Category: Youth

Normally, behavior change intervention involves complex measures aimed at changing the behavior of an individual or a group of individuals. Regarding this particular research, it is aimed at studying health behaviors of a particular social group and introducing a behavior change concept that will improve a healthcare situation within a selected group and motivate people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For these purposes to be achieved, a number of scholarly resources will be used as the major means of systematization of the existing behavior change practices. It is known that in behavioral medicine clinicians resort to the concrete models to explain people’s health-related behavior: the health belief model (HBM), the transtheoretical model (TTM), reasoned and planned behavior theory, learning theories, and social cognitive theory (Jones, Smith, & Llewellyn, 2014). The ability to choose among the models allows one to operate with a greater number of behavior change techniques and develop a concept that can totally fulfill the initially set goals.

Population and Behavior Change Selection

The population under research will include young men and women from 14 to 21 years of age who may be classified as a high-risk group of people due to their health behavior. In accordance with the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), the overall health of middle and high school students is of the utmost concern in Jacksonville (Jones et al., 2014). Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) monitors the most spread health-risk behavior among youth and uncovers a number of factors leading to the problem aggravation.

Alcohol, tobacco, sexually transmitted diseases, and unhealthy dietary are usually in the list of the most threatening phenomena causing harm to a person’s state of health through toxic substances, excessive calories, and harmful bacteria.

Naturally, to have this situation improved a substantial behavior change intervention is required. That is why it is critical to develop a behavior change model that would prevent young men and women from such diseases as hepatic cirrhosis, pulmonary cancer, etc., which result from unhealthy behavior. As Hieftje, Edelman, Camenga, and Fiellin (2013) point out in their research, “using electronic media can improve health and safety behaviors in young persons” (p. 574). Considering this fact, it is reasonable to start implementing an electronic media model to stabilize the situation in Jacksonville.

Factors of Influence and the HBM/TTM

Alcohol and Tobacco

Naturally, these two factors appear to be the threat not only to youth but to people of middle and senior age as well. However, in the case of youth, they cause higher risk since adolescent organism is subject to a more destructive influence of the harmful substances these products contain. Normally, when communicating with their counterparts, young men and women share the habits of the latter and follow the established social trends in order to remain members of the same subculture.

Such a tendency quite often leads to keeping an unhealthy and even dangerous lifestyle. For a lot of people of younger age, alcohol and tobacco act as some sort of ‘maturity’ indicators that every teenager needs to try. Vagi, Olsen, Basile, and Vivolo-Kantor (2015) stress out that alcohol drinking is often associated with health-risk behaviors provoking violence among younger age representatives. The fact young men and women are usually not aware of the consequences such activity may lead to, brings another evidence to the statement that a serious intervention is required to change health behaviors of adolescents in Jacksonville and other cities across the USA.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

One more factor to mention is a high-risk sexual behavior. Led by their primary instincts, adolescents usually find it difficult to resist sexual desires and engage in behaviors that have a disruptive impact on both their mental and physical health. Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases turn out to be the burdens of the century that also act as the premises for further drama occurrences, such as abortion and sexual health deterioration.

Vagi et al. (2015) highlight that inability to find a sexual partner is, in the majority of cases, treated as an invalidity indicator, serving as a signal for society to ignore a person. Viewing it as a problem, many adolescents desperately try to find a sexual involvement and thus, often get into a variety of troubles.

Unhealthy Dietary

Another widely spread behavior leading to the occurrence of cardiovascular and weight disorders among youth is unhealthy dietary. The arrival of fast-food canteens and restaurants has seriously contributed to the problem aggravation. It is known that both teenagers and seniors suffer from the disorders due to a sedentary lifestyle and consuming unhealthy food on a daily basis. Thus, after a couple of decades, the excessive weight has turned out to be a problem to discuss nationwide.

As an attempt to combat the issue, healthcare organizations have introduced a behavior change model that is assigned to fight the problem not only in Florida but on a country-wide scale. The model presupposes mobile health interventions that “appear to be a viable health behavior change intervention modality for youth” (Fedele, Cushing, Fritz, Amaro, & Ortega, 2017, p. 461). With its help healthcare units expect to reduce the issue reoccurrence and raise youth’s interest for physical activities at one and the same time.

The HBM and the TTM Models and Their Implementation

As one of the earliest frameworks for explaining human behavior, the health belief model (HBM) states that health related actions are always taken on the basis of the six concepts of perception of a disease: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived costs, and cues to action. The model is mainly applicable for predicting limited or one-time behaviors. However, it is inappropriate when dealing with habitual behaviors (Davis, Campbell, Hildon, Hobbs, & Michie, 2015).

On the other hand, transtheoretical model (TTM) is more aimed at a gradual change of behavior and can be applied for transforming the established behavioral trends (Kowalski, Jeznach, & Tuokko, 2014). Considering the fact the model includes six stages of behavior intervention (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination), it has also acquired the name ‘stages of change.’ Regarding the purposes of this particular study, it is recommended to use the transtheoretical framework for the behavioral changes to be successful within a given population. The above-mentioned factors can only be removed when using a long-term behavior intervention strategy.

Behavior Change Techniques

Behavior change technique (BCT) is defined as a systematic procedure that is used as an active component of behavior change intervention. Among the three most frequently used techniques one may figure out persuasive communication, modeling, and fear appeals (Davis et al., 2015). As derived from the name, persuasive communication or persuasion presupposes influencing a person’s intentions or changing attitudes of a whole group (Davis et al., 2015).

The technique can bring results when operating with transtheoretical concepts used to improve the situation within a chosen population. Another effective technique is modeling, involving imitation and copying of other representatives of a social group.

It is inherent in the youth to copy each other and follow the most prominent fashion/communication trends, meaning that the method is also recommended to resort to when changing a behavior of an entire community. Finally, fear appeals that are widely used in commercials on TV can have a positive outcome as well. Adding pictures of various diseases to tobacco products and alcohol drinks, for example, can evoke fears of getting those diseases. The method is reasonable when attempting to break the bad habits posed as a defining feature of a younger generation.

Challenges of Model Implementation

The major challenge of the program implementation is delivering the key message to the audience in a proper way. Using media can, of course, greatly assist this matter, but alas commonly used sources of media, i.e., television and radio, do not enjoy wide popularity among youth and demonstrate low efficiency in the matters of information delivery. As Hieftje et al. (2013) highlight, “other types of media, such as computer or video games, may be more effective in producing behavior change because they encourage active engagement” (p. 574).

However, using computer games as the source of propaganda requires extra time, funds, and human resources that appear to be additional challenges to deal with. Moreover, one cannot neglect such a transtheoretical concept as imitation of the negative attitude. Thus, if some individuals express the opinion that the product is worthless, the rest may share their thoughts too.

Conclusion

Summarizing the results, the factors influencing health behaviors among adolescents in Jacksonville, Florida require introducing an efficient transtheoretical model of behavior change intervention. The model is supposed to be based on the three behavior change techniques, such as persuasive communication, modeling, and fear appeals, and involve the usage of electronic media. Each technique carries its own value in the matters of goals achievement. However, when used in complex, they create a favorable environment for healthier lifestyle promotion and overcoming the major challenges the program is expected to face.

References

Davis, R., Campbell, R., Hildon, Z., Hobbs, L., & Michie, S. (2015). Theories of behaviour and behaviour change across the social and behavioural sciences: A scoping review. Health Psychology Review, 9(3), 323-344.

Fedele, D. A., Cushing, C. C., Fritz, A., Amaro, C. M., & Ortega, A. (2017). Mobile health interventions for improving health outcomes in youth: A meta-analysis. Jama Pediatrics, 171(5), 461-469.

Hieftje, K., Edelman, E. J., Camenga, D. R., & Fiellin, L. E. (2013). Electronic media–based health interventions promoting behavior change in youth: A systematic review. JAMA Pediatrics, 167(6), 574-580.

Jones, C. J., Smith, H., & Llewellyn, C. (2014). Evaluating the effectiveness of health belief model interventions in improving adherence: A systematic review. Health Psychology Review, 8(3), 253-269.

Kowalski, K., Jeznach, A., & Tuokko, H. A. (2014). Stages of driving behavior change within the transtheoretical model (TM). Journal of Safety Research, 50, 17-25.

Vagi, K. J., Olsen, E. O. M., Basile, K. C., & Vivolo-Kantor, A. M. (2015). Teen dating violence (physical and sexual) among US high school students: Findings from the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(5), 474-482.

This paper discusses the National Safety Council’s recommendation on safe driving. It reviews the organization’s perspective on the issue and the strategies it proposes to reduce the risks of car accidents. The paper concentrates on safe driving for young people, summarizing the National Safety Council’s position and providing a personal opinion on the issue. It suggests the strategies for promoting defensive driving among teenagers and underlines the significance of precautionary education.

Recommendations on Safe Driving

Safety and concentration on the road should be drivers’ priorities. The National Safety Council (2018a) reports that in 2017, more than 40 thousands of people died in car accidents with the primary causes of crashes being speeding, alcohol, and distracted driving. As for many people driving is part of their jobs, the organization recommends the employers to offer driving courses to the employees and establish programs for those having problems with alcohol. The National Safety Council underlines that it is crucial to avoid the use of mobile phones while driving and wear seatbelts (The National Safety Council, 2018a).

The organization pays specific attention to making driving safe for young people. The National Safety Council (2018b) reports teenagers who continue to practice with their parents after obtaining a driver’s license eliminate their risks of being involved in a car accident. The organization warns young people against using their cell phones on the road, exceeding the speed limit, driving without a seatbelt, drinking before or while driving, and having extra passengers in the car.

Personal Opinion

The recommendations of the National Safety Council are reasonable and practical. I believe that many young people do not realize the risks associated with driving. It can be proven by statistical data that reveals that motor vehicle crashes are the primary cause of disability and death among adolescents globally (Delgado, Wanner, & McDonald, 2016). Young people can be easily distracted when they use their mobile phones to communicate with friends on the road. In my opinion, it is necessary for them and their parents to pay attention to their driving habits and gain the understanding of the factors that reduce the risks of being involved in a vehicle crash, including being focused on the road and avoiding phone conversations while driving.

I would like to add to the National Safety Council’s recommendations regarding young drivers. I believe that it is necessary to establish educational sessions in schools that provide information about safe driving and underline the significance of the issue. In my opinion, young people tend to underestimate the possible outcomes of road accidents. Training sessions can show teenagers the reasons why wearing a seatbelt is essential, and inform them about the adverse consequences of careless driving.

Moreover, young people can learn more about how the human brain performs multiple tasks at a time to see how using a cellphone while driving reduces concentration and can lead to an accident. It is crucial to point out that drivers need to prioritize their and passengers’ safety when on the road. If schools teach young people the rules of safe driving, the number of deaths and disabilities caused by motor vehicle crashes will be reduced.

Conclusion

Vehicle crashes can have severe consequences, which can be prevented by following safety rules. Drivers should wear seat belts and avoid drinking alcohol or using their mobile phones. Car accidents are the world’s primary cause of death and serious injuries among young people. It is necessary to eliminate the number of the incidents by promoting safety rules to teenagers and educating them on the ways to avoid a vehicle crash.

References

Delgado, M. K., Wanner, K. J., & McDonald, C. (2016). Adolescent cellphone use while driving: An overview of the literature and promising future directions for prevention. Media and Communication, 4(3), 79-89.

The National Safety Council (2018a). Safety on the road. Web.

The National Safety Council (2018b). Teens’ biggest safety threat is sitting on the driveway. Web.

Abstract

In this paper, the author analyzed the implementation process for a public health campaign on STDs among the youth. An effective campaign should pay attention to cultural diversity. Planning will ensure that the campaign impacts positively the target audience. The beneficiary group in this case is made up of the youth. The author analyzed barriers that may hinder the implementation process. Suggestions were made to overcome the challenges.

Key words: public health, campaign, youth

Introduction

Implementation entails putting a decision or a plan into action. A number of strategies will be used to actualize the envisaged public health campaign on STDs among the youth. In this paper, the author will analyze the implementation procedures and the challenges that may be encountered.

Implementation

Social marketing will be used to implement an effective campaign on STDs among the youth. Based on the principles of this strategy, individuals charged with the responsibility of implementing the campaign will focus on behavioral outcomes among the target group. The needs of the consumers will take precedence over those of the marketers (Storey, Saffitz & Rimon, 2008). Social media will be used to influence the behavior of the youth in relation to STDs. To this end, Facebook and Twitter accounts will be opened to promote the campaign.

Mass communication subjects a large portion of the population to messages through regular use of existing media. Such media include television, newspapers, and radio. Mass media aims to change the behavior of the whole society (Storey et al., 2008). To this end, campaigns will be launched to pass messages on STDs to the youth. Advertisements will be placed on radio, television, and other media to encourage the target group to use condoms and engage in safe sex (Wakefield, Loken & Hornik, 2010).

Implementation of the campaign will also entail engaging the youth at a personal level. What this means is that the persons in charge of the process will seek to establish contact with the target group at the grassroots level (Wakefield et al., 2010). To this end, concerts will be held to attract the youth. Such extravaganzas will bring onboard musicians and other celebrities to appeal to the target audience (Hagglund, Shigaki & McCall, 2009).

Lobbying will also be carried out. The government will be sensitized to increase funding to public health programs targeted at the youth. Legislators will be encouraged to pass laws that safeguard the health of this vulnerable group. On their part, medical practitioners will be convinced to provide health services that are sensitive to the needs of the youth (Resnick & Siegel, 2013).

Implementation Barriers

One possible challenge is the lack of funds. A lot of money will be needed to pay for the advertisements, hold the concerts, and pay the personnel involved in the implementation. There are not enough financial resources to cater for this (Collahan & Jennings, 2002). To overcome this problem, the individuals in charge of the campaign will look for alternative sources of funds (Hagglund et al., 2009). Such sources include holding fundraising dinners and submitting proposals to public and non-governmental organizations (Kass, 2001).

Another major challenge may entail political interference. It is noted that some politicians oppose programs that may not add value to their political life. As such, they may challenge the implementation of the campaign if they feel that it is not under their control (Hagglund et al., 2009). The challenge can be overcome by carrying out awareness among the political leaders in regions where the campaign is to be rolled out. The leaders will be informed of the importance of a healthy youth population in the society.

Conclusion

It is important to carry out regular public health campaigns in the community. In this paper, a campaign touching on STDs among the youth was analyzed. The implementation process will be carried out through media and direct engagement with the target group. A number of challenges are expected. It is important to address these hurdles to enhance the success of the program.

References

Collahan, D., & Jennings, B. (2002). Ethics and public health: Forging a strong relationship. American Journal of Public Health, 92(2), 167-176.

Hagglund, K., Shigaki, C., & McCall, J. (2009). New media: A third force in health care. In J. Parker & E. Thorson (Eds.), Health Communication in the new media landscape (pp. 417-436). New York. Springer Publishing Company.

Kass, N. (2001). An ethics framework for public health. Journal of Public Health, 91(11), 1776-1782.

Resnick, E. & Siegel, M. (2013). Marketing public health: Strategies to promote social change (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Storey, D., Saffitz, G., & Rimon, J. (2008). Social marketing. In K. Glanz, B. Rimer & K. Viswanath (Eds.), Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice (4th ed.), (pp. 435-464). San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons.

Wakefield, M., Loken, B., & Hornik, R. (2010). Use of mass media campaigns to change health behavior. The Lancet, 376(9748), 1261-1271.

Introduction

Periodontitis is a common dental disease affecting about 90% of the planet’s adult population. Just like caries, it leads to tooth loss. However, if almost everyone knows about the dangers, causes, and prevention of caries, then periodontitis is still a little-known disease for many (Preshaw & Bissett, 2019). The so-called periodontium surrounds human teeth. It consists of gums, blood vessels, and connective and bone tissue. The periodontium provides nutrition to the hard tissues of the tooth and the alveolar process – the part of the jaw in which the tooth sockets are located, and it also tightly holds the tooth in its place.

The paper provides a critical analysis of the study of this disease. In this situation, the article’s authors resorted to sex assessment using PCA analysis methods, which contribute to data dimensionality reduction with minor information loss and linear discriminant analysis with nonparametric statistic tools (Zhao et al., 2021). This choice is due to a small sample of 17 people, which is a problem in selecting suitable patients with all the appropriate input conditions for the experiment. The prevalence, complexity of the disease and potential harm to other systems of the human body dictate the need for its study.

A Review of the Data Analysis

Research Problem

Periodontitis is an infectious inflammation of the periodontium. It is often preceded by gingivitis, in which the gum’s surface becomes inflamed: there is bleeding and discomfort. With periodontitis, the inflammation penetrates more profoundly; the symptoms may intensify. If the disease is not treated, it turns into periodontal disease, in which bone tissue is destroyed, and teeth begin to fall out. Factors that create a favorable environment in the mouth for them to feed and reproduce cause this disease (Preshaw & Bissett, 2019). These include the following possible causes, which are common in most patients.

Firstly, poor oral hygiene: after eating, food particles remain in the gaps between the teeth, in the gum pockets – the depression between the gum and the tooth tissue: it is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. The less or carelessly people brush their teeth, the more likely they are to develop inflammation. Secondly, the cause may be tartar: every day, dental plaque, a biofilm of bacteria, forms on a person’s teeth.

Even in developed countries, the prevalence of the disease and the lack of adequate health education have become fundamental prerequisites for posing the research problem. An integrated approach used in the in-depth diagnosis of the disease at the microbiota level requires constant study of various aspects of periodontitis. In addition, side effects can harm the patient beyond the oral cavity, all the way to the immune system (Preshaw & Bissett, 2019). In order to study this issue in more detail, it often resorts to the demographic and other characteristics of patients to closely monitor the risk group. The wide range of microbiome variations in these traits points to the complex nature of the problem, requiring detailed research on each possible aspect.

Data Collection and Source

As mentioned above, the sample for this experiment is relatively tiny because rather severe conditions were set for selecting the necessary patients. As a result, 17 people were selected, eleven of whom were men. Inclusion criteria were between 20 and 44 years of age, resulting in a median of 35 and 34 years for males and females, respectively (Zhao et al., 2021). In addition, the presence of at least fifteen natural teeth was highlighted, while there was no fact of the introduction of antibiotics, treatment of periodontitis, bridges, implants, and prostheses, or systemic diseases, including infectious ones in the oral cavity. Finally, the patients had to be non-smokers to exclude bad habits’ harmful and robust influence on the experiment results.

Participants were validated by professionals in the field who are practicing dentists. A grade of periodontitis was included from mild to the most severe grade 4 (Zhao et al., 2021). The study was officially registered, and each participant went through the appropriate consent procedures before any necessary verification and control procedures for future data.

The experiment included procedures specific to this area for oral interviews, inspections, and taking samples with their special storage. At least nine health indicators were assessed for the appropriate classification of patients according to morbidity and other characteristics. The obtained samples were subjected to DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis using appropriate software, and finally, the obtained results were evaluated using several particular professional databases and analyzed the principal components of PCA and linear discriminant LEfSe (Zhao et al., 2021). Therefore, it can be concluded that the participation of patients was limited to oral interviews, examinations, and taking appropriate samples for further study using applied tools.

Variables

The fundamental division of the research experiment was the differentiation of groups by sex; however, a deep further analysis assumed the specific integration of multiple indicators. The demographic characteristics of patients are essential in the context of the study of this disease. Age did not show statistical significance in this experiment at p > 0.05 (Zhao et al., 2021). Gender in this context is the independent variable, while the dependent variable is the composition of the microbiome, in particular the number of specific species of representatives for pure marks, OTU, the Chao1 index, Simpson and Shannon, and the PD tree (Zhao et al., 2021). As a result, data differentiated by types and abundance of representatives of the microbiome were obtained and presented in the form of heat maps, cladograms, effect size diagrams, and tables.

The use of the linear discriminant analysis method is due to the continuity of the dependent variables, which in this case, do not meet the requirements of a normal distribution. In turn, the independent sex variable is discrete, simplifying the search for linear combinations of variables for dependence. Due to the broad differentiation of independent variables, different statistical analysis methods were used for each index.

Sample Size Estimation

When conducting studies determining the prevalence of a characteristic in a population, the calculation of the sample size is necessary for the resulting estimates to have the desired degree of accuracy. In effect-finding studies, sample size estimation is essential to ensure that it is likely to be found if a clinically or biologically significant effect exists, i.e., the analysis will yield statistically significant results (Wang & Ji, 2020). If the sample size is small, even if there are significant differences between groups, it will not be possible to prove that they result from something other than sample variability.

In this case, the second aspect is used when the effect of the sex-specific influence of various specific indices and microbiota composition is assessed. Accordingly, such checks were carried out primarily for dependent variables. The significance level is the threshold value for the p-score below which the null hypothesis must be rejected, and it is concluded that there is evidence of an effect – it was taken as 0.05 (Zhao et al., 2021). The null hypothesis was the lack of a relationship between sex and microbiota structure in young people with severe periodontitis (Zhao et al., 2021). At the same time, the purpose of the study was also exploratory and prognostic in the specifics of the influence of specific microbiota representatives on the disease’s development and its course.

In this regard, such a small sample is justified in the framework of this experiment. There is no need to project the results to a significantly larger population due to the specifics of representatives of the same race and age and the emphasis solely on the gender of the participants. The clinically significant effect size is the slightest difference between group means or percentages of events within the odds ratios closest to unity risk that can still be considered biologically or clinically significant (Wang & Ji, 2020). The sample size should be such that if such differences exist, then the study would produce statistically significant results. Within the framework of this experiment, the results turned out to be statistically significant, which led to the cancellation of the null hypothesis. Formally, the information was confirmed by multiple checks as part of the evaluation of dependent variables, which will be discussed below.

Appropriateness of Statistic

Initially, the analysis was carried out to understand the statistical significance of age as a separate independent variable. The assessment showed that age differences are not statistically significant, which allows us to ignore this variable as influencing the course and results of the experiment under these conditions (Zhao et al., 2021). The Illumina MiSeq and QIIME software tools and the clustering of individual microbiota sequences showed thinning curves with a trend toward more excellent saturation, confirming that the sample was sufficient to capture statistically significant information from the results.

Indexes such as Simpson, Shannon, Chao1, and tree PD measurements were tested using the Wilcoxon rank sum nonparametric statistical test with a significance level of less than 1%. The results showed that the Simpson and Shannon indices did not differ in patients with different stages of the disease close to advanced at a confidence level already greater than 5% (Zhao et al., 2021). The advantage of this test is that it gives significant results on pretty small samples. Using its assessment of differences between two samples by the level of any trait, measured quantitatively, allows for building a heat map with a broad differentiation of dependent variables that do not have a normal distribution.

Further results have already been evaluated using other statistical analyses. Differences directly in the microbiota composition in quantitative characteristics of abundance with weighted voting and analysis of PCA and PCoA showed a difference in sex groups with a statistical significance of less than 0.1% (Zhao et al., 2021). At the same time, the authors of the study resorted to non-metric multidimensional NMDS scaling based on unweighted UniFrac distances, which partially offset the small sample sizes.

The evaluation of the effect of linear discriminant analysis LEfSe has already been used as a link between the predictive function of the experiment to identify specific representatives of the microbiota that create a statistically significant difference between groups. As a result, taxa characteristics of both males and females were identified, which makes an essential contribution to the study of this disease, albeit on such a local scale.

The further development of diseases associated with immunity was dictated by such a difference in the differentiation of the microbiota composition. Identifying specific representatives using the KEGG pathway mechanism made it possible to implement the predictive function of potential hazards for patients with severe forms of periodontitis. Although the Wilcoxon tests were found to be different in level for each particle identified, statistically significant gender differences were found (Zhao et al., 2021). The immune system of women appeared to be more prepared and enriched, while that of men was at greater risk. At the same time, the potential for the development of cardiovascular diseases caused by these representatives was revealed, with a noticeable difference between the sexes confirmed by the tests.

Given the specifics of data processing, the use of nonparametric methods that do not exclude statistical inference and the possibility of constructing a distribution in some instances is justified due to the broad differentiation of dependent variables. Parametric tests are more powerful than nonparametric ones in the case of normal population distribution. Nonparametric tests are less sensitive than their parametric counterparts, and if it is essential to detect even slight deviations, special care should be taken in choosing the test statistic (Davis et al., 2019). However, some problems may arise with the interval scale if the data are not presented in standardized estimates. The human oral microbiota is still under active study; therefore, no general standards for its assessment have yet been identified. In addition, checking the distribution for normality requires rather complex calculations, the result of which is not known in advance. More often, the distribution of signs differs from the normal one; then, one has to turn to nonparametric criteria.

Nonparametric tests are devoid of the above limitations. However, they do not allow a direct assessment of the level of such important parameters as the mean or variance; with their help, it is impossible to assess the interactions of two or more conditions or factors that affect the change in signs. In addition, nonparametric methods are most justified with small samples, which is entirely consistent with this case.

Data Display

The reflection of the data obtained is an essential illustration due to the broad differentiation of the representatives of the microbiota and the multi-stage evaluation of the study. Although ultimately, a statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients by gender is considered, the specifics of processing the data obtained require the use of a large number of different tools with non-parametric methods of evaluation. Each step of the study is illustrated either by a table or a suitable diagram, both in heat maps and three-dimensional boxplots (Zhao et al., 2021). Considering that the experiment stages have different functions, from finding dependence to predicting the development of the disease, methods specific to the medical field are used to demonstrate data.

In fact, the prediction stage uses bioinformatic resources to assess the impact of the identified representatives of the microbiota on the health of the patient as a whole. Metabolic pathways for specific input data may reflect the potential development of the course of the disease in severe forms, at least within this small sample. Extrapolation to larger populations is limited by many factors, including demographics, which, according to the article’s literature review, also have a statistically meaningful effect on disease progression.

Nevertheless, such a comprehensive analysis makes it possible to visualize the data obtained in several diverse figures in the article. The illustration of the results is crucial for the convenience of their potential implementation and use as a foundation for further research. When integrating related knowledge, the reflection of the output data can at least help in the fine work with the disease of the representatives of this sample, which can potentially lead to better results in the treatment, diagnosis, and control of the disease. Although the professional interpretation of the study’s results is currently imprecise, it provides food for more targeted practical experiments in this field of medicine.

Data Analysis Evaluation

The data analysis and literature review section of many studies are critical for several reasons. First, these chapters form the basis of the experiment, postulating a problem mentioned in other works, causing the motivation and necessity of such an activity. Secondly, they provide an understanding of potential blind spots in this area, which, when analyzed in detail, determines the primary tasks in the study of a particular disease. Finally, any inconsistency or misunderstanding in these matters on the part of the authors may lead to a distortion of the results, which, as a rule, are used in practical medicine. In this regard, a preliminary critical assessment of this section is always necessary.

Nurses often skip this section due to its volume with limited time resources, entirely relying on the conscientiousness of the authors of the articles. At the same time, in this situation of increased responsibility, especially with patients with severe forms of diseases, only professional knowledge is not enough. Statistical analysis provides essential indicators of the degree of confidence in the results obtained and understanding the motivation for sample size; choice of confidence interval should also be subjected to preliminary critical evaluation.

Projecting the preceding onto this study, it should be said that the identified representatives of the microbiota by sex groups can similarly affect patients only in the specified age range, the selected race, and the set of conditions given in the article as input data. First, the apparent influences of smoking, dietary habits, the presence of systematic treatment, or other oral cavity diseases can significantly affect each stage of the experiment, completely changing, for example, the predictive conclusions of the study. Secondly, in addition to these aspects, there are many more hidden ones that should also be focused on: for example, the cultural characteristics of the behavior of patients of a particular race, chronic diseases of the immune system, taking certain drugs, up to a genetic predisposition. Although patients’ DNA is analyzed in this situation, many features of this structure are still under active study and can give completely polar results without a preliminary critical assessment of these sections.

Conclusion

In this paper, the article What is the Sex Variations in the Oral Microbiomes of Youths with Severe Periodontitis was critically evaluated for the adequacy and practical significance of the statistical methods used. The analysis showed that, despite a small sample, a step-by-step examination of specific aspects of the disease with a differentiated assessment of statistical significance using non-parametric methods provides an understanding of the difference in the course of the disease by sex and is also predictive of the context of the demographic characteristics of the sample. Finally, the importance of the literature review sections, data analysis, and understanding of statistical tools in the professional and applied nursing practice was assessed.

References

Davis, S. E., Greevy Jr, R. A., Fonnesbeck, C., Lasko, T. A., Walsh, C. G., & Matheny, M. E. (2019). A nonparametric updating method to correct clinical prediction model drift. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(12), 1448-1457.

Preshaw, P. M., & Bissett, S. M. (2019). Periodontitis and diabetes. British Dental Journal, 227(7), 577-584.

Wang, X., & Ji, X. (2020). Sample size estimation in clinical research: from randomized controlled trials to observational studies. Chest, 158(1), S12-S20.

Zhao, Y. Q., Zhou, Y. H., Zhao, J., Feng, Y., Gao, Z. R., Ye, Q. & Guo, Y. (2021). Sex Variations in the Oral Microbiomes of Youths with Severe Periodontitis. Journal of Immunology Research, 2021.

The youth form an important part of every society since they are energetic, more informed, and aware of the unique challenges they go through in their lives. In many countries, these individuals aged between 18 and 40 form the majority of the population. The absence of adequate support systems and resources can leave these individuals disoriented and eventually undermine economic performance and security levels. The establishment of many youth-led non-profit organizations (NGOs) in Negara Brunei Darussalam is an effort that seeks to empower more individuals to achieve their cultural, social, economic, spiritual, and mental objectives, protect the integrity of the natural environment, create job opportunities, and generate new ideas for transforming the society. Their activities and strategies show that these members of the society can join hands to establish a new sense of identity and promote ethical or moral values in their respective nations. This discussion examines the nature of such efforts and how they are transforming the lives of young citizens in the country.

Youth-Led NGOs in Negara Brunei Darussalam

Within the past three decades, the youth in Brunei Darussalam has been on the frontline to identify the trends recorded in different parts of the world in an attempt to implement similar practices in the country. This evidence-based practice has resulted in more youth-led organizations and programs aimed at changing the fate of many citizens. First, Green Brunei is one of such agencies that have been operating in this nation since the year 2012 (Green Brunei, n.d.). The founders of this NGO focus on some of the best approaches to engage more citizens in research and take the issue of conservation to the next level.

Second, the Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT) has been promoting powerful initiatives to fight poverty and encourage people to embrace sustainable practices in their lives. This NGO targets underprivileged communities and collects adequate resources from sponsors to meet the demands of the less fortunate (Society for Community Outreach & Training, 2018). Such an effort has made it possible for more people to overcome their challenges and eventually consider new ways of becoming sustainable or self-sufficient.

Third, Brunei Youth Council (MBB) is a youth-founded NGO that plays the role of a coordinator in Brunei by ensuring that all welfare agencies and organizations focus on similar goals. It has volunteers who unite all young people in different regions to promote the economic, mental, and spiritual gains of different beneficiaries (Brunei Youth Council, n.d.). The NGO encourages all partners to consider the importance of remaining responsible and developing a sense of national pride or identity.

On top of these NGOs, the youth have been keen to use youth leadership conventions to monitor some of the challenges many young people face. They acquire new ideas and share concepts that can be implemented in different regions depending on the beneficiaries’ needs. Most of these practices and initiatives echo the actions of many youths in several countries in the region (Brunei Youth Council, n.d.). This remains the case since the global society continues to face numerous challenges, including climatic change, unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Such predicaments have triggered a paradigm shift in Brunei in an attempt to support more individuals to achieve their goals while at the same time empowering their neighbors.

Youth Empowerment and Participation

My personal experience reveals that disempowered youths find it hard to engage in meaningful activities that have the potential to support their professional goals. The government and the established welfare programs have failed to meet the demands of all citizens. This obstacle explains why many young citizens have been keen to identify emerging trends in different regions, including innovation, technology, social media, and entrepreneurship. Such efforts have the potential to transform the experiences of many people below the age of 40 and make it easier for them to record meaningful social mobility indexes (Martínez et al., 2016). The case of Brunei appears to borrow a similar model to guide more youthful members of the society and equip them with the relevant ideas that can make them successful.

The decision by the youth of Brunei Darussalam to establish different NGOs is a remarkable case study for understanding how different members of the society can collaborate to encourage more individuals to participate in value addition programs. Using the example of SCOT, it is evident that NGOs have been instrumental in providing adequate resources to young people to engage in different activities that can make it easier for them to address the problem of poverty (Society for Community Outreach & Training, 2018). The organization has been involved in undertaking different studies that seek to analyze and present the facts on the challenges many citizens have to experience in their lives. The acquired findings become new guidelines for understanding how to provide additional support to underprivileged communities.

The focus on the youth is a good practice that guides them to acquire additional skills in a number of areas, such as agricultural practices and entrepreneurship. They share such competencies, thereby empowering all beneficiaries to collaborate and consider the importance of introducing sustainable projects to fight the vicious cycle of poverty in the country (Society for Community Outreach & Training, 2018). All the targeted youths find new reasons to think outside the box and consider additional strategies to meet the changing demands of their family members.

The initiatives and actions different youth-led NGOs undertake have revolutionized the concept of youth empowerment. They have been achieving positive results by ensuring that more children and young adults take control of their lives. The leaders of such NGOs have been keen to analyze and monitor the specific problems every local community experiences. The acquired information is what guides such managers to identify the right resources and tools that can support their needs (Martínez et al., 2016). Additionally, the agencies have been providing additional instructions and ideas that result in the formulation of new personal philosophies, ethical standards, and beliefs. The acquisition of such values makes it possible for the beneficiaries to establish new identities and work ethics. These gains are essential since they have the potential to make a significant difference between personal success and failure.

The idea of participation has become a reality in this country due to the number of conventions and conferences organized periodically. Such platforms encourage more young citizens to be involved and present additional insights for launching new projects. This strategy equips the youth with emerging concepts, resources, and tools that can support their goals (BYLC, n.d.). Each forum becomes a new opportunity for more individuals to receive new financial resources and sponsorships from well-wishers and other established NGOs. Without such initiatives, more young citizens in t country would be unable to get the outlined incentives and support.

Members of the society who participate in the Brunei Young Leaders Convention get an opportunity to learn about the major approaches and roles they can undertake to transform policymaking processes in the country. The opportunity gives them a chance to present their grievances and encourage different leaders or agencies to consider new ways to address them. The beneficiaries go further to share emerging ideas with one another and conceive new strategies for addressing their common problems (Wong, 2018). Additionally, the attendees acquire numerous skills in entrepreneurship and business management. They have also been keen to monitor emerging innovations and technologies that can solve of the problems they encounter in their lives. These developments explain why the levels of crime and poverty in different underserved regions of Brunei have declined within the past two decades (Wong, 2018). Chances are also high that this country will continue to achieve most of its economic goals due to the involvement of more young people.

The case of Green Brunei goes further to take the issue of youth participation and empowerment to the next level. This youth-led agency promotes and guides its members and other citizens to protect and promote the sustainability of the natural environment. Those in leadership positions introduce superior initiatives that encourage more individuals to engage in evidence-based practices that can minimize pollution and promote the idea of conservation (“Youth awardees,” 2019). They go further to present new concepts for engaging in advocacy. These developments have managed to inform more members of the wider society to consider sustainable sources for energy that do not disorient the integrity of the environment, such as solar power. This NGO has also been promoting dialogues and educational activities to encourage more young people to take up leadership roles in their respective regions (Abu Baker, 2019). Such an action plan is critical since it will support the sustainability efforts different organizations undertake and eventually protect the natural environment for posterity.

The achievements outlined above reveal that the youth in Brunei have appreciated the fact that the government can do very little to change their life experiences. Since the country being underdeveloped, such individuals have been keen to think outside the box and pursue new practices that have exposed their maximum potential. The support such NGOs receive from different sources has made them sustainable and capable of addressing the predicaments many people have been going through in this country (Brunei Youth Council, n.d.). Those who engage in different conventions and seminars acquire new ideas for pursuing their entrepreneurial objectives and developing a superior philosophy of life. These examples should, therefore, become a powerful model for all young people across the globe to protect the environment and transform their economic experiences.

Conclusion

The above discussion has described the how the youth of Brunei have transformed their country by engaging in advocacy and establishing NGOs that resonate with their needs. This strategy has become a new opportunity for them to share their experiences, identify emerging trends, solve environmental challenges, and acquire entrepreneurial skills to transform their lives. Such initiatives, therefore, explain why young people in different parts of the world should act swiftly to empower one another and participate in actions that have the potential to improve their economic gains and record meaningful social mobilities.

References

1. Abu Baker, R. H. (2019). 200 youth gather for Brunei Young Leaders Convention. The Scoop. Web.
2. Brunei Youth Council. (n.d.). About us. Web.
3. BYLC. (n.d.). About. Web.
4. Green Brunei. (n.d.). About. Web.
5. Martínez, X. Ú., Jiménez-Morales, M., Masó, P. S., & Bernet, J. T. (2016). Exploring the conceptualization and research of empowerment in the field of youth. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 22(4), 405-418. Web.
6. Society for Community Outreach & Training. (2018). About SCOT. Web.
7. Wong, A. (2018). ‘We must take Brunei forward’. Biz Brunei. Web.
8. Youth awardees developing platforms for employment and entrepreneurship. (2019). Biz Brunei.

Research Topic

The article discusses why youth love social network sites and the role of networked publics in the lives of teenagers. It explains why these sites are important, how they fit into teenagers’ lives, and their importance as well as effects on face-to-face interactions.

Literature Review

The author of the article, Danah Boyd, uses different resources to support and supplement her arguments and define terms. For example, she cites studies conducted by PEW on youths’ access to the Internet and the use of social network sites. The studies conducted in 2004 and 2006 revealed that approximately 55% of teenagers with access to the Internet created profiles on social network sites.

Teenagers who did not participate in social networking were either unable to do it because of parental control or of being on planes, where social networks are banned. The literature review discusses several ways in which teenagers experience social life online, and the role played by race, social class, and gender.

Design/Methodology

The arguments contained in the article are based on ethnographic data collected from Boyd’s two-year study that involved the evaluation of teenagers’ participation in MySpace. She observed participants’ engagement with the social network site and spent a lot of time in their company. In addition, she conducted qualitative interviews in both online and offline spaces. The author utilized observation and interviews as the main data collection methods. Moreover, she analyzed the profiles and blogs of teenagers in various places in the United States.

Results

Boyd found out that teenagers love social networking sites because they aid in the formation of social identities, understanding cultural cues, and negotiating public life. Interacting with other teenagers helps young people to socialize and introduces them to the boundaries of the social world and the adult society.

Discussion

The researcher argues that society, law, market, and architecture are the primary forces behind contemporary teen culture involving the love of social networking sites. Societal hypocrisy is prevalent, and teenagers are in need of proper social identity. These forces have shifted how youths are perceived and treated. The Internet allows teenagers unlimited access to unregulated publics, where they can express themselves freely without control or censure.

Recommendation for Future Research

The article expresses the need for the study of the long-term implications of socialization into a culture that is rooted in social networks.

Educational Implications of Findings

The author has noted that the Internet and teenagers’ involvement in social networks is causing numerous changes. Young people are using social networks to access adult society, express themselves without censure, and create social identities. However, the lack of control or regulation is perilous because of the existence of what Boyd calls networked publics. It is important to conduct further studies to determine how teenage socialization into a culture rooted in networked publics will affect them in the long run.

According to the findings of the study, it is important to educate teenagers on the best way to use technology and networked publics because they will not go away. Teenagers need education on how to navigate social structures whose long-term social implications are unknown. Limiting access to networked publics is not the solution because they will encounter them as adults. In that regard, the best solution is to help teenagers use networked publics to form and enact their social identities.

Social networks play a critical role in the socialization of teenagers because of their influence on the setting and reinforcement of norms. Teenage social identity is largely defined by others. Therefore, unguided access to networked publics can lead to the formation of social identities that do not reflect the values and visions of teenagers. The new social realm being provided by the Internet can be a source of social change or degradation. It is the responsibility of parents and educators to teach teenagers how to avoid the negative influence of socialization through online networking sites. The absence of visible audiences in online socialization alters the way people interact and communicate.

Chapter seven

Youth play an important role in taking music to a different level, both locally and globally. The seventh chapter presents a critical analysis of roles played by the youth to ensure media present cultural values. Most youth exhibits natural identity in their musical career despite the adoption of global music in which they consider vital for their local identity. For instance, the Mexican youth are so creative that they use some of the best global music and turn the concept to suit local identity. This shows the ability to adopt a creative fusion of media between the conventional cultural values and the western media. Another example in adopting this fusion happens in Algerian; from these examples, it is justified to conclude that youth play a vital role in adopting and configuring global media to suit the relevance and values of the local community. However, there are some challenges that impede these processes. Cultural homogenization remains the number one challenge. Other issues include wealth reinforcement, wealth, and socio-economic challenges. These challenges are the main hindrance in the proliferation of translational cultural aspects and media.

Many theorists believe that media play a significant role in shaping the destiny of America both politically and economically. For instance, TV and American series had a pivotal role in promulgating capitalist value in the developing countries. It is from this context that most of these theorists are convinced that America was able to define its superiority in economy and strength in warfare. Capitalist value not only strengthens America’s position as the world’s most superpower but also generates a market for its businesses. Conclusively, this chapter presents the role youth have played in changing methods of media production. Most youths think globally but act locally. This is the most significant attribute that drives the quest and the ability to configure global music for local consumption.

Chapter eight

The youth have realized the need for flexibility and adoption of media aspects that crisscross borders. This virtue allows the group to integrate cultural values from various religions and ethnic backgrounds. It emerges that most of the youth experience race and ethnic challenges when configuring global media for local consumption. As much as race and ethnicity are important factors that need consideration, most youths believe that style and mode of music delivery are the defining moments if one is to make an impact in the industry. Youth also tend to unravel virtues that helps in a person’s identity. Cultural globalization and socio-economic play an important role in defining youth identity. However, many believe that a person’s origin and traditions do not account for identity.

This chapter shows that most young people would integrate several cultural values in the media even though most of those attributes would originate from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. This shows the quest to integrate a hybrid system and cross-cultural media for local consumption without compromising the local cultural values. As far as most young people are concerned, media relates to lifestyle, sporting events, filming of events, fashion, and music. It appears that many young people reject commercial media for reasons best known to them. The same trend is true within the commercial industry because a majority of youth identify themselves with initial values that relate to cultural values of their origin. A typical example is found in the Pakistani youth, most of who use religion to identify themselves.

As much as these facts define most youth from across the globe, it appears that they lack purity, rigidity, and authentic orientation in defining the stand from a media perspective. It is justified to conclude that most youth exhibits cross-cultural attributes owing to the quest of integrating multiple cultural values for good media output.

Chapter nine

This section realigns the discussion from the previous chapters. Youth have no borders in age, ethnicity, sexuality, or even class; the female artists, for instance, are more confident than the male artists because they adopt a different approach from their male counterparts that use explicit language when performing music. However, a good number of theorists believe that media proliferation and the role youth take in this industry continue to pose numerous challenges to the entire community. The negative influence of media on the youth outweighs the benefits if considered from a critical angle. The youth are very anxious about the digital means of communication, and most of them would only take an active role in the negative influence of these novel technologies.

Using American statistics as an example of this scenario, most young people are anxious about media proliferation, especially from social platforms. The number of youth attracted to pornographic materials is increasing on a day-to-day basis. As much as many studies show that these people play an integral role in configuring global music and art media to forms that are consumable by the local community, they cannot achieve this objective without guidance and proper supervision. Video gaming is also crucial because it influences violent behaviors. Most youth attempts to practice violent activities they see in such games.

Works Cited

Osgerby, Bill. Youth Media. Edited by Paul Cobley, Routledge, 2004.

Advertisements are used to promote certain products and services. Therefore, advertisements are used to create awareness to the public about products and services that are available in the market. They also inform the public on how and where to get the advertised products. Advertisements are used to capture the attention of the public. This is in order for the public to accept these products and services. The message that is passed by these advertisements is usually controlled. That is advertisements are used to convey certain messages which are intended for the public. These messages affect and change the attitude of the public about the products and services that are advertised. Advertisements manipulate the public in order to increase their sales. This kind of situation therefore can lead to consumerism. This is a situation whereby one unquestionably accepts goods, services, and ideas. The acceptance of these things normally leads to family disunity, financial drain, and a generally weakened nation/society.

This is a result of what advertisements or mass media tell people to do and believe. This situation can further lead to materialism, a condition whereby people want to acquire possessions and wealth regardless of ethical or spiritual considerations. This is because of the promising slogans that are normally in the advertisements. For instance, they promise to give people fulfillment and happiness. Therefore these advertisements persuade people to get the “need” regardless of there being a genuine need for security, sustenance, or safety. Advertisement can cause people to choose materialism over self-restraint. But the question to ask is whether these goods bring satisfaction or fulfillment that is said by these advertisements. People seem to be losing focus on what is important. As consumers of the products and services offered, we are supposed to be very careful in order to know the deceptive advertisements. The concept of consumption is very important when it comes to advertisements. These advertisements are intended for the consumers (people who will need and use certain products and services). Advertising can therefore make consumers look greedy. They tend to create a situation whereby the consumer wants more and more.

One technique that is used by many advertising firms is the concept of fear and inclusion. The term inclusion is used to mean, to embrace all people regardless of their gender, race medical disability, or any other need. Whereas fear is a form of threat used in order to stimulate a change of attitude, this is not necessarily a conscious action, most of the time it is an unconscious action. Many advertisements try to play on our unconscious feelings. For instance, the fear of not fitting into a certain group can really bother youths. Fitting into certain groups is very important to the youths. So any advertisement that might help the youth to fit in is taken as the truth. For instance, if wearing certain clothes from certain designers is advertised as what will make one popular, then every youth will want to buy his/her clothes from that company.

This form of advertisement usually uses the fears of the youth by making certain things more desirable than others. (Fredric, 1994) So the youth are fearful that if they do not buy these kinds of clothes then they will not be popular. Using fear is one way of persuading the youth to buy the advertised products. Advertisements are used in order to increase sales so they attack the weak points of the consumers so that they can buy their products. This can lead to consumerism whereby the youths will want to buy goods/products even without questioning. At times the products that they buy might not be helpful. They will buy the products just because they seem to be popular among a certain age group. This kind of advertisement can lead to impulse buying and a waste of finances. As stated earlier this can also bring family disunity and in the long run a disunited country. Impulse buying can strain the finances of a family thereby creating tension and disunity in the family.

Inclusion on the other hand tries to make the target group fit into that specific group. For instance, the inclusion of marginalized people in a certain advertisement will help those people to fit into society. Today most advertisements are using children or the youth. This has on the one hand given the youth a voice in society, they are able to express themselves. But on the other hand, these advertisements have instilled in them the concepts of consumerism and materialism. Teenagers between the ages of six to eighteen are most materialistic. They want things for themselves (Adverse Effects of materialism on youth 2007).

Teenagers in this age bracket are so concerned about what is advertised. Research suggests that these teenagers enjoy shopping, they would be happier if they would buy more things for themselves and finally when they grow up they will be happier if they have money. An adverse effect of materialism is that it makes teenagers not to be appreciative and thankful for the things that they have. It creates an attitude of wanting more and more. To them, happiness is acquired through material things. For example having things for themselves like Cd’s, computers, cell phones, presents, and money will make them happy. Sharing is an important concept in human life, but materialism deprives one of this important virtue (Adverse Effects of materialism on youth 2007).

One of the main concerns of children between ages six to fourteen is acceptance. Being accepted by society and their friends is quite important. Advertisements that use the concept of fear and Inclusion do not help the situation. This is because the “cool” products are what every youth should have. This is what is expressed by the slogans that are used in the advertisements. Advertisements about clothes, games and other products are meant to distinguish between “cool” kids and the not-so-cool. This situation enhances the concept of consumerism and materialism. The kids want these products regardless of whether they are useful or not. That is without question. Materialism makes a person lack self-control/self-restraint. If people lose self-control they end up doing things that affect them negatively. For instance, buying products or services that are not helpful is not very wise. And at times people end up using money that was allocated for something else. Advertisements normally tend to misinform the consumer/ reader /buyer. And they make him/her irrational rather than rational. The buyer does not consider the cost of the product or the quality of information given by the advertisement. Therefore the unquestionable buying of products at times even leads the buyer to buy products that are of low quality and even at times these products do not make them happy.

As stated earlier consumption is the concept of using/ buying products and services. Consumption has adverse effects on the American youths (George, 2001). This is because the youth want to buy everything that is advertised, for instance, when it comes to food products, the kids want to eat almost everything in the stores. This has increased the number of obese children. These numbers of teenagers who are dealing with weight problems are many. The advertisement encourages teenagers to buy foodstuffs and some of them have negative effects on their bodies. This means that a lot of families are using so much money while trying to help their teenagers to lose weight. This weight gain also has certain medical problems, for example, most teenagers who are overweight suffer from diabetes type two. There is a direct connection between weight gain and diabetes type two.

This is normally a result of consuming products that are not healthy. These include products such as junk food which encourages weight gain. For instance, teenagers love to take soft drinks, which are sodas and other sweetened beverages; these increase the chances of greater weight gain. Other medical problems that teenagers can have by being overweight include asthma, cancer, kidney stones, high blood pressure, joint problems, and self-esteem issues. With this kind of trend, there is a threat of having a generation of teenagers that might live shorter lives than their parents. This is an adverse effect of consumption. This is because the teenagers believe the slogans that are used in advertisements and they believe that the products are important to them. This kind of advertising leads to poor eating habits. For instance, the teenagers are told by the slogans that alcohol and cigarette consumption is fine. Teenagers take up this habit. This is quite dangerous to their health. These products endanger the health of teenagers; just because they believe the advertisements and also that the products are important to them.

Food consumption is not the only cause of medical problems among teenagers. The use of some of the products enhances medical problems. Most teenagers between ages 6-14 consider technology to be quite relevant to their lives. For instance, they want to own Cd’s, video games, and computers. This reduced physical activity also contributes to weight gain. It encourages the kids to stay indoors rather than going out to play. At times the severely overweight teenagers require expensive Bariatric surgery. If the children are encouraged to have outdoor games, this might help to maintain the appropriate weight where the hospital expenses would reduce. These expenses are a result of the consumption of products that are not very useful to teenagers.

Advertising is deceptive. This is the first thing that these children need to know, that is, Advertising companies use narrations, music theatrical performances, images, superimposed illustrations, and others things to achieve the desired effect. They use false claims/slogans, deceptive images of the products, and visual fantasies and put them together in order to have various approaches to the product. For example, Gelatin desserts are made denser than they normally are. Most advertisements convey a message of celebration of life. They intend to convince the viewer that he/she has the ability to escape from everyday life. They appeal to the desire to have a perfect world, with a lot of freedom and perfection.

Everyone wants a better life. This desire for a better life is manipulated by the advertisements. Today most advertisements convey a sense of happiness, where people have a lot of energy, people dancing, with very bright colors, perfect hair, and good lives. But the truth is life is not perfect. Everyday life is characterized by a lot of flaws. Advertisements create the “perfect intended world” which is based on our desire and fantasies. Advertisements fake the appearance of products, places, situations, and people and also give false claims/slogans and promises. (Michael, 1997) The advertising companies take up our fears, desires, and our world and compose them into their intended worlds. Many viewers, readers, and buyers know that they are being manipulated but still many respond to these advertisements by buying the advertised products. This has resulted in a society full of materialists and consumerists.

This situation has resulted in a society that is easily manipulated through media literacy so much can change. Media literacy is the ability to sieve through and analyze messages that entertain, sell and inform people every day (Buckingham, 1995). The goal of media literacy is to help people to become sophisticated citizens rather than sophisticated consumers. Media literacy should integrate textual analysis together with the issues of production and the reception of the products. These skills are incorporated into the school curriculum will help the students to identify the ideas in either visual media, written or audio. The skills will also enable the students to specifically analyze the audience, point of view, construction techniques, the purpose of the massage. The students can also identify any omitted information in the advertisements. This will help them not to be manipulated (Michael, 1997).

The advertising firms should also have some code of advertising, for instance, advertising firms should infuse in their advertisements cultural values and practices. Some of these values include Afrocentrism, ethnic identity, and religiosity. Research has shown that teenagers who have these cultural values are not easily manipulated by their peers, that is, the need to fit into a certain group is not so much. Therefore the need to have a lot of things in order to fit in is not so much. Through media literacy, these children will be in a position to analyze the advertisements and be in a position to know what is important. Even teenagers with high-risk peer pressure will be in a position to deal with the situation. This can only be achieved through media literacy.

Media literacy also enables teenagers to know how to spend their time. The teenagers are taught how to spend their time. If media literacy is taught to these children then they would know how to deal with the technology (James, 2005) where the teenagers are taught how to make choices. When they acquire these skills, they are able to plan their time, For example, the teenagers are able to reduce the time that they spend with films, electronic, videos, television and other forms of print media. This encourages the teenagers to take up outdoor sports which are healthy.

Religious values if used in advertisements would help the teenagers to be contented with the things that they have. Today the advertisements portray people as greedy, always wanting more and more, but religious believes moderate peer risk behavior. Teenagers who have these cultural values and practices are able to handle peer pressure better. Thus media literacy should be included in the school curriculum to help the student deal with their religious beliefs as they ought to.

Media literacy will enable the students to know that the advertisements are only trying to sell the products and mostly these products are not good for them. So the advertisements normalize and glamorize such unhealthy behavior like advertisements try to normalize cigarette and alcohol use. Therefore media literacy will increase the awareness of the teenagers. The knowledge of how the media is packaged and produced will enable the teenagers to be more critical. This knowledge will help them to be more critical to what they get through the media, that is, what they see and hear. With this kind of knowledge, it is very unlikely that the teenagers will engage in unhealthy behavior.

Media education/literacy is a fruitful way in trying to educate the teenagers. This is because it affects the attitude of the teenagers. Through media literacy the teenagers are able to change their attitude about certain issues that affect them. These issues include healthy eating habits, body image and self -esteem. The above shows that a lot can be achieved through media literacy. Problems that burden the teenagers can be avoided. This is by equipping them with the necessary skills in order to survive in a world that is not perfect. Advertisements promise perfection, happiness and fulfillment. But media literacy will enable them to understand the advertisement. This is through critical analysis of the messages they get. The teenagers will therefore be in a position to avoid problematic situations and habits thus healthy American youths.

References

Fredric, Stuart. Consumer Protection from Deceptive Advertising. New York: Hofstra, 1994.

George, Ritzer. Explorations in the sociology of consumption. London: sage, 2001.

James, potter. Media Literacy. London: Sage, 2005.

Marvin, H. The Struggle for a Science of culture. Paris: Rowman Altamira, 2001.

Michael, Phillips. Ethics and Manipulation in Advertising: Answering a Flawed Indictment. New York: Greenwood, 1997.

Michael, Redclift. Wasted: Counting the costs of Global Consumption. New York: Earthscan, 1996.

Peyton, paxson. Media Literacy: Thinking Critically about Television. New York: Walch, 2002.

Roy, Shuker. Understanding popular Music. London: Routledge, 2001.

Satprem, Mother, or, the Divine Materialism. India: Macmillan press, 1977.

Thomas, C. Advertising and Integrated Brand Promotion. New York: Thomson south, 2006.

Research Aims And Objectives

This research aims at providing insight and knowledge to young people aged between 18 and 24 years on the damaging effects of purchasing counterfeit items. As such, the researcher intends to discourage the target youth from purchasing the “knockoff” items.

Definition of terms:

Counterfeit products: products that have been duplicated illegally in order to appear like the genuine products

Knockoff products: products that are similar, but not identical to the original products, usually made with cheaper materials.

Introduction

Both knockoff and counterfeit products can be simply defined as cheap imitations of the genuine and original products. Often times, consumers fail to recognise the difference between the ‘fake’ and genuine products have similar labels, trademarks and packaging (Frerichs 20).

A keen observer can however distinguish between the two product categories based on the cost price or the quality difference. Since original designers usually want to give consumers a high quality product, they invest heavily in research and development (R&D), good designs, quality production materials, and marketing. When the product is finally released into the market, the cost price is inclusive of the expenses that the designer incurred in the course of developing the product.

People who make knockoffs or counterfeit products on the other hand do not have to invest in any R&D or marketing. All they do is observe the original product, purchase the materials needed to make the same and distribute the product. This means they incur fewer expenses and can therefore sell their products much more cheaply.

Besides denying innovators who invest heavily on R&D their well deserved earnings, Frerichs describes counterfeits and knockoffs as a “growing problem” that pose a major threat in respective national economies if it is allowed to thrive (20). The reason for this is that counterfeit and knock-off makers are in an illegitimate business and therefore do not usually remit due taxes to the government.

In light of the growing problem, organisations like the International Trade Mark Association (INTA) and the European Counterfeiting and Piracy Observatory (ECPO) keep encouraging governments to take collective action in order to discourage counterfeiting.

In 2007 for example, Schmidt observes that INTA was working with trade representatives from the United State and the European Union towards ratifying tougher sanctions against businesses that thrived in counterfeiting and pirating genuine products (1). The European Commission on the other hand observes that combating counterfeiting in the international market will need countries and designers to work in harmony in order to come-up with best practices that will put an end to the habit (1).

It is for this reason that the European Union intends to use the ECPO as a piracy and counterfeiting knowledge sharing tool across the EU market. This would be in addition to using the organisation in raising public awareness regarding the negative effects of purchasing counterfeited products.

The counterfeiters and knock-off makers thrive because there is a ready market for their products (Hidiyat 3). Some consumers knowingly purchase such products, while others simply do not know the difference between genuine and pirated products.

According to Hidayat, a consumer’s moral idealism interacts with moral relativism and ethical beliefs to form the attitudes that he or she portrays towards pirated products (3). This means that a consumer’s attitudes towards counterfeits and knockoffs are affected by his beliefs about what is right or wrong; his moral and ethical standards; and the culture or religion he subscribes to.

This campaign is however convinced that the production of counterfeit and knockoff products is tantamount to the cliché ‘reaping where one did not sow’, and is therefore not justifiable regardless of the moral, ethical, cultural or religious principles that both the producers and consumers of such products subscribe to.

Situation Analysis

A 2009 estimation by Commuri suggests that the illegal trade of counterfeit and knockoff products cost the genuine product makers somewhere between $15 and $50 billion each year (86). Once counterfeited or knockoff products are released into the market, the genuine designers also loose the exclusivity or prestige they had intended for their products.

This means that counterfeits compromise the quality and image of a brand. This observation is supported by Commuri who states that “counterfeits unanimously imperil the equity of the genuine item” (87).

Counterfeits and knockoffs also affect the job market. According to Furnham and Valgeirsson, the two vices lead to an estimated $200 worth of lost jobs, sales and taxes annually (678). In the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that the government looses $3.8 billion revenue annually, while the genuine manufacturers loose an estimated $10 billion annually (Furnham and Valgeirsson 678).

Having established that the consequences of counterfeit and knockoffs was indeed a threat to the world economy, Furnham and Valgeirson sought to establish why people purchase such products. They established that some people do so out of ignorance, economic concerns, while others just purchase counterfeits or knock-offs out of slyness.

Campaign Summary

Press Release. An anti-counterfeit/ knockoff campaign targeting youth in colleges

Before young people begin their respective careers in earnest, they deserve to know what drives or reverses the economy of this country. It is for this reason that the campaign dubbed “Say no to counterfeits and knockoffs” will be launched on November 1, 2010.

The campaign targets college students aged between 18 and 24 years, and will run for two months. The campaign is intended to educate the young people regarding the harmful effect that the counterfeit and knockoffs business has on not only genuine manufacturers, but also on the bigger economy.

As future leaders and decision makers in this country, the youth have a responsibility to enhance the virtues of hard work and innovation, which have been centric to the country’s development. As such, this campaign intends to inform them that unless the trend on trading in counterfeited or knockoff goods is reversed, the country may very soon see a situation where the zeal to invent new things dies off completely.

Based on the young people’s use of the social media, the campaign will be internet based, and social sites such as FaceBook, twitter and MySpace will be used to pass the campaign messages across the target population.

Goals and Objectives

This campaign intends to sensitize the youth about the negative effects of purchasing counterfeits or knockoffs. By the end of the campaign, a significant number of students who would otherwise purchase a product without considering its authenticity, originality or quality should be more willing to countercheck these identifiers.

More to this, a significant number of youth who knowingly purchase knock-offs or counterfeited products should be willing to give up the habit. Overall, this campaign seeks to communicate the fact that the dishonest nature of the counterfeiting business kills capitalism in the country, thus jeopardising the entire economy.

As such, young people should support genuine businesses by deliberately purchasing genuine products. The campaign will target young people who are unaware of the harm that counterfeit and knockoffs pose to the economy, as well as those who recognise that the problem exists but still continue purchasing the pirated products.

Campaign timetable

Main PR steps to be taken

In addition to the research that will be carried out in the two identified colleges, the PR firm commissioned to promote the anti-counterfeit/ knockoffs agenda among the college youth will generate and disseminate relevant information about the campaign.

With such information, the firm intends to create an understanding among the youth, based on the understanding that purchasing knockoffs or counterfeited goods is tantamount to supporting the illegal industry.

The second step will involve defining goals and objectives in the campaign. As stated elsewhere in this report, the campaign intends to cause a reduction in youth willingness to purchase counterfeits or knockoffs. It is expected that the campaign will have some constraints. For example, changing the attitudes of consumers who think there is nothing wrong with purchasing knockoffs or counterfeit goods will be a challenging undertaking.

The third step will involve choosing the right media channels to use. Based on the young people’s liking for the internet, the campaign will target the students using the social networking sites. The campaign will also seek to partner with the two college’s administration in incorporating the campaign in their respective intra-sites.

Awareness creation materials will also be circulated among students, and others placed on the notice boards located in different locations in the colleges.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the campaign

Another research will be conducted among college students in the two identified campuses to determine whether the campaign has had an effect on their attitudes or not. The success or failure of the campaign will be determined by the number of young people who had earlier indicated that they would purchase knockoffs or counterfeits, but who had changed their minds by the end of the campaign.

50 or more conversions will be interpreted to mean the campaign was a success, while 30-49 % will interpreted to mean the campaign was fairly successful. If the conversion rate will be below the 30 percent mark, the campaign will be deemed to have failed.

I feel that this campaign will have an effect on the attitudes of young people, because earlier research by Furnham and Valgeirson had indicated that a significant percentage of counterfeit or knockoff buyers do so out of ignorance (679). Creating awareness about the negative effects that such products have on the economy will probably convince them to purchase only genuine products in the future.

Works Cited

Commuri, S. “The Impact of Counterfeiting on Genuine-Item Consumers’ Brand Relationships.” Journal of Marketing 77.1 (2009): 86-89. Print.

This article argues that counterfeiting erodes the prestige and exclusivity of genuine products hence disadvantaging the genuine designers by driving away genuine-item consumers. I used this article due to its relevancy to the campaign.

European Commission. “The European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy.” The EU Single Market. 2010. Web.

This Web article argues that no country can succeed in fighting counterfeit and piracy in isolation. I used it because it offers insight on some of the activities the EU is undertaking in order to fight counterfeiters.

Frerichs, A. Attitudes toward counterfeit Fashion: A South Dakota State University Case Study. 2010. Web.

This article is based on a case study in South Dakota State University. The author investigated the attitudes that young people have towards counterfeited products. I used the article because it was relevant to the campaign.

Furnham, A. & Valgeirson, H. “The Effect of Life Values and Materialism On Buying Counterfeit Products.” The Journal of Socio-Economics 36 (2007): 677-685.

This is a research article that investigates how personality traits, beliefs and attitudes affect people’s readiness to purchase counterfeit products. I used this article due to its relevancy to the campaign.

Hidayat, A. “Purchase Intention of Pirated Branded Product.” Centre for Indonesian Marketing Studies. 2010. Web.

This article investigates why people purchase pirated products. I used the article because it sheds more light on the subject of the campaign.

Schmidt, M. “Governments unite against counterfeiting” International Trademark Association (INTA). 2010. Web.

This is a press release announcing the signing of a multilateral anti-counterfeiting agreement between European Union countries and the United States. I used it because it reveals some of the anti-counterfeit steps that INTA has taken in the recent past.

Abstract

In many democratic countries, the right to free speech and media freedom are considered fundamental. Unfortunately, these rights have been abused resulting in extremely aggressive children and teens, who then grow up to be violent adults. Laws guaranteeing freedom of speech and media freedom have made it hard to control TV programming. The results have been increased cases of bullying in schools and large numbers of juvenile delinquency. Even though media houses have the responsibility of protecting their viewers from content that may result from dangerous situations, the government has a responsibility of protecting its citizens from the same.

Introduction

In many democratic countries, the right to free speech and media freedom are considered fundamental. Unfortunately, in many countries today, this has resulted in media content filled with explicit, sexual, and violent material (Boyle, 2007). The debate over media control has been ongoing for a long and sparked a significant number of debates across the world. The topic has been taken up as a policy issue globally, especially in developed countries. The challenge has been empowering the media by allowing them freedom while protecting citizens, especially children, against unnecessary exposure to detrimental content.

The need for control

Violence in the media attracts violence among young children. Research has revealed that children are more likely to imitate what they see than what they are taught. Media today has glorified violence and obscenities, making it look like a natural part of society. It is also important to note that the more important the media puts on violence, the more people are tempted to engage in it for the sake of attention.

It is the government’s responsibility to take appropriate measures anytime a situation exposes its citizens to dangerous possibilities. Violence levels in western countries are at extremely high levels. Murder, rape and domestic violence cases are higher than they were in the 1960s (Berkowitz et al., 2010). One of the reasons this is so, is the fact that children are exposed to violence at a very young age. Terrorism and crime seem to attract a bigger audience, tempting media houses to focus on them more to attract a big audience.

Even as media houses pay too much attention to stories that make money for them, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that they honor their social responsibilities. Corporate social responsibility demands that businesses engage in activities that add value to the societies they operate in. The media therefore, has a responsibility to ensure that the stories they air do not expose children to unwanted behaviors. The government should put in place measures that ensure media houses take their social responsibilities seriously.

Media should focus on more important issues in our societies such as schools and healthcare. In an age when the world is rocked by many challenges and negative news, the government should ensure that media houses have programming that is educational. The media has a responsibility of educating people on the environment, careers, health and other issues that support a country’s economy.

Laws and regulations put in place in the past have made it hard for the government to intervene in media operations. For example, in the United States, the First Amendment ensures media freedom and free speech for everyone. In Canada, the constitution guarantees individuals, businesses and organizations freedom of speech. As a result, content is not filtered for adult materials. Children and young adults have easy access to violent activities such as extremely aggressive sports, terrorism news and violent reality shows. The results of such content have been increased cases of bullying in schools and large numbers of juvenile delinquency (Freedman, 2005).

Conclusion

Statistics reveal that crime levels in many parts of the world have gone up. Juvenile delinquency is on the rise and so is bullying in schools. Children as young as five years old are involved in bullying activities, and suffering psychological medical conditions. The government should intervene and ensure media houses pay more attention to issues that affect a majority of the nation. The government can put in measures that ensure violent content is only aired at late hours when children have no access to television, radio or the internet. Another way through which the government can protect children is by educating parents on their role in keeping children protecting from harmful content.

References

Berkowitz, L. et al. (2010). The influence of media violence on youth.

Boyle, K. (2007). Media and violence: Gendering the debates. London: Sage.

Freedman, J.L. (2005). Media violence and its effects on aggression: Assessing the scientific evidence. Toronto: University of Toronto press.