Tobacco use among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abstract Initiation of smoking behavior during adolescence is associated with negative health outcomes. Understanding initiation of smoking behavior in adolescents in relation to other behavioral, health, and environmental factors is essential for effective behavioral modification. The aim of this study was to describe tobacco use behaviors among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and related demographic […]
Assessing exploitation experiences of adolescent girls and boys seen at a Child Advocacy Center
Abstract The primary aim of this study was to describe the abuse experiences of sexually exploited runaway adolescents seen at a Child Advocacy Center (N = 62). We also sought to identify risk behaviors, attributes of resiliency, laboratory results for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screens, and genital injuries from colposcopic exams. We used retrospective mixed-methods with in-depth […]
Improving the accuracy of Chlamydia trachomatis incidence rate estimates among adolescents in Canada
Abstract In this study, the authors assessed the impact of adjusting for sexual activity on population-based chlamydia incidence and screening rates among adolescents in the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada. They estimated the proportion of adolescent males (15 years-18 years) and females (14 years-18 years) who had ever had sexual intercourse using data from […]
How many is too many for BC youth? Alcohol use and associated harms
Although the legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years, many youth begin to experiment with alcohol before this age. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by youth under the age of 19 is associated with an increased likelihood of involvement in health risks, such as a vehicle crash or a sexual or physical […]
Urban and rural student substance use: Technical report
Differences in economic, cultural, social and educational factors between urban and rural areas in Canada might influence behavioural and mental health outcomes. However, most research assessing differences in urban and rural patterns of substance use has been conducted in the United States. Within Canada, information is limited on whether students who attend urban and rural […]
Our communities, our youth: The health of homeless and street-involved youth in BC
Homeless and street-involved youth are among the most vulnerable populations in Canada and experience significant health inequities. The 2014 Homeless and Street-Involved Youth Survey (HSIYS) captured information from youth living in 13 diverse communities across British Columbia between October 2014 and January 2015. A total of 689 youth (aged 12–19 years) participated, from which we […]
We all have a role: Building social capital among youth in care
Research has shown the value of social capital in relation to an individual’s health, happiness, and improved life expectancy, as well as the benefits to a community of having social networks that can come together to support the community and make positive change happen. Using data from the 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey which was […]
Sexual Health of Youth in BC
Adolescence is an important time in sexual development. It includes physical changes of puberty as well as changes in emotions and cognitive abilities. During this time, most youth develop romantic and sexual attractions, begin to understand their sexuality, and some enter their first romantic relationships. Some young people will also have sexual relationships. Legally the […]
![Teal and blue gradient background with white text that says “Trends in Disordered Eating by Sexual Orientation in Western Canada [abstract]”](https://www.saravyc.ubc.ca/files/2014/05/Trends-in-Disordered-Eating-by-Sexual-Orientation-in-Western-Canada-abstract_Twitter-360x180.png)
Trends in Disordered Eating by Sexual Orientation in Western Canada [abstract]
Purpose: Health disparities between sexual minority (SM) adolescents and heterosexual adolescents have been identified for risky behaviors such as substance use and risky sexual practice. Yet, few studies have looked at disordered eating (e.g., binge-eating and self-induced vomiting) which may cause serious health consequences. SM youth may be at higher risk for disordered eating, in […]
![Teal and blue gradient background with white text that says “Physical activity comparisons among adolescents of Somali, other non-Hispanic Black and White race [abstract]”](https://www.saravyc.ubc.ca/files/2014/05/Physical-activity-comparisons-among-adolescents-of-Somali-other-non-Hispanic-Black-and-White-race-abstract_Twitter-360x180.png)
Physical activity comparisons among adolescents of Somali, other non-Hispanic Black and White race [abstract]
Purpose: African American adolescents, particularly girls, are less active than their non-Hispanic white peers. However, little is known about how the physical activity levels and behaviors of ethnic sub-populations of non-Hispanic black adolescents, such as the Somali population, compare to their peers. A greater understanding of Somali adolescents’ physical activity is important to inform culturally […]
