Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A recent study found that the US has the highest prevalence of overweight teenagers among 15 countries, with adolescents aged 13-15 years experiencing significantly high rates of obesity. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 children and adolescents across Europe, Israel, and the US.
The 12th-grade students showed a statistically significant decline in current smoking rates, but the overall trend suggests that teen smoking progress may be nearing its end. The decline in teen smoking since 1997 has been substantial, but researchers warn that anti-smoking efforts must continue.
A study by Dr. Kimberly O'Brien found that adolescent pregnancy compromises a girl's ability to reach optimal bone growth, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Girls who consumed more calcium during pregnancy showed less bone loss when tested post-partum.
A recent UCLA study found that bullying is a widespread issue in schools, with up to 18% of students experiencing it. The study reveals that bullies are often popular and respected, while victims suffer from depression, social anxiety, and loneliness.
A long-term study found that BMI tracking from adolescence to adulthood is significant and strongly related to adult weight gain. Lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and parental education also play a crucial role in determining an individual's adult BMI.
Researchers found that girls who became pregnant were more likely to experience higher levels of juvenile delinquency than their peers. However, those who chose to keep their babies had lower rates of delinquency compared to never-pregnant girls.
Researchers developed a new screening tool to identify adolescents at risk of carrying firearms in emergency departments. The tool, FiGHTS, uses known risk factors and has shown promising results in preventing firearm injuries among this age group.
Recent study finds that anabolic steroid use during adolescence can permanently alter brain chemistry and increase aggression. Researchers at Northeastern University discovered a lengthy price to pay for drug abuse, which includes long-term aggressive behavior even after cessation of steroid use.
Researchers created a new brain mapping technique to visualize brain dynamics and dynamics of cortex maturation in children. The study found that gray matter loss begins first in motor and sensory parts of the brain, followed by areas involved in spatial orientation, speech, and language development.
Adolescents of mixed races report more health problems, including smoking, drinking, and poor school experiences. Stress and lack of self-esteem are believed to contribute to these issues, highlighting the need for targeted programs to support biracial adolescents.
A study found that distributing birth control directly to students in Minneapolis school-based clinics resulted in a 99% success rate of providing all requested contraceptives. This method improved access to contraception and increased actual use rates among sexually active students, according to Abbey Sidebottom.
A new study found that lower family income and parental education levels significantly contribute to the development of depression and obesity among adolescents. The researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 teenagers and found that these socioeconomic factors accounted for a substantial proportion of the disease burden.
The New York Academy of Sciences has launched a new website, eBriefings, which provides user-friendly access to top science and health issues. The platform features eBriefings on autism, adolescent brain development, and neuroethical challenges in cognitive enhancement and learning.
A study by Brian Wansink found that the shape of a beverage glass can alter how much people pour and drink, with taller glasses leading to overconsumption. In three experiments involving teenagers, adults, and bartenders, Wansink discovered that participants consistently underestimated the volume of liquids in shorter, wider glasses.
Researchers found that adolescent binge drinking leads to tolerance in various biological functions, including altered liver function and brain function. This tolerance can last into adulthood, highlighting the importance of studying its effects during adolescence.
Using National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data, researchers found that 18% and 15% of black and Hispanic females respectively became obese over the five-year exam period. Obesity rates among older adolescents were higher and more likely to remain stable or increase.
A recent study found that novelty-seeking adolescents are more receptive to tobacco advertising, with twice the likelihood of being targeted. This suggests that anti-tobacco campaigns may need to target these youth specifically.
Researchers found that adolescents with impaired stress-induced pressure natriuresis showed increased urinary creatine levels and higher blood pressure after stress, indicating excessive kidney workload. This response pattern may lead to early development of renal disease.
Girls developing early are more likely to be involved in delinquency due to their relationships with friends, who may be already involved in delinquent behaviors. Dating also plays a significant role, as early-developing girls are more likely to have romantic relationships and engage in minor delinquencies.
The Oregon Research Institute has received significant NIH grants to investigate the causes of early alcohol use and its effects on adolescents. The studies will explore the role of family, friend, school, and neighborhood influences on alcohol use among White and African American youth.
A recent Mayo Clinic study has found a significant increase in forearm fractures among adolescents, with the rate rising by 42% over two decades. The study, which analyzed data from 1969-1971 and 1999-2001, found that girls between 8 and 11 and boys between 11 and 14 had higher fracture rates than all other age groups studied.
A recent study found a dramatic increase in wrist fractures among children under 35 over three decades, with rising physical activity and declining milk consumption contributing to the trend. The research suggests that early-life dietary habits may impact bone development and increase fracture risk later in life.
A study of over 6,900 US teens found that indoor tanning is a significant issue among white teenagers, particularly among girls and those from the Midwest and South. The study highlights the risks of skin cancer and premature aging associated with UV radiation, leading to the development of prevention messages.
A Duke University study found that adolescent rats who started using nicotine earlier had a higher rate of self-administration and continued to use the drug in adulthood. The researchers suggest that early nicotine exposure may cause lasting addiction by affecting brain development.
A controlled study after the Dutch café fire found a 75% increase in clinical overall mental-health symptom scores among Volendam adolescents compared to other students. These scores were significantly higher for girls than boys, indicating that post-disaster healthcare should focus on psychosocial consequences.
Young adults who experienced major depressive disorder during adolescence showed pervasive impairments by mid-20s. They struggled with work performance, social difficulties, and low physical well-being. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing depression in adolescence through effective interventions.
Research by Dean Krahn and colleagues found that moderate drinking had no significant effect on cognitive ability in middle-aged adults, contrary to previous studies. The study used an extensive database of over 10,000 participants who completed cognitive tests at different stages of life.
A study found that children with severe attention problems in childhood are more likely to develop substance abuse issues, particularly alcohol and marijuana problems. The researchers suggest that early identification and treatment of ADHD can help prevent these issues by targeting the root cause of inattention symptoms.
A study examines ethnic differences among adolescents who engage in drinking after driving (DD) and riding with drinking drivers (RWDD), finding a distinct need to direct prevention efforts toward Latino youth. RWDD is identified as even more dangerous than DD for adolescents.
A study finds nearly four percent of US adolescents report PTSD symptoms, while 7.4% experience major depression and 8.2% substance abuse/dependence. Interpersonal violence increases risk for these mental health disorders in adolescents.
A recent study found that 15% of African-American youths at risk of dropping out of school reported carrying a gun, with regular carriers more likely to be involved in selling drugs or fighting. The study suggests that carrying a gun may indicate a more serious pattern of behavior, rather than just another risk factor.
The authors conclude that bodychecking should be banned in hockey until players are at least age 17 or 18 years old due to increased concussion and injury risks. Most physical growth occurs during this period, making it a critical time for protecting young athletes.
A recent US study found that parents' income and education significantly influence their teenager's likelihood of smoking. Adolescents from lower-income families, with less-educated parents, face a higher risk of smoking. The study suggests that tailoring smoking cessation programs for adults with low incomes or educational levels coul...
A study by Michael Peterson found that teenagers perceive themselves as heavier than they actually are, leading to poor eating patterns, extreme dieting, and lower self-esteem. Health professionals can address these issues to help young people avoid unhealthy behaviors and reduce the risk of associated illnesses.
The updated Guidelines provide practitioners with a list of suggested combination regimens for the initiation of antiretroviral therapy, taking into consideration factors such as potency, toxicities, and dosing frequency. The revised document aims to simplify the process of selecting an effective treatment regimen for HIV/AIDS patients.
Pediatricians are urging parents to limit their child's exposure to smoking in movies to reduce the chances of starting to smoke and drink. Research suggests that adolescents see thousands of depictions of smoking by movie stars, influencing their attitude and behavior.
The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of food and nutrition programs for children and adolescents. These programs not only combat hunger and food insecurity but also provide crucial nutrition education and promote physical activity to prevent excess weight and chronic diseases.
Researchers at Yale University found that adolescents are more vulnerable to addictions due to brain development changes. Brain circuits involved in motivation and addiction undergo rapid changes during adolescence, leading to impulsive behaviors and increased risk of substance abuse.
Research shows that young white boys and girls drink the most milk, while African-American children consume less. Soft drinks are a popular choice among younger children, regardless of race.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that overall reported sadness returned to pre-incident levels within four to six weeks, while increased trust in national, state and local governments persisted. Young adults between 18 and 26 were more likely to report religious feelings and higher psychological ...
Teenagers who view more smoking in movies are almost three times more likely to start smoking compared to those with low exposure. The study found that half of smoking initiation can be attributed to viewing smoking in movies, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce youth exposure.
A study found that adolescents who see more smoking in movies are more likely to try smoking, with 52% of initiations attributed to movie exposure. Reducing adolescents' exposure to smoking in movies could significantly reduce the number of smokers.
Researchers found that schools with condom availability programs had higher rates of condom use among sexually active teens, but not an increase in sexual activity. This suggests that condoms may be an effective means of preventing HIV/STDs and pregnancy when used by those who are already sexually active.
A study found that one-third of young adults who outgrow asthma may experience a relapse by age 26. Those highly allergic or with bronchial hyper-responsiveness are at greatest risk. The study followed 1,037 New Zealanders to age 26, with detailed respiratory histories every two years.
A study found that hostility in children is a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. High scores on hostility measures were associated with increased rates of obesity and insulin resistance in later years.
Studies found that residential injuries accounted for nearly 15% of emergency department visits and 39% of unintentional injury visits between 1993 and 1999. Fatalities due to fires, submersions, or falls were common among young children, with African-American children facing disproportionately higher risks.
A recent study found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium on average weighed less than those who consumed less calcium. The researchers discovered that an increase in one serving of dairy products or supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight and body fat.
A study published in JAMA found that sibutramine, a weight loss medication, helped obese adolescents lose an average of 17.2 pounds when used in conjunction with a behavior modification program. The study also showed improvements in insulin levels and a reduction in weight regain over time.
A randomized trial found that a one-to-one counseling program with personalized phone calls significantly improved patients' understanding of tobacco risks and increased their intention to abstain from smoking. The study showed long-term benefits, even a year after the intervention.
Adolescents who viewed religion as meaningful and a way to cope with problems were half as likely to use drugs. The effect was consistent across different ethnic groups, suggesting that religiosity provides a buffering impact against substance use.
A new study finds that children in low-income families are not harmed when their mothers leave welfare and enter the workforce. The research also suggests that mothers' entry into the labor force is related to improvements in adolescents' mental health, while exits from employment are linked to increased behavior problems.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 15% of Ontario students with driver's licenses reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20% admitted to driving after using cannabis. These findings are particularly concerning given the high incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions among adolescents.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children and adolescents who eat family meals consume more nutrient-dense foods and have lower intakes of snack foods. Family meals also provide quality time for households, according to registered dietitian Susan Moores.
A recent study found that adolescents with high exposure to rap music videos were 3 times more likely to hit a teacher and twice as likely to have multiple sex partners. The researchers also discovered that frequent viewers of rap videos were more likely to acquire an STD, use drugs, and engage in other risky behaviors.
A study published in Child Development found that teenagers in high-use schools are three times as likely to follow their peers' smoking behaviors compared to those in low-use schools. The researchers suggest that school-based programs may be effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use among teens.
A study of 444 managed-care patients aged 12-17 found that adolescents with consistently monitored parents were less likely to engage in alcohol-risk behaviors. The researchers suggest that monitoring may help reduce risk when adolescents are initially exposed to alcohol, but may be insufficient for high-risk behaviors.
Adolescents with two smoking parents are 3.8 times more likely to smoke than those with both non-smoking parents. Quitting smoking by parents can reduce the likelihood of their adolescent smoking, especially when both parents are non-smokers.
Researcher Tammy Chung highlights findings from four studies tracking adolescents with alcohol problems after treatment. These studies found that at least half of treated teens showed reductions in alcohol use and problems, while some continued to experience issues through young adulthood.
A recent study found that up to 63% of pediatric practices in the Washington D.C. area contradict their own policies on confidential care for adolescents when answering phone calls.
A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.