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Climate change fuelling mental health crisis in areas most affected by climate crisis

A new study reveals that climate change is having a severe impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and sense of hopelessness reported. The research highlights the need for mental health supports to be built into climate adaptation efforts to help young people facing an uncerta...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalThe Journal of Climate Change and Health·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2025

Increasing contrasts in young people's mental wellbeing

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that young teenagers in Sweden reported higher depressive symptoms over two decades, with a greater proportion of adolescents feeling extremely well. Those who are struggling report feeling significantly worse, with increased self-deprecation among young women.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMar 13, 2025

Direct exposure to mass shootings among US adults

A survey study found that US adults have regular exposure to mass shootings, which disproportionately affects younger generations and males. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the broader impacts of gun violence on public health and community well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 7, 2025

Prevalence and control of diabetes among US adults

The study found that the prevalence of adults with diabetes did not significantly change between 2013 and 2023. However, glycemic control among those with diagnosed disease worsened, particularly among young adults. This trend is concerning due to its potential impact on lifetime risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 2025

Lots of screentime in toddlers is linked with worse language skills, but educational content and screen use accompanied by adults might help, per study across 19 Latin American countries

A study across 19 Latin American countries found that excessive toddler screen time is associated with poorer language skills. On the other hand, incorporating educational content and screen use accompanied by adults may mitigate this effect, according to the research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 5, 2025

Young people support the idea of a smokefree generation, according to a new study

A new study finds that young people in England broadly welcome the smokefree generation policy, seeing it as a chance to free their generation from harmful addiction. The study, led by the University of Nottingham, involved focus groups with participants aged between 12 and 21, who expressed support for the policy's implementation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2025

Likely 50-fold rise in prevalence of gender related distress from 2011-21 in England

A study analyzing primary care data in England found a significant rise in the prevalence of gender dysphoria between 2011 and 2021. The condition affects fewer than 1 in 200 17-18 year olds, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm recorded. Access to timely care is a pressing concern for young people and their families.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025

Preventing transition to substance use disorders in teenagers: brief cognitive behavioural program PreVenture shows promising results

A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2025

Cambridge leads first phase of governmental project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people

A new research project led by Cambridge will review existing studies on the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The team aims to provide policymakers with high-quality insights to inform future action, considering factors such as online habits, emerging technologies, and vulnerable groups.

A ‘smoke-free generation’ in Canada? New analysis says it would result in vast health gains, healthcare cost savings

A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025

Ready to quit vaping in the new year? A new study uncovers the best ways

A new study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that varenicline, a prescription medication, and text message-based interventions can help people quit vaping. The findings are particularly promising for young people aged 13 to 24, who showed significant success with text message-based programs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 7, 2025

One in five young Spaniards is an at-risk consumer of TikTok, spending more than two hours a day on the app, according to a study by UPF and the UOC

A recent study by UPF and UOC found that over half of young Spaniards spend more than an hour a day on TikTok, with girls exceeding the risk threshold for mental health problems. The app's passive consumption features and traditional gender roles in content preferences contribute to this issue.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateDec 20, 2024

A modified Delphi consensus of the Youth Fitness International Test (YFIT) battery

Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSurvey·DateDec 17, 2024

Study finds American, Canadian universities vary widely in preparing future urban planners for climate change

Research from the University of Kansas found that American and Canadian universities have made progress in addressing climate change in their curriculum, but vary widely in how they approach it. The majority of programs include climate change as an elective course, with a focus on adaptation rather than mitigation.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPlanning Practice and Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2024

Cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25

A significant drop in cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25 has been observed, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network. The findings indicate that widespread HPV vaccination is driving this decline, reducing the prevalence of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer incidence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 27, 2024

Mental health issues are "prevalent and troubling" among forcibly displaced children and young people, per scoping review which finds PTSD, anxiety and depression to be most common conditions

A scoping review reveals that forcibly displaced children and young people experience high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support their mental well-being.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·DateNov 20, 2024