Adolescent Health in the Middle East and North Africa: An Epidemiological Perspective (Global Perspectives on Health Geography)

This 2-volumeset focuses on adolescent health in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), and presents the latest research on the health risk behaviours and social behaviours that adolescents from the MENA region engage in. While there has been a surge in peer-reviewed research publications on population health in the MENA region in the last couple of decades, very few books offer a resource to address the diverse negative influences that disproportionately affect adolescents and children in the MENA region, including increased tobacco consumption culture, low emphasis on physical activity, increased sedentary behaviours, weak health policies, and societal issues related to displacement and political conflicts. These books offer a synthesis of current knowledge on adolescent health issues in the MENA region, and aim to provide evidence-informed adolescent health care practices that address current issues related to mental, physical, reproductive and nutritional health. Volume 2 focuses on nutritional and reproductive health in the MENA region, predictive modelling of obesity, determinants of sexual and oral health, HIV, and diabetes. The study will aid health care professionals, policy makers, government organizations and health program planners to assess current policies and practices related to adolescent health in the MENA region, and to identify the best courses of action moving forward. Acknowledgements Contents Contributors Part I: Introduction Chapter 1: Adolescent Health in the Middle East and North Africa: Determinants and Distribution 1.1 Adolescent Health Determinants 1.1.1 Income Inequality and Socioeconomic Status (SES) 1.1.2 Obesity and Nutritional Habits 1.1.3 Access to Education 1.1.4 Behavioral Factors: Physical Activity, Substance Use, and Sexual Practice 1.2 Adolescent Health and Health-Related Measures 1.3 Overview of Upcoming Chapters 1.4 Putting It in Perspective and Moving Forward References Part II: Determinants of Adolescent Health in the MENA Chapter 2: Adolescent Nutrition: A Focus on MENA 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Nutrition and Adolescence 2.2.1 Factors Influencing Eating Behaviors of Adolescents 2.2.2 Adolescent Nutritional Requirements Macronutrients Carbohydrates Protein Fat and Lipids Micronutrients Minerals Vitamins 2.3 Nutrition Screening 2.4 Nutrition and Eating Disorders in Adolescents 2.4.1 Management of Nutritional Disorders 2.5 Methodology 2.6 Findings and Discussion 2.6.1 Nutrition in the MENA 2.6.2 Future Research Areas 2.6.3 Challenges 2.6.4 Recommendations for MENA Adolescent Nutrition Programming 2.7 Conclusion Reflection Questions References Chapter 3: Addressing Social Determinants of Oral Health Among Adolescents from MENA 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Methodology 3.3 Findings 3.3.1 Unpacking Determinants Socioeconomic Status Tobacco and Substance Use Psychosocial Factors 3.4 Discussion 3.4.1 Tackling Social Determinants Modifying School Environments Examples of Youth-Focused Oral Health-Related Initiatives in the MENA Countries Intervention 1: Telegram – Online Social Media Platform Program, Iran (Scheerman et al. 2020) Intervention 2: School Oral Health Program (SOHP) – A National Program, Kuwait (Alsumait et al. 2019; Ariga et al. 2014) 3.5 Key Recommendations and Future Implications 3.6 Conclusions Reflection Questions References Chapter 4: Physical Activity and Sport Participation Among Adolescents from MENA 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 Physical Activity and Sport Participation in the MENA 4.2 Methodology 4.2.1 Literature Review 4.2.2 Case Study UAE Setting and Study Design Analysis 4.3 Results 4.3.1 Literature Review Gender and Demographic Differences in Relation to Physical Activity Constraints to Physical Activity in the MENA 4.3.2 Case Study on Physical Activity and Sport Participation in the UAE 4.4 Discussion Reflection Questions References Chapter 5: Predictive Modeling for Obesity and Overweight in Adolescents, Current Status and Application to the MENA Region 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity 5.1.2 Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescents 5.1.3 BMI-Based Obesity Assessment: Implications and Its Limitations 5.1.4 Risk Factors of Adolescent Obesity 5.1.5 Obesity Prediction Models: Relevance and Application 5.2 Methodology 5.2.1 Search Strategy 5.2.2 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 5.2.3 Data Extraction 5.3 Results/Findings 5.3.1 Predictive Modeling/Algorithm: An Overview 5.3.2 Predictive Modeling Approaches for Adolescent Overweight or Obesity 5.3.3 Predictive Variables/Predictors Applicable for the MENA Region Sociodemographic Factors Dietary Factors Lifestyle Factor Other Risk Factors 5.4 Discussion and Implications 5.5 Conclusive Remarks and Future Direction: Toward a Population-Specific Predictive Model Reflection Questions References Chapter 6: Determinants of Knowledge in Relation to Sexual and Reproductive Health of Adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa Region 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Results 6.2.1 How Do Adolescents in MENA Learn About Sexual and Reproductive Health? 6.2.2 Patterns and Consequences of Sexual Behavior of Adolescents in MENA 6.2.3 How Can Islam Tackle the Shortcomings of Adolescents’ SRH in MENA? 6.3 Conclusion and Recommendations Reflection Questions References Part III: Epidemiology of Adolescent Health in the MENA Chapter 7: Growth Assessment in Adolescence: Measurement and Interpretation for the Middle East and North Africa 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 Measurements of Growth 7.1.2 Standardization of Measurements 7.2 Methodology and Interpretation 7.2.1 Measurements Measuring Weight Measuring Height Body Mass Index 7.2.2 Assessment Tools 7.2.3 Interpretation Plotting the Data Interpreting Plotted Data Cutoff Points 7.3 Results 7.3.1 Stunting 7.3.2 Overweight and Obesity 7.3.3 Wasting and Underweight 7.4 Discussion Reflection Questions References Chapter 8: Oral Health of Adolescents in the MENA Region 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Methodology 8.3 Findings 8.3.1 Common Oral Health Risks in Adolescents Dental Caries Periodontal Diseases Malocclusion Orofacial Traumatic Injuries Dental Fluorosis 8.4 Discussion and Future Implications Reflection Questions References Chapter 9: Demographic and Geographic Variations in Respiratory and Allergic Conditions Among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 Epidemiology of Respiratory Conditions and Allergies 9.1.2 Impacts of Respiratory Conditions and Allergies 9.1.3 Risk Factors and Triggers Linked to Respiratory Conditions and Allergies 9.2 Method 9.2.1 Setting and Study Design 9.2.2 Ethical Approval 9.3 Study Instrument 9.3.1 Outcome Variables 9.3.1.1 Independent Variables 9.3.2 Statistical Analysis 9.4 Results 9.4.1 Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Respiratory Conditions and Symptoms 9.4.2 Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever Symptoms 9.4.3 Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Symptoms 9.5 Discussion and Conclusions Reflection Questions References Chapter 10: The Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus Among Adolescents from the Middle East and North Africa 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 A Regional Overview of the MENA 10.1.2 Living with Diabetes in Adolescence 10.2 Methods 10.3 Results 10.3.1 Prevalence and Incidence Rates T1D T2D 10.3.2 Risk Factors and Characteristics for T1D and T2D Among Adolescents Pubertal Onset Vitamin D Deficiency Sex-Related Prevalence Obesity Familial Disposition Other Factors 10.4 Discussion Reflection Questions References Chapter 11: HIV and Sexual Health in MENA’s Adolescents 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Epidemiology and Burden of HIV and STIs in Adolescents in the MENA 11.3 HIV Prevention and Diagnostic Tools 11.4 Factors Contributing to HIV Risk for MENA Young People 11.4.1 Vulnerable and Most at-Risk Young People 11.4.2 Lack of Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 11.4.3 Conflict, Economic Downturn, and Migration 11.4.4 Gender Disparity 11.4.5 Risky Behaviors 11.4.6 Lack of Effective Surveillance 11.4.7 Lack of Research 11.5 Conclusions Critical Questions References Index