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Objective: This research aims to study the effectiveness of verbal self-instruction training on symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and academic procrastination in male teenagers with ADHD. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population included all male teenagers with ADHD in Tabriz City, Iran. A total of 30 male teenagers with ADHD were selected via the purposive sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The research tools were the child symptom inventory-4 questionnaire and the Solomon and Rothblum academic procrastination scale. Descriptive statistical indices and the analysis of covariance tests were employed for data description and testing of the research hypotheses. Results: The F ratio of the univariate analysis of covariance for dependent variables showed a significant difference in the variables of academic procrastination and ADHD symptoms between the experimental and the control (P>0.001) group. Accordingly, verbal self-instruction is effective in improving academic procrastination and ADHD. Conclusion: The results showed that verbal self-instruction training affects symptoms of ADHD and academic procrastination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the puberty-related health needs of 10—5-year-old boys in Iran. The literature shows that the growing health problems of adolescents are an important health issue worldwide. The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey that applied a stratified-cluster sampling technique to collect data from boys aged 10–15 years in order to assess puberty-related health problems. The survey used a self-reported questionnaire comprising 10 demographic questions with 35 research questions based on five categories: awareness of puberty changes, mood swings, sexual orientation, self-confidence, and health behaviors. Five questions examined education demands. The study used descriptive statistics, chi-square test, regression, and correlation coefficient for quantitative data analysis. The mean age of the adolescents was 11.38 ± ± 4.37 years. There was a significant link between the maternal and paternal educational level and awareness of puberty changes among adolescent boys (p < 0.001). Overall, 69.81% of teenage boys lacked puberty awareness and had not understood puberty and health behaviors, and 87% of the teenage boys had no access to desired educational resources. At the same time, 82% of the boys' families did not disclose puberty changes and hygiene practices. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between adolescents' health behaviors and awareness of puberty changes (r = 0.12 p < 0.007). The results also revealed a positive relationship between self-confidence and health behaviors (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). There is a need among adolescent boys to receive health-related information about puberty. Teenage boys' families play an indispensable role in educating adolescents about puberty and health-related changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: it is important to investigate the relationship between disordered eating in male adolescents and smoking and alcohol consumption as they are risk factors to other diseases as well. For example, high levels of alcohol accompanied by the acidic damage and nutritional deficit exhibited in people with disordered eating habits - due to induced vomiting - has been shown to increase risk of esophageal cancer. Considering the very few studies done on disordered eating prevailing in males and the prevalence of smoking and drinking habits, our study aims to investigate the correlation between inappropriate eating habits and one's dependence on cigarettes, waterpipes, and alcohol all the while focusing on male adolescents.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study that enrolled 389 male students (13-17 years of age) drawn from five Lebanese schools between October and December 2019.Results: The MANCOVA analysis was performed taking the addiction scales as the dependent variables and the EAT-26 score as an independent variable, adjusting for the covariates (age, BMI and household crowding index). Higher EAT-26 scores (more inappropriate eating attitudes) were significantly associated with higher waterpipe dependence (B = 0.11; CI 0.06-0.17) and more problematic alcohol use (B = 0.08; CI 0.04-0.12), but not cigarette dependence.Conclusions: This study revealed an association between inappropriate eating and increased drinking and smoking the waterpipe, but not cigarettes. The manifestation of inappropriate eating habits was found to be significant among male adolescents; in the literature, this is also true for female adolescents. In Lebanon, the engagement of adolescents in alcohol drinking and waterpipe smoking is frequent as they are accessible due to the lack of law enforcement and supervision in the country. In addition, while this study found an association between inappropriate eating habits and dependency on smoking and drinking, further investigation should be done on the role of one's psychology in their exhibition of disordered eating as means to prevent the manifestation of these habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After-school approaches offer a viable solution to the current challenge of physical inactivity among many adolescents; however, availability, cost, transportation, and interest limit many youths' choices during non-school hours [Roth, Brooks-Gunn, Murray, and Foster 2003. "Youth Development Programs: Risk, Prevention and Policy." Journal of Adolescent Health 32 (3): 170–182]. In addition to these limitations, safety concerns in urban communities act as barriers to participation in both after-school programs [Sanderson and Richards 2010. "The After-School Needs and Resources of a Low-income Urban Community: Surveying Youth and Parents for Community Change." American Journal of Community Psychology 45: 430–440] and physical activity [Moore, Roux, Evenson, McGinn, and Brines 2010. "A Qualitative Examination of Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity for Urban and Rural Youth." Health Education Research 25 (2): 355–367]. Purpose: This year-long qualitative case study sought to explore young urban boys' experiences in an after-school program that aimed to empower young men through the sport of basketball. Method: Two coaches facilitated weekly sessions for 5–20 young men of color in an urban, public school after-school program in Harlem, NY. The program recruited young men to an after-school program that offered basketball instruction in a safe space. During the program, students worked on basketball skills as well as reflective reading and writing through weekly journals and immersive conversations that revolved around weekly themes such as sportsmanship, culture, power, and communication. At the conclusion of the study seven boys aged 10–14 agreed to be interviewed about their experiences in the REACH program. Sources of data include journals, interviews, and observations. These data were coded by two independent coders, peer reviewed by a third researcher and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings: Theme one: Shooting guns (violence) is a barrier to shooting hoops at local courts. Analysis of the data highlighted violence as an always-present barrier to playing basketball, specifically, and physical activity, generally speaking. Theme two: Future plans, the NBA. The vast majority of boys discussed joining the NBA, either directly from high school or after a year at a college. The NBA dream operated as a perceived pathway to a safer future and higher education. Theme three: Having and being role models. Analysis of the data also pointed to participants both being and/or having a role model. These relationships impacted them in a variety of ways and not only helps us better understand their experiences in the program but also elucidates how barriers to physical activity were alleviated. The young men who participated in this after-school program were able to engage in interest-based physical activity and academic learning tasks, thus creating a peaceful space to develop positive associations between school, physical activity, and community. Conclusion: Closely examining the lived experiences of the REACH participants is significant for understanding their barriers to physical activity and how REACH, as a PYD sport program, alleviated those barriers. Examining the data around these issues also expands on the need for PYD programs [Wright and Li 2009. "Exploring the Relevance of Positive Youth Development in Urban Physical Education." Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy 14 (3): 241–251] and extends understandings of the PYD framework put forth by Holt et al. [2017. "A Grounded Theory of Positive Youth Development Through Sport Based on Results From a Qualitative Meta-Study." International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology 10: 1–49]. Specifically, our study demonstrates the reciprocal and iterative nature of PYD climate, life skills focus, and PYD outcomes. Our study also expands on the understandings of PYD climate, extending the focus beyond relationships to also including participants' experiences and perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several abstracts from various sports medicine journals. One study, by P. Nordstrom and colleagues, looked at the relationship of bone mass with muscle strength and anthropometric measures in adolescent males. Another study, by S. P. Rider examines life stress and injuries in high school basketball players. Other studies researched interventions to reduce adult coronary artery disease risk factors in obese girls, bone mineral content in former child gymnasts, and cardiorespiratory function in adolescents with pectus excavatum.

Importance: Pediatric guidelines for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) recommend a healthy diet as treatment. Reduction of sugary foods and beverages is a plausible but unproven treatment.Objective: To determine the effects of a diet low in free sugars (those sugars added to foods and beverages and occurring naturally in fruit juices) in adolescent boys with NAFLD.Design, Setting, and Participants: An open-label, 8-week randomized clinical trial of adolescent boys aged 11 to 16 years with histologically diagnosed NAFLD and evidence of active disease (hepatic steatosis >10% and alanine aminotransferase level ≥45 U/L) randomized 1:1 to an intervention diet group or usual diet group at 2 US academic clinical research centers from August 2015 to July 2017; final date of follow-up was September 2017.Interventions: The intervention diet consisted of individualized menu planning and provision of study meals for the entire household to restrict free sugar intake to less than 3% of daily calories for 8 weeks. Twice-weekly telephone calls assessed diet adherence. Usual diet participants consumed their regular diet.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in hepatic steatosis estimated by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction measurement between baseline and 8 weeks. The minimal clinically important difference was assumed to be 4%. There were 12 secondary outcomes, including change in alanine aminotransferase level and diet adherence.Results: Forty adolescent boys were randomly assigned to either the intervention diet group or the usual diet group (20 per group; mean [SD] age, 13.0 [1.9] years; most were Hispanic [95%]) and all completed the trial. The mean decrease in hepatic steatosis from baseline to week 8 was significantly greater for the intervention diet group (25% to 17%) vs the usual diet group (21% to 20%) and the adjusted week 8 mean difference was -6.23% (95% CI, -9.45% to -3.02%; P < .001). Of the 12 prespecified secondary outcomes, 7 were null and 5 were statistically significant including alanine aminotransferase level and diet adherence. The geometric mean decrease in alanine aminotransferase level from baseline to 8 weeks was significantly greater for the intervention diet group (103 U/L to 61 U/L) vs the usual diet group (82 U/L to 75 U/L) and the adjusted ratio of the geometric means at week 8 was 0.65 U/L (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81 U/L; P < .001). Adherence to the diet was high in the intervention diet group (18 of 20 reported intake of <3% of calories from free sugar during the intervention). There were no adverse events related to participation in the study.Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of adolescent boys with NAFLD, 8 weeks of provision of a diet low in free sugar content compared with usual diet resulted in significant improvement in hepatic steatosis. However, these findings should be considered preliminary and further research is required to assess long-term and clinical outcomes.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02513121. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Measurement of the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (VO2peak) is not possible in every clinical and exercise setting due to complexity, cost, and time required. Submaximal field exercise test in an alternative method. Among exercise tests, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the maximal distance which a person can walk in 6 minutes. The purpose of the present study was to develop and cross-validate the VO2peak prediction equation based on the 6MWT in boys. Methods: VO2peak was measured by Bruce treadmill protocol with gas analysis in 157 healthy boys (13-17 years old). The 6MWT and anthropometric variables were measured according to standard methods. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: It was found that VO2peak of the boys had a significant correlation with 6MWT and anthropometric variables (r=0.318-0.853). VO2peak of the adolescent boys could be predicted by the distance walked in 6 minutes and body mass index (BMI) (R2 = 0.825, SEE = 2.81 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001). When the new VO2peak prediction equation was applied for the subjects of this study, predicted VO2peak had a high correlation with measured VO2peak (r = 0.908, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The 6MWT and proposed native VO2peak prediction equation could be used as a simple and safe tool for measurement of the CRF in the boys. It seems that physicians, exercise and fitness coaches, and physiotherapists could be able to evaluate the effect of medical and exercise prescriptions on the CRF of the boys via performing the 6MWT. This claim needs future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background- Childhood and adolescent obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is affecting many low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The most importance significance is persistence of obesity into adult-hood with all the associated health risks. Materials and Method: It is the observational, cross-sectional and comparative study and a total of 1200 boy students, 600 from one government and one private school of metropolitan city of Kolkata and 600 from a government and a private school of rural town of Midnapore district of West-Bengal were enrolled. In our study BMI was calculated from weight and height, and cut off of 23 and 27 were taken for overweight and obesity respectively. It is observed that 16.3% and4% boys from Midnapore town were overweight and obese respectively. In Kolkata city 18.3% and 6% boys were overweight and obese respectively. Statistically significant (P<.0001) difference is found in the BMI of boys from Midnapore town and Kolkata city. Conclusion: It is seen that children from cities and those belonging to higher socio-economic groups with less outdoor activities and consuming fast food were more likely to be overweight and obese than the boys from small town areas. These factors should be addressed and necessary measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of obesity especially in urban setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this research were to study: a) the prevalence of male adolescents, aged between 10 and 19 years of age, referred to our Unit for an andrological assessment; b) the reasons (stated and subsequently modified) for referral; c) the prevalence of clinically diagnosed diseases. Materials and methods: A total of 2.855 subjects, referred to the Andrology Unit for a first examination, were retrospectively studied. For each adolescent, a medical history was taken and an andrological physical examination was carried out. Results: Prevalence was found to be 6.9% (197/2855). Subjects were divided into two groups according to age (A: ≥ 14 and B: ≤ 15 years). The original reason stated for their consultation was corrected by 11.7% of the subjects (23/197); this correction concerned almost all the Group B subjects (21/23 (91.3%) vs 2/23 (8.7%) of Group A; p < 0.01). Regarding sexual dysfunctions, a simple explanation of certain conditions reassured the subject in about 15% of the cases. Furthermore, the physical examination proved extremely useful, revealing clinical alterations in more than 60% of subjects. Conclusions: In conclusion, to date in Italy, the prevalence of adolescents among males referred to an Andrology Unit for assessment is very low. It is important to encourage adolescents to undergo andrological examination to enable identification of reproductive function and psycho-sexual disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues related to transitional care in bladder exstrophy, a birth defect where part of the urinary bladder is present outside of the body. According to the authors, this malformation is more common in boys and undescended testes (UDT) is a common congenital anomaly seen in pediatric urology. It also discusses the case of a 16-year-old male with a complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE) and challenges arising when transitioning from pediatric urology to adult urology.

With unprecedented migration taking place in China, millions of children are profoundly affected. Using a sample of 916 children (aged 5-18) of migrants and the life course perspective, this article examines the impact of parental migration on children's health. Results show that migration has a complex impact on children's health. Although migrating to cities itself does not benefit children, poor housing conditions in cities have a negative impact on their health. The timing of parental migration is important, as preschoolers migrating with parents and teenagers left behind by parents have significantly worse health than others. Migration also has a gendered effect, as teenage boys benefit from migrating to cities but suffer from being left behind when compared to teenage girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of adolescents are more sedentary and have fewer formal opportunities to participate in physical activity. With the mounting evidence that sedentary time has a negative impact on cardiometabolic profiles, health related fitness and physical activity, there is a pressing need to find an affordable adolescent physical activity intervention. One possible intervention that has been overlooked in the past is Boy Scouts of America. There are nearly 900,000 adolescent boys who participate in Boy Scouts in the United States. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the effect of the Personal Fitness merit badge system on physical activity, health-related fitness, and cardio-metabolic blood profiles in Boy Scouts 11-17 years of age. Participants were fourteen (N = 14) Boy Scouts from the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America who earned their Personal Fitness merit badge. Classes were held in the Spring of 2016 where boys received the information needed to obtain the merit badge and data were collected. Results from the related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that the median of differences between VO2 peak pre-test and post-test scores were statistically significant (p = 0.004). However, it also showed that the differences between the Pre-MetS (metabolic syndrome) and Post-MetS scores (p = 0.917), average steps taken per day (p = 0.317), and BMI (p = 0.419) were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the merit badge program had a positive impact on cardiovascular endurance, suggesting this program has potential to improve cardiovascular fitness and should be considered for boys participating in Boy Scouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing physicians' experiences in HPV vaccine recommendation and delivery to adolescent boys is essential to providing an understanding of the issues of vaccine acceptance and an insight for policymakers to enhance HPV vaccinations among adolescent boys. Between January and April 2014 a mail survey was conducted using physicians in Malaysia known to provide either one or both HPV vaccine (Gardasil and Cervarix) immunisation services. A total of 357 completed questionnaires were received (response rate 22.5%). Of these, 335 physicians see adolescent boys aged 11 to 18 years old in their practice. Only 26.3% (n = 88) recommended the HPV vaccine to these boys. A total of 46.6% (n = 41) have successfully given the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to the boys (37.2%) and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys (32.8%) were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Impact statement Recommending the HPV vaccine for adolescent boys remains a challenge for physicians. Our study provides evidence of challenges and barriers faced by Malaysian physicians who recommend the HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) in their practices. In this study, physicians reported HPV vaccine uptake by adolescent boys was very poor. A lack of proper guidelines from the health authorities regarding the recommendation of HPV vaccine to boys and a lack of awareness of the availability of the vaccine for boys were the most commonly cited reasons for non-recommendation. Physicians viewed that support and encouragement from the health authorities are needed to promote the recommendation of the HPV vaccine to adolescent boys. Physicians were also of the opinion that the lay public should be educated about the availability of the HPV vaccine for boys, and its benefits, safety and efficacy, and the high susceptibility of boys to getting HPV infections. The findings provide insights that could be helpful to policymakers or high-level decision-makers of the potential strategies to enhance HPV uptake among adolescent boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The proportion of adolescents population has grown rapidly since last decade. Pakistan is among those countries having largest youth population in the world. These adolescents have some common misconceptions about pubertal changes. The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions and practices of adolescents' boys about puberty, and to assess effectiveness of educational sessions on knowledge of adolescents about puberty at secondary school F.B. area Karachi. METHODS: Time series pre and post quasi-experimental design was used to conduct the study. Need assessment was done to assess adolescent needs of Secondary School students. On the basis of need assessment session were arranged for the student of class VIII, IX & X. Pre & Post mean score of knowledge was calculated to see the effectiveness of the sessions. RESULTS: Over all Fifty-eight participants were enrolled in the study. However, for need assessment 15 subjects were selected. Approximately half of the participants were unaware about their pubertal age. 73.33% of the adolescents reported that they felt shame and hypersensitive over the physical changes they experience in pubertal age group. Interestingly, 53.33% of the adolescents reported that they talk about these changes with their parents. Pre-test mean score was 4.12 with standard deviation of ±1.339, while Post-test means score was 5.43 and standard deviation was ±1.523. Adolescent scores improved from 4.12 in Pre-test to 5.43 in Post-test. CONCLUSION: In conclusion the adolescent boys feel hypersensitive over physical changes they experience in pubertal age group. Most of them have misconceptions about puberty, which may lead to poor physical and mental health. The knowledge of adolescents regarding puberty significantly improved after educational sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Appearance-related pressures have been associated with binge eating in previous studies. Yet, it is unclear if these pressures are associated with emotional eating or if specific sources of pressure are differentially associated with emotional eating. We studied the associations between multiple sources of appearance-related pressures, including pressure to be thin and pressure to increase muscularity, and emotional eating in 300 adolescents (Mage=15.3, SD=1.4, 60% female). Controlling for age, race, puberty, body mass index (BMI) z-score, and sex, both pressure to be thin and pressure to be more muscular from same-sex peers were positively associated with emotional eating in response to feeling angry/frustrated and unsettled (ps<0.05). Pressure from same-sex peers to be more muscular also was associated with eating when depressed (p<0.05), and muscularity pressure from opposite-sex peers related to eating in response to anger/frustration (p<0.05). All associations were fully mediated by internalization of appearance ideals according to Western cultural standards (ps<0.001). Associations of pressures from mothers and fathers with emotional eating were non-significant. Results considering sex as a moderator of the associations between appearance-related pressures and emotional eating were non-significant. Findings illustrate that both pressure to be thin and muscular from peers are related to more frequent emotional eating among both boys and girls, and these associations are explained through internalization of appearance-related ideals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe and compare data on nutritional awareness regarding FV among adolescents from five Brazilian regions, according to demographics, physical activity levels, screen time and BMI. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 1.190 males aged 10-12 in five Brazilian regions, enrolled in a football tournament, with parental consent. BMI, weekly physical activity and daily screen time in minutes, awareness of FV recommendations in daily servings and recognition of food groups, home region, and residents of the household were obtained through self-administered questionnaire, adapted from a previously validated tool. ANOVA, Spearman correlation and chi-squared tests were performed, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Analysis showed 29% of overweight and obesity, less than 2 hours of daily screen time (70%) and insufficient levels of weekly physical activity (mean 226 minutes). Most (95%) lived with parents and with siblings (73%). About 29% of the sample were aware of FV recommendations and 60% recognized food groups. Awareness was not associated with BMI (p = 0.95), home region (p = 0,88), physical activity (p = 0.21), screen time (p = 0.46) or housing characteristics (p = 0.33). Conclusions: Data found on awareness of food groups are consistent with national and international studies, suggesting patterns of poor awareness worldwide. To our knowledge, there are no other Brazilian reports of level of awareness on recommendations of FV in this age group. The importance of behavioral interventions is acknowledged for stimulating healthy habits, which renders the results useful for the development of educational activities for this age group in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim was to examine the changes in metabolic syndrome risk factors over a 2-year period, and to investigate the independent influence of baseline physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular fitness (CVF) on these changes. Methods 120 Estonian boys (age at baseline 11.9 ± 0.1 years) were grouped according to baseline PA or CVF/kg (VO2max/kg) and CVF/LBM (VO2max/LBM). PA was assessed by 7-day accelerometry. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TRG), insulin and glucose were measured and assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and TC/HDL ratio were calculated. Results In both CVF/kg and CVF/LBM, the low CVF groups had significantly higher values of HOMA-IR ( P < 0.009) over time. In TRG and TC/HDL ratio values the only significant difference over time emerged between CVF/kg groups ( P < 0.001). Participants in high metabolic risk CVF/kg group were 5.9 times more likely to have high HOMA-IR values, 2.9 times more likely to have high triglyceride values, and 3.5 times more likely to have high TC/HDL ratio values ( P ≤ 0.045) in the second year follow-up compared to those who were in the low metabolic risk CVF/kg group. In moderate-to-vigorous PA groups there were no significant differences between HOMA-IR, TRG, and TC/HDL ratio values over time. Conclusions The results of the study indicate that CVF has a stronger longitudinal prediction value compared to moderate to vigorous physical activity in terms of metabolic risk factors in adolescent boys. Fitness remained a significant predictor if the influence of body fatness was removed from the analysis. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:782-788, 2016. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze bone mineral density (BMD) values in adolescents and to assess obesity impact, measured through body fat #x2013;on this variable through the assessment by DEXA. Methodology: A total of 318 males adolescents (12–17 years) were evaluated considering weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), fat and lean mass. BMD was assessed for the arms, legs, hips, and lumbar regions, as well as for total amount. Stratification of the nutritional status was determined by body fat (%BF) percentage; comparison of groups was scrutinized by analysis of variance; and the association of variables was performed using Pearson's test. Results: There was a progressive increase in weight, height, and BMD for all evaluated age groups following the advance of chronological age. A negative correlation was found between the %BF with BMD in all evaluated segments. Significant differences were found between the eutrophic group compared to the overweight group and the obesity group in the evaluated segments (P <0.01) noting a reduction of up to 12.92% for the lumbar region between eutrophic and obese. Conclusion: The results suggest that increase %BF is associated with lower BMD among male adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on prosocial attitudes, social networks, social capital, and social stratification suggest that lower-socioeconomic status (SES), Hispanic, and nonwhite individuals will be more likely than their higher-SES and non-Hispanic white counterparts to engage in health behaviors that serve a social good. Analyzing data from the University of North Carolina Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization in Sons Study, we test whether SES and race-ethnicity are associated with willingness to vaccinate via prosocial attitudes toward HPV vaccination among adolescent males (n = 401) and parents (n = 518). Analyses revealed that (a) parents with lower education and (b) black and Hispanic parents and adolescent males reported higher prosocial vaccination attitudes, but only some attitudes were associated with higher willingness to vaccinate. We discuss these findings in terms of how prosocial attitudes may motivate certain health behaviors and serve as countervailing mechanisms in the (re)production of health disparities and promising targets of future public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Allostatic load (AL) is a cumulative measure of physiological deregulation and is influenced by multiple factors including nutrition. The objectives of the study were to assess AL among adolescent boys (15-19 yr) and delineate its association with psychological stress and micronutrient status. Methods: A cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted among 370 adolescent boys of five higher secondary schools from Hyderabad, India. Perceived stress, adolescent life event stress (ALES), psychological morbidity and coping were measured. Biomarkers of AL included dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, 12-h urinary cortisol, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, body mass index and blood pressure. Micronutrient status with respect to iron (haemoglobin, ferritin, hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor), folate, vitamins B12, C and A were analyzed in a sub-sample of 146 boys. AL score ≥3 was calculated from eight biomarkers. Results: Fourteen per cent participants had no AL but 34.3 per cent had AL score of ≥ 3. Unadjusted means of ALES scores were significantly different (P = 0.045) among participants with low [mean, 95% confidence interval (CI): 580, 531-629] and high (663, 605-721) AL. After controlling for confounders, the means were significantly different for controllable life event sub-scale of ALES (P = 0.048). Adjusted hepcidin concentrations were significantly higher among participants with high AL (means, 95% CI, 27.2, 24.0-30.8 for high AL; 22.1, 20.2-24.2 μg/l for low AL, P = 0.014). Interpretation & conclusions: Build-up of AL was found in adolescent boys and was positively associated with life event stress. Iron nutrition and stress exhibited a positive association through hepcidin. The study provides a link between iron nutrition, physiological deregulation and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) protects against most noncommunicable diseases and has been associated with decreased risk of allergic phenotype, which is increasing worldwide. However, the association is not always present; furthermore it is not clear whether it is strongest for asthma, rhinitis, symptoms of these, or atopic sensitization; which sex is most affected; or whether it can be explained by either avoidance of sport or exacerbation of symptoms by exercise. Interventions are thus difficult to target. Methods: PA was measured by one-week accelerometry in 1137 Germans (mean age 15.6 years, 47% boys) from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts, and modeled as a correlate of allergic symptoms, sensitization, or reported doctor-diagnosed asthma or rhinitis. Results: 8.3% of children had asthma, of the remainder 7.9% had rhinitis, and of the remainder 32% were sensitized to aero-allergens (atopic). 52% were lung-healthy controls. Lung-healthy boys and girls averaged 46.4 min and 37.8 min moderate-to-vigorous PA per day, of which 14.6 and 11.4 min was vigorous. PA in allergic girls was not altered, but boys with asthma got 13% less moderate and 29% less vigorous PA, and those with rhinitis with 13% less moderate PA, than lung-healthy boys. Both sexes participated comparably in sport (70 to 84%). Adolescents with wheezing (up to 68%, in asthma) and/or nose/eye symptoms (up to 88%, in rhinitis) were no less active. Conclusions: We found that asthma and rhinitis, but not atopy, were independently associated with low PA in boys, but not in girls. These results indicate that allergic boys remain a high-risk group for physical inactivity even if they participate comparably in sport. Research into the link between PA and allergy should consider population-specific and sex-specific effects, and clinicians, parents, and designers of PA interventions should specifically address PA in allergic boys to ensure full participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the treatment of adolescent males with varicocele and mentions the transition from pediatric to adult urology and patient education. It also presents the case of a 15-year-old adolescent male with painless scrotal swelling who was referred by his family doctor upon a routine physical examination. It notes that upon examination the swelling was consistent with a high-grade, left-sided varicocele with bilaterally normal sized symmetrical testes.

This study examined associations between the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY: Borum, Bartel, & Forth, 2002) risk and protective items, identified clusters of SAVRY items, and used these clusters to predict police contact and violence. SAVRY items were assessed in a community sample of adolescent boys and girls (N = 963, 46.5% boys) via self-, parent, and teacher reports at ages 11 and 13.5 as part of a longitudinal cohort study. Police contact and violence were assessed at age 19. Correlations between risk and protective items and police contact and violence were largely similar in boys and girls, though there were some differences with regard to outcome measure. Principal factor analysis on the SAVRY items yielded a 2-factor model, distinguishing between History of Violence/Dysregulation and Social Support factors. Follow-up analyses showed incremental validity of the Social Support factor over and beyond the History of Violence/Dysregulation factor and sex in the prediction of violence. The findings provide new insights into the SAVRY factor structure and show that the SAVRY was able to predict violence in a community sample of adolescents over a period of 4 to 7 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent health-risk behaviours are alarmingly increasing in the developing countries. To have a broader context based understanding in the Indian scenario, the study was designed to investigate the role of the developmental context in predicting health-risk behaviours in male adolescents. Psychosocial developmental tasks of adolescence (identity formation and emotional autonomy) and the psychosocial context (family and classroom environment) were studied in relation to health-risk behaviours in 300 male adolescents (age 15-17 years) from various schools of Punjab (India). Adolescent Exploratory and Risk Behaviour Rating Scale (Skaar, 2009), Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-2 (Bennion & Adams, 1986), Emotional Autonomy Scale (Steinberg & Silverberg, 1986), Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1986), and Classroom Environment Scale (Moos & Trickett, 1974) were administered on participants. Using Step-wise Multiple Regression Analysis, the results revealed that identity achievement, teacher support, foreclosure, affiliation, family cohesion, and moratorium contributed negatively towards adolescent health-risk behaviours, while family conflict, identity diffusion, and emotional autonomy dimension of nondependency on parents contributed positively towards the criterion variable. Results also revealed that for adolescent health-risk behaviours, major variance was explained by the selected variables. The results emphasize the need to provide supportive and congenial environment to male adolescents and the importance of identity formation in predicting health-risk behaviours especially, in the collectivistic societies marked by authoritarianism and where adolescents' identity development is not often encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the study was to develop and test the initial psychometric properties of the ATTitudes and Avatars INstrument (ATTAIN). The integrated behavior model guided instrument development to measure the young adolescent boys’ attitudes, intentions and actions to change their bodies. Methods: An adolescent health expert panel and young adolescent boys were recruited to test for content validity. Fifty-nine boys 11 to 14 years of age were recruited at a middle school in the USA during physical education class to conduct a pilot study to test for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results: The ATTAIN was found to have high content validity, slightly below recommended levels for internal consistency, and varied test-retest reliability. Conclusion: The long-term goal of the development and testing of the ATTAIN is to make it available to researchers and professionals to screen and focus on adolescents’ perceptions of their bodies and using those perceptions to attain and maintain healthy bodies. The results of this study suggest preliminarily a theoretically derived instrument with appropriate content for young adolescent boys and variable reliability. The attitudes, intentions, and actions survey items and avatars as measured by the ATTAIN, were meaningful to the boys. The ATTAIN has potential to be used as a screening instrument for young adolescents boys and understanding their attitudes toward their bodies; however, it will require continued development and testing to establish construct and discriminant validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The upper arm composition is usually assessed based on total upper arm area (TUA), upper arm muscle area (UMA), upper arm fat area (UFA) and arm fat index (AFI). It is closely associated with assessment of body composition and nutritional status. The present study aims to determine the age specific variations in upper arm composition and its usefulness in the assessment of body composition and nutritional status among adolescent boys. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 964 boys (aged 10 - 18 years) and belonging to the indigenous Rajbanshi population of West Bengal, India. The boys were selected from five different sub-urban government secondary schools located under Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. The anthropometric measurements of height, weight, MUAC and TSF were recorded and upper arm composition was estimated based on TUA, UMA, UFA and AFI using standard procedures. The overall body composition was evaluated using body mass index (BMI). Results: There appears to be existence of significant age-specific variations in BMI, UMA and UFA as the boys approached higher ages. The age specific means of TUA, UMA and UFA increased with age. The adolescent boys were observed to be well below the 50th percentiles of the reference population in BMI, TUA, UMA, UFA and AFI. Age- and sex-specific smooth percentile curves were derived for height, weight, TSF, BMI, UMA and UFA using the L, M and S modelling approach for further evaluation of body composition. Conclusion: The present study recommends the assessment of body composition and nutritional status to improve screening of nutritional status using upper arm composition, especially in community settings so as to accurately identify the risk of lower or greater adiposity and muscularity, and thereby proposing a major opportunity to improve health through proper intervention programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paratesticular liposarcomas (PLs), first reported in 1952, are rare tumors that comprise approximately 3%-7% of all paratesticular sarcomas. PL of unknown etiology typically affects adults aged 50-60 years and rarely occurs in the young. Here, we report one case of an 18-year-old male patient presenting with a mobile, firm, painless, and nontender testicular mass measuring about 7 cm in greatest dimension. Testicular tumor markers were negative. On cytological (fine-needle aspiration cytology) examination, features were suggestive of a malignant mesenchymal tumor. Subsequently, he underwent radical orchiectomy along with high ligation of the spermatic cord. A wide local scrotal excision was also done, which was followed by histopathological examination. A diagnosis of PL was made which was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination with vimentin positive and negative for desmin and myogenin. Since there is no definite consensus of opinion as regards to the role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the patient received none. He remained recurrence free after an 18-month regular follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neck and shoulder pain is fairly common among adolescents in Korea and results in significant health problem. The aims of this prospective study was to identify the effects of education, in terms of recognition of this issue and posture correction, on prevalence and severity of neck and shoulder pain in Korean adolescents. Methods: A prospective, observational cohort design was used. The 912 students from two academic high schools in the city of Seoul were eligible for the current study and 887 completed this study. After a baseline cross-sectional survey, students listened to a lecture about cervical health, focusing on good posture, habits, and stretching exercises to protect the spine, and were encouraged by their teachers to keep the appropriate position. And follow-ups were conducted 3 months later, to evaluate the effect of education. Results: The prevalence of neck and shoulder pain was decreased 19.5% (from 82.5 to 66.4%). The baseline mean usual and worst numeric rating scale were 19.9/100 (95% CI, 18.1-21.7) and 31.2/100 (95% CI, 28.7-33.2), respectively. On the follow-up survey, the mean usual and worst numeric rating scale were decreased significantly by 24.1 and 21.7%, respectively, compared with baseline (P < 0.01). Of the 570 students reporting neck and shoulder pain, 16.4% responded that they had experienced improvement during the 3 months. Conclusions: Education; recognition of this issue and posture correction, for cervical health appeared to be effective in decreasing the prevalence and severity of neck and shoulder pain at a 3 month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Normalizing left ventricular mass (LVM) for inter-individual variation in body size is a central issue in human biology. During the adolescent growth spurt, variability in body size descriptors needs to be interpreted in combination with biological maturation. Aim: To examine the contribution of biological maturation, stature, sitting height, body mass, fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) to inter-individual variability in LVM in boys, using proportional allometric modelling. Subjects and methods: The cross-sectional sample included 110 boys of 11-15 years (12.9-1.0 years). Stature, sitting height, body mass, cardiac chamber dimensions and LVM were measured. Age at peak height velocity (APHV) was predicted and used as an indicator of biological maturation. Percentage fat was estimated from triceps and subscapular skinfolds; FM and FFM were derived. Results: Exponents for body size descriptors were k = 2.33 for stature, k = 2.18 for sitting height, k = 0.68 for body mass, k = 0.17 for FM and k = 0.80 for FFM (adjusted R2 = 19-62%). The combination of body descriptors and APHV increased the explained variance in LVM (adjusted R2 = 56-69%). Conclusion: Stature, FM and FFM are the best combination for normalizing LVM in adolescent boys; when body composition is not available, an indicator of biological maturity should be included with stature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an individual's socio-emotional needs are not being adequately met, the subjective and negative feeling of loneliness occurs. Study assessed the experiences of loneliness of 16-year-olds in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n=7014). Most (70.4%) adolescents reported not feeling lonely, 26.4% reported feeling somewhat and 3.2% reported feeling very lonely. Girls reported more loneliness than boys. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to describe the association of selected social, emotional, contextual and health and well-being factors between not lonely and somewhat lonely and between not lonely and very lonely adolescents. All factors grouped as emotional and health and well-being were associated with loneliness experiences, social factors related to family were not. Among girls, an association was found between being somewhat lonely and living in rural areas. Associated factors (not having close friends, feeling unliked, victim of bullying, avoiding company, feeling unhappy, sad, depressed, dissatisfaction with life, poor self-rated health) were similar to somewhat and very lonely, but very lonely adolescents, especially girls, experience them more strongly. It is important to recognise lonely individuals early on to prevent more serious social, emotional and health and well-being problems which loneliness may cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Accurate, objective measurement is important for understanding adolescents' physical activity (PA) behaviour. When using accelerometry to objectively measure PA, a decision must be made regarding how frequently data is recorded (i.e., epoch length). The purpose of this study was to examine i) PA bout length, and ii) the effect of variations in accelerometer epoch length on PA estimates during physical education (PE) and leisure time in adolescent boys. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Year 9 boys (N = 133; mean age ±SD  = 14.36±0.48 years) wore accelerometers during two PE lessons, and for a period of seven consecutive days. Data were reintegrated from 1s into longer periods of 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 seconds. ANOVAs were used to test for differences in PA estimates between epochs in leisure time and PE. Results: The mean length of vigorous PA (VPA) bouts was 3.5±2.0 seconds for PE and 2.5±1.7 seconds for leisure time, and mean length of moderate PA (MPA) bouts was 2.3±0.5 seconds for PE and 2.9±0.5 seconds for leisure time. During PE, estimates of MVPA, MPA, and light PA (LPA) increased as epoch increased from 1 second to 60 seconds, while VPA and sedentary behaviour estimates decreased. During leisure time, estimates of all PA intensities decreased as epoch increased from 1 second to 60 seconds, with the exception of sedentary behaviour, which increased as epoch length increased. Conclusion: The context in which PA occurs can influence PA bout length measurement and the effect of variations in epoch length on PA estimates. Researchers measuring PA with accelerometry should be conscious of the possible influence of context on PA estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Education. Physical Training. Sport / Ugdymas. Kûno kultûra. Sportas is the property of Lithuanian Sports University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in five Arab countries, relative to age and sex. Methods: A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the secondary school students from five Arab countries (Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria and United Arab Emirates). The total sample was 3,302 (1,584 males, 1,718 females). Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was used to calculate the proportion of overweight and obesity based on the International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF). Results: Kuwaiti adolescents showed the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among both males and females, compared to their counterparts in other countries. There was no trend in the proportion of overweight and obesity by age in any of the countries included in the study. Conclusion: Adolescent obesity has reached a critical level in the Arab countries. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish programs to prevent and control obesity among schoolchildren in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine inter-methods agreement between dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in male adolescent cyclists for assessing percentage of body fat (PBF). Methods: PBF of 24 male adolescent cyclists was assessed by DXA and ADP. Agreement between ADP and DXA was determined according to a Bland-Altman plot; validity and lack of agreement was assessed by calculating inter-methods difference. The limits of agreement and differences between methods were also calculated by paired t-tests. Heteroscedasticity was also examined. Results: The values obtained by DXA were higher than those obtained by ADP, and the graph presented heteroscedasticity (both p < 0.05; r = 0.74). Conclusion: DXA and ADP methods were not comparable in terms of PBF assessment in our sample of male adolescent cyclists; it needs to be taken into account when evaluating longitudinal changes in this determined population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discusses the rates of possible adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) in adolescent boys who have undergone quadrivalent human papillomavirus (4vHPV) vaccination. A retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital discharge information of boys who were 12-16 years old from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2009. Results show that about 2.4 Guillain-Barré episodes are expected for adult with 80% vaccination.

Measuring adolescent wellness can assist researchers and practitioners in determining lifestyle behaviors in which adolescents are deficient. An appropriate objective assessment may assist male adolescents who feel uncomfortable revealing behaviors that may indicate wellness deficits. The authors examined the test-retest reliability of the Five Factor Wellness Inventory (5F-Wel) with a sample of male adolescents. Thirty-five participants self-completed the 5F-Wel on two separate occasions, 7 days apart. Limits of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficients, and paired t tests were calculated to investigate agreement and whether systematic differences existed between administrations. The initial findings indicate the 5F-Wel is reliable for use among male adolescents and support its use in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis that affects predominantly adolescents. The aim of the study was to investigate the interrelations between the presence of acne and several variables associated with somatic growth, pubertal maturation, and environmental conditions (altitude and regions of residence). A population sample of 6,200 clinically healthy boys (0-19 years) was examined and the presence of acne was determined. Height, weight, testicular volumes, penile length and circumference, as well as pubic hair were also measured. The prevalence of moderate and severe acne in the whole group was 7.74 %, while in the age group 12-19 years, it was 19.31 %. Twelve-15-year-old boys with acne were taller and heavier than the ones without. They also had increased penile length and circumference as well as larger testicular volumes. Somatometric and pubertal characteristics of 17-19-year-old boys with and without acne were similar. The prevalence of the disease did not differ between the rural and urban inhabitants. However, the acne frequency decreased with the increasing of the altitude where the boys lived. Conclusions: Our results showed that the development of acne vulgaris in male adolescents was associated with an intensive growth and pubertal maturation, while obesity per se did not play an important role. Of particular interest was the association between the prevalence of acne and the altitude of residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Because polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are thought to cause endocrine disruption, we examined 438 adolescent boys from a birth cohort in the Faroe Islands, where PCB exposures are elevated. We measured PCBs and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in cord blood and in serum from clinical examination at age 14. Higher prenatal PCB exposure was associated with lower serum concentrations of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. In addition, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was positively associated with both prenatal and concurrent PCB exposures. The PCB–SHBG association was robust to covariate adjustment. In a structural equation model, a doubling in prenatal PCB exposure was associated with a decrease in LH of 6% (p =0.03). Prenatal exposure to PCB and DDE showed weak, non-significant inverse associations with testicular size and Tanner stage. DDE was highly correlated with PCB and showed slightly weaker associations with the hormone profile. These findings suggest that delayed puberty with low serum-LH concentrations associated with developmental exposure to non dioxin-like PCBs may be due to a central hypothalamo-pituitary mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Adolescent boys in India constitute a large group with unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. However, their problems and needs are poorly addressed by researchers and policy makers. Socio-demographic factors are considered to enrich the SRH knowledge and awareness of adolescents and to shape their behaviours. The present study investigated SRH awareness, attitudes and practices among adolescent males by place of residence and age. Furthermore, the study aimed to understand the socio-demographic correlates of SRH awareness and behaviours among them. Methods: The study sample constituted 220 adolescent boys from rural (101) and urban (119) areas. These boys all belonged to a Bengali-speaking Hindu ethnic group. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, SRH awareness, attitudes and practices were collected using pretested questionnaires. Results: Rural and urban boys differed significantly (P < 0.05) in their sexual attitudes and practices. Place of residence and exposure to media were found to be significant predictors of sexual activity among adolescents. Urban boys were significantly less likely to be involved in penetrative sexual activity (OR=0.42) compared to rural ones. Conclusion: Awareness of SRH issues was found to be associated with responsible sexual behaviours among adolescents. Media, along with schools, had an important role in educating adolescent boys on SRH issues and in promoting healthy sexual behaviours among them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses several studies related to Indian pediatrics. A study examined evaluated the serum levels of zinc and copper in pediatric patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia. Another study assessed and compared the growth and nutritional status Tripuri tribal adolescent boys from rural and urban areas of West Tripura district. One study assessed the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and Youden index for circumference cut-offs.

Children and adolescents with externalizing behavior disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) often present with symptoms of comorbid internalizing psychopathology. However, few studies have examined central nervous system correlates of such comorbidity. We evaluated interactions between externalizing and internalizing symptoms in predicting mesolimbic, septo-hippocampal, and anterior cingulate volumes among 12- to 16-year-old boys with either ADHD, ADHD and CD, or no psychiatric condition (n = 35). These regions were chosen given established links to trait impulsivity, trait anxiety, and behavior regulation, respectively. Collapsed across groups, Externalizing × Internalizing symptom interactions accounted for individual differences in gray matter densities in each region. Externalizing youth with comorbid internalizing symptoms showed smaller reductions in gray matter than individuals with externalizing psychopathology alone. These results suggest that internalizing symptoms are associated with less severe structural compromises in brain regions subserving motivation and behavior regulation among externalizing boys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Food insecurity is associated with decreased nutrient intake and poor health and possibly low bone mass in children. The purpose of this study was to formally investigate the relationship of diet, bone mass, and food insecurity among children aged 8-19 y (n = 5270). The data used in this cross-sectional study were drawn from children participating in the NHANES 2001-2004. Data were collected from homes and NHANES mobile examination centers across the United States. Food security status was classified using the US Children's Food Security Scale and the US Household Food Security Scale. Dietary measures were quantified by 24-h dietary recall and bone mineral content IBMCI was determined with whole body DXA. Results indicated that males 8-11 y from households with food insecurity among children were 2.5 times [OR = 2.5 195% Cl = 1.1-5.81] more likely to have fewer than the USDA Food Guide recommended servings of dairy foods, 2.3 times [OR = 2.3 (95% Cl = 1.3-4.0)] more likely to have less than the estimated average requirement for calcium intake, and more likely to have a significantly lower estimated total body (P= 0.04), trunk(P= 0.05), lumbar spine (P= 0.02), pelvis (P= 0.05), and left arm (P = 0.05) BMC compared with males 8-11 y old from households with food security among children. Calcium-related dietary factors and BMC did not differ among females by food security status. These results are evidence that health disparities persist among 8-to 1 1-y-old, food-insecure boys. Successful interventions to improve diet and bone health and reduce food insecurity among children are a continuing need in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in overweight and control adolescent boys. This study included 27 overweight (body mass index [BMI]>25kg/m2) adolescent (17.1±2.1yr old) boys and 29 maturation-matched (16.7±2.0yr old) controls (BMI<25kg/m2). Bone mineral area (BMA), BMC, and aBMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the whole body (WB), lumbar spine (L2–L4), total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and left forearm (ultra distal [UD], mid Radius, 1/3 Radius, and total Radius). Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, and fat mass percentage) was assessed also by DXA. The expressions WB BMC/height, WB aBMD/height, and WB BMAD were used to adjust for WB bone size. WB BMC, WB BMC/height, WB BMA, L2–L4 aBMD, TH aBMD, FN aBMD, and UD aBMD were higher in overweight boys compared with controls (p <0.05). However, WB BMAD was lower in overweight boys compared with controls (p <0.05). After adjustment for weight, lean mass, or BMI, using a one-way analysis of covariance, there were no differences between the 2 groups (overweight and controls) regarding bone characteristics (BMC, BMA, aBMD, BMC/height, aBMD/height, and BMAD of the WB and aBMD of the lumbar spine; the TH; the FN; and the forearm). In conclusion, this study shows that after adjusting for weight, lean mass, or BMI, there are no differences between overweight and control adolescent boys regarding aBMD values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purposes of this study were to: develop a smoking cessation program, based upon the Trans-theoretical Model of Health Behavior Change, Protection Motivation Theory and Theory of Reasoned Action, for Thai male adolescents; and, evaluate the effectiveness of the program using a pre-post test experimental design. The program consisted of 10 intervention activities (health assessment; smoke-free party; contracting; self-help manual; cessation counseling; buddy support system; social support; tailored messages; web-based information and counseling; and, relaxation techniques) developed for the purposes of enhancing knowledge about, attitude toward and cessation of cigarette smoking. The effectiveness of the program was assessed using 40 purposively selected Thai male adolescents from two high schools in Bangkok. The 20 member experimental group participated in all the intervention activities, while the 20 member control group did not participate in the activities. Effectiveness of the program was assessed via examination of urine cotinine of the experimental and control groups. In addition, a pre and post-test evaluation was conducted regarding the subjects' knowledge about smoking, attitude toward smoking and attempts to stop cigarette smoking. Following implementation of the program, the experimental group's urine cotinine levels were significantly lower and their post-test scores were significantly higher, than those of the control group. These findings suggest the program was effective in modifying the subjects' smoking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) program. PALs is an obesity prevention program for low-active adolescent boys from disadvantaged schools. Methods: The study was conducted in the Hunter Region, New South Wales (NSW), Australia from June to December 2009. Four disadvantaged secondary schools were randomized to treatment conditions for the 6-month study period. Participants were 100 adolescent boys [mean (SD) age=14.3(0.6) years; BMI=22.1kg/m−2 (4.6); BMI z-score=0.6 (1.2)]. The primary outcome was change in BMI and secondary outcomes were body fat (bioelectrical impedance analysis), waist circumference, muscular fitness (leg dynamometer, 90º push-up test and 7-stage sit-up test), physical activity (5-days of pedometry) and selected dietary behaviors. Results: Significant group-by-time interaction effects were found for BMI (mean difference=−0.8kg/m−2, p <0.001, d =0.7), BMI z-score (mean difference=−0.2, p <0.001, d =0.7), and body fat (mean difference=−1.8%, p <0.05, d =0.5), but not for waist circumference, muscular fitness or physical activity. Participants in the intervention group reduced their consumption of sugar-containing beverages. Conclusions: The PALs program was a feasible and efficacious approach to induce healthy weight loss in adolescent boys from disadvantaged secondary schools. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been proposed to be associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease. Increased CETP activity was previously reported in obese adults, although its association with lifestyle behaviors has not been assessed in healthy adolescents. We undertook this study to determine the association between CETP activity and overweight/obesity, insulin resistance markers, components of the metabolic syndrome and lifestyle behaviors in healthy adolescent males. Methods: Data were collected from 164 adolescents from an amateur rugby club. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), Tanner stages, lipids, glucose, insulin and CETP activity were measured. Questionnaires for daily intake of breakfast, sweet drinks, milk, and hours of TV watching were completed. Results: About 26% of the adolescents were obese and 23% overweight. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 6.7%. CETP activity was higher in obese than in normal and overweight adolescents (174 ± 35, 141 ± 30, and 149 ± 38%/ml/min, respectively; p <0.001). Univariate correlations showed an inverse association between CETP and HDL-C (r = −0.43; p = 0.018) and positive ones with BMI (r = 0.38; p = 0.007), systolic BP (r = 0.20; p <0.01) triglycerides (r = 0.40; p = 0.001), LDL-C (r = 0.46; p <0.001), TV watching >2 h/day (r = 0.17; p 0.02), and milk intake >3 glasses/day (r = 0.16; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, TV watching >2 h/day, milk intake >3 glasses/day and BMI were significant independent predictors for CETP (R2 = 0.41). Conclusions: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as TV watching >2 h daily and milk intake higher than three glasses per day and the increase in BMI were shown to be closely associated with high CETP activity in apparently healthy adolescent males. Future longitudinal studies should be performed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examined patterns of movement for youth receiving services within a continuum of intensive and restrictive residentially-based programs. Data were collected for 701 completed episodes of care within a three-program residential continuum of care over a 5year period, and examined time within program, movement between programs, in-program disruptive behavior, and discharge status. Results showed that most youth either remained in a stable placement in the least restrictive of the programs, or followed a pattern of placements that systematically moved them from more restrictive to less restrictive settings. Of note, transitions from more restrictive to less restrictive programs correspond to deescalating levels of problem behavior; and over 80% of the youth were stepped down to either family-based or independent living situations at the time of departure. Findings support the notion that a continuum of intensive residential services can serve the needs of youth with significant emotional and behavioral needs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the economic recession in Sweden in the 1990s alarming reports about deteriorating mental and psychosomatic health among young people have repeatedly been published but reliable survey data are rare. The purpose of the study is to describe the trends in psychosomatic health problems among adolescents, focusing on gender differences. The analysis is based on repeated cross-sectional data collected 1988-2005 among about 15000 adolescents (15-to 16-years old) within a county in Sweden. The data were collected in schools using a questionnaire that was completed anonymously. A composite measure of psychosomatic health problems based on eight items was used. Psychosomatic health complaints among boys increased mainly during the in-recession time period, while the health problems among girls increased only slightly during the crisis, but increased dramatically in the post-recession time period. Only among boys did the variance in psychosomatic health increase successively across years of investigation, implying that the psychosomatic health among boys on average did not change over time. In showing different trend patterns across genders, the present study nuances and qualifies previous reports on deteriorating mental and psychosomatic health among adolescents. Whether the gender-related trend patterns are due to differences in the relative influence of economic and social stress factors or if they reflect other factors such as changes in the educational systems should be addressed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]