The Risky Health Behaviours of Male Adolescents in the Southern Italian Region: Implications for Sexual and Reproductive Disease

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies suggest an increase of sexual and reproductive chronic diseases caused by problematic behaviours acquired during peri-pubertal age. The aims of our study were: (i) to investigate awareness of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents; (ii) to describe the close relationship between possibly incorrect lifestyles during adolescence and reproductive and sexual disturbances during adulthood. The “Amico-Andrologo” survey is a permanent nationwide surveillance program supported by the Italian Ministry of Health. We administered a validated structured interview to investigate the lifestyle of adolescents and their knowledge of STIs. We selected a cohort of 360 male high-school students aged ≥18 years old. In this cohort, 150 (41.5%) were smokers while 59 (19.7%) smoked more than 10 cigarettes/day; 25 (9.3%) declared a consumption ≥6 drinks/weekend; and 65 (19.7%) were habitual cannabis consumers (at least twice/week). Among the sample of students selected, the main sources of sexual disease information were the internet and friends. The perceived level of knowledge on STIs was the same between students that used contraceptive methods and students that did not. The present results demonstrate that adolescents in Calabria do not receive appropriate information about risky health behaviours. Therefore, there is a necessity for specific educational programs to increase awareness of dangerous behaviours during the transitional age that is relevant for a safe sexual and reproductive adult life.

Disorders of Puberty: Endocrinology of the Pre-Pubertal Testis

“…In the review by Cannarella et al, a general overview of pediatric varicocele is given, including a compelling flowchart reporting the management from an endocrinologic point of view [5]. Interestingly, a survey of the risky lifestyles for the reproductive and sexual function in male adolescents is provided by Perri et al [6]. Worryingly, this study reveals a non-negligible percentage of smokers, drinkers, and cannabis consumers among male adolescents.…”

“…As far the clinical aspects, childhood cancer [4], pediatric varicocele [5], and risky lifestyles [6] (including substance abuse [7]) are addressed in the current Special Issue. Duca et al […] evaluate the testicular function of childhood cancer survivors and address which cancer, therapy, and age of treatment has the worst reproductive outcomes in adulthood.…”

Leukocytospermia in late adolescents: possible clinical interpretations

“…This has led to the development of studies that have evaluated sperm parameters in late adolescence, as well as to estimate the prevalence of risky lifestyle for the andrological health in this population, such as smoke, alcohol, drug consumption, unprotected sexual intercourse, which highlights the importance of undergoing to andrological counseling in adolescence. Thus, dysmetabolism and risky lifestyle negatively interfere with male gonadal function at a young age and deserve fully attention [13][14][15][16]. Accordingly, recent studies have shown the detrimental impact of lifestyle factors on testicular function in adolescence.…”

“…Similarly, another Italian study conducted in 360 male high-school students reported an elevated prevalence of cigarette smoke (41.5%), alcohol consumption (9.3%), and cannabis use (19.7%). Their overall awareness about the risk of STDs was low [ 15 ]. Finally, a longitudinal study prospectively evaluated the presence of correlations between insulin-resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with TV and sperm parameters.…”

“…Importantly, pre-natal exposure to endocrine disruptors or maternal cigarette smoke can similarly damage spermatogenesis in the adulthood [12]. Furthermore, cigarette smoke, marijuana, alcohol intake, obesity during adolescence can also negatively impact on spermatogenesis [13][14][15].…”