Do Jobs Work? Risk and Protective Behaviors Associated with Employment Among Disadvantaged Female Teens in Urban Atlanta

Factors Associated with Early Sexual Activity in Adolescents Residing in an Urban Area of Northeastern Mexico Who Use WhatsApp or Facebook

Early sexual activity has been associated with unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In recent decades, the prevalence of early sexual activity and social media use has increased. However, the relationship between these variables has been little studied. Consequently, we examined the relationships of some factors present in the family and personal environment with early sexual activity in adolescents who use and do not use the WhatsApp and Facebook platforms. Through a cross-sectional study, data from 1328 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years were analyzed. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Of the total participants, 35.7% reported early sexual activity, and 37.7% reported using social networks such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The mean age of onset of sexual activity was 15.59 ± 1.56 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of not studying (adjusted OR 4.70; CI 95% 1.31-16.78), consuming alcohol (adjusted OR 3.71; CI 95% 2.44-5.65) and having parents who consumed alcoholic beverages in the home (adjusted OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.03-2.12) with ESA. In the family and personal environment, some factors favored early sexual activity in young people who used the WhatsApp and Facebook applications. This information should be used by authorities in the health and education sectors to strengthen preventive programs targeting health risk habits and behaviors in adolescents.

Reproductive coercion sometimes works: evaluating whether young African-American women who experience reproductive coercion or birth control sabotage are more likely to become pregnant

Men engaging in reproductive coercion may coerce, force, or deceive female partners into pregnancy. This study evaluates whether the 3-month incidence of pregnancy is higher among women reporting reproductive coercion than similar women reporting no reproductive coercion. We tested this hypothesis in longitudinal data from a sample of African-American women ages 18–24 recruited from community settings in Atlanta, Georgia, US, in 2012–2014 (n = 560). Participants were surveyed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. To reduce selection bias, we used full matching on 22 baseline variables related to demographics, economic power, risky alcohol use, and gender-based power inequality. We used logistic regression in the matched sample with outcome pregnancy 3 months later, controlling for baseline fertility intentions (n = 482, n = 458, n = 452 at respectively 3, 6, 9 months). At 3 months, 15% of women reported reproductive coercion. At 6 months, 11.3% of women reporting coercion were pregnant vs. 4.6% of matched women reporting no coercion (p = 0.06). Women reporting coercion had 3 times the odds of pregnancy as matched women reporting no coercion (AOR 2.95, 95% CI (1.16, 6.98), p = 0.02). Among women pregnant after coercion, only 15% wanted to be pregnant then or sooner. Women reporting reproductive coercion are at greater risk of unwanted or mistimed pregnancies, and the semen exposure that caused these pregnancies could also transmit STI/HIV. Clinicians should screen patients for reproductive coercion; consider using semen exposure biomarkers such as PSA or Yc-PCR to identify condom sabotage or stealthing; and refer women experiencing reproductive coercion to supportive services.

Associations between Work Experience and Betel Nut, Alcohol, or Tobacco Use among Low-Income Taiwanese Students from Middle School to University

Background: Research suggests that young working students are at higher risk for substance use. However, most studies have focused on students from middle-class families, with few investigations conducted on substance use by students from low-income families. Objective: To examine the associations between work experience and betel nut, alcohol, or tobacco (BAT) use among Taiwanese students from low-income families. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were derived from the fourth wave of the Taiwan Panel Study of Children and Youth survey which provides primary data on low-income families. A total of 3,350 low-income students aged 12-25 years old from middle school to university participated. The χ² test was performed to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and BAT use between employed and unemployed students. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between work status, work intensity, monthly income, occupation, and BAT use. Results: Employed students displayed higher BAT use than those who were unemployed. Increased BAT use was also associated with higher work intensity (except for betel nut use), higher monthly income, and specific occupations (such as service or manual work). Conclusions: Employment is independently associated with a higher risk of BAT use among low-income Taiwanese students. Work intensity and specific occupational fields may offer insights into formulating relevant preventive measures for these students.