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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Study on Representations of Youth in Chinese （Mainland） Youth Cinema

This study＇s objective is to thoroughly analyze representations of teenage sexuality portrayed in two Chinese youths＇ films, which represent social, cultural, and historical diversities in China's Mainland, as well, to unfold some particular natures and trends of Chinese youth cinema in the context of globalization and internationalization. Content analysis and methodology of narrative explore the ideological nature of representations of youth as well as the interpretation of trends in Chinese youth cinema. This study argues the particular manners of representations of Chinese youth in the youths＇ films produced in China's Mainland, through distinct elements such as film properties, film discourse, and acting on set It will explain how functional and social category diversity, cultural diversity, and historical diversity derive the actuality in Chinese communities, and center on a series of sex-based issues that revel correlations between Chinese youths＇ ideology, psychology, and social construction. Including a discussion of technical factors, it defines the specific natures of Chinese youth cinema in the region based on fixed parameters of culture or ancestry that convey rhetorical messages to discover the characteristics of genre film so that the interpretation of the term ＂peers groups＂ represents the values and beliefs in modern Chinese society, thus presenting the exchange approaches which construct and validate the relationship among society, global film industry, young audience and film content.

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.

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.

School-to-Work Transition in Saudi Arabia： A Case Study of Youth Cohorts

The paper addresses the youth＇s perception towards jobs and career opportunities in Saudi Arabia, based on the school-to-work transition model. The study is based on a sample survey covering 600 youth cohorts in Yanbu and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study reveals that school-to-work transition is not a smooth one and is influenced by the perception of youth towards employment and its various dimensions along with the ambitions towards career improvement. The 14 indicators framed in the paper reveal that essentiality, confidence to get a job that satisfies the needs, job availability, and qualifications are found to be important determinants of youth＇s attitude towards work; whereas, willingness to do any job did not get much acclaim. Job selection of youth is determined by location （especially hometown job）, sectoral preferences, training options, and work environment.

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。

Youth’s Perspectives on a Sustainable Model for the Provision of Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Kenya: A Quantitative Approach

Nearly half of the world’s population comprise youths. However, addressing their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge. Globally countries are mandated to continually provide Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health services (YFSRHs) to the youth. The objective of this study was to assess and describe youth’s perspectives on a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs in Kenya. Data was collected among 400 youths aged 18 - 24 years in Embu and Kirinyaga counties, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the data collection tool. Collected data was analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4. Statistical threshold of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Overall the mean age of the study participants was ±standard deviation (SD) 21.2 ± 1.86 years. Majority of the participants’ perspective on the health care system sustainability was that the waiting time at the facility should be less than an hour, accessible geographically (less than a kilometre), affordable (≤20 Ksh.), and convenient working hours (weekday and weekends ratio 1:1). Advocacy was on health care provider’s attributes of politeness, welcoming, confidential and non-judgmental. The most preferred locations for the youth friendly centres by the participants were community and school based locations. Similarly, parental and community support was reported to highly contribute to sustained utilization and provision of the YFSRHs (P < 0.001). Unlike popular belief, 99.8% did not see the need for recreational facilities at the youth centres to ensure sustainability of the model. To ensure a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs, there is need for a multi-sectoral and stakeholder involvement that is;youth, health care system structure, health care service providers, parents and community. Further research is needed on parents and health care service provider’s perspectives on how to sustain the provision of YFSRH services.