Browsing by Author "Gaspar, Tania"
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- Adolescentes estrangeiros em Portugal: Uma questão de saúdePublication . Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Gonçalves, Aldina; Gaspar, TaniaO objectivo principal deste estudo foi a investigação sobre as diferenças e semelhanças entre adolescentes portugueses e africanos de língua portuguesa, que vivem em Portugal, quanto a diversos comportamentos de saúde, em diferentes contextos, tais como, actividades de lazer, imagem do corpo, comunicação com os pais, violência, consumo de substâncias, escola, amizade, par sexual e expectativas de futuro. Este estudo teve como base os dados recolhidos pelo estudo nacional do Health Behaviour School Aged-Children (HBSC) (Matos, Gaspar & Equipa Aventura Social, 2003), e procurou clarificar e aprofundar o conhecimento acerca das diferenças nos comportamentos de saúde destes adolescentes. As diferenças entre os jovens apontam em geral para um agravamento na situação dos jovens estrangeiros. No entanto, uma análise realizada com controlo da variável socio-económica praticamente anula estas diferenças. Num segundo estudo foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa de recolha de dados, denominada “focus group” ou grupo de discussão centrada num determinado assunto “foco”, constituída por grupos de adolescentes dos 13 aos 17 anos. Nos grupos de discussão com jovens de outra nacionalidade verificou-se que passam o seu tempo livre com os amigos na rua ou a praticar desporto; a maioria dos jovens refere ter problemas de saúde; o envolvimento escolar é fraco e sentem a escola como um lugar inseguro e no qual são alvo de discriminação. Os jovens relatam actos de vandalismo no seu bairro; a amizade com jovens do mesmo bairro apresenta-se como algo muito importante para estes jovens; referem haver várias alterações no agregado familiar; referem as dificuldades do processo de aculturação; estes jovens apresentam um projecto de futuro bastante concreto e com expectativas elevadas. Algumas temáticas não são desenvolvidas pelos jovens, tais como, percepção do corpo, sexualidade e comunicação com o pai. O presente estudo sublinha a importância da utilização de metodologias qualitativas para clarificar conclusões oriundas de estudos quantitativos, e confirma que os jovens têm alguma noção das diferenças étnicas quanto aos comportamentos de saúde e aos seus contextos. ------ ABSTRACT ------ The aim of this study was to identify the differences between health behaviours in a sample of portuguese adolescents and adolescents from african portuguese speaking adolescents, living in Portugal. Health behaviours and social and physical contexts, such as, free time activities, body image, parent’s communication, violence, substance use, school, peers and future expectations were identified using a questionnaire. This paper was based on data collected during a quantitative national study Health Behaviour School Aged-Children (HBSC) (Matos, Gaspar & Equipa Aventura Social, 2003), trying to clarify this issue health behaviour in adolescence. In general african adolescents presented a worst health related condition. However, when in the analysis, socio-economic status was controlled, those differences disappear. A second study used a qualitative methodology: “focus groups” and included african adolescents from 13 to 17 years old. During the focus group, adolescents said that they spend their free time with friends, and practising sports. Most of the adolescents said that have same health problems. The school involvement is wick, and they feel that school is an insecure and discriminator place. The adolescents refer same violent acts in their neighbourhood. Their friends from the neighbourhood are very important for these adolescents. They said that they have many alterations in their family. The adolescents feel many difficulties in the acculturation process. These adolescents show a clear future project, with high expectations. Same issues were not developed by the adolescents, such as, body image, sexuality and father communication. The present study highlights the importance of using qualitative research in the clarification of special issues raised during qualitative studies, and confirms that adolescents notice ethnic differences on health behaviour and those contexts.
- Alcohol and tobacco use in Portuguese adolescents: The relationship with social factors, future expectations, physical and psychological symptomsPublication . Cerqueira, Ana; Gaspar, Tania; Botelho Guedes, Fábio; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Gaspar, Ana MargaridaThe influence that social factors (relationship with teachers, peers and family support), future expectations, physical and psychological symptoms exert on the adolescents’ tobacco and alcohol consumption is analyzed, and the differences between users and non-users are analyzed as well. This work is part of the HBSC study. The results show that substance use is associated with more physical and psychological symptoms, worse relationship with teachers and peers, less family support, and lower future expectations. It is important to intervene towards the construction of more positive future expectations and relationships and the promotion of physical and psychological well-being, as protective factors against substance use.
- An overview of health-promoting programs and healthy lifestyles for adolescents and young people: A scoping reviewPublication . Raimundo, M.; Cerqueira, Ana; Gaspar, Tania; Matos, MGABSTRACT: The health of children, adolescents, and young adults is a primary global concern. In 2021, there were 2.1 million deaths among children and adolescents. Injuries, violence, communicable diseases, nutritional deficiencies, substance use, non‑communicable diseases, and mental health disorders are among the leading causes of death in this age group. Background/objectives: This scoping review aims to identify and describe health promotion and healthy lifestyle programs developed worldwide targeting adolescents and young adults. Methods: A total of 106 programs were included, of which 8 were selected through scientific databases and 98 through other research methods (e.g., government websites and other online sources). Results: The results show that Europe, North America, New Zealand, and the United States of America are the continents and countries with the highest number of programs. Most programs originated before 2020 and are aimed at children, adolescents, and young adults. Mental health, substance and non‑substance dependencies, and sexual and reproductive health were the most frequent areas among the available youth programs. Most programs do not mention evaluating or monitoring the services provided. Conclusions: This work allows for a deeper understanding of the programs available for adolescents and young adults, providing an overview of their characteristics. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of increasing the number of available programs, especially in countries with higher morbidity and mortality rates among the young population. The programs must be based on population studies to better meet their needs. Lastly, programs should become sustainable and integrated into national public policies, accompanied by ongoing training, supervision, and intervision of professionals working in these contexts.
- Assessing the impact of the European resilience curriculum in preschool, early and late primary school childrenPublication . Simões, Celeste; Santos, Anabela; Lebre, Paula; Daniel, João; Branquinho, Cátia; Gaspar, Tania; Matos, Margarida Gaspar DeResilience is an individual’s ability to adapt successfully to and persevere during and after significant challenges. Resilience programmes based on a socioemotional learning approach have been associated with an increase in protective factors (e.g., prosocial competencies), improvements in physical and mental health, and a decrease in internalised and externalised symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the RESCUR curriculum implemented in Portuguese schools on students’ academic, behavioural, and socioemotional outcomes, based on child and teacher reports. Participants included 1,084 children (53.2% male) aged 3-15 (M¼7.24, SD¼2.31). A quasi-experimental study compared outcomes for an experimental intervention group (AIG) with a waiting list control group (WG). The results showed the RESCUR programme decreased mental health difficulties while increasing both prosocial behaviours and well-being. In addition, academic performance increased for those in preschool after implementation. Both teachers and children consistently reported positive behavioural changes in resilience-related competencies after implementing RESCUR. Our findings contribute to the recent research on the potential of RESCUR to address key socioemotional competencies and improve relevant protective factors. Study limitations and future recommendations are addressed.
- Associations between self-reported fitness and self-rated health, lifesatisfaction and health-related quality of life among adolescentsPublication . Marques, Adilson; Mota, Jorge; Gaspar, Tania; Matos, Margarida Gaspar deBackground/objective: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the associations between physical fitness (PF) and psychosocial aspects of health. This study aimed to analyse the associations between self-reported PF and self-rated health (SRH), life-satisfaction (LS), and quality of life (QoL). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 3554 adolescents (1652 boys), aged 13e18, from the HBSC Portuguese survey. PF, health, LS and OoL were self-rated. Results: SRH, LS, and health-related OoL (HRQoL) were significantly and positively correlated with all PF components. From regression model, overall fitness was significantly related with SRH (boys: b ¼ 0.18, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.16, p < 0.001), LS (boys: b ¼ 0.36, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.43, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: b ¼ 2.26, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 2.54, p < 0.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness was also positively and significantly related with SRH (boys: b ¼ 0.17, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.11, p < 0.001), LS (boys: b ¼ 0.13, p < 0.05; girls: b ¼ 0.31, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: b ¼ 1.74, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 1.57, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that perceived PF is associated with a better SRH, LS, and perceived HRQoL. A few implications regarding public policies were highlighted.
- Associations between self-reported fitness and self-rated health, lifesatisfaction and health-related quality of life among adolescentsPublication . Marques, Adilson; Mota, Jorge; Gaspar, Tania; Matos, Margarida Gaspar deBackground/objective: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the associations between physical fitness (PF) and psychosocial aspects of health. This study aimed to analyse the associations between self-reported PF and self-rated health (SRH), life-satisfaction (LS), and quality of life (QoL). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 3554 adolescents (1652 boys), aged 13e18, from the HBSC Portuguese survey. PF, health, LS and OoL were self-rated. Results: SRH, LS, and health-related OoL (HRQoL) were significantly and positively correlated with all PF components. From regression model, overall fitness was significantly related with SRH (boys: b ¼ 0.18, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.16, p < 0.001), LS (boys: b ¼ 0.36, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.43, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: b ¼ 2.26, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 2.54, p < 0.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness was also positively and significantly related with SRH (boys: b ¼ 0.17, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 0.11, p < 0.001), LS (boys: b ¼ 0.13, p < 0.05; girls: b ¼ 0.31, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: b ¼ 1.74, p < 0.001; girls: b ¼ 1.57, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that perceived PF is associated with a better SRH, LS, and perceived HRQoL. A few implications regarding public policies were highlighted.
- Bridging the gap: Environmental health literacy as key to adolescent well-being and sustainable behaviorsPublication . Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Branquinho, Cátia; Domingos, Leonor; Guedes, Fábio Botelho; Cerqueira, Ana; Gaspar, TaniaAdolescents who possess environmental health literacy are more equipped to handle the effects of the environment on their health. This study uses data from Portugal’s 2022 HBSC survey to investigate the environmental health literacy (EHL) of teenagers. The Environmental Health Literacy Scale (EHLS) was verified by confirmatory component analysis. Within the framework of an ecosystem, this study investigates factors related to health and well-being. There are 7355 adolescents in the sample. EHLS_Social Norms and participation in volunteering activities were found to be significant predictors of EHL_Knowledge, which explained 25.2% of the variance in the final model. EHLS_Social Norms and EHLS_Knowledge accounted for 42.9% of the variance in EHL_Behaviors, while school grade was adversely connected with pro-environmental behavior. While actions and knowledge were major positive predictors, gender and school grades showed negative relationships, and EHL_Social Norms accounted for 46% of the variance. This study establishes a valid measure of environmental health literacy in adolescents, informing science education strategies and public health interventions.
- Comportamentos e atitudes sobre o tabaco em adolescentes portugueses fumadoresPublication . Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Gaspar, Tania; Vitória, Paulo Duarte; Clemente, Manuel PaisO objectivo principal deste projecto foi a investigação sobre as diferenças entre rapazes e raparigas que fumam. A população alvo foi constituída por adolescentes dos 14 aos 16 anos, fumadores regulares (fumem pelo menos uma vez por semana). Este artigo foi elaborado com base análise dos dados recolhidos num estudo qualitativo através de entrevistas a “grupos focais” de adolescentes fumadores (Matos & Gaspar, 2002, in Hublet et al., 2002; Matos, Gaspar, Vitória, & Clemente 2003) procurando clarificar a questão do tabagismo na adolescência, nomeadamente nas raparigas. Nos grupos de discussão com os adolescentes, as categorias mais frequentes foram, respectivamente, “percepções”, “estilo de vida e consumo de tabaco”, “dependência”, “regras e normas”, “comportamento”, “deixar de consumir”, “vantagens” e “desvantagens”. O presente estudo sublinha a importância da utilização de metodologias qualitativas para clarificar conclusões oriundas de estudos quantitativos, e confirma que os jovens têm alguma noção das diferenças entre rapazes e raparigas na frequência do comportamento, nos padrões de consumo e no modo como actua a pressão social. São discutidas implicações para intervenções preventivas. ------ ABSTRACT ------ The aim of this project was to study the differences between girls and boys that smoke. Adolescents from 14 to 16 years old, at least occasional smokers (at least one a week) were included. This paper was based on data collected during a qualitative study using focus groups of either girls or boys that smoke (Matos & Gaspar, 2002, in Hublet et al., 2002; Matos, Gaspar, Vitória, & Clemente 2003) trying to clarify this issue of tobacco use in adolescence, namely in what girls are concerned. During focus groups, the more frequent issues were “perceptions”, “life style and tobacco use”, “dependence”, “rules and norms”, “behaviours”, “quitting”, “advantages” and “disadvantages”. The present study highlights the importance of using qualitative research in the clarification of special issues raised during quantitative studies, and confirms that adolescents notice gender differences on tobacco use namely behaviours, patterns and social pressure. Implications for preventive interventions are discussed.
- Comportamentos sexuais, conhecimentos e atitudes face ao VIH/SIDA em adolescentes migrantesPublication . Gaspar, Tania; Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Gonçalves, AldinaO presente trabalho visa compreender e caracterizar os factores ligados aos risco e factores ligados à protecção e aos cenários que envolvem o adolescente no âmbito dos comportamentos sexuais, conhecimentos e atitudes face ao VIH/sida nos adolescentes migrantes, através da perspectiva dos jovens, pais e dos técnicos de intervenção. Foi utilizada uma metodologia mista, utilizando métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. Numa primeira abordagem quantitativa foi utilizado uma adaptação do questionário do estudo nacional HBSC (Currie et al., 2000; Matos et al., 2003), aplicado a uma amostra de 1037 adolescentes, com média de idade de 15.5 anos, residentes em zona carenciadas e com elevado número de população migrante oriunda dos PALOP. Posteriormente foi utilizada uma abordagem qualitativa, (grupos focais ou grupos de discussão centrados no tema), comportamentos sexuais e conhecimentos e atitudes face ao VIH/sida nos adolescentes migrantes, relacionando-o com os “cenários” do adolescente e com outros comportamentos associados, e também na intervenção comunitária que é realizada neste âmbito. Através do discurso de jovens africanos, dos pais e dos técnicos de intervenção que trabalham com eles, pretendeu- -se clarificar a questão dos comportamentos sexuais de risco e de conhecimentos e atitudes face ao VIH/Sida nos adolescentes migrantes que vivem em Portugal. Foi efectuada uma análise de conteúdo, e para cada categoria e cada sub-categoria foram apresentados exemplos ilustrativos do discurso dos participantes. A presente investigação fornece informação relevante, no âmbito da intervenção, visando abranger a cultura, os factores socioeconómicos, as competências sociais e pessoais, a ocupação de tempos livres, o empowerment dos adolescentes e da comunidade envolvida, o trabalho em parceria e as boas práticas. ------ ABSTRACT ------ The present study pretend to characterized and highlight the risk factors and protective factors on sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitudes about HIV in migrant adolescents. A mixed methodology including quantitative and qualitative methods was used. In quantitative study, was used data from a specific study included in the Portuguese study HBSC-Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children, a World Health Organization collaborative study (Currie et al., 2000; Matos et al., 2003). The survey carried out in 2004, used the research protocol of the cross-national survey based on a self completed questionnaire. A global sample of 1037 adolescents (M=15.5 years old) participated in the survey. The method that was chosen for the qualitative research was the focus group, the aim is to get closer to the migrant adolescents, professionals that work with them, and parents, their opinions, attitudes, discourse and understanding regarding sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitudes about HIV, the influence from personal and social characteristics on that behavior and identify which are their risk factors and protective factors. The qualitative analyses supported the assumption that the existence of a migrant status and social economic status is associated with adolescent sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitudes about HIV, positive health and with adolescent relations with personal and social characteristics (family, peers, school and community support) mediates the association between a migrant status and positive health. Implications of the results and directions for further research and community interventions are discussed.
- COVID-19, wellness and life satisfaction in adolescence: Individual and contextual issuesPublication . Matos, MG; Carvalho, Marina; Branquinho, Cátia; Noronha, Catarina; Moraes, Bárbara; Gaspar, Tania; Guedes, F. B.; Cerqueira, Ana; Santos, Osvaldo; Neto Rodrigues, NunoDuring and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, several works reflected on young people’s physical and psychological health. The Dual Factor Model, which we refer to as the quadripartite model, is useful for understanding children’s and adolescents’ psychological health and differentiating them regarding their attitude toward the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this investigation, students from the fifth to twelfth year of schooling enrolled in the DGEEC study “Psychological Health and Wellbeing in Portuguese schools” were considered. Four groups were created based on life satisfaction (low or high) and psychological distress (with or without symptoms). The study included 4444 students (M = 13.39 years ± 2.41), of whom 47.8% were male. Of the participants, 27.2% were in the second cycle of primary education, and 72.8% were in lower and upper secondary education. Differences in gender and education level (as a proxy for age) were observed. Additionally, when considering students’ perceptions of changes in their lives following the COVID-19 pandemic (stayed the same, became worse, became better), these three groups were compared concerning personal and contextual variables, revealing significant differences at both the individual and contextual levels. Finally, the study discusses the influence of education and health professionals and the need for friendly public policies.