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Preparation and in vivo effectiveness evaluation of heparin-loaded PLGA@PCL core-shell fiber small-diameter vascular grafts

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death. It is the common goal for researchers worldwide to develop small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) which could meet clinical needs. In this study, PLGA@PCL core-shell structural fibrous SDVGs was fabricated by coaxial electrospinning process, and then the surface heparinization of the vascular material was carried out after H2N-PEG-NH2 fixed on sodium hydroxide-treated electro-spun PCL tubes. Finally, the long-term patency and tissue regeneration of the grafts were evaluated in vivo through the rabbit carotid artery replacement model. The results indicate that the heparin-modified PLGA@PCL core-shell structural fibrous SDVGs achieved long-term patency and the arrangement of collagen and elastin in the neointima was similar to the native vessel in the rabbits after 9 months. After 3 months postoperatively, endothelialization was almost complete, and vascular calcification was also observed. It can be concluded that surface heparinization is a feasible modification method for in situ tissue-engineered vascular grafts, and controlling the occurrence of vascular calcification is another important issue to be solved in the development of SDVGs, and it is also the focus of our next research work.

Spatiotemporal prediction of water quality and ecological risk assessment in a river basin using T-GCN based on river network topology constraints

Relationships among social support, decision self-efficacy, and decision regret in colorectal chemotherapy cancer patients: A mediating model

Objective This study aims to identify the factors associated with decision regret among colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in China and to determine whether decision self-efficacy mediates the relationship between social support and decision regret. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling with 243 colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. From 29 July 2025–2 October 2025., all participants were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Inner Mongolia, China. Data were collected through a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Social Support Scale, the Decision Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Three-Dimensional Decision Regret Scale. Non-parametric tests were employed to analyze associated factors, and mediation analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS. Results Educational attainment, occupational status, and monthly income were significantly associated with decision regret among patients. Further analysis revealed a negative association between social support and decision regret in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (β = –0.306, p < 0.001). Path estimates showed that social support was positively associated with decision self-efficacy (β = 0.471, p < 0.001), while decision self-efficacy was negatively associated with decision regret (β = –0.581, p < 0.001). Decision self-efficacy functioned as a mediator linking social support to decision regret, producing an indirect effect of –0.273, which accounted for 47.24% of the total effect. Conclusion Notable interactions were observed among social support, decision self-efficacy, and decision regret, with decision self-efficacy serving as the mediating mechanism. Clinicians are encouraged to prioritize strengthening both external social support and patients’ internal decision self-efficacy, which were associated with lower decision regret and better quality of life. Additionally, particular attention should be directed toward individuals with lower income, limited employment, or lower educational attainment, as they demonstrate a heightened vulnerability to experiencing decision regret.

Intelligent identification method for drilling conditions based on artificial neural networks

The mediating role of internal motivation on the relationship between ethical leadership and employee performance in hospitals in Northern Jordan

Objective The study’s main aim is to investigate the influence of ethical leadership (EL) on employee performance (EP) through internal motivation (IM) from the perspectives of clinical and administrative employees working in hospitals in northern Jordan. Method: Design The study used a descriptive, correlational cross-sectional quantitative design. Participants and setting Data were collected from 330 clinical and administrative employees between February and March 2024 using convenience sampling from five hospitals—2 public, 2 private, and 1 teaching hospital—in different geographical areas in northern Jordan. The study hypotheses were tested using a hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results The study results revealed a statistically significant association between ethical leadership, internal motivation, and employee performance. Moreover, the results showed that internal motivation statistically mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and employee performance. Conclusion The current study’s findings can serve as an empirical basis for hospital decision-makers to plan and implement programs and/or establish or revise policies for the target population, improving employees’ performance, achieving desired outcomes, and ultimately providing better care for patients.

Artificial intelligence based prediction of first recurrence in neovascular age related macular degeneration with validation by 19 experts

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the value and difference in predictive performance between ophthalmologists and a previously developed and validated artificial intelligence (AI) model, and to evaluate how AI assistance influences expert decision-making in reliably assessing recurrence prediction of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. 19 experts (nine retinal specialist ophthalmologists and ten non-retinal specialist ophthalmologists) predicted the first recurrence of nAMD within three months based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and clinical information. Predictions were made in five sessions with increasing information availability. The AI model used in this study had been developed and validated in our earlier work, and it predicted recurrence using baseline and after the loading phase OCT images. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), Fleiss’ kappa, and Delong’s test between expert groups and the AI algorithm. The study included 149 eyes of 130 patients. The AI model achieved an AUROC of 0.744 (95% confidence interval, 0.665–0.822). Expert performance improved across sessions, with AUROCs ranging from 0.562 ± 0.034 to 0.679 ± 0.049. No significant differences were observed between expert groups based on experience or subspecialty. AI-supported decisions showed slightly improved performance in predicting nAMD recurrence compared to human experts, regardless of clinical experience. These results suggest the potential of AI-assistance in predicting recurrence and optimizing treatment strategies for nAMD, which could significantly improve patient counseling and management. This study also highlights the novel contribution of evaluating the impact of AI assistance on ophthalmologists’ decision-making in nAMD recurrence prediction.

Mapping ActEarly: Using a child health map to evaluate a City Collaboratory programme on early promotion of good health and wellbeing

Background Public health is increasingly being viewed as the result of numerous interrelated elements within intricate systems. A systems mapping approach highlights the potential direct and indirect impacts of public health programmes, the contexts within which they take place and the relations between the multiple factors at play. We report on an approach to evaluate the extent to which a city-wide programme of interventions, delivered in two locations to improve child health (ActEarly) provided activities across the child health system and addressed early-life core outcomes which were selected based on priorities identified by key stakeholders. Methods Data from an ‘ActEarly project log’ and other information sources were used to gather a detailed picture of 68 projects that were delivered within the programme. We then used a matrix approach to map these activities against activities and outcomes from an existing child health map (CHM) of the determinants of child health inequalities and a project specific public health core outcome set (COS), developed by community and policy maker input, for systems-wide promotion of early life health and wellbeing. This was conducted alongside the creation of a new systems map and a network analysis to highlight how ActEarly operated across the children’s health system (scaled in proportion to the number of projects). Results and conclusions The map showed substantial ActEarly activity across all six CHM domains (95/139 factors) with most projects targeting the service and governance domains. There was a focus on service/governance areas of the child health system, rather than individual behaviour change, which aligned with ActEarly’s objective of influencing structural barriers to health. Projects also mapped well onto 32 of the 35 outcomes across the COS domains, with the exception of Adult Obesity, Safety at Home, and Domestic Abuse. This suggests that ActEarly aligned well with the priority outcomes from local representatives, partners and community groups.

Atmospheric aerosol effects on spectral mismatch and the resulting uncertainty in photovoltaic performance

Turning Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Into Ferromagnetic at Room Temperature via Molecular Functionalization for Magnetic Memory Applications

Abstract Molecular functionalization of magnetic oxide nanoparticles presents a powerful strategy for interfacial engineering, enabling the emergence of exotic magnetic phenomena. While non‐covalent approaches have been widely explored, they often fail to provide robust interfaces for real applications. We report here covalent surface modification of cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs) using a series of judiciously selected aryl diazonium salts to achieve a higher degree of surface functionalization and strong interfacial electronic coupling. This modification establishes robust carbon–metal (C–M) covalent bonds at the nanoparticle–molecule interface, conferring chemical stability and tunable magnetic properties. Notably, π‐electron‐rich aryl compounds transform pristine superparamagnetic CoFe 2 O 4 NPs into room‐temperature ferromagnets, with a significant increase in coercivity, remanent magnetization, and saturation magnetization, attributed to enhanced surface spin ordering on different sublattices and elevated effective anisotropy. Zero‐field‐cooled and field‐cooled magnetization measurements reveal elevated blocking (T b ) and irreversibility (T irr ) temperatures, further confirmed by thermoremanent magnetization, with T b rising from 245.9 K in pristine NPs to 336.8 K in aryl‐functionalized‐CoFe 2 O 4 NPs. Molecular‐level modeling further supports the origin of ferromagnetism in aryl‐functionalized‐CoFe 2 O 4 NPs. Chemical functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles offers a versatile strategy to tune the magnetic properties of pristine nanoparticles for applications in spintronics, spin‐based memory, and spin logic.

Identification of cell senescence-related genes in spontaneous preterm birth based on bioinformatics analysis and machine learning

Spontaneous premature birth (SPTB) is a common pregnancy complication; however, few studies have explored cell senescence-related markers in SPTB. Bioinformatics and machine learning approaches were used to predict potential biomarkers associated with SPTB. Normal and SPTB gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and cell senescence-associated genes from the Human Aging Genomic Resources (HAGR) database. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of differentially expressed senescence-related genes in SPTB were conducted using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and STRING databases. The infiltration of 22 types of immune cells in SPTB was calculated using the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm. Machine learning methods were employed to identify hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Datasets GSE174415 and GSE118442 were extracted for validation to determine the final hub genes. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic potential of the hub genes, and significant pathways associated with the final hub gene were explored by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to validate the hub gene in clinical specimens. A total of 923 DEGs were identified, including 525 upregulated and 398 downregulated in the SPTB group. These 923 genes were intersected with 866 cell senescence-related genes, yielding 48 intersection genes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these intersection genes were primarily associated with cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The expression of activated dendritic cells and follicular helper T cells was significantly lower in the SPTB group compared to the full-term pregnancy group. A total of six hub genes, LGALS3, ESR1, PLA2G2A, TWIST1, CBS, and PLA2R1, were identified by machine learning. According to dataset validation, TWIST1 was identified as the final hub gene. TWIST1 was downregulated in placental tissues of the SPTB group and demonstrated high diagnostic value for SPTB. Thus, TWIST1 may be a novel molecular target for predicting and diagnosing SPTB, providing diagnostic value and novel insights into this condition.

Introduction of the Ex/AxI ratio for optimized assessment of exophthalmos based on bulbar position parameters examined in a population-based MRI study

Abstract Exophthalmometry is an essential component in the determination of changes in the position of the eyeball and is influenced by various factors. This paper analyzes the usefulness of the Ex/Axl ratio, meaning the ratio of anterior exophthalmos to bulbar axial length, in relation to the position of the eye in the orbit in order to take better account the anthropometric characteristics of individual exophthalmometry measurements. MRI scans of the head in the population-based cohorts SHIP-START-2 and SHIP-TREND-0 were used to perform anterior and posterior exophthalmometry as well as bulbar axial length measurements in 2083 subjects between 21 and 89 years of age. After excluding non-measurable images, 1926 subjects were included in the data analysis. We established sex- and age specific reference limits for the Ex/Axl ratio and the exophthalmometry parameters. If the Ex/Axl ratio was above 85.3% in men and above 79.7% in women, this indicated pathological exophthalmos in our study. Exophthalmometry should be considered on a sex-specific basis since there are clear differences in the measurements between men and women. MRI images of the head were used to determine separate reference values for men and women, which may be useful in clinical practice. Furthermore, our study highlights the clinical significance of measuring the individual bulbar axial length and anthropometric data for the personalized assessment of exophthalmos. In this context, the newly introduced Ex/Axl ratio may be a useful tool for a better differentiation between pseudoexophthalmos and clinically relevant exophthalmos.

Constructing Robust Hydrogen Bond Networks in Electrolytes for Long‐Life Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Hydrogen bonding in the aqueous electrolyte of zinc‐ion batteries is a key factor dominating cycling stability due to the corrosive effects of water on both anode and cathode. Herein, we designed a robust, continuous hydrogen‐bond network using ethylene glycol as a cosolvent and sulfate ion (SO 4 2− ) as structure‐making anion. Both hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms of water and ethylene glycol in the electrolyte are inter‐anchored to mitigate the attack of O on a vanadium‐based cathode and the attack of H on the zinc (Zn) anode. Furthermore, the entry of ethylene glycol into the Zn 2+ solvation structure facilitates Zn 2+ intercalation and improves the reversibility of byproducts arising from H + ‐insertion. As a result, excellent cycling performances was achieved in coin cells, with capacity retentions of 87% after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 and 95% after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g −1 , ranking among the highest cycling stabilities reported to date. Moreover, a pouch cell with an area of 90 cm 2 delivered a substantial capacity of 2 Ah and maintained 80% capacity retention after 70 cycles, highlighting the strong potential for practical scalability.

Association between mink coronavirus (MCoV), Campylobacter spp., and diarrhea in farmed mink (Neogale vison)

Diarrhea outbreaks significantly affect the health and growth of farmed mink, posing economic and welfare challenges. While various pathogens have been linked to mink diarrhea, the causes during the weaning period remain unclear. Sporadic associations of mink coronavirus (MCoV), Campylobacter , and gastrointestinal disease in mink have been suggested. This study investigates the occurrence and levels of MCoV and Campylobacter in fecal samples from Danish farm mink ( Neogale vison ) and their potential association with post-weaning anorexia diarrhea syndrome (PADS), growth-period diarrhea (GPD), or pre-weaning diarrhea (PWD). The focus of the study is on PADS, studied through two case-control setups where case farms had known problems with PADS and control farms without such problems. Animals were also diagnosed based on necropsy pathological findings. Seventeen MCoV genomes were determined from five Danish farms. This data facilitated the development of an MCoV RT-qPCR and was applied across three study groups. Results showed high prevalence of both MCoV and Campylobacter spp. in all groups. No link was found between MCoV presence or levels and PADS diagnosis on the individual level; however, farm-level analysis revealed that MCoV was 2.35 times more likely (95% CI 1.027; 5.056) on PADS case farms than controls. Mink with PWD exhibited higher MCoV levels compared to GPD cases, suggesting a role at this developmental stage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse and farm-specific MCoV strains, with sequences from healthy controls forming a distinct subclade, hinting at strain-specific pathogenicity. Campylobacter spp. presence was not significantly associated with PADS, but higher levels were observed in mink with PADS versus those without (not tested for PWD). These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and rigorous hygiene practices on mink farms to address risks from MCoV and Campylobacter spp., calling for further research to clarify their roles in PADS and overall mink health.

Determinants of hypertension among Bhutanese adults: evidence from a national WHO STEPS survey

Abstract Hypertension is an emerging public health problem in Bhutan due to epidemiological and nutritional transitions in the last two decades. This study aimed to quantify risk factors of hypertension in Bhutan using nationally representative data. This was a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative World Health Organization Non-Communicable Disease STEP-wise Survey of Bhutan carried out in 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors of hypertension in the population 40–69 years age group. The Bayesian network (BN) analysed the influencing factors on the prevalence of hypertension. Of the 2,574 individuals aged 40–69 years sampled, 56.8% were women. The prevalence of hypertension was 44.3% (1,140). In multivariable logistic regression, participants in 55–59 and 60–64 years were 44% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 2.14) and 65% (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.17, 2.42) higher odds of developing hypertension than 40–44 years old. Compared to non-formal education, certificate and bachelor, and year 12 educated were 77% (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.01, 3.12) and 54% (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.02, 2.32) odds of reporting hypertension. The higher wealth index had lower odds of hypertension than those in the lower wealth index. Alcohol use was associated with developing hypertension (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.39, 2.15) compared to non-drinkers. Those who chewed betel quid were 38% (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50, 0.76) less odds of reporting hypertension than those who did not chew betel quid. Individuals with obesity (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.84, 3.12) and overweight (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.04, 1.98) had more than twice and 44% higher odds of developing hypertension compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI). Borderline (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.05, 3.81) and high cholesterol levels (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.32, 2.57) were associated with an increased odds of hypertension compared to normal blood cholesterol levels. The conditional probability of hypertension using BN showed that obese and border blood cholesterol was associated with an increased odds of hypertension. While use alcohol use and chewing betel quid lowered the odds of hypertension. These findings highlight the need for targeted hypertension prevention strategies that address both behavioural and socioeconomic factors such as older age, alcohol use, pre-obesity and obesity, and high cholesterol levels. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Bhutan should implement a comprehensive prevention and management program that include both clinical care and non-pharmacological strategies such as promoting healthy lifestyles, maintaining optimal body weight, and conducting regular screenings for hypertension and related conditions like high cholesterol.

Self‐Catalyzed Exothermic Binder Enables Ultrafast Processing and Migration‐Resistant Binder Networks for High‐Performance Lithium Battery Cathodes

Abstract Scalable manufacturing of high‐performance cathodes is crucial for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, conventional binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) require prolonged drying, which slows electrode production and induces binder migration. Herein, we report a self‐catalyzed exothermic resin (ExoR) binder that undergoes rapid, thermally triggered polymerization, completing network cross‐linking within 3 min while consuming 70% less drying energy than PVDF. Thermal and microstructural analyses confirm rapid ExoR polymerization and complete solvent removal, while revealing a uniform binder distribution and a continuous carbon‐binder domain. This architecture lowers interfacial resistance and restrains polarization, producing an enhanced electrochemical response. The ExoR‐LiFePO 4 (LFP) cathode achieves a near‐theoretical specific capacity at 0.1 C and excellent cycling stability, maintaining 155 mAh g −1 with 95.5% retention after 500 cycles. Furthermore, high‐mass‐loading (20 mg cm −2 ) ExoR‐LFP cathodes deliver 2.4 mAh cm −2 areal capacity while preserving structural integrity. The ExoR binder also performs well with LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (NMC111) and Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 (LMRO) cathodes, demonstrating broad compatibility across diverse chemistries. By concurrently improving manufacturing efficiency and electrochemical performance, this nearly fluorine‐free (0.05 wt.%) ExoR system provides a scalable and sustainable strategy for the high‐throughput production of advanced lithium‐ion cathodes.

A phenomenological study of differentiated instruction experience in an Ethiopian middle school: The case of grade 7 students in Hawssa city, Ethiopia

This phenomenological study investigates middle school students’ and their English language teacher’s experience with differentiated instruction in a writing classroom. The aim was delving into the lived experiences of the students and the teacher to uncover insights as well as benefits and challenges encountered in writing instruction. The study was conducted at Stadium Elementary School in the city of Hawassa, Ethiopia. A total of 32 middle level students aged 13/14 and their English language teacher were participants of the study. Of these, six students and the teacher were subjects for the interview. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and observation of a classroom. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that differentiated instruction provided students with tailored support, leading to enhanced motivation, engagement, and confidence in their writing abilities. As a challenge some students’ unfamiliarity and resistance to the approach emerged Moreover, the teacher’s experience revealed the demanding nature of the approach and need of collaboration from stakeholders. We conclude that, when the concerns raised by research participants are effectively addressed, the incorporation of differentiated instruction has strong potential to improve students’ writing outcomes and engagement, offering a practical approach for educators seeking to personalize learning and enhance writing quality.

HRV features as potential biomarkers for auxiliary diagnosis in epilepsy

Heterogeneously Catalyzed Depolymerization of Polyurethane for the Efficient Recovery of Polyol and Dianiline

Abstract Polyurethane (PU) recycling remains a significant challenge owing to its inherent stability and crosslinked nature. Conventional chemical recycling methods, including solvolysis and catalytic hydrogenation, often rely on homogeneous catalysts with limited product recoveries. Herein, we report a novel approach incorporating heterogeneous catalysis with alcoholysis, utilizing commercially available zinc oxide and tert ‐butyl alcohol (TBA) for the efficient depolymerization of both model and commercial PU. Through comprehensive screening of metal oxides with varied acid–base properties and structurally distinct alcohols, the ZnO–TBA system exhibited outstanding catalytic performance, offering over 99% depolymerization of model PU at 180 °C within 4 h, demonstrating high selectivity toward the desired alcohol and amine products. Based on the control reactions conducted under varied conditions and the isolation of tert ‐butyl carbamate intermediate, a mechanistic pathway for ZnO catalyzed alcoholysis was proposed and further validated by DFT calculations. The practical potential of this method was showcased by applying it to real‐life PU materials, including foams, elastomers, and insulation materials, which resulted in high monomer recoveries. The closed‐loop nature of this approach enables direct reuse of the recovered monomers for new PU synthesis, thereby advancing the field of sustainable polymer recycling through a cost‐effective, environmentally benign, and reusable catalytic platform.

Brain‐Targeted Near‐Infrared Chiral TeSe Nanodrug Against Orthotopic Drug‐Resistant Glioma

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains a formidable therapeutic challenge due to its high invasiveness, the highly restrictive blood–brain barrier (BBB), and frequent drug resistance, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. Here, we developed tellurium‐selenium nanoparticles (TeSe NPs) with exceptional near‐infrared (NIR) chiroptical properties and potent antitumor activity against drug‐resistant glioma for the first time. Notably, the right‐handed nanoparticles ( D ‐TeSe NPs) exhibited higher cellular uptake than left‐handed L ‐TeSe NPs through chirality‐selective recognition by drug‐resistant glioma cells. The Te and Se active centers in D ‐TeSe NPs selectively triggered severe oxidative stress in glioma cells, leading to redox imbalance, reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately causing 44.2% glioma cell death (versus 37.1% for L ‐TeSe NPs). When combined with 808 nm right‐handed circularly polarized light, D ‐TeSe NPs showed enhanced ROS generation, elevating therapeutic efficacy to 62.5% while maintaining negligible toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, apolipoprotein E‐functionalized D ‐TeSe NPs demonstrated improved BBB penetration and tumor‐targeting capability, significantly extending the survival of mice with orthotopic drug‐resistant glioma to 52 days (versus 21 days for PBS control). This study pioneers a NIR and brain‐targeted chiral nanoplatform for precision therapy of orthotopic glioma, offering a chirality‐driven paradigm against drug‐resistant malignancies and other brain diseases.

Prevalence of illicit alcohol consumption and associated factors among adolescents in selected communities of Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction Illicit alcohol (illegally brewed alcohol) consumption among adolescents is an increasing public health problem worldwide, with major impacts on individuals, families, and communities. It’s effects may lead to blindness, poisoning, infection, and other health problems. In Zambia, evidence on the burden of illicit alcohol intake and associated factors is limited, particularly in socioeconomically deprived communities. This study estimated the prevalence and examined the socio- demographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors that influence illicit alcohol consumption among adolescents between 10–17 years old in selected unplanned settlements in the city of Lusaka, Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023, among 331 adolescents who reported alcohol use in 24 selected densely populated peri-urban communities of Lusaka, Zambia. Total enumeration was employed to select participants who met the age criteria and were enrolled in the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program. Face-to-face questionnaire interviews were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic, socio-cultural, socio-economic, and illicit alcohol intake characteristics. Descriptive statistics and graphical presentations were generated, and an investigator-led stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing illicit alcohol consumption, with variables with p-values >0.2 removed from the model. Data were analyzed using STATA version 16 MP, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of illicit alcohol consumption among adolescent alcohol users in the selected Lusaka communities was 42.9% (142/331), with the majority being male (75%). The median age of participants was 16 years (IQR: 15–17). Most adolescents (98.8%, 327/331) had attended school, though only 32% (102/331) had reached secondary level. A large proportion (77.3%, 256/331) lived with their biological parents, while 73.7% (244/331) belonged to large households (more than 10 members). After adjusting for potential confounders, males were more than twice as likely to engage in illicit alcohol intake compared to females (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.22–3.55, p = 0.005). Conversely, unemployed adolescents were significantly less likely to consume illicit alcohol compared to their employed peers (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.90, p = 0.048). Conclusion Illicit alcohol intake among adolescents in peri-urban communities of Lusaka, Zambia, is high and linked to a broad range of risk factors, particularly sex and employment status. Early initiation of comprehensive, multisectoral, community-based strategies with active stakeholder involvement may help mitigate this growing public health problem.