Increase in Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels among Non-Attending Junior High School Students Diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder

Purpose: Several studies have demonstrated that the measurement of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels is a useful tool for evaluating the autonomic nervous system. Psychosocial stress increases the release of sAA as a useful marker for autonomic nervous system (ANS). To our knowledge, although some studies have evaluated sAA levels under psychosocial stress, no studies have investigated the changes in sAA activity that occur in junior high school students who are not attending school due to social anxiety disorder (SAD). We aimed to investigate the relationship between the sAA levels and psychiatric states of such patients. Methods: The study subjects consisted of SAD patients (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 57). We used a portable hand-held monitor to measure the level of sAA and State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) to evaluate the psychiatric state. Results: The patients’ sAA activity was significantly higher than that of the controls (n = 57) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in heart rate (HR) (76.10 ± 11.96 vs. 68.69 ± 10.61, respectively, p < 0.01) and STAI scores (both the STAI-State and STAI-Trait scores) (49.35 ± 10.57 vs. 41.24 ± 8.59, respectively, p < 0.01;55.69 ± 10.44 vs. 45.61 ± 9.36, respectively, p < 0.001) were detected between the patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: These results indicated that junior high school students with SAD exhibit a higher state of anxiety and high autonomic activity, probably due to changes in the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, junior high school students with SAD are expected to exhibit high levels of sAA accompanied by anxiety symptoms.

Eating Habits of High School Students in the District of Bamako in the Context of Nutritional Transition

Introduction: Eating habits are consolidated in early childhood and continue throughout life. Adolescence is a stage of rapid growth linked to puberty affected by the nutritional transition. This study aimed to evaluate the eating habits of high school students in the district of Bamako. Methodology: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from June 15 to July 4, 2023. The sample size was calculated with the StatCalc program of the Epi 7.2 software. Data was collected using a questionnaire on KoboCollect. Analyses were performed using SPSS 26 software. Results: A total of 2400 high school students were surveyed. The average age of high school students was 16.9 years ± 1.4. The median age was 17, with extremes of 14 and 19. Of the high school students, 53.3% were boys. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.14. About 89.4% of high school students had a Smartphone. Among high school students, 51.1% did not engage in physical activity outside of high school. Rice was the cereal most consumed by high school students (99.2%). Consumption of fish and seafood was very low (25.5%). Soft drinks were consumed on average 4.2 days/week. In addition, 60.8% of high school students consumed energy drinks. Certain eating behaviors were found in this study, such as nibbling (38.5%), eating in front of screens (79.0%), and skipping meals (46.1%). Conclusion: The most consumed cereal by high school students was rice. The consumption of ultra-processed products and sedentary leisure are habits to be monitored in the context of the prevention of food-related non-communicable diseases among high school students in the district of Bamako.

Relationship between Contraceptive Knowledge,Cognition and Behaviors among Vocational High School Students

Objective To study the relationship between contraceptive knowledge, cognition and behaviors among vocational high school students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was anonymously self-administrated by way of computer to all the 1st graders＇ among three vocational high schools in a district of Shanghai. Four cognition indicators, including perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived risks and self eJficacy were applied according to Health Belief Model. Results The percentage of respondents who reported ever sexual practices and contraceptives use at first sex was 7.01% and 56.64% respectively. Condom （58. 70%） and oral contraceptive pills （27.78%） were used by the majority. Main reasons for non-use were ＂shy to buy it＂ （26.53%） and ＂partner don＇t want to use any＂ （18.37%）. Proportion of respondents who ever had sex regarded withdrawal and rhythm as effective were 68.35% and 68.42% respectively. Proportion of respondents having sex knew ＂If a person was infected with STDs, he/she might not have noticeable symptoms＂ were 22.86%. Proportion of respondents who reported non-use of contraceptives at first sex considered that ＂infrequent intercourse could not cause a girl pregnant even she had experienced her menstruation＂ were 40.63%. Proportion of respondents who had ever used condom got full score of knowledge on ＂how to correctly use condom＂ were 23,26%. Perceived risks were poorest among four cognition indicators. High level of contraceptive knowledge was connected with high rate of contraceptives use at first sex, whereas high level contraceptive cognition was connected with high rate of contraceptive use both at first and recent sex. Conclusions It is important to provide youth-friendly services as well as message on contraceptives among vocational school students.

The Cross Sectional Study on the Association between Sexual Awareness and Cognitive Social Capital among High School Students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Purpose: We aimed to reveal the association between cognitive social capital and sexual awareness among high school students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where adolescent premarital sex is considered to be wide-spreading as consequence of socioeconomic changes, in comparison to our previous study in Hanoi, 2012. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey and a cross sectional study in late 2014, with 2051 eleventh graders at three high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Complete data was received from 1935 respondents (94.3%). We assessed basic attributes, sexual knowledge, sexual awareness, sexual experience of peers, cognitive social capital such as a sense of community belonging, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem score. After the independent t-test and multiple logistic regression analyses on sexual awareness were performed assigning trivalent Rosenberg Self-Esteem score, sexual knowledge, and sexual experience of peers as independent variables (model 1), followed by analysis adjusted for cognitive social capital (model 2). This study was approved by Japanese Red Cross Akita College of Nursing (No. 24-003). Results: Of 1935 respondents, 99.9% were 16 or 17 years old and mostly from nuclear families (71.1%). Of all participants, 45.8% in males and 49.4% in females correctly answered on sexual knowledge, 47.6% of males and 28.3% of females accepted premarital sex, 60.0% of male and 65.0% of females knew peers with sexual intercourse experience, and 78.1% of males and 79.1% of females agreed with a sense of community belonging. When multiple logistic regression analyses performed, in model 1, sexual awareness was significantly associated with Rosenberg Self-Esteem score in female. In model 2, above association disappeared but significant association was found between sexual awareness and cognitive social capital in both sexes OR (95% CI), male 1.39 (1.05 - 1.84), female 1.99 (1.49 - 2.65). Discussion: The conservative traditional culture in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City seems to be similar to the concept of cognitive social capital and it is considered to have influenced sexual awareness of high school students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Conclusion: Cognitive social capital is significantly associated with sexual awareness among high school students in urban areas of Vietnam.

Influence of Parental Rearing Patterns on School Bullying Behavior of Junior High School Students

Bullying,as an aggressive behavior,has become a common phenomenon among junior high school students.The occurrence of bullying behavior can have a serious negative impact on the mental health of junior high school students.Some students even suffer from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.Many research results at home and abroad show that personality is an important factor affecting bullying behavior.In this case,this study explores the impact of parental rearing patterns on school bullying behavior.Improving the parenting styles of junior high school students and their parenting level has become an practicable practical approach to prevent the problem of school bullying.

Motivations Underlying the Snack Choices of Japanese Junior High School Students: A Study Based on Cluster Analysis

The aims of the present study were to group junior high school students according to factors influencing their snack choice and identify differences between the characteristics and snack choice behaviors of the groups. An anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered to 1936 students (13 - 15 years old) in eight junior high schools in Tokyo, Japan. The students responded to the Snack Choice Questionnaire (SCQ) as well as questions concerning snacking behaviors, lifestyles, and demographics. Cluster analysis was applied to sort the sample according to SCQ scores. Each cluster’s characteristics were examined by gender using the χ2 test or the Kruskal-Wallis test with a Bonferroni adjustment. Participants were divided into four groups: high in all factors, low in all factors, low value in health, and value in health. The “value in health” group was composed of more girls than boys and the “low in all factors” group had fewer girls than boys. Those in the “high in all factors” and “low value in health” groups indicated that they consumed more snacks. Moreover, gender differences were revealed. By assessing the SCQ prior to providing nutrition education, we can obtain valuable information to make nutrition education planning.

Determinants of Sexual Awareness among High School Students in Tokyo, Japan―Post-Interventional Comparison Analysis in Relation to Social Capital

Purpose: This study was to clarify the association of sexual awareness of high school students with cognitive social capital (SC) in Tokyo, Japan. Method: In September 2017, we conducted a survey of 1073 third-grade high school students who were the same students who had participated in the same questionnaire survey at the prior academic year when they were second-grade students. A total of 1073 students were surveyed and 956 students responded. From six to eight weeks prior to this September 2017 survey, we implemented an educational intervention in the students. Then we compared the results of this survey with the previous survey of February 2017. We used logistic regression to assess sexual awareness and sex knowledge, sexually experienced surrounding peers and Self-Esteem score. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Board. Result/Discussion: Sexual awareness of high school students was significantly associated with SC both before and after the intervention. The higher SC one had, the higher sexual awareness was shown and the greater the sexual caution among both boys and girls was indicated. The study clarified the Determinants of Sexual Awareness of High School Students in Tokyo before and after the educational intervention. Conclusion: SC was found to be significantly associated with sexual awareness. SC should be emphasized in promoting adolescent reproductive health for the future.

Determinants of Sexual Awareness among High School Students in Tokyo, Japan—Cross Sectional Analysis in Relation to Social Capital

Purpose: The study aimed to clarify the relationship between cognitive social capital and sexual awareness in high school students in Tokyo, Japan. Method: The self-administered questionnaire survey was administered to 1073 high school junior students in Tokyo in Feb. 2017 (collection rate 94.5%). Final analysis subjects totaled 1011 boys and girls (94.2%). True/false questions on timing to wear condom for sex knowledge, acceptability to sexual behavior of high school students for sexual awareness, sense of community belonging for social capital, existence of sexually experienced peers, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale score (binarized with the mean value) were verified. Multiple logistic regression analysis assigning sexual awareness for dependent variable and sex knowledge, sexually experienced peers and Self-Esteem score for independent variable [model 1], including social capital for independent variable [model 2] was performed. The study was approved by Ethical Review Board of sub-organ. Results and Discussion: Out of subjects, 52.6% answered correctly questions on sex knowledge, 33.2% showed tolerance to sexual behavior of high school students, 68.6% had many peers with sex experience, and 75.9% had a sense of community belonging. In model 1, in both genders, having sex knowledge, high Self-Esteem score, and existence of sexually experienced peers was associated with a sense of intolerance to sexual behavior of high school students. In model 2, in both genders, having a sense of community belonging was associated with a sense of intolerance to sexual behavior of high school students [OR (95% CI): boy 1.11 (0.81 - 1.53), girl 1.14 (0.72 - 1.79)]. Persons with high cognitive social capital were likely to have a cautious sense toward sexual behavior. Conclusion: Cognitive social capital was found to be associated with sexual awareness. Cognitive social capital should be emphasized in promoting adolescent reproductive health for the future.

A Literature Review regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention Targeting Junior and Senior High School Students

Objective: To understand the state of education for the prevention of cervical cancer and trends in research. The subject of cervical cancer prevention will be examined. Method: Articles from the ICHUSHI Web version 5, CiNii, and PubMed databases for the period from 2009-2019 were used. Search terms used were cervical cancer, HPV/human papillomavirus, prevention, public awareness, and education. Results: 17 articles (9 Japanese and 8 English) were analyzed. The majority of students had heard of cervical cancer but did not know of the link between it and HPV. Vaccinated individuals were significantly more likely to have deeper knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV. Various factors affect the vaccination rate. These include knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, age, ethnicity, the organization or location which administers the vaccine, how to breach the subject, finances, and the opinions of friends and family. In particular, consultations with parents lead to mothers recognizing the importance of the vaccine. By way of educational intervention, opinions have grown more positive about advancing awareness, being vaccinated, and having cervical cancer screenings for the future. Conclusion: The prevention of cervical cancer requires support and fostering the judgement based on sufficient awareness and adequate education. What we need is educational intervention rooted firmly in the current societal climate aimed not only at students, but at their parents as well.

On the Application of Game-playing in the English Vocabulary Teaching for Junior High School Students

As is known to all,mastering a quantity of vocabulary is the key of English learning.Literature research,observational method and empirical research are the main methodologies of the study.The interview and corresponding sound recording help figure out the traditional vocabulary teaching methodologies.The finished questionnaire plays an important role in getting familiar with participants’vocabulary learning conditions.The results of the study manifest that game-playing method takes effect in vocabulary teaching.Not only can the games activate participants’enthusiasm,but also involve them in the activity and help focus on their attention.It is beneficial to help them mastering vocabularies more firmly.

Assessment of Environmental Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior among High School Students in a USA Southeast Texas School District

This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed general environmental health literacy among students focusing on their knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors regarding the environmental health, stewardship, and sustainability, using a questionnaire consisting of 35 core questions from the Centers for Diseases Control (CDCs). Students (N = 185) from three high schools in the district were asked through their class teachers to voluntarily complete the questionnaire. Results indicated that about 41% (n = 77) of the students lacked knowledge regarding potential sources of radiation exposure and 70% (n = 133) lacked knowledge regarding radon gas being the number one risk factor for lung cancer among non-smokers. Additionally, the ANOVA test indicated significant knowledge differences among school location. Students in school #1, located in the most affluent area, had significantly higher knowledge scores (M = 4.39) than school #2 located in a moderately affluent area (M = 3.50). Furthermore, we found significant differences in ethnicity on the environmental health attitude of the high school students. Black students reported lower positive environmental health attitude (M = 29.86) than White students (M = 32.63), Hispanic students (M = 32.33) and Asian students (M = 33.84). These findings demonstrated knowledge deficiency in some key areas in environmental health particularly the environmental diseases and conditions caused by manmade hazards such as pesticides, chemicals, radiation, air, water, and soil pollution. Targeted educational interventions to increase awareness and understanding of health effects, exposure to environmental hazards and carcinogens as well as risks associated to direct exposure as in this study, radon and radiation, should be provided to high school students. Practical education through tours where students can observe directly and participating in laboratory experiments could empower the students to translate this knowledge into positive environmental health behaviors and practices now and in the future.

Survey and Research on Health Information Assistance Needs of Junior Middle School Students in Different Regions of Guangdong Province

Objective:To study the health information assistance needs of junior high school students in 8 different regions of Guangdong Province in a cluster,to understand the current situation of junior high school students'health information assistance needs,and to collect feasibility data for hospitals and schools to jointly promote the healthy development of students.Methods:In June 2019,a group of junior high school students from 8 different regions in Guangdong Province[678 students(in 2 towns),352 students(in 2 counties and prefecture-level cities),and 1098 students(in 4 provincial-level cities)]were selected in a group.A questionnaire survey was conducted by 2128 people,the results of the questionnaire survey were collected,and statistical analysis was performed.Results:Of the 2128 junior high school students in 8 different regions,only 52.07% had confidence in their health,and there were no regional differences.Health information for students seeking professional medical assistance includes:1578 person-times(74.15%)of nutritional diets,1084 person-times(50.94%)to eliminate tiredness,1190 person-times(55.92%)to improve sleep quality,1002 person-times(47.09%)to reduce anxiety,making him happier and stronger 1164 person-times(54.70%).Students in different regions asked for help on how to make their hearts happier and stronger.The results suggest that provincial and county-level students have greater needs than urban students.Conclusion:The results of this research show that junior high school students in different regions of Guangdong Province have insufficient awareness of health,and there is a large demand for various health help information,and the focus is on prevention.It is of practical significance to strengthen and meet the health information needs of junior high school students.

A Study on English Vocabulary Learning Strategies for High School Students——A Case Study of a High School in Chaozhou

For the language learners,especially the high school students in China with heavy learning pressure,learning some useful vo-cabulary strategies would be helpful for them to master the basic elements.The study aims to do a questionnaire on the English vocabulary learning strategies for high school students in Chaozhou and figure outwhat the general conditions of using vocabulary strategies for high school students in a high school are.The study showed most students did not use mechanical memory strategy in a high frequency in learning vocabulary.Secondly,it was anunexpected result that high school students used cognitive strategies more than metacognitive strategies,which was totally different fromprevious research by other scholars.In light of the results,some practical suggestions on teachers and students are proposed.

A Study on Left-behind Junior Students'Foreign Language Learning Anxiety

Since the 1960s, foreign language educators and researchers home and abroad have started to pay attention to the influence of the affective variables including language learning anxiety on foreign language learning. This thesis tried to find out the factors that may influence the foreign language learning anxiety level of left-behind students and put forward ways to help lower down the foreign language learning anxiety level of the left-behind junior middle school students.

School Boarding and Students'Prosocial Behaviors:Evidence from Rural China

This study investigated the efects of boarding at school on students'prosocial behaviors in rural China using data from the National Children's Study of China.The instrumental variable(IV)approach was used to control for potential endogeneity,and the IVs were the proportion of boarding students in higher grades and the school area per student.The ordinary least squares and IV estimates showed that boarding students exhibited more prosocial behaviors,including compliance with rules,positive traits,and altruistic attitudes.These results were robust.Heterogeneity analyses suggested that students from low-income families,children who were not"left behind,"high-grade students,and female students were more likely to benefit from boarding.We found that these effects were primarily due to boarding students developing stronger feelings of trust and support from their peers and teachers and participating in more school-organized events and team activities.

Problems and Strategies of English Teaching in Rural Middle Schools in the Era of New Media

With the deepening of curriculum reform in junior high school,the education field is undergoing tremendous changes.Besides,with the rapid development of the Internet today,students have been exposed to various new media software since childhood.The existing education and teaching are also desperately keeping up with the pace of the times,and continue to bring online teaching to the practical classrooms of rural middle schools through new media.Teachers should not only impart basic professional knowledge to students,but also improve students'ability to use English.

团体积极心理治疗对在校学生抑郁情绪和睡眠质量的影响研究

目的:探讨对初中在校学生实施团体积极心理治疗对其抑郁情绪与睡眠质量的影响效果。方法:选取2021年6月至2021年12月沈阳市精神卫生中心心理健康服务中心收治的初中生600例作为研究对象,按照所接受干预方式的不同分为对照组和观察组,每组300例。其中对照组不接受任何干预,观察组接受团体积极心理治疗。结果:前测结果显示,干预前2组抑郁情绪平均得分与睡眠评分结果组间差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05);干预6个月后,组间比较后测结果,观察组抑郁情绪平均得分与睡眠评分均显著低于同一时间点对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:对初中在校学生实施团体积极心理治疗可以显著改善其抑郁程度,并提升学生的睡眠质量。

积极情绪易感性与初中生感恩的关系:一个有调节的中介模型

为了探讨初中生积极情绪易感性、感恩、心理资本以及性别之间的关系,基于情绪感染理论构建了一个有调节的中介模型。研究采用问卷调查法对408名初中生的积极情绪易感性、感恩以及心理资本进行测量。结果发现:积极情绪易感性、心理资本和感恩两两呈正相关关系;积极情绪易感性不仅能够直接影响个体的感恩,也能通过心理资本间接影响,心理资本在两者的关系中发挥部分中介作用;性别能够调节中介路径的前半段,具体而言,相较于男生,女生的积极情绪易感性对感恩的影响更为显著。研究有助于了解积极情绪易感性对初中生感恩的作用机制,对提升初中生感恩水平具有重要的现实意义。

农村寄宿制初中生独处偏好与攻击性行为的关系——基于潜在剖面分析

为探索农村寄宿制初中生的独处偏好与攻击性行为的关系,采用攻击性问卷(AQ)、独处偏好量表(PSS)对516名农村寄宿制初中生进行调查。结果显示:一是农村寄宿制初中生攻击性存在显著的群体异质性,分为低攻击型、中等攻击型与高攻击型;二是相比低攻击型,农村寄宿制留守初中生在中等攻击型中占比更大,父母受教育程度越低的农村寄宿制初中生在高攻击型中占比更大,年级越高的农村寄宿制初中生在中等攻击型、高攻击型中占比更大;三是具有高独处偏好的农村寄宿制初中生更可能归属于中等攻击型和高攻击型。研究结果验证了农村寄宿制初中生攻击性存在显著的群体异质性,且年级、是否留守、父母受教育程度、独处偏好是其影响因素。

羞怯对初中生学业拖延的影响:教师期望知觉与自我价值感的中介作用

为考察羞怯与学业拖延的关系,采用问卷法对920名初中生进行测查。结果发现:(1)羞怯与初中生学业拖延显著正相关,与教师期望知觉、自我价值感显著负相关;教师期望知觉与自我价值感显著正相关,且两者均与学业拖延显著负相关。(2)羞怯不仅可以直接影响初中生学业拖延,还可以通过教师期望知觉和自我价值感的单独中介与链式中介对学业拖延产生影响。