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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.
- Parental unemployment and youth life satisfaction: The moderating roles of satisfaction with family lifePublication . Frasquilho, Diana; Matos, Margarida Gaspar de; Neville, Fergus G.; Gaspar, Tania; Almeida, José Miguel Caldas deAbstract While Europe is slowly recovering from the economic recession, its effects on labour markets are still visible. The number of jobless families has increased and previous research has shown that unemployment can affect the wellbeing of both parents and their children. In this study we explored the links between parental unemployment and youth life satisfaction by considering the potential moderating roles played by satisfaction with family life and perceived family wealth. We used descriptive statistics, correlations, simple moderation and moderated moderation models of regression on data from a representative sample of 3937 Portuguese students (Mage = 13.9 years; SD ± 1.7; 48 % boys). Results showed that the negative effects of parental unemployment on youth life satisfaction were moderated by youth perceived satisfaction with family life but not by perceived wealth. This suggested that during family unemployment, young people satisfied with their family life are less vulnerable to the negative effects of parental unemployment on their life satisfaction. The relationship between parental unemployment and youth well-being requires further research, especially during periods of labour market crisis.
- Relationship between subjective wellbeing and weight perception in children and adolescents: Gender and age differencesPublication . Gaspar, Tania; Santos, Teresa Cristina; Matos, Margarida Gaspar deThe relation between weight status (Body Mass Index - BMI), weight perception and subjective wellbeing remains unclear. Several studies conclude that discrepancies can be found between weight status and weight perception, among children and adolescents. The present study aims at investigating the associations between subjective wellbeing and individual characteristics, among children and adolescents. The sample included 1200 children and adolescents (51.7 % girls, aged 9 to 17). Their mean age was 12.55 years (SD = 1.61). The questionnaire was completed in school context, asking about the subjective wellbeing, use of self-regulation, eating behavior awareness/care, weight perception and sociodemographic questions such as age, gender and BMI. The study found a strong association between BMI and weight perception, although subjective wellbeing was better explained by weight perception than by BMI. Eating awareness and self-regulation also played an important role in subjective controlling for age and gender. Age and gender interfere in the relation between subjective wellbeing and other variables. The multiple regression model is more robust and explicative for girls and older children. Psychological factors related to weight, such as weight perception, self-regulation and eating awareness have a stronger explicative impact in subjective wellbeing compared to physical aspects, such as Body Mass Index. The relation between subjective wellbeing and weight is influence by age and gender.
- Psychosocial factors and quality of life of portuguese adolescents with chronic conditions – Increased risk for victims of bullyingPublication . Cerqueira, Ana; Guedes, F. B.; Gaapar, Tania; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Simões, Celeste; Matos, M. G.The experience of living with a chronic condition (CC) impacts adolescents’ psychological and social adjustment and overall functioning. Considering the increased risk of psychosocial challenges among adolescents with CC, this study aimed to enhance our understanding of the psychological and social factors that impact their quality of life. It also compared the psychological and social variables among (a) adolescents with and without CC and (b) adolescents with CC who are and who are not victims of bullying. The results demonstrated that adolescents with CC showed more psychosocial difficulties than their peers, as they more frequently reported involvement in situations of violence, and demonstrated more difficulties at a psychological and emotional level. Further, being victims of bullying increased the psychosocial vulnerabilities of these adolescents. A better quality of life was associated with the following psychosocial factors: not being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying, having less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms, liking school, receiving more support from family and friends, having better relationships with peers, and having fewer physical and psychological symptoms. These findings are significant for helping schools develop tools and strategies to address violence and support students with CC, who are at a higher risk of being involved in such situations and require a targeted response.
- Quality of life and well-being of adolescents in portuguese schoolsPublication . Guedes, F. B.; Cerqueira, Ana; Gaspar, Susana; Gaspar, Tania; Moreno, Carmen; de Matos, Margarida GasparThe quality of the school environment is associated with greater school involvement and academic success and improved levels of well-being/quality of life. In this sense, this study intends to explore the relationship between the quality of life of Portuguese adolescents and school. 8215 adolescents participated in this study, 52.7% of which were female, aged between 10 and 22 years and an average age of 14.36 years (SD=2.28). The sample was collected as part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The results show that girls like school, teachers, school breaks (between classes) and classes more than boys and present less concerns/difficulties with school. Compared to boys, they report more pressure with the schoolwork and a better perception of safety at school. On the other hand, boys have a better relationship with their peers and teachers, miss more classes on purpose and report a higher perception of quality of life. An above-average QoL is statistically and significantly related with liking school, peers, teachers, school breaks (between classes) and classes. It is also related with feeling less pressure with the schoolwork, a better perception of school success and of safety in the school environment. Additionally, having an above-average QoL is statistically significantly associated with having a better relationship with peers and teachers and less concerns/difficulties with school. This is an important message for the reorganization of schools in terms of their practices and curricula. The need to develop strategies to promote greater identification of students with school is reinforced.
- Shedding Light on the lifestyle and participation of portuguese adolescents with chronic conditions—Data from the HBSC 2018 StudyPublication . Cerqueira, Ana; Guedes, F. B.; Gaspar, Tania; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Matos, MGVariables associated with lifestyle can constitute either risk or protective factors for the development and progression of chronic conditions (CC). This study intends to explore the differences between adolescents with and without CC and between adolescents whose school participation is affected/not affected by the existing CC with regard to variables related to lifestyle (i.e., sleep, physical activity, BMI, and leisure). In addition, it also intends to analyze the influence of these variables (i.e., CC and lifestyle) regarding the adolescents’ quality of life (QoL). This work is part of the Portuguese HBSC 2018 study. A total of 8215 adolescents participated (52.7% female), with an average age of 14.36 years (SD = 2.28). The results showed that the adolescents with CC and whose school attendance and participation are affected by their CC exhibit more sleep difficulties (i.e., they experience lower sleep quality and have a higher degree of sleepiness), higher BMI levels (i.e., higher values of overweight and obesity), less participation in leisure activities, and a lower perception of QoL. A higher perception of QoL is associated with school participation unaffected by the existing CC, sleeping well, a low level of sleepiness, a more frequent practice of physical activity, a lower BMI, and a greater involvement in leisure activities. Adolescent health and well-being are a prominent issue in terms of public policies, with behavior and lifestyle playing a significant role in this domain. This message needs to be reinforced in regard to families, educators, healthcare professionals, and public sector policies, particularly concerning students with CC.
- 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.
- School and family ecosystem: Incentives and barriers to school–family communicationPublication . Guedes, F. B.; Cerqueira, Ana; Marques-Pinto, A.; Branco, Amélia; Galvão, Cecília; Sousa, Joana; LF, Goulao; Bronze, MR; Viegas, Wanda; Gaspar, Tania; Moreno, Carmen; Matos, M. G.The aim of the study was to explore the factors and barriers related to the incentive and opportunity of school–family communication. This work is part of the HOUSE-Colégio F3 Project, ULisbon, which included 1,143 first-year university students from the University of Lisbon, with average age of 19.61 ± 3.96 years. The young people who had better communication with their parents, greater family support and better family relationship were the ones who reported greater incentives for school–family communication. School–family communication and relationship were associated with the incentives for school–family communication and greater parental monitoring. These results align with the literature stating that parents' communication and presence in all areas of young people's lives, including the school context, foster better social and family relationships and academic results. This result should not be read as a call for non-autonomy. Instead, it highlights that monitoring and supporting family presence promotes that autonomy
- 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.
- Ecological model explaining the psychosocial adaptation to COVID-19Publication . Gaspar, Tania; Paiva, Teresa; Matos, M. G.: The main objective of this study is to understand and characterize the adoption of an ecological perspective and the physical, psychological, social, and contextual health factors that may influence the adjustment to and mental health experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 5479 participants, of which 3710 were female (67.7%), aged between 18 and 90 years old, with a mean age of 48.57 years (SD = 14.29), were considered three age groups: 21.5% up to 35 years old, 61.8% between 36 and 64 years old, and 16.7% 65 years old or more. The mental health and individual adjustment to the COVID-19 situation are explained by socio-demographic factors, health-related factors, lifestyles, attitudes and behaviors, lockdown experience, and place of residence. A better adaptation and mental health are observed among men, people with a higher educational level, people with lower sadness, nervousness, and burnout, and people whose health situation did not worsen with the pandemic. In terms of lifestyle, a better adaptation is related to a better quality of sleep, fewer nightmares, a higher practice of physical activity, and less consumption of processed foods and sweets. A better adaptation is also associated with lower levels of dependence on alcohol, TV, and SN (social networks) and a more positive experience of the lockdown imposed by the pandemic. Gender and age group differences in the described context were studied. Promoting a better adjustment and improved mental health when dealing with the COVID-19 requires an ecological understanding and multitarget interventions, targeting physical, mental, and social health together with the contextual environment.