adolescent

This review examined the prevalence and possible causes of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Kyrgyzstan. According to a national survey in Kyrgyzstan, the prevalence of overweight among adolescent girls is classified as “high” according to the WHO thresholds (14.5 %). The prevalence of overweight shows a slight upward trend with age and is classified as “very high” among adolescents aged 16-18 years (20.8 %). The review explores dietary habits, physical activity, socioeconomic consequences, and the impact of advertising unhealthy products.

Significant linear trends indicate that rising adolescent obesity rates will increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated health risks. We aimed to initially determine the prevalence of MetS among adolescents (aged 13-16 yr) with obesity in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman (n=3404) based on data collected in 2024. Then to predict the risk factors of MetS criteria based on health-related fitness (HRF) components to identify the most significant risk factors among them (n= 512, with BMIile% ≥95%).

A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence. MetS criteria and HRF components were measured to examine key risk factors. Then, the predictive value of HRF variables for MetS incidence was assessed using multiple regression analysis.

The descriptive results from screening adolescents with obesity indicated that 10.7% of them exhibited MetS. A notable correlation between fast blood glucose (FBG) and cardiorespiratory fitness; CRF (r=0.28, P=0.001), waist circumference; WC (r=0.39, P<0.0001), and BMI (r=0.46, P<0.0001) were revealed. There was a robust correlation between blood pressure; BP and CRF (r=0.19, P=0.025), WC (r=0.24, P=0.007), and BMI (r=0.43, P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant model for the high FBG prediction using the HRF variables, while the models predicted for BP were not significant.

Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.

This study examined the rising prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents in Tehran, focusing on two addiction patterns (mood/social problems and academic/occupational problems) and their correlation with high school level.

The research aims to explore the escalation of IGD among adolescents in the context of expanding internet technology.

The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample of 708 adolescents (176 females, 532 males), aged 12 to 18, from various districts in Tehran was randomly selected based on inclusion criteria. Participants completed questionnaires on internet game addiction and provided demographic information. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and the Welch test in SPSS 26.

The study revealed a 5.6% prevalence of IGD among adolescents in Tehran. Notably, second-year high school students exhibited a different pattern of internet game addiction, particularly in relation to academic and occupational challenges, compared to first-year students. Chi-square analysis showed significant differences between adolescents with and without IGD regarding sleep duration, paternal education level, and family financial status. Welch’s tests revealed significant differences in emotional and social aspects of internet addiction among high school students in the first and second years. The statistical analysis also indicated a significant disparity in academic and occupational aspects of internet addiction based on educational level.

The alignment of IGD prevalence in Tehran with findings from studies in other countries suggests the potential involvement of similar factors in the development of internet game addiction. Further research is needed to investigate these factors comprehensively and implement preventive measures to curb the increasing incidence of IGD among adolescents.

Food consumption behavior plays a critical role in health outcomes and the prevention of chronic diseases, particularly during adolescence. Understanding the determinants of these behaviors is essential for designing effective interventions.

This study aimed to investigate: (A) The levels of predisposing factors (knowledge and attitudes), enabling factors (accessibility and readiness), and reinforcing factors (media and peer influence); (B) the food consumption behaviors of senior high school students; and (C) the relationships between these factors and food consumption behaviors.

A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 326 senior high school students in Thailand selected through quota sampling. Five self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data: Knowledge of consumption, attitudes toward consumption, accessibility and readiness of food consumption, influence from peers and media, and food consumption behavior. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were utilized, with a significance level set at P < 0.05 for all analyses.

The findings revealed that a majority of the participants were female students, comprising 68.71% of the sample, with an average age of 17 years. Overall, knowledge regarding food consumption was notably high, at 44.11%. Attitudes towards food consumption were significantly more favorable, reaching 87.12%. However, factors such as accessibility and media influences were categorized as moderate. The food consumption behaviors of participants were similarly rated as moderate, with a mean score of 2.44 and a standard deviation of 0.50. Multiple regression analysis determined that factors such as accessibility and readiness of food (β = 0.129, P < 0.020), peer influence (β = 0.161, P = 0.004), and media influence (β = 0.149, P = 0.007) were significant predictors of food consumption behavior among students.

Food consumption behaviors among senior high school students are influenced by accessibility and social reinforcements such as media and peers. Despite high levels of knowledge, moderate attitudes and environmental barriers limit the adoption of healthy eating behaviors. Targeted interventions should focus on improving food accessibility, promoting media literacy, and leveraging peer influence to encourage healthier food choices. Future research should explore regional nutritional disparities to inform policy and practice more effectively.

Adolescent girls often struggle with negative body image, leading to rumination and distress. The objective of this investigation was to examine the potential of self-compassion therapy (SCT) to mitigate rumination and bolster distress tolerance in adolescent girls experiencing body image concerns. This experimental study comprised all adolescent girls in Ahvaz, Iran, who reported body image concerns in 2023. A sample of 30 adolescent girls was drawn using multi-stage cluster sampling and then randomly allocated to either an experimental (n=15) or a control (n=15) group. Data collection was facilitated using the Ruminative Response Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale. The experimental group participated in a ten-week structured self-compassion training (SCT) program, with one 60-minute session per week. The control group received no intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to assess the impact of SCT on the dependent variables, using SPSS version 25. At pre-test, both groups reported similar levels of rumination (SCT group: M=64.53, SD=7.59; control group: M=68.26, SD=9.46) and distress tolerance (SCT group: M=31.06, SD=6.86; control group: M=32.06, SD=5.23). After the 10-week SCT intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in rumination (M=36.26, SD=5.57) and a significant increase in distress tolerance (M=66.60, SD=5.02) compared with the control group (P<0.001). SCT was found to be effective in significantly reducing rumination and increasing distress tolerance in adolescent girls with body image concerns (P<0.001). SCT has demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating rumination and enhancing distress tolerance among adolescent girls confronting body image challenges. The study findings underscored the potential of SCT as a promising intervention for this vulnerable population.

Athletes involved in sports requiring frequent cutting and pivoting movements are at increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study investigates the effectiveness of neuromuscular warm-up exercises, including strength, balance, plyometric, and core stability training, in reducing ACL injury risk.

A total of 30 adolescent male basketball players (age = 13-18 years) were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=15; age = 15.66±1.7 years, height = 172.7±9.6 cm, weight = 66.74±11.2 kg) or the neuromuscular training (NMT) group (n=15; age = 14.73±0.70 years, height = 174.0±6.7 cm, weight = 64.79±10.8 kg). The NMT group performed a structured injury prevention warm-up program three times a week for eight weeks before regular basketball training (20 min), while the control group followed their usual basketball practice. Measurements of knee proprioception (including specific motion directions), knee valgus and flexion torque, trunk endurance via the Biering-Sorenson test, and isometric strength of various muscle groups were taken pre- and post-intervention.

Significant improvements in isometric strength were observed in all assessed muscle groups in the NMT group (P<0.05); however, no significant changes were found in knee valgus, flexion torque, trunk endurance, or knee proprioception (P>0.05).

While the NMT protocol significantly improves isometric muscle strength in adolescent male basketball players, it does not show a direct effect on other ACL injury risk factors. Therefore, incorporating NMT into training routines may support strength development but should be combined with other targeted interventions to reduce ACL injury risk more effectively.

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of student counsellors regarding comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies for addressing internet addiction among adolescents.

This study employed an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design. Data collection involved focus group discussions (FGDs) with 12 purposively selected student counsellors from high schools in four West Java regions. Counsellors were chosen based on their experience in managing students with internet addiction within the past year. FGDs were conducted virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions, with sessions aimed at exploring perceptions and strategies related to internet addiction prevention and intervention. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Clarke and Braun's approach to identify key themes.

The results of the study obtained 5 themes which are: a comprehensive assessment is needed to determine appropriate interventions for students experiencing internet addiction; family is the main supporting factor in managing and preventing internet addiction; various parties must cooperate in overcoming internet addiction; health education about internet addiction during school orientation is important as a prevention program; and digitalization and communication control programs affect the phenomenon of internet addiction.

Based on the results of this study, we can conclude the importance of comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate interventions and the need for support from other parties in overcoming internet addiction among students.

This study aimed to predict suicide attempts based on behavioral activation and inhibition systems (BAS/BIS) with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies among adolescents of Abyek City.

The research methodology was descriptive-correlational. The cluster sampling method was used, and the resulting sample included 194 adolescents who responded to the BAS/BIS questionnaire (Carver & White, 1994), CER questionnaire, and Beck scale for suicide ideation. Path analysis was employed to evaluate the proposed model using AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 27 software.

The findings indicate that the proposed model is fitted with the data well. The results of path analysis showed that the BAS/BIS systems explain 27% of the variance of maladaptive CER and 61% of the variance of adaptive CER. In addition, maladaptive CER, BAS, and BIS explain 65% of the variance of suicide attempts.

Low levels of BAS, high levels of BIS, and the use of maladaptive CER skills can be considered risk factors for suicide attempts in adolescents.

During adolescence, achieving emotional autonomy is crucial for successful identity formation, individuation, and the transition to adulthood. The current investigation examines the associations between parenting styles, family power structures, and emotional autonomy in students, with a particular focus on the mediating role of parent-adolescent relationships.

: This study utilized a descriptive correlational design and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the hypothesized relationships. A cluster sample of 363 high school students in Isfahan was selected. Data were collected using four standardized instruments: the Emotional Autonomy Scale, the Parenting Style Questionnaire, the Power Structure of the Family Questionnaire, and the Parent-Child Relationship Survey. Pearson correlation coefficients were initially computed to assess bivariate associations, followed by SEM to test the hypothesized mediation model.

The findings indicate that both permissive and authoritarian parenting styles were significantly associated with a family power structure characterized by parental dominance (P<0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship and students' emotional autonomy (P<0.001). Importantly, the analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of the authoritarian parenting style on students' emotional autonomy, mediated by the parent-adolescent relationship (P<0.001).

This study highlights the crucial role of parenting styles and family power structures in shaping students' emotional autonomy. The findings suggest that while both permissive and authoritarian styles are associated with the family power structure, only the authoritarian style seems to exert its influence indirectly through the parent-adolescent relationship.

The association between fast food, whole grain, refined grain and carbonated drink consumption and depression and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated in Iranian adolescent girls.

In this cross-sectional study, 733 adolescent girls were included from Mashhad and Sabzevar cities in northeastern Iran. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-12v2 questionnaire were used to assess depression and QoL, respectively. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain dietary intakes of the study participants. To explore the association between intake of food groups and depression and QoL. It was used linear and logistic regression in crude and adjusted models.

There was a significant decreasing trend in the odds of poor QOL and depression across increasing quartile intake of whole grain; but, there was no linear relationship between whole grain intake and depression and QoL score. In addition, participants in the highest quartile of carbonated drink consumption had higher odds of poor QoL compared to the first quartile (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00–2.32, P=0.04). A positive association was found between intake of fast food and depression score (β=0.09). Intake of fast food was inversely associated with QoL score (β=-0.081). However, there was no significant relationship between intake of refined grains and carbonated drinks and depression, and between whole grain and refined grain intake and QoL.

The results demonstrated an inverse association between fast food intake and depression and QOL. To better conclude, further studies evaluating the association of various food groups with depression and QoL.

Adolescence is a critical period marked by increased vulnerability to cyberbullying and emotional challenges. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between cyberbullying and cognitive emotion regulation among adolescents. 

This correlational study included approximately 500 male and female first-grade high school students in Amol City during the 2022-2023 academic years. A sample of 235 students was selected through cluster random sampling. The cyberbullying scale, cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire (CERQ), and five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) were used for data collection. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with PLS software, version 4, was utilized for data analysis. 

The results indicated that the model of cyberbullying’s effect on cognitive emotion regulation, with the mediating role of mindfulness, fits well (standardized root mean square residual=0.079, goodness-of-fit=0.47). Mindfulness played a significant mediating role in the relationship between cyberbullying and cognitive emotion regulation (P<0.01). Cyberbullying significantly decreased positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (β=-0.604, P<0.001) and increased negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies (β=0.440, P<0.001) by reducing mindfulness (β=-0.530, P<0.001). The mediating role of mindfulness was significant for both positive (β=-0.130, P=0.001) and negative (β=0.11, P=0.004) cognitive emotion regulation strategies.

This study demonstrated the significant mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between cyberbullying and cognitive emotion regulation among adolescents. These results highlight the importance of mindfulness in the context of adolescents’ online experiences and emotional regulation processes, providing a foundation for understanding the complex interplay between cyberbullying, mindfulness, and cognitive emotion regulation.

Aggressive behavior is a common emotional manifestation among students of all grades. The present study aimed to establish the correlation between resilience, self-control, self-regulation, and decision-making style with aggressive behavior in adolescents.

In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2022 in Marvdasht, Iran, 469 students with a mean age of 15.48±1.74 years were recruited. Standard questionnaires were used to collect data on aggression, resilience, self-control, self-regulation, and decision-making style. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and Amos version 24, with a significance level of P<0.05. Statistical methods including Pearson’s correlation coefficient, linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for analysis.

The findings revealed significant negative correlations between self-regulation (r=-0.577, P<0.001), self-control (r=- 0.962, P<0.001), resilience (r=-0.984, P<0.001), and deliberative decision-making style (r=-0.571, P<0.001) with aggressive behavior in adolescents. Additionally, all variables except intuitive decision-making were found to have a significant association with aggressive behavior. Notably, resilience emerged as the most related variable to aggressive behavior. SEM analysis showed that standardized total effects of self-regulation, self-control, resilience, and deliberative decision-making on aggressive behavior were -0.500, -0.912, -0.632, and -0.565, respectively. The model fit indicators showed that the final model fit was acceptable (ᵡ2 / df=2.431, P=0.063, GFI=0.994, AGFI=0.969, CFI=0.999, NFI=0.989, RMSEA=0.055).

The study suggested all these variables, particularly resilience and self-control should be considered when planning interventions to reduce and control aggressive behavior.

Body image concerns and social anxiety, often intertwined, can be significant challenges faced by many adolescent girls and may also serve as symptoms of underlying mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of self-healing therapy on body-focused social anxiety and body management in adolescent girls with body image concerns.

A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design was employed. The study population consisted of all female high school students with body image concerns in Ahvaz in 2023. Thirty female adolescents were randomly selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and assigned to two groups: An experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). Data was collected using the body-focused social anxiety scale and body management scale. Self-healing therapy sessions were conducted with the experimental group over 12 sessions of 90 minutes each, while the control group received no intervention. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance.

Self-healing therapy was found to be effective in significantly reducing body-focused social anxiety and improving body management in adolescent girls with body image concerns (P<0.001). 

Self-healing therapy has been shown to effectively reduce body-focused social anxiety and improve body management in adolescent girls struggling with body image issues. The study’s results highlighted the potential of this therapeutic approach as a promising intervention for this vulnerable population.

Adolescents experience rapid height growth during puberty, which eventually slows down and ceases due to epiphyseal senescence. Menarche marks the final stage of puberty and often raises concerns about the cessation of height growth.

This study aims to examine post-menarche height growth and identify the factors associated with it.

This retrospective cross-sectional study included adolescent females who visited pediatric endocrinology clinics in Hamadan between 2001 and 2018 and had a minimum follow-up period of three years. Data extracted from patients' medical records included demographic details, birth weight, birth order, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and stages of thelarche and pubarche. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.

The medical records of 91 girls were evaluated. The mean age of menarche was 11.93 ± 1.27 years. On average, the participants grew 7.98 ± 3.47 cm in height within three years after menarche. The study revealed a significant inverse correlation between post-menarche height growth and both the age at menarche and height at the onset of menarche. No correlation between height growth and other variables was observed.

Post-menarche height growth was negatively correlated with height and age at menarche. However, there is limited research on post-menarche height growth in Iranian girls, highlighting the need for further studies.

Menstruation is a significant milestone in adolescent development, often accompanied by stress, tension, and embarrassment. Proper knowledge about menstruation and hygienic menstrual practices are crucial for the health and well-being of adolescent females.

The present study aimed to identify the knowledge of adolescent females about menstruation and their self-care behaviors during menstruation in Al Karak Governorate, Jordan.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 school-aged adolescent females at three government girls’ schools in Al-Karak. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 26 software, employing an independent t -test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

In this study, a total of 100 school-aged adolescent female students from three government girls’ schools in Al-Karak governorate participated, with a mean age of 15.83 ± 1.43, ranging from 11 to 17 years old. The vast majority of the sample knew that menstruation occurs due to hormonal changes (76%) and that it lasts for 2 - 7 days (77%). Additionally, 94% of participants correctly identified the true meaning of hygiene during menstruation. Nearly all participants (98.5%) washed their genitals during their period.

Adolescent schoolgirls in Al Karak City, Jordan, have a good level of knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management and demonstrate satisfactory to fair levels of hygienic practices during menstruation.

Suicidal ideation (SI) signifies a psychiatric crisis, and individuals with SI are at a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts compared to those without. According to previous research, three factors that affect SI in adolescent girls are externalization problems, alexithymia, and perceived social support (PSS). As a result, the present research aimed to examine whether internet addiction (IA) is associated with SI through the mediating roles of PSS, externalizing problems, and alexithymia among adolescent girls in Tehran, Iran.

The current correlational study employed a structural equation modeling approach. Model fit indices such as the Chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF), normed fit index (NFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and goodness-of-fit index (CFI) were reported to assess the model’s adequacy.A total of 441 adolescent girls were selected from high school and between the ages of 11 and 19 using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), the Cell-Phone Over-Use Scale (COS), the Youth Self-Report (YSR), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) in a written manner. Data analysis was done using SPSS 25 and AMOS 22.

Results revealed a significant positive correlation between IA and SI (P < 0.001). The study's most significant findings indicate that PSS, externalizing problems, and alexithymia significantly mediate the relationship between SI and IA. The coefficient of determination for the SI variable was 0.33, which means that predictor variables can explain 33% of the variance in SI (IA, PSS, alexithymia, and externalizing problems).

IA showed direct and indirect effects on SI. Using these findings, we can elucidate the mechanism of how IA affects individual SI, providing critical information for the development and implementation of targeted strategies and interventions to reduce SI among Iranian adolescent girls. Psychological interventions that address the role of externalizing behaviors, alexithymia, and PSS in adolescents with IA may help reduce SI.