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Zhao J, Nie L, Pan L, Pang M, Wang J, Zhou Y, Chen R, Liu H, Xu X, Zhou C, Li S, Kong F. Association between social capital, mental health, and digital health literacy among the university students in China: a multigroup analysis based on major difference. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2193. [PMID: 39138431 PMCID: PMC11321090 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19672-7] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to clarify medical-nonmedical difference on the relationship between social capital, mental health and digital health literacy of university students in China, and furtherly provide evidence-based suggestions on the improvement of the digital health literacy for the university students. METHODS The snowball sampling method was used to collect data from the university students (including medical students and nonmedical students) through online questionnaires, and finally 1472 university students were included for the data analysis, of whom, 665 (45.18%) were medical students, 807 (54.82%) were nonmedical students; 462 (31.39%) were male, 1010 (68.61%) were female. Mean value of the age was 21.34 ± 2.33 for medical students vs. 20.96 ± 2.16 for nonmedical students. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test analysis, one-way Analysis of Variance (conducted by SPSS) and structural equation modeling (conducted by AMOS) were employed to explore the difference on the relationship between social capital, mental health and digital health literacy between the medical students and nonmedical students. RESULTS The mean value of the digital health literacy was 36.27 (37.33 for medical students vs. 35.39 for nonmedical students). The SEM analysis showed that there was a statistically positive correlation between social capital and digital health literacy (stronger among the nonmedical students (0.317) than medical students (0.184)). Mental health had a statistically positive impact on the digital health literacy among medical students (0.242), but statistically significant correlation was not observed in nonmedical students (0.017). Social capital was negatively correlated with the mental health for both medical students and NMS (stronger among the nonmedical students (0.366) than medical students (0.255)). And the fitness indices of SEM were same between medical students and nonmedical students (GFI = 0.911, AGFI = 0.859, CFI = 0.922, RMSEA = 0.074). CONCLUSION The digital health literacy of the university student was relatively high. Both social capital and mental health could exert a positive effect on digital health literacy, while social capital was found to be positively associated with mental health. Statistical difference was found between medical students and nonmedical students on the above correlations. Implications were given on the improvement of the digital health literacy among university students in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhao
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Limei Nie
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lutong Pan
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingli Pang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, College of Art and Science, New York University, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xixing Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengchao Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shixue Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Saracutu OI, Manfredini D, Bracci A, Ferrari Cagidiaco E, Ferrari M, Colonna A. Awake bruxism behaviors frequency in a group of healthy young adults with different psychological scores. Cranio 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38850025 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2357199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of awake bruxism (AB) behaviors in a group of undergraduate dentistry students and correlate it with the status of anxiety and depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS The frequency of five oral behaviors (i.e., relaxed jaw muscle, teeth contact, mandible bracing, teeth clenching, teeth grinding) was evaluated using a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach. The anxiety and depression status was investigated with the four-item patient health questionnaire for anxiety and depression (PHQ-4). ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was used to assess the difference in frequency of AB behaviors among the four PHQ-4 groups. RESULTS Among the four groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of relaxed jaw muscle, teeth contact, mandible bracing, and teeth clenching, but not for teeth grinding. CONCLUSION Based on this cross-sectional study's findings, psyche seems to have a determinant impact on AB behaviors, which is significantly higher in individuals with anxiety and depression traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Ionut Saracutu
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniele Manfredini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bracci
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Dentistry, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Colonna
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Yano K, Oishi K. Individual differences in environmental sensitivity: associations between cognitive emotion regulation and mental health. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1322544. [PMID: 38524301 PMCID: PMC10957743 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1322544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental sensitivity is defined as the ability to perceive and process internal and external information. Previous studies have suggested that mental health-related factors differ by sensitivity level. This study aimed to investigate whether environmental sensitivity moderates the associations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination and blaming others) and mental health. Materials and methods In this three-wave longitudinal study, participants (N = 1,233, 585, and 349 at Times 1, 2, and 3, respectively) completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-short and Kessler 10 scale at all the measurement points as well as the 10-item version of the Highly Sensitive Person scale and some covariates only at Time 1. Results Latent growth model analyses indicated that the blaming others strategy had contrastive effects on changes in mental health by sensitivity level; the increase in refocusing on planning was associated with improved mental health over time only for highly sensitive individuals; and the rumination and catastrophizing strategies were the most important risk factors for mental health problems, although their effects differed slightly by sensitivity level. Conclusion The associations between some of the cognitive strategies and mental health differ by environmental sensitivity level. Future investigations based on individual differences in sensitivity could provide innovative insights into practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yano
- Research Center for Youth Education, National Institution For Youth Education, Tokyo, Japan
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Dong J, Hassan NC, Hassan AB, Chen D, Guo W. Effect of Achievement Motivation and Self-Efficacy on General Well-Being among Students at Normal Universities in Ningxia: The Mediating Role of Time Management. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:15. [PMID: 38247667 PMCID: PMC10813115 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010015] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
General well-being is a positive evaluation of one's mental health, which is an important topic in mental health. General well-being is fundamental to the positive development of young people. A thorough understanding of the factors that influence happiness have not yet been developed for students at normal universities in Ningxia Province in China. This study examined the mediation effects of time management on the relationship between achievement motivation, self-efficacy, and general well-being among students at normal universities in Ningxia Province in China. Using a random sampling, 163 participants (68 males and 95 females) completed the Achievement Motivation Scale (AMS), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ) and General Well-being Scale (GWBS). Achievement motivation, self-efficacy, and time management were positively correlated with general well-being. The mediation effects of time management on the relationships between achievement motivation, self-efficacy, and general wellbeing (0.169 and 0.447) were demonstrated. These results add to the nuanced relationship between self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and general well-being. According to the Achievement Motivation Theory and the Self-efficacy Theory, this study reveals the role of achievement motivation, self-efficacy on general well-being and the mediating effect of time management in the relationship between achievement motivation, self-efficacy, and general well-being. According to the findings, the school can carry out a series of lectures and tutoring activities to enhance students' achievement motivation, self-efficacy, time management, and general well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Dong
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43300, Malaysia; (J.D.); (A.B.H.)
| | - Norlizah Che Hassan
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43300, Malaysia; (J.D.); (A.B.H.)
| | - Aminuddin Bin Hassan
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43300, Malaysia; (J.D.); (A.B.H.)
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Foreign Language Teaching, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Faculty of Physical Education, Ningxia Normal University, Yinchuan 750000, China
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Asensio-Martínez A, Aguilar-Latorre A, Masluk B, Gascón-Santos S, Sánchez-Calavera MA, Sánchez-Recio R. Social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health: analysis by gender among university students. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1236825. [PMID: 37744603 PMCID: PMC10513771 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1236825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This research aims to study the role of social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health in university students. Methods A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study has been carried out through a self-reported survey answered by 389 students during March and April 2022. The current level of health was the outcome variable. Technostress and academic stress were the criterion variables. Perceived social support was the mediator variable. The sociodemographic variables and ICT use at the educational level were the independent variables. Results Women have higher levels of technostress and academic stress than men. Social support significantly and positively mediates the relationship between academic stress and self-perceived health in men. Discussion There is a clear need to develop new social management strategies that assist students in developing stable and long-lasting social networks, which can reduce stress during the student period and provide personal tools for later working life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Asensio-Martínez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS, RD21/0016/0005), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS, RD21/0016/0005), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Masluk
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Gascón-Santos
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS, RD21/0016/0005), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Antonia Sánchez-Calavera
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS, RD21/0016/0005), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Health Center Las Fuentes Norte, Aragón Healthcare Service (SALUD), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Recio
- Aragonese Primary Care Research Group (GAIAP), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group on Health Services in Aragon (GRISSA), Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
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Danehorn E, Peterson U, Oscarsson M, Smirthwaite G, Swahnberg K. Mental health, self-rated health, risky sexual behaviour, alcohol use, and drug use among students who intend to spend a semester abroad - a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1116497. [PMID: 37457242 PMCID: PMC10346853 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1116497] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Our aim was to investigate potential differences in mental health, self-rated health, risky sexual behaviour, alcohol use, and drug use between (1) Prospective exchange students and campus students separated by sex, and (2) male and female students as a group. Method Comparative cross-sectional design using an online survey containing the following instruments: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Sexual Behaviour in Young People in Sweden; Self-Rated Health Questionnaire; and General Health Questionnaire 12. One-hundred and fourteen prospective exchange students and 451 campus students participated in the study. Results Male prospective exchange students rated their mental health as being better and had used cannabis more often compared with female prospective exchange students. Male prospective exchange students also rated their mental health as being better than male campus students. Female students, in general, rated their mental health as worse than male students. A larger proportion of male prospective exchange students had sex together with alcohol compared with male campus students, and a larger proportion of female prospective exchange students had sex with a new partner and drank more alcohol compared to female campus students. Conclusion The result shows that risky alcohol use and sexually risky behaviour is prominent amongst prospective exchange students. It is possible that they will continue, and even increase their risky behaviour whilst abroad as they find themselves in a new social context, and free from influence of the rules and restrictions that they might have at home. With limited knowledge of the local culture, native language, and in an unfamiliar environment, it is possible that the risks will be enhanced and possibly decrease their health. This highlights the need for proactive interventions, conceivably with some variations in content between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Danehorn
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Ulla Peterson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Marie Oscarsson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | | | - Katarina Swahnberg
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
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Hammoudi Halat D, Hallit S, Younes S, AlFikany M, Khaled S, Krayem M, El Khatib S, Rahal M. Exploring the effects of health behaviors and mental health on students' academic achievement: a cross-sectional study on lebanese university students. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1228. [PMID: 37365573 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High academic achievement, an important determinant of future success, is known to be influenced by many factors including dietary behavior, lifestyle and mental health, among others. The objectives of the current study were to explore university students' nutritive habits, daily lifestyle, and mental status, and to scrutinize the associations between these factors and students' academic achievement. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private Lebanese university, using an electronic survey. Diet, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and smoking were evaluated, and mental health was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the combined Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-8). Academic achievement was measured using the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS). RESULTS A total of 1677 students participated in the questionnaire. The results of a linear regression taking the SAAS score as the dependent variable, showed that students who have a non-scientific versus scientific major (Beta = 0.53), and having breakfast ≥ 4 days per week compared to less than 2 days (Beta = 0.28) were significantly associated with higher SAAS scores. More psychological distress (Beta = - 0.06) and a higher number of days of eating out (Beta = - 0.07) were significantly associated with lower SAAS scores. CONCLUSIONS This is the first investigation on a Lebanese university students' academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental profiles. Better academic achievement was demonstrated by students having healthier dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as less distressing mental status. Such results, in light of the compounded and unprecedented crises with which Lebanon has been assailed, suggest the need to focus on promoting healthy habits among students in higher education as a possible driver of better academic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Department of Research, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Samar Younes
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Mira AlFikany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Khaled
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Maha Krayem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Hawally, Kuwait
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
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Craig F, Servidio R, Calomino ML, Candreva F, Nardi L, Palermo A, Polito A, Spina MF, Tenuta F, Costabile A. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health among Students Seeking Psychological Counseling Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105906. [PMID: 37239632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a marked rise in the number of students accessing University Psychological Counseling (UPC) services, and their concerns have been increasingly severe. This study aimed to examine the impact of cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health in students who had approached counseling services (N = 121) and students who had no experience with counseling services (N = 255). Participants completed an anonymous online self-report questionnaire measuring exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE-Q), psychological distress (General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), personality traits (PID-5), and coping strategies. We found that students who approached UPC services scored higher on cumulative ACEs than the non-counseling group. While ACE-Q score was a direct positive predictor of PHQ-9 (p < 0.001), it did not predict GAD-7. Moreover, the results supported the existence of a mediation effect of avoidance coping, detachment, and psychoticism on the indirect effects of ACE-Q score on PHQ-9 or GAD-7. These results underlined the importance of screening for ACEs in a UPC setting because it can help identify students at higher risk for developing mental and physical health problems and provide them with early interventions and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Craig
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rocco Servidio
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Candreva
- Psychological Counseling Services, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lucia Nardi
- Psychological Counseling Services, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Adriana Palermo
- Psychological Counseling Services, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Alberto Polito
- Psychological Counseling Services, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Flaviana Tenuta
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Angela Costabile
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
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Thanoi W, Vongsirimas N, Sitthimongkol Y, Klainin-Yobas P. Examining Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among University Students: A Descriptive Comparative Study across Thailand and Singapore. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1875. [PMID: 36767238 PMCID: PMC9914956 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological well-being (PWB) is a significant indicator of positive psychology. Thus far, the predictors of PWB are not well-understood among university students in Asian countries. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the relationships between PWB and its predictors (stress, resilience, mindfulness, self-efficacy, and social support) in Thai and Singaporean undergraduates. Stress is perceived to have a negative influence on PWB, but mindfulness, resilience, self-efficacy, and social support indicate positive influences. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive predictive research design was used with 966 Thai and 696 Singaporean university students. After calculating an adequate sample size and performing convenience sampling, we administered the following six standard scales: the Perceived Stress Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Mindfulness Awareness Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Psychological Well-being Scale, along with a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed for participants' PWB. RESULTS Mindfulness had significant effects on both factors of PWB, including autonomy and growth, and cognitive triad, across two samples. In the Thai sample, resilience most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and perceived stress did so the cognitive triad, whereas in the Singaporean sample, perceived control most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and support from friends did so the cognitive triad. CONCLUSION These findings provide specific knowledge towards enhancing psychosocial interventions and promoting PWB to strengthen mindfulness, resilience, perceived control of stress, and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wareerat Thanoi
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
| | - Nopporn Vongsirimas
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
| | - Yajai Sitthimongkol
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
| | - Piyanee Klainin-Yobas
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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A balancing act-finding one´s way to health and well-being: A qualitative analysis of interviews with Swedish university students on lifestyle and behavior change. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275848. [PMID: 36227904 PMCID: PMC9560508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy diets, low physical activity levels, smoking, and harmful alcohol consumption are common in student populations, which constitute a large group of young adults. As unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are associated with future disease and premature mortality, most commonly from cardiovascular disease and cancers, it is from a public health perspective important to understand such behaviors in young adult populations. The objective of this study was to investigate university students' experiences of health, health-related behaviors, and the barriers and facilitators for behavior change in terms of health promotion in everyday life. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative study was conducted at a middle-sized university in Sweden. Students represented different faculties and were recruited via non-probability convenience sampling using means such as the snowball technique and social media. The 21 interviews with 24 students, individually or in groups, were transcribed verbatim prior to a qualitative analysis inspired by phenomenological hermeneutics. RESULTS Our interviews showed that university student life is associated with new health-related challenges, for example study-related stress and procrastination implies a lack of energy to engage in healthy routines such as physical activity, and a limited budget affects food choices. While adapting to a new context, students explore personal strategies such as taking on changes in manageable steps, seeking social support, and avoiding disturbances to maintaining health and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of health while becoming and being a university student can be described as a transition-a balancing act of walking a slack line-during which students seek to manage a healthy balance. In the past, interventions have to some extent been designed to address university students' behaviors; however, our study aids an understanding of their needs. Future interventions should highlight the transitions they are experiencing and the challenges of student life.
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Müller C, El-Ansari K, El Ansari W. Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mental Health among University Students: Do Sex and Academic Level Matter? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12670. [PMID: 36231970 PMCID: PMC9564483 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912670] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
University students' mental health and well-being is a growing public health concern. There is a lack of studies assessing a broad range of mental health domains by sex and academic level of study. This cross-sectional online survey of BSc, MSc, and PhD students (n = 3353, 67% female) enrolled at one university in Germany assessed a wide scope of mental health domains, covering positive (i.e., self-rated health, self-esteem, student engagement) and negative aspects (i.e., perceived stress, irritation, and screening positive for depression, anxiety, comorbidity, and psychological distress). We evaluated differences in mental health by sex and academic level. Overall, although self-rated health did not differ by sex and academic level, females and lower academic level were associated with less favorable mental health. Males reported higher prevalence of high self-esteem, and higher engagement (all p ≤ 0.04). Conversely, mean perceived stress and cognitive/emotional irritation were higher among females, as were rates for positive screenings for anxiety, anxiety and depression comorbidity, and psychological distress (p < 0.001 for all). Likewise, lower academic level (BSc) was associated with lower rates of high self-esteem (p ≤ 0.001), increased perceived stress (p < 0.001), and higher prevalence of positive screening for depression, anxiety, comorbidity, and psychological distress (p ≤ 0.002 for all), while higher academic level (PhD) was linked to increased student engagement (p < 0.001 for all). Although the effect sizes of sex and academic level on student mental health were modest, these findings support a need for action to establish and expand early detection and prevention programs, on-campus advisory services, and peer counseling that focus on the sex-specific and academic-study-level-specific factors, as well as mental health and career development resources for students. Academics and policy makers need to consider multipronged intervention strategies to boost confidence of students and their academic career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Müller
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Hochschule für Gesundheit, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- University Sports, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
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Liang L, Zheng Y, Ge Q, Zhang F. Exploration and Strategy Analysis of Mental Health Education for Students in Sports Majors in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Front Psychol 2022; 12:762725. [PMID: 35308079 PMCID: PMC8928123 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.762725] [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] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore new educational strategies suitable for the mental health education of college students. Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are combined to evaluate the mental health education of college students in sports majors. First, the research status on the mental health education of college students is introduced. The internet of things (IoT) on mental health education, a structure based on big data and convolutional neural network (CNN), is constructed. Next, the survey design and questionnaire survey are carried out. Finally, the questionnaire data are analyzed and compared with the mental health status under traditional education. The results show that the CNN model has good accuracy and ability to distinguish symptoms, so it can be applied to the existing psychological work in colleges. In the symptom comparison survey, under the traditional education and big data network, the number of college students with mild mental health problems is found to be 158 (84.9%) and 170 (91.4%), respectively. It indicates that the number of college students with moderate mental health problems decreases significantly. In the comparative investigation of the severity of mental problems, the number of students with normal mental health, subhealth, and serious mental health problems under the background of traditional mental health education is 125 (67.2%), 56 (30.1%), and 5 (2.7%), respectively. The mental health status of college students under the influence of big data networks on mental health education is better than that of traditional mental health education. There are 140 students with normal mental health, a year-on-year increase of 16.7%. In the comparative survey of specific mental disorders, students with obsessive-compulsive symptoms under traditional mental health education account for 22.0% of the total sample, having the largest proportion. In the subhealth psychological group under the big data network on mental health education, the number of hostile students decreases by 7, which is the psychological factor with the most obvious improvement. Hence, the proposed path of mental health education is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liang
- College of Sports Science, Changsha Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Physical Education Institute, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiluo Ge
- Department of Literature and Law, Nanchang Jiaotong Institute, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengrui Zhang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, China
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