Indian Journal of Youth and Adolescent Health (E-ISSN: 2349-2880)

Are AI Chatbots True Allies for Adolescent Mental Health? A Closer Look

2026-09-11T05:48:01+00:00

A Generation in Crisis, and a Quiet Turn to AI

Growing up has always been hard, but today's young people are living through a mental health crisis that is difficult to ignore, with anxiety and depression rising sharply across the world. In 2024, the global population of adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 reached nearly 1.95 billion, almost a quarter of humanity, and this is exactly the age group in which mental illness most often begins, an estimated 62.5% of all lifetime mental health conditions start before the mid-twenties.

The World Health Organization now puts the global economic cost of this crisis at close to 1.9 trillion dollars a year. Yet more than seven in ten young people who need professional mental health support never receive it, held back by a shortage of trained clinicians, underfunded health systems, and the stigma that still surrounds asking for help.

Association Between Smartphone Use and Self-Regulatory Capacity Among Adolescents: A Correlational Study

2026-09-10T12:51:03+00:00

Background: Smartphones are widely used by young adults and may influence attention, routines and behavioural control. Objective: To examine the association between problematic smartphone-use behaviour and self-regulation.

Methods: A simulated cross-sectional correlational dataset of 120 young adults aged 15–19 years was constructed for research-reporting demonstration. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used.

Results: Mean problematic smartphone-use score was 34.3 ± 11.0; mean self-regulation score was 194.9 ± 18.0. A negative correlation was observed (r = -0.75, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In this illustrative dataset, greater problematic smartphone use was associated with lower self-regulation. These results are simulated and do not constitute empirical evidence.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202612

How to cite this article:
Al-Hassan A K, Al-Mousawi N A. Association Between Smartphone Use and Self-Regulatory Capacity Among Adolescents: A Correlational Study. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(3):4-8.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Level of Awareness Regarding Anaemia Among Females Between the Age Group of 12-60 Years in Selected Community Of Mehrauli, Delhi

2026-09-10T12:51:03+00:00

Background: Anaemia remains a major public health problem among women in India, adversely affecting health, productivity, and quality of life. Adequate knowledge regarding anaemia is essential for its prevention and management.

Objectives: To assess the level of awareness regarding anaemia among females in selected community of Mehrauli, Delhi and to determine the association between awareness level regarding anaemia with selected demographic variables.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 females aged 12–60 years residing in selected community areas of Mehrauli, Delhi. Convenient sampling technique was used. Data were collected through a pre-validated structured interview schedule comprising demographic information and a knowledge questionnaire on anaemia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Among the participants, 43.68% belonged to the age group of 19–35 years, 56.13% were housewives, and 51.45% lived in nuclear families. Nearly 43.68% reported a previous history of anemia. Regarding awareness, nearly half of the females i.e., 47.5% of women had poor awareness, 35.9% had average awareness, and only 16.5% had good awareness regarding anemia. Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant association between awareness levels with age and educational status. (p < 0.05), whereas no significant association was found with age, occupation, or previous history of anaemia (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study revealed poor awareness regarding anaemia among females residing in selected community areas of Mehrauli, Delhi. Educational status was significantly associated with awareness levels. The findings emphasise the need for targeted health education programmes, awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions to improve knowledge and promote anaemia prevention among women.

A Study to Assess Mental Health Well- Being Among Adolescents

2026-09-10T12:51:03+00:00

Introduction: Adolescence is marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and social transitions, making this stage of life uniquely vulnerable to psychological distress. When coupled with external pressures such as academic expectations, peer influence, and digital exposure, adolescents face a heightened risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the mental health well-being of adolescents in selected school of New Delhi.

Methodology: The study used a quantitative approach and descriptive survey design. The setting of the study was selected school in New Delhi. The present study sample included 36 students studying in 12th class selected through convenient sampling technique. Administrative approval was obtained from the selected school authority of New Delhi to conduct the survey. A written informed consent was taken from each participant. The data collection tool used in this survey was organized into two sections. Section A included the demographic profile of students. Section B include the Adolescent Well- Being scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The results show that (91.6%) adolescents indicate a possible depressive disorder, while 3 adolescents (8.4%) exhibited good well-being with no depressive symptoms with a mean of 16.9 and a standard deviation of 2.9. The item-wise analysis of the Adolescent Well-Being Scale which revealed several indicators of poor psychological well-being and depressive symptoms among the adolescents. A substantial proportion of participants reported negative emotional experiences.

Conclusion: Strengthening parental awareness regarding adolescent mental health may further improve early recognition of emotional difficulties and encourage timely help-seeking behaviour. Teachers should collaborate to establish comprehensive mental health promotion programmes that include stress management training, life-skills education, resilience-building activities.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202610

How to cite this article:
Parul, Sharma V. Mental Health Well- Being Among Adolescents. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(3):16-21.

Psychosocial Implications of Selfitis Among School-Going Adolescents: An Exploratory Study for Paediatric Nursing Practice in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

2026-09-22T06:50:38+00:00

Background: In the age of digital media, the "selfie" has changed from a straightforward self-portrait to a sophisticated social phenomena called "Selfitis." The compulsive drive to take and share selfies is the hallmark of this behavioral addiction, which puts teenagers at serious psychosocial danger. The frequency and psychosocial effects of selfitis among school-age teenagers in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, were investigated in this study.

Methods: A quantitative exploratory research design was utilized. A sample of 100 pupils was picked from Ebenezer Higher Secondary School, Gwalior, using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. A validated Modified Selfie Behavior Scale was used to gather data. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (p < 0.05) were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The study found a remarkable 99% prevalence of selfitis among subjects, with 47% borderline, 45% acute, and 7% chronic. Inferential analysis found a significant relationship with selfitis levels and demographic characteristics, including age and gender. Socioeconomic variables such as family income and smartphone brand were found to be non-significant.

Conclusion: Selfitis is a growing psychological problem for adolescents in Gwalior. The study underlines the importance of paediatric nurse interventions, digital hygiene initiatives, and school-based counseling in reducing the long-term psychological effects of digital addiction.

Influence of Physical Exercise on Obesity Among Children: A Comprehensive Review Indian Journal of Youth and Adolescent Health

2026-09-18T12:33:04+00:00

Over the past several years, the prevalence of paediatric overweight and obesity has increased substantially across different sociodemographic groups. Despite growing awareness and intervention efforts, the severity of obesity among children and adolescents continues to rise, making childhood obesity a major public health concern in the 21st century. Overweight and obesity have increasingly affected low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rapidly urbanizing communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 39 million children under five years of age were overweight or obese globally. Childhood overweight and obesity have become major contributors to adverse health outcomes and, in many settings, represent a greater long-term health burden than childhood undernutrition.

Early intervention is essential in addressing childhood obesity because excess weight during childhood and adolescence may persist into adulthood and increase the likelihood of developing chronic diseases and experiencing premature mortality. Current approaches to childhood obesity management emphasize maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, reducing sedentary behaviours, and increasing regular physical activity. Physical exercise may influence several metabolic and physiological factors associated with obesity, including leptin and adiponectin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and resistance, and body-fat accumulation. Therefore, the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise are important considerations when designing effective interventions for children and adolescents with obesity.

This review focuses particularly on the differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise programmes on obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents. Available evidence suggests that exercise interventions can serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk and improving metabolic health among children with obesity. An appropriate exercise programme should ideally incorporate both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, with particular emphasis on reducing excess fat mass, improving overall physical fitness, and promoting long-term adherence. Such an integrated approach may contribute substantially to the prevention and management of paediatric obesity and its associated cardiometabolic complications.

DOI: https://orcid.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202613

How to cite this article:
Amanu A, Mulisa F, Getahun D A. Influence of Physical Exercise on Obesity Among Children: A Comprehensive Review. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(3):25-29.

Mobile Phone Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review of Usage Patterns, Self-Esteem, Academic Performance, and Intervention Strategies

2026-09-18T12:51:31+00:00

Every technological advancement offers both benefits and potential drawbacks. Mobile phones are a prominent example of a technology that has become an integral part of everyday life. Although mobile phones have been used for many years, increasing concern has recently emerged regarding their effects on society, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Excessive or problematic smartphone use may be described as a psychological state in which persistent and uncontrolled use of mobile devices affects an individual's mental and emotional well-being and interferes with academic, occupational, and social functioning.

Several studies have investigated the effects of smartphone use among adolescents and young adults, with particular attention to the psychological and physiological changes associated with excessive usage. Researchers have employed a variety of behavioural, psychological, and physiological variables, along with different assessment methods and intervention strategies, to understand the consequences of smartphone use and identify effective approaches for reducing problematic behaviours. Therefore, this review aims to examine the major effects associated with excessive smartphone use among adolescents and young adults and to summarize the effectiveness of various interventions designed to minimize these effects and promote healthier patterns of mobile phone use.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202614

How to cite this article:
Karki S, Singh J P. Mobile Phone Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review of Usage Patterns, Self-Esteem, Academic Performance, and Intervention Strategies. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(3):30-36.

Community Outreach Activities by IAAH Chandigarh Branch

2026-09-18T12:54:10+00:00

Under the aegis of the Indian Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH), Chandigarh Branch, the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, conducted a series of community outreach activities during May–July 2026. The programmes aimed to promote health awareness and preventive healthcare among children, adolescents, and the elderly through health education sessions and community-based health services. MBBS interns and the Medical Social Worker (MSWO) actively participated in planning and implementing these initiatives.