Internet and social networks use habits of adolescents between ages of 10-19 in the Kyrgyz Republic

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate Internet and social networks use habits and online risks of children and adolescents between the ages of 10–19 in the Kyrgyz Republic. Data were collected using questionnaires in several government schools in Bishkek during Spring 2018. Totally 316 children participated in this study. The study employed quantitative methods for the analysis of data. As results showed, there are gender differences in using the Internet. That is, Kyrgyz boys use the Internet for watching videos, and playing games more than Kyrgyz girls. Majority of the participants indicated that they preferred to use the Internet every day mostly from their private bedrooms of homes. Furthermore, a negative linear relationship was found between age and Internet usage. This implies that as the age of children increases, Internet usage decreases. Results also demonstrated that most frequent applications used are WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. While using the Internet and social networks, most of the participants indicated that they are using smartphones. While participants have basic knowledge about using the Internet, most of them lack specific capabilities. Finally, the study revealed the Kyrgyz parents’ attitudes and perceptions related to the Internet and social networks use of children and adolescents.     

Physical activity and wellbeing of 8–9 year old children from social disadvantage: An all-Ireland approach to health

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has been shown to improve psychological wellbeing in adults, however less is known about this relationship in children. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PA and wellbeing in children for the first time across Ireland and to explore potential differences by gender, jurisdiction (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) and region of Ireland.MethodA sample of 673 8–9 year olds attending school in socially disadvantaged areas took part. Participants completed a measure of PA and the KIDSCREEN-27 quality of life questionnaire.Results18% of children accumulated the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day for health, with 18% of boys (n = 63) and 17% girls (n = 55) achieving this level. Children in Northern Ireland reported higher wellbeing scores than those in Republic of Ireland. Children achieving the recommended level of MVPA scored significantly higher on measures of wellbeing than less active children. Gender differences in wellbeing were found for perceived parental, social and school support with girls scoring higher than boys.ConclusionsChildren who meet the recommended MVPA guidelines and those who live in Northern Ireland report a higher level of wellbeing than their peers who live in the Republic of Ireland.     

Clustering of Internet Risk Behaviors in a Middle School Student Population

BACKGROUND: Internet safety is a growing public concern especially among adults and youth who live in an "instant messaging" world of technological communication. To better understand how early adolescents are using the Internet, a study was undertaken to more clearly identify the online general use, safety knowledge, and risk behaviors of middle school students.
METHODS: This exploratory study adapted from Finkelhor et al's (2000) Youth Internet Safety Survey to identify the usage and characteristics of online youth, solicitation of youth, and searching for pornography or delinquent behaviors. The 404 students who were recruited from public and parochial schools consisted of both boys and girls with a mean age 12 years.
RESULTS: These students reported the beginnings of high-risk Internet behavior, specifically, giving out personal information, using the Internet to harass or embarrass another person, and for a small number of students, chatting with strangers and starting relationships. The students who posted their picture online were more likely to have sent their picture to someone, made rude comments to others, played online jokes, harassed or embarrassed someone, and sought out pornographic sites.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that middle school students who are early adolescents are beginning risky behaviors on the Internet. Risk-taking behavior is not unique to adolescents, but the consequences can be detrimental to their development. Educators, clinicians, health care providers, and other professionals need to be informed of Internet behaviors in order to assess for children at risk, to make referrals, intervene, and to educate parents.     

农村中小学生网络使用情况调查

目的了解我市农村青少年学生网络使用情况。方法采取分层整群抽样,抽取小学、初中、高中24个班共1 285人,组织学生自填问卷(调查表)。结果农村中小学5年级以上学生上网率为40.1%,随年级的升高而增高,男生明显高于女生,上网地点以在网吧上网为主(72.4%)。结论社会、家庭、学校相互配合,改善教学质量,丰富学生课余生活,释放学生疲惫与压力,对其网络使用加以引导及监督,最大限度防止中小学生迷恋游戏机、网络的现象发生。     

青春发动时相提前与心理行为问题关联性的性别差异

目的 探讨青少年青春发动时相提前与心理行为问题的关联及性别差异。方法 2014年11月采用整群抽样方法,对北京市和沈阳市各2所小学在校2～3年级女生、3～4年级男生和各2所中学在校7～8年级男女生进行问卷调查,问卷内容包括一般情况、体力活动、户外活动时间、视频时间、青春发育量表(PDS)和长处与困难问卷(SDQ),对青春发动时相提前及心理行为问题检出率进行描述统计分析,运用单因素和多项logistic回归分析比较青春发动时相提前对心理行为问题的影响。结果 共纳入3 253名学生,其中518人青春发动时相提前;情绪因子、品行因子、多动/注意缺陷、同伴交往因子、亲社会行为和客观困难异常检出人数(率)分别为269 (8.3%)、297(9.1%)、 211(6.5%)、534(16.4%)、299(9.2%)和448(13.8%)。多项logistic回归分析显示,青春发动时相提前是女生品行异常(OR=2.260,95%CI:1.322～3.863)和多动/注意缺陷(OR=1.980,95%CI:1.111～3.527)的危险因素,青春发动时相提前是男生客观困难异常的危险因素(OR=1.449,95%CI:1.018～2.063)。结论 青春发动时相提前会增加女生品行异常和多动/注意缺陷的风险,青春发动时相提前的男生客观困难异常风险增加,青少年心理行为干预应考虑性别特点。     

Parental Influences on Dairy Intake in Children,and Their Role in Child Calcium-fortified Food Use

ObjectiveTo understand how parental influences on dairy food intake relate to early adolescent children's use of calcium-fortified food.DesignContent analysis of qualitative interviews to identify parental influences on dairy intake; calcium-fortified food survey to identify children as either calcium-fortified food users or nonusers.Setting and ParticipantsA convenience sample of Asian (n = 56), Hispanic (n = 61), and white (n = 74) parents of children 10-13 years old, including boys (n = 86) and girls (n = 105).Variables Measured and AnalysisCluster analysis to identify groups with similar coded parental influences and chi-square analysis to determine associations between these groups and calcium-fortified food use.ResultsTwo dominant patterns of parental influences: Cluster 1 (n = 128), with positive parental influences related to availability of dairy, milk, and cheese; positive health beliefs for dairy, and child preferences for dairy and cheese, included parents whose children were more likely to use calcium-fortified food. Cluster 2 (n = 63), with positive influences for availability of dairy and milk, included parents whose children were equally likely to be either users or nonusers of calcium-fortified food (P < .05).ConclusionStrategies to improve parental influence on children's dairy intake might also encourage calcium-fortified food intake and improve calcium nutriture.     

小学生家长对子女的精神暴力及其影响因素分析

目的 了解小学生家长对其子女精神暴力行为的发生情况,并探讨精神暴力行为的影响因素。方法 对中国东北地区某城市2所小学1 164名1~6年级小学生家长采用自填式不记名问卷调查,了解其在最近3个月内对子女施加精神暴力状况,利用logistic回归方法分析相关影响因素。结果 1 164名小学生家长中有78.1%报告在最近3个月内曾对子女施加过精神暴力。父母对男童施加精神暴力的比例明显高于对女童(81.3% vs.74.7%,P<0.01)。多变量logistic回归分析显示,男童(OR=1.684)、母亲(OR=1.640)、家长童年期有被父母精神暴力伤害经历(OR=2.064)、家长对体罚儿童持容忍或赞成态度(OR=2.618)、对儿童精神暴力伤害认识不足(OR=1.666)、家庭经济状况差(OR=1.745)是小学生父母对子女施加精神暴力的危险因素。结论 调查对象中父母对子女施加精神暴力的现象非常普遍。社会应重视家长对儿童的精神暴力问题,提高对其危害的认识。     

北京市中学生自我伤害行为现状及与自杀相关行为关系的研究

目的 了解北京市中学生自我伤害流行特征,探讨自我伤害与自杀相关行为关系。方法 采用分层整群随机抽样方法对北京市16所学校初一至高三5 807名学生进行匿名问卷调查。结果 参与调查的中学生35.6%报告发生自我伤害,7.0%经常发生自我伤害行为;女生自我伤害报告率高于男生,初二女生和初三男生是自我伤害发生的高发年级;重点高中、单亲和重组家庭学生是自我伤害的高发人群;自我伤害行为发生越频繁的学生,自杀相关行为报告率越高,与无自我伤害行为发生者相比,经常发生自我伤害行为者自杀相关行为报告率增加5.7～12.3倍。结论 北京市中学生经常性自我伤害与自杀相关行为密切相关,二者高发年龄一致。应尽早对青少年开展心理行为干预和生命教育,及时发现自我伤害高发人群,开展自杀预防干预。     

Association between fruit and vegetable consumption in mothers and children in low-income, urban neighborhoods.

To understand factors influencing fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption in children, the authors studied the association between F&V consumption in mothers and children in a sample of 1,106 boys and girls in Grades 4-6 in 24 elementary schools in low-income, multiethnic neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada. Approximately 10% of girls and 19% of boys reported not having eaten any vegetables in the week prior to questionnaire administration; 53% of girls and 63% of boys did not consume whole fruits daily. Each unit increase in F&V consumption in mothers was associated with a 10% to 20% increase in F&V consumption in children. Interventions to improve F&V consumption should aim to improve awareness among parents of the importance of fruits and vegetables and of the impact of their own behavior on their children's F&V consumption.     

Developmental trajectories of physical activity during elementary school physical education

ObjectivePhysical education (PE) during school provides an opportunity for children to be physically active. Few empirical studies have investigated developmental trajectories and determinants of objective moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during PE classes. The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental trajectories and determinants of MVPA during PE lessons in young children (8–12 years of age) in primary schools.MethodsStudents in grades 5–7 (n = 1202; 51.2% girls) were recruited from 17 elementary schools from the Geneva canton in 2012–2013. The percentage of time spent in accelerometer-assessed MVPA during regular PE lessons was used as a dependent variable.ResultsLinear mixed-model analyses revealed (a) that boys had a higher percentage of MVPA than girls, but none of the children reached the recommended activity levels (i.e., 50% of the PE class time spent in MVPA), (b) a linear decrease in the percentage of MVPA with age, (c) that higher perceived competence predicted a higher percentage of MVPA, and (d) that higher perceived competence reduced the negative linear effect of age among boys, but not among girls.ConclusionThe percentage of PE time spent in MVPA did not reach recommendations made by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and decreased from 8 to 12 years old both for boys and girls. Perceived competence appears crucial to reduce MVPA decline for boys, but not for girls.     

Decision-making about HPV vaccination in parents of boys and girls: A population-based survey in England and Wales

BackgroundSchool-based HPV vaccination in the UK will soon be extended to boys. Based on other countries’ experience, uptake may initially be lower in boys than girls. We assessed HPV vaccine attitudes and decision-making in parents of boys and girls, to explore sex differences and inform public health messages.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional population-based survey using home-based interviews in spring 2019. Participants were adults in England and Wales, with a child in school years 5–7 (aged 9–12 and eligible for HPV vaccination within 3 years). Measures included awareness of HPV and the vaccine, demographic factors, previous vaccine refusal and (after exposure to brief information) whether participants would allow their child to have the HPV vaccine (decided to vaccinate; decided not to vaccinate; undecided). We also assessed vaccine attitudes. Data were weighted to adjust for non-response. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore predictors of deciding to (or not to) vaccinate compared with being undecided.ResultsAmong 1049 parents (weighted n = 1156), 55% were aware of HPV and the girls’ vaccination programme, but only 23% had heard of plans to vaccinate boys. After information exposure, 62% said they would vaccinate their child, 10% would not, and 28% were undecided. Parents of girls were more willing to vaccinate than parents of boys (adjusted odds ratio: 1.80 (1.32–2.45)). Positive attitudes and HPV/vaccine awareness were significantly independently associated with deciding to vaccinate. Previous vaccine refusal for a child was the strongest predictor of not wanting the HPV vaccine.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a need for public health campaigns to raise awareness of plans to extend HPV vaccination to boys. Reassuringly only 10% of all parents were unwilling to vaccinate and our data suggest further information, including about safety and efficacy, may be important in supporting undecided parents to make the decision to vaccinate.     

Influence of information sources on vaccine hesitancy and practices

IntroductionMany factors influence vaccination practices and attitudes. This study aimed to identify vaccine information sources used by parents of children aged 1–15 years to get a better understanding of the relation between vaccine information sources, practices for two vaccines (MMR, HBV), vaccine acceptance, and vaccine hesitancy.MethodsA total of 3938 parents, drawn by random sampling, were interviewed by telephone as part of the “2016 health barometer” survey. Vaccine information sources were described and analyzed according to socio-demographic variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were then built to explain vaccine information sources usage, vaccination practices and attitudes.ResultsHealthcare professionals (HCP), the Internet, and relatives were the three main vaccine information sources. Vaccination practices and acceptance were better when parents were getting information from HCPs compared with parents getting information from the Internet or relatives. Besides, getting information from the three different types of sources was associated with the highest rate of vaccine hesitancy: 70.9% (OR = 4.6; P < 0.0001) versus 34.6% among parents getting information from HCPs only.ConclusionThose results suggest an interest in providing quality information about vaccination on the Internet. The primary role of HCPs in vaccination decision is once again demonstrated.     

Child Food Insecurity Is Associated with Energy Intake among Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Girls

BackgroundFood insecurity is associated with poor diet and obesity among adult women, but evidence among children is mixed, and few studies have examined differences between boys and girls.ObjectiveThis study examined the relationship between self-reported food insecurity and dietary intake among boys and girls.DesignCross-sectional survey data were used from the Children’s PowerPlay! Campaign evaluation.Participants and settingIn all, 3,547 fourth- and fifth-grade students (9 to 11 years old) from 44 San Diego-area elementary schools in 2012 completed diary-assisted 24-hour recalls and a questionnaire that included five questions from the Child Food Security Assessment.Main outcome measuresIndividual dietary components (including total energy, nutrients, and sugar-sweetened beverages), Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores, and meal patterns (such as meal sizes and missed meals) were derived from 24-hour recalls.Statistical analysesMultivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationships between food insecurity and diet characteristics.ResultsGirls with the highest food insecurity consumed 135 total kilocalories (P<0.005) and 60 snack kilocalories (P<0.05) more per day than girls with no food insecurity. These relationships were absent among boys.ConclusionsFood insecurity among girls in grades 4 and 5 was associated with higher energy intake. Findings support the need for further research to better understand the nature of this relationship and its implications for energy balance.     

The North Karelia youth project: Evaluation of two years of intervention on health behavior and CVD risk factors among 13- to 15-year old children

A school and community based intervention to influence health behavior and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 13- to 15-year-old children was carried out in North Karelia, Finland. The intervention was carried out on two levels: (a) an intensive intervention (II) in two schools and (b) a county-wide intervention (CI) in the rest of North Karelia. For the evaluation three matched pairs of schools were chosen: the two schools of the II, two schools to represent the CI and two schools from a reference county (R). 851 children, their parents, and their teachers were studied at the outset in 1978 and after the intervention in 1980. During the program the proportion of boys reporting to smoke at least 1–2 times per month increased 12.6% in II, 8.2% in CI and 29.7% in the R schools (P < 0.001 between II and R) and in girls 9.0%, 18.0% and 20.0%, respectively, (P < 0.05 between II and R). The mean serum total cholesterol was 5.1 mmol/liter in 1978 and it decreased among boys 0.5 mmol/liter in all three school groups. Among girls, the decrease was 0.43 mmol/liter (II), 0.35 mmol/liter (CI), and 0.21 mmol/liter (R) (P < 0.01 between II and R). The mean amount of fat from milk and butter changed among boys ?8 g (II), 0 g (CI), and +3 g (R) and among girls ?16 g, ?2 g, and ?5 g, respectively (both P < 0.01 between II and R). The intervention had no effect on blood pressure although there was some reported reduction in the salt consumption in the intervention schools. A relative decrease according to the intervention level was observed among North Karelian children in occurrence of psychosomatic symptoms. The effects were not related to increases in health knowledge or changes in attitudes and did not lead, on an average, to any harmful emotional consequences.     

Gender and the Effects of an Economic Empowerment Program on Attitudes Toward Sexual Risk-Taking Among AIDS-Orphaned Adolescent Youth in Uganda

PurposeThis article examines gender differences in attitudes toward sexual risk–taking behaviors of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)–orphaned youth participating in a randomized control trial testing an economic empowerment intervention in rural Uganda.MethodsAdolescents (average age 13.7 years) who had lost one or both parents to AIDS from 15 comparable schools were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 135) or a control condition (n = 142). Adolescents in the experimental condition, in addition to usual care, also received support and incentives to save money toward secondary education.ResultsFindings indicate that although adolescent boys and girls within the experimental condition saved comparable amounts, the intervention appears to have benefited girls, in regard to the attitudes toward sexual risk–taking behavior, in a different way and to a lesser extent than boys.ConclusionsFuture research should investigate the possibility that adolescent girls might be able to develop equally large improvements in protective attitudes toward sexual risk taking through additional components that address gendered social norms.     

广州市天河、越秀区学生和家长伤害认知情况调查

目的　了解广州市天河、越秀区中小学生及家长对伤害的知识、信念和行为情况。方法　2 0 0 3年采用分层整群随机抽样的方法抽取广州市天河、越秀区6所中小学校的学生及其家长,用统一调查表对选择对象的伤害有关知识、态度、行为进行调查,除了小学一、二年级采用面对面询问方式以外,其余均用自填方式进行。结果　本次共调查天河、越秀区中小学生115 5人,其中男生5 5 9人,女生5 96人;小学5 5 6人、初中4 4 1人、高中15 8人;4 9 8%的学生表示知道伤害是儿童青少年最主要的死亡原因之一,6 5 5 %的学生表示知道年龄在12岁以下的孩子不能骑自行车上街,5 1 8%的学生认为“手指受伤出血可以用水洗净,然后用纸或布包扎”是不正确的,72 0 %的学生知道伤害能预防;2 3 4 %有过逆向骑车的行为,4 5 9%有过在红灯时横穿马路的行为,2 0 2 %有过和同学打架的行为;男生的伤害知识正确回答率低于女生(P <0 0 5 ) ,男生不正确行为发生率高于女生(P <0 0 1) ,不同年级学生的伤害认知程度、行为比较,差异均有统计学意义(P <0 0 1或P <0 0 5 )。共调查学生家长110 1人,86 2 %的家长认为有必要经常对孩子进行各种安全教育,84 4 %的人经常担心孩子会发生伤害,只有17 3%的家长接受过有关预防儿童伤害的培训和指导。结论     

The Effect of a School-Based Intervention on Sunbed Use in Danish Pupils at Continuation Schools: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeTo examine the effect of an educational intervention on sunbed use and intentions and attitudes toward sunbed use in 14- to 18-year-olds at continuation schools.MethodsWe randomized 33 continuation schools either to receive the educational intervention (n = 16) or to be controls (n = 17). Intervention schools received an e-magazine addressing the health risks of sunbed use. Information on behavior and intentions and attitudes toward sunbed use was gathered through self-administrated questionnaires before the intervention and at 6 months as a follow-up. The effect of the intervention was examined by multilevel linear regression and logistic regression.ResultsSunbed use was significantly lower at follow-up among pupils at intervention schools versus pupils at control schools (girls: odds ratio .60, 95% confidence interval .42–.86; Boys: odds ratio .58, 95% confidence interval .35–.96). The intervention had no effect on intention to use sunbeds or attitudes toward sunbed use. The analyses revealed a significant impact of school on attitudes toward sunbed; the intraclass correlation coefficient was estimated to be 6.0% and 7.8% for girls and boys, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings from the present study provide new evidence of a positive effect of an educational intervention on sunbed use among pupils aged 14–18 years at continuation schools.     

Tri-axial accelerometer-assessed physical activity and its association with weight status in a sample of elementary-school children

Background and aimsObjective assessment of physical activity (PA) using accelerometers and pedometers has become more accurate and common practice in the study of childhood overweight. The study aimed: i) to compare PA levels and body shape of boys and girls, and assess compliance of active children with the PA recommendation; ii) to analyse associations between the risk of overweight and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children.MethodsThe sample comprised 395 children (198 girls) aged 6–10 years. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated subsequently. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to obtain seven consecutive days of MVPA, as well as the weekly time being sedentary. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the afore-mentioned relationship among the risk of obesity and MVPA, controlling for confounders.ResultsAfter controlling for wearing time, boys spent significantly more minutes in the moderate-to-vigorous portion of PA than their female counterparts. About 47% of boys were active on week days by achieve the mean value of 60 min/day of MVPA; corresponding percentage for the weekend was just 32%. Among girls, only 22% were active on week days and 29% at the weekend. MVPA was not significantly associated with the risk of being overweight nor in female neither in male children. The final regression model revealed that girls of mothers with high educational level were less likely to be classified as overweight girls.ConclusionsFindings revealed no significantly relation between MVPA and obesity risk among Portuguese children. Future research should extend similar design to other lifestyle features of children to clarify potential predictors of being overweight at early ages.