0
selected
-
1.
Supplement (mis)use in adolescents.
Tiwari, K
Current opinion in pediatrics. 2020;(4):471-475
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dietary supplement usage by adolescents has been on the rise in the last decade and is expected to continue to grow, although the evidence of their benefits in healthy individuals remains unclear. This review aims to spread awareness about the poorly regulated supplements and their effects on the health of adolescents to minimize medical hazards. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we have attempted to summarize some of the commonly consumed supplements, their alleged benefits, effects and side effects, along with the motivation that drives adolescents into consuming them. SUMMARY The widespread use of dietary supplements among adolescents, in the background of lack of knowledge and medical guidance, predisposes adolescents to significant health risks. Although supplements may be necessary and safely consumed in certain specific situations, most healthy adolescents do not need them. The lack of regulation of supplements encourages contamination and ensures indiscriminate, easy access.
-
2.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brain Disorder Characterized by Eating Problems Originating during Puberty and Adolescence.
Steegers-Theunissen, RPM, Wiegel, RE, Jansen, PW, Laven, JSE, Sinclair, KD
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(21)
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition associated with reproductive and psychiatric disorders, and with obesity. Eating disorders, such as bulimia and recurrent dieting, are also linked to PCOS. They can lead to the epigenetic dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby impacting on ovarian folliculogenesis. We postulate that PCOS is induced by psychological distress and episodes of overeating and/or dieting during puberty and adolescence, when body dissatisfaction and emotional distress are often present. We propose that upregulated activation of the central HPG axis during this period can be epigenetically altered by psychological stressors and by bulimia/recurrent dieting, which are common during adolescence and which can lead to PCOS. This hypothesis is based on events that occur during a largely neglected stage of female reproductive development. To date, most research into the origins of PCOS has focused on the prenatal induction of this disorder, particularly in utero androgenization and the role of anti-Müllerian hormone. Establishing causality in our peripubertal model requires prospective cohort studies from infancy. Mechanistic studies should consider the role of the gut microbiota in addition to the epigenetic regulation of (neuro) hormones. Finally, clinicians should consider the importance of underlying chronic psychological distress and eating disorders in PCOS.
-
3.
Psychological Correlates of Sedentary Screen Time Behaviour Among Children and Adolescents: a Narrative Review.
Mougharbel, F, Goldfield, GS
Current obesity reports. 2020;(4):493-511
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aims of this narrative review were to (1) synthesise the literature on the relationship between screen time and important mental health outcomes and (2) examine the underpinning factors that can influence this association. RECENT FINDINGS Paralleling the rise of mental health issues in children and adolescents is the ubiquitous overuse of screens, but it is unclear how screen time is related to important mental health outcomes and whether this association differs by gender, age and screen type. METHODS Medline/PubMed, PsychINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched on December 2019 for articles published mainly in the last 5 years. The search focused on two main concepts: (i) screen time and (ii) mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, psychological and psychosocial well-being and body image concerns. RESULTS Sixty studies were included in the review. Higher levels of screen time were associated with more severe depressive symptoms. We found moderate evidence for an association between screen time and poor psychological well-being and body dissatisfaction especially among females. Relationships between screen time and anxiety were inconsistent and somewhat gender specific. Social media use was consistently associated with poorer mental health. Higher levels of screen time are generally associated with poorer mental health outcomes, but associations are influenced by screen type, gender and age. Practitioners, parents, policy makers and researchers should collectively identify and evaluate strategies to reduce screen time, or to use screens more adaptively, as a means of promoting better mental health among children and adolescents.
-
4.
Digital technologies for promotion of healthy eating habits in teenagers.
Alcântara, CM, Silva, ANS, Pinheiro, PNDC, Queiroz, MVO
Revista brasileira de enfermagem. 2019;(2):513-520
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify and analyze the scientific literature on digital technologies for promotion of healthy eating habits in teenagers. METHOD Integrative review of articles published in English and Spanish, available in full on four databases. The descriptors used were (Adolescent health) OR (Teen health) AND (Healthy diet) OR (Healthy eating) AND (Educational technology) OR (Instructional technology), respectively, from which eight articles were selected. RESULTS Among the studies included, three were digital games; two web-based nutrition interventions; two using online programs to prevent obesity; and one nutritional advice using multimedia. They showed experiences of digital technology and its effects on knowledge improvement and/or behavior of participants when developing healthy eating habits. CONCLUSION Digital technologies are innovative tools present in the lives of teenagers, with the possibility of being used for education and promotion of healthy eating, contributing to the empowerment of the subject for his/her self-care.
-
5.
Risk-Taking Behaviors in Adolescents With Chronic Cardiac Conditions: A Scoping Review.
DiFusco, LA, Schell, KA, Saylor, JL
Journal of pediatric nursing. 2019;:98-105
Abstract
PROBLEM Advances in treatment and therapy for children with chronic cardiac conditions have extended their life expectancy. Risk-taking behavior among adolescents requires further exploration. Researchers conducted a scoping review to address a literature gap specific to risk-taking behavior among adolescents with chronic cardiac conditions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Sources were limited to (1) human subjects, (2) English language or translatable to English, (3) adolescents without age restrictions, (4) all research designs and (5) presence of a chronic cardiac condition. SAMPLE Searches of six electronic databases (CINAHL Plus Full Text, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and Grey Literature Report) were conducted to verify the empirical literature between 1975 and 2018. Seventeen sources were included in this review. RESULTS Among the 17 sources, 12 sources examined risk-taking behavior by self-report among adolescents with chronic cardiac conditions. Tobacco, alcohol and/or other drug use and physical inactivity were the most prevalent risk-taking behaviors identified through this review. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this scoping review describe the types of risk-taking behaviors that adolescents with chronic cardiac conditions are engaging in, highlight similarities when compared to other types of chronic conditions, and serve as a foundation for future research among this population. IMPLICATIONS Discussion of risk-taking behaviors should be integrated into each healthcare encounter beginning in early adolescence and continuing through transition to adulthood and adult health care. Qualitative research studies may serve as an effective method by which to explore risk-taking behavior among adolescents with chronic cardiac conditions in greater detail.
-
6.
Insufficient sleep in adolescents: causes and consequences.
Owens, JA, Weiss, MR
Minerva pediatrica. 2017;(4):326-336
Abstract
Insufficient sleep poses an important and complicated set of health risks in the adolescent population. Not only is deficient sleep (defined as both sleep duration inadequate to meet sleep needs and sleep timing misaligned with the body's circadian rhythms) at epidemic levels in this population, but the contributing factors are both complex and numerous and there are a myriad of negative physical and mental health, safety and performance consequences. Causes of inadequate sleep identified in this population include internal biological processes such as the normal shift (delay) in circadian rhythm that occurs in association with puberty and a developmentally-based slowing of the "sleep drive", and external factors including extracurricular activities, excessive homework load, evening use of electronic media, caffeine intake and early school start times. Consequences range from inattentiveness, reduction in executive functioning and poor academic performance to increased risk of obesity and cardio-metabolic dysfunction, mood disturbances which include increased suicidal ideation, a higher risk of engaging in health risk behaviors such as alcohol and substance use, and increased rates of car crashes, occupational injuries and sports-related injuries. In response to these concerns, a number of promising measures have been proposed to reduce the burden of adolescent sleep loss, including healthy sleep education for students and families, and later school start times to allow adolescents to obtain sufficient and appropriately-timed sleep.
-
7.
A systematic review of mediators of physical activity, nutrition, and screen time in adolescents: Implications for future research and clinical practice.
Kelly, S, Stephens, J, Hoying, J, McGovern, C, Melnyk, BM, Militello, L
Nursing outlook. 2017;(5):530-548
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents are not meeting current recommendations for daily physical activity, nutrition, and screentime which has been associated with overweight and obesity. Understanding the mediators that facilitate teens in improving their healthy lifestyle behaviors may be helpful in halting this crisis. PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review was to assess published findings regarding mediators of adolescent energy balance behaviors. METHOD We followed the Institute of Medicine guidelines for completing a systematic review. DISCUSSION Fourteen analyses from 12 studies were included with mediating variables tested for nutrition, physical activity, and screen time. Mediators were identified for all three behaviors and were primarily on the individual level of the social ecological model. CONCLUSIONS Combining findings from this and other reviews of mediators can help guide researchers in choosing mediating factors for specific target behaviors.
-
8.
The Influence of Peers on Diet and Exercise Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
Chung, SJ, Ersig, AL, McCarthy, AM
Journal of pediatric nursing. 2017;:44-56
Abstract
Adolescents' diet and exercise are modifiable factors contributing to high rates of adolescent obesity. Diverse contextual factors, including family, social environment, and peers, affect adolescents' diet and exercise behaviors. Because peer influence increases during adolescence, peers' contributions to adolescents' diet and exercise behaviors should be examined as potential targets for intervention to reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify research examining the contribution of peers to diet and exercise of adolescents. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched. A total of 24 unique articles were included: seven examined diet only, fourteen studied exercise only, and three explored diet and exercise. This review provided evidence that diet and exercise of adolescents were significantly associated with those of their peers. However, these associations differed depending on gender, the type of diet and exercise, and closeness of friends. Findings from this review suggest that peers could be possible targets for interventions to promote healthier diet and exercise among adolescents; however, more studies are needed to identify specific peer influences and develop tailored interventions.
-
9.
The school environment and adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a mixed-studies systematic review.
Morton, KL, Atkin, AJ, Corder, K, Suhrcke, M, van Sluijs, EM
Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. 2016;(2):142-58
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
There is increasing academic and policy interest in interventions aiming to promote young people's health by ensuring that the school environment supports healthy behaviours. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current evidence on school-based policy, physical and social-environmental influences on adolescent physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that (1) involved healthy adolescents (11-18 years old), (2) investigated school-environmental influences and (3) reported a physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour outcome or theme. Findings were synthesized using a non-quantitative synthesis and thematic analysis. Ninety-three papers of mixed methodological quality were included. A range of school-based policy (e.g. break time length), physical (e.g. facilities) and social-environmental (e.g. teacher behaviours) factors were associated with adolescent physical activity, with limited research on sedentary behaviour. The mixed-studies synthesis revealed the importance of specific activity settings (type and location) and intramural sport opportunities for all students. Important physical education-related factors were a mastery-oriented motivational climate and autonomy supportive teaching behaviours. Qualitative evidence highlighted the influence of the wider school climate and shed light on complexities of the associations observed in the quantitative literature. This review identifies future research needs and discusses potential intervention approaches to be considered.
-
10.
Trends in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of United States Youth.
Bassett, DR, John, D, Conger, SA, Fitzhugh, EC, Coe, DP
Journal of physical activity & health. 2015;(8):1102-11
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in childhood and adolescent obesity are a growing concern in the United States (U.S.), and in most countries throughout the world. Declines in physical activity are often postulated to have contributed to the rise in obesity rates during the past 40 years. METHODS We searched for studies of trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviors of U.S. youth, using nontraditional data sources. Literature searches were conducted for active commuting, physical education, high-school sports, and outdoor play. In addition, trends in sedentary behaviors were examined. RESULTS Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and other national surveys, as well as longitudinal studies in the transportation, education, electronic media, and recreation sectors showed evidence of changes in several indicators. Active commuting, high school physical education, and outdoor play (in 3- to 12-year-olds) declined over time, while sports participation in high school girls increased from 1971 to 2012. In addition, electronic entertainment and computer use increased during the first decade of the 21st century. CONCLUSIONS Technological and societal changes have impacted the types of physical activities performed by U.S. youth. These data are helpful in understanding the factors associated with the rise in obesity, and in proposing potential solutions.