The global distribution and epidemiology of alcohol and drug use among street-involved children and youth: a meta-analysis

Intensifying Substance Use Trends among Youth: A Narrative Review of Recent Trends and Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Substance use among adolescents and young adults remains a critical public health concern, with patterns shifting dramatically in recent years. This narrative review examines trends in substance use behaviors during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiologic evidence shows declines in the proportion of youth who are using most substances but intensified consumption patterns with rising levels of disorder among adolescents who use substances. This picture may reflect the greater potency, availability and accessibility of substances, vulnerabilities related to poor mental health, minoritization, as well as social factors including pandemic stressors, commercial and regulatory forces - in short, features of the agent (substance), host (person), and environment (context), consistent with a public health formulation. Understanding trends in youth substance use and related problems, especially in the context of contributing factors, is critical for informing clinical care strategies and public health interventions to improve outcomes for youth across diverse populations.

The global prevalence of mental health disorders among runaway and homeless youth: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was performed to identify the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders (MHDs) among runaway and homeless youth (RHY). Relevant studies published between December 1, 1985, and October 1, 2023, were identified in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A preliminary screening of 11,266 papers resulted in the inclusion of 101 studies. The pooled-prevalence estimates were obtained using a random-effects model. The findings showed varying lifetime prevalence rates of MHDs: 47% (conduct disorders and psychological distress), 43% (depression), 34% (major depressive disorders), 33% (post-traumatic stress disorder), 27% (personality disorders), 25% (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), 23% (bipolar disorders), 22% (anxiety), 21% (oppositional defiant disorders), 15% (anorexia), 15% (adjustment disorders), 14% (dysthymia), 11% (schizophrenia), 9% (obsessive-compulsive disorders), and 8% (gambling disorder). The current prevalence rates were: 31% (depression), 23% (major depressive disorder), 23% (anxiety), 21% (post-traumatic stress disorder), 16% (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), 15% (bipolar disorder), 13% (personality disorders), 13% (oppositional defiant disorders), 8% (schizophrenia), and 6% (obsessive-compulsive disorders). Regular screening and the implementation of evidence-based treatments and the promotion of integration and coordination between mental health services for adolescent minors and young adults with other service systems are recommended.

The Global Prevalence of Non-suicidal Self-injury, Suicide Behaviors, and Associated Risk Factors Among Runaway and Homeless Youth: A Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicide behaviors (including ideation, attempts), and associated risk factors among runaway and homeless youth (RHY). The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published from January 1995 to May 2023. Initially, 8465 papers were screened, resulting in 69 included studies. The results showed that among RHY, lifetime prevalence rates were 42% for NSSI, 38% for suicidal ideation, and 27% for suicide attempts. Lifetime prevalence of NSSI and suicide behaviors was higher among adolescent minors (aged 12-17 years) compared to young adults (aged 18-24 years). Also, NSSI and suicide behaviors were associated with having a childhood history of physical and sexual abuse. Developing an impactful community-based suicide prevention campaign tailored for RHY appears warranted. Peer groups and mentorship programs would provide invaluable support for young individuals, as supportive friendships protect against NSSI.