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Youth

Youth is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on education, sociology, economics, cultural studies and other social perspectives of youth and young adulthood published quarterly online by MDPI.

Quartile Ranking JCR - Q2 (Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary | Family Studies)

All Articles (417)

Personality Traits and Sexual Attitudes as Predictors of Risky Sexual Behaviors in Health Science Students

  • María Naranjo-Márquez,
  • Anna Bocchino and
  • José Luis Palazón-Fernández
  • + 3 authors

Previous research suggests that certain personality traits, such as extraversion and openness, may be associated with sexual risk behaviors (SRB). Exploring psychological and social factors is critical to guide effective sexual health promotion. Background/Objectives: To examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, sexual attitudes, and risky sexual behaviors among health science students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 730 health science students (median age: 21 years, IQR: 20–22 years) using validated questionnaires on personality (BPQ), sexual attitudes (BSAS), and sociodemographic factors. Non-parametric tests and logistic regressions were performed. Results: The results highlight significant differences in sexual attitudes based on sociodemographic characteristics, such as sexual orientation, type of relationship and cohabitation. High levels of pornography consumption are associated with drug use and greater permissiveness. A relationship was established between condom use and openness and intellect. Drug use scored high on extraversion and permissiveness. In relation to the use of dating apps, a positive relationship was found with permissiveness and substance use. Conclusions: The findings reveal a relationship between personality, sociodemographic characteristics, and risky behaviors, underscoring the need for tailored strategies in sexual health education for young adults.

7 February 2026

YouTube is a de facto learning environment for athletes seeking fast, actionable nutritional guidance, yet platform dynamics may favor simplified or testimonial narratives over evidence-aligned messages. This study maps Spanish-language sports-nutrition videos to clarify who is most visible, how advice is framed, and what users encounter first. We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study of 558 YouTube videos on pre/post-exercise nutrition and supplementation. Data was coded for video types (divulgation/testimonial), claim presence, evidence links, and creator status (professional/non-professional). Exposure-adjusted metrics (View Ratio, Viewer Interaction) and nonparametric tests summarized distributions. An undirected network generated centrality rankings to select qualitative samples. Thematic analysis of titles and descriptions identified recurring rhetorical patterns and discourse modes. Divulgation videos predominated (97.3%). Evidence links were rare (0.2%). Exposure and interaction were right-skewed, indicating concentrated visibility. Non-professionals produced most videos, with older uploads and higher daily view accrual; however, interaction per view was similar across groups. Qualitative synthesis revealed two dominant discourse modes, scientific–cautious and experience–testimonial. Oversimplification and motivational cues clustered in testimonial/non-professional items; instructional language and scarce evidence links concentrated in professional/divulgation items. In Spanish sports-nutrition content, visibility is concentrated, and creator identity shapes advice framing. Evidence-aligned messages can compete when expressed with clear athletic framing, explicit caveats, and links to trustworthy sources.

7 February 2026

Background: Youth with disabilities remain among the most overlooked groups in global sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) discourses, including in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, their SRHR needs are often ignored. This reflexive article aims to illuminate and recenter the experiences and perspectives of youth with disabilities living in Gulu City and Gulu District, Northern Uganda, exploring what matters to them regarding SRHR and their broader life aspirations. Methods: We adopted a qualitative, reflexive and participatory approach. Data were collected among six Ugandan young co-researchers with different disabilities (physical, visual, hearing, and albinism), who interacted with two Ugandan research assistants and a Canadian researcher involved in a larger SRHR research project. They engaged in in-person and virtual WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams exchanges over weeks, with the support of three Ugandan Sign Language interpreters. We thematically analyzed data, informed by the Intersectionality-based Policy Analysis and Structural Health Vulnerabilities and Agency frameworks. Results: Our analysis revealed four main findings: (1) the persistent feeling of social discrimination, stigma, and exclusion, including from parents, (2) inaccessible SRHR information and services, and knowledge gaps, (3) gender- and disability-based violence, and (4) youth with disabilities’ aspirations for SRHR and in life. Conclusions: The voices of youth with disabilities in Gulu underscore the value of disability equity-focused research. They reminded us that they are intelligent, capable, and thoughtful citizens with agency whose SRHR and broader well-being must be acknowledged and respected. Their perspectives carry critical implications for SRHR programming, policy, and research.

6 February 2026

Social inclusion of ethno-cultural minorities is a global concern which an acknowledged backlash against multiculturalism challenges. In Australia, some politicians and sections of the media have fuelled this backlash against refugee and minority culture young people by portraying them as involved in public violence. This article explores intersectional youth engagement and social change action. A school-based intercultural understanding initiative in a regional Northern NSW government primary school demonstrates how building intersectional connections and engaging in social change action can address ethno-cultural prejudice and discrimination within the school and wider community. The case study highlights a social change initiative where Indigenous Australian and Yazidi primary school students, their families, and school staff go out On Country together to progress intersectional intercultural understanding, networking, reciprocity, and solidarity. This initiative aimed to promote intersectional social inclusiveness while respecting and supporting diversity. The Together For Humanity Foundation, a non-profit provider of holistic schools-based intercultural understanding programmes, provided the resources to support the school’s partnership initiative. Drawing on Lundy and Cuevas-Parra’s intersectional framework, this article analyses the outcomes of the project from the perspectives of students and teachers.

3 February 2026

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Editors: Graham Connelly, Sarah Deeley, Dan Johnson

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Youth - ISSN 2673-995X