A large-scale study analyzing 29 studies and 139,624 participants found that people who viewed tobacco content on social media are more likely to report using tobacco. The study also identified susceptible individuals who may be influenced by pro-tobacco content.
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 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 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...
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 recent study found that certain bacteria species in the gut are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer in younger populations. The research suggests that dietary patterns high in processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor may contribute to this increased risk.
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 new study found that 82% of teens and young adults are open to COVID-19 vaccine incentives, but 21% question their ethics. Most youth believe incentives will promote vaccination and serve the greater good, while some express concerns about bribery or eroding trust in vaccines.
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 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 proposed ban on menthol cigarettes aims to address health inequities in the Black community. The Rutgers Center for Tobacco Studies has found a strong link between menthol use and higher smoking rates among young people and reduced success in quitting.
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 recent study examined rates of experiencing and perpetrating sexual violence among nearly 4,200 youth aged 14-16. The research found significant differences in rates of violence based on gender identity. Younger and more marginalized individuals were disproportionately affected by both victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin suggests that teenagers who spend a 'goldilocks amount' of time online may have better mental wellbeing. The research found that low engagement with digital media is also associated with poor mental health outcomes for adolescents, while high engagement predicts worse mental health outcomes.
A new poll found that most Gen Z youth want their healthcare providers to screen for and provide support for social determinants of health. Nearly 81% of respondents believe providers should ask about factors such as housing, food, education, safety, and discrimination.
Researchers found that young people aged 12-20 were more likely to become cannabis users in states with legalized recreational use compared to those without. The study also documented an increased likelihood of cannabis use among adults in these states.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that e-cigarette use costs the US $15 billion annually in healthcare expenditures, with each user paying around $2,000 extra per year compared to non-users. The study, published in Tobacco Control, highlights the growing concern over health care costs associated with e-cigarette use.
A new study published in BMC Psychiatry found that negative metacognitions and brooding are key factors in persistent depressive symptoms among young people. Metacognitive therapy can help individuals control these patterns and overcome self-reinforcing thought processes.
A new study finds that Kaiser Permanente's Presence of Mind initiative can effectively deliver mental health information to young adults, reducing stigma and improving attitudes toward treatment. The program, launched in 2020, includes live streams, online training sessions, and creator-led content.
The USPSTF and ADA now recommend screening adults as young as 35 for diabetes. A new study estimates the proportion of asymptomatic adults who are eligible for screening based on these guidelines, particularly among those with prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
A global study of over 51,000 adolescents aged 13-15 found that approximately 8.6% reported vaping in the past 30 days, with lower rates for frequent vaping. Countries with higher tobacco taxes tend to have higher adolescent vaping rates.
A survey study found that cost was the most common reason for young adults aged 18-25 to avoid seeking depression treatment from 2011 to 2019. Increasing inadequate insurance coverage for mental health treatment also contributed to this issue.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 81 studies found that COVID-19 patients with cancer had a higher risk of death compared to those without cancer. Younger age, lung, and hematologic cancers were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes from COVID-19
A new study found that reality TV programs in the UK exhibit frequent displays of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods, raising concerns about youth exposure. The research estimates that these shows delivered millions of impressions to children, highlighting the need for revised regulations.
A survey study of over 7,000 smokers aged 16-19 in England found that the menthol cigarette ban was associated with a significant decrease in menthol usage. The ban had little effect on youth smoking habits in Canada and the United States.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that parents' beliefs about languages have a stronger impact on their children's attitudes than teachers or friends. This implies that efforts to reverse the national decline in language-learning should also target families, alongside schools.
Young people aged 18-30 fear influence and control, crime and security, changes in life pace, negative technological consequences, and social inequality. Digital fears reinforce traditional concerns and emerge from uncertainty and growing forces beyond human control.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that creativity assessments in education rely on standardized approaches, overlooking many students. The research highlights the need for a more diverse range of assessments to identify and encourage creative young people across different domains and populations.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that depressive symptoms among English secondary school children increased by 6% during the pandemic. Girls experienced greater symptoms and lower wellbeing compared to boys.
A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.
A UK-wide study found that menstrual cycle education is inconsistent and inadequate in UK schools. Teachers reported feeling unconfident and lacking knowledge to teach this subject, affecting pupils' attendance, behavior, and confidence.
Researchers have found that the meningococcal B vaccine is 33% effective against gonorrhoea in adolescents and young adults. The study aims to reduce not only gonorrhoea infection but also its long-term effects, such as infertility and blindness in babies born to infected mothers.
A new UC San Francisco study found that nearly half of young adults had mental health symptoms during the pandemic, with many unable to access therapy. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to care, including cost, stigma, and confidentiality concerns.
Researchers found higher rates of short and long sleep duration among Black individuals, with significant disparities affecting Black women and young adults. The study highlights health disparities associated with socioeconomic factors.
A national study of thousands of young people reveals that state school pupils have similar mental health and life satisfaction to private school counterparts. After controlling for socio-economic background and ethnicity, the difference in happiness between the two groups vanished.
A study of 2,100 adolescent young carers in the UK found that 28% considered self-harming and 12% contemplated harming others. The pressure of caring for a family member or friend can lead to poor well-being and distress, particularly among girls.
Researchers examined handgun carrying patterns among rural youths, finding higher rates than expected in some areas. The study's results have implications for gun violence prevention strategies.
A systematic review of 20 relationship education programmes found a lack of high-quality evaluations, with only three programmes following participants for over a year. Experts recommend co-created programmes integrated into mental health-informed curricula and evaluated over the long-term to promote good mental health and wellbeing.
Research suggests that girls are more vulnerable to negative effects of social media on life satisfaction between ages 11-13, while boys experience this effect at 14-15 years old. Increased social media use predicts lower life satisfaction at age 19.
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.
Twelve new research projects aim to level up health and wellbeing across the UK through cultural and natural interventions. The programme, funded by AHRC and partners, will generate evidence for place-based approaches to creative health, generating insights into local cultural activities and natural spaces.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that experiencing racism is stressful for Black youth, while taking action to address racism also contributes to stress. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between racism-related physiological stress and high-risk activism among emerging adults.
Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.
A study by Tohoku University researchers found that adolescent carers in the UK reported higher psychological distress and lower mental well-being scores during the pandemic. The study highlights the urgent need for better psychosocial support for young carers, including psychoeducational sessions to build resilience.
A clinical trial at UC Davis Health showed that cellular therapy offers promise for patients with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stopping deterioration of upper limb and heart functions. The therapy appears to be safe and effective in improving skeletal muscle and cardiac function.
A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.
A recent study published in Addiction journal found no association between e-cigarette use and regular smoking among young adults in England. The researchers used time series analysis to assess the gateway effect of vaping on smoking uptake, ruling out substantial increases or decreases in smoking prevalence.
A recent systematic review found that COVID-19 led to a 28% reduction in mental health service use among children and young people. The largest decrease was recorded in emergency department visits for mental health issues, with a 40% reduction on average.
In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers found that young people in Uganda are turning to healers for their holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Healers provide a destigmatized, holistic SRH experience by embracing young people's sexual citizenship.
A study involving 6,500 participants found a significant association between higher childhood body mass index and increased risk of premenstrual disorders. Young adults with higher childhood BMI experienced greater levels of premenstrual symptoms.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen concludes that lockdowns did not have a significant impact on young people's mental health, with some short-term decline. Young people with depressive symptoms showed improvement in mental health after lockdowns, contrary to previous assumptions.
A new study finds that conversion therapy has significant economic costs and psychological harms for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youths in the US. The therapy is also associated with increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts among this population.
The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that rural transgender youths use resilience and resistance strategies to cope with discrimination and hostility. These strategies include affirming themselves, maintaining authenticity, resisting oppressive narratives, and taking action to defend their rights.
Two-thirds of surveyed teens in Scotland reported visual or verbal harassment, while one-third experienced personally invasive behaviors in the past three months. Students often normalize behaviors, and effective interventions are needed to change attitudes and behaviors that persist into later life.
A 16-year study of over 2,000 Australian children shows that young people who use drugs but quit before adulthood have similar life success as those who never used drugs. The study highlights the importance of stopping drug use in early adulthood to prevent adult health and wellbeing issues.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that one in three young people reported improved mental wellbeing during the first national lockdown. Factors such as reduced bullying, improved family relationships, and increased sleep and exercise contributed to this trend. The research suggests that not all young people were negatively i...
SnehAI, an AI-powered chatbot, engages young people in India about SRH through a non-judgmental avatar-based interface. The chatbot successfully presented itself as a trusted friend and mentor, fostering curiosity and action.