Adolescents

This study identified college students’ weight gain and body image during COVID-19. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, with data collection occurring from January to May 2023, using an electronic form distributed via social networks or email. Students (+18 years) participated in the study and answered a semi-structured questionnaire, containing questions related to sociodemographic aspects, clinical aspects, and the silhouette scale. A comparison of several events and clinical conditions was made between the period before and during COVID-19. In total, 52 responses were given (86.3% female; 41.3% Black people). In total, 60% were diagnosed with obesity, and 20% were diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. Pain related to muscular and joint structures (34.3%) and anxiety (60%) were reported to have been concerns before COVID-19. During COVID-19, this scenario was maintained, in addition to symptoms related to fatigue/tiredness (52.3%) and body weight gain (61.4%). The existence of an active social life (54.3%) and the regular practice of physical activity (65.2%) were reported as occurring only before COVID-19.

Ana Beatriz Nogueira do Vale

Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos

University Students’ Self-Image and Body Weight Gain During COVID-19: A Descriptive Study

大学生自我形象与新冠疫情期间体重增加的描述性研究

When a guardian is diagnosed with cancer, the emotional and psychological toll they endure can have a profound impact on their children’s mental health. Understanding the factors that contribute to heightened anxiety in these children is crucial for identifying mental health disorders early. This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between having a guardian with cancer and elevated anxiety levels in adolescents, accounting for confounding variables such as sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Data were obtained from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) using the Sample Adult Interview (27,651 participants) and Sample Child Interview (7464 participants) datasets. The independent variable (guardian’s cancer diagnosis) was derived from the Sample Adult Interview, while the dependent variable (childhood anxiety) and confounders were derived from the Sample Child Interview. Using Stata 16.0, the datasets were merged based on household index variables, yielding a final sample of 4563 participants. Logistic regression analyses assessed the correlation between a guardian’s cancer diagnosis and anxiety levels in children. The results show that children with a guardian battling cancer are significantly more likely to develop anxiety (through the use of odds ratio), with the effect size varying based on factors such as sex, income, and environment. Girls, children from lower-income families, and those with a guardian experiencing depression were at particularly high risk. These findings highlight the strong link between familial health challenges and adolescent anxiety, emphasizing the need for early intervention and mental health support in families affected by cancer.

Michaela Forouzan

Amm Quamruzzaman

Martin L. Sánchez-Jankowski

Does Having a Guardian with Cancer Contribute to Heightened Anxiety in Adolescents?

癌症监护人是否会增加青少年的焦虑感？

Adolescence is a critical stage marked by identity formation and social challenges, especially for adolescents with migratory backgrounds who must reconcile their ethnic identities with the dominant culture. This study explores the mental health, life satisfaction, student–teacher relationship, and academic achievement of Italian-born, second-generation, and first-generation immigrants. The sample of 680 adolescents (M = 382; F = 280; Prefer not to say = 18; Mean age = 16.77 years) includes native-born Italians (n = 244), second-generation immigrants (n = 210), and first-generation immigrants (n = 226). Data were collected using self-report measures for mental health, life satisfaction, student–teacher relationship, and school achievement. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance identified significant group differences, followed by post-hoc tests to further explore differences between the groups. Second-generation immigrants reported significantly lower emotional well-being compared to their Italian-born peers. Both first- and second-generation immigrants exhibited lower life satisfaction, particularly in peer relationships. In terms of student–teacher relationship, second-generation immigrants perceived higher levels of school danger compared to Italian-born adolescents, possibly driven by discrimination. Academic outcomes revealed significant disparities, with Italian-born students outperforming second-generation immigrants, highlighting the impact of acculturative and bicultural stress. The findings highlight the unique challenges second-generation immigrants face in Italy in balancing cultural integration with preserving their heritage.

Valeria Cavioni

Elisabetta Conte

Veronica Ornaghi

Psychological and Educational Challenges of Immigrant Adolescents in Italy: Exploring Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Student–Teacher Relationship, and Academic Disparities

意大利移民青少年的心理与教育挑战：探索心理健康、生活满意度、师生关系及学业差距

Adolescence is a critical period, marked by heightened risk-taking and experimentation, which are significantly influenced by the interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental contexts [...]

Paola Carbone

Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Determinants of Adolescent Behavior: Risk Pathways and Protective Mechanisms

青少年行为的遗传、神经生物学和社会决定因素：风险路径与保护机制

Virtual reality (VR) can help to prevent alcohol consumption by simulating peer pressure. While existing VR applications for adolescents are primarily tested in schools, expanding them to museums and art galleries offers setting-specific benefits and could enhance their reach. An interactive VR simulation was presented in an art exhibition on substance use reflection. This study aimed to (1) describe visitor experiences with the simulation and (2) analyse differences according to gender and age. Visitors (n = 293) explored Virtual LimitLab for about 15 min before completing a survey on user experience and perceived learning experiences, which also included open questions on its positive and negative aspects. The quantitative user experience and perceived learning experience items were rated positively, except for knowledge increase. Young visitors (≤18 years of age) perceived Virtual LimitLab as more interesting (p = 0.043) and exciting (p = 0.047) than older ones. Female visitors rated the reflective response (p = 0.016) and sensitisation to social pressure (p = 0.024) higher than males. The qualitative evaluation showed that visitors appreciated the simulation’s realism, authenticity and adaptability. VR-based public health interventions in the arts setting need further research to study their preventive potential.

Robert Hrynyschyn

Sergej Kucenko

Patricia Bianca Lyk

Gunver Majgaard

Susanne Rockweiler

Sara Stehr

Christiane Stock

Virtual Reality-Based Alcohol Prevention: The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study with Visitors of an Art Exhibition

基于虚拟现实的酒精预防：一项针对艺术展览参观者的横断面研究结果

Substance use is a growing problem among young people in sub-Saharan Africa who increasingly adopt the habit of smoking cigarettes. The aim was to analyse prevalence rates and identify predictors for cigarette smoking among school-attending adolescents in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. In June 2017, a survey questionnaire was implemented in 16 schools in a class-based, random sample of 2039 adolescents aged 14–19 (52% girls). The chi-square (p &lt; 0.05) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential explanatory variables for the dependent variables were introduced into a multinomial logistic regression model, and p-values were transformed to LogWorth values. The prevalence rate for lifetime smoking experience was 14.8%, 4.0% for occasional smoking (&lt;30 days), and 2.4% for daily smoking. The most significant predictors for cigarette smoking included having friends who smoke, being a boy, attending a private school, smoking initiation at a young age, other substance use, and violent behaviour. It is imperative to initiate preventive actions against smoking and other use of tobacco in Guinea-Bissau. Considering the significant impact of the peer group, policymakers need to engage young people in developing primary prevention strategies to curb the use of tobacco and other substances.

Geir Gunnlaugsson

Aladje Baldé

Zeca Jandi

Hamadou Boiro

Jónína Einarsdóttir

Prevalence Rates and Predictors for Smoking Cigarettes Among Adolescents Attending School in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

几内亚比绍比绍市在校青少年吸烟率的流行率及预测因素

Publication Information	Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: Yes
Basic data	Year of publication: 2021，Proportion of original research papers: ，Self Citation Rate:， Gold OA Rate:
Journal Fees	$Details
Average review cycle	6 weeks

Adolescents

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University Students’ Self-Image and Body Weight Gain During COVID-19: A Descriptive Study

Does Having a Guardian with Cancer Contribute to Heightened Anxiety in Adolescents?

Psychological and Educational Challenges of Immigrant Adolescents in Italy: Exploring Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Student–Teacher Relationship, and Academic Disparities

Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Determinants of Adolescent Behavior: Risk Pathways and Protective Mechanisms

Virtual Reality-Based Alcohol Prevention: The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study with Visitors of an Art Exhibition

Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Determinants of Adolescent Behavior: Risk Pathways and Protective Mechanisms

Psychological and Educational Challenges of Immigrant Adolescents in Italy: Exploring Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Student–Teacher Relationship, and Academic Disparities

University Students’ Self-Image and Body Weight Gain During COVID-19: A Descriptive Study

Does Having a Guardian with Cancer Contribute to Heightened Anxiety in Adolescents?

Prevalence Rates and Predictors for Smoking Cigarettes Among Adolescents Attending School in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau