Articles: adolescent.
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Virtual reality (VR) technology has been explored in the health sector as a novel tool for supporting treatment side effects, including managing pain and anxiety. VR has recently become more available with the launch of low-cost devices and apps. ⋯ VR has been demonstrated to be a viable choice for managing pain and anxiety in a range of medical treatments. However, commercial products lack diversity and meaningful design strategies are limited beyond distraction techniques. We propose future VR interventions to explore skill-building goals in apps characterized by dynamic feedback to the patient and experiential and product qualities that enable them to be an active participant in managing their own care. To achieve this, design must be part of the development.
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Measles is a highly infectious viral illness and is one of the world's most contagious diseases that can affect all people if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before. Before measles vaccine became available in 1963, major epidemic occurred approximately every 2 to 3 years and thus 99% of the people were thought to have been infected naturally with measles virus and got immune for life. ⋯ As vaccination coverage increases, the average age of measles infection can change to adolescents and young adults. In addition, the protective antibodies derived from vaccination might decrease gradually, and the risk of measles infection in young adults is increasing regardless of international travelling.
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Preventive medicine · Jan 2020
ReviewPeer social network processes and adolescent health behaviors: A systematic review.
Research has highlighted the importance of peers for determining health behaviors in adolescents, yet these behaviors have typically been investigated in isolation. We need to understand common network processes operating across health behaviors collectively, in order to discern how social network processes impact health behaviors. Thus, this systematic review of studies investigated adolescent peer social networks and health behaviors. ⋯ The synthesis of results revolved around two network behavior patterns: 1) health behavior similarity within a social network, driven by homophilic social selection and/or social influence, and 2) popularity: health behavior engagement in relation to changes in social status; or network popularity predicting health behaviors. Adolescents in denser networks had statistically significant lower levels of harmful behavior (n = 2/2, 100%). Findings suggest that social network processes are important factors in adolescent health behaviors.
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Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with clinical manifestations of the skin that affect adults and children. In adults, biologics have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis where clear or almost clear is a tangible goal. Research on biologics has recently been extended to children. The introduction of these new therapeutic options has outpaced the limited guidelines in this population. ⋯ A treatment algorithm for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients is presented, incorporating approved biologics. Guidance on baseline screening and ongoing monitoring is also provided. Ultimately, treatment choice depends on the patient and his or her caregiver, with consideration of comorbidities, impact on quality of life, and relevant safety aspects.
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Although recent spikes in overdose deaths are largely attributable to heroin and fentanyl, prescription opioids still account for a significant percentage of overdose deaths. Additionally, overdose deaths are not a problem solely for adults; roughly 8% of all overdose deaths occur in persons aged 15 to 24. In addition to identifying factors that increase risk for misuse and negative outcomes among adolescents, research must examine the causal mechanisms that link these factors to increased risk. Finally, the extant research must serve as the foundation for prevention/intervention strategies and identify treatments that are effective among adolescents with opioid use disorders.