The Healthy Change Program aimed to improve the accuracy of maternal perceptions of children's weight (MPCW), maternal feeding style (MFS) and feeding practices. Using a randomized control trial design, the intervention group received 4-weekly group sessions focusing on MPCW, MFS and healthy behaviors. The control group received the same dose of…

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of wearing a face mask on speech acoustics and intelligibility, using an acoustic-phonetic analysis of speech. In addition, the effects of speakers' behavioral modification while wearing a mask were examined. Method: Fourteen female adults were asked to read a set of words and sentences under three…

In today's world, young people attending high school face many developmental challenges and need a holistic examination of their developmental process, with both positive and negative aspects. Desired outcomes for healthy youth development include individual character strengths such as the strength of love and the contextual characteristics of…

Aims: This study aimed to examine engagement with mood-related content on the Smokefree.gov Initiative's smoking cessation resources. Methods: Smokefree.gov website analytics (July 2018-July 2019) were analyzed for user interactions with mood content on informational webpages and interactive self-assessment tools (mood quizzes, smoking quit…

Summer is a time of reduced physical activity (PA) for children; however, summer care programs (SCPs) can provide opportunities for children to be active and foster friendships. This study investigated associations between PA and friendship formation at SCPs. Children (ages 8-12 years) from two SCPs reported demographics, PA, and up to five…

Background: Although positive youth development (PYD) programs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes, there is a lack of evidence on effective school-based interventions designed especially for high school settings. This study examined the efficacy of Peer Group Connection (PGC-HS), a school-based PYD…

Objective: We examined the effects of a two-part intervention including an online health risk assessment with personalized feedback and a brief in-person alcohol intervention for high-risk students. Participants: Participants were 1,987 sophomore students, with 259 completing the alcohol intervention and 91 completing all follow-up surveys.…

Background: Increasing COVID-19 vaccine intention in college students is essential to mitigate serious illness and transmission to higher risk populations. We currently do not have an adequate understanding of college students' perceptions and likelihoods of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Purpose: To quantitatively examine the demographic…

Objective: To evaluate effects of the MINDSTRONG© cognitive-behavioral skills building program versus an attention control program on mental health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors of graduate health professional students. Participants: 201 entering graduate students from seven health sciences colleges at a public land grant University in the U.S.…

Objective: Self-care behaviors aimed at maintaining physical and mental health are often recommended during stressful contexts. We tested emotional predictors of self-care behaviors (healthy eating, exercise, engaging in a hobby, relaxation/meditation, time spent with a supportive person, talking online with friends/family) during the COVID-19…

This study examined how adolescents' risk-taking behaviors were related to their prosocial behaviors on a daily level and how this association differed depending on adolescents' daily and average levels of sensation seeking and social craving. Adolescents (N = 212; M[subscript age] = 15 years) completed daily diaries for 14 days. Adolescents were…

Studies have found that youth are experiencing higher anxiety levels than prior to COVID-19, and youth with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk. Medical specialty camps are a type of camp that provide opportunities for youth with chronic illnesses to share common goals, increase socialization, improve camper well-being, and increase knowledge of…

Objective: To understand college students' perceptions and understanding of wellness. Participants: A convenience sample of 20 undergraduate students (age 20.6 ± 2.2 years) at a private liberal arts university in Southern California who recently completed a general education health and wellness course. Method: Five focus group sessions were…

This study examines the influences of demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors on sleep and loneliness problems (SLP) among adolescents in Malaysia. SLP was formed based on the magnitudes of adolescent sleep deprivation and loneliness. Its scores were derived from five responses to two questions related to sleep deprivation and loneliness.…

Rural communities across the United States often face barriers to accessing healthy food, leading to elevated food insecurity and obesity-related health issues. Geographic and environmental challenges, high food costs, limited availability of healthy options, and low health literacy hinder informed nutritional decision-making. This study examined…