Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study found that over half of participants engaged in at least one 'cheat meal' per year, associated with binge-eating, compulsive exercise, and fasting behaviors among men. Women's engagement was linked to all seven types of eating disorder behaviors.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 250,000 patients found that those infected with COVID-19 used more healthcare services in the 6 months following their infection. The study revealed a 4% increase in encounters, including virtual visits and emergency department visits, resulting in over 27,000 extra encounters.
A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.
Mothers with personality disorder symptoms have a higher likelihood of insecure attachment with their adolescents, who are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Maternal recalled experiences with caregivers also play a mediating role in this relationship.
A new study suggests targeting early adolescent impulsivity could prevent later behavioral disorders. The research found that adolescents with high levels of impulsivity in early adolescence were at risk for developing antisocial personality disorder and alcohol use disorder.
A study found that higher empathy in adolescents is linked to lower odds of cyberbullying others based on their race, religion, or other identity factors. Cognitive empathy was the key factor in reducing bias-based cyberbullying.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.
A study of 482,000 children and adolescents found no link between state laws limiting opioid prescriptions and the receipt of these prescriptions. Alternative strategies, such as youth-specific guidelines, are needed to address this public health concern.
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high levels of protection against emergency department and urgent care encounters related to Delta and Omicron variants. A third dose improved protection against Omicron beyond initial two-dose efficacy, emphasizing the importance of boosters for adolescents aged 12-17.
A new study has examined the relationship between physical activity and body fat in children, finding that increased body fat leads to less physical activity in boys, while no such link was found for girls. The researchers also found a link between sedentary lifestyle and body fat in boys.
A Michigan Medicine study found that patients who received preoperative education on opioid risks and nonopioid pain management options consumed significantly less oxycodone, with only 16 doses used despite similar pain scores. The results suggest a multimodal approach to managing pain can reduce harm and prevent substance use disorders.
A new breath-driven hand prosthesis offers a lightweight, low-maintenance option for children and those in low-resource settings. The device is powered by the user's breathing and provides simultaneous control and actuation, with minimal maintenance required.
A consensus paper by heart health experts highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing high blood pressure in children and adolescents. The document recommends dietary changes, regular physical activity, and family involvement to promote healthy habits and reduce the risk of hypertension.
A new study co-authored by economist Dr. Reto Odermatt found that educational and occupational aspirations are important predictors of career success, with ambitious goals motivating people to invest more in their future career success. However, unrealistically high aspirations as a teenager can have negative effects on well-being as a...
Arterial stiffness in adolescence is a novel risk factor for hypertension, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes in young adulthood and mid-adulthood. Risk factors include maternal smoking habits, early life smoking patterns, high salt intake, genetic inheritance, obesity, and elevated blood pressure from childhood.
A study published in Pediatrics found that there is no consistent medical definition of growing pains, with over 93% of studies not referencing growth or age. The condition's vague and contradictory definitions raise questions about its connection to growth and cause.
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
A study found that cannabis use and daily use are more common in US states with recreational cannabis laws compared to those without. Cigarette smokers in these states have even higher rates of cannabis use.
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, adolescents were found to have a significantly higher incidence rate and relative risk of COVID-19 infection from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 compared to older adults. The study analyzed data from the start of the pandemic through fall 2020 across 16 of the 19 states examined.
A substantial increase in eating disorder diagnoses was found among Norwegian girls aged 6-16 after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding is consistent with similar increases observed in North America, suggesting an international trend.
A recent study published by The BMJ confirms previous reports that myocarditis is rare but cases are highest among young males shortly after a second dose of mRNA vaccine, especially Moderna. The risk of myocarditis or pericarditis might be lower when the second dose is given more than 30 days after the first dose.
A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that drinking alone during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of alcohol use disorder later in life, especially for women. Solitary drinking is a unique and robust risk factor for future alcohol problems, according to lead author Kasey Creswell.
Pooled estimates from 22 international studies indicate a 20% reduction in total daily physical activity among children and adolescents during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need for bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning during pandemic recovery.
A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.
Indiana University researchers are using a mouse model to study the effects of cannabis use during adolescence, which could impair working memory and increase the risk of psychosis later in life. The $2M NIH grant aims to develop therapies to treat adverse effects.
Researchers found a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys than girls, with 410 out of 12,554 children and adolescents reporting an ASD diagnosis. The overall prevalence was estimated at 3.14% for the US population between 2019 and 2020.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.
A new Series published in The Lancet estimates that adopting proven road safety interventions targeting four key risk factors could prevent between 25% and 40% of all fatal road injuries worldwide every year. This could save up to half a million lives annually, with increased focus on low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that road fatalities and injuries kill more young people than communicable and non-communicable diseases or self-harm. The number of deaths attributed to road fatalities for adolescents has increased in some countries, particularly in low and low-middle income countries.
A birth cohort study found that muscular strength is associated with higher risk of psychotic symptoms, which may be mediated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in adolescence. Low muscular strength was linked to higher levels of pentosidine, a representative AGE, and increased thought problems as a psychotic symptom indicator.
A University of Houston study found that 61% of Black and Hispanic adolescents have low vitamin D levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. The research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about social determinants of health and providing culturall...
A MU researcher has earned a federal grant from the United States Fulbright Program to conduct community engagement research in South Africa. He aims to assist disengaged, vulnerable youth in rural areas through community development initiatives.
A new study found that online lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a worsening of headache symptoms or new onset headaches in over one-third of schoolchildren. The study also linked headaches to depression, anxiety, and decreased academic performance.
Researchers from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a significant rate of new TB infections among Tanzanian adolescents. The study used serial testing and identified transient, persistent, and irregular conversions between positive and negative IGRA test results.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that states with hate crime laws protecting LGBTQ populations have lower rates of suicide attempts among both sexual and gender minority students, as well as heterosexual students. Overall, suicide attempt rates decreased by 16% in those states.
A systematic review evaluated patient-reported outcome measures assessing health-related quality of life for adults and adolescents with acne. The review found that these measures can provide valuable insights into the impact of acne on patients' lives, highlighting the need for better standardization and evaluation of these tools.
A cross-sectional survey of 5,000 Japanese students found that online classes during COVID-19 school closures were associated with lower rates of emotional symptoms and smartphone addiction. The study suggests that implementing online classes could be a protective measure for adolescents' mental health during national school closures.
The study found that children diagnosed with COVID-19 in all age groups were more likely to experience at least one symptom for two months or longer than the control group. Most common symptoms included mood swings, fatigue, and trouble remembering.
A recent study published in Environment International found that young adults exposed to higher levels of ambient and household air pollution had poorer lung function. Household air pollution from unvented biomass stoves was particularly detrimental, causing a significant decrease in lung capacity.
The American Heart Association warns that e-cigarette use in adolescents can lead to stunted lung development and altered cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. Long-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been linked to increased blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness.
A recent study found that socioeconomic disparities in obesity among US adolescents have significantly increased over the past two decades. The findings suggest that adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that transgender and gender-diverse college students are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. The study highlights the importance of colleges and universities in recognizing and addressing this issue, particularly among students with intersecting identities.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
Youth substance use declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as teens had limited access to peers and substances due to stay-at-home orders. This reduced risk of substance use is attributed to increased social isolation from peers, which may have a negative impact on mental health.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
A new study found that US teens born elsewhere eat healthier than US-born teens, but diet worsens over time. The analysis showed that being born outside the US and living in the US for less time were associated with higher diet quality.
Research found that food insecure teens are more likely to attempt weight loss, while college students who drink may compensate with unhealthy eating behaviors. Additionally, studies linked sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to higher triglyceride levels in youth and identified potential mechanisms behind this association.
Most U.S. states have laws addressing teen dating violence in secondary schools, but these laws vary in content and comprehensiveness. The study highlights the need for improved legislation to prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
A new study found that teens' consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to decline even after restrictions eased. This reversal took place due to changes brought by the pandemic, including school closures and working from home.
A new study reveals that drumming can improve the life quality of young people diagnosed with autism by enhancing brain function and behavior. Participants showed fewer signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and repetitive behaviors, demonstrating better control of their emotions.
A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.
A survey study of 1,125 adolescents and young adults investigated their experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine incentives. The study found that many participants were influenced by social media and family members when deciding whether to get vaccinated.
A large international study found that 31.4% of adolescents in 13 European and Asian countries reported feeling unsafe at school. The study highlighted the need for strategies to provide educational environments where all students can feel protected, regardless of their background.
A cross-sectional study found a strong association between ultrasound-derived fat fraction (UDFF) and MRI proton-density fat fraction (PDFF), providing high sensitivity for detecting hepatic steatosis. The study showed that UDFF had an AUC of 0.90 for identifying PDFF ≥5.5%.
A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.
The study found increases in screen time, alcohol use, and poor sleep among Australian girls during the pandemic. However, overall sleep improved, and some dietary choices improved during lockdown.
A meta-analysis by Dr. Maggi Price and colleagues found that Black youth living in communities with high levels of anti-Black racism are less likely to benefit from psychotherapy. The study suggests that addressing stigma and incorporating advocacy into treatment is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. Training programs must e...