OBJECTIVES:To investigate the attitudes and beliefs toward vaping among university students in Northern Jordan, and to explore any gender-based differences in attitudes and beliefs regarding vaping use. METHODS:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 500 university students in universities in Northern Jordan. RESULTS:The study showed widespread e-smoking use, with 62.0 % of participants currently using e-cigarettes. Regarding attitudes, 57.4 % of students expressed negative views toward e-cigarettes, while 42.6 % expressed positive views. 61.8 % expressed doubts about the benefits and safety of e-cigarettes, while 38.2 % expressed strong positive views. Gender-based analysis indicated statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS:There is a need for targeted public health interventions and educational programs to address misconceptions and promote informed decision-making regarding e-cigarette use.
Adolescents in higher health professional education experience heightened academic and clinical pressures, increasing their vulnerability to mental health problems. This study examined the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, and identified key psychosocial predictors among Indonesian adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,886 health polytechnic adolescents from multiple campuses of an Indonesian Health Polytechnic. Participants completed an online questionnaire including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), alongside measures of self-esteem, mobile attachment, peer influence, and smartphone addiction. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify predictors of psychological distress. Nearly half of the adolescents experienced moderate to extremely severe anxiety (48.9 %), followed by stress (30.7 %) and depression (25.4 %). Peer influence was the strongest protective factor, showing significant negative associations with depression (β=-0.352, p<0.001) and anxiety (β=-0.407, p<0.001). In contrast, higher mobile attachment and smartphone addiction were consistently associated with increased depression and anxiety scores. Positive peer influence substantially reduces psychological distress, whereas problematic technology use elevates mental health risks. Universities should strengthen peer-support environments and promote digital wellness to improve student mental health.
INTRODUCTION:The global rise in smartphone usage, especially among young adults (18-25 years), has prompted alarm regarding its influence on the sleep health. Smartphone addiction through an irresistible urge and excessive use has been implicated in various behavioural and psychological disturbances. Sleep, an important predictor of well-being, is particularly susceptible to excessive its exposure; but how much and how consistently is unclear. This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the evidence on the association between smartphone addiction and sleep disruption amongst young people. CONTENT:A systematic search of electronic databases (SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar) was conducted to identify observational studies "smartphone addiction" and "sleep quality" among this group (18-25 years). Screening was done with the help of Rayyan AI, and the included studies were evaluated using JBI appraisal tool. Total of 68 articles were included for systematic review, of which 63 contributed to the meta-analysis. Findings were synthesized narratively, and quantitative effect size data were extracted to enable meta-analytic assessment. Narrative synthesis consistently showed that higher levels of smartphone overuse were linked to poorer sleep outcomes, including delayed onset of sleep, shorter sleep period, poorer global sleep quality, and greater daytime dysfunction. The pooled analysis found a moderate positive correlation (r=0.38, 95 % CI: 0.31-0.48, p<0.001) between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality. There was a significant variation observed across studies (I2=99.25 %). Publication bias assessments using the Egger's regression, Begg's test and trim-and-fill analysis showed no significant evidence of publication bias. SUMMARY:The findings provide strong and consistent evidence that young adults' poor sleep quality is moderately correlated with smartphone addiction. Although most available evidence is based on cross-sectional studies and self-reported measures, the results highlight problematic use of smartphone as an important, potentially changeable behavioural risk factor for sleep disturbance. OUTLOOK:Future research should prioritize longitudinal study designs, objective measures of smartphone use and sleep, and intervention studies to clarify causal pathways and identify effective strategies for improving sleep health among young adults.
OBJECTIVES:Peer bullying represent significant public health challenges with profound implications for adolescent psychosocial development. This study investigates the frequency of traditional and cyberbullying among adolescents, specifically examining how BMI and socioeconomic factors predict victimization risk and frequency. This study aimed to determine the frequency of peerbullying among school-aged children and adolescents and to examine the predictive impact of body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic factors on victimization. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted with 330 Turkish adolescents aged 10-17 years of school-aged children and adolescents. Data were collected using the 9-item Child-Adolescent Bullying Scale (CABS-9) - Short Form along with a demographic information form. BMI was calculated based on height and weight measurements. Statistical analysis included regression models to determine the variance explained by BMI. RESULTS:The prevalence of peer bullying was found to be 42.1 %, while cyberbullying prevalence was 12.7 %. Male gender, lower socioeconomic status, and younger age (specifically 4th-grade students) were identified as significant risk factors. BMI accounted for 17.5 % of the variance in bullying victimization (R2=0.175), with overweight and obese participants reporting significantly higher victimization scores (19.12 ± 6.15) compared to their normal-weight peers (13.50 ± 3.85). Verbal bullying (mocking and ridiculing) was the most frequent (33.9 %). CONCLUSIONS:The findings indicate that bullying frequency in this sample exceeds global averages but aligns with regional trends in high- frequency areas. The significant predictive power of BMI suggests that physical appearance remains a primary catalyst for peer exclusion and mockery. These results underscore the urgent need for early-intervention programs, starting in primary school, that focus on body positivity, self-esteem enhancement, and the social integration of economically disadvantaged students.
OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different muscle warm-up phases on knee joint proprioception, vertical jump, agility, and balance in professional youth athletes. METHODS:Twenty-five professional adolescent football players under the age of 18 (mean age: 16.5 ± 1.2 years) were included in the study (n=25). Dominant knee joint proprioception was measured at 30° using a digital inclinometer. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test (in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions), explosive power was evaluated with the Sargent vertical jump test, and agility was measured using the T-test. All assessments were conducted during three muscle warm-up phases (rest, warm-up, and post-training). RESULTS:The analysis revealed significant differences in all parameters depending on the muscle's warm-up state (p<0.001). Proprioception, explosive power, agility, and dynamic balance were measured at their best when the muscles were warmed up. Proprioception was found to be weakest in the fatigued muscle condition (2.42°). Explosive power and dynamic balance were lowest in the resting muscle condition. Agility did not differ between the resting and fatigued conditions (p=0.874). CONCLUSIONS:Muscle warm-up phases positively influence proprioceptive accuracy, agility, and balance in elite youth soccer players, whereas fatigue impairs these parameters. These findings suggest that optimal warm-up protocols should be incorporated to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION:This study was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 12/15/2025 (ID: NCT07284706).
OBJECTIVES:Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, and chronic kidney disease are increasingly recognized among adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income settings like India, where the epidemiologic transition is well underway. However, robust regional data for semi-urban and rural populations remain sparse. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of hypertension, obesity, and proteinuria among school-going adolescents in Bikaner, Rajasthan. METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional study between April 2017 and January 2018 in three randomly selected schools in Bikaner. Adolescents aged 13-19 years were recruited using a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique, with parental consent and participant assent. Standardized anthropometry, blood pressure measurement (AAP 2017 definitions), and dipstick urinalysis for proteinuria/glycosuria were performed. Generalised Mixed Linear models was used to assess predictors of hypertension. RESULTS:Among 1,082 participants (mean age: 16 ± 2 years; 58.7 % male), the prevalence of overall hypertension was 24.7 %, with an additional 8.3 % exhibiting elevated blood pressure. BMI-based overweight and obesity were observed in 9.3 % and 2.9 %, respectively, while central obesity was present in 49.3 %. Dipstick proteinuria (≥1+) was found in 4.3 %. Multivariable analysis identified age, male sex, central obesity, increasing BMI, and dipstick proteinuria as independent predictors of hypertension. Family history of hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disease were also associated. CONCLUSIONS:There is a strikingly high prevalence of hypertension and central adiposity among adolescents in this semi-urban population, with early clustering of cardiovascular and renal risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted school-based screening and preventive interventions in similar transitional settings across India.
OBJECTIVES:Adolescents with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing and displaying inappropriate sexual behaviours, while parents in culturally sensitive settings often lack adequate guidance for managing them. This study examined how Indonesian parents recognise and manage inappropriate sexual behaviours among adolescents with intellectual disabilities within culturally embedded contexts. METHODS:A qualitative descriptive design with a case-study orientation was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia between October and December 2024. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to examine emotional responses, behavioural management strategies, and parents' support needs. RESULTS:Parents reported diverse inappropriate sexual behaviours occurring during daily routines and described difficulty distinguishing normative from problematic actions. Emotional reactions included shame, panic, fear of judgment, and anxiety about exploitation, shaped by cultural and religious expectations of modesty. Parents resorted to reactive strategies such as correction, supervision, environmental control, and consistent reinforcement, but lacked structured guidance and culturally appropriate resources. They expressed strong needs for hands-on training, clear behavioural criteria, visual teaching tools, and coordinated support between families and schools. CONCLUSIONS:The findings highlight the emotional and cultural complexity of parental responses to inappropriate sexual behaviours and underscore the need for culturally grounded, family-centred interventions. Strengthening parental capacity through tailored training and collaborative frameworks is essential to improving behavioural management and safeguarding adolescents with intellectual disabilities.
OBJECTIVES:Although adolescent obesity is a growing concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), culturally adapted tools to assess environmental risk factors are limited. This study developed and conducted a preliminary validation of the Adolescent Obesity Environmental Questionnaire (AOEQ), with a design intended to be relevant for LMIC contexts. METHODS:Items were generated via literature review, adaptation of existing tools, and focus group discussions. Forward-backward translation and expert panel review ensured content validity. Five experts rated items using Content Validity Index (CVI), and face validity was evaluated with adolescents (FVI). RESULTS:The preliminary AOEQ included 40 items across three domains: family (27), school (6), and peer (7). Expert review showed high content validity (S-CVI/Ave=0.90; I-CVI 0.83-1.00). Face validity confirmed clarity and cultural appropriateness (S-FVI/Ave=0.94). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α=0.813-0.948). CONCLUSIONS:The AOEQ is a reliable, culturally valid tool for assessing obesogenic environments among Indonesian adolescents, with potential applicability to other adolescents in LMIC settings.
OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypermobility on scoliosis degree, trunk rotation, lower extremity length difference, pes planus status, static and dynamic balance, and fall risk in individuals diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS:This case-control study included 33 individuals with AIS (18 hypermobile, 15 non-hypermobile), aged 10-18 years, with Cobb angles ranging from 10° to 45°. Hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton Score, and those scoring 5 or higher were considered the hypermobile group. The degree of scoliosis was measured using the Cobb angle method, and trunk rotation was measured using a scoliometer. Lower extremity length discrepancy was assessed using a tape measure, and pes planus was assessed using the Navicular Drop Test. Static balance was determined using the Single-Leg Balance Test (eyes open/closed), dynamic balance using the Functional Reach Test (FUT), and fall risk was measured using the Morse Fall Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and intergroup comparisons and correlations were evaluated. RESULTS:Lumbar trunk rotation was significantly lower in the hypermobile group (p=0.02). No group differences were observed in other physical parameters. Positive correlations were found between the Cobb angle and upper thoracic and lumbar trunk rotation; a significant positive correlation was also found between the Cobb angle and pes planus status. Hypermobility was linked to gender, and better dynamic balance was associated with a lower risk of falling. CONCLUSIONS:In individuals with AIS, hypermobility was determined to affect trunk rotation angle, particularly in the lumbar region, and to be associated with pes planus. Routine evaluation of hypermobility and pes planus is recommended, alongside exercises targeting dynamic balance to help reduce fall risk.
OBJECTIVES:Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which typically occurs during the luteal phase, one week prior to menstruation. Menstrual health challenges encompass a spectrum of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. These challenges can significantly affect quality of life, academic performance, and social functioning among young women. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and severity of PMS and PMDD among pre-university students. METHODS:A total of 100 students were randomly selected as participants, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The instrument comprised three sections, including demographic information, menstrual patterns and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Classification of PMS and PMDD was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) criteria embedded within the PSST. RESULTS:Findings revealed that seven respondents met the criteria for PMDD, while 46 and 47 respondents were categorized as experiencing no/mild PMS and moderate to severe PMS, respectively. Students diagnosed with PMDD reported higher levels of menstrual pain and more frequent premenstrual symptoms compared to those with no/mild or moderate to severe PMS. These symptoms were found to interfere with daily activities and social interactions, underscoring the psychosocial burden of menstrual health challenges. Furthermore, PMS symptoms are known to persist across the reproductive lifespan and may continue during the menopausal transition. CONCLUSIONS:Given these implications, raising awareness of PMS and PMDD is essential to safeguard the overall well-being of women, particularly in educational settings where menstrual health challenges can disrupt academic engagement and psychosocial development.
OBJECTIVES:Adolescents face co-occurring health risk behaviors contributing synergistically to adverse health outcomes. Evidence on these patterns of co-occurrences in low- and middle-income countries is limited. This study aimed to identify latent classes based on patterns of substance use, suicidality, and violence-related behaviors among Moroccan adolescents and examine sociodemographic, risk, and protective factor correlates of class membership. METHODS:We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2016 Morocco GSHS, which included 6,745 adolescents aged 13-17 years. Latent class analysis was performed using 12 binary indicators of violence, bullying, injury, suicidality, and substance use. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the associations between latent class membership and covariates, including sociodemographic factors, risk behaviors, and protective factors. RESULTS:A four-class solution provided the best fit. Class 1 ("low engagement in risk behaviors" 54.2 %) showed minimal involvement in all risks. Class 2 ("high violence, low suicidality and substance use" 21.3 %) was marked by elevated violence. Class 3 ("moderate violence and high suicidality" 12.5 %) was dominated by suicidality coupled with moderate violence. Class 4 ("high violence, moderate suicidality and high substance use," 12.0 %) reflected poly-risk engagement. Rural residence, parental tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, and having no close friends significantly increased the odds of poly-risk class membership. Consistent school attendance emerged as a significant protective factor. CONCLUSIONS:Distinct clusters of adolescent health risk behaviors were identified. Integrated, context-specific interventions that enhance family engagement, school connectedness, and multi-component prevention could mitigate compounded risks and improve adolescent health in Morocco.
OBJECTIVES:To translate the Children and Adolescents Participation in Decision-Making Questionnaire (CAP-DMQ) into Greek and to assess its psychometric characteristics. METHODS:This study used a cross-sectional approach with a convenience sample of 300 students aged 12 to 16 from four high schools and two middle schools in Larissa, Greece, achieving a 100% response rate. Data were gathered over four months, from January to April 2025. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing SPSS version 29. Exploratory Factor Analysis was employed to examine the factor structure of the Greek adaptation of the CAP-DMQ. RESULTS:The analysis revealed a one-factor structure of the CAP-DMQ, based on Kaiser's criterion (eigenvalue > 1), which accounted for 34.2% of the total variance. All items had factor loadings greater than 0.40 on the single factor. The highest loading was observed for item 7, while the lowest was for item 8. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the 10 items was 0.862, and McDonald's ω was 0.865, both indicating good internal consistency. The mean CAP-DMQ score was 1.497 (SD = 0.145), reflecting a high level of participation in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS:The results show that the Greek version of the CAP-DMQ has a single-factor structure and demonstrates strong internal consistency reliability. This version serves as a concise and reliable instrument for evaluating the involvement of children and adolescents in decision-making among Greek-speaking individuals.
INTRODUCTION:Arecanut chewing is common in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, but its effects on young people are often ignored. Many adolescents start this habit early, which is concerning because it is linked to early development of Oral Submucous Fibrosis-a condition that can cause serious problems and may progress to cancer. CONTENT:A structured review was done using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including English studies from 2000 to 2025. Studies were included if they reported arecanut use in adolescents, focusing on age of initiation and oral fibrotic changes. Studies limited to adults or without age-specific data were excluded. Out of 25 studies, 12 focused on adolescents. Arecanut use was found to begin in early teenage years, influenced by peers, family habits, and low awareness of risks. Early signs of OSMF, such as reduced mouth opening, have been reported, with prevalence ranging from 3.4 % to 8.8 %. Processed arecanut products appear to increase early onset and severity. SUMMARY:Adolescence is a vulnerable period for both starting arecanut use and developing early features of OSMF, requiring greater clinical and public health attention. OUTLOOK:Arecanut use in adolescents should not be seen as a harmless cultural habit. Early detection, awareness, and prevention at school and community levels are essential. Better regulation of processed arecanut products is needed to reduce early exposure and prevent long-term oral health problems, including oral potentially malignant disorders.
OBJECTIVES:Microplastics have emerged as a growing environmental and public health concern, found in air, water, and food, with potential health impacts including respiratory, digestive, and endocrine disruption. Therefore, the preventive effort needs to be amplified. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different microplastic education interventions, lecture-based education, peer group education, and infographic distribution, among high school students in DKI Jakarta. METHODS:A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 334 students from six schools, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of knowledge and attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, followed by Dunn's post hoc test. RESULTS:Findings revealed that peer group and infographic interventions significantly improved knowledge scores, with the peer group showing the most substantial gains. However, lecture-based education did not yield significant improvement in knowledge. Attitude changes across all interventions were not statistically significant, although numerical improvements were observed, especially in the peer group. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in knowledge improvement across groups (p=0.0041), and Dunn's test confirmed a statistically significant difference between peer group and lecture-based education. CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest that interactive and peer-driven educational approaches may be more effective in enhancing students' understanding of microplastic pollution compared to traditional lectures. However, attitude change may require more prolonged or multifaceted interventions that integrate psychosocial and behavioral elements. Given the formative nature of adolescence and their potential as agents of environmental change, incorporating targeted and participatory education into school curricula is essential. These findings underscore the importance of using context-specific, engaging methods for environmental health education, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 and SDG 13.
OBJECTIVES:Obesity is linked to excessive caloric intake, sleep behaviors, and the environment. Few studies explore the connection between wake-up time and obesity. This research aims to examine sleep patterns, timing, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors associated with obesity among adolescents aged 15-17. METHODS:This cross-sectional study at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital's Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic from December 2023 to November 2024 included 453 adolescents (217 normal weight, 236 obese) without comorbidities. Data on demographics, sleep patterns, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet were collected via face-to-face questionnaires. Obese participants were classified into Class 1 and Class 2-3 based on body mass index. RESULTS:Obese participants woke up significantly later on weekdays (p=0.001). While normal-weight adolescents often woke between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, more obese adolescents woke after 9:00 AM. They also slept for more than 9 h more often (p=0.002). Obese adolescents spent more than 3 h in sedentary activity (p=0.022). Those with Class 2-3 obesity who did not exercise and had prolonged sedentary time were more common. Bedtimes did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS:A delayed morning wake-up time was significantly associated with obesity among adolescents. Sleep timing appears to be as relevant to metabolic health as sleep duration. Reduced physical activity coupled with increased sedentary behavior is associated with obesity. Therefore, advocating for improved sleep hygiene, fostering consistent physical activity routines, and implementing behavioral awareness training in adolescents should be regarded as essential elements of obesity prevention initiatives.
OBJECTIVES:Suicide remains a significant public health concern among adolescents in Ghana, yet limited research exists on how young people conceptualize suicide within their cultural context. This study aimed to examine how Ghanian high school students conceptualize suicide in relation to religious, cultural, and legal frameworks that shape their understanding. METHODS:This descriptive qualitative study was conducted as part of the 2024 Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey. Twenty junior high school students were purposively selected from rural, peri-urban, and urban schools across four major regions to ensure diverse representation. In-depth, semi-structured cognitive interviews were conducted in English. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's approach, with multiple coders contributing to thematic development and refinement. RESULTS:Participants described suicide through four overlapping constructs: as a sin, taboo, mental health issue, and crime. Religious framings emphasized divine ownership of life, biblical teachings, and spiritual consequences. Cultural perspectives focused on shame, communal identity, and ancestral values. Others associated suicide with criminality and police involvement. Across interviews, students expressed coexisting views, drawing from diverse belief systems to explain suicide occurrence and treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Ghanaian adolescents do not conceptualize suicide in singular terms. Their understandings are shaped by the interplay of religious, cultural, psychological, and institutional narratives. Suicide prevention must be grounded in these lived meanings and avoid one-size-fits-all approach. Preventive strategies should engage religious leaders, affirm community values, reduce mental health stigma, and provide safe spaces for adolescents to alleviate distress. Addressing the nuanced logics adolescents draw upon is essential to designing interventions that resonate with their realities.
OBJECTIVES:According to media reports, young women in Poland are not fully aware of the importance of regular gynecological examinations. The Expert Group of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommends that girls have their first visit between the ages of 12 and 15. These recommendations differ from the prevailing norms in Polish population. The purpose of this study was to determine the age of female patients and analyze their perceptions about their first visit. METHODS:An online survey was conducted among 970 women between the ages of 16 and 30 in February 2024. RESULTS:The number of 144 respondents (15 %) had never visited a gynecologist. The age range in this group was 16-27. The most common reason reported was fear and shame (72 %). In the second group of patients who had already had their first consultation, the average age at the first visit was 18. When asked about their choice of specialist, 42 % said their decision was influenced by their mother's experience, and additional 55 % preferred a female doctor. The main reason for the first visit was a health check (32 %). Most female respondents (47 %) had a positive experience. CONCLUSIONS:The results confirmed that young women attend their first gynecological consultation later than recommended.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the association of nutrition education and exercise with cardiometabolic health risk factors among overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS:This quasi-experimental study utilised a pretest-posttest design to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and fasting biochemical markers [(glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)] among 41 participants. The intervention combined supervised aerobic and resistance exercise sessions thrice weekly with a weekly nutrition education session over 10 weeks. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for data analysis, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS:Post-intervention, males had lower triglyceride (p=0.045) and LDL-C concentrations (p=0.043). In female adolescents, the intervention reduced diastolic blood pressure (p=0.045), LDL-C (p=0.012), insulin (p<0.001), and HOMA-IR concentrations (p=0.001). The intervention was a significant predictor of reduced LDL-C (p=0.003), HOMA-IR (p=0.010), blood glucose concentrations (p=0.020), and HbA1c levels (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS:The improvements in CMD risk factors suggest potential long-term benefits supporting the usefulness of such an intervention. However, divergent sex-specific responses to the intervention underscore the importance of developing sex-specific intervention programs.
OBJECTIVES:To ascertain the frequency of obesity, levels of physical activity, and related determinants in adolescent learners. METHODS:The study was conducted among 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students aged 10-14 years at a secondary school in Karatay district, Konya, using a descriptive and correlational design. Participants were selected through a stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and direct measurements of height and weight. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, One-Way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS 2020, with a significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS:Among the participants, 12.9 % were categorized as overweight, and 3.8 % as obese. A negative relationship was identified between age and PAQ-C scores. Male students demonstrated notably higher PAQ-C scores compared to females. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between Body Mass Index (BMI) and PAQ-C scores (r=-0.313, p<0.05). As physical activity levels rise, BMI values decline. CONCLUSIONS:Given the critical developmental stage of adolescence, promoting physical activity is vital for preventing obesity and establishing lifelong healthy behaviors. School healthcare professionals should implement evidence-based interventions within educational settings to foster active lifestyles and reduce obesity-related risks. This connection and the contributing factors are essential for reducing obesity rates and enhancing physical activity behaviors. Early intervention during adolescence may significantly impact public health outcomes in the long term.
