Articles tagged with Adolescents
The BrainHealthy competition offers real-world experience to talented young brain health researchers. The contest aims to advance new studies on age-related brain changes, brain health biomarkers, and Alzheimer's disease.
Youth opioid use in Canada is increasing, with emergency department visits and deaths rising by 369.2% from 2013 to 2021. Effective treatments such as opioid agonist therapy, psychological therapy, and substance use disorder programs are scarce due to long wait-lists and private funding.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that 85% of elementary schools in California lost trees between 2018 and 2022, exacerbating heat and drought conditions. The research highlights the urgent need to protect existing tree cover and improve tree canopy in low-shade schools.
Recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland suggest that an active lifestyle, good physical fitness and moderate screen time are crucial for brain development in adolescence. Better physical fitness was associated with increased excitability and stronger inhibition of the motor cortex, while passive screen time weakened corti...
Researchers identified a link between early adolescence sleep disruption and later suicide attempts. Adolescents who experienced difficulties maintaining and obtaining sufficient sleep were more likely to report a suicide attempt several years later.
A new study by Beni-Suef University in Egypt reveals that nearly half of undergraduate students use non-prescription weight loss supplements without prior medical consultation. The researchers found that many users were aware of potential health risks but continued taking the supplements due to social media and family influence.
A Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
A US study found that teenagers who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, with 32.7% of those aged 12-17 progressing to regular tobacco use four years later. The study estimates that around 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis.
Researchers identified a set of biomarkers that can predict blood pressure outcomes five years after adolescents underwent metabolic bariatric surgery. The study found that blood-based biomarkers were more accurate than traditional risk factors, suggesting a potential new approach to predicting long-term blood pressure outcomes.
A Cornell University study found that middle school-age Cherokee students cited cultural activities, financial privilege, and substance abuse as common stereotypes about themselves or other Native Americans. The research highlights the importance of understanding prevalent stereotypes to support students' development and counter them.
A global study by the University of Jyväskylä found that our most emotionally resonant music comes from our teenage years, peaking around age 17. This 'reminiscence bump' helps explain why songs from adolescence remain meaningful even decades later.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that social conflicts, particularly family fighting and peer bullying, were the strongest predictors of near- and long-term mental health issues in teens. The research also revealed sex differences in how boys and girls experience stress from peer conflict.
A national study led by Athabasca University researchers found that 37% of Canadian youth reported climate change impacts their mental health. The study identified four main themes, including anxiety, stress, and concerns for the future, highlighting the need for tools and supports to help youth navigate feelings and develop resilience.
A study published in JAMA found that both low and high increases in social media use during early adolescence are negatively associated with cognitive function. Specifically, adolescents with higher or lower social media use tend to perform poorly in certain aspects of cognition.
Poor blood sugar control in adolescence increases the risk of painful future complications for people with type 1 diabetes. Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age have trouble controlling their blood sugar as teens and are more likely to develop neuropathy in adulthood.
Research finds primary caregivers in urban under-resourced communities highlight the importance of parent input to boost equitable access to out-of-school-time activities. Key strategies include broad outreach, structural investments, and family engagement to improve participation and quality., The study suggests that enrichment and re...
A meta-analysis found significantly higher treatment failure and major complication rates within a year with nonoperative management among children and adolescents. Pediatricians can now inform shared decision-making with families using up-to-date data.
Researchers found that teens who view their age group positively are more likely to take on family responsibilities and prioritize schoolwork. This positive outlook is linked to improved academic functioning, motivation, and attachment with parents.
Adolescents who frequently prefer solitude show measurable differences in brain structure and function, with weaker connections and greater fragility in social circuits. Clinicians can help families recognize risks by spotting early patterns of persistent withdrawal, opening the door to strategies that may protect mental health.
The AfriCAT project, led by Dr. Bianca Moffett, is a first-of-its-kind adaptive testing tool for depression and anxiety among adolescents in Africa. It uses Computerised Adaptive Testing to provide an efficient way to assess mental health conditions simultaneously.
A new research project, STREAMS, aims to improve mental health and antiretroviral treatment adherence among adolescents living with HIV in rural Uganda. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention combining mobile technology, economic empowerment, and medication support.
A groundbreaking study aims to improve genetic services for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors by integrating digital tools and chatbot technology. Participants will receive tailored communication, digital education tools, and genetic testing, with the goal of increasing uptake of genetic counseling and testing.
A new study found that pediatric athletes' cardiovascular systems adapt to increased fitness with abnormal changes, including increased cardiac mass, central blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and carotid intima-media thickness. These changes are not yet fully understood and may have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
A 17-year study found robust population-level effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, even among sexually experienced adolescent girls and young women who may not have completed the vaccination series. The study's results suggest that the vaccine offers sustained herd protection against HPV-related diseases.
The 'Benadryl Challenge' has resurfaced on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and is encouraging adolescents to ingest high doses of over-the-counter antihistamines. This trend can lead to severe health consequences, including heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.
A recent study found that young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online. The chemicals, which can cause hypoxia and eventual death when ingested, are often readily available for purchase online.
A significant risk factor for in-home firearm homicide is domestic violence and child abuse, highlighting the need for improved safe storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Young children are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the importance of preventing these deaths through stricter regulations.
In-home gun homicides of children have more than doubled since 2010, with nearly two-thirds of child victims aged 12 and under killed at home. The study found that these cases are often linked to intimate partner violence and child abuse, with parents being the most common assailants.
School participation in universal free meals was associated with a net reduction in blood pressure outcomes among youths, according to a cohort study. The findings contribute to growing evidence that such programs may improve child health.
A new study found that three in five US children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by age 18. The researchers used a microsimulation model to track childhood insurance coverage over 18 years, estimating cumulative insurance outcomes under policy conditions similar to those between 2015 and 2019.
A University of Otago study found that most young people don't follow current sleep guidelines, with only a quarter exercising before bed. The research suggests that these recommendations may not be practical or effective in improving sleep.
A UBC-led study found that migrant youth in Canada are less likely to be sexually active than their Canadian-born peers, with declining contraception use among those who do participate. Systemic barriers, including language barriers and stigmatization, hinder access to accurate information and services.
The Leopoldina discussion paper advocates for age limits and restrictions on addictive functions in social media to protect children and adolescents from negative effects. Researchers recommend setting a minimum age for access, restricting certain functions, and implementing policies to promote healthy social media use.
A new study from Ohio State University found that middle-schoolers who use primarily informational social media sites are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. In contrast, interactive sites like Snapchat and Facebook were linked to lower ability to refuse sex and negotiate condom use. Informative sites like YouTube and TikT...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 trials found GLP-1 RAs significantly improved glycemic and weight outcomes in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes or obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects warrant attention in long-term management.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.
A prospective study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort found that modifiable parental factors, such as screen use and emotional regulation, are associated with specific adolescent sleep outcomes. Parental warmth is also linked to sleep chronotype, highlighting potential targets for evidence-based interventions.
A new report reveals a significant north-south divide in autism assessment times, with children in the North waiting an average of 54 days compared to just 13 weeks in some areas. The data also shows that girls from Pakistani heritage are 11 times less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than White British boys.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
Problem gambling in minors is linked to a higher risk of suicide, substance use disorder, theft, and assault. The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges the federal government to expedite legislation to regulate sports betting advertising and protect young people from its harms.
The study highlights the importance of support networks during adolescence, including family connectedness and school and peer relationships. Stronger connections are associated with better mental health outcomes, lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and increased resilience.
A study found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation, which can be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction. However, limited opportunities for connection may lead to pursuing less healthy rewards.
A new study found that 89% of children and young people play video games, with loot box purchases linked to enhancement, distraction/compulsion, and FOMO. The yRAFFLE scale validated the motivations of children and young people who buy chance-based items in games.
A study by São Paulo State University found a direct association between adults' levels of physical activity and their children's sedentary behavior. Children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary, but when mothers and fathers maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit.
A state ban on flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a net negative effect on health for young adults, increasing traditional cigarette use while reducing vaping. The study found that comprehensive bans had no impact on tobacco participation among adults aged 25 and older.
A comprehensive state ban on flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults aged 18–24 years by about 2–3 percentage points, while increasing traditional cigarette use by a similar amount. For youth under 18, there is suggestive evidence of an increase in cigarette use, undermining broader tobacco control efforts.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
A study of over 4,400 Australian children found that those experiencing tooth loss were more than four times as likely to be bullied. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas were disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to dental care and prevention programs.
A recent study found a sharp increase in hospitalisations for pertussis among children and adolescents in Tuscany, Italy, between 2016 and 2024. The study emphasizes the critical role of timely vaccination administration to prevent further cases and hospitalisations.
Dr. Valentin Fuster, a renowned cardiovascular expert, has been awarded the inaugural World Heart Federation oration lecture for his groundbreaking work in promoting global cardiovascular health. He will discuss early detection and education as key strategies for preventing heart disease, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers analyzed neuroimaging data from over 650 individuals aged 8 to 21, discovering a key organizational shift in the dorsal prefrontal cortex. The study found that this refinement of brain architecture is driven by specific changes in the medial part of the prefrontal cortex.
A study involving over 2,000 Brazilian students found that changing school shifts does not significantly improve academic performance for students with ADHD. However, afternoon classes only improved the performance of students with few or no symptoms of ADHD.
Among youth aged 15-24, polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths rose steadily with age, driven by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. By age 21, polysubstance involvement surpassed opioid-only fatalities, primarily due to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
A study suggests that children's depression may contribute to worsening maternal depression, rather than the other way around. This finding highlights the need for family-centered approaches to mental health care.
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
A study of over 10,000 teenagers found that sleep problems at age 14 were directly associated with self-harm behaviour at both ages, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sleep health in adolescents. The research also suggests that poor sleep can have long-lasting impacts on mental health.
A new study found that nearly half of US adolescents with major depressive episode received no mental health care in 2022. The odds of specialist treatment were lower among marginalized groups, including males, Black youth, and those living in rural areas or without insurance.
A cohort study found a higher prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that reducing population-level socioeconomic inequalities may aid in preventing eating disorders.