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.

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.

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.

The moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between bullying and mental health among sexual and gender minority youth

Background:Sexual and gender minority youth frequently experience bullying,which often contributes to higher depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem.Given that physical activity(PA)can mitigate depressive symptoms and improve self-esteem,we examined the moderating effect of PA on the relationship between bullying and mental health among sexual and gender minority youth.Methods:Data from the Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,and Queer National Teen Survey(n=9890)were analyzed.Hierarchical regression analyses examined the influence of history and frequency of being bullied,PA,and the interaction of these variables on depressive symptoms and self-esteem.Simple slopes analyses were used to probe significant interactions.Results:Results indicated the importance of accounting for bullying history when examining effects of PA on mental health.PA was negatively related to depression(t=-4.18,p<0.001)and positively related to self-esteem(t=12.11,p<0.001).Bullying frequency was positively related to depression(t=19.35,p<0.001)and negatively related to self-esteem(t=-12.46,p<0.001).There was a significant interaction between bullying frequency and PA for depression(t=4.45,p<0.001)and self-esteem(t=-4.69,p<0.001).Post hoc analyses suggested that the positive effects of PA on mental health may be limited to those not bullied because it had a negligible effect on those who were bullied.Conclusion:Results suggest that sexual and gender minority youth exercise interventions aiming to improve mental health should first address bullying history;otherwise,their effectiveness may be limited to those who have been bullied.

SCO Forum on Youth Development Kicks Off in Qingdao

Sponsored by All-China Youth Federation and coorganised by China International Youth Exchange Centre,Shandong Youth Federation,Qingdao Youth Federation,the Management Committee of China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone and People's Government of Jiaozhou City,the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO)Forum for Youth Development was held in Qingdao,Shandong Province on September 11th.Nearly 100 young delegates from 11 member states and observer states of scO participated in the forum.Participants from various youth organisations and agencies in countries such as China,India,Iran,Kazakhstan.

The International Youth Friendship Gathering at China Three Gorges Corporation was Held in Beijing

On May 18,the International Youth Friendship Gathering at China Three Gorges Corporation was held in Beijing,co-hosted by All-China Youth Federation and China Three Gorges Corporation and organised by Beijing branch of Three Gorges Corporation.Dong Xia,Deputy Secretary-General of All-China Youth Federation,Zhou Lin,Deputy Secretary of Youth League Working Committee for Central Enterprises,and Hua Mei,Employee Director of China Three Gorges Corporation.

TONIGHT,WE ARE YOUNG--‘New Youth,New Future’Asian Youth Music Festival rocks Nanjing

The“New Youth,New Future”Asian Youth Music Festival kicked off in Nanjing,capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province,on October 28.Talented young artists,bands,and singers from China,Japan,the ROK,and ASEAN countries gathered to share a stage and be part of a youth musical and cultural feast dedicated to peace and friendship.The festival attracted more than 20,000 spectators.

2023 China International Youth Cultural Exchange Camp A Platform for Chinese and Foreign Youths to Carry out International Cultural Exchanges

"China International Youth Cultural Exchange Camp"aims at building a platform for international cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign youth,cultivating a group of young people around the world who pay attention to China's development.

Youth Cultural Exchanges Promoting People-to-People Ties On 2023 China International Youth Cultural Exchange Camp

From July 3 to 13,2023,"China International Youth Cultural Exchange Camp"was held in Beijing,Shandong etc.,which was sponsored by the China International Culture Association,and co-organized by Network of International Culturalink Entities,the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism,and the Jining Municipal People's Government.

Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Held 2022"Colourful World"International Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition——Mauritian Exhibition and Award Ceremony

On January 7,the 2022"Colourful World"International Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition——Mauritian Exhibition and"Chinatown Light"Award Ceremony was held at the Chinatown Art Centre in Mauritius.The exhibition was co-organised by Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and other organisations.

The Triadic Dimension of The Communist Manifesto:Its Implications for Scientific Education in a New Era’s Youth Talent

The Communist Manifesto,as the initial comprehensive exposition of scientific socialist theory,encapsulates the scientific spirit of Marxism.As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a new epoch,and the world is in the throes of an unprecedented century-long transformation,the importance of young talent in bolstering national scientific and technological progress grows ever more apparent.It is of paramount significance to profoundly understand and elucidate the theoretical heritage,practical guidance,and directional leadership that The Communist Manifesto provides to scientific education for the young talent of this new era from three perspectives:theory,practice,and history.This understanding is vital for young talents to further deepen their accurate comprehension of the governing laws of the Communist Party,the construction laws of socialism,and the development laws of human society.The nurturing of scientific spirit and scientific literacy in young talents has critical implications for providing talent support in building a world scientific and technological powerhouse.

青年强则国强:青年人口学前瞻与优化青年人口发展

从当年梁启超发出历史呼号“少年强则国强”、李大钊提出“青春中华之创造”到如今党的二十大报告发出时代强音“青年强,则国家强”,显示了一脉相承的青少年与国家发展联系紧密的认识逻辑。本文回顾和界定了青年及青年人口学的内涵,认为青年可定义为“风险型人口”和“资源型人口”两大类,继而讨论了“青年强”的三重含义,即青年人口储备充足、青年人口素质卓越和青年人口红利丰厚,充分诠释了“青年强,则国家强”时代命题的深刻内涵。概言之,人尽其才则“青年强”,才尽其用则“国家强”。本文从国际比较的视角阐述了我国青年人口发展面临的问题和挑战,突出表现为:中国未来青年人口数量将长期处于缩减状态;青年人口的科学文化素质、身体健康素质和思想素质都有待“提质增效”;就业不充分,青年人口红利没有被充分释放。因此,要优化青年人口发展、进一步增强青年力量,采取相应的对策来强化青年人口储备、优化青年人口素质、极化青年人口红利、激发全人口活力。在人口负增长时代,建设适宜青年生存与发展的青年友好型社会极为必要,把解决青年问题作为解决低生育率等社会人口问题的重要突破口迫在眉睫。

高级别胎儿型肺腺癌并头皮转移1例

胎儿型肺腺癌(fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung,FLAC)是一种罕见的肺部肿瘤。FLAC分为低级别FLAC(low-grade FLAC,L-FLAC)和高级别FLAC(high-grade FLAC,H-FLAC),两者在临床病理特征、生物学行为和临床结局方面有所不同。大多数H-FLAC患者是重度吸烟的中年人。本研究描述了1例罕见的非吸烟年轻男性患者,其最初表现为头顶肿块,最终被诊断为H-FLAC。本文旨在增进对FLAC的了解和认识,提高对该疾病的重视,以防止该疾病漏诊与误诊,加强早期识别、精准诊断,从而推进后续的有效治疗、改善预后。

面向全球技能发展:青年、教育与就业

全球范围内科技进步引发的产业变革,加剧了劳动力市场对高技能人才的需求。同时,随着高等教育的普及化,文凭在劳动力市场的特权逐渐淡化,各国开始探索“学历+技能”的人才培养模式,技能社会作为新的社会形态受到普遍关注。然而,作为劳动力市场的生力军,许多青年在技能掌握、技能适应与技能使用上面临挑战,国际青年失业问题严峻,这反映了教育系统技能供给与就业市场技能需求之间的错位与失衡。在全球化和技术变革、教育转型多元碰撞的趋势下,优化技能系统已成为国际事务,需要在全球视野下进行战略布局,遵循双重逻辑取向,既要关注终身技能形成,还应考虑各国在技能认证、技能治理与技能监测方面的合作,在纵横两种逻辑下构设全球技能发展的行动框架。

青年“低欲望躺平”:全球图景、影响因素与引导策略

在全球图景下,以“躺平”为代表的青年低欲望现象已成为世界各国共同面临的难题。文章聚焦美国、英国、日本、韩国、巴西、印度、南非等国的青年低欲望现象,展现了世界各国的差异化表现,并剖析其产生原因。研究指出,全球青年低欲望现象的形成受到外源性因素和内源性因素的影响。其中,外源性因素包括经济下行时期青年就业困难,宗教信仰和社会文化中的男权色彩,以及社会舆论对“躺平”的负面评价;内源性因素包括与青年关系紧密的初级群体的基础素养,以及青年对教育体系和社会现状的不满,而且部分青年的低欲望表现已成为他们抵御社会异化的另类方式。研究提出,面对这一全球普遍存在的社会现象,我们既要承认青年低欲望现象的合理性,营造宽松和谐的社会环境,也要通过政府、媒体、家庭和个人的多方联动,加强青年社交情感发展和能力培养,帮助青年从“躺平”中站起来。

延迟退休对青年人就业的挤入效应研究

本文从理论上提出了延迟退休对青年人就业产生挤入效应的两条途径,并基于2005年1%人口抽样调查微观数据和2010年第六次全国人口普查微观数据,采用双向固定效应模型实证研究了延迟退休对青年人就业的影响及作用机制。研究结果显示:延迟退休不仅不会挤出青年人就业,反而会对其产生挤入效应。异质性分析结果表明,相较于男性青年人,延迟退休对女性青年人就业的促进作用偏弱;高学历老年人延迟退休能够促进高学历青年人就业,低学历老年人延迟退休能够促进低学历青年人就业。机制分析结果表明,延迟退休通过降低实际老年抚养比促进青年人就业。调节效应分析结果表明,经济发展水平对延迟退休与青年人就业之间的关系存在正向调节效应。本文的研究结论支持政府为增加劳动力供给提出的延迟退休政策,建议推进渐进式、弹性式延迟退休政策。在实行延迟退休政策的同时,政府应适时调整其他相关政策。在三孩生育政策全面放开阶段,政府应重视年轻家庭对祖辈隔代照料的需求。此外,政府应鼓励老年劳动力提升自身人力资本水平。

数字化背景下美国青年学徒制:实施现状、应对策略及经验启示

美国青年学徒制旨在降低青年失业率和填补企业未满足的劳动力需求,获得社会广泛支持。数字化背景下,美国青年学徒制开发了系列指导原则,形成了以职业为导向、注重公平、学分可转换、强调适应性和建立问责制等特色。同时也面临着数据收集标准与范围不明确,各利益相关主体的角色及责任不清晰,数据收集基础设施建设不完善,数据访问和存储有待进一步优化等方面的问题。美国采取了数据收集和使用以学习者为中心、开发青年学徒制数据框架、促进雇主与行业的共同参与、把职业教育与青年学徒项目联系起来、加强青年学徒制的质量评估等应对策略。这对发展中国特色学徒制提供了经验启示:现代学徒制试点学校的课程设置要强调以学生为中心,建立学徒制信息数据平台,明确学校和企业职责,建立纵向贯通的就业和升学渠道,搭建全过程综合评价平台。