Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Uptake among the Youth in Akuse Township in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana

Background: Access to safe and effective contraception is crucial for sexual and reproductive health to be at its best. This allows improved pregnancy results and the avoidance of unintended births. Teenagers’ views on using contraceptives are influenced by the information available at their disposal. The study assessed the influential factors affecting the utilization of modern contraceptives among the youth in Akuse in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: The data for the study were gathered from 378 consented youth aged 15 - 24 years using a quantitative cross-sectional study design and a well-structured questionnaire. Person’s Chi-Square test was adopted to measure the association between the outcome variable and selected independent variables. Logistic regression models were utilized to measure the odds of the factors influencing modern contraceptive use among the respondents. Results: The results of the study suggested a high knowledge level of contraceptives;however, the prevalence of utilization was low. The level of education and age were factors found to influence the uptake of contraceptives. A bivariate analysis to examine the association between selected socio-demographic variables revealed that educational level (p = 0.044), religious affiliation (p = 0.002), and ethnicity (p = 0.016) were statistically associated with modern contraceptive use among the respondents. All other tested demographic variables including the age groups, gender, marital status, and residential status proved otherwise at the observed p-values greater than the 0.05 threshold. Respondents who indicated staying with partners were 6.79 times more likely to use contraceptives compared to their counterparts staying with a parent, after controlling for all other covariates. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that high contraceptive knowledge influences the choice of contraceptive preferred by the youth, and contraceptive use is also influenced by the advancement in age and educational level of the youth. It is however recommended that parents, guidance, and teachers be entreated to offer relevant and timely sexual information or education as these will most likely improve the uptake of modern contraceptives among the targeted population.

Sports Participation and Depressive Symptoms in Youth:Demographic Differences

Background:Youth emerge as an essential period in forming lifelong health and well-being.During adolescence,physical activity(PA)improves cardiovascular health,fitness levels,and the prevention of chronic illnesses,and the positive effect is also extended to the mental realm,as PA reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.Therefore,the current study aims to enhance our understanding of the correlation between sports participation and depressive symptoms.Additionally,it seeks to explore how demographics such as gender,age,and race can shape these connections.Methods:The research sample was established by utilising the U.S.Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance(YRBS)2019 cycle,and the eligible samples from this cycle were included in the current study.A self-administered survey evaluated sports participation,categorized as Zero,one,two,three,or more teams.This study included 16,104 participants and conducted self-reported questionnaires on gender,grade,race/ethnicity,and depressive symptoms.The study had a nationally representative population of American students in Grades 10 to 12(aged 14–17 years).Results:A total of 7843 females and 8261 males,distributed across age groups(14 years old,15 years old,16 years old,and 17 years old),with the numbers 3430,4445,4300,and 3929,respectively.Overall,there was a negative correlation between sports participation and feelings of sadness(a symptom of depression)among the subjects.This significant relationship between participating in sports teams and experiencing sadness was dose dependent.Conclusion:Youth with more team sports participation is likely to display lower depression symptoms,and differences in demographic factors such as gender,race,and age are detected.Physical activity research is responsible for attending to social equity issues and fostering inclusiveness,particularly concerning different gender and ethnic groups.

Linking 24-h Movement Behavior Guidelines to Cognitive Difficulties,Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Preterm Youth

Background:Given the heightened risk of developmental challenges associated with preterm birth,it is crucial to explore interventions that may ameliorate potential adverse outcomes.This study aimed to examine whether meeting the 24-h movement behavior(24-HMB)guidelines,which include recommendations on physical activity(PA),screen time(ST),and sleep(SL),is related to indicators of cognitive difficulties,internalizing problems(e.g.,depression and anxiety),and externalizing problems(e.g.,difficulties in making friends and arguing)in a sample of preterm youth(children and adolescents born preterm).Methods:In this cross-sectional study,data from 3410 preterm youth(aged 6 to 17 years)were included for data analyses.Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between meeting the 24-HMB guidelines and the above-mentioned health outcomes,while controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors.Results:The prevalence of meeting 24-HMB guidelines varied across independent and integrated components of the 24-HMB guidelines.Meeting the ST guideline alone(p<0.05)and integrated guidelines(i.e.,ST+SL and ST+SL+PA)were associated with fewer cognitive difficulties and reduced internalizing and externalizing problems(p<0.05).Specifically,meeting the SL guideline alone and integrated guidelines(i.e.,SL+ST)were associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety(p<0.01).Additionally,meeting independent,and integrated(PA and/or ST)guidelines were associated with less pronounced difficulties in making friends and arguing(p<0.05).Meeting 24-HMB guidelines in an isolated and integrated manner are linked to better cognitive performance and fewer internalizing and externalizing problems in preterm youth.Conclusion:Results suggest that advocating for the implementation of the 24-HMB guidelines may reduce cognitive challenges and behavioral issues,which is of high relevance for improving public health.Future longitudinal studies in preterm youth should investigate how modifying specific 24-HMB behaviors,especially ST,influence cognitive difficulties,internalizing and externalizing problems in this vulnerable population.

Exploring the Reasons for Selfie-Taking and Selfie-Posting on Social Media with Its Effect on Psychological and Social Lives:A Study among Indian Youths

‘Selfie’taking was introduced to the common people by smartphones and has become a common practice across the globe in no time.With technological advancement and the popularity of smartphones,selfie-taking has grown rapidly within a short time.In light of the new trend set by the generation,this study aimed to explore reasons for selfie-taking and selfie-posting on social media and their effects on the social and psychological lives of young adults.A purposive sampling method was adopted to select 20 Indian citizens,between 18 and 24 years.The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.Selfie-taking and posting on social media give positive feelings,and it acts as a mood modifier dependent mostly on the favourability and feedback about the post which in turn affects emotions and self-satisfaction.

The Youth’s View of Marriage in Chinese Mainstream Media Discourse-A Corpus-assisted Three-dimensional Discourse Analysis

The rising of aging and the declining of birth rates have forced the public to focus on the youth’s view on marriage.Based on critical discourse analysis and combined with Fairclough’s three-dimensional discourse analysis model,this paper builds a“Chinese media News Report Corpus on the topic of‘marriage’”whose news are collected from China Daily.It is found that the discourses are neutral and objective with regard to the advantages and disadvantages of marriage,but in general,it is still a traditional view of marriage that is inevitable and closely related to fertility.Although this is controlled by the policies and the social reasons including declining fertility rate,it deviates from the current view of the youth towards marriage,resulting in many serious consequences such as young people’s rejection.In addition,this research found that male and female have great differences in their views on marriage,and men’s resistance to marriage is far greater than that of women,which is departure from the public’s cognition.The reasons behind this need to be explored in order to solve the marriage and love problems of young people in today’s era and realize the healthy development of young marriage.

Youth’s Role in Peace Building:A Case Study of Gadarif State

This study in Gadarif State,Sudan,analyzes the crucial role of youth in conflict resolution and peace building efforts amidst the ongoing crisis.Findings reveal that youth,facing economic,environmental,and security challenges,actively engage in peacemaking through initiatives,emergency rooms,and cultural programs,contributing to social cohesion and combatting hate speech.Despite their willingness to build peace,they encounter obstacles like the lack of training programs,limited support,and marginalization in policy-making processes.Recommendations emphasize the necessity of empowering youth through training programs,enhancing government support,and addressing negative perceptions from older generations towards youth contributions.Conclusively,prioritizing youth issues and fostering their participation in peace building initiatives are essential for sustainable peace and social harmony in Gadarif State.

Cultivating Youth Interest in Badminton

Conducting an investigation and analysis using literature review methods,the current state of interest cultivation among young badminton players was examined.The findings indicate a less optimistic situation regarding interest development among these young athletes:the initial interest motivation of young badminton players is significantly influenced by parents,with parental focus more on sporting achievements than the child’s happiness,neglecting the emotional well-being of children;coaches prioritize fundamental technical skills over interest cultivation,and the methods used to stimulate interest still exhibit traditional tendencies,overlooking the application of game-based and competitive approaches;there is a lack of practical implementation in interest cultivation;the majority of coaches create an unfavorable classroom atmosphere,easily overlooking students’emotional experiences.Understanding the current development status and trends in interest cultivation for youth badminton,this study analyzed data on interest cultivation methods.It was found that the majority of badminton teaching tends to focus on scientific technical training and physical fitness for young players.While many coaches and parents express affirmation for interest cultivation methods,they are not widely applied in practice at present.Incorporating game-based teaching into badminton instruction has the potential to enhance students’interest in badminton learning,especially for novice young players,facilitating the early establishment of a love for badminton.

Challenges and Countermeasures of Youth Moral Education in the Era of Big Data

Youth moral education is an extremely important work,which is related to the inheritance of traditional virtues of the Chinese nation,the fundamental plan of“successor,”and the construction of modern Chinese spiritual civilization.In the era of big data,the moral education of youth is facing new challenges and opportunities.The wide application of big data technology has brought about an information explosion,exposing young people to more diverse and complex social information.It not only brings opportunities for positive moral education but also many challenges.The main problems of youth moral education in the era of big data are neglected youth subjectivity,insufficient youth moral practice,and utilitarian youth value orientation.We should develop personalized moral education programs,strengthen the integration of moral knowledge and action,and pay more attention to moral practice to improve the pertinence and effectiveness of moral education for young people in the era of big data.

Research on the Development Strategies of Youth Green Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development

This article explains the connotation and types of green entrepreneurship,analyzes the shortcomings of green entrepreneurship development among young people from the perspective of sustainable development,and proposes countermeasures to promote green entrepreneurship among young people from multiple aspects,including supporting policies,entrepreneurial facilities,education system,and entrepreneurial fund channels.

Research on the Integration of Lingnan Culture into“Four Histories”Education for Hong Kong Youth

This study focuses on Hong Kong youth,recognizing them as a vital subject within the context of“four histories”education.From the perspective of the integration of Lingnan culture,it explores the rich resources of Lingnan culture,innovates the narrative system,and explores the path of positive guidance in history education.Responding to the demands of the times,it seeks to alleviate the pressing concerns of Hong Kong society,help Hong Kong youth break down prejudices,gain a comprehensive understanding of China,grasp the development context of modern China,recognize historical trends,undertake national responsibilities,and take on the mission of the times.

青年发展型城市环境指数测度及空间差异分析

基于国家45个青年发展型试点城市的宏观数据,构建青年发展型城市环境指数测度指标体系。采用EM-TOPSIS模型测度各城市的维度得分以及综合水平,使用变异系数法测量四大地区内城市的环境指数差异,结合地理探测器来探测七大环境因子的空间分异解释和驱动能力。结果显示:生活环境的评价均分最高,其次是规划环境,就业环境评价均分最低;四大地区内部城市在各维度表现上具有一定的差异性,其中西部和东部地区差异性最大,部分城市在各环境指数间具有明显的不平衡性;通过计算,将45个城市划分为高水平、中等水平、低水平等级;在因子与交互探测上,健康环境因子和就业环境因子的解释能力最强,其次是规划环境因子和经济环境因子,且两因子间的交互驱动力都强于各个单因子的驱动力。

算法推荐视域下青年主流价值观培育的风险隐忧与优化策略

在数字化生存时代,算法推荐作为信息传播和话语生成的新范式,成为形塑青年价值观的社会权力。在资本逻辑作用下,算法推荐的不当运用催生了“过滤气泡”加剧“信息茧房”、“去中心化”加速“再中心化”、“流量至上”诱发“娱乐至死”等一系列风险隐忧,给青年群体的价值认知、价值认同和价值选择带来诸多负面影响。为此,必须优化算法推荐生态、创新算法推荐应用、强化算法推荐治理,对算法推荐发展、应用与治理的全过程加以矫治,多措并举,既发挥算法推荐的正向价值,又引领算法、规制算法和驾驭算法,使“算法”成为“善法”。

脱贫地区留守儿童积极发展的理论探析与发展关注点

农村留守困境以及某些脱贫地区道德文化失调带来的各种社会风险仍然是留守儿童积极发展的重大风险因素,受到社会各方重点关注。现阶段,脱贫地区留守儿童积极发展工作中存在的问题主要表现在:理论构建层面,促进积极发展理论未能与时俱进,缺失针对不同文化背景下个体积极发展理论探讨;实践应用层面,忽视了农村社会转型过程中,一些脱贫地区道德文化失调带来的各种社会风险挑战,社会适应促进的理论研究与实践应用不能有效结合。促进农村留守儿童积极发展关注点需要侧重于以下几个方面:第一,积极构建留守儿童健康发展理论体系与实现机制;第二,从家庭、学校和社区等多个维度优化脱贫地区乡村留守儿童积极发展的外部资源;第三,注重个体心理韧性、意向性自我调节及行为的培养,优化积极发展的个体资源,开发留守儿童自身优势和潜能,减少心理问题和问题行为。

男大当婚,女大当嫁?——时间社会学视角下不婚意愿青年与“婚姻错配”格局

随着中国现代化进程推进,青年婚恋以及生育决策从传统的“单一脚本”向“多维脚本”转变。在此背景下,探问不婚意愿青年的婚恋观、不婚缘由以及决策动因过程成为理解中国婚姻与家庭结构变革的重要视角。基于时间社会学理论,不婚意愿青年形成的过程印证了不婚意愿青年正在反思与反抗“恋爱-结婚-生育”的传统社会时钟规训,延迟或规避个人生命历程里婚姻这一重要事件成为青年主体性实践新现象。青年采取“主体性表达”“重塑适婚时间”“情感补偿”等多种行动策略重建个人时钟。同时,工作时间挤压、“内卷化”就业文化共因导致了青年群体不婚意愿。

互联网嵌入的青年多维减贫效应

随着社会经济发展的放缓与社会阶层流动性的降低,国内青年也面临着严峻的多维贫困问题。基于CFPS(中国家庭追踪调查)2020数据,采用AF(Alkire-Foster)法,通过收入状况、教育获得、健康水平、生活条件、社会排斥、主观福祉等维度构建青年多维贫困指数,探讨互联网嵌入与青年多维贫困间的联系。研究发现,互联网嵌入能显著改善青年多维贫困状况,且能通过促进社会资本的积累来间接实现减贫。

高校共青团协同就业育人工作模式探究

在新时代高校毕业生就业形势严峻的背景下,高校共青团组织应在发挥自身优势的同时,协助学校就业部门促就业工作顺利进行,形成以学校为主导、以学院为主体、各部门协作、全体成员参与的“大就业”工作格局;切实落实生涯规划前移、就业指导前置、就业帮扶前行。通过共青团工作让高校学生树立正确的就业观,不断提高个人政治素养和综合能力,为学生就业创造更好的条件和机会,培养学生成为国家和社会需要的德才兼备的复合型人才。

滨水空间视觉特征的注意力和情绪效应——基于高校在校学生眼动追踪实验的证据

随着社会竞争压力倍增以及城市生活高速运转,高校在校学生心理健康问题日益凸显。大量研究证实蓝绿空间具有多重健康效益。作为一种日常疗愈景观,蓝绿空间是促进心理健康的重要“自然处方”和环境资产。本研究基于视觉景观感知理论,采用虚拟现实眼动追踪实验,收集51名高校在校学生的眼动行为和情绪数据,探究滨水空间视觉特征对高校在校学生注意力分配和情绪反应的作用。结果显示:公共活动型水岸引起的注视行为和愉悦情绪显著更多,不同观赏视角之间滨水空间感知的瞳孔反应和愉悦情绪存在差异。不同水平植被密度、植被结构层次和水面可视度对注意力和情绪的影响存在显著差异,且在不同空间类型和观赏视角下显示出异质性特征,即滨水空间属性之间具有交互作用。研究有助于丰富蓝绿空间人地感知理论的实验性循证探索和差异化研究,结论可为人本尺度下滨水空间精细化场所营造提供参考,以期为我国青年友好滨水空间建设提供实证支撑。

青年缺血性脑卒中病人血清miR-218-5p、LASP1水平及其应用价值

目的探究青年缺血性脑卒中(IS)病人血清微RNA-218-5p(miR-218-5p)、LIM和SH3蛋白1(LASP1)水平及其应用价值。方法选取2020年6月至2022年6月山东中医药大学附属医院收治的青年IS病人96例为IS组,对所有IS病人进行为期3个月的随访,按照改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分进行分组,预后良好组68例(mRS评分≤2分)和预后不良组28例(mRS评分>2分)。选择同期在该院进行体检的健康志愿者96例为对照组。血清miR-218-5p、LASP1 mRNA水平检测采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR);Pearson相关性分析血清miR-218-5p与LASP1 mRNA表达水平的关系。采用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC曲线)分析血清中miR-218-5p、LASP1 mRNA表达水平对IS预后评估的价值。结果与对照组相比,IS组白细胞计数、总胆固醇、三酰甘油、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平显著升高,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平显著降低(P<0.05);与对照组(1.03±0.11、1.01±0.11)相比,IS组血清中miR-218-5p水平0.88±0.09显著降低,LASP1 mRNA(1.12±0.12)水平显著升高(P<0.05)。IS病人血清miR-218-5p与LASP1 mRNA呈负相关(r=−0.73,P<0.001)。与预后良好组(0.94±0.10、1.05±0.11)相比,预后不良组血清中miR-218-5p(0.74±0.08)水平显著降低,LASP1 mRNA(1.28±0.13)水平显著升高(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,二者联合评估IS预后不良的AUC高于miR-218-5p、LASP1 mRNA单独预测的AUC值(Z=12.35,P<0.001;Z=6.60,P=0.010)。结论青年IS病人血清miR-218-5p较低,LASP1 mRNA较高,可用于评估青年IS病人的预后。

青年育龄夫妇生活压力与高血压研究

目的调查我国不同省份及不同经济发展地区青年育龄夫妇生活压力和血压水平现状, 并分析影响青年育龄夫妇血压水平的相关因素。方法本研究为横断面研究。研究对象来自"基于孕前-产前-生后全链条的出生缺陷综合防控规范化体系研究"。入选2021年2—5月上述研究中来自我国东、中、西部地区(北京市、河南省、甘肃省)18~49岁之间的城市和农村的育龄夫妇, 分析总体人群的高血压检出率、认知及控制情况以及不同性别和地区的高血压检出率。根据血压是否≥140/90 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)将研究对象分为高血压组和非高血压组, 比较两组的一般临床资料。根据血压是否≥130/80 mmHg将研究对象分为高血压前期及高血压组和血压正常组, 比较两组的一般临床资料, 并根据性别进行亚组分析。应用多因素logistic回归模型分析男性及女性高血压前期及高血压的影响因素。结果纳入1 942 对育龄夫妇共3 884人, 年龄(29.8±5.2)岁, 男性1 942人(50.0%)。总体人群高血压检出率为6.3%(246/3 884), 男性高血压检出率为10.5%(203/1 942), 女性高血压检出率为2.2%(43/1 942)。北京市高血压检出率为6.2%(92/1 482), 河南省高血压检出率为11.6%(139/1 200), 甘肃省高血压检出率为1.2%(15/1 202)。总体人群高血压前期及高血压检出率为40.5%(1 574/3 884)。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示, 生活压力因素对女性血压水平无影响(P>0.05), 而比较大或很大的生活/工作压力是男性高血压前期及高血压的危险因素(OR=2.30, 95%CI 1.06~4.99, P<0.05)。结论我国青年育龄人群高血压前期及高血压检出率较高, 高血压认知和控制情况不佳。生活压力与血压水平之间的关系存在一定性别差异。在血压管理中需要更全面地考虑个体生活环境和心理健康因素, 采取措施来减轻生活压力和提高心理韧性。

基于目标管理理论的病程相宜式康复管理在青年脑梗死患者中的应用

目的探讨基于目标管理理论的病程相宜式康复管理在青年脑梗死患者中的应用效果。方法采用前瞻性随机对照试验设计,纳入126例青年脑梗死患者,随机分为对照组和观察组,各63例。对照组接受常规干预,观察组实施基于目标管理理论的病程相宜式康复管理,评估2组患者干预前后运动功能、日常生活能力、神经功能、生活质量及治疗有效性。结果观察组患者FMA评分显著高于对照组(92.9±5.2比89.0±6.1),ADL评分显著低于对照组(17.3±2.4比18.5±2.8),NIHSS评分显著低于对照组(9.0±2.4比10.1±2.2),SV-SS-QoL评分显著高于对照组(58.0±3.9比47.5±4.4),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组治疗有效性高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.021,P=0.043)。结论基于目标管理理论的病程相宜式康复管理能显著提高青年脑梗死患者的康复效果,提升患者运动功能、日常生活能力、生活质量并减少神经功能损伤。