Influence of Online Dating Apps on Sexual Risk Behaviors among Homosexual and Bisexual Adolescents and Youths in Thailand: An Online Cross-sectional Survey

Objective: The internet and social media enhance communication, education, and social connection among users; however, some adverse effects on health are notable, particularly sexual risk engagement and mood problems. Mobile dating applications (apps)/websites facilitate high sexual-risk access, particularly among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Recognition of the characteristics of using these platforms and identifying factors related to high sexual risk among LGBTQ youths will facilitate both targeting of those at risk and subsequent intervention. Materials and Methods: Adolescents and youths were invited to voluntarily join this study, scan the QR code, and anonymously complete the questionnaires. These validated questionnaires were launched online via a popular platform among LGBTQs during 2017-2018. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify factors independently associated with high sexual risk among study subjects. Results: Of 360 participants (mean age: 21±2.8 years, range: 11-25), 60.8% self-reported as homosexual, and the rest were bisexual. Median dating app/website usage was 2 (range 1-10). Two-thirds (62.8%) met partners from those e-platforms, and most (79.6%) developed a sexual relationship. Over half (52.2%) did not use a condom, and one-third (30.6%) abused substances during sex. Poor condom compliance, multiple partners, and substance use were strongly associated with individuals who used >2 apps for longer than 3 years. Depression susceptibility was 32.2%, and was related to condom-use failure (p=0.01). Conclusion: Among LGBTQs, the greater the number and longer time exposed to dating apps/websites, the higher the number of sexual risk behaviors. Moreover, unsafe sex increased among individuals at risk for depression

The Effectiveness of School-Based Nutritional Education Program among Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Study

The purpose of the study was to determine the change in body weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as diet behaviors at 4 months after intervention between obese adolescent girls who participated in the school-based nutritional education program, addressed by pediatrician, compared to those who attended regular nutritional class. Methods. 49 obese girls were recruited from a secondary school. Those, were randomized into 2 groups of intervention and control. The intensive interactive nutritional program was provided to the intervention group. Weight and height, dietary record and % fat consumption, as well as self-administered questionnaires on healthy diet attitudes were collected at baseline and 4-month follow-up, and then compared between two groups. Results. There was a statistically significant change of BMI in the intervention group by  kg/m2 () compared to the control group ( kg/m2, ) but no significant change in calorie and % fat consumption between groups. The attitudes on healthy eating behaviors in the intervention group were shown improving significantly (). Conclusions. Interactive and intensive nutritional education program as shown in the study was one of the most successful school-based interventions for obese adolescents

Obesity in Thai Adolescents: Lifestyles, Health Attitudes and Psychosocial Concerns

Objective: To determine the dietary pattern, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial concerns in Thai obese adolescents. Methods: Students’ school health records under the Siriraj School Health Network was reviewed during the academic year of 2005. Those with body mass indices (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire divided into three parts; 1) health attitudes and psychosocial concerns; 2) dieting lifestyle; 3) physical activity lifestyle. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 718 from 5,071 students from Siriraj School Health Network was different between genders (7.7% and 2.5% in male vs. 2.9% and 1% in female). Of those, 403 voluntarily answered the self-administered questionnaires. The majority of students (87.9%) were not satisfied with their actual weight, and tried to lose weight (94.2%). Concerning their lifestyles, 79.4% and 49.6% had taken high calorie food mostly fast food and dined buffet-style at least once a week respectively, while half disliked fruits and vegetables, and 15.4% skipped breakfast. Also, the majority of students exercised less than the standard recommendation of at least three days a week, with more than two thirds, excusing not having enough time to practice while 48% spending at least three hours a day watching television and playing computer. Importantly, more than half of them had weight- related psychosocial problems presenting as poor self image, low self esteem and self confidence. Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyles, poor health attitudes and negative psychosocial concerns were reported among Thai obese adolescents. Strategies for successful obesity prevention are discussed in this article

Sleep, social media use and mental health in female adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Adolescents with high social media (SM) use experienced poor sleep quality and high anxiety and depression levels. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of sleep, use of SM, mental health in female aged 12 to 18 years old, and to assess the association between poor sleep, SM usage, and mental health. Methods In total, 219 Thai female adolescents were recruited between December 2019 and September 2020 and completed self-administrative questionnaires three periods of time (baseline, 3 months and 6 months later). The questionnaires included: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), depression screening (PHQ-9), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Demographic and use of social media data were also included. Cochran’s Q test, correlation coefficient, and binary logistic regression were performed. Results Participants’ mean age was 14.52 (range 12–17) years. Average Thai-PSQI global scores did not differ during 3 periods (p = 0.13) but average time of sleep latency, sleep duration, and SM usage were significant different (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = < 0.001, respectively). There were positive correlations between PSQI scores and total SM usage at baseline (r = 0.14; P < 0.05) and 6 months (r = 0.20; P < 0.05). Anxiety, depression, and self-perception of poor sleep were significantly related to poor sleep quality during the 3 periods. After adjusting for confounding factors, depression and self-reported poor sleep were the only significant factors predicting poor sleep quality. Conclusions Poor sleep was associated with SM usage, depression, and anxiety in this population. Time-limited SM usage should be implemented for Thai female adolescents to improve sleep-related outcomes