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Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-6655.jcap-24-4898
Lucia SeriCorresponding author
The structuring of one’s own identity is a fundamental and demanding evolutionary task of adolescence. The positive resolution of this task, that is the acquisition of a healthy and integrated identity, is closely linked to adolescents’ ability to develop one’s own Life Story, namely an internalized and evolving self-story. The structuring of one’s own identity, which is the foundation of positive development, requires adolescents to develop a good level of mental functioning and access to autobiographical memory. This work aims to deepen the importance of mental functions and autobiographical memory in the development of adolescents’ identity and life story and, accordingly, in preventing identity diffusion, aggressiveness and depression among adolescents. Specifically, given their relevance in relation to this, it has been decided to examine the mental functions of 1) Differentiation and Integration, 2) Mentalization and Reflexive function and 3) Meaning and directionality and the Self defining memories, a particular class of autobiographical memories.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-25-5726
Okwunu Abah RoseCorresponding author
Background Hypertension in adolescents has been shown to tracks into adulthood, as well as causing premature cardiovascular and renal diseases. Objectives To determine the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among adolescents of ages 10-19 years old attending secondary schools in Benue South, Nigeria; characterise their demographics and determine factors associated with the development of high blood pressure. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study of secondary school adolescents selected through multistage sampling from across three Local Government Areas of Benue South, Nigeria. All the participants had their blood pressure measured using mercury sphygmomanometer and their height and weight taken for the calculation of their body mass index. A dipstick urinalysis with was carried out on their urine samples. Data analysis was with SPSS version 25. Results Atotal of 260 adolescents were studied, males were 132 (50.8%) and the mean age was 13.65 ±2.01 years. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension was 5.4% and 2.3% respectively. Fifteen females (75.0%) had elevated blood pressure/hypertension as against five males (25%) and it was statistically significant. Adolescents in mid-adolescence age (60.0%) and lower social class (70.0%) had higher rate of high blood pressure. Significant proteinuria (+) was found among eleven (55.0%) of those with high blood pressure. Conclusion The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among the adolescents was 5.4% and 2.3% respectively; being female, within mid-adolescence age and from lower social class are associated factors. Recommendation Regular blood pressure measurement should be part of school health programme.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-24-5317
Ndje Mireille NdjeCorresponding author
Adolescence in Cameroon, as in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, is often marked by early childbearing. Studies have shown a national prevalence of adolescent deliveries to be around 14.2% - 14.4%, a higher rate than the average for sub-Saharan Africa This presents a unique challenge for young mothers, who must navigate the complex process of identity reorganization while still navigating their own adolescence with its multiple changes. This article explores the experiences of primiparous (first-time) Cameroonian adolescents as they transition from daughters to mothers. The objective of this article is to understand how identity reorganization takes place among primiparous Cameroonian adolescents who pass without transition from the status of daughter to the status of mother. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, with seven participants chosen on the basis of selection criteria, the article examines the psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape this identity shift. An interview guide with three main themes made it possible to collect verbatim comments from the participants. The thematic analysis highlights the challenges faced by these young mothers, such as navigating social stigma, managing emotional upheaval, and balancing motherhood with their own developmental needs. The findings of this study highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of identity reorganization among primiparous Cameroonian adolescents. The social stigma associated with early childbearing, coupled with the emotional and practical demands of motherhood, can pose significant challenges to these young women. However, a study on a larger sample could reveal the resilience and resourcefulness of some adolescents, who find support within their communities and employ various coping mechanisms to navigate this transition. Finally, the article discusses the implications of these findings for adolescent maternal health interventions and social policy in Cameroon.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-23-4701
Steiner-Hofbauer VerenaCorresponding author
Young adulthood is a sensitive phase that comes with many developmental tasks. Successful mastery of these challenges is crucial not only for long-term physical and mental health. A positive relationship with one's own body and associated healthy dietary and behavioral patterns are essential building blocks for healthy adolescence and adult life. But being overly concerned with healthy food may lead to decreased quality of life and negative (mental) health outcomes. This study was conducted via a cross-sectional online questionnaire including the Düsseldorfer Orthorexieskala(DOS), the WHO Quality of Life BREF and questions about life style and nutritional habits. We investigated the prevalence of ON and its relationship with different aspects of quality of life and lifestyle factors (sport and nu trtional habits) in a sample of young adults in Austria. No significant difference in the DOS-scores of male and female participants were found and no significant difference between students and non-students. High DOS-scores significantly impair all three domains of QoL. We did not find a significant relationship between high DOS-scores and taking nutritional supplements or being vegan, vegetarian or omnivore. Participants with high DOS-scores spent significantly more hours per week with sport/exercising.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4332
Gautam AlishaCorresponding author
Department of Public Health, Nepal Institute of Health Sciences, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Introduction Physical, psychological, and emotional growth are among the changes that define the adolescent stage. As compared to other age groups, adolescents are more vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents can become protective and influencing factors for their children to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study aims to assess adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 adolescents aged 15–19 in higher secondary schools of Tokha Municipality. A self-administered structured modified questionnaire to assess the communication used the Weighted Topics Measure of Family Sexual Communication (WTM) tool with a simple random sampling technique of data collection. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests to analyze data and assess the association between variables. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretesting, and training. Results The study found that about 75.9% of adolescents had communicated on SRH topics with their parents. Only 56.1%, 50.1%, 55.2%, and 50.5% of adolescents communicated about choosing a life partner, menstruation, physical and psychological changes during adolescence, and the physical growth and development of reproductive organs, respectively, while topics like using birth controls, when to start having sex, pregnancy, how to handle sexual pressure from a partner, STI and HIV/AIDs, about condoms, and abortion had never communicated by 61.3%, 86.6%, 69.3%, 85.8%, 72.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5% of adolescents, respectively. Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health was significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (X2 = 5.809, p = 0.01, df = 1). Similarly, there was a significant association with the perceived parenting style (X2 =3.932, p =0.04, df =1), living arrangements (X2 =6.376, p=0.01, df =1), and adolescent-parent communication. Conclusion It concluded that adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues is not satisfactory. Creating an adolescent-friendly environment at home and conducting awareness programs with the help of the local government of the respective schools would help to increase adolescent-parent communication.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3927
Nagaraj NitashaCorresponding author
Assistant Professor, The George Washington University.
While Guatemala has made great strides towards gender equality, it remains a country with vast disparities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs during adolescence when gender attitudes are formed have the potential to diminish gender inequities. The Girl Rising Pilot Program (GR) is a 24-week curriculum designed for adolescent girls living in the Sololá region where 95% of the total population is indigenous and Mayan. The present pilot study evaluated outcomes of the GR Guatemala pilot program. Specifically, the evaluation examined whether there were differences between baseline and follow-up on perceptions of gender equity, aspirations, and communication for adolescent girls who participated in the GR program. A quasi-experimental study design with a one group pre- and post-test was implemented. The pilot evaluation study included all 265 participants at baseline who participated in the GR program. after controlling for significant variables, it was found that the gender equitable attitudes score and communications scale still significantly increased between baseline and follow-up. The results of this evaluation prove that gender sensitization programs play a key role in forming and changing gender attitudes during adolescence, and have the potential to alter their short and long-term attitudes and beliefs.
May 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-21-3814
E.E Enwereji,Corresponding author
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu Abia State.
Introduction Adolescence is a critical stage in human development that is characterized by peer pressure, confusion, exuberance and experimentation, particularly with sexual relationships. This is why attention should be paid to adolescents’ reproductive health issues so as to reduce their exposure to aggressive sexual activities which could expose them to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and others. This study aimed at reducing the factors and conditions that influence teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. Materials and Methods The study used a cross sectional descriptive study. A randomly selected sample of 416 adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years were studied. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, using frequencies, percentages and means were utilized for data analysis. Results The study found that 198 (47.6%) of the respondents were sexually active and that 89 (45%) of them had been pregnant. More than half 103 (52%) of the study group indicated that peer pressure influenced their sexual activities. About 46(51.7%) of the adolescents said they were pregnant so as to keep the new born baby with motherless babies homes. Conclusion Therefore, there is need for increased sex education for in-school adolescents so as to highlight the effects of teenage pregnancy on adolescents.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2968
K. Doyle-Baker PatriciaCorresponding author
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Physical activity (PA) decreases in late adolescence and young adulthood when this age cohort enters the workforce with many being employed in the foodservice industry. Daily energy expenditure can be divided between occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Although LTPA is known to be associated with positive health benefits, a limited number of studies have investigated the influence of OPA on LTPA in young restaurant servers. This study measured via accelerometry, OPA and LTPA for a 7-day period from a sample of young adult servers (n = 7, 23-29 years old) from two restaurants. Resting metabolic rate was measured via indirect calorimetry and inputted into the AMP 331 accelerometer for energy expenditure calculations. Energy expenditure patterns were compared to age- and sex-specific normative data, occupational classifications, and the Canadian PA Guidelines to Healthy Active Living (CPAG). Energy expenditure results and step count values were higher for working versus non-working days and working versus non-working periods. Daily, working energy expenditure was approximately equal to normative data, while non-working daily energy expenditure was lower. The working period energy expenditure placed this population in the ‘exceptionally active’ OPA classification. Minimum PA levels, based on CPAG were met each day, however 10,000-steps-per-day were only achieved on working days. None of the participants logged LTPA and therefore 100% of their PA came from OPA. More research is needed over a longer duration and at different times in the year to identify the effect OPA has on LTPA in this population.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-16-1294
Figueiredo ReginaCorresponding author
The paper presents the incorporation of sexual and reproductive rights in the legislation of Brazil, considering the influence of the discussions that involved the United Nations conferences of Cairo and Beijing. Are described and analyzed the Federal Constitution and federal laws, as the Criminal Code and the Code of Child and Adolescent, besides other legal norms of Brazilian executive power bodies, like the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, particularly in the areas of health and citizenship. This process allowed the introduction of new health and education practices in public institutions, offered to the entire population -primarily benefiting women and teenage girls and, then, integrating people in situation of sexual diversity -although there are still problems, such as the occurrence of pregnancies and abortions in adolescence and the underreporting of sexual and gender violence. It is concluded that Brazil has incorporated into its laws the precepts of the sexual and reproductive rights more easily due to the proper moment, which coincided with the creation of new legal instruments and the organization of the national state. Nevertheless, it is still necessary translating these legal advances into practical advances in the public policies and policies focused on people’s needs.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-15-825
B Davalos DeanaCorresponding author
Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA, 1-970-491-6363, Fax 1-970-491-1032
The prevalence of young adults endorsing depressive symptomatology is thought to peak during late adolescence. While there has been a wealth of research assessing the relationship between decline of the prefrontal cortex and how this process impacts depression and therapy in older adults, very little is known about the relationship on the younger end of the continuum. The current study sought to explore whether there is also a significant relationship between executive functioning and depression in younger adults. In addition, different types of executive dysfunction were assessed to better understand the possible implications for therapy in younger adults with depressive symptomatology. Data from 1,730 college-aged participants were collected on measures of depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, CES-D) and executive dysfunction (Dysexecutive Questionnaire, DEX). In addition, three factors of the DEX were assessed; Executive cognition (EC), emotional/ behavioral control (EMO), and metacognition (MC). Correlations between CES-D scores and the full DEX survey were statistically significant (R = .45, p < .001) as were correlations between CES-D scores and scores on each individual factor (p< .001). A multiple linear regression was run to demonstrate the predictive value of each individual DEX factor as a function of CES-D scores (p < .001). Results suggested that there was a clear relationship between depressive symptoms and executive dysfunction and that all factors of the DEX appeared to be affected by depressive symptoms in this population. The implications of these results for therapy, particularly the use of problem-solving therapy or complimentary executive functioning training are discussed.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-591
Negri RossellaCorresponding author
Department of Translational Medicine, Pediatrics, European Laboratory for Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Objectives Taste sensitivity is an important determinant of food choice and differs between children and adults. This difference is probably due to several factors that constitute an individual’s phenotype. The aim of this study was to explore taste perception in relation to the TAS2R38 and CAVI (gustin) genotypes in age classes from infancy to adulthood in a Mediterranean population. Methods In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the TAS2R38 and gustin genotypes and administered a standardized PROP taste test in 705 individuals (435 adults, 270 children); the sample included 224 mother-child dyads. We also explored the acceptance and consumption of bitter and non-bitter vegetables. Results Sensitivity to bitterness was strongly related to the TAS2R38 haplotype, and we observed an intriguing relationship with age. In fact, children were more sensitive than adults with the same TAS2R38 haplotype also within mother-child dyads. The mother-child tasting differences decreased with age and became minimal when children reached adolescence. Variations in the gustin gene did not contribute significantly to the overall taste phenotype, but helped to differentiate among non-tasters. Conclusions The genetic profile of the bitter-taste receptor TAS2R38 explains most of the variance in bitter taste perception, but the related phenotype is also strongly influenced by age, also in mother-child dyads that share the same genotype. This finding is likely to have a significant impact on the complex feeding relationship between mother and child.
Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-13-253
Singla RohitCorresponding author
M.B.B.S. M.D. medicine. D.M. cardiology resident doctor at SMS hospital, Jaipur
Background: Western studies have shown that hypertension increases carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as early as in childhood and adolescence. However, similar data from India is lacking. Indians have different genetic, racial, geographic, cultural and dietary patterns. Hence a similar trend may not be experienced among young Indian subjects. Methods: 46 young cases (age 16 – 35 years) of hypertension were recruited along with age, sex and BMI matched controls. Patients with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus and secondary causes of hypertension were ruled out. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography for assessment of cIMT. Results: Mean age and BMI of cases was 25.4 years and 20.89 kg/m2 respectively. 67.4% were male. For all of the subjects combined (n=92), cIMT correlated with BMI (r = 0.244; P=0.019), office systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.556; p<0.001) and office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r =0.426; p<0.001). Among hypertensive subjects (n=46), there was a significant positive correlation between cIMT and SBP (r=0.611, p<0.001). In contrast to SBP, DBP correlated insignificantly with cIMT (r= 0.217; p = 0.14) in the hypertensive subjects. Conclusion: Elevated blood pressure, especially systolic, correlates with increased cIMT among young Indian hypertensives. This provides strong evidence that primary hypertension in early life also is associated with vascular pathology, independent of the effects of obesity and diabetes