Health-related risky behaviors in Chinese adolescents with autism: a cross-sectional study.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Health-related risky behaviors (HRB) generally refer to behaviors that have a negative influence on health and quality of life. HRB in adolescents with autism have not been well understood so far. We aim to explore health-related risky behaviors and their risk factors with autistic adolescents.Methods
In this study, 150 adolescents with autism and 150 neurotypical adolescents were enrolled. Participants in both groups completed the Adolescent Health-Related Risky Behavior Inventory (AHRBI). Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Theory of Mind (ToM) Test, Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were also assessed in the autism group to explore risk factors.Results
The results showed that the total score of AHRBI and scores of "aggression and violence (AV)", "suicide or self-injury (SS)", "health-compromising behavior (HCB)", and "unprotected sex (US)" subscales in the autism group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Z value = - 4.58 ~ - 2.26, all P < 0.05). Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low IQ score, low ToM test score, increasing age, and communication disorder were found as risk factors for health-related risky behaviors in autistic adolescents.Conclusions
Adolescents with autism have more health-related risky behaviors than neurotypical adolescents. We should pay attention to the emotional state, self-esteem, cognitive function, and verbal communication levels of autistic adolescent with health-related risky behaviors.
SUBMITTER: Sun Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8325271 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:BackgroundComorbidity of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety is very common among children and adolescents. Few studies have examined how comorbid anxiety and depression are associated with health risk behaviors (HRBs) in adolescents, which could inform preventative approaches for mental health.ObjectiveWe evaluated the association between HRBs and comorbid anxiety and depression in a large adolescent cohort.MethodsWe used data from 22,868 adolescents in the National Youth Cohort (China). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire scale and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, respectively. Comorbidity was determined by the coexistence of anxiety and depression. HRBs including poor diet, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor sleep, as well as the above HRB scores, were added to obtain the total HRB score (HRB risk index). Based on single and total HRB scores, we divided participants into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. Potential confounders included gender, presence of siblings, regional economic level, educational status, self-rated health, parental education level, self-reported family income, number of friends, learning burden, and family history of psychosis. Correlation analysis was used to explore associations between single risk behaviors. Binary logistic regression estimated the association between HRBs and anxiety-depression comorbidity before and after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe comorbidity rate of anxiety and depression among Chinese adolescents was 31.6% (7236/22,868). There was a statistically significant association between each HRB (P<.05), and HRBs were positively associated with comorbid anxiety and depression in the above population. For single HRBs, adolescents with poor diet, smoking, and poor sleep (medium-risk) were more prone to anxiety-depression comorbidity after adjusting for confounders compared to low-risk adolescents. However, adolescents with all high-risk HRBs were more likely to have comorbid anxiety and depression after adjusting for confounders (poor diet odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% CI 1.39-1.62; smoking OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.67-2.81; physical inactivity OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.28; poor sleep OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.70-2.01). Moreover, in both unadjusted (medium risk OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.56-2.05; high risk OR 3.09, 95% CI 2.72-3.52) and adjusted (medium risk OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.37-1.80; high risk OR 2.33, 95% CI 2.03-2.68) models, HRB risk index, like clustered HRBs, was positively associated with anxiety-depression comorbidity, and the strength of the association was stronger than for any single HRB. In addition, we found that compared to girls, the association between clustered HRBs and anxiety-depression comorbidity was stronger in boys after adjustment.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that HRBs are related to comorbid anxiety and depression. Interventions that decrease HRBs may support mental health development in adolescence, with the potential to improve health and well-being through to adulthood.
| S-EPMC10357370 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence of lifestyle behaviors and suicide-related behaviors and the association between them using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the USA. Methods: 13,677 high school students aged 14-18 years were included in this cross-sectional study. The research data were retrieved from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Survey in 2019. All data on age, sex, grade, race, physical activity, television time, fruit intake, and suicide-related behavior were self-reported by students. Logistic regression models were adopted to examine the association between lifestyle behaviors and the suicide-related behaviors. Results: Students who played video/computer games for ≥2 h had higher risk of suicide attempt (OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.30-1.85). Daily sleep duration of ≤8 h was positively associated with considering a suicide attempt (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.62-2.43). In addition, participants who did not engage in any sport team were more likely to report considering a suicide attempt (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.24-1.81). Conclusion: This research suggests that some lifestyle behaviors (e.g., time for video or computer use, sleep duration, sports team participation, regular breakfast intake, and substance use) are associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior and ideation in high school students. To identify the specific effect of multiple lifestyle factors in influencing the risk of suicide-related behaviors in high school students, longitudinal studies are warranted in future.
| S-EPMC8678606 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundTo examine the associations between demographic characteristics, health behaviors, workplace health culture, and health-related outcomes in Chinese workplaces.MethodsA total of 1508 employees from 10 administrative offices and 6 enterprises were recruited for a cross-sectional survey. Self-administered questionnaires mainly addressed demographic characteristics, health behaviors, workplace health culture, and health-related outcomes including self-rated health, mental health, and happiness.ResultsThe proportion of participants who reported good health-related outcomes was significantly higher in those working in administrative offices than those working in enterprises. The result of the potential factors related to self-rated health (SRH), mental health, and happiness by logistic regression analyses showed that age and income were associated with SRH; type of workplace, age, smoking, and health culture at the workplace level were associated with mental health; and beneficial health effects of direct leadership was positively associated with happiness. Moreover, there were some similar results among 3 multivariate regression models. Firstly, good SRH (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.744), mental health (OR = 1.891), and happiness (OR = 1.736) were more common among highly physically active participants compared with those physical inactive. Furthermore, passive smoking was negatively correlated with SRH (OR = 0.686), mental health (OR = 0.678), and happiness (OR = 0.616), while health culture at the individual level was positively correlated with SRH (OR = 1.478), mental health (OR = 1.654), and happiness (OR = 2.916).ConclusionsThe present study indicated that workplace health culture, health behaviors, and demographic characteristics were associated with health-related outcomes. Furthermore, individual health culture, physical activity, and passive smoking might play a critical role in workplace health promotion.
| S-EPMC5528893 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet has significantly spread information, providing people with knowledge and advice about health protection regarding COVID-19. While a previous study demonstrated that health and eHealth literacy are related to COVID-19 prevention behaviors, few studies have focused on the relationship between health literacy, eHealth literacy, and COVID-19-related health behaviors. The latter includes not only preventative behaviors but also conventional health behaviors.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop and verify a COVID-19-related health behavior questionnaire, explore its status and structure, and examine the associations between these behaviors and participants' health literacy and eHealth literacy.MethodsA snowball sampling method was adopted to recruit participants to complete anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire surveys online that assessed sociodemographic information, self-reported coronavirus knowledge, health literacy, eHealth literacy, and COVID-19-related health behaviors.ResultsOf 1873 college students who were recruited, 781 (41.7%) had adequate health literacy; the mean eHealth literacy score was 30.16 (SD 6.31). The COVID-19-related health behavior questionnaire presented a two-factor structure-COVID-19-specific precautionary behaviors and conventional health behaviors-with satisfactory fit indices and internal consistency (Cronbach α=.79). The mean score of COVID-19-related health behaviors was 53.77 (SD 8.03), and scores differed significantly (P<.05) with respect to residence, college year, academic major, family economic level, self-reported health status, having a family member or friend infected with coronavirus, and health literacy level. Linear regression analysis showed that health literacy and eHealth literacy were positively associated with COVID-19-specific precautionary behaviors (βhealth literacy=.149, βeHealth literacy=.368; P<.001) and conventional health behaviors (βhealth literacy=.219, βeHealth literacy=.277; P<.001).ConclusionsThe COVID-19-related health behavior questionnaire was a valid and reliable measure for assessing health behaviors during the pandemic. College students with higher health literacy and eHealth literacy can more actively adopt COVID-19-related health behaviors. Additionally, compared to health literacy, eHealth literacy is more closely related to COVID-19-related health behaviors. Public intervention measures based on health and eHealth literacy are required to promote COVID-19-related health behaviors during the pandemic, which may be helpful to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among college students.
| S-EPMC8104003 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Oral diseases, such as dental caries, tooth wear, dental erosion and periodontal diseases are major health problems in many societies. The study aim was to explore the association between oral health related behaviors and the presence of oral diseases in adolescents living in Maasai population areas in the northern part of Tanzania. METHODS:A cross sectional study was conducted in 2016 using one stage cluster sample design. A total of 989 adolescents were invited and 906 (91.6%; (Maasais n?=?721, non Maasais n?=?185) accepted the invitation and completed an interview and clinical oral examination in a school setting (mean age 13.4?years, SD 1.2, range 12-17?years). Chi-square test, bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to analyze data. RESULTS:Logistic regression revealed that: adolescents with low frequency of tooth cleaning (OR?=?10.0, CI 4.3-20.0) was associated with poor oral hygiene and that more regular tooth cleaning (OR?=?0.1, CI 0.04-0.14) and the use of plastic type of tooth brush (OR?=?0.7, CI 0.53-0.99) were associated with less gingival bleeding. High consumption of biscuits (OR?=?2.5, CI 1.7-3.8) was associated with presence of dental caries and the use of magadi (OR?=?24.2, CI 11.6-50.6) as a food additive was the covariate for more severe dental fluorosis (TF grade 5-9). Regular intake of carbonated soft drinks (OR?=?1.6, CI 1.1-2.5) and regular tooth cleaning (OR?=?1.7, CI 1.1-2.6) were independently associated with dental erosion. Using teeth as a tool for: biting nails (OR?=?1.9, CI 1.4-2.4), opening soda (OR?=?1.8, CI 1.4-2.4) and holding needles (OR?=?1.6, CI 1.3-2.1) were covariates for tooth wear. Adolescents who reported to clench/grind their teeth (OR?=?2.3, CI 1.5-3.7) was the only covariate for TMD. In several of the investigated factors, there were significant differences between the Maasai and non Maasai ethnic groups. CONCLUSION:Oral health related behaviors have a significant impact on oral diseases/conditions among adolescents attending primary schools in Maasai population areas with obvious differences in behavior between the Maasai and non Maasai ethnic groups. There is a need for addressing oral health and to encourage behaviors that promote good oral health and dental care service utilization in this society.
| S-EPMC6685221 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo examine the mental health status and related factors in children and adolescents, and to assess age groups and sexes differences in factors influencing mental health.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on Chinese children aged 6-18 years from November 2021 to January 2022. Mental health difficulties were accessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with mental health status. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of mental health difficulties was 12.98% (n =1348). Age (OR, 0.909, [95%CI, 0.830-0.996]), sex (OR, 1.424, [95%CI, 1.033-1.963]) and screen time on weekdays ("≥2" h/d vs "< 1" h/d: OR, 2.001, [95%CI, 1.300-3.080]) were related factors for mental health difficulties. For children (year ≤ 12), the strongest related factor for mental health difficulties was screen time on weekdays ("≥ 2" h/d vs "< 1" h/d: OR, 1.821 [95%CI, 1.203-2.755]). The risk of mental health difficulties in females with ≥ 2 h/d screen time on weekends was 3.420 times higher than those with < 1 h/d (OR, 3.420, [95%CI, 1.923-6.081]).ConclusionThe prevalence of mental health difficulties among children and adolescents was relatively high. The lower age, female sex and excessive screen time were associated with a higher risk of mental health difficulties. The factors influencing mental health varied by different age groups and sexes. Thus, specific measures for different age groups and sexes should be adopted to mitigate the impact.
| S-EPMC11331231 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) affects dental and craniofacial development and may therefore impair Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). However, little is known about OHRQoL in children and adolescents with OI. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of OI severity on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents. METHODS:Children and adolescents aged 8-14 years were recruited in the context of a multicenter longitudinal study (Brittle Bone Disease Consortium) that enrolls individuals with OI in 10 centers across North America. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) versions for 8 to 10-year-olds (CPQ8-10) and for 11 to 14-year-olds (CPQ11-14). RESULTS:A total of 138 children and adolescents (62% girls) diagnosed with OI types I, III, IV, V and VI (n?=?65, 30, 37, 4 and 2, respectively) participated in the study. CPQ8-10 scores were similar between OI types in children aged 8 to 10 years. In the 11 to 14-year-old group, CPQ11-14-scores were significantly higher (i.e. worse) for OI types III (24.7 [SD 12.5]) and IV (23.1 [SD 14.8]) than for OI type I (16.5 [SD 12.8]) (P?<?0.05). The difference between OI types was due to the association between OI types and the functional limitations domain, as OI types III and IV were associated with significantly higher grade of functional limitations compared to OI type I. CONCLUSION:The severity of OI impacts OHRQoL in adolescents aged 11 to 14 years, but not in children age 8 to 10 years.
| S-EPMC6202869 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundThe American Heart Association defined "ideal cardiovascular health (CVH)" in pediatric populations to promote primordial prevention in cardiovascular diseases. Little is known about CVH and associated sociodemographic factors among Chinese children and adolescents.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate CVH and the associations with sociodemographic characteristics in Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data of 15,583 participants aged 7 to 17 years from a Chinese national intervention program against obesity (2013-2014). CVH status was estimated according to 4 health behaviors (nonsmoking, body mass index, physical activity, and diet) and 3 health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose), using revised American Heart Association criteria. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the number of ideal CVH metrics.ResultsThe prevalence of ideal CVH status was 1.7% (males: 1.9%; females: 1.6%) in the study population. The prevalence of ideal CVH behaviors and ideal health factors was 3.1% (males 3.3%; females: 3.0%) and 53.6% (males: 52.4%; females: 54.9%), respectively. Ideal fasting plasma glucose was the most prevalent component (males: 94.4%; females: 97.4%), whereas ideal physical activity (males: 34.6%; females: 23.9%) and diet (males: 28.3%; females: 30.1%) were the least prevalent. Female sex, younger age, undeveloped economy, residence in the southern region, and no family history of cardiovascular diseases were associated with more ideal CVH metrics.ConclusionsIdeal CVH status in Chinese children and adolescents is alarmingly rare. Physical activity and diet are key to promotion of CVH. Effective interventions are needed to promote CVH and reduce health disparities in early life.
| S-EPMC9627810 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study sought to examine the level of health-related knowledge and its predictors among vocational college students in China.A cross-sectional study.A survey was performed to collect data on heath-related knowledge and potential risk factors among 708 students in four higher vocational colleges at Nanyang, Henan, China. Linear regression models were conducted to identify the predictors of the level of health-related knowledge.The level of health-related knowledge among Chinese vocational college students is extremely low (only 1.4% students have an adequate level of health-related knowledge). According to the multivariate analysis, major, year of class, place of origin and a mother's education level are significantly associated with health-related knowledge in Chinese vocational college students.Health education and health promotion efforts are encouraged to improve the level of health-related knowledge in this population. Attention and efforts to improve health-related knowledge of Chinese vocational college students who come from rural areas, whose mothers have a lower level of education, who are in non-medicine majors and during the first few years of vocational college is warranted.
| S-EPMC4194799 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundUsing social media is a time-consuming activity of children and adolescents. Health authorities have warned that excessive use of social media can negatively affect adolescent social, physical, and psychological health. However, scientific findings regarding associations between time spent on social media and adolescent health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are not consistent. Adolescents typically use multiple social media platforms. Whether the use of multiple social media platforms impacts adolescent health is unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between social media use, including the number of social media platforms used and time spent on social media, and adolescent HRQoL.MethodsWe analyzed the data of 3397 children (mean age 13.5, SD 0.4 years) from the Generation R Study, a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. Children reported the number of social media platforms used and time spent on social media during weekdays and weekends separately. Children's HRQoL was self-reported with the EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire-youth version. Data on social media use and HRQoL were collected from 2015 to 2019. Multiple logistic and linear regressions were applied.ResultsIn this study, 72.6% (2466/3397) of the children used 3 or more social media platforms, and 37.7% (1234/3276) and 58.3% (1911/3277) of the children used social media at least 2 hours per day during weekdays and weekends, respectively. Children using more social media platforms (7 or more platforms) had a higher odds of reporting having some or a lot of problems on "having pain or discomfort" (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.99) and "feeling worried, sad or unhappy" (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.60) dimensions and reported lower self-rated health (β -3.81, 95% CI -5.54 to -2.09) compared with children who used 0 to 2 social media platforms. Both on weekdays and weekends, children spent more time on social media were more likely to report having some or a lot of problems on "doing usual activities," "having pain or discomfort," "feeling worried, sad or unhappy," and report lower self-rated health (all P<.001).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that using more social media platforms and spending more time on social media were significantly related to lower HRQoL. We recommend future research to study the pathway between social media use and HRQoL among adolescents.
| S-EPMC9579926 | biostudies-literature