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Study finds low vitamin D levels in young people of color

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...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateJun 28, 2022

Transgender, sexual minority teens at high risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Rates of experiencing, perpetrating sexual violence among transgender, cisgender, nonbinary youth

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 2022

A ‘Goldilocks amount’ of time spent online could be good for teenagers’ wellbeing

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.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022

Global study assesses teen vaping

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMay 16, 2022

Study shows creativity assessments progressing slowly, including racialized, gendered approaches

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.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalReview of Research in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2022

Racial, ethnic disparities in sleep duration

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022

New research highlights “significant gap” in evidence about effectiveness of relationship education programmes

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPastoral Care in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022

One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

Taking care of the young carers

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.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 15, 2022

Study proposes to involve high school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateMar 10, 2022

Healers provide bridge to biomedical healthcare while reshaping sexual health in contemporary Uganda

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 8, 2022

Lockdowns did not significantly affect young people’s mental health

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2022

National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: Reducing intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players published in Journal of Athletic Training

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateMar 2, 2022

One in three young people say they felt happier during lockdown

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...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 22, 2022