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Children
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New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development
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New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 November 2023) | Viewed by 20824

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Artemis K. Tsitsika

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Guest Editor
Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: adolescent health; adolescent development; child development; developmental health; learning difficulties; ADHD; autism spectrum disorder; internet addiction; sexual health; gender dysphoria and sexual orientation; eating disorders; overweight and obesity; family counseling and support; social emotional empowerment; psychoeducation; psychosocial health; adolescent health services; transition services; youth friendly services; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; contraception; school refusal; COVID-19 pandemic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Theodoros N. Sergentanis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Public Health Policy, University of West Attica (UNIWA), 12243 Athens, Greece
2. MSc Program "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
Interests: systematic review; meta-analysis; epidemiology; research methodology; public health; adolescents; adolescent health services; transition services; youth friendly services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eleni D. Panagouli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: adolescent health; adolescent development; child development; developmental health; learning difficulties; ADHD; autism spectrum disorder; internet addiction; sexual health; gender dysphoria and sexual orientation; eating disorders; overweight and obesity; family counseling and support; social emotional empowerment; psychoeducation; psychosocial health; adolescent health services; transition services; youth friendly services; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; contraception; school refusal; COVID-19 pandemic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, which is generally characterized by good health. Nevertheless, it is a period with specific health challenges and developmental needs. Important changes take place, such as physical-hormonal (puberty, musculoskeletal, etc.), neurodevelopmental (emotional responses, sleep regulation, and cognitive capacities), psychological, and social changes. These special characteristics are often related to the emergence of certain health issues and high-risk behaviors.

Considering the success and popularity of the Special Issue entitled “New Frontiers in Adolescent Health and Development” previously published in the journal Children (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children/special_issues/Adolescent_Health_Development), we are now releasing a related issue.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to help scientists to explore issues related to the developmental and psychosocial health of children and adolescents and to evolve this knowledge into daily practice. We invite the submission of manuscripts dealing with the most common health-related issues observed in this specific age group, such as nutrition and eating disorders, overweight and obesity, internet addiction and high-risk internet-related behaviors, cyberbullying, hate speech, mental health challenges, substance use and abuse, sexual health topics, gender dysphoria and sexual orientation, gynecological issues and contraception, andrology, skin conditions, learning disorders and ADHD, family counseling and support, infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, prevention (vaccinations, high-risk behavior education, health check-ups, etc.), youth-friendly services, and transition services. Original research papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are welcome.

Dr. Artemis K. Tsitsika
Dr. Theodoros N. Sergentanis
Dr. Eleni D. Panagouli
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. Children 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 2400 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

  • adolescent health
  • adolescent development
  • internet addiction
  • sexual health
  • eating disorders
  • school refusal
  • learning difficulties

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Positive Parenting and Sociodemographic Factors Related to the Development of Chilean Children Born to Adolescent Mothers
by Laura Léniz-Maturana, Rosa Vilaseca, David Leiva and Rodrigo Gallardo-Rodríguez
Children 2023, 10(11), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111778 - 2 Nov 2023
Viewed by 2208
Abstract
The lack of economic resources has a negative effect on the maternal role of younger mothers. In Chile, the majority of adolescent pregnancies occur in socially and economically vulnerable contexts. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between demographic variables within the [...] Read more.
The lack of economic resources has a negative effect on the maternal role of younger mothers. In Chile, the majority of adolescent pregnancies occur in socially and economically vulnerable contexts. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between demographic variables within the family context and parenting behaviors among Chilean adolescent mothers (including affection, responsiveness, encouragement, and teaching). These factors were correlated with communication, problem-solving abilities, and personal–social development in typically developing infants. The study included a sample of 79 Chilean adolescent mother–child dyads with children aged 10 to 24 months. Communication, problem-solving, and personal–social development were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3, along with a demographic information questionnaire. The parenting behaviors mentioned above were observed using the Spanish version of Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes. The findings indicated that mothers in employment and those who had not dropped out of school had children with better problem-solving skills. Additionally, children residing with their fathers and female children performed better in communication, problem-solving, and personal–social development. Maternal responsiveness was associated with communication and problem-solving, while maternal encouragement was linked to improved problem-solving skills. Maternal teaching was connected to communication, problem-solving, and personal–social development. The study emphasized the significance of parenting and sociodemographic factors among adolescent mothers and their influence on their children’s development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
10 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Hikikomori (Severe Social Withdrawal) in Italian Adolescents: Clinical Features and Follow-Up
by Greta Tolomei, Gabriele Masi, Annarita Milone, Pamela Fantozzi, Valentina Viglione, Antonio Narzisi and Stefano Berloffa
Children 2023, 10(10), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101669 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2613
Abstract
Severe social withdrawal, including staying alone in one’s bedroom, non-attendance at school or work, and minimal or absent social contacts, sometimes only through electronic devices, can be found in several psychiatric disorders, or in a ‘primary’ form, firstly defined in Japan as ‘Hikikomori’. [...] Read more.
Severe social withdrawal, including staying alone in one’s bedroom, non-attendance at school or work, and minimal or absent social contacts, sometimes only through electronic devices, can be found in several psychiatric disorders, or in a ‘primary’ form, firstly defined in Japan as ‘Hikikomori’. The distinction between primary and secondary forms is questionable, as it prevalently depends on the quality of psychiatric assessment. To date, few studies specifically explored Hikikomori in an adolescent population outside Japan. The aim of the present study is to describe clinical features of a consecutive group of 80 referred youth (13 to 18 years, 57 males) with social isolation, of which 40 were followed up on for 4–6 months, to characterize clinical features and outcome. All the participants presented psychiatric comorbid disorders, prevalently anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Suicidality (ideation and behavior) was reported in 32.5% of the participants, and 20% of the participants attempted suicide. More than half of the participants exceeded the cut-off of the Internet Addiction Test, and 42.4% met the criteria for the Internet Gaming Disorder. At the follow-up appointment, an improvement of social withdrawal was reported in 75% of the sample; 67.5% of the participants significantly improved according to the CGI-improvement scale; and 55% of the participants had an improvement of functioning according to the C-GAS. Our findings suggest that Hikikomori is a transnosographic entity, with high rates of suicidality and Internet addiction, and that can it improve when it is timely diagnosed and treated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
12 pages, 658 KiB  
Article
Effects of the Specific Eye Fixation Training on Fine Visuomotor Coordination in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
by Ludvík Valtr, Rudolf Psotta and Daniel Dostál
Children 2023, 10(10), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101648 - 3 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1606
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of quiet eye training (QET) on the neuropsychological functioning and fine motor performance of children with attention deficits. The participant cohort consisted of 106 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between the ages of 8 and 12 [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of quiet eye training (QET) on the neuropsychological functioning and fine motor performance of children with attention deficits. The participant cohort consisted of 106 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between the ages of 8 and 12 years. The children were assigned to either the QET group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 52). The QET group went through a 5-week intervention in which the performance of blocks of targeting tasks was preceded by watching split-screen video footage featuring the gaze and body movements of a skilled model performing a throwing motion. Both groups underwent pre-test and post-test assessments, which included the reaction test of alertness, go/no-go inhibition test, and motor performance series test. The QET group demonstrated significant improvements in attentional engagement, inhibitory control, and fine motor skills, which require precise and fast visuomotor coordination. These results highlight the potential benefits of QET intervention in ameliorating attention deficits and enhancing fine aiming motor skills in children with ADHD. However, task specificity was evident, indicating that the intervention effects were most pronounced for the hand fine motor aiming tasks requiring both precision and speed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
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13 pages, 1626 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Effects of a Physical Education (PE) Kit Intervention on Female Adolescent Body Esteem
by Sharon McIntosh-Dalmedo, Andrew M. Lane, Wendy Nicholls and Tracey J. Devonport
Children 2023, 10(6), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060938 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2817
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that adolescent females are particularly at risk of low body esteem. Low body esteem is associated with poor mental health and other negative outcomes. Interventions to help raise body esteem could have a considerable impact, especially if the intervention [...] Read more.
It is widely acknowledged that adolescent females are particularly at risk of low body esteem. Low body esteem is associated with poor mental health and other negative outcomes. Interventions to help raise body esteem could have a considerable impact, especially if the intervention is low cost, easy to implement, and scalable. We investigated the efficacy of an intervention where participants could choose their clothes to wear during a physical education lesson (PE). PE is a context associated with low body esteem, a finding that is particularly evident among females. We hypothesized that body esteem would improve with choice. To show that body esteem does not randomly change, we tested its stability when assessed in a test–retest design when completed in a classroom setting, hypothesizing that body esteem would be stable. Participants (n = 110; Age M = 14.9 years; SD = 0.68 years) completed a 14-item body esteem scale eight times: (a) wearing the school uniform in a classroom and (b) during a PE lesson on two occasions in each context within a week. This was repeated at the re-test, which was separated by a two-week gap. The intervention was implemented and students were given a choice of PE kit and could wear their own (non-designer) clothes. The findings indicate that the choice of PE kit intervention was associated with improved body esteem in a PE context but was stable in a classroom context, which we hypothesized to be stable. We argue that this low-cost and scalable intervention represents a useful starting point for helping to support females with low body esteem among a potentially vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
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14 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Cross-National Comparisons of Internalizing Problems in a Cohort of 8952 Adolescents from Five European Countries: The EU NET ADB Survey
by Georgia Drosopoulou, Foteini Vlasopoulou, Eleni Panagouli, Androniki Stavridou, Alexia Papageorgiou, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Maria Tsolia, Chara Tzavara, Theodoros N. Sergentanis and Artemis K. Tsitsika
Children 2023, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10010008 - 21 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Various factors such as family relationships, socioeconomic indicators, socio-cultural aspects, mental health problems and demographic variables, have been associated with internalizing problems in adolescence. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of internalizing problems in adolescents from five European countries [...] Read more.
Various factors such as family relationships, socioeconomic indicators, socio-cultural aspects, mental health problems and demographic variables, have been associated with internalizing problems in adolescence. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of internalizing problems in adolescents from five European countries in comparison with risk factors. Using data from the European Network for Adolescent Behavior (EU NET ADB) survey, a cross-sectional school-based study of adolescents (from 14 to 17.9 years) was conducted. Data were retrieved from self-report questionnaires derived from Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland and Romania. Multiple logistic regression analysis overall and by country was held through estimation of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A total of 8952 adolescents participated in the study. According to the results, Greece (7.6%) and Romania (2.4%) presented with the lowest rates of internalizing problems, while Iceland presented the highest (11.1%). Internalizing problems were associated with lower school grades (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.36), while the higher education level of parents was associated with lower odds of internalizing problems (adjusted OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.92). In country-specific analyses, factors that affected the likelihood of internalizing problems were gender, age, maternal and paternal unemployment. Variations detected in adolescents’ internalizing problems were determined by the socio-cultural context of each country. Cultural differences should be addressed thoroughly in further research, in order to better understand and intervene in aspects of internalizing problems in adolescence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)

Review

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17 pages, 780 KiB  
Review
Impact of Chemicals on the Age of Menarche: A Literature Review
by Xristos Anastasiadis, Alkis Matsas, Theodoros Panoskaltsis, Panagiotis Bakas, Dimitrios T. Papadimitriou and Panagiotis Christopoulos
Children 2023, 10(7), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071234 - 17 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4271
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that chemicals interfere with the age of onset of menarche. We conducted a review in order to demonstrate the relationship between several categories of chemicals and menarche. We searched for English language papers using the Medline/PubMed database [...] Read more.
A growing body of evidence suggests that chemicals interfere with the age of onset of menarche. We conducted a review in order to demonstrate the relationship between several categories of chemicals and menarche. We searched for English language papers using the Medline/PubMed database until April 2023. The chemical factors found to affect menarche were prenatal and antenatal smoke, phthalates, phenols, organochlorines, perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyls, metals, air pollutants and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Low or high exposure to each chemical compound could affect the age of menarche, leading to early or delayed menarche. Furthermore, the results show that intrauterine exposure may have a different impact from antenatal exposure. There is evidence that endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect the age of menarche, but more research needs to be conducted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
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20 pages, 1002 KiB  
Review
Exergames to Limit Weight Gain and to Fight Sedentarism in Children and Adolescents with Obesity
by Valeria Calcaterra, Matteo Vandoni, Luca Marin, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino, Virginia Rossi, Alessandro Gatti, Pamela Patanè, Caterina Cavallo, Fabio Re, Ilaria Albanese, Dario Silvestri, Alessandro De Nunzio and Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Children 2023, 10(6), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060928 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4452
Abstract
Exergames are defined as digital games that require bodily movements to play, stimulating an active gaming experience to function as a form of physical activity (PA). The players interact with the game through whole-body movements improving energy expenditure. Exergames may be effective in [...] Read more.
Exergames are defined as digital games that require bodily movements to play, stimulating an active gaming experience to function as a form of physical activity (PA). The players interact with the game through whole-body movements improving energy expenditure. Exergames may be effective in improving physical and psychological aspects of children and adolescents with obesity. In this narrative review, we synthesized the current evidence regarding the role of exergames in modifying body composition and weight and in promoting changes in sedentary behavior to define the benefits of active video games as useful tools for fighting sedentarism and to outline the future directions of exergaming as a supplementation exercise rather than a replacement in educational programs for pediatric obesity. Data from the literature indicate that exergames may offer an interesting impact on childhood obesity and may be considered a potential strategy for controlling weight gain and body composition, promote PA, and decrease time spent on sedentary behavior in children and adolescents with obesity. However, exergame use also has some limits, such as children’s poor self-regulation and poor structuring of exergame use. Therefore, a prudent approach should be maintained, and additional high-quality research is needed to determine if exergames can be effectively used in the treatment of childhood obesity and if new digital media, as a supplementation of exercise rather than a replacement, could be considered to combat sedentary behavior in educational programs for pediatric obesity prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Adolescent Health and Development)
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