This article (currently under review since July 2024 at BMC Public Health) is one of the key outputs of my doctoral thesis. The process of developing this manuscript has been complex, as it involved collaboration with multiple researchers. This was necessary because the project was funded by one of the working groups within CIBER, Spain’s network of excellence in health research, specifically within CIBERESP’s Social Health Inequalities group.

As a result, I had the opportunity to work alongside researchers with extensive experience and expertise, which allowed me to improve various aspects of my work, including data analysis, conceptual development, and academic writing. The article is currently under review, and I am awaiting feedback to make the necessary revisions.

Place: BMC Public Health

Date: 25th july 2024

Being a co-author on the article “Effects of social and environmental restrictions, and changes in alcohol availability in adolescents’ binge drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic” has been a valuable experience in my journey as a PhD student. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of the different roles that researchers can have in the process of creating a scientific paper. In this instance, I contributed by reviewing and sharing my insights on the work, while not being the lead author, which highlighted the importance of collaboration in research. Moreover, this project encouraged my personal growth, as it was led by a fellow PhD student from my research group (Epi4Health). Sharing similar learning experiences, we were able to exchange doubts and insights, which allowed us to learn from each other and enhance our academic development.

Reference: Rogés J, Bosque-Prous M, Folch C, Teixidó-Compañó E, González-Casals H, Colom J, et al. Effects of social and environmental restrictions, and changes in alcohol availability in adolescents’ binge drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS ONE. 2024;19(8):e0309320.

Date: 28/08/2024

Place: PLOS ONE Journal

Building on the findings of my previous study, Sexual violence in Catalan adolescents: prevalence, associated factors and health consequences, I sought to further explore the relationship between substance use and sexual practices among adolescents. This research process has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the co-occurrence of these behaviors and their implications for public health. I have gained significant expertise in data analysis, particularly in the application of Poisson regression models to examine health risk factors. Additionally, I have strengthened my ability to critically assess gender and socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health. Through this study, I have also enhanced my skills in interpreting epidemiological data and translating findings into actionable recommendations for prevention programs.

Reference: González-Casals H, Espelt A, Bosque-Prous M, Rogés J, Robles-Muñoz M, Colom J, et al. Sex differences in alcohol and other substance use in sexual contexts among adolescents: an observational study. Sex Health. 2025;22:SH24153.

Date: 06/02/2025

Place: Sexual Health journal

I have learned a lot by conducting this research and writing and publishing this article. Through the research process, I have deepened my understanding of the complexities of sexual violence among adolescents, its associated factors, and its impact on mental health and substance use. I have gained extensive knowledge in epidemiological methods, particularly in designing cross-sectional studies, handling large datasets, and applying statistical models such as Poisson regression. Additionally, I have developed a critical perspective on gender-sensitive public health policies and the importance of addressing social determinants of health.

Article reference: González-Casals H, Vives-Cases C, Espelt A, Bosque-Prous M, Teixidó-Compañó E, Drou-Roget G, et al. Sexual violence in Catalan adolescents: prevalence, associated factors and health consequences. Gacet Sanit. 2025;39:102455.

Date: 15/01/2015

Place: Gaceta Sanitaria journal