Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
State policies on cigarette taxes, tobacco vending machine restrictions and family planning clinics significantly reduced teen smoking and drinking rates. The study found that higher taxes and stricter vending laws lowered teen smoking by 1.9% and underage drinking by 1.9%. Family planning clinics also led to a 1.3% reduction in unsafe...
A study mapping an entire high school's romantic and sexual relationships reveals a unique network structure with long chains of connections. Unlike adult networks, there is no core group of highly active individuals, but rather a widespread web of indirect links.
A collaborative care program for adolescent depression in primary care clinics significantly reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and increases access to effective treatments. The study suggests that clinicians can effectively treat youth depression with a team-based approach.
A quality improvement intervention for adolescents improved depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with mental health care. The program also increased access to evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy and counseling.
A study found that 60% of minors reported a parent or guardian was aware of their clinic visits, while 59% would still use the clinic for prescription contraception even with parental notification. The researchers also discovered that 18% of teenagers would engage in risky sexual behavior if parental involvement were mandated.
Research among 2,790 East London adolescents reveals strong associations between mental health and home and social situations. Those with strong social support, harmonious relationships, and positive perceptions of local amenities had better mental health.
A recent study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nearly all sexually active adolescent females aged 14-17 were infected with the human papillomavirus. The researchers also discovered that many of these participants had multiple HPV types, which are associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer.
According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their peers. The study found that CSHCN account for 42.1% of total medical care costs and 33.6% of total health care costs.
The new guidelines provide a comprehensive review of related studies on the most effective medicines to treat migraine attacks and prevent attacks in children with frequent migraines. However, the authors found insufficient evidence to recommend the use of certain preventive agents, such as cyproheptadine and amitriptyline.
The Prentiss Foundation has awarded $5 million to University Hospitals of Cleveland to create an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit. This funding will address urgent needs for access to mental health care, training programs, and research for children and adolescents in Northeast Ohio.
The study found that 82% of participants tested positive for HPV infection, with many infected with multiple types. High-risk HPV types were detected in 39% of swab specimens, and clinically abnormal cervical exam results were seen in 37% of participants.
A European study has found a persistent three-decade increase in childhood cancer incidence, with rising rates in all tumour types. The study also shows that survival rates have improved substantially over the past three decades, with 5-year actuarial survival rates reaching 75% for children in western Europe.
A study found that minority teens perceive their own ethnic groups using more drugs than others, but this perception is influenced by their sense of identity. In contrast, White youth tend to underestimate the prevalence of drug use among other racial groups.
A study analyzing US children's weight trends found increasing overweight prevalence (28 states >10% in 2000) while underweight decreased, indicating a national problem. The researchers call for expanded prevention and intervention efforts to reverse the trend.
The Global Pertussis Initiative recommends introducing universal adolescent vaccination programs and vaccinating certain target groups to enhance immunity. Adolescents are at risk of contracting whooping cough if they don't receive booster shots, making them a key population for vaccination.
A multidisciplinary team of investigators will track adolescent smoking patterns and predictors, including emotional well-being and social interactions, to identify factors influencing teen smoking behaviors. The study aims to improve prevention and treatment programs for teen smokers.
A study of 101 at-risk adolescents found that poverty, enmeshed family relationships, and depressive symptoms are associated with decreases in attachment security. Longitudinal analysis revealed that stressors overwhelmed coping abilities while cutting off support from close relationships.
This study explores the relationship between adolescent personality characteristics and environmental risk factors. It reveals that possessing protective assets like self-esteem and problem-solving skills may not be enough to counteract the negative effects of multiple risk factors across various settings. Instead, community-based inte...
Researchers at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that poor ubiquitin function contributes to eye diseases like cataracts. Adolescents who read nutrition labels often don't translate the information into healthier diets, with boys consuming more calories from fat.
A study of 44 adolescents with same-sex parents found they developed positively in school and psychologically, with no significant differences compared to peers with opposite-sex parents. The quality of parental relationships was more important than the gender of a parent's romantic partner.
A recent study reveals that adolescent gamblers are at risk of experiencing psychiatric problems, including substance use issues and depression. The research found that these issues are comparable to those faced by adult problem gamblers, highlighting the need for further examination of the impact of gambling on younger age groups.
A University of Minnesota study found that girls who eat three to four family meals per week are at one-third the risk for extreme weight control practices. Regular family meals also benefit boys, although the association is weaker than for girls.
The NIH awarded Indiana University a $7 million grant to establish the Midwest Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center. The center will focus on researching epidemiology, acquisition, prevention, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections in young women.
A US study found that most low-grade cervical lesions (LSIL) in young women will regress spontaneously, lending support for monitoring these cytological lesions. Follow-up HPV status was a strong predictor of regression, but persistent multiple HPV types slowed rates of regression.
A recent study found that most pediatricians significantly underestimate the severity of adolescent substance use, with only 10% accurate assessments of 'dependence'. The use of a structured screening tool, like the CRAFFT test, can help improve identification of adolescents at risk.
Research found that adolescent gamblers are more likely to experience severe psychiatric problems, including substance use disorders and depression. Early-onset gambling is associated with more severe problems compared to adult-onset gambling.
A new pertussis booster vaccine candidate has shown promising results in a clinical trial, providing extended protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus for adolescents. The vaccine, Boostrix, demonstrated high levels of anti-pertussis antibodies and comparable side effects to the existing Td vaccine.
A 12-week study found that combining sertraline and CBT was more effective than treatment with just one or the other in reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents. CBT alone was also shown to be effective, particularly at the University of Pennsylvania site.
Researchers found that the combination of nicotine and acetaldehyde significantly enhances addictiveness in adolescent rats, while adult rats show no significant increase. The study suggests studying interactions between nicotine and other tobacco smoke components could improve smoking cessation efforts.
A Yale University study will investigate the effects of marijuana, ecstasy, and teen cognitive deficits in 200 adolescents. The research aims to determine if sustained abstinence leads to recovery of cognitive function in this population.
Children and adolescents with OCD benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, specifically sertraline. The treatment results in significant symptom reduction for 53.6% of participants. CBT alone is also effective, with 39.3% becoming nearly asymptomatic.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alone or in combination with medication showed a substantially higher probability of improvement. The combined treatment proved more effective than CBT alone and sertraline alone in treating children and adolescents with OCD.
A nationwide study found that only 36% of teenagers achieved moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly, and only 4.4% maintained this level into adulthood. This decline in physical activity contributes to the rising burden of obesity and related health issues in the US.
New research reveals distinct brain structure and function differences in adolescents compared to adults, leading to impulsive decision-making and increased risk-taking behavior. Puberty appears to be a critical stage of development, characterized by heightened novelty seeking and exploratory behavior.
Research suggests that teenage hormone therapy to reduce adult height in tall girls is linked to impaired fertility later in life. Women who received oestrogen therapy were more likely to experience difficulty becoming pregnant and had a lower per cycle rate of conception.
A recent study by Professor Nazilla Khanlou found that multicultural teenagers in Canada have similar levels of self-esteem, regardless of their ethnic background. The research, published in Public Health Nursing, explored influences on adolescent self-esteem and identified factors such as school, lifestyle, personality, and relationsh...
The panel found that traditional 'get tough' approaches exacerbate problems, while positive intervention programs like Functional Family Therapy and Multisystemic Therapy show promise in reducing arrests and out-of-home placements. These effective programs focus on developing social competency skills and family involvement.
A study found that parental approval of underage alcohol use is prevalent, but strict consequences and responsible parenting can deter teenage drinking. Parents who model moderate drinking behaviors may also teach their children the same.
A study of 1,323 students found that teenage perceptions of math and English changed over time, with boys generally liking math more and girls preferring English. Initially, girls found math harder than boys but this gap narrowed by senior years.
Girls spent more time in feminine activities with lower testosterone levels and reported interest, while masculine activities increased until age 13. Family characteristics, such as personality traits and attitudes, also predicted involvement in sex-typed activities.
The study found that adolescents' autonomy increased over five years, with more independence in personal and multifaceted issues as they aged. Parental involvement in prudential and conventional decisions was associated with better adjustment, while joint decision-making on multifaceted issues predicted positive outcomes.
Research finds that rates of drinking among American youth have remained relatively stable since the 1990s, with high prevalence rates among 8th-12th graders. The study highlights the need for new approaches to reduce alcohol use and its associated risks.
A survey found that an estimated 12.8% of U.S. children had special health care needs in 2001, with significant disparities among disadvantaged groups. The study also highlighted the impact on families, including reduced employment and financial problems due to healthcare costs.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
The TADS clinical trial found combined antidepressant and talk therapy treatment yielded the best results, followed by antidepressants alone. Talk therapy on its own was no more effective than placebo.
The TADS study found that treatment combining fluoxetine with CBT was superior to each alone in improving rates of response for adolescents with MDD. Clinically significant suicidal thinking improved significantly in all four treatment groups, with the greatest reduction seen in those receiving fluoxetine and CBT.
Adolescents living with both biological or adoptive parents tend to have higher grades and greater college expectations. In contrast, adolescents from single-mother families often experience lower academic achievement due to economic deprivation. Single mothers face significant challenges in planning for their children's future education.
A stage one trial found that fluoxetine plus CBT offered greater effectiveness in treatment than the drug alone for adolescents diagnosed with MDD. Combination therapy proved superior to fluoxetine and CBT alone, with a 71 percent response rate.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that teens with depression experience significant improvement when treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavior therapy. The treatment resulted in a 71% improvement rate, compared to 60% for those taking Prozac alone or 43% for those receiving only therapy.
A study found that nicotine therapy works as well for teens as for adults when used with behavioral skills training, but the effectiveness drops off for women. In contrast, adult smokers tend to maintain abstinence longer and are more successful in quitting with NRT.
The survey found that despite parents' awareness of hepatitis B, many are unaware of the disease's severity and the availability of a vaccine. The Society for Adolescent Medicine provides guidance to enhance parent-adolescent relationships and offers resources to promote healthy behaviors.
A study found that vaccinated cases were half as contagious as unvaccinated cases, with varying levels of contagiousness depending on the number of lesions. The authors suggest continued monitoring to improve vaccine policy decisions for future generations.
A UCLA study found that HIV-coping programs for families with infected parents reduced dropout rates, teenage pregnancy, and public welfare claims among children. The program also improved mental health outcomes and social relationships.
A study of 8,250 US adolescent girls found that 29.1% experience headaches, 20.7% stomachaches, and 30.6% morning fatigue more than once a week. Social and environmental factors such as alcohol use, caffeine intake, and parent support are strongly associated with the symptoms.
A 20-year study found that adolescents hospitalized for psychiatric disorders experienced more emotional distress, died at a higher rate, and had limited educational attainment compared to their peers. The researchers emphasize the need for ongoing mental health support and education to mitigate these outcomes.
The proportion of Tennessee children using antipsychotic medications for conditions other than psychosis nearly doubled between 1996 and 2001, with significant increases in ADHD and affective disorders. The study suggests an urgent need for well-controlled clinical studies to weigh the benefits against the risks.
A study of over 113,000 adolescents from 25 countries found that involvement in bullying was associated with poor physical health, emotional adjustment, school performance, peer relationships, alcohol use, and carrying weapons. The researchers also observed a significant overlap between bullies, victims, and bully-victims.
Regular family meals are associated with better nutritional intake, lower substance use, and improved emotional health among adolescent girls. The study found that frequent family mealtimes can be a protective factor against various negative outcomes, including suicidal involvement.
A yearlong study found that negative self-image in adolescents fosters increasingly damaging behaviors, including social isolation, peer conflict, and victimization. The study suggests that early intervention is needed to improve peer interactions in schools.
A study of low-income African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18 found that those with a desire to become pregnant are more likely to have older partners and engage in casual sex. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted education and policy changes to address the root causes of adolescent childbearing.