Knowledge and Attitudes About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven U.S. Cities

Purpose

Evidence suggests that young adults experiencing homelessness (YEH) are at elevated risk of HIV compared to housed youth. Given the limited research on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness among YEH, this study examined their PrEP knowledge and attitudes.

Job Insecurity and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among U.S. Young Adults During COVID-19

PurposeThis study aimed to estimate the associations between job insecurity and symptoms of anxiety and depression among U.S. young adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe analyzed data on young adults aged 18–26 years from June 15 to June 30, 2020, from the weekly, cross-sectional Household Pulse Survey (n = 4,852) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Two job insecurity measures and four anxiety and depression measures were analyzed using multivariable Poisson regression models adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status.ResultsFifty-nine percent of participants experienced direct or household employment loss since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 38% were expected to experience direct or household employment loss in the coming 4 weeks. Recent direct or household employment loss and expected direct or household employment loss, among participants who did not experience recent employment loss, were associated with a greater risk of poor mental health on all four measures.ConclusionsU.S. young adults experience a significant mental health burden as a result of job insecurity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Flavored-Little-Cigar and Flavored-Cigarette Use Among U.S. Middle and High School Students

PurposeFlavors can mask the harshness and taste of tobacco, making flavored tobacco products appealing to youth. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of flavored-little-cigar and flavored-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students in 2011.MethodsData were obtained from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative school-based survey of U.S. students in grades 6–12. National estimates of current flavored-little-cigar use, flavored-cigarette use, and combined use of either product were calculated overall and among current smokers by respondent characteristics, including sex, race/ethnicity, school level, and grade. Additionally, intention to quit tobacco and smoking frequency were assessed by flavored product use.ResultsThe overall prevalence of current use was 4.2% for flavored cigarettes, 3.3% for flavored little cigars, and 6.3% for either product. Among current cigar smokers, 35.9% reported using flavored little cigars, and among current cigarette smokers, 35.4% reported using flavored cigarettes. Among current cigar or cigarette smokers, 42.4% reported using flavored little cigars or flavored cigarettes. Flavored product use among current smokers was higher among non-Hispanic whites than among blacks and Hispanics, higher among high school students than middle school students, and increased with grade. Among cigar smokers, prevalence of no intention to quit tobacco was higher among flavored-little-cigar users (59.7%) than nonusers (49.3%).ConclusionsMore than two fifths of U.S. middle and high school smokers report using flavored little cigars or flavored cigarettes, and disparities in the use of these products exist across subpopulations. Efforts are needed to reduce flavored tobacco product use among youth.     

Waterpipe or Hookah-Related Poisoning Events Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults

PurposeWaterpipe or hookah use is associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and effects such as nausea and vomiting. We examined the public health burden of poisoning events involving hookah tobacco in the U.S., especially among adolescents and young adults.MethodsWe analyzed events involving hookah tobacco that were reported to U.S. poison control centers between 2001 and 2017 by age and over time as well as by medical outcome, health care level, and clinical effects.ResultsA total of 276 relevant poisoning events involving hookah were reported. Among the 248 individuals with a specific age reported, 35 (14.1%) were aged between 10 and 17 years and 136 (54.8%) were aged between 18 and 24 years. Common clinical effects included dizziness/vertigo, nausea, headache, and vomiting.ConclusionsHookah tobacco use is associated with poisoning events consistent with exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide.     

Disparities in HIV Education and Testing Between Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Adolescents and Young Adults in the U.S.

PurposeTo examine receipt of formal sexual health education on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and receipt of HIV testing in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) residing in nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan areas.MethodsA secondary data analysis of the 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth of AYAs ages 15–24 years (N = 3,114). Logistic regression models predicted associations between nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan status and outcomes of interest (formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS and HIV testing).ResultsMost AYAs (85.3%) reported receiving formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS, while less than half (46.9%) indicated receiving HIV testing. Residing in a nonmetropolitan area was associated with a lower odds of reporting formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS (OR = .47, CI = [.29, .77]) but not with HIV testing (OR = 1.33, CI = [.89, 2.01]).ConclusionsAYAs living in nonmetropolitan areas are less likely to receive formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS.     

Relationship Between Asthma, Overweight, And Physical Activity Among U.S. High School Students

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. This study examined the relationship between asthma and both overweight and physical activity levels. Results are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2003 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of health risk behaviors among a representative sample of high school students in the United States. The overall survey response rate was 67% and the results are based on weighted data. SUDAAN was used for all data analysis (prevalence estimates and logistic regression) because it accounts for the complex sampling design of the survey. Significantly more students with current asthma than without were overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.6) and described themselves as overweight (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.4). Significantly more students with current asthma than without used a computer for non-schoolwork 3 or more hours/day (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). No significant differences were found for participation in sufficient vigorous or moderate physical activity or strengthening exercises among students with and without current asthma. Unlike some other risk factors for developing or exacerbating asthma, overweight and physical activity are generally modifiable. School and community policies and programs can play an important role in asthma management, including promoting the maintenance of an appropriate weight and encouraging continued physical activity.The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.     

Demographic Profiles of Newly Acquired HIV Infections Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the U.S.

Understanding the demographic and risk profiles of youth with recent HIV infection offers insight for imputing the dynamics of the epidemic and targeting prevention efforts. Three hundred forty-two HIV-positive youth were tested using a Sensitive/Less Sensitive strategy; 33% were classified as recently infected; with the majority (51%) occurring within African Americans.     

北京市高中生饮酒行为及其影响因素

目的探讨高中生的饮酒行为及父母、同伴对其饮酒的影响,为健康教育提供依据.方法采用整群抽样方法,对北京市5所高中高一～高三学生969名进行匿名问卷调查.调查内容包括饮酒行为,学生父母、同伴的饮酒行为,以及学生对高中生饮酒的态度.结果年级高的学生、男生、零花钱比较多的学生更容易成为饮酒者,重点中学学生报告的饮酒比例少于普通中学和职业中学,父母和同伴的饮酒行为及其对高中生饮酒的态度均与高中生的饮酒行为存在明显的相关.结论在开展减少过量饮酒危害的健康教育项目时,应该考虑父母方面的因素,并教给学生一些抵制同伴不良压力的方法.     

北京市高中生主观幸福感及其影响因素分析

目的了解北京市高中生主观幸福感状况及其影响因素，为高中生心理健康教育提供依据。方法采用幸福感量表、自尊量表、中学生心理健康诊断测验对北京市1118名高中生进行测查。结果高中生总体平均主观幸福感处于中等水平。主观幸福感与自尊量表总分呈中度负相关，主观幸福感与中学生心理健康诊断测验总分及其8个分量表呈负相关。多元逐步回归分析显示，学习压力、同学关系、学习成绩、健康状况和父母关系是高中生主观幸福感的影响因素。结论学生的主观幸福感水平是学校、家庭、社会共同作用的结果。学习成绩与素质教育并不矛盾，应把素质教育的切入点放在找出二者的关联上，从而整合资源，使之相互促进、协调发展。     

Drug Use, Sexual Activity, and Suicidal Behavior in U.S. High School Students

ABSTRACT: Data from the 1990 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to examine the interrelationship of drug use, sexual activity, and suicidal behavior in U.S. high school students. Findings indicated adolescents who engaged in substance use and/or sexual activity were more likely to experience suicide ideation and behavior than those who abstained from such activities. Data analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between cocaine use and severity of outcomes of suicide attempts. Marijuana use and alcohol use were related to suicide behavior, but these relationships were not as strong as those noted for cocaine use. The study also revealed a positive relationship between frequency of sexual activity and attempted suicide, but could not determine whether such sexual activity was coerced, forced, or voluntary in nature.     

河南省城市初中学生自杀及相关因素研究

目的了解河南省城市初中学生自杀行为流行情况及影响因素,为采取干预措施提供依据。方法采用分层整群抽样方法,抽取河南省4个省辖市12所初中的5158名学生,应用中国疾病预防控制中心制定的＂中国青少年健康相关行为调查问卷＂进行调查,并对影响因素进行分析。结果初中生在调查前1a产生过自杀意念、企图自杀和自杀未遂报告率分别为23.5%,7.7%和2.5%;非条件Logis-tic回归分析结果表明,抑郁、看色情书籍和音像、学习压力、离家出走意念、每天运动时间、课外补习时间、与祖辈一起生活、孤独感、节食减肥、饮酒次数10项因素与自杀意念密切相关。结论应高度重视学生自杀行为的预防控制。针对影响因素积极采取有效措施,减少青少年自杀行为的发生。     

Self-Reported Pregnancy and Access to Primary Health Care Among Sexually Experienced New Zealand High School Students

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of self-reported pregnancy among sexually experienced high school students, and the association between teenage pregnancy and access to primary health care.

Methods

Between March and October 2007, 96 high schools throughout New Zealand participated in Youth'07, a cross-sectional Health and Wellbeing survey. The dataset included 2,620 (1,217 females and 1,403 males) year 9 through 13 students who reported ever having sexual intercourse and responded to a question about whether they had ever been pregnant or ever caused a pregnancy.

Results

Nationwide, 10.6% of sexually experienced high school students self-reported that they had been pregnant (11.6%) or caused a pregnancy (9.9%). Māori (15.3%) and Pacific Island (14.1%) students had the highest self-reports of pregnancy. Foregone health care was reported by 24.2% of sexually experienced students. Students who self-reported pregnancy reported greater difficulty accessing health care (41.7% vs. 20.6%; odds ratio: 2.6); however, when they accessed care, the majority received confidential care (67.4%) as compared with pregnancy-inexperienced peers (51.6%). Concern about privacy was the most common reason for not accessing health care. Other barriers included uncertainty about how to access care and lack of transportation (all p values < .05).

Conclusions

Self-reported pregnancy among sexually active high school students in New Zealand is high and ethnic disparities exist. Being pregnant or causing a pregnancy is associated with difficulty accessing health care. Further research is needed to identify drivers for ethnic differences and determine what the cause-and-effect relationship between teenage pregnancy and access to health care looks like.     

哈尔滨部分大中专学生心理健康影响因素

目的 探讨影响青年学生心理健康的因素。方法 对哈尔滨在校大中专学生880人的个性特征与心理健康状况等方面进行问卷调查。结果 个性特征和学前生活环境及其交互作用对恐怖因子的影响有统计学意义；个性特征偏内向、情绪不稳定组中在家中长大的学生，其恐怖因子得分比在托儿所或幼儿园长大的学生高，差异有显性（P＜0．01）；而其他组两种学前生活环境的学生SCL－90各因子得分差异无显性（P＞0．05）。个性特征和是否遭受挫折及其交互作用对青年学生的强迫症状、抑郁、恐怖、精神病性、焦虑5个因子得分均比未遭受挫折高，差异有显性（P＜0．01）；而其他组学生遭受严重挫折与否，SCL－90各因子得分的差异无显性（P＞0．05）。结论 个性特征偏内向、情绪不稳定的学生心理健康状况受生活环境的影响较大，抵御不良心理刺激的能力较弱。     

Comparison of Overweight,Weight Perception,and Weight-Related Practices Among High School Students in Three Large Chinese Cities and Two Large U.S. Cities

PurposeThe study compared differences in overweight prevalence, weight perception, and weight-related practices among high school students in five large Chinese and U.S. cities, and informed interventions for childhood obesity in China and the U.S.MethodsThe data used was collected in 2003 from a representative sample of high school students in Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, New York and Los Angeles.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight high school students in New York City and Los Angeles was about twice as high as in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taipei; however, the proportion of Chinese students perceiving themselves to be overweight was 15% higher than their U.S. counterparts. Independent of actual weight status, perceived overweight was significantly associated with weight control practices (p < .05). U.S. students showed higher levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity, but more hours of watching television than their Chinese counterparts.ConclusionThe continuing pandemic of overweight among youth fosters weight dissatisfaction, which may increase unhealthy weight control practices. Interventions should be designed to prevent overweight without precipitating unhealthy weight control practices by emphasizing an increase in physical activity and a reduction in time watching television.     

Sociodemographic Patterns of Exclusive,Dual, and Polytobacco Use Among U.S. High School Students: A Comparison of Three Nationally Representative Surveys

PurposeThis study examines sociodemographic patterns of exclusive/dual/polytobacco use among U.S. high school students using multiple national surveys.MethodsUsing three national youth surveys (Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health [PATH] Wave 4 [2016–2017], 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and 2017 National Youth Tobacco Survey), we classified tobacco products into four groups: (1) electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), (2) conventional cigarettes (CCs), (3) other combustible tobacco products, and (4) smokeless tobacco products. We created 16 categories of non/exclusive/dual/polytobacco use within the past 30 days using the four product groups and calculated weighted population prevalence by sex and race/ethnicity (all surveys) and parental education and income (PATH), based on variable availability.ResultsThe results from 9,331, 12,407, and 9,699 high school students in PATH, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and National Youth Tobacco Survey, respectively, largely agreed and pointed to similar conclusions. ENDS was the most prevalent exclusive use product (3.8%–5.2% across surveys), with CCs falling to second or third (1.2%–2.0% across surveys). By sex, exclusive, dual, and poly smokeless tobacco product use were more common for males, whereas exclusive CC use was more common for females. By race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic Whites had a higher prevalence of exclusive ENDS use and ENDS/CC dual use than non-Hispanic Blacks. As income and parental education levels increased from low to high, the prevalence of exclusive CC use decreased, whereas the prevalence of exclusive ENDS use increased.ConclusionUnderstanding sociodemographic patterns of tobacco use can help identify groups who may be at greater risk for tobacco-related health outcomes.     

To Go or Not to Go: Factors That Influence Health Care Use Among Trans Adults in a Non-Representative U.S. Sample

Archives of Sexual Behavior - Trans people tend to utilize health care at rates lower than cisgender people, which commonly results in short-term and long-term unfavorable health outcomes....