundred and seventy adolescent boys (mean age 17.2 ± 0.45; range 15–19 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. Adolescents completed a questionnaire consisting of measures of attitudes towards sociocultural pressures on appearance, body dissatisfaction and sport participation (participation in achievement sport, leisure exercising and non-participation in any sports). Sports participation moderated the associations between the internalisation of stereotyped appearance ideals and body dissatisfaction. In athletes, the effect of internalisation of thin body ideals on body dissatisfaction was not significant, while the effect of internalisation of muscular/athletic body ideals was negative. In leisure exercisers, the effect of internalisation of muscular body ideals on body dissatisfaction was not significant, yet internalisation of thin body ideals had a significant effect on body dissatisfaction. The strongest associations between appearance ideals internalisation and body dissatisfaction were found in adolescent boys who reported no participation in sports. Sports participation might be an effective tool in decreasing the negative effect of internalisation of stereotyped appearance ideals on adolescent boys' body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Purpose: To investigate the differences in the pattern of changes in serum inflammatory cytokines measured annually over a 24-month period, between less active and more active overweight boys. Participants/Methods: In total, 25 pubertal overweight boys were divided by their moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels into 2 groups: less active group (LAG; n = 10; MVPA < 60 min/d) and more active group (MAG; n = 15; MVPA > 60 min/d). Physical activity was measured by 7-day accelerometry. Serum concentration of 13 inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α, IL-1β, vascular endothelial growth factor, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, epidermal growth factor, and C-reactive protein] was measured at baseline (T0), after 12 months (T1), and after 24 months (T2) from fasting blood samples. Results: Serum IL-6 level was significantly higher [LAG: 1.27 (0.86, 1.98) pg/mL; MAG: 0.80 (0.52, 0.84) pg/mL] at T0 and IL-8 level [LAG: 10.26 (8.80, 11.64) pg/mL; MAG: 7.42 (6.10, 9.54) pg/mL] at T2 in LAG compared with MAG. The changes over the study period varied between different inflammatory markers. None of the slopes of any measured markers were statistically different between the LAG and MAG, although the slopes of interferon-γ and IL-10 tended to be different between the groups. Conclusions: The pattern of changes over the study period varied between different inflammatory markers, but these changes were not different between the MVPA groups. More longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-γ would be the choice of inflammatory markers to study the associations between obesity and physical activity in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed at uncovering the mechanisms behind obesity-related hypogonadism in adolescent boys and to investigate the association between anthropometric characteristics and testicular functions of these boys. This study included 60 adolescent boys (12–18 years) with exogenous obesity (BMI≥95th percentile) and 30 age matched lean controls (BMI=15th–85th percentile). Full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and pubertal assessment were performed. Laboratory investigations included hemoglobin, hematocrit, lipid panel, LH, FSH, free and total testosterone, inhibin B and estradiol. The results indicated the presence of positive family history of obesity in 85% of obese boys vs. 40% of the lean counterparts. Concerning SBP of obese boys, 7% were hypertensive (95th percentile), 25% were prehypertensive (between 90th and 95th percentiles) while, DBP findings showed that 33% are hypertensive and 33% are prehypertensive. Meanwhile, 13.3% of lean controls were prehypertensive. Anthropometric measurements and lipid profile values revealed a significant difference between obese and lean boys. Compared to obese boys the normal weight boys had higher levels of free testosterone (21.15 ± 2.90 pg/mL vs. 11.38 ± 3.96 pg/mL, p<0.001), total testosterone (10.59 ± 6.63 ng/dL vs. 3.23 ± 1.70 ng/dL, p<0.001), FSH (7.33 ± 3.75 mIU/mL vs. 5.63 ± 3.96 mIU/mL, p=0.026) and inhibin B (83.28 ± 27.66 pg/mL vs. 62.90 ± 17.85 pg/mL, p=0.001) and they registered lower level of estradiol (18.48 ± 7.33 pg/mL vs. 40.20 ± 7.91 pg/mL, p<0.001). In obese boys, BMI SDS significantly correlated with lipid profile and estradiol whereas, it showed significant negative correlation with LH, free and total testosterone and inhibin B. Penile length significantly correlated with LH while it revealed significant negative correlation with cholesterol. This study evidenced a close association between obesity and hypogonadism in adolescent boys which could be due to the increased estradiol level and decreased T/E2 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Context: Adolescent males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) have traditionally been treated with exogenous testosterone (T) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to produce virilization; however, those modalities do not result in growth of the testes and may promote premature maturation and terminal differentiation of Sertoli cells prior to their proliferation, which may impact future fertility. Another option is to use gonadotropins in those individuals to induce testicular growth, proliferation and maturation of Sertoli cells, and production of endogenous T with consequent virilization. Objective: We examined the efficacy and safety of corifollitropin alfa (CFA) combined with hCG for the induction of testicular growth and pubertal development in adolescent boys with HH. Methods: This was a 64-week, multicenter, open-label, single-group study of CFA in adolescent boys, aged 14 to younger than 18 years, with HH. Seventeen participants initiated a 12-week priming period with CFA (100 μg if weight ≤ 60 kg, or 150 μg if weight > 60 kg) given subcutaneously once every 2 weeks, after which they entered a 52-week combined treatment period with CFA, once every 2 weeks, and subcutaneous hCG, twice-weekly (hCG dose adjusted between 500 IU and 5000 IU to keep total T and estradiol levels within protocol-specified ranges). The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in testicular volume (TV), measured as the sum of volumes of left and right testes by ultrasound. Results: After 64 weeks of therapy with CFA/CFA combined with hCG, geometric mean fold increase from baseline in TV was 9.43 (95% CI, 7.44-11.97) (arithmetic mean of change from baseline at week 64, 13.0 mL). Hormonal, Tanner stage, and growth velocity changes were consistent with initiation and progression of puberty. Treatment was generally well tolerated. No participant developed anti-CFA antibodies. Conclusion: Treatment of adolescent boys with HH with CFA alone for 12 weeks followed by CFA combined with hCG for 52 weeks induced testicular growth accompanied by pubertal progression, increased T, and a pubertal growth spurt (EudraCT: 2015-001878-18). [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: Physical activity is often promoted as a way to prevent and combat anxiety and depression in adolescents. However, very little research has sought to establish whether the benefits of exercise arise from the excercise itself or from the social context in which it takes place. We explore the hypothesis that it is not physical activity on its own, but rather adolescents' engagement in group life (as part of a sports group or otherwise), that accounts for positive mental health effects associated with physical activity.Methods and Results: We conducted a longitudinal study that tracked 558 high-school boys and found that anxiety and depression over time was not predicted by (a) T1 physical fitness as determined by 7 speed and agility tests, or (b) engaging in multiple sports as co-curricular activies at T1. In contrast, multiple group memberships - irrespective of the activity - predicted reduced depression and anxiety over time, particularly when these were groups that adolescents identified with and experienced as compatible with each other.Limitations: Limitations relate to (a) physical fitness only being measured at T1, (b) the absence of a measure of frequency and duration of physical activity, and (c) the homogeneity of the sample.Conclusions: We conclude that group memberships and the social identities that adolescents derive from these groups (including, but not restricted to, those involving sport) function as a psychological resource to reduce anxiety and depression over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Gun carrying and bullying victimization are associated among adolescent boys, however the type of the bullying remains relatively unknown. This study aimed to identify whether experiencing bullying victimization based on gender and sexual orientation is associated with carrying a gun to school among adolescent boys. A cross-sectional analysis among a representative sample of high school boys (n = 3672) from the 2015 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey was conducted. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using logistic regression analyses while controlling for grade level, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, suicidal ideation, alcohol and marijuana use, and gun access. Among the sample, 3.3% reported carrying a gun to school at least one time in the previous 12-months, 9.5% reported experiencing gender-based bullying victimization, and 7% reported experiencing sexual orientation-based bullying victimization. Regression analyses indicated that adolescent boys who experienced gender-based bullying victimization (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.64, 5.62, p <.001) or sexual orientation-based bullying victimization (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.91, 6.67, p <.001) had greater odds of reporting they carried a gun to school while controlling for grade level, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, suicidal ideation, alcohol and marijuana use, and gun access. These results expand upon previous gun carrying and bullying research by identifying the specific type of the bullying experienced and have important implications for social workers and school personnel. Importantly, these results emphasize the need to address two of the Grand Challenges for Social Work: building healthy relationships to end violence and ensuring the healthy development for all youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deliberate self‐harm is an intentional behaviour involving direct destruction of body tissues that causes non‐fatal physical trauma to the extent that bleeding or bruising occurs without conscious suicidal intent. Adolescents' self‐harm is an important issue in mental health work due to its high prevalence in Thailand. This study aims to test a causal model of deliberate self‐harm and identify how sex, family relationship, school connectedness, stress, resilience, and self‐control influenced deliberate self‐harm behaviour in Thai adolescents. A model‐testing, cross‐sectional study was conducted to test a causal model of deliberate self‐harm in Thai adolescents. Multi‐stage random sampling was used to recruit 360 adolescents. Adolescents completed six self‐report instruments: the family relationship questionnaire, student‐school connectedness scale, resilience factors scale for Thai adolescents, self‐control questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale‐10 (Thai version), and Deliberate Self‐Harm Inventory. Internal consistencies ranged from 0.81 to 0.89. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The findings found sex, resilience, stress, and school connectedness had direct effects on deliberate self‐harm (β = −0.139, β = −0.266, β = 0.163, and β = −0.671, respectively). Resilience and stress also mediated the links between sex (female), family relationship, school connectedness, and deliberate self‐harm. The variables accounted for 65.2% of the variance in the prediction of deliberate self‐harm behaviour in Thai adolescents. These findings suggest the causal model of deliberate self‐harm fit the empirical data. Interventions to reduce stress and strengthen school connectedness, family relationship, and resilience among Thai adolescents should be implemented, particularly for boys, to prevent deliberate self‐harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.