Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of affectivity and sexuality. Adolescents begin to explore their sexual identities, form intimate relationships, and learn to manage their emotions in new and complex contexts. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of habits and behaviors related to the affective–sexual health of adolescents in the fourth year of ESO, identifying risk factors, comparing their behaviors and risks, monitoring these behaviors, analyzing their pornography consumption, and evaluating the use of the internet as a source of sexual information. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires. Participants are fourth-year ESO students from a school in the Baix Llobregat province (Catalonia), aged between 14 and 18 years. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses are conducted using the chi-square test and p-value calculations with the R Project software. Frequency and percentage analyses are also used to describe the health behaviors of the participants. Results: The study reveals that girls have better knowledge of the contraceptive pill and male condom than boys. Sexual initiation and condom use management vary between the genders, with girls being more capable of persuading their partners to use them. Pornography consumption also shows significant differences in terms of the age of initiation and frequency between boys and girls. Conclusions: This study on adolescent affectivity and sexuality reveals knowledge about contraceptives, early sexual initiation, and high pornography consumption, highlighting the need for early and diverse affective–sexual education, youth empowerment, and media misinformation management to promote safer and healthier behaviors within municipal public health.

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for developing self-perception, emotional well-being, and health behaviors. Mental health disorders represent a substantial burden for adolescents worldwide. This study examines self-perceived health, mood, and substance use among adolescents, identifying associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 121 adolescents aged from 14 to 18 from a secondary school in Baix Llobregat, Catalonia. Data were collected through questionnaires, and descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Results: Poor self-perceived health and negative mood were associated with higher alcohol and tobacco use. Girls exhibited better emotional regulation than boys. Conclusions: Poor health perception and negative mood are linked to increased substance use. Early intervention should focus on emotional well-being and prevention, involving both families and schools.

Background/Objectives: Bullying refers to a specific form of mistreatment that occurs in the school setting and is characterized by intentionality and persistence over time. It should be noted that some elements, such as low self-esteem and lack of social skills, are usually present in both victims and aggressors, so interfering in these aspects can lead to a decrease in the incidence. Thereby, being a victim of bullying is a key factor in the development of multiple mental health issues, such as depression or even suicide. Consequently, mental health nurses play a fundamental role in health education in order to be able to act when necessary and to prevent these types of unfavorable circumstances that can lead to psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed primarily to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational programs in reducing school bullying and, secondarily, to analyze their influence on children’s self-esteem. Methods: Data were obtained through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Scielo, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating evidence-based interventions, including the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), the KiVa Anti-Bullying Program (KiVa), Positive Behavioral Support systems, and standardized social–emotional learning programs, were eligible for inclusion. Results: Findings revealed that most interventions showed a positive impact on bullying reduction and self-esteem improvement. However, effectiveness differed depending on contextual factors, such as the educational stage, school climate, cultural setting, and the degree of family involvement, as well as the extent to which each program was adapted to the specific needs of each school environment. Conclusions: Psychoeducational programs demonstrate overall effectiveness in reducing bullying behaviors and enhancing self-esteem in children. Nevertheless, outcomes differ depending on school characteristics, cultural context, and the level of family participation, highlighting the need for interventions tailored to each educational setting.

Conocer las variables presentes en escolares de primero y segundo de secundaria que no consumen tabaco o no tienen intención de fumar desde un modelo de salud positiva. Estudio transversal con 482 estudiantes en Andalucía y Cataluña usando un cuestionario validado (proyecto ESFA y PASE). Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística binaria. Quienes no tenían intención de fumar presentaron una actitud desfavorable al tabaco y una alta autoeficacia (p <0,001). En los/las no consumidores/as las variables más asociadas fueron la actitud, el modelo social (p <0,001) y la autoeficacia (p = 0,005). Los resultados reflejan factores motivacionales presentes en escolares que no fuman ni pretenden hacerlo. La actitud y la autoeficacia se asocian fuertemente con la intención y con el comportamiento. Esta información puede ser útil para desarrollar estrategias positivas de promoción de la salud desde un modelo salutogénico. To know the variables present in primary and secondary school students who do not smoke or intend to smoke from a positive health model. Cross-sectional study with 482 students from Andalusia and Catalonia using a validated questionnaire (ESFA and PASE project). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Those who did not intend to smoke viewed smoking unfavourably and had high self-efficacy (p <0.001). In non-consumers, the most associated variables were attitude, social model (p <0.001), and self-efficacy (p =0.005). The results show motivational factors present in students who do not smoke and do not intend to do so. Attitude and self-efficacy are strongly associated with intention and behaviour. This information might be useful for developing positive health promotion strategies from a salutogenesis approach.

Introduction: Adolescent sexual education targets risk reduction in STIs, pregnancies, and gender inequality. Inadequacies in traditional methods drive exploration of innovative approaches. This systematic review aims to synthesise, compare, and evaluate gamified affective sexual health interventions for adolescents within the school. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across five databases from March 2022, with an update in December 2023, including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, WOS, and EMBASE. Experimental studies of gamified interventions in school-based affective sexual health for adolescents aged 10–19 years were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. The selected articles were conducted primarily in the USA, encompassing 13 randomised controlled trials, two quasi-experimental studies, and one clinical trial. A subsequent meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model to calculate combined effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Interventions yielded positive short and long-term impacts, improving attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours, and delaying sexual initiation. Studies revealed a statistically significant effect in follow-ups of less than six months, with 81% of outcomes showing positive impacts on delaying the initiation of any sexual activity and 50% on contraceptive use, knowledge, and improved attitudes. In follow-ups exceeding six months, a consistently positive and significant effect was maintained, ranging between 19% and 62.5%, for the delay in sexual initiation, contraceptive use, knowledge, and attitudes. The results from the meta-analysis indicate that gamified interventions are effective in delaying sexual initiation among adolescents, achieving an 15% reduction in the probability of initiating sexual relationships. Conclusions: To enhance affective sexual health, a recommended methodological framework standardizes the design of universal interventions, enabling comprehensive effectiveness analysis. Emphasizing the encouragement of early initiation of interventions, adopting technological advances to enhance traditional education and address contemporary challenges in adolescent sexual health is highlighted. Policy Implications: Sex education is essential to prevent risky behaviours, unwanted pregnancies, and STIs. This requires effective educational programmes that improve knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours in a standardised way that is accessible to all adolescents.