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.

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.

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。

The Impact of Internet Usage on Youth Social Interaction in China

The purpose of this paper intends to explore specifically whether heavy usage of the Internet by youths increase or decrease their social interaction opportunities. Issues that will be examined include that of the change of face-to-face communication between the youth and their families, friends and social activities. A quantitative research method with questionnaires is adopted to meet the objective of this study.

澳大利亚雷坎伯图书馆Youth@Lakemba项目研究

澳大利亚雷坎伯图书馆Youth@Lakemba项目通过组织、开展青少年社团活动,发挥了图书馆对社区青少年的引导和教育作用。该项目分为前期调研、培训、社团活动开展和评估4个阶段,项目组通过运用社交网络、组建合作联盟、开展社区活动、激发青少年自主性和创造力实现了项目的成功运作。我国公共图书馆应从该项目获得启示,拓宽服务渠道,整合服务资源,创新服务方式,创建社区文化,以实现图书馆社区服务的新发展。

Prevalence and correlates of meeting the muscle-strengthening exercise recommendations among Chinese children and adolescents:Results from 2019 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—The Youth Study

Purpose This study aimed to describe the national prevalence of Chinese children and adolescents who met the World Health Organization muscle-strengthening exercise(MSE)recommendations and identify correlates of meeting the MSE recommendations.Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2019 Physical Activity and Fitness in China—The Youth Study,a nationally representative sample of Chinese children and adolescents(n=80,413;mean age=13.7 years;53.9%girls)and their parents,were analyzed.Children and adolescents who reported engaging≥3 days(up to 7 days)of MSE per week were classified as meeting the MSE recommendations.MSE,demographics,lifestyle behaviors(sport participation,moderate-to-vigorous physical activity,screen time,and sleep duration),exercise intention,peer and parental support,and parental MSE participation were assessed through self-reports.Logistic regression models were used to determine the correlates of meeting the MSE recommendations.The analyses were completed in 2020.Results Overall,39.3%of children and adolescents met the MSE recommendations.Girls,10th-12th graders,minorities,those from lower income households and those from families with lower parental education were less likely to meet the MSE recommendations.Children and adolescents who were proficient in≥2 sports were more likely to meet the MSE recommendations(adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=1.44,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.26-1.65),as were those with more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(aOR=1.57,95%CI:1.53-1.61).Additionally,children and adolescents with high exercise intention(aOR=1.60,95%CI:1.51-1.69),those whose parents met the adult MSE recommendations(aOR=1.46,95%CI:1.40-1.52),and those who received high peer(aOR=1.27,95%CI:1.20-1.34)and parental support(aOR=1.07,95%CI:1.04-1.12)were more likely to meet the MSE recommendations.Conclusion Less than two-fifths of Chinese children and adolescents met the World Health Organization MSE recommendations.The correlates identified in our study can help inform the development of school and community based strategies and policies to enhance participation in MSE and improve muscular fitness of all Chinese children and adolescents.

How the Reproductive Health Needs of Unmarried Youth Be Concerned in Quality Services in Family Planning/Reproductive Health?

Objective To understand the reproductive health needs of unmarried youth so as to provide them better quality services. Method Data were drawn from a baseline questionnaire survey of provision of reproductive health information and services for unmarried youth aged 16-20 years in rural areas of Chengdu, Southwest China in 2001-2002. Results The study comprised of 1 895 valid subjects. More than 70% subjects felt that the knowledge, information and services in relation to sexual and reproductive health provided by the society were rather insufficient. Near 95% thought that unmarried young people seeking sexual and reproductive health counseling and services were quite normal, although some of them had different misgivings. Their preferred services in reproductive health included： counseling in relation to sexual and reproductive health, how to cope with unexpected sex and unwanted pregnancy, how to select the appropriate contraceptives for unmarried youth, etc. About 2/3 subjects agreed to provide contraceptive services to unmarried youth actively, by the society. A. nd they thought the difficulties and obstacles in provision of contraceptive services for un- married youth were in the following order.＂ restriction of the traditional conceptions, shyness of unmarried youth in accept of such services, disapproval of parents/school teachers, and so forth. Conclusion To improve reproductive health status of unmarried youth and meet their needs is a challenge to quality service of family planning/reproductive health program in China, The related departments and service providers should pay attention to this matter and take the strategies and measures to provide appropriate, specific, friendly and accessibly services for unmarried young people.

Sexual Behaviour of Rural College Youth in Maharashtra, India: An Intervention Study

Objective To promote healthy sexual behaviour among rural college youth. Methods The intervention study consisted a sample of 1 500 （800 male and 700female） in baseline and 1 953 （1 022 male and 931 female） college going students in post intervention, in the age groups 15-24 years from 8 colleges in Thane district of Maharashtra. The interventions included dissemination of lEC （Information, Education and Communication）, counselling in colleges and provision of health care services at rural health centers in the experimental area. Male and female teachers and peer leaders were trained to provide IEC. Chi-square test was carried out to find out the association between contributing factors and sexual behaviour. Results Post intervention results showed that overall any sexual experience （coital/ non-coital） increased by 2.6% and 1.0% among male students and 4.6% and 0.8% among female students in control and experimental groups respectively which suggests that in the control area physical closeness and sexual relationship has increased between sexes. A significant improvement was noted in the usage of condom during their sexual intercourse in experimental group. The provision of IEC in college settings, peer leader training and orientation to teachers helped students and teachers to initiate a dialogue on reproductive health issues. Intervention programs helped college youth to develop the skills, make informed decisions about engaging in sexual intercourse and using contraceptives in a social context that sometimes encourages risky sexual behaviour. The study found that peer interaction was exposure to erotic material; habits and working status among boys and peer interaction and place of study among girls were closely associated with their coital and non-coital sex experience. Conclusion A scientifically developed, need based and demand driven reproductive health service package for male and female students in colleges can help them to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes for critical thinking and responsible decision making and for achieving healthy sexual life. Therefore, programs aimed at promotion of safer sex practice should be promoted at such vulnerable group.

Relationship between Migration and HIV Risky Behavior: a Comparative Study of Returning Migrants and Non Migrants Based on Rural Out-of-school Youth in Jilin, China

Objective To estimate the relationship between migration and HIV risky behavior when controlling for gender, age, and educational levels and to evaluate the gender differences in migration, HIV knowledge, and HIV risky behaviors among rural youth in China. Methods A cross-sectional, anonymous, investigative questionnaire for 1710 unmarried, out-of-school rural youth, aged between 15 and 24 years, was handed out in Gongzhuling county of Jilin province, China. Results 58.5% of participants had a history of migration, irrespective of gender. There were gender differences observed in other factors such as drug abuse（4.3% for males and 5.5% for females, P〈0.01）, multiple sexual partners（24.1% for males and 44.1% for females, P〈0.01）, and HIV knowledge rate（35.2% for males and 25.5% for females, P〈0.001）. While controlling for gender, age, and educational levels, the relationships between migration and drug abuse, selling sex, and non usage of condoms during last instance of sexual activity were found to be significant. The cases of premarital sex and multiple sexual partners were both not found to be related to migration. Conclusion Among rural youth, the HIV risky behavior such as drug abuse, selling sex, and lack of condom use, is significantly related to migration, while premarital sex and multiple sexual partners seem unrelated to migration.

Comparison of Depression and Anxiety between Unmarried Female Youth in Two Groups of Induced Abortion and None-Induced Abortion in Yibin City of China

Objectives To explore the risk factors influencing the mental status of unmarried female youth. Methods ,4 cross-sectional survey and a qualitative interview were adopted. 1200 unmarried female volunteers （600 with 1,4） who aged 15-29 years in Yibin city were investigated, and 8 focus group discussions （FGDs） and 8 in-depth interviews were conducted. Except the investigation of subject＇s personal information, econ-socio status, sexual behavior, contraception and reproductive health problems they face, two selfreporting scales, CES-D and SAS were used for assessment of depression and anxiety of the subjects. Results 1） Depression and anxiety among unmarried female youth investigated in current study are relatively common. Proportions of the females with depression and anxiety to the total sample are 27.4% and 33.4%, respectively; 2） Depression and anxiety of the females with 1,4 are more serious than that of the female without 1,4. Proportions of unmarried females with IA have depression and anxiety to the total unmarried females with 1,4 are 3.45 times and 2.61 times that of unmarried females without 1,4 have depression and anxiety to the total unmarried females without 1,4, respectively; 3） IA is one of the key risk factors influencing depression and anxiety of unmarried female youth. Other risk factors are lack on basic knowledge about sex/ STD/HIV/AIDS, reproductive tract infections, relatively lower income, age at sex debut is relatively younger, etc. In addition, multiple sex partners and repeat pregnancies were risk factors influencing anxiety of unmarried female youth. Conclusion Depession and anxiety was more popular in unmarried females with IA Intervention for improving mental health of unmarried females should be developred Key words：

Empowering youth sport environments: Implications for daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity

Background: Evidence suggests involvement in youth sport does not guarantee daily guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) are met, and participation may not mitigate the risks associated with physical inactivity. The need to promote higher habitual MVPA engagement amongst children active in the youth sport context has therefore been underlined. Framed by self-determination theory, the aim of the present study was to examine the implications of the motivational climate created in youth sport, for children's daily engagement in MVPA and associated adiposity. Specifically, we sought to test a motivational sequence in which children's perceptions of an empowering coach-created motivational climate were related to autonomous and controlled motivation, which in turn predicted sport-related enjoyment. Finally, enjoyment was assumed to predict accelerometer assessed daily MVPA and, following this, adiposity.Methods: Male and female youth sport participants aged 9–16 years(n = 112) completed multi-section questionnaires assessing their perceptions of the motivational climate created in youth sport(i.e., autonomy supportive, task involving, socially supportive), autonomous and controlled motivation, and sport-related enjoyment. Daily MVPA engagement was determined via 7 days of accelerometry. Percent body fat(BF%) was estimated using bio-electrical impedance analysis.Results: Path analysis revealed perceptions of an empowering motivational climate positively predicted players' autonomous motivation, and in turn, sport-related enjoyment. Enjoyment was also significantly negatively related to players' BF%, via a positive association with daily MVPA.Conclusion: Fostering more empowering youth sport environments may hold implications for the prevention of excess adiposity, through encouraging higher habitual MVPA engagement. Findings may inform the optimal design of youth sport settings for MVPA promotion, and contribute towards associated healthy weight maintenance amongst youth active in this context. Longitudinal and intervention studies are required to confirm these results.

Influence of Parental Factors on Sex-related Knowledge,Attitudes and Practice in Unmarried Youth

Objective To explore the influence of parental factors on sexual and reproductive health awareness,attitudes to pre-marital sex, and pre-marital sexual activity among unmarried youthMethods Data were collected by anonymous self-completed questionnaire survey among eli-gible unmarried youth aged 15~22 in Chengdu City, Southwest China during 1998~1999 andthe study comprised of 3 307 valid subjects.Results Awareness of safe sex and contraception among unmarried youth was limited and theirattitudes towards pre-marital sexual activity appeared to be positive. Large proportions of dat-ing subjects were sexually active and reported ever-using contraceptives, regular or appropriateuse of contraceptives was likely to be limited. About two thirds of adolescents had communica-tion with their parents frequently, but fewer had communicated with their parents on sex-relatedissues. but they did influence the sexual behaviours of adolescents. In fact, it appeared that co-residence and extensive communication with parents on sex-related issues could delay sexualactivity among adolescents, and the sexually active youth co-resided with their parents weremore likely to take contraceptive measures.Conclusion Programmes are needed not only for youth to encourage them to communicate withtheir parents on sex-related issues, but also for parents to know the current sexual health statusof youth and realize the necessity to communicate with their adolescent children about sexualand reproductive health issues.

Physical activity,sedentary behaviors,physical fitness,and their relation to health outcomes in youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:A review of the epidemiologic literature

Diabetes is a leading chronic disease of childhood and adolescence. In addition to the well-known auto-immune, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus （type 1 diabetes （T 1D））, the past two decades have witnessed the emergence of type 2 diabetes （T2D） in children and adolescents, which previously was only seen in middle-aged or older adults. One of the key components of diabetes management is physical activity （PA）. The beneficial effects of increased PA and decreased sedentary behavior are extremely important in youth with diabetes because of the markedly increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease in this population compared to persons without diabetes. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the epidemiologic, observational research published and listed in PubMed between 1970 and 2012 on PA and sedentary behaviors, as well as physical fitness in children and adolescents with T1D and T2D. Additionally, we describe briefly the state of knowledge on perceived barriers of PA in persons with diabetes, with a focus on hypoglycemia. Finally, we provide an overview of the epidemiological literature pertaining to health benefits of increased PA in youth with TID and T2D and briefly discuss the topic of exercise-related hypoglycemia, Copyright ~ 2012, Shanghai University of Sport. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determinants of Youth Engagement with Health Information on Social Media Platforms in United Arab Emirates

Since most social media platforms are accessible anytime and anywhere where Internet connections and smartphones are available, the invisibility of the reader raises questions about accuracy, appropriateness and comprehensibility of social media communication. This purposive sampling study of 120 participants aged 18 - 35 year in UAE was conducted between September and December 2017, and explored commonly used social media platforms, frequency of use of social media for accessing health related information, and approaches for assessing the trustworthiness of health information. Results indicate that Whats App (95%), Instagram (87%) and Youtube (82%) were the most commonly used social media platforms among respondents. Majority of respondents (81%) indicated that they regularly access social media to get health-associated information. About 55% of respondents with non-chronic health status relied on unsolicited messages to obtain health-related information. Doctors’ health blogs (21%) and social media sites of international healthcare organizations (20%) constitute the most trusted source of health information among respondents, with UAE government health agencies’ social media accounts trusted by 15% of respondents. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension were the most commonly searched topics on social media (29%), followed by nutrition (20%) and skin care (16%). Majority of respondents (41%) rely on reliability of Google search results, 22% check for health information only from “reliable” social media sites, while 8% utilize “logic” to ascertain reliability of health information. Utilizing popular social media platforms for posting reader-friendly health information will achieve high coverage. Improving youth digital literacy will facilitate easier access to trustworthy information on the internet.

A Dataset on the Status Quo of Health and Health-Related Behaviors of Chinese Youth: A Longitudinal Large-Scale Survey in the Secondary School Students of Shandong Province

This data article describes data acquired from the Database of Youth Health(DYH)program.The DYH program consisted of a multi-wave survey conducted annually in the academic year 2015/2016,2016/2017,2017/2018,and 2020/2021 to investigate the status quo of health and health-related behaviors of Chinese junior and senior high school students.A total of 99,327 students from 186 secondary schools in 17 cities of Shandong province participated in the survey.The dataset is longitudinal and consists of rich parameters in aspects of individual information,social-economic status,social interaction,nutrition and diet,psychological cognition,mental health,school adaptation,quality of life,spare-time physical activity,risk behaviors,and physical fitness evaluation results based on the National Student Physical Fitness and Health 2014.It is the first open shared dataset about Chinese adolescents’health and health-related behaviors.It would be valuable and beneficial for policy makers,educational institutions,and other stakeholders to generate or adjust the existing strategies for improving Chinese adolescents’wellbeing.