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2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Children's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 59254

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ľubica Argalášová

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Institute of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: public health; community noise and health; social and voluntary noise; adolescent health; maternal and child health; environmental tobacco smoke
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jana Jurkovičová

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Institute of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: public health; human nutrition; non-communicable diseases; community noise and health; adolescent health; maternal and child health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is the phase of life stretching between childhood and adulthood, encompassing elements of biological growth and major social role transitions. It is a time when adolescents are able to acquire new knowledge and skills intensively, but also when they struggle with mood swings and emotional outbursts, and when they build lifelong friendships and serious relationships. It is a time when they become acquainted with human and social values and form value charts, preparing for life in adulthood. It is a phase of life that holds great potential for healthy development and in which future patterns of adult health are established. In these developmental stages, profound physical, intellectual, emotional, psychological, and sexual changes occur. As in any age group, economic and social conditions influence adolescent health. Adolescence represents a good opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle, but also to improve poor health.

The most important public health interventions are informing or educating the target population about risks, persuading them to reduce those risks, encouraging them to adopt healthy or safe behaviors, and modifying the environment to reduce exposure to risks or to promote or facilitate safe or healthy behaviors.

The aim of this Special Issue, which is the 2nd Edition of the previously successful Special Issue Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges, is to amplify the link of the previous Special Issue and to put more emphasis on prevention and intervention.

We welcome papers that address adolescent and young people’s health from different perspectives and research fields, such as Public Health, Clinical and Preventive Medicine, Psychology, Sociology, etc. Multidisciplinary papers are also welcome, as are papers which bring novel approaches to public health interventions. We are looking forward to receiving your contribution and creating a Special Issue that will provide readers with new information on adolescents’ and young people's health.

Prof. Dr. Ľubica Argalášová
Prof. Dr. Jana Jurkovičová
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

adolescent health
young people’s health
health-risk behaviors
prevention
intervention

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Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (48 articles)

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10 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors

by Jana Diabelková, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko, Peter Urdzík, Andrea Houžvičková and Ľubica Argalášová

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054113 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 15186

Abstract

One of the major social and public health problems in the world is adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is strongly associated to less favorable results for both the mother and the newborn. We conducted this research to ascertain the impact of teenage age on neonatal outcomes and also observed the lifestyles of pregnant teenage girls. We conducted a study of 2434 mothers aged ≤19 years (n = 294) or 20–34 years (n = 2140) who gave birth in 2019–2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice. The data on mothers and newborn infants have been reported from the reports on mothers at childbirth. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 served as the reference group. The teenage mothers were more likely to become pregnant if they were unmarried (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3–21.6; p < 0.001) and had a basic education or lack of education (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 11.5–24.6; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to smoke when pregnant (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8–6.6; p < 0.001). Low birth weight was more common in newborns born to adolescent mothers than in those born to adult mothers (p < 0.001). Our findings showed that infants of teenage mothers often had lower birth weights (−332.6 g, p < 0.001). Adolescent mothers were associated with lower Apgar scores at the first minute (p = 0.003). As compared with the control group, pregnant teenage girls had a greater prevalence of preterm deliveries in our research (p = 0.004). This study finds significant age-related disparities in neonatal outcomes between mothers. These results might be used to identify vulnerable groups who need special assistance and actions to reduce the probability of negative outcomes for such groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

21 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Marta Malinowska-Cieślik, Dorota Kleszczewska, Anna Dzielska, Monika Ścibor and Joanna Mazur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021358 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4224

Abstract

Despite the extensive literature on the psychosocial determinants of bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents, there is not sufficient comprehensive analysis of the differences between perpetrators. This study aims to assess the psychosocial similarities and differences between bullies and cyberbullies. Data of 3650 students from two grades, K9 and K11 (47% females, mean age = 16.53), were used from a survey conducted in Poland in 2018 as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Perpetration was measured by questions adapted from the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. The following predictors were analyzed: demographic, socioeconomic status measured with the Family Affluence Scale-III (FAS), and individual and social factors. Multiple binary logistic regression was applied. The random sampling design was based on stratification according to the local deprivation index of the region where the school was located. Male gender, younger age, and non-intact family were associated with a higher risk of bullying and cyberbullying. Family support, empathy, school performance, and school attachment had a protective effect against both aggressive behaviors. Life dissatisfaction and high FAS were revealed as determinants of cyberbullying and local deprivation of bullying only. Bullying and cyberbullying school prevention programs should take into account these psychosocial differences and consider the economic deprivation of the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

12 pages, 378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Presence of Hyperhomocysteinemia Does Not Aggravate the Cardiometabolic Risk Imposed by Hyperuricemia in Young Individuals: A Retrospective Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

by Katarína Šebeková, Radana Gurecká, Gabriela Repiská, Ivana Koborová and Ľudmila Podracká

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013521 - 19 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1698

Abstract

Background: Little research has been conducted into the effects of the combined manifestation of hyperuricemia and hyperhomocysteinemia on cardiometabolic risk factors and markers in young subjects. Methods: 1298 males and 1402 females, 14-to-20-year-olds, were classified into four groups: 1/normouricemic/normohomocysteinemic, 2/normouricemic/hyperhormohomocysteinemic, 3/hyperuricemic/normohomocysteinemic, and 4/hyperuricemic/hyperhomocysteinemic. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, lipids, markers of renal function, C-reactive protein, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and blood counts were determined. Results: Hyperuricemic males (but not females) had higher odds for hyperhomocysteinemia than normouricemic ones (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4–2.3; p < 0.001). Homocysteine and uric acid levels correlated directly (males: r = 0.076, females: r = 0.120; p < 0.01, both). Two-factor analysis of variance did not reveal a significant impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on any of the investigated cardiometabolic variables in females; in males, hyperuricemia and hyperhomocysteinemia showed a synergic effect on asymmetric dimethylarginine levels. Among four groups, subjects concurrently manifesting hyperuricemia and hyperhomocysteinemia did not presented the highest continuous metabolic syndrome score—a proxy measure of cardiometabolic risk; neither the multivariate regression model indicated a concurrent significant effect of uric acid and homocysteine on continuous metabolic syndrome score in either sex. Conclusion: In young healthy subjects, hyperhomocysteinemia does not aggravate the negative health effects imposed by hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

12 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Sprint Interval Training on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers and Adipokine Levels in Adolescent Boys with Obesity

by Marit Salus, Vallo Tillmann, Liina Remmel, Eve Unt, Evelin Mäestu, Ülle Parm, Agnes Mägi, Maie Tali and Jaak Jürimäe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912672 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of supervised sprint interval training (SIT) on different cardiometabolic risk factors and adipokines in adolescent boys with obesity. Thirty-seven boys were allocated to either a SIT group (13.1 ± 0.3 years; body mass index [BMI]: 30.3 ± 0.9 kg·m⁻²) or a control group (CONT) (13.7 ± 0.4 years; BMI: 32.6 ± 1.6 kg·m⁻²). The SIT group performed 4–6 × 30 s all-out cycling sprints, interspersed with 4 min rest, for 3 sessions/week, during a 12-week period, while the non-exercising CONT group maintained a habitual lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements, triglycerides, fasting insulin and glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high- (HDLc) and low-density (LDLc) cholesterol, leptin and adiponectin in blood, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and a metabolic syndrome severity risk score (MSSS) were calculated before and after the 12-week period. Compared to baseline values, a significant reduction in MSSS was seen in the SIT group after intervention. LDLc showed favorable changes in SIT compared to CONT (−0.06 ± 0.1 vs. 0.19 ± 0.01 mmol·L⁻¹; p = 0.025). Additionally, CRF increased in the SIT group compared to the CONT group (5.2 ± 1.1 vs. −2.1 ± 1.1 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹, p < 0.001). Moreover, a 12-week all-out SIT training effectively improves cardiometabolic health in adolescent boys with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

7 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Time Estimation or Autonomic Heart Rate Regulation: Which Mechanism Is More Sensitive in the Development of Internet Addiction in Adolescents?

by Olga Krivonogova, Elena Krivonogova and Liliya Poskotinova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911977 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess different combinations of time estimation ability and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in adolescents during developing of Internet addiction (IA). The study included adolescents aged 16–17 (n = 49) living in the southern region of Russia. IA was measured using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). An individual minute test (IM) was performed, and HRV was recorded. There are three groups that differ in HRV, IM duration and CIAS parameters. Minimal and moderate risk of IA development was detected against a background of a tendency towards vagotonia and prolonged IM time (Group I) and balanced autonomic nervous balance and optimal IM time (Group II). A balanced autonomic nervous balance and prolonged IM time were detected in the group of persons with a moderate risk of IA and a stable IA pattern (Group III). We assume that the development of IA in adolescents may be carried out by different neural mechanisms, including optimal autonomic nervous balance, but with primary impairment of cortical brain mechanisms of time perception. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

13 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Bright Side of Skin Autofluorescence Determination in Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Potential Predictor of Remission?

by Kristina Podolakova, Lubomir Barak, Emilia Jancova, Juraj Stanik, Katarina Sebekova and Ludmila Podracka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911950 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a noninvasive method reflecting tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). We investigated whether, in newly diagnosed children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), this surrogate marker of long-term glycemia is associated with markers of the early manifestation phase, residual secretion capacity of the ß-cells, and the occurrence of remission. SAF was measured in 114 children and adolescents (age: 8.0 ± 4.5 years, 44% girls) at the time of T1D diagnosis, and related to HbA1c, C-peptide, diabetic ketoacidosis, and remission. 56 patients were followed up for 1 year. Seventy-four sex- and age-matched healthy individuals served as controls. SAF was higher in the T1D group compared with controls (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.001). At the time of diagnosis, SAF correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.285, p = 0.002), was similar in patients with and without ketoacidosis, and was lower in the remitters compared with non-remitters (0.95 ± 0.18 vs. 1.04 ± 0.26, p = 0.027). Unlike HbA1c, SAF was an independent predictor of remission (∆R² = 0.051, p = 0.004). Former studies consider SAF in diabetic patients as a tool to identify individuals at an increased risk of chronic complications. Here we show that determination of SAF at the time of T1D diagnosis might potentially predict remission, at least in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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17 pages, 726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Parental Support and the Students’ Opinions in Active Finnish Physical Education Homework

by Mari Kääpä, Sanna Palomäki, Alicia Fedewa, Ulla Maija Valleala and Mirja Hirvensalo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911924 - 21 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2693

Abstract

Prior research indicates that adolescent boys are often more active than girls, implying a need for special attention to increase the physical activity levels of adolescent girls. Adolescents are at an age where they are especially susceptible to environmental and social influences but still have a limited amount of autonomy over their own behaviors. The effective physical activity programs implemented at this age may benefit health into adulthood. The fact that adolescents’ physical activity is influenced by many factors indicates that to achieve any behavioral change, interventions must target several levels across the socio-ecological model. During childhood, the family is the primary factor in socializing and shaping engagement in physical activity. This study is part of the Physical Education (PE) Homework Study project which was implemented in a midsized secondary school in the middle of Finland from 2016 to 2020. The goal was to develop one easily approachable way to prevent the decreasing physical activity of adolescent girls. This was done by increasing physical activity times of adolescent girls outside of the school by giving them active PE assignments. The aim was also to explore students’ and their parents’ perceptions of physically active physical education homework. In this part of the study, there were 43 interviews: 38 student interviews and 5 interviews with parents. The analysis process followed the qualitative content analysis (QCA) strategy by Schreirer. In this study, we combined the views of students and parents, and obtained a broad picture of the PE homework assignments given at school but completed at home. According to students and parents, PE homework assignments should be diverse, interesting, and challenging, they should also be provided at flexible schedules outside of school hours with family support. Physical education homework could be a potential approach to influence the physical activity of the student population by involving school curriculum and families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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16 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Who Is Able to Resist What Is Forbidden?—The Relationship between Health Literacy and Risk Behaviours in Secondary School Students in the Broader Social and Educational Context

by Dorota Kleszczewska, Joanna Mazur, Katarzyna Porwit and Anna Kowalewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159381 - 31 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1931

Abstract

In the last Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey conducted in Poland in 2018, a group of 17-year-old adolescents (n = 1663; mean age 17.63 ± 0.36 years) was included outside the international protocol. This allowed an assessment to be made of their level of health literacy (HL) using the 10-point HBSC research tool. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between HL and risk behaviours (RB). A standardised index of RB in the last 30 days was considered as an outcome measure. This index was significantly higher in the group with low HL (0.318 ± 1.269) in comparison with the group with high HL (−0.083 ± 0.962). In a multivariate linear regression model, the strongest predictors of RB were gender, academic performance and level of regional deprivation, but the association with HL remained significant. This significant association persisted in general schools and in girls but disappeared in vocational schools and in boys. It was also shown that in rural areas, good academic performance has a less significant impact on RB if the HL level is low. The analyses led to the conclusion that when examining the relationship between HL and RB in older adolescents, it is advisable to take into account gender, the educational track and neighbourhood characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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15 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Problems and 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin as Possible Predictors of Symptom Severity, Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Kristina Bartakovicova, Petra Kemenyova, Ivan Belica, Zofia Janik Szapuova, Katarina Stebelova, Iveta Waczulikova, Daniela Ostatnikova and Katarina Babinska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137594 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2223

Abstract

In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sleep disturbances are a frequent comorbidity with an adverse effect on their behavior and functioning. It was suggested that melatonin deficit is at least partly responsible for the sleep problems. The study aimed to investigate, in a sample of 56 children with ASD aged 2.8–13.3 years, if the sleep problems and melatonin secretion can serve as predictors of adaptive functioning and severity of the ASD core symptoms. We demonstrated that, after adjustment for age, the Sleep score assessed by the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire predicts the Adaptive behavior composite score only in children younger than 6 years, and the preferred predictive model is for the domain Socialization. The age-adjusted Sleep score predicted Externalizing and Internalizing maladaptive behavior, with a near-zero contribution of age to the relationship between the Internalizing maladaptive behavior and Sleep score. After adjustment for age, the reduced night-time melatonin secretion predicted a higher severity of ASD symptoms in the domain Social affect and the Calibrated Severity Score, but not the sleep problems. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing sleep problems as a modifiable predictor of behavior in children with ASD and support the hypothesis about the role of melatonin in pathophysiology of ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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10 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Rejecting Intimate Partner Violence among Young Adults in Malaysia

by Wan Soliha Wan Mohd Hanafi, Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail, Anis Kausar Ghazali, Zaharah Sulaiman and Aziah Daud

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095718 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue, which is health threatening across all age groups, including young adults, and makes them and vulnerable. The rejection of IPV and willingness to disclose IPV as part of the solution are important as they correlate to this concealed violent behavior. This study aimed to investigate determinants of attitudes towards rejecting IPV among young adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 405 young adults attending premarital courses who were selected using purposive sampling. A validated questionnaire (MYPAIPVQ) was used as the study instrument. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for associations between sociodemographic characteristics and relationship status with attitudes towards IPV. Attitudes towards rejecting IPV included not accepting IPV and have the willing to disclose it. About half of the premarital young adults (50.4%) had attitudes towards rejecting IPV. In the regression analysis, age (AdjOR 1.12), female (AdjOR 2.49), self-employed (AdjOR 0.20), and drama as sources of information (AdjOR 3.66) were significantly associated with attitudes towards rejecting IPV. The findings have potentially important implications for interventions aimed at preventing violence among the young adult population as they are vulnerable to being involved in IPV in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

9 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurophysiologic Reactions during Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Session in Adolescents with Different Risk of Internet Addiction

by Denis Demin and Liliya Poskotinova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052759 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine electroencephalogram (EEG) in a session of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BF) in adolescents with different Internet addiction (IA) risks. In total, 100 healthy adolescents aged 16–17 years with minimal risk of IA (Group I, 35%), pronounced risk of IA (Group II, 51%), and stable pattern of IA (Group III, 14%) using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale were examined. HRV and EEG parameters were determined at baseline (5 min), and then during the short-term HRV BF session (5 min), in order to increase the total power (TP, ms²) of the HRV spectrum. Against the background of an increase in the TP and a decrease in sympathetic activity, an increase in alpha EEG was revealed, especially in Groups I and II. The greatest increase in the power of beta₁-activity of EEG in the frontal, central, and temporal brain regionswas found in Groups I and II. In adolescents with a pronounced risk of IA, HRV BF is accompanied by a severe activation of the brain systems, while in persons with a stable type of IA, the least brain reactivity is shown, especially in the beta₁ EEG band. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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21 pages, 1446 KiB

Open AccessReview

Digital Addiction Intervention for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

by Keya Ding and Hui Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064777 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 15283

Abstract

Digital devices play a significant role in the learning and living of children and adolescents, whose overuse or addiction has become a global concern. This scoping review seeks to synthesize existing studies to investigate relevant interventions and their effects on digital addiction in children (ages 0–18). To understand the latest advances, we have identified 17 studies published in international peer-reviewed journals between 2018–2022. The findings revealed that, first, most interventions for digital addiction in children and adolescents were cognitive–behavioral therapies (CBT) or CBT-based interventions, which could improve anxiety, depression, and related symptoms of digital addiction. Second, rather than directly targeting addictive behaviors, some family-based interventions aim to strengthen family functions and relationships. Finally, digital-based interventions, such as website-based, application-based, and virtual reality interventions, are promising in adolescent digital addiction interventions. However, these studies shared the same limitations: small sample sizes, short intervention durations, no control group, and nonrandomized assignments. The small sample size problem is difficult to solve by offline intervention. Meanwhile, online digital-based intervention is still in its infancy, resulting in limited generalizability of the findings and the inability to popularize digital intervention. Accordingly, future intervention studies should integrate various assessments and interventions to form an integrated platform to provide interventions for addicted children and adolescents worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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12 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence of High-Risk Disordered Eating Amongst Adolescents and Young Adults in the Middle East: A Scoping Review

by Mahmoud Azzeh, Gemma Peachey and Tom Loney

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095234 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4386

Abstract

High-risk disordered eating (HRDE) negatively affects physical, mental, and social wellbeing. This scoping review aimed to estimate the prevalence of HRDE amongst adolescents and young adults in the Middle East. MEDLINE database was searched for studies published in English or Arabic from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2020, estimating HRDE prevalence (using the Eating Attitudes Test 26 or 40 item questionnaire) in the Middle East. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts of potentially eligible records, followed by data extraction from eligible studies. Nineteen studies (n = 16,288; 65.8% female) from Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were included. Prevalence of HRDE varied considerably across countries and was lowest amongst adolescents in Israel (F 8.2%; M 2.8%) and highest amongst university students in Egypt (F 75.8%; M 69.6%). Prevalence of high-risk for anorexia nervosa ranged from 0.0% in Jordan to 9.5% in Oman; high-risk for bulimia nervosa from 0.6% in Jordan to 1.0% in the United Arab Emirates; and high-risk for binge eating disorder was 1.0% and 1.8% in Turkey and Jordan, respectively. Future studies should employ a standardized two-stage design with clinical diagnosis to verify the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviours in the Middle East. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Adolescent and Young People's Health Issues and Challenges)

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