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Fram MS, Nguyen HT, Frongillo EA. Food Insecurity among Adolescent Students from 95 Countries Is Associated with Diet, Behavior, and Health, and Associations Differ by Student Age and Sex. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac024. [PMID: 35317415 PMCID: PMC8929982 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents' developmental tasks and challenges vary based on age, sex, and social context. Food insecurity affects adolescents, but existing research has been limited to a few country contexts and has treated adolescence as a singular developmental moment with limited consideration of potential differences in how food insecurity relates to developmental experiences based on adolescent age and sex. Objectives We aimed to describe relations between student-reported food insecurity and students' profiles of nutritional, physical activity, school absenteeism, health/mental health, and victimization experiences, and how these differ by student age and sex. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, we examined adolescent reports of their food security among 337,738 students 11-18 y old from 95 countries. We identified their profiles of focal experiences, and used mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models to examine differences in these profiles by student food insecurity and how these differ by student age and sex. Results Of students, 25.5% aged 11-14 y compared with 30% aged 15-18 y reported food insecurity in the past 30 d. Food insecurity was associated with less frequent fruit and vegetable intake; more frequent soft drink intake; worse mental health; less physical activity; more missed school; higher odds of smoking, drinking, and using drugs; and more bullying victimization and sexual partners. Food insecurity was associated with reduced age- and sex-specific protection: greater substance use among younger adolescents, more sexual partners among older females, and greater worry among younger males. Food insecurity was also associated with increased age-specific risk: greater soft drink consumption among younger adolescents. Conclusions Across countries, adolescent food insecurity was associated with poorer nutritional, mental health, behavioral, and relationship profiles; these associations differed with student age and sex. Food insecurity interventions should attend to adolescent developmental stage and the gendered contexts through which adolescents navigate daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoa T Nguyen
- Institute for Families in Society, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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El Ansari W, Salam A. Multi-Substance Use Behaviors: Prevalence and Correlates of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Use among University Students in Finland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6426. [PMID: 34198520 PMCID: PMC8296251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Virtually no studies appraised the co-use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) among Finn undergraduates. We assessed the associations between sociodemographic, health, academic, policy, and lifestyle characteristics (independent variables); and individual, multiple and increasing ATOD use (dependent variables) using regression analyses. Data were collected by online questionnaire at the University of Turku, Finland (1177 students). Roughly 22% of the sample smoked, 21% ever used illicit drug/s, 41% were high frequency drinkers, and 31.4%, 16.3%, and 6.7% reported 1, 2, or 3 ATOD behaviors respectively. Individual ATOD use was significantly positively associated with the use of the other two substances [adjusted odds ratio (Adj OR range 1.893-3.311)]. Multiple ATOD use was negatively associated with being single (p = 0.021) or agreeing with total smoking or alcohol ban policy on campus (p < 0.0001 for each); but positively associated with not living with parents (p = 0.004). Increasing ATOD behaviors were significantly less likely among those agreeing with total smoking or alcohol ban policy on campus (p range 0.024 to <0.0001). Demographics significant to either individual, multiple, or increasing ATOD use included males, being single, not living with their parents during semesters, and to some extent, religiosity. Age, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, self-rated health, health awareness, income sufficiency, and academic variables were not associated with individual, multiple, or increasing ATOD use. Education and prevention efforts need to reinforce abstinence from ATOD, highlight their harmful outcomes, and target risk groups highlighted above. University strategies should be part of the wider country-wide successful ATOD control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 3050, Qatar
- School of Health and Education, University of Skovde, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Abdul Salam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia;
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Abu Hamad B, Jones N, Gercama I. Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip. Confl Health 2021; 15:40. [PMID: 34020683 PMCID: PMC8139118 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also as an integral part of development, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rapid physical and psychosocial changes that take place during adolescence have a strong influence on the rest of a persons life course, so investments in adolescent health services constitute a unique opportunity to reap inter-generational dividends. Yet the evidence base on adolescents access to health services, particularly in conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores adolescents access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. Methods The article draws on mixed methods research in the Gaza Strip conducted in 2016 and 2017 as part of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence research programme. Data were collected from 240 male and female adolescents combining in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a tablet-based survey. This study also draws on a participatory action pilot project engaging 12 boys and 23 adolescent girls aged 1519years old. Results The findings underscore that gender normsespecially those pertaining to adolescent girls sexual purityshape adolescent health in multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions on their mobility, leaving them with limited opportunities for leisure or exercise, socializing with peers or seeking health services and information. Adolescent boys in Gaza do not face the same restrictions, but given the multiple political, economic and familial stressors, they are at high risk of substance abuse including smoking and involvement in peer violence. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care. Study participants cited the main challenges being an absence of preventive adolescent health initiatives and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as drug shortages, high treatment costs, and inappropriate interactions with service providers. Conclusions The article highlights the importance of designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information and promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassam Abu Hamad
- Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University/ GAGE MENA Regional Director, 101, Tel El Hawa, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Nicola Jones
- ODI Principal Research Fellow and Director of Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE), Overseas Development Institute, 203 Blackfriars Bridge Road, London, SE1 8NJ, UK
| | - Ingrid Gercama
- Applied Anthropologist, Anthrovision, Overhoeksplein 2, 1031, KS, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Gustafsson NK, Rydgren J, Rostila M, Miething A. Social network characteristics and alcohol use by ethnic origin: An ego-based network study on peer similarity, social relationships, and co-existing drinking habits among young Swedes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249120. [PMID: 33831040 PMCID: PMC8031442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study explores how social network determinants relate to the prevalence and frequency of alcohol use among peer dyads. It is studied how similar alcohol habits co-exist among persons (egos) and their peers (alters) when socio-demographic similarity (e.g., in ethnic origin), network composition and other socio-cultural aspects were considered. Data was ego-based responses derived from a Swedish national survey with a cohort of 23-year olds. The analytical sample included 7987 ego-alter pairs, which corresponds to 2071 individuals (egos). A so-called dyadic design was applied i.e., all components of the analysis refer to ego-alter pairs (dyads). Multilevel multinomial-models were used to analyse similarity in alcohol habits in relation to ego-alter similarity in ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, sex, risk-taking, educational level, closure in network, duration, and type of relationship, as well as interactions between ethnicity and central network characteristics. Ego-alter similarity in terms of ethnic origin, age and sex was associated with ego-alter similarity in alcohol use. That both ego and alters were non-religious and were members of closed networks also had an impact on similarity in alcohol habits. It was concluded that network similarity might be an explanation for the co-existence of alcohol use among members of peer networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina-Katri Gustafsson
- CHESS, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Rydgren
- Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Rostila
- CHESS, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Miething
- CHESS, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Al-Hinaai H, Al-Busaidi I, Al Farsi B, Al Saidi Y. The Prevalence of Substance Misuse and its Effects among Omani College Students: A Cross-sectional Study. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e224. [PMID: 33585045 PMCID: PMC7868041 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Many studies have confirmed that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis is prevalent among university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of substance misuse among college students in Oman, identifying the most commonly used substances, and reviewing the effect of substance misuse on the students’ performance. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a higher learning institution in an urban setting in Oman from April 2018 to December 2018. A descriptive, self-administered online questionnaire, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, version 3.0 (Arabic version), adapted from the World Health Organization was sent to 12 000 students at the college. The sample size was calculated using online software (Raosoft), with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%. Results A total of 375 students responded (response rate = 3.1%). The overall lifetime prevalence for any substance misuse (including tobacco and alcohol) among the participants was 41.3%, with the overall prevalence without tobacco or alcohol at 29.9%. Tobacco was the most common substance used, with a prevalence of around 23.5%, followed by alcohol at 10.7%. Male students had a significantly higher rate of substance abuse, for any substance, compared to female students (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between tobacco use, alcohol misuse, and misuse of other substances. Most of the adverse effects attributed to substance misuse reported by the respondents in this study were social (27.7%) and health-related (25.8%) problems. The impact of substance abuse on their performance was also high (23.8%). Furthermore, 15.4% of the respondents had financial problems, and 4.7%% were struggling with legal issues. Notably, only 49.1% of the respondents perceived that substance misuse was a serious problem. Conclusions Although college students are expected to be more aware of the negative impacts of substance misuse, this study found a high prevalence of smoking, alcohol, and other substance misuses among the group of Omani college students. Further research in this field is essential, and the results of this study have shed light on a critical problem among Omani college students. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be used and built on in future research to recognize students at risk of substance misuse from early school life, leading to early intervention, and potentially preventing the possible negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Issa Al-Busaidi
- Department of Family Medicine, Royal Oman Police Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Badriya Al Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Yaqoub Al Saidi
- Department of Family Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Yi X, Liu Z, Qiao W, Xie X, Yi N, Dong X, Wang B. Clustering effects of health risk behavior on mental health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:211. [PMID: 32620107 PMCID: PMC7333302 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01468-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Risk behaviors are significantly impacting physical and psychological health among adolescents, resulting in a tremendous public health issue. The aim of this study is to examine the association of clustered risk behaviors with mental health and physical activity, and identify to what extent the clustering of various risk behaviors is associated with psychological health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents. METHODS Students aged 16-18 years, male 16.2 ± 1.03, female 16.3 ± 1.56, were recruited from 30 high schools to complete an online questionnaire in fall semester 2017. A structured questionnaire, 2017 state and local youth risk behavior survey was revised, modified, and translated into Chinese. Five questions were designed to assess physical activity times of the last 7 days. Symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to investigate the mental health status of the participants. Statistical analyses were done employing chi-square tests, two step cluster analysis, logistic regression. RESULT Results illustrate that girls report a significantly higher mean of being bullied in school, electronically bullied, feeling sad or hopeless, and trying cigarette smoking. Two-step cluster analysis and regression analysis find that alcohol use, smoking and sedentary behavior have significant effect on adolescent health. Logic regression demonstrated that risk behaviors have significantly associated with mental health and physical activity in specific cluster. CONCLUSION This study finds that a specific behavior cluster has significant impact on mental health and physical activity among adolescents. Integrating risk behaviors cluster with factors can be employed to target high-risk adolescents who have poor physical and psychosocial health. The research suggest that more effective and feasible school intervention programs can be designed to promote adolescent health-related behavior in terms of those pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangren Yi
- Department of Sport and Health, School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061 China
| | - Zongyu Liu
- Department of Sport and Health, School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061 China
| | - Wenzhen Qiao
- Department of Science and Technology, Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technology, Jinan, 250103 China
| | - Xiuye Xie
- Department of Human Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 USA
| | - Nuo Yi
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Science, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA
| | - Xiaosheng Dong
- Department of Sport and Health, School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061 China
| | - Baozhen Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061 Shandong China
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Al Wahaibi N, Al Lawati A, Al Ruqeishy F, Al Khatri A, Al-Farsi Y, Juma TMA, Al Hinai F, Al-Sibani N, Mahadevan S, Al-Adawi S. The characteristics and patterns of utilization of healthcare services among Omanis with substance use disorders attending therapy for cessation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210532. [PMID: 30703131 PMCID: PMC6354979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use. AIM The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services. A related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable to alcohol and substance use in Oman. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center specialized for treatment of those engaging in substance use in Oman. The participants in the study were selected from a convenience sample among patients seeking consultation at the center for alcohol and substance use. A six-part questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio-demographic background, clinical history, healthcare utilization and perceived hurdles to access. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling was used to obtain measures of association after adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS Among the patients (n = 293) seeking cessation therapy, 99% were male and less than 30 years of age. Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. The participants that reported use of cannabis and benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive "improvement" upon receiving treatment. CONCLUSION This study indicated that males below 30 years of age with a history of polysubstance use were likely to attend a hospital specialized in treating substance use disorder in Oman. This study identified information regarding socio-demographic background, risk factors and perceived hurdles to healthcare that could serve as groundwork for further studies conducted on newly emerging issues of substance use in Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Al Wahaibi
- Wadi Kabir Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Anwaar Al Lawati
- Ruwi Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Falaah Al Ruqeishy
- Muscat Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Yahya Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tahira M. A. Juma
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Al Hinai
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nasser Al-Sibani
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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