With 83% of adolescents playing video games weekly, general practitioners are increasingly confronted with issues related to gaming among young people. Despite the inclusion of diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder in the ICD-11 in 2018, little is known about how parents perceive this condition. In the context of the widespread presence of video games and persistent parental concerns, we identified a lack of studies exploring parents’ representations of video game addiction.To explore the representations of video game addiction by parents of adolescents.We conducted a qualitative study using thematic analysis of semi-structured individual interviews with parents of gaming and non-gaming adolescents. Sampling followed a purposive theoretical strategy. Participants were recruited through information posters in the general practice waiting room, at a youth center, outside a school, and via social media. Data were analyzed thematically, associated with data triangulation.Twelve interviews were conducted, including two after reaching thematic saturation. Parents expressed ambivalence between recognizing the social and recreational benefits of video games and fearing the risks of addiction. While many reported concerns about potential negative effects on their adolescent’s health and behavior, they also described challenges in supervising gaming, which was often perceived as excessive. Parental representations were elaborated by their own gaming experiences or by media narratives. Video game addiction was commonly associated with loss of control over playtime, preoccupation with gaming, and excessive use that disrupts daily professional, social, or family functioning.This study underlines the need to clarify diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder to better distinguish “excessive use” from a true pathological condition. Its main strengths lie in its originality and adherence to methodology. Limitations include potential recruitment bias linked to the use of QR codes, favoring participants comfortable with digital tools, and the voluntary nature of participation.Parents demonstrated awareness of the risks associated with problematic video game use. The study suggests several areas for improvement, including providing training and support for parents and incorporating validated diagnostic tools into the routine medical monitoring of adolescents in general practice.

General practitioners (GPs) play a central role in preventing addictions and screening for psychoactive substance (PAS) use among young adults. Early, systematic detection of commonly used PAS is recommended, yet screening is often directed only toward patients perceived as at risk. Existing research at University XXX has focused exclusively on medical students, leaving PAS use across other academic disciplines unexplored.The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of PAS use among students from all disciplines at University XXX. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted between November 2022 and April 2023 among all adult students at University XXX. An anonymous online questionnaire, disseminated via email and social media, collected sociodemographic characteristics and current PAS use. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PAS use.Among the 1498 responses received, 1475 were included. Participants had a median age of 20 years, and 75.7% were women. The most commonly used PAS were alcohol (36.7%), tobacco (12%), and cannabis (7%). Factors associated with alcohol use included male sex (p<0.001), living independently (p<0.001), paid employment (p=0.01), and regular physical activity (p<0.001). Factors associated with tobacco use included living independently (p<0.01), paid employment (p<0.001), and clear anxiety symptoms (p<0.001). Factors associated with cannabis use included male sex (p<0.001) and paid employment (p<0.001).This study gathered a large, multidisciplinary student sample, providing valuable insight into PAS use across academic fields. Although selection and reporting biases cannot be excluded, the findings may help GPs prioritize which PAS to screen for in student populations, either routinely or based on patient profiles.PAS use is common among university students and varies with demographic, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors. These results underscore the importance of targeted screening strategies in general practice to enhance early detection and brief intervention among young adults.

Despite increasing awareness of semaglutide use for weight management worldwide, the broader economic, psychological, and behavioral impacts of semaglutide are less well characterized. In the limited evidence available, once-weekly semaglutide has been associated with reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption.Using a US consumer database, we aimed to investigate this hypothesis, comparing household spending on groceries, alcohol, and tobacco between people using semaglutide for weight management and those not using a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA).Data came from two 12-month periods before each of five quarterly survey waves (Apr 2024–Apr 2025) in Numerator’s US omnichannel panel (>200,000 households). Grocery (including alcohol) and tobacco spending were captured via scanned receipts and quarterly surveys with demographics, medication use, and behavior. Households were classified as having at least one branded semaglutide user for weight management or no GLP-1RA users based on surveys. For each wave, we computed the difference in year‑over‑year percent change in grocery spending between semaglutide and non‑GLP‑1RA households; mean differences across waves are reported in percentage points.As of April 2025, most participants were ≥45 years (S 74.6%; N 67.4%) and female (S 83.7%; N 76.3%). Race/ethnicity: White (S 71.5%; N 66.0%), Black (S 18.7%; N 13.8%), Hispanic (S 7.4%; N 14.6%). Household size was mainly one (S 19.6%; N 28.2%) or two (S 40.0%; N 35.0%); the top census division was South Atlantic (S 20.1%; N 22.7%). More semaglutide households had income ≥$125K (S 46.6%; N 38.3%). Current smokers: S 7.0%, N 8.3%; former smokers: S 19.2%, N 17.1%. Mean year‑over‑year grocery spending change was −1.1 percentage points for semaglutide versus non‑GLP‑1RA users, indicating relatively lower spending growth.Notably, there were greater mean change differences in spending on alcohol (−4.7% points) and tobacco products/accessories (−17.8% points) for semaglutide users.The results of this analysis provide insights indicating that semaglutide use for weight management may be associated with reductions in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. More extensive behavioral studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Risky Sexual Behaviors (RSBs) are a significant public health concern leading to both short- and long-term reproductive health issues. Among incarcerated women, RSBs are highly prevalent and often linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Substance Use (SU).This study aimed to examine the associations between ACEs, SU, and RSBs among incarcerated women with a specific focus on the mediating role of SU in the path from ACEs to RSBs.A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 among a sample of incarcerated adult women in a correctional facility in XXX. We used the validated Arabic version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). The questionnaire was anonymous and participation was voluntary.A total of 165 female inmates completed the questionnaire with a mean age of 31 ± 14 years. Among them, 93.9% reported exposure to at least one ACE, with the most common category being childhood community violence (73.3%). Tobacco use was reported by 55.8% of participants, while one-third reported alcohol and drug consumption. RSBs, including unsafe sex and multiple partnerships, were reported by 36.4% of the women. We found that SU was a mediator in the path from childhood sexual abuse and community violence to RSBs.Unfortunately, few studies have examined this mediating effect worldwide, limiting our comparison. Across four recent studies conducted in the United States, researchers reported that higher ACEs were associated with increased alcohol use and a trend toward having more sexual partners. SU was found to fully mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections. Regarding developing countries, a pilot study conducted in Uganda found that ACEs and SU were predictors of RSB among emerging adults, although it did not examine the mediating factor effect.Prevention strategies should prioritize trauma-informed interventions that integrate SU treatment as a core component of programs targeting sexual health and rehabilitation among incarcerated women.

Smartphone overuse has become a widespread phenomenon among young adults, raising concerns about its effects on sleep regulation and mental health. Excessive nighttime use is associated with delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and increased anxiety symptoms. Understanding these associations is essential for clinicians in primary care and mental health, who increasingly encounter patients presenting with sleep disturbances and anxiety related to digital habits.To synthesize current evidence on the association between problematic smartphone use, sleep quality, and anxiety among young adults, and to identify clinical patterns and intervention opportunities relevant for primary care.A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Articles published from 2010 to 2025 were included. Eligible studies assessed smartphone use patterns, validated sleep measures, and anxiety outcomes in populations aged 18–35 years. Research from diverse international and low-to-middle-income settings was incorporated to ensure broad applicability. Extracted material was organized thematically across physiological mechanisms, behavioral patterns, associated clinical consequences, and intervention strategies, allowing identification of consistent trends and practical insights.Evidence consistently shows that problematic smartphone use, particularly during evening hours, is associated with shorter sleep duration, poorer subjective sleep quality, and increased insomnia symptoms. Higher anxiety levels are also reported among frequent or compulsive smartphone users. Mechanisms include circadian disruption, cognitive-emotional hyperarousal, and maladaptive coping behaviors. Regional studies demonstrate high smartphone engagement and parallel associations with sleep and anxiety disturbances. Interventions such as structured sleep hygiene education, limitation of evening screen exposure, digital-use monitoring tools, and brief cognitive-behavioral strategies show promising effects on both sleep and anxiety outcomes.The literature consistently demonstrates that smartphone overuse negatively affects both sleep quality and anxiety among young adults. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for early intervention in primary care and mental health services. Behavioral strategies such as digital curfews, reduced screen exposure before bedtime, and psychoeducation on sleep hygiene show promising benefits. However, more research is needed to evaluate structured interventions tailored to digitally connected populations.Addressing smartphone use can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, supporting better overall mental health outcomes in young adults.

In the Province of Quebec (Canada), the specialized helpline Gambling : Help and Referral (GHR) serves as the first point of contact for many individuals experiencing problematic gambling. In 2024, GHR received 8,060 calls and chats, 73% of which resulted in referrals to other services (e.g., primary care, addiction rehabilitation centers, tele-counseling, Gamblers Anonymous). However, little is known about the trajectory of these individuals following their initial contact with GHR.This study aimed to (1) describe the health and social service trajectories of individuals after contacting GHR, and (2) understand their care experiences and needs.In this descriptive qualitative study, two semi-structured interviews, separated by 9-12 months intervals, were conducted with individuals (n = 46) at medium-to-high risk of problem gambling according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (i.e, a score ≥ 3) who had contacted GHR within the past 3 months seeking help for this issue. We asked open-ended questions about their gambling habits and their experiences with health and social services to explore their care trajectories and identify future needs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis with NVivo software.Semi-structured interviews revealed complex trajectories and highlighted major challenges related to accessibility, coordination and continuity of care. Results underscore the high prevalence of comorbidities associated with problematic gambling, including substance use (34.8%), depressive symptoms (32.6%), and alcohol use (23.9%). Data analysis is currently underway. Findings will be presented at the WONCA Europe Conference in June 2026.This study explores the complex care trajectories reported by individuals seeking help for gambling-related harm, with particular attention to issues of accessibility, service coordination, and continuity of care. Our findings are consistent with existing literature that emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining continuous follow-up with individuals experiencing problematic gambling.This study will shed new light on the challenges individuals with problematic gambling face along their care trajectories and offer insights to improve the health and social services targeting this population

Addictive disorders impose heavy burdens on health systems and society, yet university students in a range of disciplines, including future primary care physicians, often receive little structured preparation for working with such clients. Stigmatizing attitudes and limited clinical exposure reduce readiness for relational and ethical challenges in generalist practice. Experiential learning is critical for developing interpersonal skills that align with the core competencies of general practice medicine.This study aimed to evaluate the perceived usability and educational value of interactive virtual patient (VP) simulations, designed to train undergraduate and graduate students in interpersonal and reflective skills relevant to primary care settings involving addictions.We employed a quantitative-dominant design, enriched by qualitative data. Participants completed three VP scenarios (alcohol, gambling, problematic internet use) that mimic first-contact. After each scenario they completed a 9-item questionnaire measuring usability (effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction) and three open-ended questions exploring perceptions. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests analysed quantitative data and subgroup differences (scenario, gender, study level). Open responses underwent deductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach (2006).A total of 92 responses were included (71 undergraduate, 21 master’s). Usability ratings were high (means 2.17–2.74 on a 0–3 scale) with no major differences across scenarios; women rated the “emotional realism” item higher than men (p = .016). More advanced undergraduates rated the simulation as a more valuable addition to traditional teaching and showed greater willingness to reuse the tool (all ps < .05). Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced clinical reasoning, increased comfort with relational skills, realistic immersive experience and the safe “trial-and-error” environment. Many participants viewed the simulation as more engaging and practical than standard lectures or case studies.Early exposure to simulated interpersonal challenges in addictive behaviours can strengthen relational and reflective competencies essential to primary care.High usability and positive perceptions support integrating such VP tools into curricula as accessible experiential learning that prepares students for the interpersonal and ethical demands of generalist practice.