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Chai Y, Fu G, Liu Y, Song Q, Xue C, Luo S. The relationship between stress, anxiety and eating behavior among Chinese students: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1466700. [PMID: 39444958 PMCID: PMC11496161 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1466700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The expansion of higher education and the growing number of college students have led to increased awareness of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and eating disorders. In China, the educational system and cultural expectations contribute to the stress experienced by college students. This study aims to clarify the role of anxiety as a mediator in the relationship between stress and eating behaviors among Chinese college students. Methods This study utilized data from the 2021 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents, which included 1,672 college students under the age of 25. The analysis methods comprised descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlation analyses, and mediation effect analysis. Results The findings indicate that Chinese college students experience high levels of stress, with long-term stress slightly exceeding short-term stress. Both types of stress were positively correlated with increased anxiety and the adoption of unhealthy eating behaviors. Anxiety was identified as a significant mediator, accounting for 28.3% of the relationship between long-term stress and eating behavior (95% CI = 0.058-0.183). The mediation effect of short-term stress on eating behavior through anxiety was also significant, explaining 61.4% of the total effect (95% CI = 0.185-0.327). Conclusion The study underscores the importance of stress management and mental health services for college students. It recommends a comprehensive approach to reducing external pressures, managing anxiety, and promoting healthy eating behaviors among college students. Suggestions include expanding employment opportunities, providing career guidance, enhancing campus and societal support for holistic development, strengthening mental health services, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, educating on healthy lifestyles, and implementing targeted health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sheng Luo
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
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Shchaslyvyi AY, Antonenko SV, Telegeev GD. Comprehensive Review of Chronic Stress Pathways and the Efficacy of Behavioral Stress Reduction Programs (BSRPs) in Managing Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1077. [PMID: 39200687 PMCID: PMC11353953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21081077] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
The connection between chronic psychological stress and the onset of various diseases, including diabetes, HIV, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions, is well documented. This review synthesizes current research on the neurological, immune, hormonal, and genetic pathways through which stress influences disease progression, affecting multiple body systems: nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and integumentary. Central to this review is an evaluation of 16 Behavioral Stress Reduction Programs (BSRPs) across over 200 studies, assessing their effectiveness in mitigating stress-related health outcomes. While our findings suggest that BSRPs have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of medical therapies and reverse disease progression, the variability in study designs, sample sizes, and methodologies raises questions about the generalizability and robustness of these results. Future research should focus on long-term, large-scale studies with rigorous methodologies to validate the effectiveness of BSRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Y. Shchaslyvyi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.V.A.); (G.D.T.)
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Bani I, Mohamed Y, Andrade G. Evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on stress and burnout among Ajman university (AU) medical students. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 246:104245. [PMID: 38636404 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104245] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted at AU to estimate the prevalence of stress and burnout among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide insights into the levels of stress and burnout experienced by medical students at AU and identify potential risk factors. The research methodology involved a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire among 215 College of Medicine AU students. The findings indicated that many participants experienced moderate stress levels, as revealed by data collected on a Likert scale. No significant differences in stress scores were found based on sex, but variations were observed among years of study and living status. An analysis of burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory showed that over half of the participants experienced moderate levels of burnout. No significant differences in burnout were found based on gender, marital status, residence, GPA, motivation for enrolment, or nationality; however, variations were observed among different age groups and years of study. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address stress and burnout among AU students by focusing on the identified risk factors. By implementing evidence-based strategies, AU can promote the well-being and resilience of medical students, thereby contributing to their overall success and the future of the healthcare workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bani
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Yehia Mohamed
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Gabriel Andrade
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
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Lee CKK, Chan KNJ, Wong SMC, Wong HSG, Lei HCJ, So YK, Fung SCV, Chu STR, Chung KKA, Cheng PWC, Lo KYH, Chan WC, Chang WC. Relationships between psychopathological symptoms, pandemic-related stress, perceived social support, and COVID-19 infection history: a network analysis in Chinese college students. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1340101. [PMID: 38370557 PMCID: PMC10873916 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1340101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous coronavirus, 2019 (COVID-19) research has applied network analysis to examine relationships between psychopathological symptoms but rarely extended to potential risk and protective factors or the influence of COVID-19 infection history. This study examined complex inter-relationships between psychopathological symptoms, COVID-19-related stressors, perceived social support, and COVID-19 infection history among Chinese university/college students during the peak of fifth pandemic wave using a network analysis approach. Methods A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-regularized partial correlation network using Gaussian graphical model was constructed in 1,395 Chinese university/college students in Hong Kong who completed a survey between 15 March and 3 April, 2022. Depressive, anxiety, and acute/traumatic stress symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Impact of Event Scale-6, respectively. COVID-19-related stressors and perceived social support were measured. Network differences by COVID-19 infection history (COVID-network vs. no_COVID-network) and network communities were examined. Results Our results showed that the most influential nodes were depressed mood, uncontrollable worries, and uncontrollable thoughts about COVID-19. The main bridging symptoms were concentration problems and psychomotor problems. The COVID-network, comprising participants with a history of COVID-19 infection only, was significantly stronger than the no_COVID-network. Perceived social support and stress from conflicts with family/friends formed a unique community with negative cognition and suicidal idea in the COVID-network only. Conclusion Our findings indicate that specific interventions targeting interpersonal conflicts and concentration problems as well as facilitating stress buffering effects of social support may represent effective strategies to reduce psychological distress in university/college students during COVID-19 and should be considered for future pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Kei Krystal Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwun Nam Joe Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sau Man Corine Wong
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hou Sem Gabbie Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Ching Janet Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuen Kiu So
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shi Cheng Vivian Fung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai Ting Ryan Chu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kar Kin Albert Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pak Wing Calvin Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Ying Heidi Lo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Chi Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Chung Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Raad T, Griffin A, George ES, Larkin L, Fraser A, Kennedy N, Tierney A. Experience and perceptions among rheumatoid arthritis patients following a telehealth-delivered dietary intervention: a qualitative study. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:1913-1924. [PMID: 37418002 PMCID: PMC10435597 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05382-7] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The effects of dietary modifications have been assessed in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with consistent benefits reported from clinical trials. However, the lived experience of making and sustaining positive dietary changes for people with RA remains unknown. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of adults with RA and their perceptions of a 12-week telehealth-delivered dietary intervention and to assess the acceptability of the programme. Qualitative data was collected via four online focus groups with participants who had just completed a 12-week dietary intervention programme delivered through telehealth methods. Thematic analysis was used to code and summarize the identified key themes. Twenty-one adults with RA (47.5 ± 12.3 years, 90.5% females) were included in this qualitative study. Overarching themes included: (a) motivation to join the programme, (b) benefits of the programme, (c) factors influencing adherence to dietary prescription, and (d) advantages and disadvantages of telehealth. The study demonstrated that a dietary intervention delivered through telehealth methods by a Registered Dietitian (RD) appears to be well-accepted and may be used to complement face-to-face care for people with RA. The identified factors influencing the adoption of a healthier eating pattern will aid in the development of future dietary interventions for a RA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala Raad
- Discipline of Dietetics, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences and Health Implementation Science and Technology Cluster, School of Allied Health, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Anne Griffin
- Discipline of Dietetics, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences and Health Implementation Science and Technology Cluster, School of Allied Health, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Elena S George
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Victoria, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Louise Larkin
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Implementation Science and Technology Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Alexander Fraser
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Norelee Kennedy
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Implementation Science and Technology Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Audrey Tierney
- Discipline of Dietetics, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences and Health Implementation Science and Technology Cluster, School of Allied Health, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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Zhou L, Xu N. Effects of COVID-19 event intensity on college students' health lifestyles: time perspective mediating model and its gender difference. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37359584 PMCID: PMC10060032 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04576-3] [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] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 had not only led to healthy-damage behaviors, but also raised people's attention to health and generated health-promoting behaviors. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying how the perception of COVID-19 intensity affects health behaviors. The present study investigated the mediating effect of DBTP between event intensity and health behaviors and the moderating role of gender in this relation. Nine hundred and twenty-four Chinese college students (348 males and 576 females) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, including COVID-19 Event Intensity Scale, Chinese version of Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and Healthy Lifestyle Scale. Moderated mediation analysis was performed using conditional process analysis. The results showed that COVID-19 intensity had a positive predictive effect on college students' health behaviors. DBTP played a partial mediating role in the relationship between COVID-19 intensity and health behaviors for male and not female. In female group, COVID-19 intensity and DBTP was significantly linked with health behaviour; however, COVID-19 intensity and DBTP were not significantly linked. The findings indicated that COVID-19 intensity perceived by college students could increase their health behaviors, and intervention focus on BTP may contribute to health behaviors only in male. Practical implications were discussed in this academic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guan Hai Road, Yantai, Shandong Province China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guan Hai Road, Yantai, Shandong Province China
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Tang CSK, Siu TSU, Chow TS, Kwok HSH. The Role of Family Resilience and Pandemic Burnout on Mental Health: A Two-Wave Study in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3803. [PMID: 36900809 PMCID: PMC10001644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Family resilience refers to the processes through which a family adapts to and bounces back from adversities. Pandemic burnout refers to feeling emotionally exhausted, cynical, and lack of accomplishment during the pandemic and/or toward various preventive polices and measures. This two-wave, region-wide, longitudinal study included 796 adult participants residing in mainland China. Participants completed online surveys at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Time 1 (T1) survey was conducted when the number of new infected cases in China stabilized, while Time 2 (T2) was conducted 5 months later when there was a sudden surge of new infected cases. Results of a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the interaction and main effects of pandemic burnout and family resilience at T2 showed significant incremental prediction of depression and anxiety at T2, after controlling for demographic as well as individual and family resilience at T1. These results supported the hypotheses that current family resilience functions as a protective factor, whereas pandemic burnout functions as a risk factor of mental health during successive waves of pandemic outbreaks. In particular, family resilience at T2 mitigated the negative impact of high pandemic burnout on anxiety and depression at T2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine So-kum Tang
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice and Research, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tiffany Sok U Siu
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice and Research, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak Sang Chow
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice and Research, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Helen Sin-Hang Kwok
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Evidence-based Practice and Research, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Exploring alexithymia profiles and their associations with childhood adversity and COVID-19 burnout among Chinese college students: A person-centered approach. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2022.101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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