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Background: Self-awareness and social problem-solving are two factors that hold more significance during adolescence than any other period. Various studies have examined the effectiveness of different educational approaches on these two factors. However, there has been no comparative analysis between the effectiveness of peace education and socio-emotional participatory learning in improving social problem-solving skills and self-awareness among adolescent girls. Aims: The aim of this research was comparing of Effectiveness of Peace instruction and cooperative Social – emotional learning instruction on social problem Solving Skills and Self – awareness in female Adolescents. Methods: Research method was semi-experimental with pretest-posttest and one month follow up and with control group. Population was guidance school girl students of Amol city in academic year 2019-2020. Sample was 60 students that select by cluster random sampling and assigned randomly to two experimental and one control groups. Research instruments were Social Problem- Solving Inquiery –Revised (SPSI-R, De D’Zurilla et al., 2002) and Rillo & Elice (1998) Self-awareness scale, Peace Instruction Protocole (Abolmaali, 2017) and instruction protocole of cooperative socialemotional learning (CASEL, 2015). For conducting research, after select the sample, instruments accomplished for pretest. Then, experimental groups exposure Peace instruction and cooperative Social – emotional learning and control group did not. Then, instrument accomplished for posttest and one month later follow up. Results: Results show that Peace instruction and cooperative Social – emotional learning instruction didn’t increased social problem Solving Skills significantly in posttest and increased its in follow up. Peace instruction and cooperative Social – emotional learning instruction increased Self – awareness significantly in posttest and follow up. Conclusion: The comparison of the interventions revealed that peace education and collaborative social-emotional learning have a greater impact on self-awareness. It can be inferred that both peace education and collaborative social-emotional learning have the potential to enhance overall selfawareness and social problem-solving skills in adolescent girls. Educational and therapeutic professionals can utilize these interventions to enhance the performance levels of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) share several pathophysiological mechanisms. While the prevalence of MASLD has been extensively studied in PCOS populations, the occurrence of PCOS among female adolescents with transient elastography (TE)-confirmed MASLD in pediatric hepatology settings remains poorly characterized. This cross-sectional study aims to address this knowledge gap and elucidate potential clinical and biochemical differences between female adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS compared to those without PCOS. Methods: The study cohort included 45 female adolescents with TE-diagnosed MASLD. Comparative analyses of clinical and laboratory parameters were performed between those with (n = 19) and those without (n = 26) comorbid PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Results: Adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS exhibited significantly higher weight, lower height, and increased waist circumference compared to those without PCOS. Additionally, the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans was significantly higher in the PCOS group (68.4% versus 34.6%, p = 0.025). Regarding laboratory parameters, serum phosphorus levels and liver enzymes—including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase—were significantly lower in adolescents with comorbid PCOS. However, no significant differences were observed in lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, or novel non-invasive biomarkers of MASLD. Conclusions: This study reveals distinct clinical and biochemical profiles in female adolescents with MASLD and comorbid PCOS compared to those without PCOS. These findings have the potential to inform and refine future screening protocols and diagnostic algorithms for these interrelated conditions, specifically tailored to pediatric hepatology settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sri Yunita,1,* Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani,2 Yenni Zuhairini,2 Meita Dhamayanti,3 Nur Syifa Rahmatika,4,5 Ruswana Anwar,6 Mohammad Ghozali7,* 1Master of Midwifery Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; 2Departement of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; 3Department of Child Health, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; 4Master of Biomedical Sciences Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; 5Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Halu Oleo, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia; 6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; 7Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Mohammad Ghozali, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung-Sumedang Km. 21, Jatinangor, West Java, 45363, Indonesia, Tel +6281320359090, Fax +62 (022) 7795595, Email moh.ghozali@unpad.ac.idAbstract: To reduce anemia rates, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of anemia and its associated factors. It is essential for teenagers who are going through a period of rapid growth to promptly address anemia since untreated anemia can negatively impact their reproductive health. This literature review investigated the relationship between nutritional and anthropometric status indicators, body composition, and prevalence of anemia in teenage girls. Studies were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A comprehensive search across multiple databases (PubMed= 409, ScienceDirect= 3153, Scopus= 4, Sage Journals= 358) and manual citation of five articles yielded 3929 articles, of which 630 were excluded for irrelevance, one was inaccessible, and nine articles were included in the study after assessing their eligibility. The review’s findings suggest that indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) are indicated as initial assessments to screen the nutritional status of adolescent females and estimate their risk of anemia. Only one article has specifically discussed the connection between fat mass and anemia in terms of body composition. The need for studies on anthropometry and body composition-related anemia underscores the need to broaden investigations to gain a more nuanced understanding of this subject.Keywords: anthropometry, body composition, female adolescents, anemia

Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to VD deficiency among female adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in secondary and preparatory schools in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from May 2022 to July 2023. A total of 120 schools were included in the study, with a calculated sample size of 340 female adolescents using a probability multistage random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for VD levels. Results: In a study of 340 female adolescents aged 14-18 years, the findings showed that 39.4% of participants had severe VD deficiency, 42.6% were deficient, and 17.9% had insufficiency. The mean VD level was 13.29 ± 6.45 ng/mL. Seasonal variation significantly impacted VD level (P = 0.001), with the highest levels seen in summer and the lowest in winter. Skin colour also significantly influenced VD level (P = 0.020), as individuals with lighter skin have higher levels. There were positive correlations between VD levels, milk intake (r = 0.138, P = 0.011), and cheese consumption (r = 0.135, P = 0.013). The use of sunscreen had mixed effects. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between SPF 15 and VD level (r = 0.132, P = 0.015), while higher SPF values were associated with lower levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of seasonal adjustments, improved dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to address VD deficiency in the population effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China, which is deeply influenced by Confucianism, places special emphasis on students' test scores. Previous studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adolescents. However, the mechanisms underlying this association before exams in female secondary school students are unknown. The present study sought to ascertain whether IU mediates the association between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS, and to determine whether exercise duration moderates the relationship between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS. Methods: The sample consisted of 685 Chinese female middle school students (Mage = 14.81, SD = 1.55, range = 11-18) who completed paper questionnaires, including the neuroticism subscale of the Chinese Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factor Inventory, the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, a simplified version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and a movement time questionnaire. Independent samples t-test was used to compare differences between groups and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate the bivariate correlation. The SPSS PROCESS 4.1 plug-in was then used to examine the mediating role of IU as well as the moderating role of movement time between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS. Results: Neuroticism and IU were significantly correlated with pre-exam IBS (r = 0.39, 0.30, respectively; all p < 0.01), and neuroticism was significantly correlated with IU (r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Neuroticism had a direct predictive effect on pre-exam IBS in Chinese female middle school students (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), and IU also had a positive effect on pre-examIBS (β=0.15, p < 0.001). Themediating effect value of IU on the total effect was 18.09%. The relationship between neuroticism and preexam IBS was moderated by movement time (β = -0.23, p < 0.05). Conclusion: IU plays a mediating role between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS, and exercise time plays a moderating role between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS. These findings provide an evidence for neuroticism intervention, IU management, and pre-exam IBS improvement in female middle school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An imbalance in diet can lead to anaemia in young women, which can impact not only themselves, but also the next generation. This study aimed to determine associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 young women aged 12-18 years from ten districts in Tasikmalaya City, selected by simple random sampling. Quantity and quality of dietary intake were measured by 2-repeated 24-hour dietary recalls, while portable haemoglobinometer (HemoCue® Hb 201+) was used to measure Hb concentration. Linear regression model predicted associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with Hb concentration in female adolescents. Results: The proportion of subjects suffering from anaemia were 47.3%. Average intake of dietary iron was 6.7±3.0 mg and average dietary quality score was 32.6%. Dietary quality score and days of menstrual bleeding contributed as much as 12.7% to the variation in Hb concentration among female adolescents. Conclusion: Anaemia in female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia is a serious public health problem. Diet quality score was associated with female adolescents' Hb concentration; therefore, improving the quality of diet is important to reduce anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of therapeutic storytelling in reducing body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among a sample of female adolescents in Irbid, Jordan. The study sample comprises 28 female adolescents who are randomly distributed into two equal groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group (N = 14) participated in the therapeutic storytelling program while the control group (N = 14) did not participate in any intervention program. However, to achieve the objectives of the study, a scale of body dysmorphic disorder is used to collect the study data in the pre- and post-tests of the two groups while the follow-up test is applied to the experimental group only. After analyzing the collected data, the results of one-way analysis of variance and t -test showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups. The scores average of the post-test on the body dysmorphic disorder scale was in favor of the experimental group, which indicates the value of the therapeutic storytelling program used. The results of post- and follow-up comparisons among the experimental group members indicate the absence of statistically significant differences between the post- and follow-up averages on the body dysmorphic disorder scale, which reflects the reliability of the program's impact. Plain language summary: This study investigates the usefulness of storytelling in reducing body dysmorphic disorder symptoms among female adolescents represented by a sample of 28 females from Irbid, Jordan. Using statistical analysis, the study concludes that the absence of statistically significant differences between the post- and follow-up averages on the body dysmorphic disorder scale reflects the reliability of the program's impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cricket contains high protein content, making them a valuable resource for enhancing nutritional properties of cookies for prevents Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in female adolescents. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and acceptability of cookies enriched with cricket powder. An experimental study with five treatments was conducted: F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %). Texture was determined using a texture analyzer and color was assessed using a chromameter. Chemical attributes, including macronutrients, were determined using thermogravimetric, drying ash, Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, by difference, and gravimetric methods. Micronutrients (Fe, Ca, Zn) were measured using ICP-OES, amino acid profiles were analyzed using the HPLC, and in vitro protein digestibility was assessed using the enzymatic method. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney were used for statistical analysis. Adding cricket powder to cookies increased their nutritional content. While it reduced the lightness of the cookies' color, the texture quality remained comparable to commercial products. The F3 formulation was the most liked by panelists, and the best formulation was obtained in F4. In conclusion, adding cricket powder affects the physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance of the cookies, enhancing their nutrient content and protein digestibility.

Abstract Background Overweight and obesity are increasing at epidemic levels in all ages globally, but there is little nationally representative data on female adolescents in Nigeria. The focus on female adolescents is important because of the negative implications of overweight and obesity on their health and survival, and that of their unborn children. Aim To estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2018. A total of 2,721 female adolescents aged 15–19 years were selected using cluster sampling technique. Overweight and obesity were determined using BMI-for-age reference values of World Health Organization and different explanatory variables at the individual, household and community levels were included. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of overweight/obesity using five models. Results The mean age of the respondents was 16.8 ± 1.4 years. The prevalence rate of overweight/obesity was 10.2%, but with a large variation in the geographical and socio-economic distribution. At the crude/unadjusted rate, nearly all the explanatory variables showed a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity, but at the full model which controlled for all the explanatory variables, only the household wealth index retained its statistically significant association, such that female adolescents who were from richer and richest households had about 3 times higher odds of being obese compared to those from the poorest households. (OR: 2.7; p = 0.018; CI: 1.18–6.18), (OR: 2.8; p = 0.027; CI: 1.13–7.06) respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight/obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria was 10.2%. The household wealth index remained the only factor with a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity after controlling for confounders. Efforts at addressing overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria should target those from the richer/richest households.

This article is based on two research studies conducted on the Uruguayan Juvenile Justice System (UJJS); the first study (2011) examined female adolescent incarceration contexts, and the second one (2016) focused on female adolescents in their passage through a program of non-custodial measures. This research is aimed at understanding gendered punishment practices performed on women who are subjected to judicial measures in the UJJS, in order to give visibility to an issue that is usually silenced, among other reasons because the number of women subjected to these measures is low and due to a hegemonic male model in adolescent offense construction. Following a qualitative methodology research, combined with an ethnographic approach, I discuss the singularities characterizing the passage of female adolescents through the UJJS, by applying two strategies: (re)constructing a lost domesticity and managing bodies and sexualities.

Available data on the clinical significance of low serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in female adolescents are limited. The aim of this study was to elucidate age-related changes in low serum AMH levels in adolescents and to identify predictive factors for AMH progression. A retrospective review was conducted on a series of female adolescents aged 11-19 years with low serum AMH levels (<1.19 ng/mL) who underwent additional AMH tests at least 1 year apart. Participants who showed an increase in the subsequent AMH test (>1.6 ng/mL) (Group 1) were compared with those who did not (Group 2). Among 1655 adolescents who underwent AMH testing at least once from 2010 to 2022, 75 participants (4.5%) exhibited low AMH levels (<1.19 ng/mL), excluding primary ovarian insufficiency. A notable increase in serum AMH levels (>1.6 ng/mL) was confirmed in 7 (30.4%) of 23 female adolescents who underwent relevant follow-up testing. Group 1 had higher initial AMH levels and lower initial follicle-stimulating hormone levels than Group 2 (1.0 vs 0.59 ng/mL, P =.001 and 4.4 vs 9.8 mIU/mL, P =.015, respectively). Ovarian volume did not differ between the groups (3.8 vs 4.4 cm3, P =.465). None of the participants with initial AMH levels under 0.75 ng/mL showed an increase in AMH levels during follow-up. These findings suggest that low serum AMH levels in adolescents may have other explanations in addition to being indicative of a low ovarian reserve. Prospective studies involving a larger number of participants will aid in predicting AMH improvement in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight and obesity are increasing at epidemic levels in all ages globally, but there is little nationally representative data on female adolescents in Nigeria. The focus on female adolescents is important because of the negative implications of overweight and obesity on their health and survival, and that of their unborn children. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2018. A total of 2,721 female adolescents aged 15–19 years were selected using cluster sampling technique. Overweight and obesity were determined using BMI-for-age reference values of World Health Organization and different explanatory variables at the individual, household and community levels were included. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of overweight/obesity using five models. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.8 ± 1.4 years. The prevalence rate of overweight/obesity was 10.2%, but with a large variation in the geographical and socio-economic distribution. At the crude/unadjusted rate, nearly all the explanatory variables showed a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity, but at the full model which controlled for all the explanatory variables, only the household wealth index retained its statistically significant association, such that female adolescents who were from richer and richest households had about 3 times higher odds of being obese compared to those from the poorest households. (OR: 2.7; p = 0.018; CI: 1.18–6.18), (OR: 2.8; p = 0.027; CI: 1.13–7.06) respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria was 10.2%. The household wealth index remained the only factor with a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity after controlling for confounders. Efforts at addressing overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria should target those from the richer/richest households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrate a relationship between body dissatisfaction and substance use and suicidal ideation among older adolescent girls and young women while less documentation exists for early adolescence. This study explored the relationship between reported weight loss attempts and substance use history and suicidal thoughts among younger female adolescents. METHODS: Participants (n = 1656) were middle school female students who participated in the 2019 Youth Behaviors Risk Survey. Participants were coded as "Trying to lose weight" and "Not trying to lose weight." Two hierarchal multiple binary logistic regressions were conducted, 1 for each of the dependent variables: (1) substance use history and (2) suicidality. RESULTS: Fifty‐seven percent of the participants were trying to lose weight, 40% reported suicidal thoughts and 45% reported substance use history. Trying to lose weight was a significant predictor for both substance use (p <.01) and suicidality (p <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Body dissatisfaction and its association with risky health behaviors highlight the need for prevention education at earlier ages while reinforcing the need for availability of school counselors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of evidence of on the impact of how sporting role models (SRM) influence adolescent physical activity (PA) and/or sport participation (SP) levels. The main aim of this review was to identify SRM-led interventions and highlight the evidence of impact of SRMs on female adolescents' participation in PA and/or SP. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature using key search terms was completed using electronic databases (APA PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) Participants were ≤18 years old, (b) results were reported for female participants, (c) the study included an intervention arm/element, (d) an SRM or equivalent terminology was used as part of the intervention, (e) PA levels and/or SP was evaluated, and (f) peer-reviewed articles published in English. A total of 7,169 peer-reviewed articles were identified and screened. A systematic review of grey literature to identify SRM programs was also carried out through Google search engine, direct contact with relevant sporting organizations, and with authors who had written about role models, and 45 programs were identified. Identified documents were screened using the same inclusion criteria as described above. The results identified one peer-reviewed and 15 grey literature programs, all of which were deemed to be of poor quality. The programs revealed a lack of theoretical base and rigor in methodology, no objective PA or SP assessment, poor demographic context of participants and role models, and lack of evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An imbalance in diet can lead to anaemia in young women, which can impact not only themselves, but also the next generation. This study aimed to determine associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 young women aged 12-18 years from ten districts in Tasikmalaya City, selected by simple random sampling. Quantity and quality of dietary intake were measured by 2-repeated 24-hour dietary recalls, while portable haemoglobinometer (HemoCue® Hb 201+) was used to measure Hb concentration. Linear regression model predicted associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with Hb concentration in female adolescents. Results: The proportion of subjects suffering from anaemia were 47.3%. Average intake of dietary iron was 6.7±3.0 mg and average dietary quality score was 32.6%. Dietary quality score and days of menstrual bleeding contributed as much as 12.7% to the variation in Hb concentration among female adolescents. Conclusion: Anaemia in female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia is a serious public health problem. Diet quality score was associated with female adolescents' Hb concentration; therefore, improving the quality of diet is important to reduce anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundChina, which is deeply influenced by Confucianism, places special emphasis on students’ test scores. Previous studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adolescents. However, the mechanisms underlying this association before exams in female secondary school students are unknown. The present study sought to ascertain whether IU mediates the association between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS, and to determine whether exercise duration moderates the relationship between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS.MethodsThe sample consisted of 685 Chinese female middle school students (Mage = 14.81, SD = 1.55, range = 11-18) who completed paper questionnaires, including the neuroticism subscale of the Chinese Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factor Inventory, the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, a simplified version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and a movement time questionnaire. Independent samples t-test was used to compare differences between groups and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate the bivariate correlation. The SPSS PROCESS 4.1 plug-in was then used to examine the mediating role of IU as well as the moderating role of movement time between neuroticism and pre-exam IBS.ResultsNeuroticism and IU were significantly correlated with pre-exam IBS (r = 0.39, 0.30, respectively; all p

Abstract Background Ambient air pollutants have been suggested to affect pubertal development. Nevertheless, current studies indicate inconsistent effects of these pollutants, causing precocious or delayed puberty onset. This study aimed to explore the associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) along with its components and menarche timing among Chinese girls. Method Self-reported age at menarche was collected among 855 girls from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004 to 2015. The pre-menarche annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and its components were calculated on the basis of a long-term (2000–2014) high-resolution PM2.5 components dataset. Generalized linear models (GLM) and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of exposure to a single pollutant (PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon and organic matter) with age at menarche and early menarche (

BACKGROUND: Improving the health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female adolescents during puberty is essential for their well-being, empowerment, and prospects. To compare the effects of skills-based versus lecture-based education on KAP regarding menstrual health among adolescent girls in Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with 100 girls aged 12–16 years assigned to skills-based (n = 50) or lecture-based (n = 50) 8-week puberty education programs. KAP was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The skills-based group showed significantly greater improvements in knowledge (P < 0.001), attitudes (P < 0.001), and practices (P = 0.006) from baseline to post-intervention compared to the lecture group. These improvements were sustained at 2-month follow-up (knowledge (P < 0.001), attitudes (P < 0.001), and practices (P = 0.04)). Qualitative feedback highlighted increased enjoyment, engagement, and confidence in applying skills in the skills-based group. CONCLUSIONS: Skills-based menstrual health education was more effective than traditional lecturing for improving KAP among adolescent girls. Interactive learning equips girls with transferable skills for managing menstruation safely and with dignity. Schools should implement skills-focused curricula during puberty.

Background: Ambient air pollutants have been suggested to affect pubertal development. Nevertheless, current studies indicate inconsistent effects of these pollutants, causing precocious or delayed puberty onset. This study aimed to explore the associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) along with its components and menarche timing among Chinese girls. Method: Self-reported age at menarche was collected among 855 girls from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004 to 2015. The pre-menarche annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and its components were calculated on the basis of a long-term (2000–2014) high-resolution PM2.5 components dataset. Generalized linear models (GLM) and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of exposure to a single pollutant (PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon and organic matter) with age at menarche and early menarche (< 12 years), respectively. Weighted quantile sum methods were applied to examine the impacts of joint exposure on menarche timing. Results: In the adjusted GLM, per 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of nitrate and ammonium decreased age at menarche by 0.098 years and 0.127 years, respectively (all P < 0.05). Every 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of PM2.5 (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08), sulfate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.50), nitrate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.43) and ammonium (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.66) were significantly positively associated with early menarche. Higher level of joint exposure to PM2.5 and its components was associated with 11% higher odds of early menarche (P = 0.04). Additionally, the estimated weight of sulfate was the largest among the mixed pollutants. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its components could increase the risk of early menarche among Chinese girls. Moreover, sulfate might be the most critical components responsible for this relationship. Our study provides foundation for targeted prevention of PM2.5 components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Digital addiction has become an intriguing concern over the recent years because of the rapid explosion of gadgets and other online platforms attracting youth to spend most of their time online. Excessive use of digital platforms has been associated with many psychological issues. The results revealed significant correlations among digital addiction, depression and stress among both males and females. Males were more likely to be digitally addicted than females were. In contrast there were females on the depression scale. The study emphasises the need to implement robust policies for schools and other educational institutes to make healthy practices for using digital media and to create alertness regarding the adverse effects of digital addiction over mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female adolescents are at risk of online sexual harassment as they are in a period of sexual identity formation and sexual exploration. Thus, studying online sexual harassment in female adolescents can contribute to preventing this type of abuse and reducing its possible consequences. To this end, the present study aimed to analyze the factors underlying online sexual harassment in female adolescents. This study was conducted using a qualitative and descriptive phenomenological approach. The participants (n = 15) were selected through purposive sampling from 15-19-year-old female adolescents in Tehran who had a history of online sexual harassment at least once. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews until the data were theoretically saturated. Two additional interviews were conducted to ensure data saturation. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method with MAXQDA-2020 software. Data analysis revealed 20 subthemes, 11 main themes (intrapersonal psychological factors, interpersonal psychological factors, the role of culture, the influence of the media, the role of peers, the role of the family, unrestricted online interactions, the feeling of no identity in cyberspace, the role of people online, unawareness, and inadequate training), and 4 core themes (predisposing psychological factors, predisposing social and cultural factors, the role of cyberspace structure, and unawareness and inadequate training). The insights from this study implied that people close to adolescents can play a big role in preventing and stopping online sexual harassment by providing support, giving information, and responsible reporting. Moreover, professionals can prevent online sexual harassment in female adolescents by developing effective training programs based on the factors underlying online sexual harassment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence, specifically among female is a high-risk period for weight gain and the incidence of being overweight. Lifestyle is considered a significant contributing factor to overweight in female adolescents. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between lifestyle, particularly daily activity and eating habits with the incidence of being overweight among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya City, West Java. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with 275 subjects from seven state junior high schools selected by proportional random sampling. The data collected included demographics, lifestyle comprising daily activity, eating habits, as well as the incidence of being overweight, measured using the Body Mass Index-Age-Z score (BAZ). The association between lifestyle and overweight was evaluated using binary logistic regression. Results: The results showed that out of 275 subjects, 51 were overweight (18.5%) and 224 (81.5%) had normal weight. The risk factors for being overweight included sleeping less than seven hours a day (p=0.017; OR=3.020; 95%CI=1.218-7.486), mild physical activity (p=0.008; OR=19.251; 95%CI=2.170-170.790), breakfast frequency less than 3 times a week (p=0.033; OR=2.418; 95% CI=1.074-5.443) and frequent snacking habits (p=0.000; OR=15.022; 95% CI=5.922-43.846). Conclusions: Several lifestyles were found to significantly impact the incidence of being overweight among female adolescents, thus suggesting the need to make lifestyle modifications.

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of inter-county female Gaelic football players from under-14 to under-18 age levels. A total of 156 athletes (U14, n = 33; U16, n = 64; U18, n = 59) participated in this study. Testing was conducted in a single session for each group and included anthropometric measures of standing and sitting height, weight, estimated age of peak height velocity (PHV), and maturity offset. Physical performance tests included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), 0–5 m and 0–20 m sprint times, pro-agility test, medicine ball chest-pass throw, and YoYo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YoYoIR1). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate differences between the age groups. Significant differences were identified between age groups for measures of height (p < 0.001, ES = 0.127), body mass (p.002, ES = 0.076), and estimated age of PHV (p < 0.001, ES = 0.612). No significant differences were found between age groups for any of the physical fitness tests except for the YoYoIR1, where a significant difference was found between the U14 and U18 age groups (p.029, η2p = 0.048). These findings may assist coaches to better understand female athletic development, provide insight on talent identification and development programmes, and provide reference data when working with this cohort so that realistic and attainable training goals can be achieved.

Background: Anemia is a common health problem among adolescents that needs to be resolved immediately. It is estimated that more than 50% of female adolescents aged 12-15 years have anemia. Some of the anemia's effects on adolescents include stunted growth, decreased learning ability, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Objectives: To identify evidence for nutrition education's effectiveness on anemia knowledge and hemoglobin levels in female adolescents aged 12 to 19. Methods: Using study eligibility criteria, three electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, and Pubmed) were searched within five years for relevant articles. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1 was used to analyze the research findings. Results: Based on the results, there was no significant relationship between education and anemia knowledge in the control and treatment groups (p

Background: Adolescence, specifically among female is a high-risk period for weight gain and the incidence of being overweight. Lifestyle is considered a significant contributing factor to overweight in female adolescents. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between lifestyle, particularly daily activity and eating habits with the incidence of being overweight among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya City, West Java. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with 275 subjects from seven state junior high schools selected by proportional random sampling. The data collected included demographics, lifestyle comprising daily activity, eating habits, as well as the incidence of being overweight, measured using the Body Mass Index-Age-Z score (BAZ). The association between lifestyle and overweight was evaluated using binary logistic regression. Results: The results showed that out of 275 subjects, 51 were overweight (18.5%) and 224 (81.5%) had normal weight. The risk factors for being overweight included sleeping less than seven hours a day (p=0.017; OR=3.020; 95%CI=1.218-7.486), mild physical activity (p=0.008; OR=19.251; 95%CI=2.170-170.790), breakfast frequency less than 3 times a week (p=0.033; OR=2.418; 95% CI=1.074-5.443) and frequent snacking habits (p=0.000; OR=15.022; 95% CI=5.922-43.846). Conclusions: Several lifestyles were found to significantly impact the incidence of being overweight among female adolescents, thus suggesting the need to make lifestyle modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female adolescents are a group that is prone to having anemia because they are in the second growth spurt phase and experience menstruation monthly. Anemia in young women causes a detrimental effect. The increase in prevalence of anemia can be prevented and reduced by iron supplementation in women of reproductive age, including female adolescents. Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between the compliance of iron supplement consumption, nutrient intake, and nutritional status with the incidence of anemia in female adolescents at SMPN 1 Gunungsari. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The research population was female students at SMPN 1 Gunungsari, totaling 290 female students. The sample in this study was selected using a stratified random sampling method, totaling 61 respondents. The data collection used Hb examination, SQ-FFQ form, and anthropometric examination. Analysis of the relationship used the Chi-Square test and Fisher's Exact. Results: The results of this study showed that there was a relationship between the compliance of iron tablets consumption (p=0.002), protein intake (p=0.034), and iron (p=0.046) with the incidence of anemia, and there was no relationship between intake of vitamin C (p=0.139), iron inhibitors (p=0.183), and nutritional status (p=1.000) with the incidence of anemia in female adolescents at SMPN 1 Gunungsari. Conclusions: This study concludes that there is a relationship between compliance to iron supplement consumption, protein, and iron intake with the incidence of anemia, and there is no relationship between intake of vitamin C, iron inhibitors, and nutritional status with the incidence of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early sexual initiation (ESI), defined as sexual activity that begins before 15 or 18 years of age, is one of the risky sexual behaviours that has been linked to increased likelihood of adverse consequences, such as sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. However, to date, there are no studies investigating the prevalence and factors influencing ESI among adolescent females (aged 10–19 years) in Bangladesh. Thus, this study aimed to identify the potential determinants of ESI among adolescent females in Bangladesh based on data that are representative of the country. This was a cross-sectional study. Based on the availability of the data, the analysis included a weighted sample of 2051 adolescent females aged 15–19 years from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017/18. Initial selection of predictor variables was based on the bivariate analysis using the Chi-squared test. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression modelling were performed to measure the crude and adjusted effect of the selected predictor variables on ESI using the odds ratio (OR). The elasticity of the effects was calculated by their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Approximately 22% and 85% of female adolescents experienced ESI before the age of 15 and 18 years, respectively. Findings revealed that illiteracy (adjusted OR [AOR]: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.82–7.18), primary education (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.60–2.69), working status (AOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.98–1.60), living in Chittagong (AOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27–0.79), living in Sylhet (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08–0.56), reading newspapers (AOR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40–1.01), earlier marriage preference (AOR: 3.30, 95% CI: 2.31–4.71) and later marriage preference (AOR: 4.10, 95% CI: 3.01–5.59) were significantly linked with ESI before the age of 15 years. ESI before the age of 18 years was significantly association with primary education (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.01–2.13), religion (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32–0.94), female household head (AOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.17–3.19), living in Rajshahi (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.95–4.08), being in the 'poorest' wealth category (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.45–4.07), being in the 'poorer' wealth category (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06–2.72), being in the 'middle' wealth category (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12–2.77), being in the 'richer' wealth category (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02–2.44), earlier marriage preference (AOR: 15.71, 95% CI: 9.09–27.14), later marriage preference (AOR: 12.62, 95% CI: 8.82–18.06) and heard about family planning (AOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.47–1.04). In Bangladesh, the prevalence of ESI among female adolescents is a public health concern. Due to the detrimental impact of ESI on the well-being of adolescents, it is crucial that policymakers consider the factors influencing ESI that have been identified in this study when designing health strategies. The findings from this study will help the development of evidence-based effective initiatives by policymakers in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) are often hindered in their quest to access quality healthcare. This has a significant effect towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal SDG Target 3.7. to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services. This study is focused on identifying some of the demand side barriers in accessing health care services, particularly among young girls who are survivors of SGBV within intimate relationships in poor urban areas in Nigeria. The study used an ethnographic approach to solicit information from health providers, adolescents, and young women (AYW) in 10 low-income communities in two major cities in Nigeria, Ibadan and Lagos. Findings showed that there are structural limitations within the primary health care (PHC) system that posed a great challenge for survivors of SGBV to access services. Some of these include non-existing counseling services, a lack of rehabilitation centers, poor referral, and a lack of training for health providers in handling survivors of SGBV. There is also a lack of skills among health service providers that have negative influence on support services to survivors of SGBV. On the demand side, poor knowledge of possible health seeking pathways, a lack of education, and social support are barriers to accessing appropriate services among adolescent and young SGBV survivors. The study concluded that integrated services at the PHC level should include adequate and timely treatment for survivors of SGBV and targeted intervention to upscale skills and knowledge of health care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a Sex Education Intervention on sexual knowledge in a group of female adolescents with intellectual disabilities. This research was conducted in a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The sample included 30 female adolescents with intellectual disabilities that were selected through convenience sampling and randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group (15 participants in each group). The experimental group received 18 sessions of a Sex Education Intervention while the control group did not receive this intervention. Assessment of Sexual Knowledge in Adolescents (ASKA) was used to measure sexual knowledge of the adolescents. The results showed that Sex Education Intervention improved general sexual knowledge and subscales like parts of the body, public and private parts and places, puberty, relationships, social sexual boundaries, safe sex practices, and sex and the law in the experimental group. However, no effect of the intervention was observed in subscales of masturbation and sexuality. The present research emphasizes the importance of Sex Education Intervention in increasing sexual knowledge in female adolescents with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a common health problem among adolescents that needs to be resolved immediately. It is estimated that more than 50% of female adolescents aged 12-15 years have anemia. Some of the anemia's effects on adolescents include stunted growth, decreased learning ability, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Objectives: To identify evidence for nutrition education's effectiveness on anemia knowledge and hemoglobin levels in female adolescents aged 12 to 19. Methods: Using study eligibility criteria, three electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, and Pubmed) were searched within five years for relevant articles. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1 was used to analyze the research findings. Results: Based on the results, there was no significant relationship between education and anemia knowledge in the control and treatment groups (p<0.05). Neither group also had a significant relationship between nutrition education and Hb concentration. However, the Active, Creative, Effective, and Fun Learning or Pembelajaran Aktif, Kreatif, Efektif, dan Menyenangkan (PAKEM) program approach impacted adolescent anemia knowledge. The mean difference value of 0, which indicates the intervention group is more effective than the control group, presented significant results. The estimated effect can be seen in the forest plot image to the left of the vertical line. Conclusions: Based on the meta-analysis, the PAKEM method is a nutritional education method that provides significant results on female adolescents' knowledge regarding anemia and Fe tablet consumption. However, the nutritional education method did not affect hemoglobin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the defection background and experience of staying in a third country of an unaccompanied female adolescent North Korean refugee, 'Mi-Hyang', and the study investigates the human rights violations in the border area between North Korea and China. Qualitative research was conducted. The analysis focused on the significant events that influenced Mi-Hyang's decision to defect and her eventual immigration to South Korea. Mi-Hyang's story illustrates the phenomenon of the feminisation of survival, global care chains, and the human trafficking of minors. The results of the study help to understand the characteristics of unaccompanied female adolescent NKRs and provide primary data for preparing policies and services that support their resettlement in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dating violence (DV) is common among female adolescents, and victims may experience other forms of DV (physical, psychological, and cyberviolence) and report a history of child sexual abuse (CSA). Heterogeneity of these victimization experiences could influence how adolescent girls' cope. We aimed to identify distinct profiles of victimization experiences among adolescent girls who reported sexual DV and to explore if these profiles were associated to their coping strategies. Of an initial sample of 1,300 female adolescents who completed online questionnaires, 835 (Mage = 16.8 years) reported at least one experience of sexual DV and were included in the analyses. Hierarchical classification with the Two Step analysis revealed four distinct profiles of victimization. A first cluster named Moderate CSA & Cyber-sexual DV (21.4%) is characterized by moderate percentage of all forms of victimization. The second cluster CSA & DV excluding cyber-sexual DV (34.4%) included victims of traditional DV, moderate rates of CSA and no experience of cyber-sexual DV. A third cluster CSA & DV Co-occurrence (20.6%) regrouped victims who have experienced different forms of DV in co-occurrence and CSA. Finally, the fourth cluster, named No CSA & DV Co-occurrence (23.6%) involved victims who have experienced different forms of DV in co-occurrence, but did not report a history of CSA. Analyses revealed significant differences between the profiles on the use of avoidance coping, in their perceived social support, and on help-seeking strategies deployed toward a partner and a health professional. These findings offer cues for prevention and intervention efforts for victimized female adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What does it look like when an African American female public-school teacher shows her students on the first day of class that she loves them and believe they can learn? The Training Future Scientist (TFS) program began in an eighth-grade science class in a gifted middle school in the Midwest and was implemented for almost 17 years. The research question was, How did participation in the TFS program with an African American female science teacher impact the 15-female students' future? The rationale for this project was to share with the research community the benefits of the TFS pedagogy I implemented that produced future scholars. I added to the project to share how the TFS pedagogy is being implemented today to train future elementary and secondary teachers in the elementary and secondary science methods courses I implement at a predominately White university in the Midwest. The results from this study were from 15-female students who responded to a five-question survey distributed to them in person or virtually to determine how the TFS pedagogy impacted their life and future academic aspirations. The students realized the TFS skills were effective which they agreed will allow them to be successful in school and life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is considered one of the most important periods in the life of any human being. In most cases, adolescents suffer from fear, anxiety, and stress during this period, and how to pass through this period considerably affects their mental and physical health. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of life skills-based group counseling on stress in female adolescents in the city of Zanjan. Methods: The present study is a randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. Sixty four female adolescents under the coverage of health centers in the city of Zanjan in 2019 were initially divided into two intervention (n=32) and control groups (n=32) by blocked random sampling method. In the intervention group, eight sessions of life skills-based group counseling were conducted once a week for 90 minutes. Data were collected using Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and repeated measurements tests in SPSS 18 software. Results: The results indicated no significant difference between the two intervention (35.06 ± 9.56) and control (29.94±9.16) groups before the intervention (p=0.253). The mean stress score two months after the intervention was significantly lower in the intervention group (29.94 ± 7.59) than in the control group (37.17±9.16) (p

Background: Self-injury in adolescents refers to intentional behaviors that are not extrinsically motivated or do not have pre-determined intentions and impose costs on one’s body image. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy and positive-oriented therapy on the body image of female adolescents with a history of self-injury. Methods: This semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design was conducted on 45 female high school students in district 4 of Tehran in the year of 2021. Participants were randomly divided into three groups (two intervention groups and one control group). The data were collected using a demographic information checklist and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire–Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS) developed by Cash et al. (2000). The collected data were analyzed through multiple analysis of variance (MANCOVA) with SPSS software 26. Results: The data revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean body image and the sub-scales scores in the three groups after the intervention appearance (F=18.37; P=0.001; Eta=0.620), appearance orientation (F=0.99; P=0.001; Eta=0.599), body areas satisfaction (F=11.87; P=0.001; Eta=0.659), fitness orientation (F=15.68; P=0.001; Eta=0.603), preoccupation with weight (P =23.04; P=0.001; Eta=0.540), and body satisfaction (F=16.69; P=0.001; Eta=0.613). The Bonferroni post hoc test showed no significant difference in the effectiveness of two therapies in the participants’ body image (P>0.05). Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of both compassion-focused and positive-oriented interventions on the body image, it is suggested that these interventions be used in female adolescents with a history of self-injury to reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being.

Abstract Objectives This study determined the correlates of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion among sexually active female street-involved adolescents (SIAs) aged 10–19 years in two urban cities in South-west, Nigeria. Methods The data for this study were extracted from a larger mixed-method survey dataset on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of 1505 street-involved young people aged 10 to 24 years. For the quantitative data, the explanatory variables were age, history of school attendance, employment status, religion, living arrangement and city of residence. The study outcomes were a history of pregnancy and a history of induced abortion of last pregnancy. Binomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the explanatory and outcome variables. For the qualitative data generated through focus group discussions and in-depth-interviews, inductive and deductive approaches were used in conducting a thematic analysis to explore the perspectives and experiences of SIA on pregnancy and induced abortion. Results Of the 424 female SIAs, 270 (63.7%) reported having had sex. Sixty-four (23.7%) respondents had a history of pregnancy, of which 38 (59.4%) gave a history of induced abortion of the last pregnancy. A history of school attendance significantly reduced the likelihood of being pregnant (AOR: 0.42, 95% C.I: 0.19–0.91), while 15–19-years-old SIAs who were pregnant were significantly less likely to abort (AOR: 0.13, 95% C.I: 0.02–0.77). Qualitative reports indicated that unintended pregnancy and induced abortion was a common experience among the sexually active SIAs. Many participants were aware of the methods of, and places to induce abortion. Conclusion A large proportion of SIAs are sexually active with a high incidence of unintended pregnancy and a high rate of unsafe abortion. Access of female SIAs to education can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Attention needs to be paid to how SIAs can have access to contraception.

Cosmetic procedures are aimed at enhancing clients' attractiveness by modifying their physical appearance. Women prefer cosmetic surgery more than men do, due to the ideal of leanness advertised by the media. Female adolescents, undergoing an emotionally unstable developmental stage, are particularly responsive to unrealistic beauty standards. The more they internalize cultural norms, the more they objectify their bodies. Young people's views on their bodies are essentially influenced by the feedback received from their parents and other adults. The present study explored the impact of caregiver eating messages and objectified body consciousness on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery among Hungarian female students aged 14 to 19 years (M = 16.79, SD = 1.245). Self-report scales used to collect data in four secondary schools. The expected associations were tested with path analysis. Caregiver eating messages generally had an indirect positive impact on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery that was mediated by the shame component of objectified body consciousness. A direct impact was only shown by critical/restrictive caregiver messages and by the shame component of objectified body consciousness. The other two components of objectified body consciousness were unrelated to the acceptance of cosmetic surgery. In sum, caregiver messages on female adolescents' appearance and eating habits have a formative role on their attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. Such messages predict their proneness to view their bodies as objects serving to meet certain beauty standards. The more they endorse such views, the more they are willing to consider cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent disruptive behavior is one of the most commonly reported challenges across the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular. However, the problem has not received the attention it deserves from researchers. Objectives: the study was aimed at examining the level of disruptive behaviors and its relationship with family communication and related other factors among adolescents. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from a randomly selected 304 adolescent students (155 males, 149 females) using 'the Problem Behavior Frequency Questionnaire', and 'The Family Communication Scale'. Correlational research design was employed to address the objectives of the study. Correlational analysis, t-test, and regression analysis were conducted to examine relationships and differences. Results: The statistical analysis yielded that there is a widespread problem of disruptive behaviors among adolescents in the study area. Likewise, a statistically significant negative relationship (r = -0.51, P < 0.001) was found between family communication and disruptive behaviors. Moreover, family communication, family structures, and sex as variables contribute significantly (P < 0.05) to disruptive behaviors in adolescents. Although delinquency does not differ significantly for male and female adolescents, as a group, male adolescents engage in more physical aggressions than female adolescents do (P < 0.05). However, the results showed that female adolescents engage in more relational aggression than their males counterparts do (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the number of adolescents engaging in disruptive behaviors is growing at an alarming rate. Poor family communication and non-intact family structures are among the factors that contribute to the problem; hence, to prevent further development of the problem, interventions should be made to limit the problems and its potential negative consequences on family and community as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexithymia refers to an ineffectiveness in identifying feelings and emotions and their communication. In adolescence, it has been identified as a significant predictor of emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, especially in girls, and it is generally associated with higher levels of physical and verbal aggression. We investigated the association between alexithymia and the tendency to engage in aggressive or prosocial behaviour in bullying situations and how this relationship may be affected by adolescents' anxiety and resilience. A sample of 884 female adolescents (mean age = 16.2) completed three quantitative self-report measures of alexithymia, roles in bullying situations, and levels of anxiety and resilience. Three groups were created based on the alexithymia scores: high alexithymia, borderline, and no alexithymia. A multiple analysis of covariance was conducted to evaluate the associations among the variables. The MANCOVA showed that participants in the high-alexithymia group were less prone to adopt prosocial roles and more likely to play victim and outsider roles than those in the borderline and no-alexithymia groups. Furthermore, these results varied as a function of anxiety and resilience. Our study contributes in deepen the association between alexithymia and the tendency to act hostile, prosocial, or indifferent behaviours in emotionally charged situations in a particular developmental period when emotional regulation strategies, especially in girls, are put to the test. This could have important implications from the point of view of preventing the chronic development of antisocial behaviour as the preferred choice for dealing with emotionally stressing situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gaming is a predominant leisure time activity among adolescents, and the literature suggests that unrestrained gaming behavior might lead to gaming disorder. ICD-11 and DSM-5 have recognized gaming disorder as a psychiatric condition and grouped it under the behavioral addiction category. Research on gaming behavior and addiction is largely based on data from the male population, and problematic gaming has largely been understood from the male perspective. In this study, we are attempting to bridge the existing lacuna in the literature by exploring gaming behavior, gaming disorder, and its related psychopathological characteristics among female adolescents in India. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 707 female adolescent participants who were contacted through schools and academic institutes in a city in Southern India. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, and data were administered using the mixed modality of online and offline data collection. The participants filled out the following set of questionnaires: socio-demographic sheet, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and Brief sensation-seeking scale (BSSS-8). The data gathered from the participants were then statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Results: The descriptive statistics revealed that 0.8% of the sample (i.e., five participants out of 707) obtained scores meeting gaming addiction criteria. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between all the psychological variables with total IGD scale scores (p < 0.05). Total SDQ, total BSSS-8, and domain scores of SDQ, such as emotional symptoms, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems, were positively correlated, whereas total Rosenberg scores and domain scores of prosocial behaviors of SDQ were negatively correlated. The Mann-Whitney U-test was employed to compare "with gaming disorder" and "without gaming disorder" categories of female participants. Comparing these two groups revealed significant differences in emotional symptoms, conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, peer problem, and self-esteem scale scores. Furthermore, quantile regression was computed, showing that conduct, peer problem, and self-esteem displayed trend-level prediction for gaming disorder. Conclusion: Female adolescents prone to gaming addiction can be identified through psychopathological characteristics of conduct, peer problem, and low self-esteem. This understanding can be useful in developing a theoretical model focusing on early screening and preventive strategies for at-risk female adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In qualitative research, there is a growing interest in understanding the use of timelines in combination with other qualitative methods. In this paper, we will address how the creation of timelines facilitated and informed the process of semi-structured interviews. We used an interpretive descriptive qualitative study to understand the perceptions and experiences of developing sexuality among female adolescents of Pakistani descent, and timelines were used as a part of the semi-structured interview process. Timelines were created in a participatory way in which girls were asked to recount significant events related to their sexuality. We found that the methodological combinations within qualitative research such as semi-structured interviews and timelines have the potential to advance knowledge regarding the experience of immigrant female adolescents’ sexuality. Using the timeline strategy to collect data helped in building rapport with the participants, allowed the participants to become active partners and navigate the process, and helped them to think about future resolutions through reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A systematic review of research suggests that different variables affect the explanation of adolescent academic anxiety, but the role of mind theory and compatibility have been neglected as an integrated model. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural equation model of academic anxiety explanation of female adolescents based on mind theory with the mediating role of compatibility. Method: The present study was a descriptive correlation and structural equations. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all ninth grade female adolescents in the first secondary schools during 2019-2020 in Ghaemshahr. In this study, 300 people were selected by two-stage cluster sampling to determine the sample size. Sinha and Singh’s (1993) Student Compatibility Questionnaire, Albert and Haber’s (1960) Academic Achievement Anxiety Questionnaire, and Stirman's Mind Theory (1994) were used for data collection. Structural equations with SPSSV18 and AMOSV23 software were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that the variables of mind theory and compatibility have a direct and significant effect on academic anxiety (P

Immigrant adolescents make up a substantial proportion of newcomers to Canada. Most newcomer youth from South Asia aged 15 to 24 are from racialized “visible minority” backgrounds. The sexual health needs of female immigrant adolescents in Canada have been largely unmet and have increased in magnitude over the last few years. For immigrant female adolescents, the silence around issues of sexuality needs can affect their physical, emotional, sexual health, and overall well-being as well as their ability to reach their full potential. Evidence suggests that immigrant adolescents lack sexual and reproductive health knowledge and use fewer sexual health-related services and sex education resources than non-immigrant youth. In Pakistani immigrant adolescents, this difference appears to be associated with socio-cultural and religious practices. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the experience of developing sexuality and its relationship to well-being in middle- to late-female adolescents of Pakistani-descent, living in a large urban area in Canada. The study aimed to establish space for dialogue and to bridge the perceived cultural divide on issues of sexuality using the postmodern feminist lens, which often arises between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Using the interpretive descriptive methodology, a purposive sample of 21 female adolescents who were of first- or second-generation Pakistan-descent was obtained. Participants included female adolescents aged from 14 to 19 years. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and a timeline. A total of 21 first interviews and seven follow up interviews were conducted. The narratives and timelines presented in this study tell the story of female Pakistani adolescents, their narratives, and the timelines reflect the complexities of the sexuality of female adolescents and how they perceive and attribute meanings to their experiences. The study found that living in a bicultural world can cause significant stress and anxiety among female adolescents, especially when making personal life decisions related to sexuality. Moreover, silence around all aspects of female sexuality negatively affects the capacity for desire and pleasure. In addition, the intersection of gender and patriarchy have created layers of power and oppression in adolescent lives that tightly control their sexuality. The participants’ stories reveal the complex interaction of factors that influence the behavior of female adolescents related to sexuality and sexual health. These findings establish the need for cultural awareness while viewing each girl’s experience in relation to the intersectionality of social spheres such as race, ethnicity, culture, and religion. Finally, this study provides implications to policymakers to revise the existing policies and create youth-friendly policies for immigrant youth to draw attention to the hidden voices of female adolescents and increase the awareness of ways to address issues arising in evolving sexuality.

ObjectivesGaming is a predominant leisure time activity among adolescents, and the literature suggests that unrestrained gaming behavior might lead to gaming disorder. ICD-11 and DSM-5 have recognized gaming disorder as a psychiatric condition and grouped it under the behavioral addiction category. Research on gaming behavior and addiction is largely based on data from the male population, and problematic gaming has largely been understood from the male perspective. In this study, we are attempting to bridge the existing lacuna in the literature by exploring gaming behavior, gaming disorder, and its related psychopathological characteristics among female adolescents in India.MethodsThe study was conducted on a sample of 707 female adolescent participants who were contacted through schools and academic institutes in a city in Southern India. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, and data were administered using the mixed modality of online and offline data collection. The participants filled out the following set of questionnaires: socio-demographic sheet, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and Brief sensation-seeking scale (BSSS-8). The data gathered from the participants were then statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 26.ResultsThe descriptive statistics revealed that 0.8% of the sample (i.e., five participants out of 707) obtained scores meeting gaming addiction criteria. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between all the psychological variables with total IGD scale scores (p < 0.05). Total SDQ, total BSSS-8, and domain scores of SDQ, such as emotional symptoms, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems, were positively correlated, whereas total Rosenberg scores and domain scores of prosocial behaviors of SDQ were negatively correlated. The Mann–Whitney U-test was employed to compare “with gaming disorder” and “without gaming disorder” categories of female participants. Comparing these two groups revealed significant differences in emotional symptoms, conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, peer problem, and self-esteem scale scores. Furthermore, quantile regression was computed, showing that conduct, peer problem, and self-esteem displayed trend-level prediction for gaming disorder.ConclusionFemale adolescents prone to gaming addiction can be identified through psychopathological characteristics of conduct, peer problem, and low self-esteem. This understanding can be useful in developing a theoretical model focusing on early screening and preventive strategies for at-risk female adolescents.