The present study examined the association of religiosity and major depressive episodes (MDEs) among female adolescents (n = 5,600) through a secondary data analysis of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Results indicated that 38.4% experienced MDE in their lifetime and 28.8% experienced MDE in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that those at highest risk for lifetime and past-year MDE were older adolescents, White, and those who did not feel religious beliefs were an important part of their life, did not feel that religious beliefs influenced their decision-making in life, and did not feel it was important that their friends share their religious beliefs. Mental health professionals are encouraged to consider the potential protective effect that religiosity may have against depression. Future research should examine the impact of religiosity on other mental health issues.

Bullying adversely affects adolescent health. National surveillance indicates that about 1 in 5 U.S. high school students report bullying on school property. Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the 2019-2020 Student Drug Use Survey from a midwestern metropolitan area. Participants were grades 7-12 Asian American youth (N = 2,332). Bullying (yes/no) and psychosocial covariates (prosocial activities, risky behaviors, parent and school factors) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate odds ratios, and multivariate logistic regression. Bullying prevalence was 4.4% (n = 102). Seventh - eighth graders reported 6.3% vs 3.2% among ninth - twelfth graders. In adjusted models, grade level, lower prosocial activities, and higher risky behaviors were associated with bullying (AORs approximate to 2.58, 1.63, and 3.08; all p < 0.05); sex, parent, and school factors were not significant. Among Asian American youth, bullying prevalence was modest overall but varied by grade level and clustered with lower prosocial engagement and co-occurring risky behaviors. Prevention should emphasize culturally responsive, early (middle-school) programming that expands prosocial opportunities and screens for co-occurring risks.

Objective: This study explored the association between excessive social media use (ESMU; i.e., ≥2 h per day) and loneliness among U.S. college students. Participants: There were 64,988 U.S. undergraduate college students ages 18-24 years in this study. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2022-2023 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment data was performed. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: About 13% of students reported using social media platforms for ≥16 h per week. Adjusted model results found that college students with ESMU had increased odds of reporting loneliness compared to students with 0 h per week of social media. Conclusion: College students with ESMU are at increased odds of experiencing loneliness. Programs and interventions targeting ESMU may contribute to improved loneliness among students.

Childhood sexual abuse is prevalent across various communities of different socio-demographic backgrounds. Although existing literature on adverse childhood experiences and childhood sexual abuse tends to focus on various races across the spectrum, Asian American adults are often underrepresented due to the cultural stigma associated with sexual abuse. The current study aims to investigate childhood sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and alcohol use among Asian American adults belonging to different income and education levels. Participants and Setting: The current study used a secondary analysis of the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey conducted by the CDC. In 2021, BRFSS interviewed 438,693 individuals via phone. Of these, N = 12,546 individuals self-identified as Asians for the “preferred race.” The descriptives suggest that of the N = 12,546 Asian American adults (5.9

Introduction Sexual harassment is a significant public health concern on US college campuses, yet limited research has examined its prevalence and correlates among international students. This study investigates the prevalence of sexual harassment among international college students and examines associations with stress and suicide attempts.Methods A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2022 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment . The analytic sample included 13 242 international students. Sexual harassment in the past 12 months served as the primary outcome. Predictor variables included stress level, suicide attempt in the past year, number of sexual partners, academic level and sex assigned at birth. Descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression and a final multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine associations.Results Among 13 242 international college students, 6.1% (n=799) reported sexual harassment in the past 12 months. In the adjusted logistic regression model, moderate to high stress was associated with higher odds of sexual harassment (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.800, 95% CI 1.470 to 2.205), and past-year suicide attempt was associated with higher odds of reporting sexual harassment (AOR=4.112, 95% CI 3.035 to 5.570).Conclusion The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies that account for gender-specific and population-specific vulnerabilities. International students face unique stressors, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems at multiple levels. Limitations include self-reported data and a cross-sectional design. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and diverse samples to deepen understanding and strengthen support mechanisms, thereby fostering safer educational environments.

ObjectivesDespite the substantial presence of South-Asian international students in the United States, research on their sexual health remains limited. The current research aims to fill this gap by investigating condom use and perceived barriers and benefits among South-Asian international students at a Midwest university.MethodA cross-sectional exploratory study design was employed, with data collected through an online survey. Participants (N = 104) completed a questionnaire assessing condom use behavior, perceived barriers, and benefits, as well as demographic information.ResultsResults indicated that most participants reported using condoms during sexual intercourse. Common barriers to condom use include embarrassment, concerns about reduced sexual pleasure, and lack of knowledge. Perceived benefits included protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, providing a sense of security, and reducing worry and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis did not identify statistically significant predictors of condom use among South-Asian international students.ConclusionFindings underscores the need for culturally sensitive sexual health interventions tailored to the unique needs of this population. Future research should explore additional factors influencing condom use and employ larger sample sizes to enhance understanding and inform targeted interventions.

Background Understanding sexual behavior and its determinants among college students is crucial for promoting sexual health and well-being. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may play a role in shaping sexual behaviors. The current study investigates the association between ACEs, condom use frequency, demographics, and consensual sexual intercourse among undergraduate college students. Methods Upon IRB approval, a paper survey was administered among undergraduate college students enrolled in the Health Promotion and Education classes at a midwestern urban campus. A total of 152 participants were recruited through convenient sampling. Results A univariate regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between sexual intercourse and categories of ACEs, age, condom use frequency, racial/ethnic identity, sexual orientation and sex assigned at birth. Age, condom use frequency, racial/ethnic identity as Asian and Caucasian were significant at p < 0.05. Furthermore, a final logistic regression model was significant (χ² = 127.740, df = 4, p < .001). Participant age and racial/ethnic identity as Caucasian emerged as significant in the model. Discussion The findings of this study encourage universities to expand their focus beyond traditional socio-demographic and educational factors when addressing risky sexual behaviors among college students. It highlights that ACEs may be a lingering influence driving sexual activity, suggesting that trauma-informed, tailored approaches can more effectively promote safe practices and address diverse student needs.

Excessive social media use (ESMU) may negatively impact college students. Less is known about whether cannabis use may influence ESMU. This study assessed the association between current cannabis use and ESMU in addition to cannabis use risk and ESMU among U.S. college students. An analysis of the 2022–2023 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment dataset including 65,052 college students aged 18–24-years old was performed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were analyzed. In total, 23.2% of college students reported current cannabis use within the past 30 days. The unadjusted and adjusted logistic model results indicated that college students reporting current cannabis use were at increased odds of reporting ESMU compared to college students not reporting current cannabis use (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.16–1.28; AOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.20–1.34, respectively). Furthermore, unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression results demonstrated that college students with moderate cannabis use risk (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.12–1.30; AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.12–1.30) or high cannabis use risk (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.50–2.11; AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.53–2.16) were at increased odds of reporting ESMU compared to college students with low cannabis use risk. U.S. college students who currently use cannabis, especially those exhibiting a moderate or high cannabis use risk, are at an increased odds of excessively using social media sites.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), although prevalent across the United States, is among the understudied topics in minority populations, such as international students on college campuses. The present study addresses the underexplored phenomenon ofIPV among international college students, aiming to provide insights crucial for navigating relationships and educational pursuits. Utilizing data from the 2022 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) involving 13,242 international students, this research aims to demonstrate the prevalence of IPV within this understudied group. The results revealed an overall IPV prevalence of 13.7% within the last 12 months, with verbal abuse emerging as the most prevalentform. Univariate logistic regression indicated greater risks for graduate students (OR = 1.191, p < 0.001) and those without current relationships (OR = 1.000, p < 0.001). The final model confirmed that graduate student status and being single were significant predictors. This highlights how cultural adaptation, societal adjustment, and isolation increase vulnerability. This research highlights the pressing need for tailored prevention and support mechanisms and advocates targeted interventions, such as relationship education during college orientation, to promote equity, belonging, and global engagement among international students.

ObjectiveAdolescent alcohol use is a significant public health problem. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of parenting behaviors on adolescent alcohol use based on sex of the adolescent. More specifically, do certain types of parenting behaviors affect male and female adolescents differently.MethodsA national sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years (n = 5,723 adolescents) completed the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to assess past-year (past 12 months) and current (past 30 days) alcohol use.ResultsFindings indicated that 19.9% drank alcohol in the past 12 months and 8.6% drank alcohol in the past 30 days. Females were significantly more likely than males to engage in past-year [OR = 1.285 (95% CI = (1.128, 1.464)] and current alcohol use [OR = 1.432 (95% CI = (1.188, 1.725)]. Adolescents at highest risk for alcohol use had parents who never/seldom helped with homework or limited television viewing, and who fought with them greater than ten times in the past year.ConclusionsParent involvement is critical to decreasing adolescent alcohol use. Based on these findings, parenting strategies should be incorporated into efforts aimed at preventing youth alcohol use.

Major depressive episode (MDE) among adolescents is a significant public health issue. Approximately, 4.5 million adolescents have experienced an MDE in the past year. This study examined whether MDEs among adolescents differed based on specific parenting behaviors. A national sample of adolescents ages 12 to 17 years (n = 11,572) completed the 2023 National Survey of Drug use and Health. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether lifetime and past year MDE differed based on parenting behaviors. Results indicated that adolescents at highest risk for both lifetime and past-year MDE were female, older (14-15 or 16-17-years-old), and white. Regarding parenting behaviors, adolescents at highest risk for lifetime and past-year MDE were those who had parents never/seldom check their homework, never/seldom help with their homework, never/seldom limit the amount of TV, never/seldom tell them they did a good job, never/seldom tell them they were proud of them, and who argued/fought with them ten or more times in the past year. These findings show the intricate relationship between adolescent MDE and parenting behaviors. Public health educators should encourage parents to engage in authoritative parenting behaviors (defined as high levels of parental support, warmth, and clear expectations) to help prevent MDE among adolescents. Findings should be used to assist program developers in incorporating parenting components in MDE prevention and treatment efforts.

This study examines psychological well-being and resilience, focusing on how demographic characteristics and stress levels impact mental health among international students. A secondary data analysis was conducted via the National College Health Assessment (2022). Approximately 82.7% of the participants reported moderate to high levels of psychological well-being. High resilience was linked to increased well-being (AOR = 7.03, p < .001), whereas high stress (AOR = 0.40, p < .001) and being female (AOR = 0.70, p < .001) were associated with lower well-being. The results highlight the role of resilience in reducing acculturative stress and enhancing overall well-being. Tailored policies and culturally sensitive support are necessary for the well-being of international

Background: Currently, e-cigarettes are the most common form of nicotine consumption among youth in the United States. There is a lack of research focusing on e-cigarette use among multiracial youth, yet the sparse literature points toward the adverse consequences of e-cigarettes on multiracial youth. Multiracial youth tend to have higher addiction and prevalence rates of e-cigarette use compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The current research focuses on analyzing e-cigarette use based on parental factors, school factors, prosocial behavior, ease of access, risk behaviors, perception of harm, and sociodemographic differences among multiracial youth. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the 2020 Student Drug Use Survey (N = 38 048) was performed. Of these, n = 3340 self-identified as multiracial. Descriptive analysis, univariate logistic regression, and logistic regression were performed. Results: Results indicate that the odds of using e-cigarettes among multiracial youth increase 2 times when not perceived as harmful, 2 times if one is employed, 18 times if involved in high-risk behaviors, and 2 times if in 9th through 12th grade. Additionally, logistic regression demonstrates that parental factors may not be significant in e-cigarette use among multiracial youth. Conclusion: It is crucial to investigate the association between e-cigarette use and multiracial youth, as they may be disproportionately affected by chronic conditions and fatal diseases linked to tobacco use. Understanding the specific risk and protective factors influencing e-cigarette use within this demographic can help design targeted interventions, particularly for multiracial youth in the Greater Cincinnati region.

Depression, stress, and sleep issues significantly affect international college students' success. This study examines the link between depression and various academic, mental health, and demographic factors. Data from the American College Health Association's 2022 National College Health Assessment of 13,242 international students were analyzed. 92.7% of students with moderate to high stress reported depression (χ² = 677.038, p < 0.001), and 52.2% reported sleep issues linked to depression (χ² = 2075.076, p < 0.001). Academic stress affected 82.7%, and anxiety affected 79.8% of students (p < 0.001). Higher depression rates were found among female students (67.9% vs. 32.1% for males; p <0.001), and 20.9% of those facing COVID-19 challenges reported depression. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions to support international students' stress, sleep issues, and academic pressures, promoting their success and well-being.

ObjectiveE-cigarette use has become the predominant method of nicotine consumption among U.S. youth, posing significant public health implications. The current study addresses the scarce research on e-cigarette use among Asian American adolescents, a demographic group that has remained comparatively understudied.MethodsLeveraging data from the 2019-2020 Student Drug Use survey, the cross-sectional study investigates the interplay between e-cigarette use and psychosocial determinants among Asian American adolescents in the metropolitan area.ResultsResults indicate an 8.0% prevalence of e-cigarette use in the past year, with notable variations based on grade level and risk behaviors. Psychosocial factors such as low parental influence [OR = 1.88, 95% CI (1.35,2.61)], engagement in low prosocial activities [OR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.30, 2.44)], and high-risk behaviors [OR = 25.34, 95% CI (15.39,41.71)] correlate significantly with increased odds of e-cigarette use. Logistic regression analysis reinforces these associations, emphasizing the impact of risky behavior and ease of access on e-cigarette usage.ConclusionThe study informs targeted interventions at various levels, including schools, policy, community engagement, and cultural competency training, to address the escalating prevalence of e-cigarette use among Asian American adolescents.

BackgroundTobacco use continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Rates of tobacco use among college students remain steady with one in ten using some form of tobacco. Specific social and demographic correlates to use are needed to effectively address continued use.PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to examine specific factors associated with daily tobacco use among college students.MethodsThe National College Health Assessment was disseminated in classrooms to students at one urban, Midwestern university.ResultsResults indicated 8.4% of college students used some form of tobacco daily. The final model found gender and marijuana use predicted daily tobacco use.DiscussionBased on the prevalence rates found in the present study, it is evident that public health professionals are growing concerned regarding the significant adverse health effects of tobacco use.Translation to Health Education PracticeHealth education programs targeting college students engaged in risky behaviors could help reduce tobacco use on college campuses. Health education interventions that address smoking cessation, alcohol, and drug abuse, and mental health support could effectively reduce daily tobacco use on college campuses.

Depression among adolescents is a public health concern. The present study examines the impact of sex, grade level, employment status, parental support, school-related influences, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors on the mental well-being of Asian American youth. A secondary data analysis of the 2020 Student Drug Use Survey was conducted. Of the N = 2332 Asian American youth, 19.6% (n = 456) reported depression. Of these, 24.2% (n = 286) identified as female, and 14.5% (n = 163) identified as male. Furthermore, univariate logistic regression analysis and logistic regression model analyses were employed. The final logistic regression model was found to be significant and suggests that lack of parental support, involvement in prosocial activities, and involvement in risky behaviors can predict depression among Asian American high school youth. The findings of this research study hold significant implications for the development of targeted interventions aimed at addressing depression among Asian American high school students. Identifying specific predictors such as the lack of parental factors, engagement in prosocial activities, and participation in risky behaviors provides valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. By recognizing these influential factors, interventions can be tailored to enhance parental involvement, promote prosocial activities, and mitigate risky behaviors, thus potentially reducing the prevalence of depression among Asian American youth in high school.

The prevalence of non-partner sexual violence among college students is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention. Although an integral part of the education system, international college students are often underrepresented in various studies. This calls attention to understanding the cultural nuances and multiple factors affecting this population. The current research delves into the experiences of sexual abuse among international students within the last 12 months, focusing specifically on incidents where sexual penetration or unwanted sexual touching occurred without consent. The study sheds light on the frequency and demographics associated with these distressing incidents using data from a large-scale survey conducted over the past year, encompassing a sample size of 13,242 international student respondents. Results reveal alarming statistics, with a substantial proportion of international students reporting experiences of non-partner sexual violence. Specifically, 4.8% of participants reported being sexually touched without consent, 1.9% reported attempted sexual penetration without consent, and 1.6% reported actual sexual penetration or being made to penetrate someone without consent. Moreover, the analysis indicates significant associations between experiences of sexual abuse and key demographic variables such as gender, relationship status, and number of sexual partners. Further exploration through univariate regression unveils compelling insights into the intersectionality of sexual violence, highlighting disparities based on biological sex, relationship status, and number of sexual partners among international students. The present study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to address the pervasive issue of non-partner sexual violence among international college students. By understanding the dynamics of these incidents and their correlates, institutions can tailor support services, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives to create safer and more inclusive environments for all international students.