Cyberbullying and adolescent mental health

Author(s):  
Keita Suzuki ◽  
Reiko Asaga ◽  
Andre Sourander ◽  
Christina W. Hoven ◽  
Donald Mandell

Abstract The rapid growth of electronic and computer-based communication and information sharing during the past decade has dramatically changed social interactions, especially among teenagers. Cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of bullying and harassment, and it has been shown to possess different ramifications from traditional schoolyard bullying. This problem has emerged in nations worldwide. Cybervictims have reported various emotional and behavioral symptoms, along with school-related problems. This paper reviews international cross-sectional studies relating to the definition, prevalence, age, and gender differences inherent in cyberbullying. Psychosocial and risk factors associated with cyberbullying are also addressed. Prevention and intervention strategies for school officials and parents are suggested. Healthcare providers, policy makers, and families must be ever-mindful of the grave dangers cyberbullying poses to youths. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess the psychological risk factors of cyberbullying.

Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
Chantal den Daas ◽  
Marie Johnston ◽  
Diane Dixon

Abstract Background Investigations about mental health report prevalence rates with fewer studies investigating psychological and social factors influencing mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Study aims: (1) identify sociodemographic groups of the adult population at risk of anxiety and depression and (2) determine if the following social and psychological risk factors for poor mental health moderated these direct sociodemographic effects: loneliness, social support, threat perception, illness representations. Methods Cross-sectional nationally representative telephone survey in Scotland in June 2020. If available, validated instruments were used, for example, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. Simple linear regressions followed by examination of moderation effect. Results A total of 1006 participants; median age 53 years, 61.4% female, from all levels of area deprivation (i.e., 3.8% in the most deprived decile and 15.6% in the most affluent decile). Analyses show associations of anxiety and depression with sociodemographic (age, gender, deprivation), social (social support, loneliness) and psychological factors (perceived threat and illness representations). Mental health was poorer in younger adults, women and people living in the most deprived areas. Age effects were exacerbated by loneliness and illness representations, gender effects by loneliness and illness representations and deprivation effects by loneliness, social support, illness representations and perceived threat. In each case, the moderating variables amplified the detrimental effects of the sociodemographic factors. Conclusions These findings confirm the results of pre-Covid-19 pandemic studies about associations between sociodemographics and mental health. Loneliness, lack of social support and thoughts about Covid-19 exacerbated these effects and offer pointers for pre-emptive action.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 030006052110346
Author(s):  
Techane Sisay Tuji ◽  
Addisu Dabi Wake ◽  
Gezahegn Badeg Adere ◽  
Aselefu Beka Wedajo ◽  
Batu Dekeba Obole ◽  
...  

Objective To assess the prevalence of spontaneous preterm births and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods This single-centre cross-sectional study enrolled women that experienced a preterm birth as registered on the neonatal log-book between 30 December 2019 and 30 December 2020. A pre-tested structured checklist was used to collect data (sociodemographic characteristics; obstetric-related factors; medical history; and pregnancy-related factors). Bivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. A multivariate model identified significant independent risk factors. Results A total of 310 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth in this population was 67.1% (208 of 310; 95% confidence interval [CI] 61.5, 71.9). Patients without a partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.470, 95% CI 1.23, 4.42), patients residing in a rural area (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.123, 5.513) and those with a history of PIH during their current pregnancy (AOR = 0.104, 95% CI 0.053, 0.014) were significantly more likely to have a spontaneous preterm birth. Conclusion The prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth in in this study was high. Healthcare providers and all stakeholders should focus on screening pregnant women at the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Mostafa Seyedmardani ◽  
Saeed Abkhiz ◽  
Azadeh Megrazi ◽  
Aarefeh Jafarzade ◽  
Golshan Kamali Zonouz

Background : Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined as widespread and persistent pain in the musculoskeletal system. There are limited reports regarding the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with advanced kidney failure undergoing regular hemodialysis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome and its risk factors in a large proportion of patients under the hemodialysis condition. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 293 patients who were admitted to the hemodialysis ward were evaluated for fibromyalgia syndrome in an educational hospital. The questionnaire was designed according to symptom severity score (SS score) and widespread pain index (WPI) criteria. The correlation between FMS and various variables, including demographic, clinical, and biochemistry biomarkers, was also precisely calculated by logistic regression. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.17 statistics software. Results: The results showed that, of 293 hemodialysis patients, 130 patients (44.4%) had fibromyalgia, the mean age of patients with and without fibromyalgia was 61.09 ± 15.36 and 53.49 ± 15.38 years old, respectively (P = 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in terms of gender among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (P = 0.001). To note, there was no significant relationship between the kidney failure etiopathogenesis, duration of dialysis, body mass index (BMI), Kt/v index, history of peritoneal dialysis, and laboratory parameters with fibromyalgia in hemodialysis patients (P > 0.05). However, our findings revealed that both age and gender could be considered as the predictor variables associated with fibromyalgia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Conclusion: Taken together, in this study, we found that age and gender would be the critical factors in terms of the fibromyalgia syndrome in patients undergoing hemodialysis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Saad Rashid Saud Al Alawi ◽  
Muhammad Muqeet Ullah ◽  
Ahmed Yar Mohammed Dawood Al Balushi ◽  
Rajeev Kashyap ◽  
Vandita Kailas Patil

BACKGROUND: Due to one of the highest HIV prevalent province in Oman, Voluntary Counselling Testing (VCT) services were integrated in health system of Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman since December 2014. AIM & OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the situation on HIV rapid testing in Al Buraimi Governorate with objective to identify client’s risk factor among common age group and gender. METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional retrospective study was conducted in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman among 1412 registered adult VCT clients, unbooked pregnant women with no documented HIV status at the time of delivery or abortion at Buraimi Hospital and clients during outreach community awareness activities on HIV. Retrospective analysis was performed for 3 years from December 2014 to December 2017 on parameters like Age, gender, nationality, risk factors, outcome and place of testing (Hospital and Outreach) using standard national client information form. Descriptive statistics was applied in Microsoft excel and SPSS version 24. Clients’ personal information and confidentiality of the record was maintained during entire study period with approval from regional research and ethical review committee. RESULTS: Of 1412 clients for Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), 990 (70.1%) were females and 422 (29.9%) were males with mean age 27.13±7.02. Majority, 806 (57.1%) RDTs were in outreach followed by 470 (33.3%) and 136 (9.6%) at Maternity ward and Couselling Clinic respectively. Clients included 1294 (91.6%) Omani nationals and 118 (8.4%) non-Omani nationals. The risky behavior was found to be 126 (9%) among clients with heterosexual contributes 65 (4.6%). Among all risk factors, male clients contributed 124 (8.7%) with common age group 26-35 years 56 (3.9%). CONCLUSION: RDTs were utilized mainly during outreach activities that highlight the need of promoting VCT facilities in the clinical setting as services are available 24/7 through hotline. This baseline study would facilitate to develop plan for client’s risk reduction.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walieh Menati ◽  
Milad Nazarzadeh ◽  
Zeinab Bidel ◽  
Morten Würtz ◽  
Rostam Menati ◽  
...  

Knowledge about social and psychological risk factors for initial cigarette smoking experience (ICSE) is sparse. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ICSE and to examine the psychological and social factors related to ICSE. In a cross-sectional survey, 1,511 male college students were recruited using multistage sampling techniques from four universities located within the city of Ilam, Iran. Self-administered multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to students from March to June 2013. Risk factors for ICSE were evaluated using logistic regression models. Participants were 22.3 ± 2.4 years of age. ICSE prevalence was 30.6%. In multivariable adjusted analysis, risk taking behavior (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-2.33), perceived peer smoking prevalence (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.03-5.97), positive thoughts about smoking (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.02-1.10), high self-efficacy ( OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.93, 0.98]), presence in smokers’ gathering (OR = 4.45; 95% CI = 2.88-6.81), comity of smokers (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.66, 3.92), very hard access to cigarettes (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.16-4.16), close friends’ medium reaction toward smoking (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.02-1.88), and sporting activity (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56-0.98) were significantly associated with ICSE. This study identified that a combination of psychological and social variables account for up to 78% of the probability of ICSE. The most important protective factor against ICSE was physical activity, whereas the most important risk factor for ICSE was frequent gathering in the presence of smokers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Valentino ◽  
Verónica Kramer ◽  
Lorena Orellana ◽  
María José Bustamante ◽  
Cinthia Casasbellas ◽  
...  

Background. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) through the nondiabetic range (100–125 mg/dL) is not considered in the cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. Aim. To compare the clustering of CV risk factors (RFs) in nondiabetic subjects with normal fasting glucose (NFG) and IFG. Material and Methods. Cross-sectional study in 3739 nondiabetic subjects. Demographics, medical history, and CV risk factors were collected and lipid profile, fasting glucose levels (FBG), C-reactive protein (hsCRP), blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements, and aerobic capacity were determined. Results. 559 (15%) subjects had IFG: they had a higher mean age, BMI, waist circumference, non-HDL cholesterol, BP, and hsCRP (p<0.0001) and lower HDL (p<0.001) and aerobic capacity (p<0.001). They also had a higher prevalence of hypertension (34% versus 25%; p<0.001), dyslipidemia (79% versus 74%; p<0.001), and obesity (29% versus 16%; p<0.001) and a higher Framingham risk score (8% versus 6%; p<0.001). The probability of presenting 3 or more CV RFs adjusted by age and gender was significantly higher in the top quintile of fasting glucose (≥98 mg/dL; OR = 2.02; 1.62–2.51). Conclusions. IFG in the nondiabetic range is associated with increased cardiovascular RF clustering.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 912-917
Author(s):  
Zainbganayah Hasan Sulimani ◽  
◽  
Manal Abdulaziz Murad ◽  
Amal Mohammed Abushal ◽  
Ahmed Abdulkhaleq Banafea ◽  
...  

Objective:We attempted toassess the prevalence of malocclusion, in terms of age and gender in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We also attempted to identify the predominant risk factors for malocclusion and consequences of the same. Methods:A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted. Patients were questioned on heredity, childhood adverse oral habits and feeding habits. Questions pertaining to dental history and current oral health were also asked. Recorded data was analysed using SPSS version 17. Results:Malocclusion was more prevalent in males and below 20 years of age. Tongue thrusting increased the risk of malocclusion by 59%, bottle feeding by 18%, while heredity increased malocclusion risk by 98%. Malocclusion increased the chances of developing dental caries or periodontal disease by 26%, while the risk of dental or facial trauma was increased by 86%. Conclusion: Heredity and tongue thrust habit are the most significant risk factors for malocclusion. Patients with malocclusion are at high risk of developing dental or facial trauma, and are at slight risk of developing caries or periodontal problems.


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