Public Librarians: Partners in Adolescent Health Promotion

The goal of this research was to examine U.S.-based librarians' history of training on public health topics and their comfort delivering adolescent-focused public health interventions. A total of 269 library staff from 37 states completed a brief online survey. Eighty-four percent of respondents stated that their library had hosted public health programs for youth ages 10–17. Eighty-five percent reported they would be interested or very interested in facilitating an intervention focused on youth (ages 10–17). Ninety-eight percent of participants reported receiving training on at least one public health topic. The most common trainings reported were related to infectious diseases, including COVID (82.9%) and adolescent health and development (78.4%). Most participants were comfortable discussing public health topics, such as sexual and reproductive health (83.6%), adolescent health and development (82.5%), substance use (81.4%), and infectious diseases (81%). Having learned about the topic on their own and having had experience related to the topic were the most common reasons stated for feeling comfortable discussing public health topics with youth. These findings suggest that librarians are interested in and comfortable enough to serve as resources for health promotion among adolescents when adequately trained. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Public Library Quarterly is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Handbook of Health and Well-Being: Challenges, Strategies and Future Trends

This evidence-based book focuses on contemporary issues related to human health and well-being. Drawing on the first-hand experiences of academics and researchers, it provides a holistic perspective on the importance of both mental and physical health for quality of life. It is divided into seven sections: changing perspectives on well-being;the mental health of students;the well-being of elderly people and marginalized populations;the role of family and teachers;psycho-social support;the right to health;and future perspectives. Covering current topics, such as the challenges posed by pandemics like COVID-19, the book discusses future strategies for addressing contemporary and emerging health issues and the overall well-being of the general public, an area not covered in any of the previous volumes. Furthermore, it explores the need for the involvement of multidisciplinary professionals in examining general health and well-being issues. Given its scope, it is an indispensable resource for a wide range of professionals and researchers from various fields, such as the social sciences, law, public health, medicine, education, and environmental studies. In addition, the book appeals to health policymakers, educational administrators, law enforcement agencies, as well as health workers, psychologists, and social workers dealing with clients in hospitals, educational institutions, and at the community level. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Taylor and Francis Pte Ltd. 2022.

Differences in Physical Activity Patterns among Korean Adolescents during and after COVID-19.

Due to the COVID-19-induced social distancing restrictions, adolescents' physical activity declined and their level of health and fitness decreased. In March 2023, the Korean government established the beginning of the post-COVID-19 era by declaring that indoor masks were now "recommended" rather than "mandatory". Consequently, adolescents, whose physical activity decreased during COVID-19, began to participate in such activities again. This study aimed to verify the differences in adolescent physical activity during COVID-19 and after COVID-19. To achieve the study's purpose, an online survey was conducted twice, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, for 1143 Korean adolescents in 2022 and 2023. The following results were derived through frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, and an independent variables t-test. First, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was higher during the post-COVID-19 period than during COVID-19 (p = 0.018). Second, high-intensity (p = 0.018), moderate-intensity (p = 0.030), and low-intensity (p = 0.002) physical activities and total leisure-time physical activities (p = 0.003) were all higher during the post-COVID-19 period than during COVID-19. Third, high-intensity (p = 0.005), moderate-intensity (p = 0.003), low-intensity (p = 0.003) activities and total physical activities in school (p = 0.001) were all higher during the post-COVID-19 period than during COVID-19. Fourth, there was no difference in the commuting times for cycling (p = 0.515) and walking (p = 0.484) and the total physical activities during commuting (p = 0.375) during and after COVID-19. Based on these results, the methods to help adolescents form correct habits for leading a healthy life are discussed.

Reflections from Refugee Adolescent Girls on Participation in a US-Based Teen Sexual Health Promotion Project.

Refugee girls may be unprepared for the sexual risk challenges facing teens in the US. We sought to understand refugee girls' general experience, discussions with parents and motivations related to participation in an evidence-based sexual risk reduction program. Through semi-structured interviews with twelve girls ages 15-17 years from nine countries, we acquired insight into the girls' reactions to the program, if they had discussed their experiences, and reflections on their decision to participate. Qualitative analysis of verbatim transcriptions identified three themes: (1) my cultural norm is not to ask; (2) groups were a safe way for me to learn and share; and (3) I learned to use my voice. As the numbers of adolescent refugees grow, we cannot ignore their need for tailored sexual health research and programming. This first-of-its-kind study provides insight into acceptability, motivation for participation, and impact of a sexual health promotion program.

Performance of two educational approaches in increasing knowledge of high-school students about COVID-19 during the first wave of pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly altered peoples' daily lives. Teachers and students were found quite unprepared for the emergence of the first COVID-19 wave. So, improving the knowledge of students about COVID-19 is an important issue. METHODS: In this study, 240 high students attended. Two interventions with the same contents, but in different ways, were delivered. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on demographic information, and information about the behavioral intention toward COVID-19 before and after the educational interventions as well as a control group that received no educational intervention. RESULTS: students in all arms had similar baseline knowledge of COVID-19. The results of the post-analysis showed the efficiency of educational techniques in increasing students' knowledge about COVID-19. So the audio-visual training method performed significantly better than the visual training method (p = 0.03). Both approaches achieved better scores than the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the outbreak of COVID-19, multimedia-based learning is a more effective educational approach and can improve the learning outcomes related to COVID-19 and achieve learning goals without close contact than written materials.

Menstrual hygiene management during times of complex humanitarian crisis: Listening to the voices of rural adolescent girls of Assam

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an integral component of the reproductive health and hygiene of adolescent girls. Despite being a vital issue that has a multifaceted effect on the well-being of girls, it is often overlooked in the household and community environment. In a disaster-prone zone, the situation further aggravates at the time of emergency situation. The first section of the chapter examines the knowledge, perception, and practices of MHM prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The second section explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and annual flood on menstrual hygiene practices. The first phase of extensive primary survey using mixed sampling method was done in Biswanath district of Assam in 2019. Furthermore, the second phase of the survey was conducted in 2020 to investigate the impact of a biological and climatic disaster. Poor menstrual hygiene practices are the outcome of knowledge gap, unfavorable cultural milieu, and inadequate resources. In general, menstrual hygiene needs of adolescent girls are neglected in rural settings. Respondents' ability to deal with their menses is severely altered during unprecedented crisis situation. Humanitarian agencies also overlook gender-specific needs of hygiene and sanitation facilities, thus amplifying existing vulnerabilities in the relief camps. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Systems of Care & Collaborative Approaches: An Answer to the Youth Mental Health Emergency

The article highlights the importance of a systems of care (SOC) approach to the youth mental health emergency, which creates more effective safety nets for youth and families. Topics discussed include effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of children, philosophy of SOC, and specific models of care or processes that are aligned with SOC principles and deserve further elaboration.

National survey of referrals for precocious puberty in Germany.

An unusual high number of girls were referred to our paediatric endocrine clinic with suspected precocious puberty (PP) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed our data and initiated a survey among German paediatric endocrinologists.At our centre, less than 10 patients were diagnosed of PP annually between 2015 and 2019. This increased to n=23 (2020) and n=30 (2021). A German survey confirmed this observation: Out of 44 centres which completed the questionnaire, 30/44 (68%) reported an increase of PP. Above this, 32/44 (72%) stated an increase in girls diagnosed with 'early normal puberty' since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Predictors of depression and anxiety among high school students

Although it is thought that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection does not clinically affect children as severely as adults, the short and long-term psychological effects on adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic are quite significant. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and related factors in high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June and July 2020, 506 high school students from two different provinces were included in the present study. A questionnaire form including sociodemographic characteristics, 'Child Depression Scale' and 'State-Trait Anxiety Scale' were applied online. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were used in data analysis, and p<0.05 was accepted as significance level. Depression prevalence was 22.9 %, median trait anxiety score was 44, and median state anxiety score was 39. Low-income level, think of themselves or the household was at risk, using information sources other than health professionals, high screen time, high mother coronavirus stress score and low family communication score were shown to increase depression. Higher school grades, not regularly exercising, think of themselves or the household were at risk, staying alone at home, high mother's and father's coronavirus stress scores and low family communication score were shown to increase state anxiety. Adolescents highly suffer from psychological outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to involve the family in planning and implementing early mental health interventions during the pandemic, especially as parent-related factors affect children's psychological state. During the social isolation period, it is recommended to organize indoor exercise programs for children and adolescents, limit the time spent in front of the screen, and improve communication with family members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Turkish) Koronavirus Hastaligi 2019 (COVID-19) klinik olarak cocuklari eriskin bireyler kadar etkilemese de COVID-19 pandemisinin adolesanlar uzerindeki kisa ve uzun donem etkileri oldukca onemlidir. Bu calismanin amaci COVID- 19 pandemisinde lise ogrencilerinin depresyon ve anksiyete sikligi ile etkileyen faktorlerin belirlenmesidir. Calismaya Haziran-Temmuz 2020 tarihlerinde 2 farkli ilden 506 lise ogrencisi dahil edilmistir ve sosyodemografik ozellikleri iceren bir soru formu, 'Cocuk Depresyon Olcegi' ve 'Durumluk-Surekli Anksiyete Olcegi' online olarak uygulanmistir. Veri analizinde tek degiskenli ve cok degiskenli analizler uygulanmis olup p<0.05 anlamlilik duzeyi olarak kabul edilmistir. Depresyon sikligi %22.9, surekli anksiyete olcek puani ortanca degeri 44, durumluk anksiyete olcek ortanca degeri 39 olarak bulunmustur. Dusuk gelir duzeyi, kendinin ya da ayni evde yasadigi kisilerin risk altinda oldugunu dusunme, bilgi kaynagi olarak saglik profesyonelleri disindaki kaynaklarin kullanilmasi, uzamis ekran suresi, koronavirusle ilgili anne stres puaninin yuksek olmasi, aile ici iletisim puaninin dusuk olmasinin depresyon sikligini artirdigi gosterilmistir. Daha yuksek okul sinifi, duzenli egzersiz yapmama, kendinin ya da ayni evde yasadigi kisilerin risk altinda oldugunu dusunme, evde yalniz kalma, koronavirusle ilgili anne ve baba stres puaninin yuksek olmasi ve aile ici iletisim puaninin dusuk olmasinin anksiyete puanini artirdigi gosterilmistir. Adolesanlar COVID-19 pandemisinin psikolojik sonuclarindan oldukca muzdariptir. Ozellikle ebeveyn iliskili faktorlerin cocuklarin psikolojik durumunu etkiledigi goruldugunden, pandemide erken ruh sagligi mudahalelerinin planlanmasi ve uygulanmasinda ailenin dahil edilmesi onemlidir. Sosyal izolasyon doneminde cocuk ve ergenler icin ev ici egzersiz programlarinin duzenlenmesi, ekran basinda gecen surenin kisitlanmasi, aile bireyleri ile iletisimin iyilestirilmesi onerilmektedir. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The association mental health of adolescents with economic impact during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2020 Korean nationally representative survey.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has affected innumerable aspects of life, including education, economy, and religion. Economic problems and inequality are associated with poor mental health in adolescents. This study aimed to identify the relationship between economic damage to families due to COVID-19 and various mental health problems in Korean adolescents and to evaluate the risk factors of mental health. METHODS: In total, 54,948 Korean adolescent students from 398 middle and 395 high schools were surveyed between August and November 2020. Complex sample logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depression and suicidal ideation, respectively. A generalized linear model analysis was used to examine the association between mental health (unhappiness, loneliness, and stress) and the economic impact of COVID-19. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, school grade, perceived academic achievement, perceived family economic status, and economic support. RESULTS: The ORs of depression (OR = 1.77, 95% CI:1.57-2.00), suicidal ideation (OR = 2.14, 95% CI:1.84-2.50), unhappiness (OR = 1.51 95% CI 1.42-1.60) and lonely (OR = 1.38 95% CI 1.27-1.49) for the low level of perceived family economic status was higher compared to middle level. Adolescents who experienced economic deterioration in their households as COVID-19 showed a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.42, 95% CI:1.35-1.49), suicide ideation (OR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.28-1.44), unhappiness (OR = 2.23 95% CI 2.19-2.27), lonely (OR = 1.20 95% CI 1.17-1.22), and stress (OR = 1.14 95% CI 1.12-1.16) than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed an association between the decline in household economic status due to COVID-19 and mental health problems, such as stress, loneliness, suicidal ideation, depression, and unhappiness.

Understanding medical mistrust and HPV vaccine hesitancy among multiethnic parents in Los Angeles.

Determinants of parental HPV vaccine hesitancy, including medical mistrust and exposure to negative vaccine information, are understudied in racial/ethnic minority communities where vaccine uptake is low. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (March 2021) among parents of adolescents, ages 9-17 years, from an academic enrichment program serving low-income, first-generation, underrepresented minority families in Los Angeles to understand determinants of parental HPV vaccine hesitancy. Parents completed self-administered surveys, including a 9-item HPV vaccine hesitancy scale, in either English, Spanish, or Chinese. Logistic regression was used to identify individual and interpersonal factors associated with parental hesitancy and adolescent HPV vaccination. One-fifth of parents (n = 357) reported high HPV vaccine hesitancy and > 50% reported concerns about safety or side effects. High medical mistrust was associated with high parental HPV vaccine hesitancy (adjusted-OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.37). Community-tailored and multilevel strategies to increase vaccine confidence are needed to improve HPV and other adolescent vaccinations.

The impact of COVID-19 on emotional, social, and behavioral health in adolescents with preexisting mental health concerns: A qualitative study

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in well-being for many adolescents. However, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among adolescents remains understudied. The current study qualitatively examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on adolescents with mental health concerns prior to the pandemic. Methods: We enrolled 20 adolescents who were engaged in care through an Adolescent Health Specialty Clinic prior to COVID-19. Participants were 12- to 19 years old who experienced mental health concerns prior to COVID-19 and experienced declining mental health (e.g., new mental health diagnosis or increased severity of previous mental health diagnosis reported during clinical visit or documented in medical chart) during the pandemic. In-depth interviews were conducted, and inductive coding was applied to transcripts to identify emergent themes. Results: Five key themes were identified: manifestations of declining mental health, loss of motivation, changes to social relationships, use of social media, and coping mechanisms. Adverse mental health outcomes were provoked by experiences of loneliness and social isolation, especially due to school closures which disrupted routines, access to educational and social support, and key cultural milestones. The increased uses of social media and illicit substances were notable coping strategies. Conclusions: Findings from this study strengthen our understanding of the key factors influencing the psychosocial well-being of adolescents during the pandemic. Our results may help inform researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to develop guidelines and community-based strategies for mitigating the potentially negative effects of future pandemic-related disruptions to mental health among adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The current study examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on adolescents with mental health concerns prior to the pandemic. Results emphasize the importance of obtaining first-hand perspectives from adolescents to optimize their care. Providers should prioritize mental health and substance use screening given the impact of the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Unforeseen Effects of COVID-19 on Adolescent Health.

India is presently in the midst of a major health crisis with the second wave of corona virus spreading at an alarming rate and claiming more lives than ever before. Although the pandemic is affecting the lives of all sections of society, adolescent girls being a vulnerable group are affected in dual manner, not just by the direct effects of the virus but also by many still underrated indirect effects. The present article aims to highlight the indirect yet sinister effects of COVID-19 on physical, mental, social, sexual and reproductive and psychological health and well-being of adolescent girls and other issues like their personal safety, peer support and long-term health issues. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-021-01555-1.

Decision-Making about COVID-19 Vaccines among Health Care Workers and Their Adolescent Children.

Health care workers promote COVID-19 vaccination for adolescent patients, and as parents, may influence their own children to get vaccinated. We conducted virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with vaccinated health care workers and their adolescent children to explore their decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination. In total, 21 health care workers (physicians, nurses, and medical staff) and their adolescent children (N = 17) participated in interviews. The following three themes described parent-adolescent decision-making for COVID-19 vaccination: (1) family anticipation and hesitation about COVID-19 vaccine approval; (2) parents' or adolescents' choice: the decision maker for adolescent COVID-19 vaccination; and (3) leveraging one's vaccination status to encourage others to get vaccinated. Nurses encouraged adolescent autonomy in decisions for COVID-19 vaccination while physicians viewed vaccination as the parent's decision. Health care workers and their adolescent children used role-modeling to motivate unvaccinated peers and may model their decision-making process for adolescent COVID-19 vaccination with their own children to support their patients' and parents' vaccine decisions.

Evaluating the optimised font size and viewing time of online learning in young children: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Near viewing distance (VD) and longer viewing times are associated with myopia. This study aimed to identify the font size and viewing time that guarantee the appropriate VD and pixels per degree (PPD) for children's online learning. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study comprised two experiments. In experiment A, participants read text in five font sizes on three backlit displays (a personal computer, a smartphone and a tablet), an E-ink display and paper for 5 min per font size. In experiment B, participants watched videos for 30 min on three backlit displays. SETTING: The Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing (China) and the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Province, China). PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five participants completed experiment A. Ten of them participated in experiment B. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: VDs were measured by Clouclip. The corresponding PPD was calculated. RESULTS: In experiment A, font size and display type significantly affected VD (F(4840)=149.44, p<0.001, ES (Effect size)=0.77; F(4840), p<0.001, ES=0.37). VDs were >33 cm for all five font sizes on the PC, the tablet and paper and for 18-pt on the smartphone and 16-pt on E-ink. PPD for 16-pt on the PC, 14-pt on the tablet and all five font sizes on the phone were >60. In experiment B, VD increased over the four previous 5 min periods but decreased slightly on tablets and PCs in the fifth 5 min period. PPD was >60. CONCLUSION: Children demonstrated different VDs and PPDs based on font size and display type. To ensure a 33 cm VD and 60 PPD, the minimum font size for online reading should be 18-pt on smartphones, 16-pt on PCs and E-ink, 10.5-pt on tablets and 9-pt on paper. More attention should be given to children's VD with continuous video viewing of more than 25 min. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100049584.

Socioeconomic hardship, uncertainty about the future, and adolescent mental wellbeing over a year during the covid-19 pandemic

Socioeconomic vulnerabilities put adolescents at risk for mental wellbeing issues, also in times of a pandemic. In the present longitudinal online survey study, we explored changes in mental wellbeing (i.e., mood and life satisfaction) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, we examined how socioeconomic hardship in online home schooling predicted adolescents' mental wellbeing 1 year later. Third, we tested whether this relation was mediated by feelings of uncertainty about the future. Fourth, we tested whether this relation was moderated (in terms of a protective factor) by self-efficacy. In total, 177 Dutch-speaking adolescents aged 10-18 years (Mage = 15.64, SDage = 1.72, 79% females) participated in all three 6-month separated waves (T1 = May 2020, T2 = November 2020, and T3 = May 2021). Mood results demonstrated that feelings of vigor decreased between T1 and T2, and feelings of tension and depression increased between T1, T2, and T3. Socioeconomic hardship in online home schooling in the early phase of the pandemic was negatively associated with both baseline mental wellbeing and 1 year later. Socioeconomic hardship at T1 predicted higher feelings of future uncertainty at T2, and higher levels of future uncertainty were associated with lower feelings of vigor, and higher feelings of tension and depression at T3. However, we found no evidence for mediation or moderation effects. In conclusion, the present findings illustrate the complexity of disentangling the adverse effects of socioeconomic hardship on adolescent mental wellbeing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

"It's been a good time to reflect on...who isn't worth keeping around": COVID-19, adolescent relationship maintenance and implications for health education

Purpose: This paper adds to the growing body of research examining the impacts of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on the everyday lives of young people. It draws on theories of "digital intimacies" and "relationship maintenance" to argue that young people's reflections on COVID-19, physical distancing and online relationships expose larger gaps in sex, relationships and health education pedagogies. Design/methodology/approach: Five semi-structured online focus groups were conducted with Canadian adolescents aged 16-19 probing their experiences of dating and platonic relationships during COVID-19. Narrative thematic analysis methods were used to develop themes outlining how physical distancing measures have affected young people's relationship norms, expectations and values. Findings: COVID-19 physical distancing measures and school closures appeared to create the conditions for some young people to productively reflect on the labor involved in the maintenance of their relationships in relation to considerations of proximity, reciprocity and distance. This labor was particularly articulated by female participants, many of whom expressed that life disruptions caused by COVID-19 catalyzed learning about their own relationship needs, desires and boundaries. Research limitations/implications: Results from this research are not widely generalizable, as each participant had a unique experience with COVID-19 physical distancing measures, schooling and in-person contact. Due to anonymity measures implemented, participant narratives cannot be confidently associated with demographic surveys that hampered the ability to offer an intersectional analysis of participant experience. Originality/value: Discussions of relationship maintenance and digital intimacies elucidate the limitations of health education's tendency to construct adolescent relationships as existing along binaries of "healthy" and "unhealthy." Health education might benefit from more meaningful integration of these concepts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Psychological Distress of High School Graduates During Social Distancing in Croatia

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the whole world, thus also affecting the high school graduates in Croatia. Aim(s): The purpose of the study was to examine the psychological distress high school graduates experienced during the COVID-19 social distancing measures, more precisely to investigate gender and school type differences and to examine the relationship between psychological distress and self-regulated learning. Method(s): In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was administered to 13,037 high school graduates across Croatia. Result(s): The results show that girls exhibit higher levels of psychological distress compared to the boys, while the art school graduates show the highest distress, followed by gymnasium (i.e., secondary grammar school, prep school) graduates, and lastly vocational school graduates. Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was found between self-efficacy and psychological distress, and significant, but small correlations were found between regulation of effort, management of work, time and environment, self-handicapping as well as elaboration and psychological distress. These results show that higher levels of self-regulation are connected to lower levels of psychological distress. Conclusion(s): These findings demonstrate that a need exists for greater accessibility of mental health care for adolescents.Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Semmelweis University, Institute of Mental Health, Budapest.