Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A University of Minnesota study found that teens with low body satisfaction are more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, such as binge eating and smoking, which can lead to obesity and poor health. In contrast, those with a positive body image tend to prioritize healthy eating and exercise.
A pilot research study led by Marina Bers explores how virtual environments can promote positive development in post-transplant adolescents and encourage adherence to treatment protocols. The study uses a three-dimensional virtual world called Zora, where children create and control their own identities and interact with others.
A study found that parents of teenagers are more likely to store firearms unsafely in their homes compared to parents of younger children. The researchers surveyed 392 parents and found that nearly 42% of parents with teenage children had an unlocked firearm at home, whereas only 28.8% of parents with children under 12 had the same issue.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with adolescents are more likely to store guns loaded and/or unlocked. Parents of older children may be less vigilant about securing firearms due to perceived responsibility.
A study found that adolescents who watch wrestling on TV are more likely to engage in date fighting and other violent behaviors. Exposure to violence on television can affect adolescents' behavior, particularly when combined with socialization, the study suggests.
Researchers found that young teens see pregnancy as an opportunity to enhance relationships, but also express concerns about the impact on their education, finances, and overall well-being. The study highlights the need for tailored intervention strategies to address teen-pregnancy prevention.
A culturally tailored HIV-prevention program reduces risky sexual behaviors among Latino adolescents, even a year after attendance. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of behavioral training in decreasing HIV transmission risk.
A tailored HIV prevention program was found to decrease risky sexual behavior among Latino adolescents, increasing condom use and abstinence. The program incorporated aspects of Latino culture into sexual health education messages, resulting in significant reductions in unprotected sex and multiple partners.
Severely depressed children and adolescents are 1.5 times more likely to attempt or complete suicide if treated with antidepressants compared to those not treated. In contrast, antidepressant use is not associated with increased risk of suicide attempts or deaths in adults.
A study found that symptoms of nicotine dependence can take hold before regular smoking in some cases. This information is crucial for developing effective intervention programs for young smokers. Experts emphasize the need for stronger public health efforts to prevent youth from starting smoking in the first place.
Teenage ridicule influences brand consciousness and consumer socialization, with kids learning to avoid expensive brands for acceptance. Mandatory school uniforms may reduce these pressures, supporting Wooten's policy proposal.
A study of female nurses found that a higher body mass index at age 18 was associated with greater risk for death than a normal BMI. Meanwhile, severely obese adolescents who received diet drug sibutramine along with behavior therapy lost an average of 14 pounds and improved heart risk factors.
A study found that adding medication to behavior therapy significantly improves weight loss and reduces disease risk factors in obese adolescents. The treatment group lost an average of 14 pounds, while the control group gained four pounds, with notable improvements in triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
A new Harvard study reveals that being overweight as a teenager is associated with an increased risk of premature death in younger and middle-aged women. The research found that even moderately overweight adolescents faced a higher risk of mortality.
Youth-rated movies contain more images of cigarette smoking than R-rated films, with 75% of 2004 youth-rated films depicting smoking. Smoking on screen has decreased over time, but its depiction in youth-rated films remains a concern for public health.
Adolescents conform to aggressive and risky behaviors of highly popular peers when others observe, and privately internalize these attitudes even when alone. Social anxiety may exacerbate vulnerability to peer influence.
A study published in Child Development found that children's behavior from age 3 can predict their likelihood of using alcohol and illicit drugs in adolescence. Lower levels of behavioral control and slower increases in resiliency are associated with early drinking and drug use, while higher resiliency is linked to reduced risk.
Individuals who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence throughout their lives. A national survey found that 47% of those who started drinking before age 14 experienced alcohol dependence during their lifetimes.
A study found that only 15% of adolescent sexual assault survivors completed the full 28-day course of antiviral medications, highlighting difficulties in prescribing therapies to this population. The lack of adherence is attributed to factors such as unclear risk assessment and psychiatric conditions.
Research from eight countries highlights the need for improved oral health services, particularly in juvenile detention and low-income communities. Key findings include the high prevalence of dental caries among young children and the importance of parental education and access to oral health promotion services.
Researchers identified distinct patterns of risk behavior among adolescent boys and girls, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention programs tailored to specific risk profiles. The study found that some high-risk adolescents have co-occurring mental health crises, substance abuse, and unsafe sex practices.
A meta-analysis of 30 studies found that targeted selective and indicated prevention programs had greater effects on reducing depressive symptoms than universal programs. These targeted programs showed better results in alleviating depressive symptoms at post-intervention and six-month follow-ups.
Researchers found that teenage girls who engage in self-harming behaviors have lower levels of serotonin, a hormone and brain chemical, in their blood. They also have reduced levels in the parasympathetic nervous system's respiratory sinus arrhythmia, which is associated with anxiety and depression.
Researchers assessed body image concerns in adolescents and found that 1/3 had problematic body image issues. These patients had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to those without body image concerns.
Research finds that adolescent girls are less physically active than boys, with black and Hispanic girls reporting lower activity levels. School factors, such as racial segregation and median income, also play a role in shaping physical activity patterns among teens.
Researchers found that leisure activity levels significantly impact bone mass increase in children and adolescents, with more intense physical activity leading to greater increases in bone density. Exercise during childhood is crucial for optimal bone accrual and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
A study found that 40.9% of teenage girls reported unwanted sex at least once, with 37.6% fearing their partner's anger if denied sex. The data highlights the need for sexual health counseling to reduce risk and promote healthy relationships.
The number of outpatient health care visits for antipsychotic medications among children and adolescents in the US increased six-fold between 1993 and 2002. Diagnoses included disruptive behavior disorder, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. Further research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
A study found that obese teenagers have larger and heavier hearts, with impaired function, which cannot be explained by high blood pressure alone. The research suggests that childhood obesity can lead to long-term consequences on heart disease risk.
The prevalence of overweight adolescents has doubled in the past three decades, with poor teens experiencing faster weight gain and higher rates of physical inactivity. Increasing sweetened beverage consumption is a significant contributing factor, particularly among poor adolescents.
A new study reveals that living in poverty is associated with a higher risk of being overweight among US teenagers. The research analyzed data from four cross-sectional surveys and found that the disparity in overweight status across socioeconomic strata widened with increasing age, particularly among adolescents aged 15 to 17 years.
A study of 2,112 adolescents found that low dietary intake of vitamin D is associated with significantly lower lung function. The researchers recommend promoting recommended levels of vitamin D intake to ensure optimal lung function and healthy bones.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced health complications and improved symptoms for adolescents (83% reduction) and older adults (51% reduction) with obesity-related conditions. This study suggests that surgical intervention may be a safer alternative to medication for treating GI disorders.
A study of over 16,500 children aged 5-19 found that 1 in 50 teenagers still experience bedwetting. The researchers found that children with severe bedwetting problems are more likely to continue experiencing problems into adulthood. Mild bedwetting is more common among younger children, but severe problems increase with age.
Research reveals that boys are emotionally invested in their romantic relationships, with feelings of heightened emotions towards their partners. Girls also outperform boys in decision-making power, contradicting traditional gender roles.
A seven-year study tracked changes in psychological well-being among 18-25 year olds, finding that young adults experience improved mental health over time. The research also revealed that women close the gap with men in terms of depressive symptoms and self-esteem by age 25.
A recent study using diffusion tensor imaging found no significant differences in brain integrity and volume between cannabis smokers and non-smokers. The findings suggest that moderate cannabis use may not have a direct impact on brain structure and integrity, but more research is needed to confirm these results.
Research reveals that girls' interest in politics is sparked by conversations with family members about female candidates. The study finds that this exposure helps girls envision themselves as participants in politics.
A new study found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were more likely to recant their reports of premarital sex, with 52% disavowing the pledge within a year. This inconsistency makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of virginity pledge programs.
Adolescents who play sports tend to have better eating habits and nutrient intake compared to their non-sporting peers. In contrast, nearly half of children and young adults with diabetes fail to meet daily nutritional requirements, posing a significant challenge for disease management.
A national survey found that approximately 134,071 US adolescents have type 2 diabetes, with 39,005 having the condition and 2,769,736 having impaired fasting glucose levels. The study suggests a significant public health concern among this age group due to the high conversion rate from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.
A survey of 314 pairs of parents and children aged 5-14 years found that many mothers are misinformed about the extent of their children's potential access to household guns. Despite discussing gun safety with their children, some parents reported that their children knew where the guns were stored or had handled firearms.
A study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry found that multiracial adolescents are more likely to engage in violent behavior, substance abuse, and smoking compared to white, black, or Asian-American youth. Perceived racial discrimination in school and home neighborhoods contributes to these problems.
Research suggests that the Internet can provide essential social support for isolated adolescents and improve academic achievement in low-income youth. However, online interactions may also normalize self-destructive behaviors and expose vulnerable individuals to potentially damaging communities. Additionally, the Internet has been fou...
A U of MN study found that teen dieters are three times more likely to be overweight and suffer from eating disorders. Longitudinal study of over 2,000 adolescents showed dieting behaviors increase risk for obesity and disordered eating after five years.
Researchers found that children ate less while watching TV, except for pre-schoolers who were accustomed to eating during TV viewing. Adolescent dieting may predict obesity and eating disorders, with study showing unhealthy weight-control behaviors among teens linked to later problems.
The prevalence of overweight children and adolescents in the US has doubled since 1980, while obesity rates have tripled. In 2003-2004, 17.1% of children were overweight and 32.2% of adults were obese. Significant increases were seen among males, with a rise in extreme obesity among women
Researchers found that training teens on media literacy can significantly reduce smoking behaviors, intentions, and attitudes. The study's scale for measuring media literacy correlated with smoking patterns and showed promise as a component of tobacco control programs.
Research reveals that violent video games contribute to negative attitudes and behaviors in adolescents, while excessive TV watching is linked to reduced social interaction, increased calorie consumption, and earlier sex. African-American children are also overexposed to unhealthy food and beverage ads without health-related content.
Experts warn that non-compliance with treatment is a major issue among teenage cancer patients, who are at high risk due to poorer prognosis rates. Improving communication skills and addressing barriers such as family support and information overload can help increase adherence.
Experts warn that doctors must discuss future fertility with young cancer patients to provide truly informed consent. Current data indicate room for improvement in fertility counselling, with only 34% of patients receiving pre-treatment advice.
A lack of specialist training for nurses is failing adolescent cancer patients, according to a nurse manager at the Manchester Teenage Cancer Trust Unit. The unique needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer require expertise in disease management, symptom control, and psychosocial issues.
Mental retardation diagnosis is crucial for early intervention and management, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to determine the level and kinds of supports needed. Effective care also involves promoting independence and providing ongoing health surveillance to address comorbid conditions.
A recent study found that teens who use herbal remedies are four times more likely to have used inhalants and eight times more likely to have used heroin. The study suggests that parents and healthcare providers should ask about herbal product use to identify potential substance abuse issues.
Children born preterm show cognitive and motor deficits, while early social environment plays a significant role in development. fMRI scans reveal distinct brain activation patterns related to medical and environmental risks.
A study found that owning alcohol-branded items increased the likelihood of initiating alcohol use in teens. Students who owned these items were 1.5 times more likely to start drinking than those who didn't, according to researchers.
A recent study suggests that depressive symptoms in adolescent girls may be a predictor of subsequent partner violence. Among the 1,659 girls involved in an opposite-sex relationship, those with high depressive symptoms were found to be 86% more likely to experience moderate to severe partner violence.
A study found that adolescent girls experienced the most depressive symptoms when recalling their parent needing medical attention due to domestic violence, while boys experienced increased symptoms when witnessing mutual violence between parents. The research highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and its impact on ...
A study found that older teens who participated in adventure therapy based on Outward Bound lost more weight and maintained it longer than those in an aerobics program. The authors suggest that peer support is a key factor in the success of adventure therapy.
A study of over 2,371 adolescent girls found that soda consumption nearly tripled while milk intake decreased by over 25% between ages 9-19. This shift is linked to increased risk of osteoporosis and weight gain due to the lack of nutritional value in sodas.