The main aim of this study is to explore problematic technology use among adolescents (Internet, video games, mobiles, and television) and its association with anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, we also analysed the possible moderating role of life satisfaction in this relationship during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Spain. A cross‐sectional survey of 4025 children and adolescents (52% females and 48% males) between 12 and 18 years old was carried out to explore problematic technology use and its correlation with anxiety and life satisfaction after pandemic lockdown. Four multivariate regressions containing the independent variable (problematic technology use), the moderator (life satisfaction), and their interaction were entered to predict the outcome (anxiety). The moderated models were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro software (Model 1). Analyses showed significant positive correlations with anxiety and negative correlations with life satisfaction regarding problematic technology use (mobile phone, television, and internet). Both gender and age had a significant direct effect on anxiety (showing that women and older participants had the greatest anxiety). In the moderation analysis, when life satisfaction was higher, the presence of anxiety symptoms depended to a greater extent on the problematic use of technology. Our results confirm that problematic technology use is related to higher levels of anxiety in adolescents, with differences by age and gender. The results also showed that life satisfaction mediated the relationship between technology abuse and anxiety, such that when life satisfaction was higher, the presence of anxiety symptoms was more dependent on problematic technology use. These findings have implications for health and education professionals.

Background: In the different published studies, there is no consensus on the efficacy of virtual reality as an adjuvant treatment of mood states. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of no immersive virtual reality with the Nintendo Switch device in rehabilitation treatment on mood, anxiety and depression in stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. Methods: Fifty-eight patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units underwent a 1:3 multicentre randomised clinical trial. The intervention group consisted of 17 patients and the control group of 41 patients. The intervention group performed 6 virtual reality sessions together with the conventional treatment, and the control group performed only the conventional rehabilitation sessions. Primary and secondary clinical outcomes were measured before and six weeks after the intervention. Results: Comparing the intervention group and control group, the anxiety levels of the intervention group decreased compared to the results observed in the control group (p = 0.01), as did the dependence of the intervention group (0.015). On the other hand, the results obtained after the intervention by the control group for anxiety (0.479) and depression (0.292) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Rehabilitation VR used as an adjuvant treatment to conventional treatment has a beneficial impact on the neurological status and state of anxiety of stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. Trial registration: Registered in the https://clinicaltrials.gov/ repository (NTC NCT05143385). Protocol registration date 7 October 2021, retrospectively registered.

Background: Post‐stroke depression is the most common neuropsychiatric consequence and reduces rehabilitation effectiveness. However, the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) on mental health treatment for patients after a stroke is uncertain.Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a co‐adjuvant form of treatment to reduce depression in stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units.Methods: We systematically searched medical databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 16, 2023. Clinical trials comparing the use of VR as an adjuvant form of treatment in stroke patients' rehabilitation with the usual treatment were included. Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to type of stroke, VR characteristics, and the scale used to measure depression. Meta‐regression analysis was performed for intervention duration and to determine the mean age of the participants.Results: Eight studies and 388 stroke patients were included. The VR interventions were associated with a lower risk of depression in patients (ES = −0.69; 95% CI [−1.05, −0.33]; I² = 57.6%; p ≤ .02). The estimates were not affected by the type of stroke, the type of VR used, the blinding process, the type of scale used to detect depression, the duration of the intervention (weeks and minutes), and the total number of sessions. Meta‐regression shows that younger samples (p = .00; 95% CI [0.01, 0.08) and longer interventions (p = < .05; 95% CI [−0.00, −0.00) lead to a greater reduction in depression.Linking Evidence to Action: This review provides an important basis for treating depression in patients after a stroke. Professionals working in stroke neurorehabilitation units should consider VR as a form of co‐adjuvant treatment for depression in patients.Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022303968.

Adolescence is the time during which the personal and sexual identity develops. The specific characteristics of adolescents and the lack of maturity facilitates the acquisition of sexual risk behaviors such as relaxation in the use of barrier contraceptives or the use of toxic substances, alcohol or drugs during sexual relations, increasing of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Health education in sexuality is one of the best ways to prevent risk behaviors and to promote healthy and responsible sexuality. While there have been different works in sex education in adolescents, there is still a lack of a comprehensive systematic literature review that including randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental pre-post studies addressing education programs that provide information on healthy and responsible sexuality. Further, it is noted that a protocol drafted in consideration of the existing approaches is needed to present a basis for a systematic literature review in this area. This article, therefore, proposes a review protocol that will evaluate the impact of comprehensive sex education programs in the level of knowledge about STIs, behavioral level concerning the frequency of use of effective contraceptive methods and level of knowledge about sexual identity, diversity and/or responsible sexuality, after the intervention.

Background: Adolescent mental health is a growing public health concern, with increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. While nutrition is a recognized factor in physical health, its role in mental well-being, especially through holistic models, remains underexplored. Objectives: This study examines a moderated mediation model in which perceived healthy eating (self-rated diet quality) was associated with positive mental health (PMH) in adolescents, mediated by stress management and moderated by peer social support. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 505 adolescents aged 13 to 15 years (mean age 13.62). Using PROCESS Model 14, we tested a moderated mediation model where perceived nutrition served as the predictor, stress management as the mediator, and PMH as the outcome. Peer support was included as a moderator of the mediation pathway. Gender, age, nationality and educational variables were controlled for in the analysis. Results: The model explained 36% of the variance in PMH. Perceived healthy eating was significantly associated with better stress management (B = 0.20, p < 0.001), which in turn was related to higher levels of PMH (B = 6.38, p < 0.001). Peer support played a moderating role between stress management and PMH. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of promoting nutritional awareness and adolescents’ self-perception of healthy eating to support both physical and emotional well-being. Interventions should adopt a holistic approach that integrates emotional regulation strategies and leverages peer influence to enhance mental health outcomes. Given the alarming rates of mental health issues in youth, nutrition-based programs that incorporate psychosocial components may offer a promising avenue for prevention and promotion.

Aim: To assess the effects of virtual reality (VR) on the depressive state of patients with stroke admitted to neuro-rehabilitation units. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Methods: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) focusing on the effects of virtual reality on depressive state as a primary outcome will be included. Grey literature and the following databases will be consulted: PubMed, Cinahl, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The recently revised Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the quality of included studies. Data will be extracted and meta-analyses will be performed within the specific condition of the emotional state of stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses will be used to identify effective modes and patterns of therapy delivery. The approach of assessment, development and evaluation of recommendations will be applied to reach a convincing conclusion. Discussion: An accurate, transparent and standardized review process is expected to provide recommendations on the use of VR technology in the healthcare of stroke patients. Impact: Emotional difficulties are common after stroke and have an impact on rehabilitation outcome. VR seems to have an important role in the treatment and depression in neurological patients, as it is able to improve levels of well-being, coping strategies and social relationships. The systematic review may contribute to a more convincing and specific conclusion compared to existing studies of this type. Trial registration: Systematic review registration: CRD42022303968.