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Alarcão V, Candeias P, Stefanovska-Petkovska M, Neves J, Pintassilgo S, Machado FL, Santos O, Virgolino A, Santos RR, Heitor MJ, Costa A. Insights from the EQUALS4COVID19 study on migrant mental health in Portugal: a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2023. [PMID: 39075428 PMCID: PMC11285180 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptive consequences in the economic, health, and educational sectors have impacted people's lives, contributing to a context of increased economic and social vulnerability. The pandemic has revealed and accentuated social inequalities and discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. This study aimed to contribute to the promotion of the mental health and well-being of migrant populations living in Portugal via the definition of an analytical framework and recommendations emerging from the EQUALS4COVID19 project. METHODS To gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience determinants among immigrants, a mixed-methods approach was implemented in 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey targeting immigrant adults in Portugal, focus groups with immigrants, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of measures related to mental health and well-being during the pandemic. The analysis followed an integrated framework; quantitative data informed the script of qualitative data collection methods, and qualitative analysis informed the reinterpretation of quantitative data. RESULTS The survey with 604 Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression-related symptomatology and that the perception of discrimination was a major risk factor for psychological suffering, while perceived social support and individuals' resilience characteristics were protective factors. Qualitative data provided deeper insights into these findings, revealing the ways mental health is affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies. Migrants tend to work in precarious jobs requiring physical presence, which, together with dense housing conditions, puts them at higher risk of infection. The deterioration of the economic conditions of the general population has also increased the perception of ethnic-racial discrimination, which was found to be related to the increase in insecurity and anxiety-related symptomatology among the migrant population. Newly arrived migrants, with reduced support networks, experienced a greater sense of insecurity as well as concern and anguish regarding relatives who live far away, in their home country. Migrant women reported greater family-related distress, including work-life balance problems. CONCLUSIONS Proposals to address mental health inequalities should be considered in the context of the necessary global changes both at the societal level and in the delivery of mental health services. Additionally, they should be considered with the active involvement of migrants, families, and communities in the design and delivery of mental health promotion and care processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Alarcão
- Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal.
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal.
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Candeias
- Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
| | - Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Júlia Neves
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pintassilgo
- Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
| | - Fernando Luís Machado
- Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Lisboa, 1649-026, Portugal
| | - Osvaldo Santos
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
- Unbreakable Idea Research, Estrada Nacional 115, Sítio da Caniceira, nº 1, Casarão, Painho, 2550-426, Portugal
| | - Ana Virgolino
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Ricardo R Santos
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Maria João Heitor
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Saúde (CIIS), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade do Uso da Terra e dos Serviços dos Ecossistemas - TERRA, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Costa
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade do Uso da Terra e dos Serviços dos Ecossistemas - TERRA, Lisboa, Portugal
- Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing Research, Nursing School of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Rada C, Faludi C, Lungu M. Emotional, coping factors and personality traits that influenced alcohol consumption in Romanian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:733. [PMID: 38454357 PMCID: PMC10918990 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18247-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, after 3 months from the installation of the state of emergency on the territory of Romania, data were collected from 677 students and master's students, to explore the problematic alcohol consumption (AC). METHODS The evaluation was done with: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Strategic Coping Approach Scale and The Freiburg Personality Inventory. The statistical methods used were linear regression with bootstrap procedure, Spearman's rank correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS More than half were affected by depression or anxiety of moderate to extremely severe intensity. The prevalence of problematic alcohol consumption was low: (Hazardous and Extremely Hazardous (2.3) and Medium Risk (10.2). Early onset increases the subsequent risk of problematic AC, compared to women, men recorded a higher AC (p <.01). Anxiety, antisocial action, personality traits Aggressiveness and Somatic complaints had the effect of increasing the alcohol consumption score (p <.01). Significant but weak positive correlations between AC on one hand, and depression, anxiety, stress and antisocial action on the other hand were found (p <.01). CONCLUSIONS Probably the prevalence of AC was low as a result of the fact that most respondents were studying in the field of health promotion and as a result of the closure of entertainment venues. This study advocates for the education of youngsters to clearly express their opinions without violating the boundaries of others' feelings (assertive action) and to act prudently in dangerous or uncertain situations (cautious action) since these coping mechanisms were not associated with problematic alcohol consumption. The promotion of positive, achievement-oriented, life attitudes is equally important, as these characteristics of the Life Satisfaction personality dimensions were also found as non-determinants of alcohol-induced problems. The association of problematic AC with antisocial actions as a coping mechanism and high scores on Aggressiveness calls for interventions to educate the younger generation how to acquire and adopt healthy mechanisms to control tensions without resorting to alcohol consumption, more so as the two variables reinforce each other. Drinking as a means of gaining courage must be carefully reconsidered since anxiety generally hits back, often in increased levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Rada
- Biomedical Department, Francisc I. Rainer Institute of Anthropology, Romanian Academy, Academy House 13 September Avenue, No. 13, 5th District, 050711, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Cristina Faludi
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Social Work Department, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lungu
- Argeș County Centre for Educational Resources and Assistance, Pitești, Romania
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Fernandez MDS, da Silva NRJ, Bielavski CH, da Silva JA, Silva AER. Generalized anxiety disorder in Brazilian undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024; 28:117-129. [PMID: 37277980 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and associated factors in undergraduate dental students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire addressing the variables of interest was shared with dental students between July 8 and 27 2020. The outcome was determined using the seven-item generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scale. A 'positive' diagnosis was defined as a total of ≥10 points on the scale. Statistical analysis involved descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses, with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS Among the 1050 students evaluated, 53.8% had a positive diagnosis for GAD. The multivariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of symptoms was higher among individuals who resided with more than three people, those enrolled at teaching institutions that suspended all clinical and laboratory activities, those who did not have an adequate home situation to maintain distance learning, those who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, those who felt anxious about having to see patients with a suspicion or diagnosis of COVID-19 and those who preferred to interrupt in-person academic activities until the population is vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. CONCLUSION The prevalence of GAD was high. Aspects related to the composition and organization of the home, the suspension of academic activities, a history of COVID-19 contamination, feelings of anxiety in providing dental care to patients with symptoms/suspected of COVID-19 infection and the preference to interrupt in-person academic activities until the population is vaccinated for COVID-19 were factors predisposing the students to anxiety during the first wave of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jandilson Avelino da Silva
- Department of Psychology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Emidio Ribeiro Silva
- School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Lawler T, Warren Andersen S, Trentham-Dietz A, Sethi AK, Tevaarwerk AJ, Malecki KMC, Litzelman K, Pophali PA, Gangnon RE, Hampton JM, Kwekkeboom K, LoConte NK. Change in alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic and associations with mental health and financial hardship: results from a survey of Wisconsin patients with cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01502-1. [PMID: 38017319 PMCID: PMC11130075 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01502-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcohol consumption increases health risks for patients with cancer. The Covid-19 pandemic may have affected drinking habits for these individuals. We surveyed patients with cancer to examine whether changes in drinking habits were related to mental health or financial effects of the pandemic. METHODS From October 2020 to April 2021, adult patients (age 18-80 years at diagnosis) treated for cancer in southcentral Wisconsin were invited to complete a survey. Age-adjusted percentages for history of anxiety or depression, emotional distress, and financial impacts of Covid-19 overall and by change in alcohol consumption (non-drinker, stable, decreased, or increased) were obtained via logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 1,875 patients were included in the analysis (median age 64, range 19-87 years), including 9% who increased and 23% who decreased drinking. Compared to stable drinkers (32% of sample), a higher proportion of participants who increased drinking alcohol also reported anxiety or depression (45% vs. 26%), moderate to severe emotional distress (61% vs. 37%) and viewing Covid-19 as a threat to their community (67% vs. 55%). Decreased (vs. stable) drinking was associated with higher prevalence of depression or anxiety diagnosis, emotional distress, and negative financial impacts of the pandemic. Compared to non-drinkers (36% of sample), participants who increased drinking were more likely to report emotional distress (61% vs. 48%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with cancer from Wisconsin who changed their alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to report poor mental health including anxiety, depression, and emotional distress than persons whose alcohol consumption was stable. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Clinicians working with cancer survivors should be aware of the link between poor mental health and increased alcohol consumption and be prepared to offer guidance or referrals to counseling, as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lawler
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Shaneda Warren Andersen
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amy Trentham-Dietz
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ajay K Sethi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Kristen M C Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristin Litzelman
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Priyanka A Pophali
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ronald E Gangnon
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John M Hampton
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristine Kwekkeboom
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Noelle K LoConte
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Fernandez MDS, Casarin M, Ortiz FR, Muniz FWMG. Association between dental environment stress and sense of coherence in dental students: a cross-sectional study. Braz Oral Res 2023; 37:e111. [PMID: 37970931 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2023.vol37.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (βGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; βUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (β: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161-16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (β: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644-15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (β: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581-14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maísa Casarin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Orozco MFS, de González WYE, Marín NP, Hernández JRC, Hernandez-Cabanillas JC, Acosta IO, Rider RM, Casillas Santana MA. Depression and opinion of dental students regarding the hybrid learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:115. [PMID: 37060098 PMCID: PMC10103031 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global spread of COVID-19 forced schools at all educational levels to close, which was repeated in more than 60 countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of dental students world wide. This study hypothesizes that the prevalence of depression in dental students from El Salvador is higher than that reported in studies from Europe, Asia, and North America. METHODS This study was an online cross-sectional survey performed at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Salvador. The PHQ-9 questionnaire was applied to know the level of depression of the students, and a questionnaire focused on learning the opinion of the students on the hybrid teaching model adopted. Approximately 450 students participated in both questionnaires. RESULTS Regarding the levels of depression present in the students, 14% had minimal depression, 29% had medium depression, 23% had moderate depression and, 34% had severe depression. The students had an excellent opinion regarding the hybrid learning model. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depression in dental students in El Salvador seems to be higher than that reported in studies in non-Latin American countries. Therefore, universities must generate care plans for mental health to avoid these harmful effects on students during future contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Felipe Salas Orozco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico.
| | - Wendy Yesenia Escobar de González
- Doctora en Cirugía Dental. Profesora de Cariología e Investigadora, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Nuria Patiño Marín
- Department of Clinical Research, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Carlos Hernandez-Cabanillas
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Ivan Olivares Acosta
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Martinez Rider
- Department of Clinical Research, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Casillas Santana
- Maestría en Estomatología con Opción Terminal en Ortodoncia, Facultad de Estomatología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, C.P. 72410, Mexico.
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Iosif L, Țâncu AMC, Didilescu AC, Imre M, Pițuru SM, Ionescu E, Jinga V. Perceptions and Expectations of Academic Staff in Bucharest towards the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Dental Education. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20031782. [PMID: 36767150 PMCID: PMC9914722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dental education was severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The evaluation of the viewpoint of the dental teachers of the Faculty of Dentistry at "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, on these exceptional circumstances' consequences was the objective of this paper. A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2022, on the academic staff who reported their perceptions of the emotional and educational impact of the pandemic by completing a Google Forms questionnaire. Although a significant emotional impact of the pandemic was reported by over a third of the participants (31.2%), most of them being teachers of fifth-year dental students (p = 0.019), the perceived stress had an impact on the teaching performance in few of them (14%), the quality of sleep remaining unaffected in most of them (53.7%), whereas the level of anxiety was low (57%). An educational impact regarding the techno difficulties during the online transition was mentioned by few respondents (16.1%), with male teaching staff facing the fewest problems (p = 0.024), as well as low levels of difficulties in transmitting academic information (11.9), with men also being the most unaffected (p = 0.006). More than half of the participants (59.1%) rather see digital and/or virtual education during the pandemic as having adverse effects on the educational system, the most sceptical being teachers of the fifth (p = 0.001) and sixth years (p = 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic affected the academic staff of the Faculty of Dentistry at "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, not only at a personal level but also at a professional, pedagogical one, due to the introduction of the online teaching system followed by the hybrid one. Age group, gender, and teaching year differentiated the degree of emotional and educational impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iosif
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Cristina Țâncu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Cristiana Didilescu
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marina Imre
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Mirel Pițuru
- Department of Professional Organization and Medical Legislation-Malpractice, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Ionescu
- Department of Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 17-21 Calea Plevnei Street, Sector 1, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Urology, “Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele” Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Șoseaua Panduri 20, Sector 5, 050653 Bucharest, Romania
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Kohls E, Guenthner L, Baldofski S, Brock T, Schuhr J, Rummel-Kluge C. Two years COVID-19 pandemic: Development of university students' mental health 2020-2022. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1122256. [PMID: 37091715 PMCID: PMC10117945 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1122256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The literature indicates a negative impact on the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains unclear if this negative impact persists even after lockdown measures are lifted. The current study therefore investigates the mental health status of students by drawing on two previous studies the present study seeks to investigate differences in the mental health status across three time points. Methods A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey among students of six universities was conducted between April and May 2022 (N = 5,510). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, hazardous alcohol use and eating disorders as well as social and emotional variables were assessed utilizing standardized instruments. Risk- and protective factors for severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were investigated using multiple regression models. Differences in e.g., symptoms of depression across three time points were assessed with one-way analysis of variance. Results More than one third of students exhibited clinically relevant symptoms of depression (35.5%), hazardous alcohol use (33.0-35.5% depending on gender) or anxiety disorder (31.1%). Taken together, almost two out of three (61.4%) students reported clinically relevant symptoms in at least one of the aforementioned symptom patterns, while almost one fifth of students reported suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm (19.6%). Higher perceived stress and loneliness significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms, while resilience and social support were identified as protective factors. Compared to 2020 and 2021, levels of depressive symptoms were significantly reduced in 2022, levels of hazardous alcohol consumption showed a small but significant increase from 2021 to 2022. Worryingly, prevalence of suicidal ideation was the highest yet, being significantly higher than in 2020 (14.5%) and 2021 (16.5%). Conclusion These results confirm previous results that the pandemic had and still has a negative impact on the mental health of university students. The present study broadens this view by the fact that some areas seem to recover quicker, while others seem to increase worryingly. Especially the persistent rise in suicidal ideation from 2020 to 2021 and to 2022, a constant reduction in reported social support and associated perceived loneliness is concerning. The claim for low-threshold and accessible mental health support for university students remains the same as in the beginning of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lukas Guenthner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tanja Brock
- Centre for Research, Further Education and Consulting, University of Applied Sciences for Social Work, Education and Nursing Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Schuhr
- Centre for Research, Further Education and Consulting, University of Applied Sciences for Social Work, Education and Nursing Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christine Rummel-Kluge
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Silva FTD, Knorst JK, Maracci LM, Ferrazzo VA, Liedke GS, Silva TB, Marquezan M. Temporomandibular disorders and associated comorbidities among brazilian dental students during COVID-19. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.20396/bjos.v22i00.8667397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and psychosocial comorbidities in undergraduate dental students in a southern Brazilian university, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it aimed to verify the association between psychosocial factors and TMD. Methods: Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a socioeconomic questionnaire, and questions about academic performance and social distancing were applied. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association of predictive variables with TMD. Results: The prevalence of TMD was found to be 82.4%, and more than half of the students had some degree of stress, anxiety, and depression. Students who had symptoms of stress (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04-1.19), anxiety (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.12-1.27) and reported academic performance worsening (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.07-1.19) had higher TMD scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that TMD was highly prevalent among dental students at a federal university in southern Brazil during the pandemic, being associated with high levels of stress, anxiety, poor academic performance, and greater social distancing.
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Dias CDA, Karam SA, Cumerlato CBDF, Sartori LRM, Fernandez MDS, Silva NRJD, Bielavski CH, Silva AER, Dickie de Castilhos E, Correa MB. COVID-19 pandemic and impact on dental education. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.20396/bjos.v22i00.8667471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the perception of undergraduate students on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian dental education. Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire hosted in Google Forms platform and publicized on Instagram® and Facebook®. The questionnaire was available between July 8-27, 2020. Absolute and relative frequencies were obtained for variables of interest using Pearson’s chi-squared and considering 95% confidence intervals. Prevalence of learning resource variables according to self-reported skin color, educational institution, and Brazilian region were presented using equiplots. Results: A total of 1,050 undergraduate dental students answered the questionnaire. Most students reported being in full-distance learning mode. Among the undergraduate students, 65.4% reported perceiving a very high impact in dental education, and 16.6% of students reported not being able to follow distance learning. In addition, 14% reported not having a personal laptop or desktop to study with, with this condition being more prevalent among non-white than white individuals. Conclusion: We conclude that Brazilian dental students perceived a high impact of COVID-19 on dental education, as well as one-sixth of the students reported not having adequate resources to continue with distance learning. It is important that different policies are developed at the institutional and governmental levels to reduce the impact of the pandemic on dental education.
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Fernandez MDS, Pontes AFL, Casarin M, Feijo JDS, Pola NM, Muniz FWMG. Factors associated with poor academic performance among undergraduate dental students: A cross‐sectional study. J Dent Educ 2022; 87:514-522. [PMID: 36349686 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with poor academic performance among undergraduate dental students enrolled at a public university in Brazil. METHODS A semi-structured questionnaire addressing the exploratory variables of interest (sociodemographic and economic characteristics, use of medications and drugs, dentistry as the first choice of undergraduate course, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) was hosted on Google Forms and shared with all dental students at the Federal University of Pelotas. Academic performance was evaluated based on institutional records, access to which the participants had previously authorized; students with good (average ≥7.0 points) or poor academic performance (average <7.0 points) were considered. Adjusted logistic regressions were performed to verify the association between academic performance and the exploratory variables (p < 0.05). RESULTS In total, 244 students were included, of whom 18.8% had poor academic performance. Increased age (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), non-white skin color (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), the use of medications for anxiety and depression (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52) were factors associated with poor academic performance. CONCLUSION A low prevalence of poor academic performance was observed. Non-white skin color, increased age, use of anxiolytics or antidepressants, and poor or disturbed sleep may reduce dental students' academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maísa Casarin
- Department of Periodontology Federal University of Pelotas Pelotas Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | | | - Natália Marcumini Pola
- Department of Periodontology Federal University of Pelotas Pelotas Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
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Forsyth CB, Voigt RM, Swanson GR, Bishehsari F, Shaikh M, Zhang L, Engen P, Keshavarzian A. Alcohol use disorder as a potential risk factor for COVID-19 severity: A narrative review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1930-1943. [PMID: 36394508 PMCID: PMC9722573 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In Dec. 2019-January 2020, a pneumonia illness originating in Wuhan, China, designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was shown to be caused by a novel RNA coronavirus designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). People with advanced age, male sex, and/or underlying health conditions (obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic lung disease) are especially vulnerable to severe COVID-19 symptoms and death. These risk factors impact the immune system and are also associated with poor health, chronic illness, and shortened longevity. However, a large percent of patients without these known risk factors also develops severe COVID-19 disease that can result in death. Thus, there must exist risk factors that promote exaggerated inflammatory and immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus leading to death. One such risk factor may be alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder because these can exacerbate viral lung infections like SARS, influenza, and pneumonia. Thus, it is highly plausible that alcohol misuse is a risk factor for either increased infection rate when individuals are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or more severe COVID-19 in infected patients. Alcohol use is a well-known risk factor for lung diseases and ARDS in SARS patients. We propose that alcohol has three key pathogenic elements in common with other COVID-19 severity risk factors: namely, inflammatory microbiota dysbiosis, leaky gut, and systemic activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We also propose that these three elements represent targets for therapy for severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Forsyth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Robin M. Voigt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Garth R. Swanson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Faraz Bishehsari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Maliha Shaikh
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Phillip Engen
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
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Gavurova B, Khouri S, Ivankova V, Rigelsky M, Mudarri T. Internet Addiction, Symptoms of Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Stress Among Higher Education Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:893845. [PMID: 35774570 PMCID: PMC9237380 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.893845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor mental health is a growing concern among young people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of Internet addiction with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress in higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to examine these mental health problems in the context of study-related characteristics. The research sample consisted of 3,099 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ: 1,422) and Slovak Republic (SK: 1,677). The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to measure mental health problems. The analyses also included demographic data (gender and age) and study-related characteristics (form of study, degree of study, field of study, distance between college and home, and housing during the semester). Based on the results of frequency and descriptive analyses, the prevalence of mental health problems was high. The most serious levels of Internet addiction (IAT cut-off point ≥ 50), to which attention should be paid, were found in 3.5% of Czech and 6.2% of Slovak students. Using the standard cut-off point of GAD-7 ≥ 10, 14.1% of Czech and 11.6% of Slovak students were identified with anxiety symptoms. Regarding the PHQ-9 with the cut-off point ≥ 10, 23.4% of Czech and 19.1% of Slovak students had depressive symptoms, which should be addressed. Using the PSS cut-off point ≥ 27, 12.9% of Czech students and 9.1% of Slovak students perceived high stress. The quantile regression analysis showed that Internet addiction was positively associated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and stress in all of the analyzed cases (p-value < 0.001). In terms of study-related characteristics, the binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for mental health problems in Czech and Slovak students were mainly full-time form of study and living away from home during the semester. Internet addiction, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and stress are issues that require increased attention, and professionals and policy-makers should implement interventions to effectively prevent and help students with psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gavurova
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Beata Gavurova
| | - Samer Khouri
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Ivankova
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Rigelsky
- Department of Marketing and International Trade, Faculty of Management and Business, University of Prešov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Tawfik Mudarri
- Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovakia
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Thielmann B, Böckelmann I, Schumann H. [Drinking behavior at the beginning and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: results of a literature review]. Notf Rett Med 2022; 26:1-7. [PMID: 35506007 PMCID: PMC9051819 DOI: 10.1007/s10049-022-01031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective It is well known that alcohol consumption and abuse, as well as alcohol-induced problems, increase during difficult economic times. Previous studies showed increased alcohol consumption in the 2003 SARS outbreak in China. The review examines global changes in alcohol consumption under current SARS-CoV‑2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic. Materials and methods The databases PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science with a cut-off date of 11 January 2022 were used. An initial hit count of 791 publications was found. After reading the title and abstract, 62 texts were still eligible. After reviewing the full text, 40 studies were included in this review. Results Study results were available from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Increases as well as reductions in alcohol consumption were shown. Studies examining multiple waves of the pandemic found that alcohol consumption increased with duration of the pandemic. Binge drinking played a large role in this. There were very large regional differences in the increase in alcohol consumption: from about 10% of respondents to > 45%. In most studies, alcohol consumption was about the same for 40-50% of respondents and decreased for 30-40%. Conclusions Further study follow-ups under the continuing pandemic are relevant. Since the populations studied were predominantly of working age, occupational prevention measures of elevated stress levels for some of the respondents with increased alcohol consumption seem reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Thielmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Irina Böckelmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Heiko Schumann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Knowledge About Biosafety Measures in Clinical Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study With Brazilian Dental Students. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e108. [PMID: 35000654 PMCID: PMC8961069 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian dental students about biosafety measures that should be adopted in the clinical setting during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study with 1050 dental students was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was shared with students. Mean knowledge score on biosafety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic was the outcome, with a maximum of 8 scores. Explanatory variables included sociodemographic and educational characteristics, aspects related to biosafety education, actions adopted by the dental schools during the pandemic, and sources of biosafety information. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Mean knowledge score was 5.19 (1.28). Female students (β = 0.346; 95% CI: 0.154-0.539), those enrolled in the intermediate (β = 0.525; 95% CI: 0.167-0.883) or final (β = 0.569; 95% CI: 0.200-0.937) stage of course, and those who had already received theoretical-practical training in biosafety (β = 0.464; 95% CI: 0.063-0.866) presented higher mean knowledge scores. Students who did not receive guidance on aerosol control measures before the pandemic (β = -0.324; 95% CI: -0.519 to -0.130) had the lowest score. CONCLUSION Students presented a medium level of knowledge about dental biosafety measures concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic characteristics and those related to the institutional profile of the participants, and access to orientation and training in biosafety, may influence their knowledge.
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Gavurova B, Ivankova V, Rigelsky M. Alcohol Use Disorders among Slovak and Czech University Students: A Closer Look at Tobacco Use, Cannabis Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11565. [PMID: 34770080 PMCID: PMC8582865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gavurova
- Center for Applied Economic Research, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Mostní 5139, 760 00 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Ivankova
- Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Rigelsky
- Faculty of Management, University of Prešov in Prešov, Konštantínova 16, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia;
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Prevalence of Anxiety in Dental Students during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010978. [PMID: 34682726 PMCID: PMC8535371 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological state of university students has been a cause for concern. In particular, odontology students have experienced symptoms of anxiety due to the closure of universities and the suspension of clinical training. Methods: Medline via PubMed was searched for studies on the prevalence of anxiety in dental undergraduates, published from 1 December 2019 to 1 August 2021. Results: A total of fifteen studies were included in this review. Our results show a prevalence of anxiety of 35% reported by dental students, which was independent of gender, response rate or methodological quality. The only significant finding was a lower prevalence of anxiety in studies located in Europe compared to those located in other continents. Conclusions: The results suggest dental students are experiencing significant levels of anxiety during this COVID-19 pandemic and that there seem to be differences between students from different regions of the world. Therefore, it is important to help dental students psychologically as the pandemic situation continues.
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