Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.238

Youth-GEMs: Gene–Environment Interactions in Developmental Trajectories of Youth Mental Health: Protocol for a Prospective Multicenter Observational Study

Tomislav Franić ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva ulica 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mia Plenković ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia *
Nada Gruja ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
Frane Franić ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Youth GEMs Consortium ; University of Maastricht, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, Netherlands

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Introduction: The mental health of young people is
one of the most urgent public health challenges in
Europe. There is a need for a better understanding
of the long-term development of mental health,
early risk factors, and opportunities for timely
intervention in young people exposed to trauma
or at risk of developing mental disorders. It is
assumed that the development of mental health
arises from a complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic,
and environmental factors, but direct evidence for such associations is still limited. Aim:
The YOUTH-GEMS (Gene Environment Interactions
in Mental Health Trajectories of Youth) project examines
the relationship between biological and environmental
factors that shape the development of
mental health in young people during adolescence
and early adulthood. Methods: Data collection began
in March 2024 at 16 institutions in 9 countries.
The study plans to include 1,000 young people
aged 12 to 24 who are seeking help for mental
health difficulties. Participants are followed over
two years using digital technologies and artificial
intelligence. Clinical, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental
data are collected, as well as data on
help-seeking patterns. Results: By March 2026,
634 participants had been included, representing
64% of the planned sample. Spain and Serbia contributed
the most to recruitment, reaching 90%
of the expected target, while Croatia and Estonia
reached 50%, and Finland and the Netherlands
30% of the planned recruitment. Biological samples
were collected from 504 participants (79%),
including 398 blood samples and 106 saliva samples.
Digital data via a mobile application are available
for 274 participants (43%), while 69 participants
(11%) provided narratives. Follow-up was
conducted for 401 participants at 3 months, 308
at 6 months, 265 at 12 months, 58 at 18 months,
and 6 at 24 months. Conclusion: YOUTH-GEMS
is one of the largest European longitudinal studies
on youth mental health. By integrating genetic,
epigenetic, environmental, and digital data, the
project will enable the development of predictive
models and tools for the early detection of risk
and will improve evidence-based decision-making
in the field of youth mental health. Trial registration:
ISRCTN17131459. Funding: Horizon Europe
(Grant Agreement No. 101057182).

Keywords

genetic factors; environmental factors; youth mental health

Hrčak ID:

352621

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352621

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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