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Knapp A, Burrows T, Whatnall M, Leigh L, Leask S, Hutchesson M. Trends in Health-Risk Behaviors and Psychological Distress among Australian First-Year University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:620. [PMID: 38791834 PMCID: PMC11121384 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
University students are recognized as a high-risk population group who experience greater rates of poor health outcomes and mental ill-health. Commencing university is recognized as a major life transition, where students experience new financial, academic, environmental, and social pressures that can cause changes in their normal behaviors. This study explored trends in health-risk behaviors and psychological distress in commencing university students over four survey years. First-year undergraduate students, aged 17-24, from an Australian university were included. A secondary analysis was performed on data collected via cross-sectional surveys on four occasions (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020). Crude logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between meeting guidelines and survey year. Odds ratios for the pairwise comparison between each year are reported. In this analysis, 1300 (2016), 484 (2017), 456 (2019), and 571 (2020) students were included. Analyses showed two clear trends: students' probability of being at high/very high risk of psychological distress (35-55%) and consuming breakfast daily (44-55%) consistently worsened over the four survey years. These findings suggest that the odds of psychological distress and daily breakfast consumption worsened over time, whilst the proportion of students engaging in some health-risk behaviors was high, highlighting the importance of early intervention during the transition to university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Knapp
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.K.); (T.B.); (M.W.)
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Tracy Burrows
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.K.); (T.B.); (M.W.)
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Megan Whatnall
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.K.); (T.B.); (M.W.)
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Lucy Leigh
- Data Sciences, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; (L.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Sarah Leask
- Data Sciences, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; (L.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Melinda Hutchesson
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (A.K.); (T.B.); (M.W.)
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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Dave S, Jaffe M, O'Shea D. Navigating college campuses: The impact of stress on mental health and substance use in the post COVID-19 era. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101585. [PMID: 38458900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2024.101585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The college years are one of excitement and often thought of as a dream like setting of growth, creativity, and independence. This exciting time can be marred by the onset or exacerbation of mental health conditions, alcohol, and/or drug dependence. This writing looks to explore the world of college mental health and the changes the provisions of this type of care has undergone during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at the staggering rates of diagnosed mental health diagnoses and mental health related symptoms that may undermine a student's ability to meet their full growth and academic potential. We look to explore different health settings where college age students are accessing care and how that care is being delivered (e.g. community vs on-campus, telehealth vs in-person). We also aim to highlight specific mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, suicidality, PTSD) and specific student stressors (e.g. participating in athletics, socioeconomic pressures) to underscore the message that the mental health of college age students is an area that needs continued study and engagement of all parties involved in student development and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Dave
- Northwell Health, 2000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 300, New Hyde Park, NY 11042-1069, United States; Cohen Children's Medical Center, United States; Division of Adolescent Medicine, United States.
| | - Michelle Jaffe
- Northwell Health, 2000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 300, New Hyde Park, NY 11042-1069, United States; North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, United States; Department of Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Park Terrace Care Center, Queens, NY, United States; Brain Matters Neuropsychological Services, PLLC Plainview, NY, United States
| | - Debra O'Shea
- Northwell Health, 2000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 300, New Hyde Park, NY 11042-1069, United States; North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, United States
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Yeo PME, Qin VM, Ang CS, Chia M, Ho RMH, Ho AHY, Car J. Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among matriculated university students in Singapore during Covid-19 pandemic: findings from a repeated cross-sectional analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:454. [PMID: 38350881 PMCID: PMC10865677 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17866-7] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common issue among university students and has been particularly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, limited research has specifically focused on depression among university entrants. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression severity and identify associated factors during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic using health screening questionnaires completed by matriculated university students in Singapore. METHODS A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university in Singapore. Data from health screening questionnaires administered in 2020 and 2021, involving 15,630 newly enrolled university students, were analyzed. The questionnaires covered students' sociodemographic information, physical health status, own and family medical history, lifestyle behaviours, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 was used to measure the severity of depressive symptoms, categorizing into moderate to severe depressive symptoms (MSDS), mild depressive symptoms (MDS), or no depressive symptom (NDS). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the sociodemographic, physical and behavioural correlates of depression. RESULTS The prevalence of MSDS was 1% in both 2020 and 2021, while the rates for MDS were 1.93% in 2020 and 1.64% in 2021. In the 2020 cohort, male freshmen who reported better health had a lower likelihood of experiencing depression. Conversely, students of Malay ethnicity, those majoring in Engineering, those with multiple chronic diseases, monthly alcohol consumers, current smokers, and those with a family history of mental disorder had a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. Moreover, students who lived on-campus in the 2021 cohort were less likely to experience depression than those living off-campus. However, the associations between academic majors, alcohol consumption, and smoking with depression were not significant in the 2021 cohort. CONCLUSIONS This study reported a low prevalence of both MSDS and MDS among university entrants in Singapore. The study further identified three categories of factors associated with depression: sociodemographic, physical, and behavioural. This study suggests policy interventions to enhance targeted social support that address each student group's specific requirements and susceptibilities. A more extensive and comprehensive study is warranted to assess the changes in student mental health status post-COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearlie Mei En Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vicky Mengqi Qin
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Primary Care and Family Medicine programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chin-Siang Ang
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Chia
- Physical Education & Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ringo Moon-Ho Ho
- Psychology Programme, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andy Hau Yan Ho
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Psychology Programme, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Liu J, Peng Z, Cai X, Peng Y, Li J, Feng T. Students' Intention of Visiting Urban Green Spaces after the COVID-19 Lockdown in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8601. [PMID: 34444350 PMCID: PMC8394326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This study addresses students' perceptions of using urban green spaces (UGSs) after the easing of COVID-19 lockdown in China. We questioned whether they are still mindful of the risks from the outdoor gathering, or conversely, starting to learn the restoration benefits from the green spaces. Online self-reported surveys were distributed to the Chinese students aging from 14 to 30 who study in Hunan and Jiangsu Provinces, China. We finally obtained 608 complete and valid questionnaire forms from all participants. Their intentions of visiting UGSs were investigated based on the extended theory of planned behavior model. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesized psychological model. The results have shown good estimation performance on risk perception and perceived knowledge to explain the variances in their attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavior control. Among these three endogenous variables, the perceived behavior control owns the greatest and positive influence on the behavioral intention, inferring that controllability is crucial for students to make decisions of visiting green spaces in a post-pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Liu
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; (J.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhikai Peng
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK;
| | - Xiaoxi Cai
- College of Art and Design, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha 410205, China
| | - You Peng
- Urban Planning and Transportation Research Group, Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Jiang Li
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; (J.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Tao Feng
- Urban Planning and Transportation Research Group, Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
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Chugani CD, Anderson JC, Richter RK, Bonomi AE, DeGenna NM, Feinstein Z, Jones KA, Miller E. Perceptions of College Campus Alcohol and Sexual Violence Prevention Among Students with Disabilities: "It Was A Joke". JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2021; 36:281-291. [PMID: 34083871 PMCID: PMC8168969 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-020-00150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions of campus-based alcohol and sexual violence (SV) prevention programming among college students with disabilities to inform future development of prevention programs appropriate for the needs of these students. METHOD The study included semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 51 college students with disabilities who reported histories of SV recruited from a larger parent study investigating a brief universal intervention to reduce alcohol related SV involving 28 campuses across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Interviews focused on college-related experiences of prevention programming, and experiences of health, disability, alcohol use and violence victimization. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes emerged: (1) Students with disabilities described campus prevention programming as ineffective and irrelevant to their experiences, including referring to programs as "a joke," (2) Students wanted multi-dose, developmentally relevant content that directly addresses the complexities of their experiences with disability, alcohol, and violence, and (3) Students called for programing focused on engaging their interests. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to the need to augment campus-based programming, with attention to the unique needs and relevant concerns of students with disabilities, within the broader context of campus prevention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla D Chugani
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | | | - Rachael K Richter
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Amy E Bonomi
- Children and Youth Institute, Michigan State University
| | - Natacha M DeGenna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Zoe Feinstein
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Kelley A Jones
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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Zhang C, Wang T, Zeng P, Zhao M, Zhang G, Zhai S, Meng L, Wang Y, Liu D. Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance of the General Anxiety Disorder Scale Among Chinese Medical University Students. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:648755. [PMID: 34093269 PMCID: PMC8170102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.648755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Medical students are affected by high levels of general anxiety disorder. However, few studies have specifically focused on the applicability of universal anxiety screening tools in this sample. This study was aimed to evaluate the psychometric property of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) among Chinese medical university students. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,021 medical postgraduates from six polyclinic hospitals. Internal consistency and convergent validity of the GAD-7 were evaluated. Factor analyses were used to test the construct validity of the scale. An item response theory (IRT) framework was used to estimate the parameters of each item. Multi-group confirmatory analyses and differential item function analyses were used to evaluate the measurement equivalence of the GAD-7 across age, gender, educational status, and residence. Results: Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.93 and the intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. The GAD-7 summed score was significantly correlated with measures of depression symptoms, perceived stress, sleep disorders, and life satisfaction. Parallel analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the GAD-7. Seven items showed appropriate discrimination and difficulty parameters. The GAD-7 showed good measurement equivalence across demographic characteristics. The total test information of the scale was 22.85, but the test information within the range of mild symptoms was relatively low. Conclusions: The GAD-7 has good reliability, validity, and measurement invariance among Chinese medical postgraduate students, but its measurement precision for mild anxiety symptoms is insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- International Student Office of International Cooperation Department, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Zhai
- Department of Education, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Lingbing Meng
- Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- National Center for Health Professions Education Development, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Deping Liu
- Institute of Geriatrics Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
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Guo R, Sun M, Zhang C, Fan Z, Liu Z, Tao H. The Role of Military Training in Improving Psychological Resilience and Reducing Depression Among College Freshmen. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:641396. [PMID: 34079481 PMCID: PMC8166047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.641396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Military training plays an important protective role in enhancing mental health. However, the effects of military training on psychological resilience and depression among college freshmen in China remain unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in psychological resilience and depression through military training among college freshmen, and to investigate associated psychosocial factors including childhood trauma that may influence its effects on psychological resilience. Methods: A prospective and self-comparison study design was employed. College freshmen who received 3 weeks of military training were recruited. Socio-demographic variables were collected and childhood trauma exposure was estimated by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess psychological resilience and depression before and after the military-style training. Results: The military training significantly increased the total and subscale scores of CD-RISC (p < 0.001), and decreased the PHQ-9 score (p < 0.001). The proportion of students with clinical depression reduced from 10.5% at baseline to 7.2% after the training (p < 0.001). Improvement of CD-RISC scores was positively affected by male gender and urban area, while negatively affected by older age, and higher baseline scores of PHQ-9 and CTQ. A significant correlation was found between changes in scores of CD-RISC and PHQ-9 through the training (r = -0.238, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Military training may have a positive effect on increasing psychological resilience and reducing depressive symptoms among college freshmen, especially in male students and those from an urban area, while older age, childhood trauma, higher depression levels, and resilience at baseline may weaken, or even mask its positive effect. Follow-up research should be considered for the long-term effects of military-style training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zebin Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Zhening Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Haojuan Tao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
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Kajitani K, Higashijima I, Kaneko K, Matsushita T, Fukumori H, Kim D. Short-term effect of a smartphone application on the mental health of university students: A pilot study using a user-centered design self-monitoring application for mental health. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239592. [PMID: 32976515 PMCID: PMC7518576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of mental health in young people, only a small proportion of young people with a mental disorder, including university students, receive mental health care. OBJECTIVE We developed a smartphone application (Mental App) for the university students and examined the effects of the app on their mental health. METHODS The app was designed according to a questionnaire survey conducted before this study. The Mental App was installed on the students' smartphone and the psychological tests (the Link Stigma Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire) were performed on the same day. After using the App for two weeks, the students completed a questionnaire survey and underwent the same psychological tests. We compared the results between the app user and non-user group. RESULTS A total of 68 students participated, of which 57 students completed the study (app user group, n = 28; control group, n = 29). The mean number of days spent using the app was 5.66 ± 3.16 (mean ± SD). The mean total screen time of the app was 9:03 ± 06:41(min:sec). The mean number of total actions (screen taps or swipes) was 161.91 ± 107.34. There were no significant between-group differences in the ΔLink Stigma Scale score (-0.11 ± 4.28 vs. -0.59 ± 3.30, p = 0.496) or the ΔCenter for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score (-4.39 ± 7.13 vs. -2.07 ± 8.78, p = 0.143). There was a significant between-group difference in the ΔGeneral Health Questionnaire score (-2.21± 2.23 vs. -0.17 ± 2.69, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS This non-randomized controlled pilot study indicates that the app we developed, may provide effective mental health care for university students, even in the short-term. Trial registration: UMIN000040332.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kajitani
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Ikumi Higashijima
- Content and Creative Design Course, Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaneko
- Cybersecurity Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsushita
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Fukumori
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daewoong Kim
- Department of Content and Creative Design, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Whatnall MC, Patterson AJ, Siew YY, Kay-Lambkin F, Hutchesson MJ. Are Psychological Distress and Resilience Associated with Dietary Intake Among Australian University Students? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214099. [PMID: 31653026 PMCID: PMC6862530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
University students report unhealthy diets and experience poorer mental health than the general population. This study explores the association between psychological distress and resilience with dietary intake in a sample of Australian university students. Cross-sectional data from the University of Newcastle Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2017 were analysed. Psychological distress (Kessler Scale), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) and fruit, vegetable, soft drink, takeaway food and breakfast intakes (short diet questions) were assessed. Socio-demographic (e.g., gender), student (e.g., undergraduate/postgraduate) and health characteristics (e.g., physical activity) were captured. Multivariate linear regression models explored associations between psychological distress and resilience with dietary intake, with adjustment for potential confounders. Analysis included 2710 students (mean age 26.9 ± 9.5 years, 30.4% male). In adjusted models, lower psychological distress was associated with higher fruit (β = -0.37, p = 0.001) and vegetable (β = -0.37, p < 0.001) serves/day, more frequent breakfast consumption (p < 0.001) and less frequent soft drink and takeaway food consumption (p < 0.001). Higher resilience was associated with higher fruit (β = 0.03, p = 0.022) and vegetable (β = 0.06, p < 0.001) serves/day, more frequent breakfast consumption (p = 0.005), and less frequent soft drink (p < 0.001) and takeaway food consumption (p = 0.001). These results highlight a potential link between psychological distress and resilience with diet, and that further research in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Whatnall
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Amanda J Patterson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Yu Yao Siew
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Frances Kay-Lambkin
- Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Melinda J Hutchesson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Dvořáková K, Greenberg MT, Roeser RW. On the role of mindfulness and compassion skills in students' coping, well-being, and development across the transition to college: A conceptual analysis. Stress Health 2019; 35:146-156. [PMID: 30516320 PMCID: PMC6491916 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we aim to integrate the current conceptual approaches to stress and coping processes during the college transition with the potential role of mindfulness and compassion (MC) skills on students' well-being and development. First, we provide an overview of the issues and challenges emerging adults are facing during the transition to college, drawing on the revised version of the transactional stress model by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Second, we introduce a conceptual model of adaptive stress and coping processes enhanced by MC skills to positively impact the appraisal and coping resources and emerging adults' mental health. Specifically, MC skills may play an important role in promoting a healthy stress response by strengthening emerging adults' socioemotional competencies and supporting the development of adaptive appraisal and coping resources, including processes antecedent and consequent to a coping encounter. In particular, MC skills were hypothesized to enhance (a) preparedness to cope, (b) productive stress response through adaptive appraisals and skillful deployment of coping resources, and (c) healthy postcoping reflections. Therefore, MC skills may be a useful preventive tool to strengthen emerging adults' ability to adjust to a new academic environment and fulfil the developmental tasks of this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Dvořáková
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mark T Greenberg
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Robert W Roeser
- Human Development and Family Studies Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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