Articles tagged with Adolescents
A new study found that state restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth significantly increase drive times for seeking necessary treatment. With over 25% of gender clinics located in restricted states, existing clinics may struggle to meet the demand from out-of-state patients.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
A large-scale study of 107 countries and regions found a strong association between daily soft drink consumption and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The findings suggest that reducing soft drink consumption is crucial in combating adolescent obesity.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that encouraging Latinx adolescents of Mexican origin to embrace their ethnic pride and cultural values can significantly improve psychological well-being. The study, led by UC Davis researchers, suggests that cultural preservation can help youth cope with adversity and racism.
The MIND diet, which combines Mediterranean and DASH principles, was positively linked with attentional inhibition in school-aged children. The diet's emphasis on brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes may help improve cognitive development.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that use of law enforcement strategies to curb underage drinking has decreased significantly since 2010, with a notable drop in compliance checks and sales provision to underage persons.
Adolescents in Zimbabwe exhibit rising rates of obesity, contrary to traditional perceptions of malnutrition and health. A study found that 15.8% were obese or overweight, with girls more affected, and low obesity awareness prevalent among girls, attributed to poor eating habits and lack of formal education.
Researchers found a clear pattern of suicidality related to the academic calendar, with peaks in April and October, but a decline during COVID-19 school closures. The study suggests interventions during peak months could help protect against seasonal increases in suicidality, especially for adolescent females.
A study of 73,000 emergency department visits and hospitalizations found seasonal patterns in suicidality among children and adolescents. After COVID-19-related school closures, an unexpected decrease in suicidality was observed, suggesting a potential link to the school calendar.
A $3 million NIH award will support an intervention aimed at improving health outcomes in Black youth with type 1 diabetes. The project aims to optimize family interactions related to diabetes care through mobile health technology, potentially reducing disparities in health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
Researchers report a case of a 15-year-old boy with recurrent intrathoracic synovial sarcoma who achieved partial response with BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib treatment. The study highlights the importance of routine next-generation sequencing to drive treatment choice and investigate BRAF mutations in SS tumors.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University found that parent attitudes about politics can predict subsequent increases in adolescent child political alienation. In households where parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their children, which may contribute to low youth voter participation.
A new study found that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are ideal spaces to educate and guide US youth of color on healthy weight management. Nearly 1 in 4 adolescents experienced obesity from 2017 to 2020, with youths of color experiencing disproportionately higher rates.
During the pandemic, acute care use for mental health conditions among youth increased notably, particularly among adolescent females. Prolonged boarding in emergency departments and waiting for inpatient psychiatric care are concerning trends that require interventions to address.
A recent study found a significant association between racial discrimination and obesity in children and adolescents, suggesting that addressing this issue is crucial for improving their health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering racism as a risk factor for obesity in addition to socioeconomic status.
A new study reveals that children experiencing racial discrimination are more likely to develop a higher BMI and larger waistline. Researchers found that racial discrimination was associated with an increased risk of obesity in kids, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
The study found a steady increase in diagnosed learning disability prevalence among US children and adolescents over two decades, with 8.83% of children ages 6-17 affected between 1997 and 2021. This chronic condition affects about 9 in 100 overall, highlighting its significant impact on the US population.
Opioid toxicity-related deaths in the US increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in every 22 deaths attributable to unintentional opioid toxicity. This trend highlights the urgent need for support people at risk of substance-related harm, particularly men and younger adults.
Researchers found that students with high levels of 'eudaimonia', or feelings of competence, motivation, and self-esteem, outperformed their peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially in Maths. However, life satisfaction was not linked to academic performance.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.
A new study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases every year, with the greatest impact on low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for policy change and funding to address this unmet health need among older children and adolescents.
A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents, with increased resources needed for support. Future studies are necessary to assess the trend's persistence and possible underlying mechanisms.
A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A new proposal suggests adopting an 'adolescent cholesterol passport' to prevent atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The tool would involve regular cholesterol screenings starting at age two, with the goal of detecting familial hypercholesterolemia and other genetic conditions early on.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence. Reading for pleasure is also associated with improved brain structure, which may help explain the findings.
A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.
Researchers found that adolescents with incarcerated mothers are at higher risk of depression, withdrawal, substance abuse, and delinquency. The study suggests that modifying sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Minae Niwa found that adolescent psychosocial stress, combined with pregnancy and delivery, causes hypofunction of a key neural circuit. This altered circuitry leads to abnormal social behavior in postpartum women, including reduced interaction time with familiar mice.
This study found widening socioeconomic inequality among Japanese adolescents in achieving recommended physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis also revealed narrowing inequality in breakfast intake, but no differences observed for screen time, sleep duration, or bowel movement frequency.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
Researchers found that mentalizing scores increase gradually over time, peaking in young adulthood, with females consistently outperforming males. The study also discovered significant positive correlations between mentalizing capacity and personality traits such as Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness.
Higher testosterone levels during adolescence enhance emotion control, but decrease in young adulthood; the study suggests a shift in testosterone's role across developmental periods. The findings may be related to mood disorders that arise during adolescence.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.
Leading researchers discuss challenges associated with return to school for children and adolescents with TBI, highlighting the need for improved educator training and communication. Strategies for improving quality of life and outcomes are recommended by experts in this themed issue.
Research by Fiona Baker of SRI's Human Sleep Lab highlights the deep connections between adolescent sleep and overall health. Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns can affect brain development, weight gain, cognitive decline, and socioemotional difficulties in adolescents.
A nationwide study in the UK found a significant rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls between March 2020 and March 2022. The rate of eating disorder diagnoses was 42% higher than expected, with 3,862 observed cases compared to 2,713 projected cases.
Unaccompanied migrant children are vulnerable to persistent emotional distress due to their experiences. Ongoing psychosocial support is crucial after resettlement to mitigate these symptoms.
A recent single-hospital study found that among 82 transgender and gender-diverse adolescents treated between 2016-2018, only three chose to discontinue gender-affirming hormone therapy. The reasons for discontinuation were often due to external factors, not re-transitioning to the assigned sex at birth.
A retrospective cohort study reveals that racial disparities in tooth decay among children are significantly influenced by insurance type and dental procedure types. The study's findings suggest targeted strategies can be developed to reduce oral health disparities.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
Children and teenagers with diabetes frequently employ inaccurate CGM alarm settings, which may lead to reduced usefulness of these devices. Research highlights the importance of following recommended alarm best practices to ensure patients receive real-time glycemic data while minimizing alarm fatigue.
A study by Swansea University found that teaching mental health literacy in schools significantly improves pupils' knowledge, behaviours, and intentions to seek help. The Guide Cymru programme, developed with Action for Children, demonstrates a positive impact on young people's wellbeing.
A yearlong science program with family members led to increased interest in STEM subjects and a lifelong engagement. Children who participated showed more enthusiasm for science and were more likely to envision themselves as scientists, while their families reported renewed interest in science at home.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
A study published in Radiology found that weight-loss surgery, specifically sleeve gastrectomy, has negative effects on bone health in adolescents and young adults. The procedure led to an increase in bone marrow fat and a decrease in bone density, suggesting potential long-term consequences for bone health and fracture risk.
A recent NIH-funded study found that only 1 in 4 residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents under 18 years old offer buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. The study highlights a significant gap in access to evidence-based treatment among young people, with many facilities not offering this life-saving medication d...
According to the study, 18.6% of adolescents experience low mood, with girls more likely to suffer from the condition, affecting 25.1% of them. The research highlights contextual factors such as sexual violence and physical inactivity as contributing to these gender differences.
A new study reveals that only one in four adolescent residential treatment centers across the US provides buprenorphine, a proven tool in fighting opioid addiction. The lack of access to this medication undercuts US efforts to alleviate the overdose epidemic, which claimed over 109,000 lives in 2022.
Only one in four US adolescent residential addiction treatment facilities offer buprenorphine and one in eight offer it for ongoing treatment. Nearly two-thirds of adult residential facilities provide this medication, highlighting a significant gap in care for adolescents.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...
Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.
A recent study found that pre-teen girls who drank 100% fruit juice had long-term positive dietary benefits and met Dietary Guideline recommendations for whole fruit. The study also showed racial differences in fruit consumption, with black girls consuming more 100% juice throughout adolescence.
A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that children and teenagers who volunteer tend to flourish mentally and physically. Volunteers were in better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.
NUTRITION 2023 will feature research announcements, expert discussions on emerging topics like artificial intelligence and precision nutrition. The meeting will also focus on adolescent nutrient deficiencies and their long-term consequences on health.