scholarly journals Associations Among Internet Addiction, Genetic Polymorphisms, Family Functioning, and Psychopathological Risk: Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Cerniglia ◽  
Silvia Cimino ◽  
Eleonora Marzilli ◽  
Esterina Pascale ◽  
Renata Tambelli
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Genetic Polymorphisms ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase A ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Mao A

BACKGROUND International research has emphasized that youths are at higher risk for the onset of internet addiction (IA), but studies investigating biological, psychological, and social factors associated with this condition are limited. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the possible association between IA and genetic polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), serotonin-transporter (5-HTTPR), dopamine receptor (DRD4), and dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes by considering the role played by the perception of young adults in their family functioning and their depression, anxiety, and avoidant personality problems. METHODS In a sample of 104 male and female young adults aged between 19 and 23 years (mean age 21.87, SD 2.29 years) recruited from universities in the central southern part of Italy, we addressed the presence of IA using the Young criteria of the IA test. Moreover, the perception of young adults of their family functioning and their psychopathological symptoms were assessed through the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Adult Self-Report, respectively. RESULTS We found no significant association between IA and any genetic polymorphisms, neither among males or females. Young adults with IA reported significantly higher scores in the subscale of FAD affective responsiveness (AR; <i>P</i>=.01) and in depressive problems (<i>P</i>=.02), anxiety problems (<i>P</i>=.009), and avoidant personality problems (<i>P</i>=.003) than those in the control group. Results of mediation analyses showed a mediation role played by depressive symptoms (<i>B</i>=0.99; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.97) and avoidant personality problems (<i>B</i>=1.09; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.05) of young adults on the relationship between the FAD, AR, and IA. Finally, this relationship was moderated by the genotype of the 5-HTTLPR (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), DAT1 (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), and MAO-A (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) genes in young adults. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study supports the recent evidence on the mutual relationship among biological, individual, and social risk factors associated with IA in young adulthood. Our findings may have important clinical implications for the development of prevention and treatment programs.

scholarly journals Associations Among Internet Addiction, Genetic Polymorphisms, Family Functioning, and Psychopathological Risk: Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study

10.2196/17341 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e17341
Author(s):  
Luca Cerniglia ◽  
Silvia Cimino ◽  
Eleonora Marzilli ◽  
Esterina Pascale ◽  
Renata Tambelli
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Genetic Polymorphisms ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase A ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Mao A

Background International research has emphasized that youths are at higher risk for the onset of internet addiction (IA), but studies investigating biological, psychological, and social factors associated with this condition are limited. Objective This study aims to investigate the possible association between IA and genetic polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), serotonin-transporter (5-HTTPR), dopamine receptor (DRD4), and dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes by considering the role played by the perception of young adults in their family functioning and their depression, anxiety, and avoidant personality problems. Methods In a sample of 104 male and female young adults aged between 19 and 23 years (mean age 21.87, SD 2.29 years) recruited from universities in the central southern part of Italy, we addressed the presence of IA using the Young criteria of the IA test. Moreover, the perception of young adults of their family functioning and their psychopathological symptoms were assessed through the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Adult Self-Report, respectively. Results We found no significant association between IA and any genetic polymorphisms, neither among males or females. Young adults with IA reported significantly higher scores in the subscale of FAD affective responsiveness (AR; P=.01) and in depressive problems (P=.02), anxiety problems (P=.009), and avoidant personality problems (P=.003) than those in the control group. Results of mediation analyses showed a mediation role played by depressive symptoms (B=0.99; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.97) and avoidant personality problems (B=1.09; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.05) of young adults on the relationship between the FAD, AR, and IA. Finally, this relationship was moderated by the genotype of the 5-HTTLPR (P<.001), DAT1 (P<.001), and MAO-A (P<.001) genes in young adults. Conclusions This exploratory study supports the recent evidence on the mutual relationship among biological, individual, and social risk factors associated with IA in young adulthood. Our findings may have important clinical implications for the development of prevention and treatment programs.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Non-Attendance at Dental Preventive Care in Slovak High School Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Martin Samohyl ◽  
Jana Babjakova ◽  
Diana Vondrova ◽  
Jana Jurkovicova ◽  
Juraj Stofko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Preventive Care ◽  
Parental Influence ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Older Adolescents

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the avoidance of dental preventive care in high school students and their parents in the framework of The Youth and Parents Risk Factor Behavior Survey in Slovakia, the ongoing cross-sectional school-based survey of students and their parents or legal representatives. The data were collected using two separate standardized questionnaires: (i) the questionnaire for students (n = 515) and (ii) the questionnaire for parents (n = 681). The study group included 57 high school students (54.4% males) who did not visit the dentist for preventive care in the previous year. The control group included 458 students (35.8% males) who visited a dentist for preventive care at least once in the previous year. A significantly higher number of males (54.4%), older adolescents, and young adults (21.8%; 20.0%) were not visiting dental preventive care regularly. Incomplete family (56.1%), stressful situations at home (17.5%), and feeling unwell were the factors contributing to the avoidance of dental preventive care. More than 34.5% of adolescents and young adults were not visiting either dental preventive care or pediatric preventive care (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.40, 10.99). Children of divorced mothers and mothers with household income lower than EUR 900 had significantly higher dental care avoidance in bivariate analysis. A significantly higher percentage of fathers from the exposed group were not visiting dental preventive care regularly (47.8%, p < 0.05). The results of the study can be used as an educational intervention step focusing on the parental influence on adolescent and young adults’ behavior and as a challenge for the improvement of dental preventive care in older adolescents and young adults.

Hearing Aid Review Appointments: Attendance and Effectiveness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Bennett ◽  
Erin Kosovich ◽  
Steff Cohen ◽  
Cara Lo ◽  
Kevin Logan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attendance Rates ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Appointment Attendance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Travel Distances

Purpose This study aimed to (a) identify participant factors associated with hearing aid review (HAR) appointment attendance, (b) investigate whether the completion of self-report survey identifying hearing aid–related problems affects HAR appointment attendance, and (c) investigate whether hearing aid problems and hearing aid management deficiencies are adequately addressed during HAR appointments. Method A prospective cohort study of adult hearing aid owners recruited from a single hearing clinic in Western Australia. Potential participants were invited to an annual HAR appointment via postal letter. The invitation included a paper-based self-report survey evaluating either (a) hearing aid problems, (b) hearing aid management skills, or (c) hearing aid outcomes, depending on which intervention/control group the potential participants were assigned to, and a reply paid addressed envelope. Two months later, potential participants were sent all three paper-based self-report surveys, irrespective of whether they had attended or not attended an HAR appointment. Results (a) There was no significant difference in gender or source of funding for hearing services between HAR appointment attendees and nonattendees. HAR nonattendees lived a greater distance from their clinic and were younger than attendees. (b) Survey completion did not influence HAR appointment attendance rates. (c) A significant reduction in individuals' self-reported hearing aid problems was recorded following the attendance at the HAR appointment. No significant changes in hearing aid management skills or overall hearing aid outcomes were detected. Conclusions Long travel distances may be a barrier to attendance at review appointments. HAR appointments appear to be effective in improving hearing aid problems.

scholarly journals Use of illicit drugs by adolescents and young adults of an urban settlement in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
Rafael Alves Guimarães ◽  
Márcia Maria de Souza ◽  
Karlla Antonieta Amorim Caetano ◽  
Sheila Araujo Teles ◽  
Marcos André de Matos
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Settlement ◽  
Factors Associated

Summary Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with illicit drug use by adolescents and young adults of a formal urban settlement. Method: Cross-sectional study including adolescents and young adults 12-24 years of an urban settlement in the Midwest Region of Brazil. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Stata, version 12.0. We used Poisson regression model to estimate the factors associated with illicit drug use. Results: Of the total participants (n=105), 27.6% (95CI 20.0-36.9%) had used illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, LSD and inhalants. The consumption of these substances was associated with male gender, use of body piercing and/or tattoos, licit drug use and self-report of signs and/or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: High prevalence of illicit drug use was found in the individuals investigated, ratifying the presence of risk factors to the vulnerability of the settlers to use these substances in the urban settlement population.

scholarly journals The c.1460C>T Polymorphism ofMAO-AIs Associated with the Risk of Depression in Postmenopausal Women

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Słopień ◽  
A. Słopień ◽  
A. Różycka ◽  
A. Warenik-Szymankiewicz ◽  
M. Lianeri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Tryptophan Hydroxylase ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase A ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serotoninergic System ◽  
Mao A ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Hamilton Rating Scale

Objective. The aim of the study was an evaluation of possible relationships between polymorphisms of serotoninergic system genes and the risk of depression in postmenopausal women.Methods. We studied 332 women admitted to our department because of climacteric symptoms. The study group included 113 women with a diagnosis of depressive disorder according to the Hamilton rating scale for depression; the controls consisted of 219 women without depression. Serum 17β-estradiol concentrations were evaluated using radioimmunoassay, while polymorphisms in serotoninergic system genes: serotonin receptors 2A (HTR2A), 1B (HTR1B), and 2C (HTR2C); tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) and 2 (TPH2), and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction.Results. We found that the 1460T allele ofMAO-Ac.1460C>T (SNP 1137070) appeared with a significantly higher frequency in depressed female patients than in the control group (P=0.011) and the combined c.1460CT + TT genotypes were associated with a higher risk of depression (P=0.0198). Patients with the 1460TT genotype had a significantly higher 17β-estradiol concentration than patients with the 1460CT genotype (P=0.0065) and 1460CC genotype (P=0.0018).Conclusions. We concluded that depression in postmenopausal women is closely related to the genetic contribution ofMAO-A.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Factors Associated With Sunscreen Use Among Young Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-339
Author(s):  
Julie Williams Merten ◽  
Jessica L. King ◽  
Melissa J. Vilaro ◽  
Erin Largo-Wight
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Sunscreen Use ◽  
The Relationship

Background. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with melanoma rates increasing. Sunscreen use is an effective way to protect the skin and reduce skin cancer risk. Limited research has been conducted examining the relationship between sunscreen use and other lifestyle factors. Interventions aimed at multiple lifestyle factors have shown promise for prevention and reduced health care costs. Objective. This study explores the relationship between sunscreen use and lifestyle factors associated with mortality and morbidity among young adults. Lifestyle factors examined included physical activity, substance abuse, smoking, sexual behavior, unintentional injury, and mental well-being. Methods. A convenience sample of 747 college students was surveyed about sunscreen use and other health risks. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19. Results. White, female students older than 21 years were more likely to use sunscreen. Texting while driving, low life satisfaction, and binge drinking were associated with inadequate sunscreen use. Limitations. Convenience sampling limits generalizability and surveys are subject to recall, self-report, and self-selection bias. Conclusions. The findings provide the framework to develop multiple risk factor interventions.

scholarly journals Selective dietary supplementation in early postpartum is associated with high resilience against depressed mood

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (13) ◽  
pp. 3509-3514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yekta Dowlati ◽  
Arun V. Ravindran ◽  
Zindel V. Segal ◽  
Donna E. Stewart ◽  
Meir Steiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Mood Induction ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase A ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Mao A ◽  
Shift Effect

Medical research is moving toward prevention strategies during prodromal states. Postpartum blues (PPB) is often a prodromal state for postpartum depression (PPD), with severe PPB strongly associated with an elevated risk for PPD. The most common complication of childbearing, PPD has a prevalence of 13%, but there are no widespread prevention strategies, and no nutraceutical interventions have been developed. To counter the effects of the 40% increase in monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels that occurs during PPB, a dietary supplement kit consisting of monoamine precursor amino acids and dietary antioxidants was created. Key ingredients (tryptophan and tyrosine) were shown not to affect their total concentration in breast milk. The aim of this open-label study was to assess whether this dietary supplement reduces vulnerability to depressed mood at postpartum day 5, the typical peak of PPB. Forty-one healthy women completed all study procedures. One group (n = 21) received the dietary supplement, composed of 2 g of tryptophan, 10 g of tyrosine, and blueberry juice with blueberry extract. The control group (n = 20) did not receive any supplement. PPB severity was quantitated by the elevation in depressed mood on a visual analog scale following the sad mood induction procedure (MIP). Following the MIP, there was a robust induction of depressed mood in the control group, but no effect in the supplement group [43.85 ± 18.98 mm vs. 0.05 ± 9.57 mm shift; effect size: 2.9; F(1,39) = 88.33, P < 0.001]. This dietary supplement designed to counter functions of elevated MAO-A activity eliminates vulnerability to depressed mood during the peak of PPB.

scholarly journals Family Functioning in Adolescents with Perinatal HIV Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 232595821877478
Author(s):  
Orawan Louthrenoo ◽  
Linda Aurpibul ◽  
Peninnah Oberdorfer ◽  
Virat Sirisanthana
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Perinatal Hiv ◽  
The Family

This study aimed to assess family functioning in adolescents with perinatal HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy compared with healthy controls. Correlations between self-reported and caregiver-reported family functions were also evaluated. A sample of 195 participants including 65 perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and 130 healthy controls were enrolled. The total family functioning score in HIV-infected adolescents was significantly lower than that in healthy controls by self-report (105.86 vs 115.41; P ≤ .001). Caregivers of HIV-infected adolescents also reported lower scores of family functioning than those of controls (109.91 vs 114.98; P ≤ .001). Among the HIV-infected group, there was no or minimal correlation between the self-reported and caregiver-reported total scores of family functioning. However, there were moderate correlations between self-reported and caregiver-reported family functioning total scores in the control group. Overall, HIV-infected adolescents reported lower family functioning than healthy controls. Improved functioning in the family may help with better adjustment in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents.

scholarly journals Psychopathology and resilience in relation to abuse in childhood among youth first referred to the psychiatrist

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 565-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milica Pejovic-Milovancevic ◽  
Lazar Tenjovic ◽  
Veronika Ispanovic ◽  
Marija Mitkovic ◽  
Jelena Radosavljev-Kircanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Youth Self Report ◽  
Experienced Child ◽  
Behavior Scale

Background/Aim. Child abuse may be related to adverse psychological outcomes in adult life. However, little is known about specific clinical, family and resilience profiles of adolescents that have experienced child abuse. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical symptoms, family functioning and resilience characteristics of adolescents with the experience of abuse, first referred to psychiatrists. Methods. The study included 84 young participants (mean age 14.90 ? 3.10, ranging from 11 to 18 years) as consecutive first referrals to the Clinic for Children and Youth of the Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia. The sample consisted of two groups, based on the Child Abuse Matrices of Risks. The first group included adolescents with the experience of abuse in childhood (n = 38, 13 males, 25 females), whereas the second, control group, comprised of non-abused adolescents (n = 47, 20 males, 27 females). The presence of abuse was evaluated by the Child Abuse Matrices of Risks. The study used the following questionnaires: Youth Self-Report (YSR), Adolescent Resilience Attitudes Scale (ARAS), and Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI). Results. Significant differences were found only among females. According to YSR, the abused girls had significantly higher scores on the Delinquent Behavior scale and marginally higher scores on Anxious/ Depressed and Social Problems scales. Analyses of the SFI showed significantly lower family functioning among the girls with the child abuse history for all scales except for the Directive Leadership. The abused girls also showed significantly lower scores on the Insight scale, and marginally lower Initiative scores at the ARAS. Conclusions. These findings may have practical application in the creation of specific preventive and treatment strategies, particularly focused on delinquent tendencies, as well as on enhancing resilience through providing positive environments within families, schools and communities.

scholarly journals Objective Estimates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Young Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Unick ◽  
Wei Lang ◽  
Deborah F. Tate ◽  
Dale S. Bond ◽  
Mark A. Espeland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Factors Associated

Background. This study examines factors associated with physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) in young adults (18–35 years) and compares objective and subjective assessment measures of PA and SB.Methods. 595 young adults (27.7±4.4years;25.5±2.6 kg/m2) enrolled in the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) trial. Hours/day spent in SB (<1.5 METs) and minutes/week spent in bout-related moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; ≥3 METs and ≥10 min) were assessed using self-report and objective measures. Demographic factors associated with SB and MVPA were also explored (i.e., age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, work and relationship status, and number of children).Results. Objective MVPA (263±246 min/wk) was greater than self-report estimates (208±198 min/wk;p<0.001) and differed by156±198 min/wk at the individual level (i.e., the absolute difference). Females, overweight participants, African Americans, and those with children participated in the least amount of MVPA. Objective estimates of SB (9.1±1.8 hr/day; 64.5% of wear time) were lower than subjective estimates (10.1±3.5 hr/day;p<0.001), differing by2.6±2.5 hr/day for each participant.Conclusion. Young adults interested in weight gain prevention engage in both high levels of MVPA and SB, with participants self-reporting fewer MVPA minutes and more SB compared to objective estimates. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01183689).

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