Research Project Description:

The HEALTHY TEENS Research Project is an innovative initiative designed to enhance the well-being of adolescents through comprehensive research and intervention strategies. This project is structured into two main components.

  1. Narrative Reviews on Adolescent Health Interventions
    • Objective: The first component of the project involves the development of three narrative reviews. These reviews will systematically examine existing interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among teenagers. The focus areas include:
      • Healthy eating and Physical Activity: This review will explore interventions that encourage healthy eating and physical among adolescents. It will assess the effectiveness of various programs and strategies implemented to foster active lifestyles.
      • Reducing Stress and Subclinical Anxiety: The second review will concentrate on interventions designed to alleviate stress and subclinical anxiety in teenagers. It will evaluate the impact of different approaches, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, on reducing stress levels.
      • Reducing Smoking and Alcohol Use: The third review will focus on interventions aimed at decreasing the use of tobacco and alcohol among adolescents. It will analyze the success of prevention and cessation programs in curbing these unhealthy behaviors.
  2. Development of a Psychoeducational Intervention in Schools
    • Objective: The second component of the project involves the creation and implementation of a psychoeducational intervention in schools across Cyprus. This intervention will be grounded in the following pillars:
      • Healthy Diet and Nutrition: Educating students on the importance of a balanced diet and proper nutrition to support their physical and mental health.
      • Reduction of Unhealthy Substance Use: Addressing the risks associated with smoking and alcohol consumption, and promoting strategies to avoid these substances.
      • Stress Reduction: Providing students with tools and techniques to manage stress effectively, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.

The HEALTHY TEENS Research Project aims to empower young individuals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead healthier lives. Through rigorous research and targeted interventions, this project seeks to make a significant impact on the health and lifestyle choices of adolescents in Cyprus and beyond.

Participating institutions and researchers

University of Nicosia Medical School:

    • Prof Constantina Constantinou (Principal Investigator)
    • Prof Alexia Papageorgiou
    • Dr Panayiota Andreou
    • Dr Annalisa Quattrocchi
    • Dr Christiana Demetriou
    • Students:
    • Ms Hannah Maycroft
    • Ms Hanniella Quedraogo
    • Ms Zoi Savva
    • Ms Nechama Miriam Uralevich
    • Mr James Christopher Hebbard

University of Nicosia, School of Life and Health Sciences:

    • Dr Elena Philippou
    • Dr Eleni Andreou

Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre:

    • Dr Haris Charalambous

Cyprus University of Technology:

    • Dr Ourania Kolokotroni
    • Dr Christiana Nicolaou
    • Dr Koralia Michael

The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society:

    • Ms Photini Pallikaridou
    • Mr Giannis Polychronis

Start and End Dates: June 2023 –