Approximately one in five adolescents experience mental health problems globally. However, studies on mental health problems in Chinese high school students are few. Therefore, this study examined the status and associated factors of mental health problems in high school students in China. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure was adopted, leading to a final sample of 15,055 participants from 46 high schools in all 17 provincial cities of Henan province, China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect the data. A mental health problems variable was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students. The positive rate of mental health problems among high school students was 41.8%, with a male predominance (43.3% versus 40.2% in females; p < 0.01). The most frequent mental health problem was academic stress (58.9%). Higher grades, physical disease, chronic constipation, alcohol consumption, engagement in sexual behavior, residence on campus, and living in nonurban areas and with single-parent families were significantly associated with higher odds of having mental health problems (p < 0.05). We suggest that the prevention of mental health problems in high school students be strengthened, especially in students with physical illnesses, unhealthy behaviors, and single-parent families.

In a technology-driven society, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen time, and gender disparities are notable. However, evidence on the gender difference in excessive screen time among Chinese high school students is scarce. This study examined gender differences in excessive screen time and its impact on mental health and urinary incontinence among 15,055 high school-aged adolescents, including 7514 (49.9%) males and 7541 (50.1%) females with the mean age of 16.72 (SD 0.88) in Henan Province, China. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design was applied. Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form was used to collect data about mental health and urinary incontinence status. The percentage of students reporting excessive screen time was 9.4%, predominantly male (15.3% versus 3.5%; p < 0.001). Physical disease, living on campus, and cigarette or alcohol consumption were common factors associated with excessive screen time in both genders. Students in their second or third year showed significantly lower rates of excessive screen time than their peers. In males, younger age, active sexual behavior, chronic constipation, and having a mother with a Ph.D. degree were factors associated with a higher probability of reporting excessive screen time, while females living in a rural–urban continuum or whose mothers have a junior college degree were associated with higher odds of reporting excessive screen times. Excessive screen time was significantly positively correlated with mental health problems and urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Results suggests the need to address excessive screen time and to focus separately on the mechanisms influencing excessive screen time in males and females.

Urinary incontinence is a common but understudied health problem in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and associated factors for urinary incontinence in high-school-aged Chinese adolescents. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure was adopted, yielding a sampling frame of 15,055 participants from 46 high schools in Henan province, China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. The urinary incontinence variable was assessed using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 6.6%, with a female predominance (7.2% versus 6.0% in males; p < 0.05), and it increased with age, from 5.8% at 14–15 years to 12.3% at 19–20 years old (p < 0.001). The most common subtype of urinary incontinence was urgency urinary incontinence (4.4%), followed by stress urinary incontinence (1.7%) and mixed urinary incontinence (0.5%). Female sex, higher grades, more frequent sexual behavior, physical disease, chronic constipation, mental health problems, and residence in nonurban areas were significantly associated with higher odds of having urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Public health programs, such as health education and school-based screening, should be established for early detection and appropriate management of urinary incontinence. Furthermore, individualized interventions targeting associated factors should be developed through collective efforts by adolescents, families, schools, and policymakers.

The current investigation examines the asymmetric influence of pandemic uncertainty on drug-related crimes in the top 10 countries with a highest prevalence of such offenses (Mexico, Colombia, Philippines, Brazil, USA, Venezuela, Peru, Nigeria, Russia, and South Africa). Previous research used panel data methods to explore this connection without considering the specific variations among different countries. Conversely, this study uses Quantile-on-Quantile approach by providing worldwide yet country-specific insights for every economy individually. The findings demonstrate that pandemic uncertainty decreases drug-related crimes in the Philippines, Venezuela, Peru, and Russia. Conversely, it showcases an increase in such crimes in Colombia, the USA, Nigeria, and South Africa. It is recommended to formulate effective strategies to address changes in pandemic uncertainty and drug-related crimes.

Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and influencing factors of mental health problems among vocational high school students in Henan Province, China, with varying levels of internet addiction.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2018, involving 3,051 vocational high school students selected through stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Mental Health Inventory for Middle-School Students. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify influencing factors.Results: The prevalence of mental health problems was 59% (95% CI: 57–61%). Among average, problematic, and addictive internet users, prevalence rates were 65% (95% CI: 63–67%), 54% (95% CI: 51–57%), and 34% (95% CI, 28–40%), respectively. Across the overall population and subgroups, physical illness, chronic constipation, and loneliness were consistently associated with higher mental health risks (p < 0.05). Additionally, ethnic minority status, sexual behavior, and lower maternal education were significant risk factors in the overall population, average users, and problematic users (p < 0.05). Smoking was also linked to higher mental health risks in the overall and average user groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Mental health issues among vocational high school students, particularly those with internet addiction, are prevalent and severe. Early interventions targeting key risk factors are critical to improving mental health outcomes in this population.