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Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Children's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 56101

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Joanna Mazur

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Humanization in Medicine and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-726 Zielona Gora, Poland
Interests: adolescent health; health disparities and socioeconomic status, health & place; psychosocial determinants of health; health literacy; risk behaviour; physical activity and school health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Kastytis Šmigelskas

E-Mail Website
Assistant Guest Editor
Health Research Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: public health; adolescent health; mental health; research methods; COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite authors from Central and Eastern European countries to participate in this Special Issue, focusing on child and adolescent health. We propose a broad scope of topics, and only the geographical region and age group are criteria for eligibility. Review articles and original papers based on administratively collected data (such as mortality statistics) as well as survey results will be considered. The thematic scope of the original papers combines objective and subjective evaluation of health with health-related behavior, both in the context of assessing the scale of problems and trends as well as determinants. It would be important to look at health in its various dimensions, not only physical and mental, but also social and spiritual. We expect a new look at old problems, as well as references to new problems and challenges, such as the role of social media. We encourage reference to research directions aimed at empowerment of the young generation in the context of health, such as the right to health, health education, including sexual education, health literacy, and youth engagement. The papers may concern one country, but studies including data from groups of countries are a priority. It would be worth sharing the conclusions of studies performed in Eastern and Central Europe and their practical implications, which may have a more global impact.

Dr. Joanna Mazur
Prof. Dr. Kastytis Šmigelskas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • child and adolescent health
  • environmental determinants (school, family, neighborhood)
  • health behavior
  • objective and subjective health measures
  • social inequalities
  • health literacy
  • empowerment

Published Papers (20 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3801 KiB  
Article
Trends in Adolescent Substance Use: Analysis of HBSC Data for Four Eastern European Countries, 1994–2018
by Tomas Vaičiūnas, Monika Žemaitaitytė, Shannon Lange, Mindaugas Štelemėkas, Leila Oja, Janina Petkevičienė, Anna Kowalewska, Iveta Pudule, Jaanika Piksööt and Kastytis Šmigelskas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15457; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315457 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze the trends of adolescent substance use in four eastern European countries over the time period from 1994 to 2018. The four countries in focus were selected based on their shared historical backgrounds and major economic [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to analyze the trends of adolescent substance use in four eastern European countries over the time period from 1994 to 2018. The four countries in focus were selected based on their shared historical backgrounds and major economic and social transformations experienced. Methods: Two decades (1993/1994–2017/2018) of repeated cross-sectional data from the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey were used. Data comprised 42,169 school children 15 years of age (9th grade). The following categories of substance use were included: regular alcohol consumption and drunkenness, tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette smoking, and cannabis use. Trends in substance use over time were tested using Jonckheere’s trend test. Results: Prevalence of substance use among adolescents over time revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. In the Baltic states, there was a general increase during the period of 1994–2002, which was followed by a period of peaking or stability between 2002–2010, and then decreasing trends of these risky behaviors from 2010 onwards. In Poland, the same period had less consistent patterns, with decreasing trends starting much earlier on. The prevalence of cannabis use, which had been measured since 2006, had its own unique pattern with many fluctuations within and between countries. Conclusions: The findings on the prevalence of substance use among adolescents from 1994 to 2018 revealed that the Baltic states and Poland have faced relatively different temporal trends. These countries might be facing new public health challenges in a near future, e.g., use of electronic cigarettes and cannabis use among adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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28 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Patterns of University Students’ Risky Sexual Experiences and Their Characteristics
by Maria Łukaszek
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14239; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192114239 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1412
Abstract
In Poland, there is little research on university students’ risky sexual behaviours. Additionally, existing studies analyse the behaviours selectively and do not group them into clusters. Hence, effective prevention is impossible. The research aims to gather information regarding the prevalence, forms and clusters [...] Read more.
In Poland, there is little research on university students’ risky sexual behaviours. Additionally, existing studies analyse the behaviours selectively and do not group them into clusters. Hence, effective prevention is impossible. The research aims to gather information regarding the prevalence, forms and clusters of students’ risky sexual experiences. In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 universities in south-eastern Poland on a random sample (n = 2764). Fifteen risky sexual experiences, both condom-protected and unprotected, were analysed; they were mainly unprotected vaginal, oral, anal contacts; protected and unprotected sexual experiences while intoxicated and with unknown persons. Thanks Ward’s hierarchical method, four inseparable clusters of students with similar risky experiences were distinguished. Their dominant features were: (A) (24% of interviewees)—drunk partners, (B) (4.8%)—partners intoxicated with drugs, (C) (3.1%)—partner abuse and exceeding partner sexual norms, (D) (17.8%)—the anonymity of partners and going beyond the convention. It was stated that 60.3% of the respondents do not belong to any of the identified clusters. Sex education and the promotion of student sexual health should be intensified; the development of attitudes of avoiding risky sexual behaviours and dealing with their consequences should be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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16 pages, 737 KiB  
Article
REPRO_PL-Polish Mother and Child Cohort—Exposure, Health Status, and Neurobehavioral Assessments in Adolescents—Design and Cohort Update
by Magdalena Janc, Agnieszka Jankowska, Monika Weteska, Agnieszka Brzozowska, Wojciech Hanke, Joanna Jurewicz, Mercè Garí, Kinga Polańska and Joanna Jerzyńska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192114167 - 29 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Early life is a crucial window of opportunity to improve health across the life course. The prospective cohort study design is the most adequate to evaluate the longitudinal effects of exposure, the notification of changes in the exposure level and evaluation of the [...] Read more.
Early life is a crucial window of opportunity to improve health across the life course. The prospective cohort study design is the most adequate to evaluate the longitudinal effects of exposure, the notification of changes in the exposure level and evaluation of the simultaneous impact of various exposures, as well as the assessment of several health effects and trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence. This paper provides an overview of the Polish Mother and Child cohort (REPRO_PL), with particular emphasis on Phase IV of this study. REPRO_PL is conducted in central Europe, where such longitudinal studies are less frequently implemented. In this population-based prospective cohort, which was established in 2007, three phases covering pregnancy (I), early childhood (II), and early school age (III) periods have already been completed. Phase IV gives a uniform opportunity to follow-up children during adolescence in order to evaluate if the consequences of prenatal and early postnatal exposures still persist at the age of 14. Moreover, we will be able to investigate the associations between simultaneous exposures to a broad spectrum of environmental factors, adolescents’ health and neurobehavioral outcomes, and their trajectories within life, which is a novel framework of high scientific, public health and clinical priority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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16 pages, 2608 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Oral Mucosa Lesions in Pediatric Patients
by Joanna Elżbieta Owczarek-Drabińska, Patrycja Nowak, Małgorzata Zimoląg-Dydak and Małgorzata Radwan-Oczko
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11277; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811277 - 08 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4502
Abstract
The prevalence of oral mucosa lesions (OMLs) among children varies from 4.1% up to 69.5%. There is a lack of sufficient epidemiological data and adequate knowledge about OMLs in relation to minors’ gender and age. The aim of the study was to evaluate [...] Read more.
The prevalence of oral mucosa lesions (OMLs) among children varies from 4.1% up to 69.5%. There is a lack of sufficient epidemiological data and adequate knowledge about OMLs in relation to minors’ gender and age. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of OMLs in children, patients of the oral pathology clinic in south-western parts of Poland, and to investigate the potential correlation between the occurrence of particular types of OMLs and the gender and age. A retrospective study was performed using a total of 2474 clinical charts from 2015 to 2019. Data collected included age, gender, and OMLs’ type. The prevalence of OMLs in minors was 5.21%. Aphthae was the most frequent diagnosis. Boys were more commonly affected, and traumatic erosion and ulcers were significantly more often detected in males. The mean age of children was 8 y/o, preschoolers were significantly more often diagnosed with geographic tongue, while Morsicatio buccarum was significantly more common in school children and adolescents. Clinicians should be familiar with OMLs prevalence and with its specific frequency in connection to age and gender of children. Furthermore, they should be aware of the diversity of OMLs found in the oral cavity of children and that their frequency in the pediatric population is different from that in adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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17 pages, 2282 KiB  
Article
Do Neighbors Have More Peaceful Students? Youth Violence Profiles among Adolescents in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia
by Dóra Eszter Várnai, Marta Malinowska-Cieślik, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Ladislav Csémy and Zsolt Horváth
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7964; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137964 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
(1) Background: Co-occurrence or overlaps of different forms or involvement in peer violence among adolescents have been broadly studied. The study aimed to assess adolescents’ violence profiles related to bullying, cyberbullying, and fighting in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The study [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Co-occurrence or overlaps of different forms or involvement in peer violence among adolescents have been broadly studied. The study aimed to assess adolescents’ violence profiles related to bullying, cyberbullying, and fighting in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The study was to investigate the pattern of bullying, cyberbullying, and fighting involvement among adolescents in these four countries to test the stability of previously identified profiles. (2) Methods: We analyzed the data from the 2017/2018 international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey, which used proportionate sampling among adolescents aged 11–15 years old (n = 24,501). A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed to determine violence profiles in each country. (3) Results: In Slovakia, three distinct latent classes were identified, primarily cyber victims, school bullies, and those involved in multiple forms, and in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland bully victims was the fourth class. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that peer violence prevention programs in adolescents should consider violence profiles and multiple involvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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11 pages, 550 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Use of Dietary Supplements by Schoolchildren from Małopolska Voivodship (Southern Poland)
by Beata Piórecka, Karolina Koczur, Radosław Cichocki, Paweł Jagielski and Paweł Kawalec
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7826; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137826 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1817
Abstract
The use of regular supplementation may be important in alleviating the potential effects of specific nutrient deficiencies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the socio-economic and lifestyle factors influencing the administration of dietary supplements to schoolchildren from the Małopolskie voivodship. [...] Read more.
The use of regular supplementation may be important in alleviating the potential effects of specific nutrient deficiencies. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the socio-economic and lifestyle factors influencing the administration of dietary supplements to schoolchildren from the Małopolskie voivodship. The study was conducted in March–June 2018 on 332 healthy children and adolescents (187 boys, 145 girls) aged 7–14 from the city and municipality of Niepołomice and the city of Kraków. The mean age of the subjects was 10.35 + 1.64 years. In order to assess their diet, a questionnaire was completed, by the parents or the child, on the frequency of consumption of specific products and foods (Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ) with added questions on the supplements provided. In assessing nutritional status, basic anthropometric measurements were taken and the BMI index was analysed. To check which factors influenced the use of supplements among respondents, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Approximately one-third of the total number of subjects (33.8%) took dietary supplements, most often supplements containing vitamins D and C, followed by multivitamin supplements and omega-3 fatty acids. The least common supplements contained calcium and iron. Dietary supplement intake was significantly higher among children living in rural areas compared to city areas (39.3% vs. 26.5% of respondents; p = 0.0150), and among boys compared to girls (37.3% vs. 27.8%; p = 0.048). It was observed that children more often received dietary supplements in multigenerational families and in families where at least one parent did not work. This is related to the place of residence of the respondent. Awareness of the need for, and the safe use of, dietary supplements is necessary among parents of children and adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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19 pages, 1231 KiB  
Article
Self-Regulation in Adolescents: Polish Adaptation and Validation of the Self-Regulation Scale
by Maja Gajda, Agnieszka Małkowska-Szkutnik and Wojciech Rodzeń
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7432; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19127432 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
Self-regulation is associated with life satisfaction, well-being, and life success. For adolescents, who may be exposed to peer pressure and engage in risky behaviors, the ability to self-regulate or control emotions, thoughts, and behaviors is crucial for healthy development. While self-regulatory skills have [...] Read more.
Self-regulation is associated with life satisfaction, well-being, and life success. For adolescents, who may be exposed to peer pressure and engage in risky behaviors, the ability to self-regulate or control emotions, thoughts, and behaviors is crucial for healthy development. While self-regulatory skills have long been recognized as important for many areas of life, instruments to measure self-regulation remain limited, especially in Poland. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Self-Regulation Scale in the Polish adolescent sample. The data for this study were obtained as part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children 2021/2022 pilot study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that the instrument has satisfying psychometric properties. A three-factor structure of the instrument was obtained with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional subscales, which corresponds to the original instrument and theoretical assumptions. The final version of instrument contains 24 items, and based on the statistical analysis, it is concluded that it is suitable to be used in adolescent samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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15 pages, 526 KiB  
Article
Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Perceptions among Lithuanian Adolescents
by Justė Lukoševičiūtė and Kastytis Šmigelskas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7086; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19127086 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4016
Abstract
Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, humanity has had to face unprecedented change in daily routines. Therefore, the pandemic has also had an impact on mental health. Most of the literature analyzes adult experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the youth is less [...] Read more.
Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, humanity has had to face unprecedented change in daily routines. Therefore, the pandemic has also had an impact on mental health. Most of the literature analyzes adult experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the youth is less investigated. The purpose of this study was to reveal adolescent experiences during COVID-19. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of 19 adolescents from 11–17 years old. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was applied. Results: Five themes were identified: ambivalent feelings; daily routine changes; disappointment with distance education; coping strategies; and discoveries. Conclusion: The study revealed adolescents’ mostly negative feelings such as sadness, anger, loneliness, or boredom. They shared about frustrating daily routine changes and shifting to a distance education mode that was quite limited in effectiveness and convenience. Nonetheless, communication with family, peers, pets, active leisure, and favorite activities helped them to cope with the difficulties during COVID-19. During this period, adolescents had more free time for themselves and personal growth, found new activities, or improved some relationships. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic had mostly negative side effects, and regardless of positive experiences, it was mainly considered by adolescents as an adversity for their mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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19 pages, 1418 KiB  
Article
Systemic Anticancer Therapy Details and Dental Adverse Effects in Children
by Anna Jodłowska and Lidia Postek-Stefańska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6936; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116936 - 06 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1814
Abstract
An idea of therapy intensification in order to make anticancer treatment more effective is still being investigated. The study aimed to estimate the impact of the chemotherapy dose levels and treatment duration on the risk for dental development disturbance. The clinical examination and [...] Read more.
An idea of therapy intensification in order to make anticancer treatment more effective is still being investigated. The study aimed to estimate the impact of the chemotherapy dose levels and treatment duration on the risk for dental development disturbance. The clinical examination and OPG analysis were carried out in 37 cancer survivors and germ agenesis, microdontia, size reduction, taurodontism, root and enamel abnormalities were identified. An analysis of anticancer treatment was carried out separately for vincristine (VCR), doxorubicin (DXR), cyclophosphamide (CP), etoposide (VP-16), carboplatin (CBDCA) and actinomycin D (ACTD) recipients in terms of treatment duration and drug doses administered. Individuals aged between three years and ten months, and seven years and four months, at diagnosis presented with no severe dental abnormalities, regardless of treatment duration and increasing cytotoxic drug doses. The largest number of abnormalities per one person was noted in the survivors treated with the highest single doses of VCR, DXR, CP and ACTD. No similar observation was made in the cases of cumulative and weekly doses analyzed. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the mean number of abnormalities across all the drug groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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8 pages, 326 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity and Sports Participation among Adolescents: Associations with Sports-Related Knowledge and Attitudes
by Leila Oja and Jaanika Piksööt
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106235 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2894
Abstract
The impact of physical activity and sport on the development of adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes has not been studied sufficiently. We assume that young people with more knowledge of sports will continue to be physically active on their own. The aim of this [...] Read more.
The impact of physical activity and sport on the development of adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes has not been studied sufficiently. We assume that young people with more knowledge of sports will continue to be physically active on their own. The aim of this study is to identify the differences in the sports and physical activity-related knowledge and attitudes of adolescents who engage in organised sports training and those who do not. A total of 1033 6th-grade students from (aged 12.7 ± 0.4 years) 52 schools in Estonia were involved in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between sports-related knowledge and attitudes towards students participating in organised sports training. The main reasons which hindered adolescents from being active were a lack of suitable equipment, being weaker than others, and laziness. Knowledge of physical activity, higher perceived benefits, and lower barriers to physical activity were the predictors contributing to adolescents’ participation in sports training. The results demonstrated that physically active students have better knowledge of sports and physical activity. Students participating in organised sports training have strong positive benefits from being regularly physically active and feel that sports training maintains their health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
14 pages, 1531 KiB  
Article
Obesity in Polish Children and Parents’ Perception of Their Children’s Weight Status: The Results of the SOPKARD-Junior Study
by Klaudia Suligowska and Jacek Buczny
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084433 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
One way to counteract the spread of obesity in children is its early recognition by parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether parents’ perception of their children’s BMI category was consistent with their actual BMI assessment and to determine [...] Read more.
One way to counteract the spread of obesity in children is its early recognition by parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether parents’ perception of their children’s BMI category was consistent with their actual BMI assessment and to determine potential influential factors. The study was conducted as part of the “A program for the early detection of risk factors for lifestyle diseases SOPKARD-Junior” (SOPKARD-Junior), a preventive health program implemented in public elementary schools from 2017 to 2019. The results from 381 children with a mean age of 11.67 (SD = 1.52) were analyzed. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Surveys were conducted to assess parents’ perceptions of their child’s weight, along with their sociodemographic status. Nearly one in three parents were unable to correctly identify their children’s weight; 25.0% underestimated it, and 6.0% overestimated it. Underestimation was observed along with an increase in the children’s BMI weight category, with as many as 57.1% of parents of obese children misclassifying their weight. The child’s BMI was the only significant predictor of incorrect assessment. Polish parents cannot properly assess their children’s BMI, especially when their child is overweight or obese. In children, weight and height measurements should be taken regularly, rather than allowing weight category to be dependent upon parental weight assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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15 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Predictors of Body Weight Congruence in Adolescents Aged 15 and 17 Years in Poland: Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study
by Anna Dzielska and Magdalena Woynarowska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19042342 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2548
Abstract
Background: Body weight congruence (BWC) has implications for adolescent health. The main goal of this study was to examine the distribution of BWC and its relationship with six psychosocial factors. Methods: A representative sample of N = 3508 adolescents aged 15 and 17 [...] Read more.
Background: Body weight congruence (BWC) has implications for adolescent health. The main goal of this study was to examine the distribution of BWC and its relationship with six psychosocial factors. Methods: A representative sample of N = 3508 adolescents aged 15 and 17 years (52.4% girls) derived from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, conducted in 2017/2018 in Poland, was used. BWC groups were defined based on self-reported BMI and subjective assessment of weight: (1) correct perception; (2) overestimation, and (3). underestimation. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted the following two factors: a socio-relational factor (SR) related to perceived social support and social self-efficacy, and a body attitudes and social media exposure factor (BAME). Using the total sample, multinomial logistic regression was applied to estimate their impact on the BWC, and gender-specific models were compared. Results: Half (48.6%) of the adolescents correctly estimated their body weight, 31.0% overestimated it (girls 43.9%, boys 17.1%), and 20.0% underestimated it (boys 37.2%, girls 9.0%). Overestimation of body weight concerns 48.0% of normal weight girls, 50.0% of underweight girls, and 21.3% and 32.1% of normal weight and underweight boys, respectively. The percentage of normal weight (34.4%), and overweight and obese (30.8%) boys who underestimated their body weight was three times higher than the respective percentages of girls that underestimated their weight (9.0% and 11.9%). The SR factor protected adolescents from both underestimation (only in girls) and overestimation in the total sample (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.68–0.81) and both genders. BAME increased this risk of overestimation in both genders (OR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.67–2.0), and the risk of underestimation among boys. Conclusions: Prevention programmes should include a wide range of psychosocial factors to improve BWC among adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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19 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Determinants of Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Involvement—The Role of Body Satisfaction
by Marta Malinowska-Cieślik, Anna Dzielska and Anna Oblacińska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031292 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3818
Abstract
Background: Although the relationship between adolescents’ body image and cyberviolence has been proved, little is known about the place of body image among other psychosocial determinants. The study aimed to assess the relationship between body satisfaction and cyberbullying in the context of other [...] Read more.
Background: Although the relationship between adolescents’ body image and cyberviolence has been proved, little is known about the place of body image among other psychosocial determinants. The study aimed to assess the relationship between body satisfaction and cyberbullying in the context of other psychosocial factors. Methods: We used data of 5817 adolescents (47.6% boys, mean age = 15.43) from the survey conducted in 2018 in Poland as a part of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children. Four groups of cyberbullying involvement were defined: only bullies, only victims, both bullies and victims, and not involved. Body satisfaction and ten other independent variables were classified as sociodemographic, socioeconomic, individual and social factors. A series of multinomial logistic regression models were estimated and compared using the pseudo R-sq Nagelkerke coefficient. Results: Although family support seemed to be the most protective, the findings have proved that body satisfaction reduces significantly the risk of cyberbullying. The relationship was more pronounced in victims and bully-victims. A slightly stronger protective effect of body satisfaction has been observed in boys. Conclusions: The strengthening of body image may be an effective measure to prevent adolescents’ cyberbullying, as well as to bring about improvements in social support, connections to others, and school performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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11 pages, 332 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Health-Promoting Behaviors in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Preschool Children of Polish Health Care Professionals
by Marta Gruca, Justyna Zamojska, Katarzyna Niewiadomska-Jarosik, Agnieszka Wosiak and Elżbieta Smolewska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 308; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010308 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the health-promoting behavior of the preschool children (aged 3–6 y) of Polish health care professionals (HCPs). Methods: The study was conducted by means of quantitative research on a group of 386 individuals, using an [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the health-promoting behavior of the preschool children (aged 3–6 y) of Polish health care professionals (HCPs). Methods: The study was conducted by means of quantitative research on a group of 386 individuals, using an Internet-based survey. Results: The ideal cardiovascular health model was determined in the case of 22 children (5.6%). The collected data revealed that, when regarding the recommended level of physical activity, children from HCP families meet the American Heart Association criteria much more often than their peers from other study populations (56.5% vs. 16.6%). In our study, more girls than boys participated in organized activities (60.2% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.05). There was no correlation between achieving adequate levels of physical activity and the BMI (p > 0.1). Overweight children had a more balanced diet than children with a normal body weight (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The obtained results allowed us to make the conclusion that there is a need to implement educational and preventive measures on a large scale, while some health-promoting behaviors, especially those concerning proper nutrition, require major modifications, even in HCP families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
14 pages, 365 KiB  
Article
Leisure Time Use and Adolescent Mental Well-Being: Insights from the COVID-19 Czech Spring Lockdown
by Alina Cosma, Jan Pavelka and Petr Badura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12812; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312812 - 05 Dec 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3495
Abstract
Background: As leisure—one of the crucial life domains—was completely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our study aimed to investigate how adolescents spent their leisure time during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Secondly, we aimed to investigate the associations between the perceived changes in leisure [...] Read more.
Background: As leisure—one of the crucial life domains—was completely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our study aimed to investigate how adolescents spent their leisure time during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Secondly, we aimed to investigate the associations between the perceived changes in leisure time use, the leisure activities adolescents engaged in, and the associations with well-being during the Spring 2020 lockdown in Czechia. Methods: Data from 3438 participants were included in this study (54.2% girls; mean age = 13.45, SD = 1.62). First, the initial number of items measuring leisure, electronic media use, and sports was reduced through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Multivariate linear regression models tested the associations between leisure domains and mental well-being Results: The amount of leisure time, together with socially active leisure and sports and physical activity, formed the strongest positive predictors of mental well-being, whereas idle activities and time spent on electronic media acted as negative predictors. The amount of time spent doing schoolwork was unrelated to mental well-being. Conclusions: Overall, our results support the idea that leisure as a promoting factor for well-being is not just a matter of its amount but rather of engagement in meaningful and fulfilling activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
15 pages, 790 KiB  
Article
Adolescent Health Literacy and Neighbourhood Features: HBSC Findings from Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia
by Dorota Kleszczewska, Katarzyna Porwit, Zuzana Boberova, Eric Sigmund, Jana Vasickova and Leena Paakkari
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7388; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147388 - 10 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3508
Abstract
The role of supportive environments on health, wellbeing, and longevity has been widely recognized. However, there is no strong empirical evidence on the association between health literacy (HL) as a particular health-related competence and neighbourhoods. Therefore, the aim of the study was to [...] Read more.
The role of supportive environments on health, wellbeing, and longevity has been widely recognized. However, there is no strong empirical evidence on the association between health literacy (HL) as a particular health-related competence and neighbourhoods. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the association between the features of neighbourhoods and the level of HL competencies of young people from three countries (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia). Self-reported data from an international sample of 11,521 students aged 13–15 years participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC) in the year 2018 were included in the analyses. The level of HL shows a strong positive relationship with family wealth, and a significant relationship is maintained in all studied countries. Both social and structural features of neighbourhoods turned out to have an impact on students’ HL. However, HL is most clearly explained by the school environment. This study confirms the school effect on higher levels of HL competences in adolescents. This indicates the need to invest in schools located in less affluent areas to generally improve the level of education, implement modern health education combined with HL, and strengthen the social and health competencies of students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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10 pages, 1116 KiB  
Article
Energy Drinks Consumption Associated with Emotional and Behavioural Problems via Lack of Sleep and Skipped Breakfast among Adolescents
by Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska, Daniela Husarova and Michaela Kosticova
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6055; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18116055 - 04 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4198
Abstract
The aim of our study was to explore whether energy drink consumption is associated with both emotional and behavioural problems and whether this association might be mediated by amount of sleep and breakfast consumption among adolescents. The nationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged [...] Read more.
The aim of our study was to explore whether energy drink consumption is associated with both emotional and behavioural problems and whether this association might be mediated by amount of sleep and breakfast consumption among adolescents. The nationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, realised in 2018 in Slovakia in schools, was used to acquire needed data, with the research sample of 8405 adolescents from 11 to 15 years old (mean age = 13.43; 50.9% boys) who completed the questionnaires on their own in a presence of researchers and research assistants. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed by a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while energy drinks consumption, breakfast consumption and sleep duration was assessed by questions in line with the HBSC study protocol. Linear regression models assessed the associations between energy drinks consumption and emotional and behavioural problems. Mediation by sleep duration and breakfast consumption was assessed with parallel mediation models. Energy drink consumption was significantly associated with emotional (p < 0.001) and behavioural problems (p < 0.001), with higher consumption of energy drinks leading to more emotional and behavioural problems. Results from a parallel mediation analysis indicated that energy drink consumption is indirectly related to both emotional and behavioural problems through its relationship with the amount of sleep and breakfast consumption. Parents and professionals working with adolescents should be aware that unhealthy dietary habits and lack of sleep might be related to emotional and behavioural problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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10 pages, 1225 KiB  
Article
Alcohol Use and Its Affordability in Adolescents in Slovakia between 2010 and 2018: Girls Are Less Adherent to Policy Measures
by Róbert Ochaba, Tibor Baška and Martina Bašková
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5047; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105047 - 11 May 2021
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Background: The article analyzes selected indicators of alcohol use (weekly use, drunkenness within last month) and the ability of adolescents to buy alcohol in Slovakia between 2010 and 2018. Methods: Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) is a cross-sectional questionnaire study. A standardized [...] Read more.
Background: The article analyzes selected indicators of alcohol use (weekly use, drunkenness within last month) and the ability of adolescents to buy alcohol in Slovakia between 2010 and 2018. Methods: Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) is a cross-sectional questionnaire study. A standardized uniform questionnaire was used to create a representative sample of 15-year-old adolescents. Two surveys carried out in Slovakia in 2010 (n = 1568) and 2018 (n = 1298) were analyzed. Results: Weekly alcohol use and drunkenness declined only in boys, not in girls. Affordability of alcohol (not being prevented from buying it) declined among weekly drinking boys (from 60.4 to 34.1%) but remained almost unchanged in girls from a higher socioeconomic group compared to those from a lower one (57.9% vs. 30.6% in 2018). Conclusions: Affordability of alcohol in boys decreased with a decline in alcohol use, corresponding with implemented legislative measures. However, it remained unchanged in girls from a higher socioeconomic group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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13 pages, 2857 KiB  
Article
Weekday-Weekend Sedentary Behavior and Recreational Screen Time Patterns in Families with Preschoolers, Schoolchildren, and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Three Cohort Study
by Dagmar Sigmundová and Erik Sigmund
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4532; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094532 - 24 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2778
Abstract
Background: Excessive recreational screen time (RST) has been associated with negative health consequences already being apparent in preschoolers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal parent-child sedentary behavior, and RST patterns and associations with respect to the gender, age category of [...] Read more.
Background: Excessive recreational screen time (RST) has been associated with negative health consequences already being apparent in preschoolers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal parent-child sedentary behavior, and RST patterns and associations with respect to the gender, age category of children, and days of the week. Methods: Our cross-sectional survey included 1175 parent-child dyads with proxy-reported RST data collected during a regular school week during the spring and fall between 2013 and 2019. The parent-child RST (age and RST) relationship was quantified using Pearson’s (rP) correlation coefficient. Results: Weekends were characterized by longer RST for all family members (daughters/sons: +34/+33 min/day, mothers/fathers: +43/+14 min/day) and closer parent-child RST associations than on weekdays. The increasing age of children was positively associated with an increase in RST on weekdays (+6.4/+7.2 min per year of age of the daughter/son) and weekends (+5.8/+7.5 min per year of age of the daughter/son). Conclusions: Weekends provide a suitable target for implementation of programs aimed at reducing excessive RST involving not only children, but preferably parent-child dyads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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10 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
What Role Does Body Image in Relationship between Level of Health Literacy and Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Adolescents?
by Zuzana Boberová and Daniela Husárová
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073482 - 27 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3465
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between health literacy and symptoms for eating disorders among adolescents, taking into consideration age and gender and whether this association is mediated by body image. (2) Methods: We used data on [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between health literacy and symptoms for eating disorders among adolescents, taking into consideration age and gender and whether this association is mediated by body image. (2) Methods: We used data on 5054 adolescents (mean age = 13.9, 51.7% boys) from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study conducted in 2018 in Slovakia. We used logistic regression models to examine associations between level of health literacy and symptoms for eating disorders mediated by body image. (3) Results: Adolescents with low and medium levels of health literacy had a higher occurrence of reporting two or more symptoms of eating disorders (odds ratio (OR)/95% CI: 2.25/1.78–2.84 and 1.37/1.15–1.65). Adjustment for body image reduced the significance of association between low level of health literacy and symptoms for eating disorders by 26.4%, and association between medium level of health literacy and symptoms for eating disorders by 29.7%. (4) Conclusions: Adolescents who have a low health literacy level were found to have a higher probability of having symptoms for eating disorders, especially when they perceive themselves as fat. The study refers to potential theoretical frameworks for health literacy intervention that may provide guidelines for the intervention design and materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Better Understanding of Young People's Health in Central and Eastern European Countries)
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