Trajectories of alcohol use and association with symptoms of depression from early to late adolescence: The Norwegian Longitudinal Health Behaviour Study

Using Network Analysis to Subgroup Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in College Students

Purpose

Network modeling has been suggested as an effective method to explore intricate relationships among antecedents, mediators, and symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the severity of depressive symptoms in college students affects the multivariate relationships among anhedonia, smartphone addiction, and mediating factors.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 1347 Chinese college students (587 female) to assess depressive symptoms, anhedonia, addictive behaviors, anxiety, and insomnia. The participants were categorized the non-depressive symptom (NDS) and depressive symptom (DS) groups based on a cut-off score of 5 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Network analysis was performed to investigate the symptom-to-symptom influences of symptoms in these two groups.

Results

The network of the DS group was more densely connected than that of the NDS group. Social anticipatory anhedonia was a central factor for DS, while withdraw/escape (one factor of smartphone addiction) was a central factor for NDS. The DS group exhibited greater strength between the PHQ9 score and social anticipatory anhedonia, as well as between the PHQ9 score and alcohol misuse score, compared to the NDS group. On the other hand, the NDS group had higher strength between anxiety and feeling lost, as well as between anxiety and withdraw/escape, compared to the DS group.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that there is a close relationship between social anhedonia, smartphone addiction, and alcohol consumption in the DS group. Addressing on ameliorating social anhedonia and smartphone addiction may be effective in preventing and managing depression in college students.

Depressive symptoms, conduct problems and alcohol use from age 13 to 19 in Norway: evidence from the MyLife longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Even though mental health problems and alcohol use remain major challenges facing adolescents, our understanding of their developmental progressions primarily stems from cohorts coming 1 of age in the early 2000's. We aimed to examine and describe normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use across adolescent years among more recent cohorts of Norwegian youth born in the 21st century.

METHODS

Multilevel mixed linear models for symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, and multilevel mixed logistic models for depressive disorder, conduct problems, any alcohol use, and risky drinking, were estimated with longitudinal data from a nationwide sample N = 3436 (55% girls) of Norwegian adolescents (mean age 14.3 [SD = 0.85] in 2017). We compared models with linear, quadratic, and cubic change with age, and models that tested moderation by sex and centrality (rural vs. urban communities).

RESULTS

Average symptoms and the rate of depressive disorder increased sharply from age 13 to age 19, but both the initial levels and the rates of change were greater for girls than for boys. Average symptoms of conduct disorder and the rate of conduct problems increased in early adolescence and were greater for boys than girls. The rates of any alcohol use and risky drinking both increased sharply from age 14, but there were no notable sex differences either in the initial levels or rates of change over time. Adolescents from more rural communities had greater rates of any drinking in mid-adolescence, but there were no other effects of centrality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a much-needed update concerning normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use among millennium cohorts. Consistent with prior studies, we observed significant increases in all outcomes across adolescence, with depression being both greater and more prevalent among girls and conduct problems being both greater and more prevalent among boys. Consistent with the emerging evidence, we observed no sex differences in alcohol use. Finally, there were no differences in the examined developmental trajectories as a function of centrality. These findings underscore the importance of early prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems.

Association between lifestyle choices and mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Mental health is recognized as a critical component of public health Given the close relationship between mental health and life style and the importance of students as valuable human resources, the present study aimed at determining the relationship between life style and mental health among medical students in Sousse during COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in university students from the first to the fifth grade of the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse during the academic year 2020/2021. Data were collected anonymously via an online questionnaire published on the Facebook groups of each grade, on december 2020. The online survey consisted of three sections. The first one aimed to collect sociodemographic information. The second section of the survey addressed recent lifestyle choices and the third one assessed psychological distress using the French version of 12 items of The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The significance level was considered 0.05.

RESULTS

Overall 147 were studied. Using the bimodal scoring, the total score was between 0 and 12, to evoke psychiatric disorders, we set the threshold of 4. For our sample, the median scale was 7 [4-9], and more than half of the students (68%; n = 100) had a score higher than 4. Psychiatric disorder was significantly more frequent in female students (73.3% vs 42.3%; p = 0.002). Higher GHQ-scale was found in younger students, foreigners, students who need more than 30 minutes to get to the faculty, unemployed students, and students of fifth grade. However, differences were not statistically significant. Regarding lifestyle choices, we found that physical inactivity, no smoking habits, no alcohol use, no illicit substance use, other substance use, changing in eating habits, and absence of coping methods of stress were higher in students with psychiatric disorders. However, this association was statistically significant only for physical activity (p = 0.016). The results of the regression analysis suggest female gender as an independent predictor of high GHQ-12 scores. Practicing physical activity was found as protective factor for psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSION

Considering the vital role of medical students in providing and promoting community health, the need for more detailed planning and interventions to improve their life style and mental health is essential.

Parent problem drinking trajectory classes predict anxiety in adolescence and emerging adulthood

BACKGROUND

This study identified latent trajectory classes for maternal problem drinking and paternal problem drinking and examined the associations between these trajectory classes and offspring anxiety symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

METHODS

Participants (n = 870; 54% female; 59% non-Hispanic White; Mage = 16.10, SD = 0.71) were administered surveys during the spring of 2007, 2008, and 2009, and 2014.

RESULTS

Fit indices from parallel process growth mixture models suggested three dual trajectory classes: (1) Low initial levels of maternal problem drinking and paternal problem drinking that increased over time (Low-Both); (2) Low initial levels of maternal problem drinking that increased over time and high initial levels of paternal problem drinking that increased slightly over time (Low-Mom/High-Dad); (3) High initial levels of maternal problem drinking that increased slightly over time and low initial levels of paternal problem drinking that remained relatively stable over time (High-Mom/Low-Dad). Girls were more likely than boys to be classified in the Low-Mom/High-Dad and High-Mom/Low-Dad classes, relative to the Low-Both trajectory class. In addition, adolescents in the High-Mom/Low-Dad trajectory class reported the most anxiety symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the reliance on one informant (the adolescent/emerging adult) and the geographically limited sample (northeastern United States).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing anxiety should consider changes in alcohol use in both the father and the mother over time. Moreover, special attention should be paid to maternal problem drinking given that it appears to be a salient risk factor for anxiety during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Lifestyle factors and psychological well-being: 10-year follow-up study in Lithuanian urban population

Background

Several lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition habits, and social activity have been associated with psychological well-being (PWB). However, their effect on PWB prospectively has been less studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of lifestyle factors on higher future PWB during the 10-year follow-up of middle-aged and elderly urban population.

Methods

In the baseline survey (2006 to 2008), 7115 men and women 45–72 years of age were examined within the framework of the international study Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in the Eastern Europe (HAPIEE). In the follow-up survey (in 2016), which was performed among all 6210 participants who survived till that year, 4266 individuals participated responding to postal questionnaires. PWB was assessed by a CASP-12 questionnaire. The lifestyle behaviours, including smoking and nutrition habits, alcohol consumption, social and physical activity, were evaluated by the questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied for statistical data analysis.

Results

After accounting for several potential confounders, healthy levels of lifestyle behaviours were associated with higher PWB after 10-year follow-up. Never-smokers in men and former smokers in women had higher PWB by 43 and 67% odds respectively in comparison with smokers. Physical activity in women and high social activity both in men in women was positively related to higher PWB. More frequent fresh vegetable and fruit consumption was associated with higher odds of higher PWB (odds ratio 1.57 in men and 1.36 in women, p < 0.05) compared to less frequent consumption of such food groups. Dose-response relationship between increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors and higher PWB was determined both in men and women.

Conclusions

Lifestyle factors such as never smoking and former smoking, high social activity, and more frequent fresh vegetable and fruit consumption increased the odds of higher PWB over 10 years of follow-up in men and women groups. The increase of the protective health behaviour score was directly associated with the odds of higher PWB.

Substance use in childhood and adolescence and its associations with quality of life and behavioral strengths and difficulties

BACKGROUND

Substance use in childhood and adolescence continues to be a current health concern. The aims of the present study were to identify trends in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis in children and adolescents in the last 10 years and to assess associations between substance use and quality of life and behavioral strengths and difficulties.

METHODS

Substance use was examined in 1829 9- to 18-year-old German children and adolescents participating in the LIFE Child cohort study between 2011 and 2020. Quality of life was investigated using the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess behavioral strengths and difficulties. Associations were assessed using linear regression analyses. All effects were adjusted for age, gender, and family socio-economic status.

RESULTS

38.44% of participants reported drinking alcohol at least sometimes. Smoking (6.23%) and the use of cannabis (3.94%) were less frequent. While we observed no significant changes in smoking between 2011 and 2021, the consumption of cannabis and the frequent consumption of alcohol has increased in this time period. Cigarette and cannabis use were associated with additional symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention and reduced prosocial behavior. For all three substances, usage was associated with more conduct problems. We also found significant associations between substance use and a lower quality of life in the areas of physical wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, parent relation and autonomy, and school environment. One noteworthy finding was that cigarette consumption and frequent alcohol use were associated with higher quality of life in terms of social support/peer group relations. Some significant interactions between substance use and child age indicated that associations between substance use and quality of life or behavioral difficulties were stronger in younger than in older children.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that quality of life and behavioral difficulties are associated with substance use and should be considered when developing or implementing preventive measures to counter substance use. Furthermore, the findings indicate that substance use can be accompanied by improved peer relations. Therefore, the influence of peers, especially of peers who use these substances, should not be underestimated.

Multiple health risk behaviors and mental health from a life course perspective: The Dutch TRAILS study

We examined trajectories of multiple health risk behavior (MHRB) patterns throughout adolescence, and changes in mental health from childhood to young adulthood. Further, we assessed how continuity or onset of MHRBs overall were associated with subsequent changes in mental health, and whether this varied by type of MHRBs. We used six waves of the prospective Dutch TRAILS study (2001-2016; n = 2229), covering ages 11 until 23. We measured MHRBs (substance use: alcohol misuse, cannabis use, smoking; and obesity-related: overweight, physical inactivity, irregular breakfast intake) at three time points during adolescence. We assessed mental health as Youth/Adult Self-report total problems at ages 11 and 23. Latent class growth analyses and ANOVA were used to examine longitudinal trajectories and associations. We identified six developmental trajectories for the total of MHRBs and mental health. Trajectories varied regarding likelihood of MHRBs throughout adolescence, mental health at baseline, and changes in mental health problems in young adulthood. We found no associations for the continuity of overall MHRBs throughout adolescence, and neither for early, mid- or late onset, with changes in mental health problems in young adulthood. However, continuity of MHRBs in the obesity-related subgroup was significantly associated with an increase in mental health problems. Adolescents with the same MHRB patterns may, when reaching adulthood, have different levels of mental health problems, with mental health at age 11 being an important predictor. Further, involvement with obesity-related MHRBs continuously throughout adolescence is associated with increased mental health problems in young adulthood.

Associations Between Adolescent Mental Health and Health-Related Behaviors in 2005 and 2015: A Population Cross-Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Adolescent mental ill-health is a growing concern. There is little understanding of changes over time in the associations between mental health and health-related behaviors and outcomes (such as substance use, antisocial behavior, and obesity). We investigate whether the associations between different health and health-related outcomes in adolescence are changing over time in two recent cohorts of adolescents born 10 years apart.

METHODS

Data from two UK birth cohort studies, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, born 1991-92, N = 5,627, 50.7% female) and Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, born 2000-2, N = 11,318, 50.6% female) at age 14 are analyzed. The health outcomes of focus are depressive symptoms, substance use (alcohol, smoking, cannabis, and other drugs), antisocial behaviors (assault, graffiti, vandalism, shoplifting and rowdy behavior), weight (body mass index [BMI]), weight perception (perceive self as overweight), and sexual activity (had sexual intercourse). Regression analyses are conducted to examine associations between these variables with cohort as a moderator to examine cohort differences.

RESULTS

The directions of associations between mental-health and health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking) are similar over time; however, their strength across the distribution has changed. While smoking and alcohol use behaviors are decreasing in adolescents, those that endorse these behaviors in 2015 are more likely to have co-occurring mental ill-health than those born in 2005. Similarly, higher BMI is more strongly associated with depressive symptoms in 2015 compared to 2005.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse health-related outcomes such as greater substance use, mental health difficulties, and higher BMI appear to be more likely to cluster together in the more recent cohort, with implications for public health planning, service provision, and lifelong disease burden.

Alcohol Use and Mental Health among Older American Adults during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Poor mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may prompt the utilization of various coping behaviors, including alcohol use. We aimed to investigate the relationships between mental health symptomatology and self-reported changes in alcohol consumption at the onset of the pandemic. Data were from the nationwide COVID-19 Coping Study of US adults aged ≥55 in April and May 2020 (n = 6548). We used population-weighted multivariable-adjusted multi-nomial logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between mental health (of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, each) and self-reported increased alcohol consumption (vs. no change in consumption). One in ten adults (717/6548; 11%) reported an increase in their alcohol consumption in the past week compared to their usual pre-COVID-19 drinking. Mental health symptomatology was associated with increased drinking since the pandemic onset (depression: OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.99-3.56; anxiety: OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.34-2.42; loneliness: OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.83-3.28). Participants who screened positive for all three mental health outcomes were substantially more likely to report increased alcohol consumption since the onset of the pandemic (OR = 3.87, 95% CI: 2.52-5.96, vs. no mental health outcomes). This study demonstrates potentially harmful changes in alcohol intake among middle-to-older aged adults experiencing mental health symptomatology during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of one year krill oil supplementation on depressive symptoms and self-esteem of Dutch adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Observational studies have shown a relationship between omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) and depression in adolescents. However, n-3 LCPUFA supplementation studies investigating the potential improvement in depressive feelings in adolescents from the general population are missing.

METHODS

A one-year double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled krill oil supplementation trial was conducted in two cohorts. Cohort I started with 400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or placebo, after three months this increased to 800 mg EPA and DHA per day, whilst cohort II started with this higher dose. Omega-3 Index (O3I) was monitored via finger-prick blood measurements. At baseline, six and 12 months participants completed the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Rosenberg Self Esteem questionnaire (RSE). Adjusted mixed models were run with treatment allocation/O3I as predictor of CES-D and RSE scores.

RESULTS

Both intention-to-treat and assessing the change in O3I analyses did not show significant effects on CES-D or RSE scores.

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence for less depressive feelings, or higher self-esteem after one year of krill oil supplementation. However, due to a lack of adherence and drop-out issues, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Early use of alcohol associated with sociodemographic, nutritional and lifestyle factors: survival analysis with Brazilian students

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the early age of onset (AOO) of alcohol consumption and its association with sociodemographic, nutritional and lifestyle characteristics.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional multi-centered study assessed 12-17-year old adolescents from 1247 public and private schools in 124 Brazilian municipalities with more than 100 000 habitants. Our variable of interest was the AOO of alcohol consumption. Covariates comprised sociodemographic status, lifestyle habits and nutritional parameters. We used adapted survival models to investigate the association between covariates and the AOO of alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

From a sample of 67 672 adolescents, 50% were females. The mean AOO of alcohol consumption was 12.9 years. Male adolescents had a lower mean age of alcohol experimentation when compared to females in Northeast and South regions. The difference between private and public school for AOO was observed only for the Northeast Region (12.6 versus 13.1, respectively). Adolescents who reported smoking or mental health problems or from the Southern Region presented earlier alcohol use. Physical activity and overweight were positively associated with earlier use of alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no homogeneity in the AOO of alcohol consumption among adolescents, which should be considered when formulating public policies and government campaigns directed toward reducing alcohol consumption.

Gender-based examination of the association between individual symptoms of alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, and suicidal behaviors: a network analysis of data from the Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the gender differences in the associations between the individual symptoms of AUD and MDD and SB using a network analysis.

METHODS

Data from the 2011 and 2016 Korean Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study were analyzed. Variables were assessed using the Korean version of Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Of 11,124 total participants, 907 endorsing screening questions for AUD and MDD were included. The undirected and directed network structures of AUD, MDD, and SB were estimated and centrality and bridge centrality indices were examined.

RESULTS

The overall undirected network structure and global strength did not differ between genders. While three AUD symptoms had high strength indices in network structure for both genders, depressed mood for men and worthlessness/guilt for women were the bridge symptoms linking other MDD symptoms and AUD symptoms to SB and had the strongest influence on SB. Directed network indicated that for men, AUD symptoms were related to SB via MDD symptoms with tolerance being a dominant item. For women, none of the AUD symptoms were related to MDD symptoms and SB, and insomnia/hypersomnia was a dominant item. Worthlessness/guilt was the directly linked to SB in the directed network analysis for both genders.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional design and the use of combined dataset with different time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Some differential associations at the level of individual symptoms of AUD and MDD with SB were observed between men and women. Targeting to the central and bridging symptoms may improve the outcomes of SB interventions implemented among patients with AUD or MDD.

Gendered Pathways of Internalizing Problems from Early Childhood to Adolescence and Associated Adolescent Outcomes

Despite trends indicating worsening internalizing problems, characterized by anxiety and depression, there is dearth of research examining gender differences in developmental trajectories of internalizing problems from early childhood to adolescence. Drawing on the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 17,206, 49% female), this study examines trajectories of parent-reported, clinically-meaningful (reflecting the top 10%) internalizing problems from ages 3 to 14 years and their early predictors and adolescent outcomes. Group-based modelling revealed three trajectories when examining boys and girls together, but there were significant gender differences. When examining boys and girls separately, four trajectories were identified including two relatively stable trajectories showing either high or low probabilities of internalizing problems. An increasing trajectory was also found for both boys and girls, showing an increasing probability of internalizing problems which continued to rise for girls, but levelled off for boys from age 11. A decreasing trajectory was revealed for boys, while a moderate but stable trajectory was identified for girls. Boys and girls in the increasing and high probability groups were more likely to report a number of problematic outcomes including high BMI, self-harm, low mental wellbeing, depressive symptoms, and low educational motivation than the low group. Girls on the increasing trajectory also reported more cigarette and cannabis use and early sexual activity at age 14 compared to girls on the low trajectory. Findings suggest that intervention strategies take a systemic view, targeting not only internal feelings, but also behaviours potentially associated with later negative outcomes.

Adolescent Psychological Functioning and Membership in Latent Adolescent-Parent Communication Dual Trajectory Classes

The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between adolescents' psychological functioning (as indicated by depressive symptoms) and substance use (alcohol and drug use) and membership in adolescent-parent communication trajectory subgroups in a large, diverse community sample of adolescents from the United States (n = 1,057; 53% female; 51% Caucasian; Age: M = 16.15, SD = .75). Adolescents completed questionnaires at three annual assessments. Fit indices from parallel process growth mixture models suggested three dual trajectory classes: (1) Average communication with both parents (Average-Both); (2) Good adolescent-mother and poor adolescent-father communication (Good-Mom/Poor-Dad); and (3) Poor adolescent-mother and good adolescent-father communication (Poor-Mom/Good-Dad). The trajectory classes differed by gender. In addition, psychological functioning and substance use were differentially related to the trajectory classes.

Solitary drinking and the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in college students: Findings from a nationwide survey in Korea

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that solitary drinking is becoming more common in Korea, few studies have investigated the association between drinking alone and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in Korean college students.

METHOD

Primary data on a nationally representative sample of college students were used. Data were collected by Yonsei University and the Korean Center for Disease Control in 2017 to investigate alcohol-related behaviors and health consequences in students. The association between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation were measured using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 3,935 students were analyzed, in which 11.5% had depressive symptoms and 2.8% suicidal ideation. Compared to non-solitary drinkers, solitary drinkers were more likely to have depressive symptoms [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.28, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.72-3.02] and suicidal ideation (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.32-3.81). Moreover, larger differences were found in individuals with higher alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) scores and with more frequent underage drinking experience.

LIMITATIONS

As this study was cross-sectional in design, causal inferences cannot be made on the association between solitary drinking, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

Solitary drinking is associated with higher likelihoods of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in college students. The results suggest the importance of monitoring solitary drinkers as they may be more vulnerable to the negative mental health effects of alcohol.

Effects of childhood emotional maltreatment on depressive symptoms through emotion dysregulation in treatment-seeking patients with heroin-dependence

BACKGROUND

Although individuals who experience childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) are more likely to use maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, resulting in vulnerability to depression, no research has examined whether emotion dysregulation may explain the association between CEM and current depressive symptoms in a clinical sample of heroin-dependent individuals.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to assess the direct effect of CEM on current depressive symptoms and its indirect effect via emotion dysregulation in a treatment-seeking sample of males with heroin dependence. In a cross-sectional design, participants (N = 350) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

RESULTS

Emotional abuse and neglect severity had significant direct effects on current depressive symptoms and significant indirect effects through emotion dysregulation after controlling for clinical factors related to heroin use.

LIMITATIONS

Study limitations include the cross-sectional design and use of self-report scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest emotion dysregulation may increase depressive symptoms in heroin users who experienced CEM. Training in emotion regulation strategies may decrease depressive symptoms in heroin-dependent individuals with CEM. Additional research with a longitudinal design to confirm these results is warranted.

Economic Circumstances in Childhood and Subsequent Substance Use in Adolescence - A Latent Class Analysis: The youth@hordaland Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between longitudinal registry-based data on family income during childhood and self-reported substance use in adolescence, including potential alcohol- or drug problems. Data from the Norwegian population-based youth@hordaland-survey was employed, and the analyzed included n = 8,983 adolescents aged 16–19 years. This information was linked to registry-based information about childhood family income for seven consecutive years prior to adolescents’ participation in the youth@hordaland-survey. Latent class analyses (LCA) were used to examine associations between patterns of family economic circumstances in childhood and subsequent substance use in adolescence. Based on the LCA, we identified four distinct patterns of family economic circumstances: a ‘never poor’ (89.3%) group, followed by two groups characterized by moving in (3.0%) or out (4.6%) of poverty, and a final ‘chronically poor’ (3.1%) group. Several findings were of interest: the chronically poor reported less daily snus use, fewer had tried alcohol, were less likely to report frequent intoxication, and less prone to have potential alcohol- or drug-related problems compared to all other groups. They were also less likely to have tried any illicit drug compared to those moving in or out of poverty. Finally, the chronically poor reported more daily smoking than the never poor group, but less daily smoking than the moving out of poverty group. The never poor group was less likely to have tried any illicit drugs compared to the groups moving into or out of poverty, and less likely to smoke daily compared to the moving out of poverty group. In other words, the present study somewhat surprisingly suggested lower substance use among the chronically poor adolescents compared to other adolescents on several of the measures of substance use.

The interactive effects of perceived peer drinking and personality profiles on adolescent drinking: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

(1) To classify Australian adolescents according to their alcohol consumption trajectories; and (2) to assess the direct and interactive effects of perceived peer drinking (PPD) and personality on adolescent drinking.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study comprising secondary analysis of six waves of prospective data (collected between 2014 and 2016) from the control arm of the Climate Schools Combined Study.

SETTING

Nineteen schools across three Australian states.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1492 socio-demographically diverse students (mean age at baseline: 13.47; 68% female; 82% born in Australia).

MEASUREMENTS

Alcohol consumption trajectories were assessed using self-reported sipping of alcohol, full standard drink consumption, binge drinking and quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. One item assessed PPD and personality was assessed using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale.

FINDINGS

Eight hundred and sixty-four (58%) adolescents consumed alcohol across the study period. Four drinking trajectories were identified: abstaining (n = 513; reference group); onset (n = 361; initiated after baseline); persistent (n = 531; initiated prior to baseline); and decreasing (n = 50; consumed alcohol at baseline but ceased or decreased thereafter). A significant PPD × anxiety sensitivity (AS) interaction affected probability of belonging to the onset (P < 0.001) and persistent (P = 0.003) trajectories. The effect of PPD on probability of belonging to the onset trajectory was only significant when adolescents reported low [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.464-2.646, P < 0.001], but not high AS. The effect of PPD on probability of belonging to the persistent drinking trajectory was stronger at low (95% CI = 2.144-3.283, P < 0.001), compared with high (95% CI = 1.440-2.308, P < 0.001) AS.

CONCLUSIONS

In Australian adolescents, self-reported drinking onset and persistent drinking appear to be more strongly associated with perceived peer drinking in those with low anxiety sensitivity than those with high anxiety sensitivity.

Typologies of Peer Victimization, Depression, and Alcohol Use among High School Youth in the United States: Measuring Gender Differences

Using the data from 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, our study explored gender differences in the typologies of peer victimization and alcohol use mediated by depression among adolescents. Results showed a significant association between peer victimization types with depression and alcohol use among both male and female students. Results also showed stark gender differences in school victimization, cyber-bullying victimization, sexual-dating violence, and depression on alcohol use. Findings provide implications for policies and programs that examine various forms of peer victimization, mental health, and alcohol use through a gendered lens, critical to acknowledging gendered differences in victimization and behavior of adolescents.

Lifestyle choices and mental health: a longitudinal survey with German and Chinese students

BACKGROUND

A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial for one's mental health. Thus, identifying healthy lifestyle choices that promote psychological well-being and reduce mental problems is useful to prevent mental disorders. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the predictive values of a broad range of lifestyle choices for positive mental health (PMH) and mental health problems (MHP) in German and Chinese students.

METHOD

Data were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Samples included 2991 German (Mage = 21.69, SD = 4.07) and 12,405 Chinese (Mage = 20.59, SD = 1.58) university students. Lifestyle choices were body mass index, frequency of physical and mental activities, frequency of alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetarian diet, and social rhythm irregularity. PMH and MHP were measured with the Positive Mental Health Scale and a 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The predictive values of lifestyle choices for PMH and MHP at baseline and follow-up were assessed with single-group and multi-group path analyses.

RESULTS

Better mental health (higher PMH and fewer MHP) at baseline was predicted by a lower body mass index, a higher frequency of physical and mental activities, non-smoking, a non-vegetarian diet, and a more regular social rhythm. When controlling for baseline mental health, age, and gender, physical activity was a positive predictor of PMH, smoking was a positive predictor of MHP, and a more irregular social rhythm was a positive predictor of PMH and a negative predictor of MHP at follow-up. The good fit of a multi-group model indicated that most lifestyle choices predict mental health comparably across samples. Some country-specific effects emerged: frequency of alcohol consumption, for example, predicted better mental health in German and poorer mental health in Chinese students.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underline the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for improved psychological well-being and fewer mental health difficulties. Effects of lifestyle on mental health are comparable in German and Chinese students. Some healthy lifestyle choices (i.e., more frequent physical activity, non-smoking, regular social rhythm) are related to improvements in mental health over a 1-year period.

Diet quality and depressive symptoms in adolescence: no cross-sectional or prospective associations following adjustment for covariates

OBJECTIVE

Adolescence is a critical period for development of depression and understanding of behavioural risk factors is needed to support appropriate preventive strategies. We examined associations between adolescent diet quality and depressive symptoms, cross-sectionally and prospectively, in a large community cohort, adjusting for behavioural and psychosocial covariates.

DESIGN

Prospective community-based cohort study (ROOTS).

SETTING

Secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, UK.

SUBJECTS

Study participants (n 603) who completed 4 d diet diaries at age 14 years and reported depressive symptoms (Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ)) at 14 and 17 years of age.

RESULTS

Diet data were processed to derive a Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and daily servings of fruit and vegetables, and fish. At age 14 years, a negative association between fruit and vegetable intake and MFQ score was seen in the unadjusted cross-sectional regression model (β=-0·40; 95 % CI -0·71,-0·10), but adjustment for behavioural covariates, including smoking and alcohol consumption, attenuated this association. Fish intake and MDS were not cross-sectionally associated with MFQ score. No prospective associations were found between MDS, fruit and vegetable intake or fish intake and later MFQ score.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet quality was not associated with depressive symptoms in mid-adolescence. Previously reported associations in this age range may be due to confounding. Further longitudinal studies are needed that investigate associations between adolescent diet and depression across different time frames and populations, ensuring appropriate adjustment for covariates.

15-year-old tobacco and alcohol abstainers in a drier generation: Characteristics and lifestyle factors in a Norwegian cross-sectional sample

Aims: Norwegian adolescents currently drink and smoke less on average than previous cohorts. Based on cross-sectional survey data, the individual and familial characteristics of 15-year-old non-users and users of alcohol and tobacco were compared to identify correlates to abstinence. Methods: The survey was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Service. The sample consisted of 3107 adolescents from a 2011 school-based survey, of which 848 (27.3%) did not drink alcohol nor use tobacco. Associations with leisure time activities, risk perceptions, parenting style and social factors were analysed by logistic regression. Results: Most of the non-drinkers were also non-users of tobacco. Abstainers (neither alcohol nor tobacco use) tended to have less unorganized and more hobby-related leisure time activities, higher risk perceptions for smoking, and monitoring or emotionally supportive parents. They more rarely reported close relationships with their best friend and were more likely to report lower occurrences of drinking and smoking among friends or siblings. Conclusions: Differences in perceived parenting styles and a lower degree of unorganized leisure in the abstainer group points to monitoring and closer emotional ties between parents and children as important factors in adolescent abstinence. An implication of these results is that promoting hobby-based activities might be a useful strategy for preventing alcohol and tobacco use in young people.

Exploring the association between whole blood Omega-3 Index, DHA, EPA, DHA, AA and n-6 DPA, and depression and self-esteem in adolescents of lower general secondary education

Purpose

Depression is common in adolescents and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are suggested to be associated with depression. However, research in adolescents is limited. Furthermore, self-esteem has never been studied in relation to LCPUFA. The objective here was to determine associations of depression and self-esteem with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Omega-3 Index (O3I), n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA, also called Osbond acid, ObA), n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations in blood of adolescents attending lower general secondary education (LGSE).

Methods

Baseline cross-sectional data from a krill oil supplementation trial in adolescents attending LGSE with an O3I ≤ 5% were analysed using regression models built with the BayesFactor package in R. Fatty acids and O3I were determined in blood. Participants filled out the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE).

Results

Scores indicative of depression (CES-D ≥ 16) were found in 29.4% of the respondents. Of all fatty acids, we found extreme evidence [Bayes factor (BF) > 100] for a weak negative association between ObA and depression score [− 0.16; 95% credible interval (CI) − 0.28 to − 0.04; BF₁₀ = 245], and substantial evidence for a weak positive association between ObA and self-esteem score (0.09; 95% CI, − 0.03 to 0.20; BF₁₀ = 4). When all fatty acids were put in one model as predictors of CES-D or RSE, all of the 95% CI contained 0, i.e., no significant association.

Conclusion

No evidence was found for associations of DHA, EPA and O3I with depression or self-esteem scores in LGSE adolescents with O3I ≤ 5%. The associations of higher ObA status with lower depression and higher self-esteem scores warrant more research.