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Lourenço PJDS, Bastos TCL, Pizarro AIN, Corredeira RMN. Feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-weeks outdoor exercise program on the physical and mental health of persons with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116093. [PMID: 39089188 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Outdoor exercise can be a novelty and effective therapeutic strategy to achieve positive physical and mental health outcomes in persons with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-weeks outdoor exercise program in the physical and mental health of persons with schizophrenia. Fifty-two outpatients with schizophrenia were conveniently assigned to a 24-weeks walking/jogging combined with cycling outdoor program (n = 23, male = 14) or control group (n = 29, male = 20). Demographic and clinical measures were collected. Physical health was evaluated using anthropometric measures, 6 min walk test, Eurofit and accelerometer. Mental health was evaluated using self-esteem, motivation for exercise and quality of life questionnaires. Attendance rate to the outdoor program was 92 %. The exercise program significantly decreased participant's body mass index and improved functional exercise capacity and balance. No effects were reported in the self-esteem, motivation for physical activity and quality of life. Significant decreases were found in abdominal strength, hand grip and self-esteem levels of the control group. The outdoor exercise combining walking/jogging and cycling was an effective intervention to decrease body mass index and to improve physical fitness. It can be suggested as a therapeutic approach with an important impact on the management of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tânia Cristina Lima Bastos
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Isabel Nogueira Pizarro
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Manuel Nunes Corredeira
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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2
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Brinholi FF, Vasupanrajit A, Semeão LDO, Michelin AP, Matsumoto AK, Almulla AF, Tunvirachaisakul C, Barbosa DS, Maes M. Increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide formation, lowered total radical trapping capacity coupled with psychological stressors are strongly associated with the phenome of first-episode mild depression in undergraduate students. Neuroscience 2024; 554:52-62. [PMID: 38992564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.003] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Undergraduate students are frequently afflicted by major depressive disorder (MDD). Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. There is no information regarding whether mild outpatient MDD (SDMD) and first episode SDMD (FE-SDMD) are accompanied by O&NS. The current study compared lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced protein oxidation products, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), thiol groups, plasma total antioxidant potential (TRAP), and paraoxonase 1 activities among SDMD and FE-SDMD patients versus healthy controls. We found that SDMD and FE-SDMD exhibit elevated MDA and NOx, and decreased TRAP and LOOH as compared with controls. There was a significant and positive correlation between O&NS biomarkers and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and negative life events (NLEs). O&NS pathways, NLEs and ACEs accounted for 51.7 % of the variance in the phenome of depression, and O&NS and NLS explained 42.9 % of the variance in brooding. Overall, these results indicate that SDMD and FE-SDMD are characterized by reduced total antioxidant defenses and increased aldehyde and NOx production. The combined effects of oxidative and psychological stressors are substantially associated with the manifestation of SDMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis F Brinholi
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laura de O Semeão
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Michelin
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Andressa K Matsumoto
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Décio S Barbosa
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Cognitive Fitness and Biopsychological Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - PLOVDIV- (SRIPD-MUP), Creation of a network of research higher schools, National plan for recovery and sustainability, European Union - NextGenerationEU; Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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3
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Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Ge W, Wang L, Jia N, Li S, Li D. Impact of campus closure during COVID-19 on lifestyle, educational performance, and anxiety levels of college students in China. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2218. [PMID: 39148106 PMCID: PMC11325596 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19744-8] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher education students exhibit heightened sensitivity to environmental changes as they navigate the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to universities worldwide, exemplifying a crisis that profoundly affects the learning outcomes and psychological status of college students. Although it is known that campus lockdown has triggered dramatic changes in lifestyles, learning outcomes, and psychological statuses, in-depth knowledge of the causal relationships among these changes remains largely unclear. METHODS Here, we conducted a cross-sectional survey designed to assess the impact of campus closure during COVID-19 on lifestyle, educational performance, and anxiety levels among college students. We surveyed over 3,500 junior college, undergraduate and graduate participants from 94 colleges/universities across 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China.We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships between changes in lifestyle, educational performance, and levels of anxiety associated with campus open or closure regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Our results discovered that sleep duration, physical activity involvement, and social connections were crucial for sustaining students' learning outcomes and mental health. The shift to online learning and campus lockdown exacerbated stressors, contributing to heightened anxiety (β = 0.066), disrupted sleep patterns, and enhanced physical activity (β = 0.070) and reduced learning effect (β = -0.059). Sleep patterns were disrupted by the campus lockdown, an effect mediated by the degradation of relationships among classmates. Nonetheless, the best-fitting SEM uncovered the intricate relationships among lifestyle changes, learning outcomes, and psychological status in response to sudden environmental changes (Fisher's C = 80.949, P = 0.328). These results highlight the critical role of adaptable, supportive campus policies tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of students during and beyond crises (Fisher's C = 59.568, P = 0.809). CONCLUSIONS Our study advocates for a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted aspects of student life to cultivate a resilient academic community. This approach contributes to a deeper understanding of the effects of sudden environmental changes on students' psychological well-being and academic performance in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- College of Education, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Education, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Wenci Ge
- School of Languages and Culture, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang, 050031, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Ning Jia
- College of Education, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Shengxuan Li
- School of Languages and Culture, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang, 050031, China.
| | - Dongming Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Moon SS, Um MY, Anderson L, Kim YK, Yu M, Maleku A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide-related risk among college students: A cross-sectional analysis. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39088367 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2386068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to suicide-related risks among college students during a stressful life event, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model, data from 808 college students were analyzed, revealing key interactions and predictive insights into suicide-related risk. Results indicated that preexisting depression emerged as the most significant risk factor, followed by anxiety, discrimination, stress, and younger age. These findings emphasize the importance of preventive measures targeting depression and anxiety to enhance college students' mental health and well-being. The study's implications extend to informing future research, practical interventions, and policy-making efforts addressing suicide-related risk among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Seek Moon
- Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Mee Young Um
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona USA
| | - Lindsey Anderson
- Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Youn Kyoung Kim
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mansoo Yu
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Arati Maleku
- School of Social Work, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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He T, Zhang X, Li L, Hu H, Liu S, Lin X. Comparing positive reappraisal and mindfulness in relation to daily emotions during COVID-19: An experience sampling study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:1224-1244. [PMID: 38226770 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12526] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Research has suggested that daily cognitive reappraisal and mindfulness are differentially associated with emotional experience. Nevertheless, the different relationship between these two emotion regulation strategies and emotional experience remains unexplored amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were facing unprecedented challenges and disruptions in their everyday lives. The current study aimed to examine the potential unidirectional or bidirectional relations between two strategies and daily emotional experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether the associations between the two strategies and emotional experience varied. A total of 184 college students participated in this study. Daily positive reappraisal, mindful attention and awareness (MAA), positive and negative affect, and COVID-19-related stress were assessed utilizing experience sampling method (three times a day for 14 consecutive days). Results suggested that the directionality of the link between the two strategies and daily emotional experience differed. The links between positive reappraisal and positive affect, negative affect, and COVID-19-related stress were transactional. However, a unidirectional relation was observed between positive affect and subsequent MAA. The study provided support for the contextual perspective of emotion regulation by demonstrating that the efficacy of regulation strategies is contingent upon the context. The identification of optimal conditions for effective strategies remains a crucial area for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
- South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longfeng Li
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Huinan Hu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijia Liu
- Beijing Shiyun Jiahe Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuyun Lin
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Parrello S, Postiglione J, Sica LS, De Rosa B, Parola A, Regnoli GM, Fenizia E, Sommantico M. Italian university students' future time perspective and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1404952. [PMID: 39114590 PMCID: PMC11304507 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1404952] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults worldwide showed signs of distress as they were affected in their specific developmental tasks, including the construction of personal and professional futures. Methods The present study aimed to assess the situational future time perspective of Italian university students during the second pandemic wave, as measured by an ad hoc constructed instrument, to explore its interaction with some dispositional traits relevant in future construction, such as optimism, sense of life, aggression, and dispositional future time perspective, and to test their effect on psychological well-being. The total sample consisted of 389 subjects (18-35 years, M = 23.5, SD = 4.4). Results and discussion The results indicated that the pandemic experience, assessed by surveying specific indicators, negatively affected the future time perspective of students, particularly those dispositionally optimistic and convinced that life has meaning. However, awareness of the negative impact that the pandemic brought to the vision of the future seems to have dampened the levels of depression and stress, while anxiety was found to be related only to dispositional traits. The results also suggested the need for educational and economic policies that help young adults develop confidence in the future and in their ability to build it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa Parrello
- Department of Humanities, Section of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Delgado TA, Depp RM, Meloro RM, Lane KM. The cost of being qualified: Current barriers faced by graduate students in forensic anthropology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024:e25005. [PMID: 39032164 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.25005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
When considering the best ethical practices in forensic anthropology, one must consider how accessible the field is to new students that are responsible for driving the future of research, pedagogy, and the field as a whole. While there is no denying that there are multiple barriers to accessing academia (e.g., racism, sexism, xenophobia, etc.) the cost of a graduate education is a key factor that affects the diversity of people that are able to enter the field. Here, the cost of 24 universities prominent in the education of forensic anthropologists are considered in tandem with the opportunities for funding offered by these institutions and average costs of living for the respective surrounding areas. Demographic data for the universities at the graduate and undergraduate level was additionally compared with the demographics of the cities surrounding the universities. Funding, excluding loans, was shown to be greatly below cost of living in university cities, and often did not match the costs of attendance estimated by institutions. Including the cost of living, the average graduate degree costs over $60,000 per year while the average stipend for graduate students is below $14,000 necessitating the need for loans or out-of-institute support. White individuals were overrepresented in graduate enrollment when compared with surrounding area demographics, even when university demographics were similar to those of the surrounding area. Overall, findings highlight the inaccessibility of pursuing higher education for minority groups and demonstrate the need for institutions to develop funding programs to promote diversity in higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Delgado
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Randi M Depp
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Raphaela M Meloro
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine M Lane
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Hotez E, Gragnani CM, Fernandes P, Rosenau KA, Wang K, Chopra A, Chow K, Chung A, Khorasani L, Kuo AA. A mixed methods investigation of college student mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1632-1639. [PMID: 35816749 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2089842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Researchers collaborated with undergraduate minority students to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate college students' mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS Participants were two convenience samples of diverse college students surveyed in June (n = 128; M age = 21.7, SD = 1.7) and December (n = 242; M age = 20.3, SD = 1.7) of 2020. METHODS This study administered items from the California Health Interview Survey and open-ended qualitative items via Qualtrics. RESULTS Across both waves, students reported significant mental health challenges and psychological distress. Students surveyed in December were three to four times more likely to report depression and anxiety. Female and older students reported heightened odds of mental health challenges. Qualitative findings elaborated on contributing factors. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, college students have experienced pronounced mental health challenges, potentially exacerbated by academic, professional, relational, and environmental stressors and uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hotez
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Kashia A Rosenau
- UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karina Wang
- UCLA Preventive Medicine Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Apsara Chopra
- UCLA Maternal and Child Health Bureau Pathways for Students into Health Professions, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Chow
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ada Chung
- UCLA Maternal and Child Health Bureau Pathways for Students into Health Professions, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alice A Kuo
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Preventive Medicine Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Magorokosho NK, Heraclides A, Papaleontiou-Louca E, Prodromou M. Evaluation of Resilience and Mental Health in the "Post-Pandemic Era" among University Students: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:825. [PMID: 39063402 PMCID: PMC11276453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070825] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental well-being of university students has been a growing concern in Public Health and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic (including the post-pandemic era) introduced and exacerbated a variety of potential stressors for vulnerable individuals and communities, resulting in an increase in mental health issues among university students. Resilience, as a process, is the ability of a system to adapt and grow in the face of adversity. This is a crucial aspect to consider when examining the coping of university students in critical situations such as COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the association between resilience and mental health outcomes among university students in Cyprus during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. METHODS A parallel embedded mixed methods research design will be utilized to assess resilience, measured by the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the COVID-19 Impact Scale (CIS) and mental health outcomes measured by the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL 90-R), during the COVID-19 post-pandemic era (January 2022-July 2024) among university students in the Republic of Cyprus. The study will be conducted in two stages: a pilot study followed by the main study. Quantitative data will be collected through a web-based survey, while qualitative data will be obtained through in-person focus groups designed to capture participants' experiences. Participants will be recruited using a proportional quota sampling approach to achieve representativeness based on predefined demographics. The study protocol has been approved by the Cyprus Bioethics Committee (approval no: EEC/EP/2023/31). DISCUSSION This study is expected to broaden our understanding of the intricate interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, resilience, and mental health outcomes. The focus on university students' psychological wellbeing is consistent with the call by the WHO to focus on mental health (World Health Organization, 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eleonora Papaleontiou-Louca
- School of Humanities, Social & Education Sciences (Psychology), European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
| | - Maria Prodromou
- School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
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Zhang Z, Wang J, Wang H, Wu J. Relationships between students' perceived campus walkability, mental health, and life satisfaction during COVID-19. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14333. [PMID: 38906944 PMCID: PMC11192732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65116-y] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Improving walkability in the campus environment and socio-psychological environments can promote students' mental health and subjective well-being. This study aimed to propose a theoretical model to investigate the link of perceived campus walkability (PCW) with mental health and life satisfaction (LS), and to disentangle the mediating impact of socio-psychological environments and academic performance on this relationship, while simultaneously considering the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data collected through a questionnaire survey conducted at six universities and colleges in Yantai, China. PCW had both direct and indirect positive effects on mental health and LS. However, indirect effects are greater than direct effects. Walking attitudes, social capital, and academic performance were critical to the relationship between PCW, mental health, and LS. Academic performance had the strongest indirect effect on mental health, while social capital had the strongest indirect effect on LS. We also found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, body mass index and family income were significantly correlated with mental health and LS. The findings indicate that campus planners and policymakers should improve PCW and support the socio-psychological environment to promote students' mental and social health during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhehao Zhang
- School of Architecture, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Jinyun Wang
- People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271199, China
| | - Haiming Wang
- School of Architecture and Engineering, Yantai Institute of Technology, Yantai, 264003, China.
| | - Jinxin Wu
- School of Architecture and Artistic Design, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, 114051, China.
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Barbosa BCR, de Deus Mendonça R, Machado EL, Meireles AL. Co-occurrence of obesogenic behaviors and their implications for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study with university students. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1596. [PMID: 38877471 PMCID: PMC11179395 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19031-6] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The university years are a critical period for young adults, as they are more exposed to obesogenic behaviors and experience stressful situations that compromise their mental health. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and evaluate the association between the combined occurrence of obesogenic behaviors among university students. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on students from a public university in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from July to August 2020 using an online questionnaire. The outcome variables (anxiety and depression symptoms) were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The co-occurrence of obesogenic behaviors was measured based on irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, physical inactivity during leisure time, and sedentary behavior. A Venn diagram was used for the exploratory analysis. To verify the association between the outcome and explanatory variables, a directed acyclic graph model was constructed, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). RESULTS A total of 1,353 students aged 18-24 years participated in this study. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were present in 46.1% and 54.6% of the participants, respectively. The most prevalent combination of obesogenic behaviors was frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, physical inactivity during leisure time, and sedentary behavior (17.2%). The greater the number of simultaneous obesogenic behaviors, the higher the chance to present symptoms of anxiety [OR: 2.81 (95%CI: 1.77-4.46)] and depression [OR: 3.46 (95%CI: 2.20-5.43)]. CONCLUSION These findings reinforce the need to take actions to promote mental health in the university environment in conjunction with programs to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the physical and mental well-being of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Carolina Rafael Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Deus Mendonça
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Elaine Leandro Machado
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lúcia Meireles
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
- Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
- Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
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12
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Dey P, De Souza LR. Public Health Challenges for Post-secondary Students During COVID-19: A Scoping Review. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024:2752535X241257561. [PMID: 38821889 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x241257561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research about public health impacts of COVID-19 on post-secondary students is slowly beginning to emerge. This scoping review identified common public health challenges among post-secondary students in higher-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five databases were searched to find relevant peer-reviewed literature up to March 2022. Results were categorized according to reported public health challenges and relevant socio-economic variables. After screening, 53 articles were reviewed. Most articles were from the USA (39/53). The seven main public health challenges identified were mental health (35/53), financial instability (25/53), physical health (13/53), food insecurity (12/53), social well-being (8/53), digital access (7/53), and housing or relocation (6/53). Students with low socioeconomic status experienced heightened public health challenges. This review offers insight and opportunities for the development of longitudinal tools to support social determinants of health in post-secondary populations in high-income countries and may offer insight into similar experiences for students in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Dey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leanne R De Souza
- University College, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Institute for Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto,Toronto, ON, Canada
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Patwary MM, Bardhan M, Disha AS, Dzhambov AM, Parkinson C, Browning MHEM, Labib SM, Larson LR, Haque MZ, Rahman MA, Alam MA, Tareq MF, Shuvo FK. Nature exposure and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Navigation Guide systematic review with meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124284. [PMID: 38821342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Prior reviews have highlighted that nature exposure was a valuable coping strategy enhancing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no existing reviews have determined the quality of evidence and risk of bias of the empirical studies supporting this claim. To address this gap, we employed a Navigation Guide systematic review and meta-analysis approach to investigate associations between nature exposure and mental health during the pandemic. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo retrieved relevant articles published between January 1, 2020, and March 4, 2024. We used the Navigation Guide methodology to assess the risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessments to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Our search retrieved 113 studies that met the inclusion criteria and reported diverse types of exposure, including nature availability, nature visit frequency, green space accessibility, and green space type, alongside associations with 12 mental health outcomes. Meta-analyses found access to gardens was associated with lower odds of depression [(Pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.61, 0.82), I2 = 0%, n = 3] and anxiety [(Pooled OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.63, 0.84), I2 = 0%, n = 3]. Increased time in green spaces was associated with lower level of stress [(Pooled Corr = -0.11, 95%CI = -0.17, -0.05), I2 = 0%, n = 2]. Higher frequency of visits to nature was associated with improved mental well-being [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.07, 0.14), I2 = 0%, n = 2] and general mental health [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.03-0.38), I2 = 82%, n = 2]. However, the number of pooled studies was small and the overall quality of evidence was "very low" for all outcomes, and high levels of bias were observed (26% of studies had high, 71% probably high). Nonetheless, given the trends in the results, nature-based solutions emphasizing exposure to gardens and green spaces near the home may have promoted psychological resilience during this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh.
| | - Mondira Bardhan
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Asma Safia Disha
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Colby Parkinson
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Md Zahidul Haque
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atiqur Rahman
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashraful Alam
- Department of Computational Diagnostic Radiology and Preventive Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md Faysal Tareq
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Netherlands
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Schiros A, Rother Y, Wilcutt EG, Flory KH, Canu WH, Stevens A, Antshel KM. College during COVID-19: The pandemic's effect on college adjustment in first year students with ADHD. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38743863 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2338427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The current study aims to compare college adjustment and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on first-year students with and without ADHD. Participants: Two cohorts (pre-pandemic, during the pandemic) of first-year, undergraduate college students (N = 3,006; Mage=18.32) were recruited from a multisite research consortium across several universities. Methods: First-year participants self-reported on ADHD diagnosis and symptoms, functional impairments, and experiences transitioning to college. Results: First-year college students with and without ADHD reported significantly greater academic, daily living, and overall functional impairments during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Compared to college students without ADHD, college students with ADHD reported greater functional impairment, more difficulty adjusting to the academic demands of college, and were less likely to feel valued at their institution. Conclusions: First-year college students with and without ADHD experienced greater difficulties navigating the transition to college during the pandemic. Psychosocial and academic supports to help students transition to college are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Schiros
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Yvette Rother
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Erik G Wilcutt
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kate H Flory
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Will H Canu
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, SC, USA
| | - Anne Stevens
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Kevin M Antshel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Xu L, Lu W, Smith AW, Wu Q, Chan V, Hou A. Gender, ethnicity differences in mental health status and COVID-19 vaccine intention among U.S. College students during COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1166-1175. [PMID: 35549991 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2070024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To examine mental health status, COVID-19 vaccine intention and barriers among college students in the U.S. Participants: Students (n = 337) registered at a large public university in 2021. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected online and analyzed using independent samples t test, chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: Compared to male students, females reported greater anxiety (p < .05) and fear (p < .01). Hispanic participants reported increased anxiety level and the least positive pandemic coping strategies (both p < .05) across the ethnic groups. Black students were the racial group with the lowest trust in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine (p < .05). Vaccine intention was positively correlated with factors such as vaccine safety measures, and perceptions toward vaccination (both p < .001). Conclusions: These gender- and ethnicity- based mental health struggles should be addressed immediately for better health and vaccine promotion outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wenhua Lu
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, The City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aimee W Smith
- Department of Psychology, Thomas Harris College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Biostatics, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Victoria Chan
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anjalee Hou
- Department of Economics, Thomas Harris College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Masood M, Kiani J, Iftikhar S, Faisal A. The Psychological Impact and Behavioral Changes Among the Medical Students of Islamabad and Rawalpindi Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2024; 16:e59860. [PMID: 38854319 PMCID: PMC11157357 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift in global lifestyles as individuals sought to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from the virus. This adaptation involved embracing a distinct way of life marked by social distancing, reduced outdoor engagements, and home confinement. Consequently, this period of quarantine led to diminished social interactions, challenges in accessing essential resources such as food, heightened unemployment rates, and increased burden on healthcare systems. Understandably, these circumstances gave rise to heightened emotions including fear, depression, and anxiety. In response to these dynamics, our research aimed to explore the psychological and behavioral shifts among medical students residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi (the twin cities of Pakistan) during the year 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A structured, self-administered questionnaire was constructed, based on previously conducted surveys, assessing the psychological impact and behavioral changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was made available online through Google Forms and was provided to students of the various medical colleges of the twin cities of Pakistan. The results were further stratified based on gender. Results Categorical data were collected from 400 medical students studying in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The negative psychological impact was shown by increased stress, 260 (65%), feeling of less energy, 211 (52.8%), and increased anxiety with upper respiratory symptoms, 202 (50.5%). Behavioral changes were also a reflection of the psychological changes depicted by an increased use of disinfectants, 256 (64%), increased desire to clean surfaces, 262 (65.6%), increased use of soaps and detergents, 300 (75%), reduced number of times one left their house 281, (70.3%), and decreased consumption of food products from outside, 226 (56.5%). When compared between the two genders, females had significantly increased stress levels (p=0.034), decreased food consumption from outside (p=0.026), and increased avoidance of people not wearing masks (p=0.001). Conclusion Through our study, we identified the various psychological and behavioral changes among our population due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study not only highlights these changes but also discusses the various ways to address them. This study would help relevant organizations to understand the broader aspect of how this pandemic has affected individual lives and will also give them ideas regarding how to cater to these changes in a positive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Masood
- Medicine, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Jaweria Kiani
- Medicine, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Seemal Iftikhar
- Medicine, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Aamna Faisal
- Medicine, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, PAK
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Hill EB, Mastny-Jensen C, Loch C. Before and after: COVID-19 impacts on dental students' well-being, clinical competency and employment opportunities. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024; 28:522-529. [PMID: 38009831 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12977] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The onset of COVID-19 challenged dental schools worldwide, impacting clinical training. In Australasia, New Zealand adopted a COVID-19 'elimination strategy', involving nationwide lockdowns that halted face-to-face education. The 'elimination strategy' adopted at the pandemic onset, which permitted return to 'normal life' in 2021, allowed the pandemic impacts and those related workforce transition to be teased out. This study aimed to evaluate perceived impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on health and well-being, clinical competency and employment opportunities of dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two surveys were distributed to final year dental students (n = 94; age range 20-35): one during their final semester and the second six months following graduation. Surveys included open and closed ended questions on participants' self-perceived impacts of COVID-19 on health and well-being, clinical competency and employment opportunities. Average percentages were calculated and descriptive statistics performed. RESULTS Pre-graduation, participants reported COVID-19 negatively impacted their mental and social health. Slightly lower scores on all dimensions of health post-graduation were likely due to transitioning to the workforce. Pre-graduation, less than half of participants felt prepared to provide the full scope of dental treatment; post-graduation most felt confident to do so. Most participants expected COVID-19 would negatively impact employment opportunities for their cohort, despite all participants being employed when the second survey was conducted. CONCLUSION Participants self-rated health and clinical competency scores were lower post-graduation when NZ returned to 'normal life', meaning lower scores were related to workforce transition. Dental schools need to be prepared to provide alternative forms of dental education and help mitigate mental health impacts of future major course disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Barron Hill
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Chevvy Mastny-Jensen
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Carolina Loch
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Akca SO, Turan AP, Songut S. The relationship between depression, stress and anxiety levels of mothers with preschool children and their stress-coping styles during the pandemic: A descriptive study in Turkey. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 76:76-82. [PMID: 38364592 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to determine the depression, stress and anxiety levels of mothers with preschool children during the pandemic and to determine their coping strategies with stress. DESIGN AND METHODS This descriptive study sampled 300 mothers with kindergarten children in the 2021-2022 academic year. The data were collected with a personal information form, The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Stress-Coping Styles Scale (SCSS). Numerical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. The Mann Whitney U test was used for the dual group and the Kruskal Wallis test for more than two groups in the comparison of the scale mean scores. The relationship between the two scales was determined by Pearson's correlation analysis. p < 0.05 value was accepted statistically significant. RESULTS The depression, anxiety and stress mean scores of the mothers in the study were high (10.01 ± 4.79; 9.07 ± 5.09; 10.28 ± 4.28, respectively). There is a high level of negative correlation between the SCSS self-confidence approach scores, optimistic approach scores and depression, anxiety and stress scores, and a high level of positive correlation between the helpless/self-accusatory approach, submissive approach, optimistic approach and depression, anxiety and stress scores. CONCLUSION Mothers with pre-school children have been found to experience intense depression, anxiety and stress during the pandemic, and as their depression, stress and anxiety levels increase, they move away from self-confident and optimistic approaches, and they embrace more the helpless/self-accusatory approach and submissive approach, seeking social support. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE In the event of a future pandemic, psychiatry and pediatric nurses should strengthen positive coping styles and make mothers aware of social support resources to ensure that mothers, who are the most vulnerable group in terms of mental health, and thus children, do not experience psychiatric problems. Thus, nurses, as mandated by the holistic care approach, provide the qualified care that the individual and his family deserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selen Ozakar Akca
- Hitit University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Corum, Turkey.
| | - Ahu Pınar Turan
- Hitit University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Corum, Turkey
| | - Semra Songut
- Hitit University Hitit University Iskilip Vocational School. İskilip, Corum, Turkey..
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Tendhar T, Marcotte MA, Saikia MJ, de Mesquita PB. Relationship of compassion for self and others to sense of well-being of college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1246-1254. [PMID: 35622999 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2074276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The mental health issues among college students have increased significantly in recent years. The primary purpose of this study was to explore and describe the relationship between self-compassion, compassion for others, and a sense of well-being among undergraduate college students. Participants: This study surveyed N = 651 college students aged 18-24 years at an urban university in the Northeast. Methods: Students completed an online survey through Survey Monkey that was comprised of questions about their selfcompassion, compassion for others, and overall sense of well-being. Results: The results indicate that self-compassion, compassion for others, and sense of well-being are positively related. Exploratory tests for sex differences showed that females reported having significantly higher compassion for others while males reported having substantially higher self-compassion. Conclusion: The authors discuss the implications of the results and suggest a need for more compassion education programs at institutions of higher education. Suggestions are made for future experimental research that measures the impact of self-compassion and compassion for others, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted many college students' education, economy, relationships, and job prospects.
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Chereka AA, Demsash AW, Butta FW, Shibabaw AA, Gebeyehu CD, Adane D, Limeneh WD, Fentahun AD, Tadesse MN, Kitil GW. Examining students' level of understanding toward COVID-19 and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369738. [PMID: 38721537 PMCID: PMC11076840 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and identify associated factors. The primary goal is to pinpoint key contributors shaping students' perception and comprehension of the virus. The study aims to offer valuable insights for developing targeted educational interventions, ultimately enhancing students' overall knowledge and awareness of the pandemic in the specific context of Ethiopia. Methods The study adhered rigorously to PRISMA criteria, ensuring a standardized methodology. Data from reputable databases like Google Scholar and PubMed were systematically collected. Ten relevant articles were meticulously analyzed using STATA version 11, with heterogeneity assessed by the I2 test. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. The determination of the pooled effect size utilized a random-effect model meta-analysis, offering a robust 95% confidence interval. Results This meta-analysis, based on 10 articles, reveals an overall prevalence of 61.58% (95% CI: 47.26-75.89). Significant contributors to students' comprehension include Social media users (AOR) = 2.38, urban residence AOR = 3.31, news media followers AOR = 2.51, fathers' educational status AOR = 2.35, watching television AOR = 4.71, and health science students AOR = 4.21. These findings underscore crucial elements shaping students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Conclusion Our analysis indicates that 61.58% of Ethiopian students possess a good understanding of COVID-19. Factors such as active social media engagement, geographic location, frequency of news consumption, father's level of education, television viewing habits, and enrollment in health science programs significantly influence their comprehension. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance health literacy and education among students, thereby facilitating a more effective response to pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Ayenew Chereka
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Fikadu Wake Butta
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Ambachew Shibabaw
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Daniel Adane
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Wubalem Dilie Limeneh
- Department of Tourism Management, College of Business and Economics, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Dagnew Fentahun
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Mathias Nega Tadesse
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Technology, Kebri Dehar University, Kebri Dehar, Ethiopia
| | - Gemeda Wakgari Kitil
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
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Hoteit R, Bou-Hamad I, Hijazi S, Ayna D, Romani M, El Morr C. A cross-sectional study of university students' mental health and lifestyle practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302265. [PMID: 38626105 PMCID: PMC11020786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES University students are regarded as the backbone of society, and their mental health during a pandemic may have a substantial impact on their performance and life outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess university students' mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, during Lebanon's extended COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sociodemographic factors and lifestyle practices associated with it. METHODS An online anonymous survey assessed the rates of mental health problems during COVID-19, controlling for socio-demographics and other lifestyle practices, in 329 undergraduate and graduate university students. Instruments utilized were the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (21-BAI) for anxiety, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) for stress. The study employed descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models to analyze the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Results were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS Moderate to severe rates of depression, anxiety and stress among students were reported by 75.9%, 72.2%, and 89.3%, respectively. The odds of anxiety and stress were higher among women compared to men. Students who used private counseling services had higher odds of anxiety and stress than those who did not. Overall rated health was a major predictor of depression and anxiety, with the "poor" and "fair" overall-reported health groups having higher odds than the "Excellent" group. When compared to those who did not smoke, students who increased their smoking intake had higher odds of depression, anxiety and stress. Students who reduced their alcohol consumption had lower odds of anxiety compared to those who did not consume alcohol. Students who reduced their physical activity had higher odds than those who increased it. Finally, students who slept fewer than seven hours daily had higher odds of depression than those who slept seven to nine hours. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a national student mental health crisis, with exceptionally high rates of moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors such as gender, university program, overall rated health, importance of religion in daily decisions, private counseling, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sleeping, were all found to have an impact on mental health outcomes. Our study highlights the need for university administrators and mental health professionals to consider targeted mental health programming for students, particularly for women and those with poor or fair overall perceived health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Hoteit
- Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad Bou-Hamad
- Department of Business Information and Decision Systems, Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Hijazi
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Lebanese University, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Dinah Ayna
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Romani
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christo El Morr
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada
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Guidotti S, Fiduccia A, Pruneti C. Introversion, Alexithymia, and Hostility: A Path Analysis From Personality to Suicidal Ideation Among University Students. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241247526. [PMID: 38623941 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241247526] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between state (i.e., hostility) and trait (i.e., social detachment, alexithymia) psychological constructs associated with suicidal ideation among university students. METHODS A group of 190 university students was consecutively recruited in the period between September 2022 and March 2023. After a clinical interview, a series of psychological tests were administered: the Cattell's 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and the anamnestic form of the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment (CBA2.0), which contains a specific question regarding the suicidal ideation. RESULTS The analyses demonstrated that alexithymia fully mediated the relationship between a particular aspect of introversion (social detachment or low warmth) and hostility which, in turn, seemed to be a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The path analysis conducted seemed to highlight the importance of personality traits, such as social detachment and the ability to recognize and express one's internal states, on the mental health of university students in terms of hostility and suicidal ideation. Considering that the reduction of suicide mortality has been prioritized as a global target in the 15-19 age group, identifying the psychological factors associated with it is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guidotti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Fiduccia
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Pruneti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Zapata J, Zavala-Idar A, Recto P, Lesser J. The mental health consequences of COVID-19 on a sample of health professions students: a mixed methods study. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38603780 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2338425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To assess and examine how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the mental health of a sample of health professions students (HPS) using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Participants: Participants included 41 HPS enrolled in a co-curricular interprofessional education (IPE) program. Measurements: Measures included the CES-D scale, PSS scale, and the GAD scale. Qualitative description was used to explore the experiences of these HPS. Results: The HPS explained that fear of acquiring COVID-19, transmitting the virus to loved ones, and dying as a result of the disease negatively influenced their mental health. The HPS revealed that there were some beneficial outcomes resulting from the pandemic, including the strengthening of family bonds and the cultivation of resiliency. Conclusions: The pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of these HPS. It is essential that these students receive support for their mental health in order to provide optimal care to the population they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Zapata
- South Texas AHEC, The University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Annette Zavala-Idar
- South Texas AHEC, The University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Pamela Recto
- South Texas AHEC, The University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Janna Lesser
- South Texas AHEC, The University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Guzman S, Melara RD. Effects of Covid-19-related anxiety on overeating and weight gain in a diverse college sample. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38579128 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2337009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has been linked with caloric overeating and weight gain. We employed a mediation analysis to determine whether pandemic-associated overeating was a direct effect of Covid-19-related anxiety (affect regulation theory) or mediated by a coping mechanism of escape eating (escape theory). A diverse pool of college students participated in a repeated cross-sectional study during three separate waves: May 2021 (wave 1, n = 349), December 2021 (wave 2, n = 253), and March 2022 (wave 3, n = 132). The results revealed a significant indirect effect of Covid-19-related anxiety on high-caloric overeating mediated by escape eating, but no direct path between Covid-19-related anxiety and caloric overeating. Analysis of racial/ethnic status uncovered significantly greater Covid-weight gain in Hispanic participants compared with White, Black, and Asian participants. Our results suggest that Covid-19 weight gain is a byproduct of a mediated escape mechanism differentially affecting racial/ethnic groups.
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Cattaneo Della Volta MF, Vallone F, Zurlo MC. COVID-19-Related Stressors and Psychophysical Health Conditions among Italian University Students: A Post Pandemic Insight. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:752. [PMID: 38610174 PMCID: PMC11011279 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070752] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 medical emergency has ended worldwide, yet the psychological impact of these years of unprecedented changes on students' lives still needs to be deepened. METHODS This study aims to assess and compare COVID-19-related stressors (relationships and academic life; isolation; and fear of contagion) and psychophysical symptoms reported by 637 university students at three times, i.e., April 2020 (n = 197), April 2021 (n = 200), and April 2022 (n = 240). The impact of COVID-19-related stressors on psychophysical symptoms within each time was also tested. RESULTS In April 2022, perceived isolation and fear of contagion decreased from the peak registered in April 2021, but stress related to relationships and academic life remained high. An ongoing increase in psychophysical symptoms was found. More than 50% of students reported clinical levels of sleep disorders, depression, psychoticism, and interpersonal sensitivity. In April 2022, students still perceiving stress related to relationships and academic life and isolation were at risk for anxiety, somatization, and sleep disorders. Students still perceiving stress related to fear of contagion were also at risk for depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and psychoticism. CONCLUSION The findings emphasized the long-lasting effects of COVID-19-related stress on students' psychophysical health. Interventions must aim at supporting students in dealing with the complex post-pandemic adjustment process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Vallone
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Napoli, Italy; (M.F.C.D.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Maria Clelia Zurlo
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Bedoya-Gonzales M, Yucra-Mamani Y, Aragón-Cruz W, Barrientos-Paredes K, Gómez-Bailón P, Laura-Chauca S, Fuentes-López J, Flores-Gutiérrez C, Cossio-Bolaños M, Gomez-Campos R. Bibliometric study of the scientific productivity of the COVID-19 impact on constructs affecting happiness in university students. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38726077 PMCID: PMC11081436 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_615_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused a wide range of psychological problems, such as panic disorders, anxiety, and depression. Knowing what others have researched on, what constructs they have focused on, will (a) summarize published information, (b) help identify research gaps, and (c) encourage future research that addresses these gaps. The aim of the study was to analyze the bibliometric indicators of scientific productivity of the impact of COVID-19 on constructs affecting undergraduate happiness. A bibliometric study was conducted. The PubMed database was used. Data summarized were: authors, year of publication, journal name, country, language of publication, and subtopic addressed. A total of 16 English-language studies were identified between April 2022 and December 2022. There were 12 countries that have published on the impact of COVID-19 on constructs affecting college students' happiness. Most of the studies were developed in the United States (n = 4, 25%) and China (n = 2, 12.5%). Thirteen journals publishing these topics were detected. The subtopics considered were organized into nine categories (e.g., a: Psychological impact, b: Adverse childhood experiences, c: Stress, d: Personality traits, e: Perception of the educational environment, f: Spiritual health, g: Distress, h: Uncertainty and socioemotional learning, i: Satisfaction with life). This study suggests that the number of countries and scientific journals that have published on the impact of COVID-19 on constructs affecting college students' happiness is small. In addition, the most discussed subtopics during the pandemic were related to constructs such as psychological impact and stress affecting college students' happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bedoya-Gonzales
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - Yudi Yucra-Mamani
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - Walker Aragón-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - Katia Barrientos-Paredes
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - Percy Gómez-Bailón
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - Sonia Laura-Chauca
- Instituto de Investigación Social y Empresarial (IDISEM), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú
| | - José Fuentes-López
- Escuela Profesional de Educación Física, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Perú
| | - Claudia Flores-Gutiérrez
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias y Tecnologías Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Perú
| | - Marco Cossio-Bolaños
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Rossana Gomez-Campos
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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Yao A, Zhu M, Li L. Psychological experience of university students during prolonged quarantine in China: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077483. [PMID: 38471689 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study based on semistructured interviews; data were analysed using a thematic topic analysis approach. SETTING Interviews were conducted via WeChat video. PARTICIPANTS 20 full-time undergraduate students from seven districts in Shanghai Province who experienced prolonged quarantine were interviewed from June to August 2022. RESULTS The data analysis revealed three themes with corresponding subthemes related to the psychological experiences of university students during prolonged quarantine: (1) dynamic and complex psychological experiences, encompassing the feelings of relief, confusion, anxiety, insecurity, loneliness, craving for catharsis and emotional numbness; (2) desire for diverse support; and (3) self-reflection and growth, mainly including learning to be grateful, self-efficacy enhancement, reconsideration of the meaning of life and restructuring of future planning. CONCLUSION This study explored the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine through qualitative interviews, which contributed to our understanding of their emotions, needs and conceptual changes during quarantine. Combined with the experiences of university students in quarantine, they reported complex emotional changes and diverse needs, as well as the impact of prolonged quarantine on their outlook on life. These findings can serve as a reference and basis for the development of future psychological intervention measures in line with national conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anling Yao
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingling Zhu
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Saltzman LY, Hansel TC. Psychological and social determinants of adaptation: the impact of finances, loneliness, information access and chronic stress on resilience activation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1245765. [PMID: 38469213 PMCID: PMC10925763 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1245765] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many people who face adversity, such as disasters, demonstrate resilience. However, less is known about reactions to large scale disasters with longer recovery periods. The concern is that protracted disasters may result in more chronic or accumulated stressors with an uncertain or unknown end point and can exhaust the natural coping methods and ability to rebound. Thus, understanding patterns of longer-term disaster recovery, inclusive of resilience, is needed. Further resilience is not individual specific rather social determinants, such as support networks and available resources, are contributing factors. Methods The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of mental health and resilience during increased stress, we aim to identify profiles of adaptation and psychological and social determinants that predict membership within predominant symptom groupings. We conducted an exploratory cross-section study (N = 334) with two phases of multivariate analysis. Latent profile models were estimated to identify groups based on depression, anxiety, and resilience scores. The second phase included a step-wise multinomial logistic regression to predict class membership. Results We identified four distinct groups: 33% of participants were categorized as anxious, 18% depressed, 9% comorbid, and 40% with above average levels of resilience. Psychosocial factors such as demographics, trauma history, information access, loneliness, and lack of financial resources predicted poorer mental health outcomes and lower resilience. Conclusion This study identified factors that contribute to overall wellbeing despite chronic stressors. Social determinants of adaptation, found in this study population, include loneliness, finances, and information access. The findings from this study support the need for both psychological and social adaption supports, inclusive of mental health treatment, to strengthen resilience activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tonya Cross Hansel
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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29
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Teuber M, Leyhr D, Sudeck G. Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students: a longitudinal study on daily level. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:598. [PMID: 38402396 PMCID: PMC10893600 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity has been proven to be beneficial for physical and psychological health as well as for academic achievement. However, especially university students are insufficiently physically active because of difficulties in time management regarding study, work, and social demands. As they are at a crucial life stage, it is of interest how physical activity affects university students' stress load and recovery as well as their academic performance. METHODS Student´s behavior during home studying in times of COVID-19 was examined longitudinally on a daily basis during a ten-day study period (N = 57, aged M = 23.5 years, SD = 2.8, studying between the 1st to 13th semester (M = 5.8, SD = 4.1)). Two-level regression models were conducted to predict daily variations in stress load, recovery and perceived academic performance depending on leisure-time physical activity and short physical activity breaks during studying periods. Parameters of the individual home studying behavior were also taken into account as covariates. RESULTS While physical activity breaks only positively affect stress load (functional stress b = 0.032, p < 0.01) and perceived academic performance (b = 0.121, p < 0.001), leisure-time physical activity affects parameters of stress load (functional stress: b = 0.003, p < 0.001, dysfunctional stress: b = -0.002, p < 0.01), recovery experience (b = -0.003, p < 0.001) and perceived academic performance (b = 0.012, p < 0.001). Home study behavior regarding the number of breaks and longest stretch of time also shows associations with recovery experience and perceived academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Study results confirm the importance of different physical activities for university students` stress load, recovery experience and perceived academic performance in home studying periods. Universities should promote physical activity to keep their students healthy and capable of performing well in academic study: On the one hand, they can offer opportunities to be physically active in leisure time. On the other hand, they can support physical activity breaks during the learning process and in the immediate location of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Teuber
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Daniel Leyhr
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Research Institute for Sports and Physical Activity, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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30
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Solomou I, Nikolaou F, Michaelides MP, Constantinidou F. Long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID-19: Identification of high-risk groups and assessment of precautionary measures five months after the first wave of restrictions was lifted. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002847. [PMID: 38394160 PMCID: PMC10889631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Critical facets of our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak for almost three years. During this time, there has been a lot of clinical and research interest in issues related to mental health. However, few have examined the pandemic's long-term psychological effects. The aims of the present study were to assess the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID -19, five months after the first wave restriction measures were lifted, to identify high-risk groups and to address the use of precautionary measures (PM). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, coping mechanisms, and compliance with precautionary measures (PM) were all gathered in Cyprus through an anonymous online survey. The poll was completed by 1128 people (73% of whom were female). For the purposes of the present study, descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used. 32.3% of participants experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms, where 16.4% and 23% reported moderate-to-severe depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms respectively. Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as greater compliance to PM were linked to higher levels of resilience. Additionally, subgroups of participants, at a higher risk for negative psychological effects were identified, such as women and young adults. Our findings demonstrate the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and provide guidance on how to deal with similar situations. It also raises questions about the concurrent effects on people with the long COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioulia Solomou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Flora Nikolaou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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31
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Cohen Rodrigues TR, Reijnders T, Breeman LD, Janssen VR, Kraaijenhagen RA, Atsma DE, Evers AW. Use Intention and User Expectations of Human-Supported and Self-Help eHealth Interventions: Internet-Based Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e38803. [PMID: 38358784 PMCID: PMC10905349 DOI: 10.2196/38803] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-help eHealth interventions provide automated support to change health behaviors without any further human assistance. The main advantage of self-help eHealth interventions is that they have the potential to lower the workload of health care professionals. However, one disadvantage is that they generally have a lower uptake. Possibly, the absence of a relationship with a health care professional (referred to as the working alliance) could lead to negative expectations that hinder the uptake of self-help interventions. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) identifies which expectations predict use intention. As there has been no previous research exploring how expectations affect the adoption of both self-help and human-supported eHealth interventions, this study is the first to investigate the impact of expectations on the uptake of both kinds of eHealth interventions. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the intention to use a self-help eHealth intervention compared to a human-supported eHealth intervention and the expectations that moderate this relationship. METHODS A total of 146 participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions (human-supported or self-help eHealth interventions). Participants evaluated screenshots of a human-supported or self-help app-based stress intervention. We measured intention to use the intervention-expected working alliance and the UTAUT constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence. RESULTS Use intention did not differ significantly between the 2 conditions (t142=-1.133; P=.26). Performance expectancy (F1,140=69.269; P<.001), effort expectancy (F1,140=3.961; P=.049), social influence (F1,140=90.025; P<.001), and expected working alliance (F1,140=26.435; P<.001) were positively related to use intention regardless of condition. The interaction analysis showed that performance expectancy (F1,140=4.363; P=.04) and effort expectancy (F1,140=4.102; P=.045) more strongly influenced use intention in the self-help condition compared to the human-supported condition. CONCLUSIONS As we found no difference in use intention, our results suggest that we could expect an equal uptake of self-help eHealth interventions and human-supported ones. However, attention should be paid to people who have doubts about the intervention's helpfulness or ease of use. For those people, providing additional human support would be beneficial to ensure uptake. Screening user expectations could help health care professionals optimize self-help eHealth intervention uptake in practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION OSF Registries osf.io/n47cz; https://osf.io/n47cz.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Reijnders
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Linda D Breeman
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Veronica R Janssen
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Roderik A Kraaijenhagen
- NDDO Institute for Prevention and Early Diagnostics (NIPED), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vital10, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Douwe E Atsma
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Wm Evers
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Medical Delta, Leiden University, Technical University of Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Kalkbrenner MT, Huycke M, Sun H. Factorial invariance of college students' scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38330349 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2308269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of the present study were to validate college students' scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI), a screening tool for appraising Global Wellness (combined mental and physical health) and test for differences in Global Wellness across key demographic variables associated with college student health. METHOD A non-probability sample of 708 college students across four campus locations in three different cities was recruited to test the LPHCI's psychometric properties. RESULTS Factorial invariance testing demonstrated psychometric equivalence in the meaning of Global Wellness between college students across ethnicity, generational status, and help-seeking history. We also found statistically, however, not practically significant demographic differences in Global Wellness between college students by ethnicity and help-seeking history. CONCLUSION Findings extend the generalizability of LPHCI scores to a normative sample of college students. Implications for college healthcare providers and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Kalkbrenner
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matt Huycke
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Hannah Sun
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
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Dang S, Looijmans A, Lamura G, Hagedoorn M. Perceived life balance among young adult students: a comparison between caregivers and non-caregivers. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:18. [PMID: 38185676 PMCID: PMC10773020 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01500-z] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult caregivers (YACs) are individuals aged 18-25 years who provide care to a loved one (parent, sibling) with frailty, disability, or illness. As young adults, the transition period between adolescence and adulthood can be more challenging for YACs than their peers without care responsibilities (non-YACs), as they have to integrate caregiving with other life areas (education, relationships). This study compared the perceived life balance and the psychological functioning (i.e., burnout, negative and positive affect, and life satisfaction) between YACs and non-YACs. METHOD An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 74 YACs (85.1% females, 22.0 ± 2.1 years) and 246 non-YACs (76.0% females, 21.8 ± 2.0 years) studying in the Netherlands. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, caregiving characteristics (to be filled out only by the YACs), life balance, and psychological functioning. We used Chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent T-tests for continuous variables to examine possible differences in demographic characteristics between YACs and non-YACs. In addition, we used independent T-tests to compare the perceived life balance and psychological functioning between YACs and non-YACs. RESULTS YACs and non-YACs were similar on all the demographic characteristics, except for living status; fewer YACs (44.6%) than non-YACs (59.3%) lived on their own, with or without other students/friends (χ2 = 16.3, p = 0.01). YACs perceived slightly less balance in life than non-YACs (d = -.29, p = .03). Both groups did not differ in experiencing burnout, affect, and life satisfaction (all p > .05). They experienced high levels of burnout and moderate levels of life satisfaction. DISCUSSION Although YACs perceived a little less balance in life than non-YACs, this was not reflected in their psychological functioning. Healthcare professionals and school counselors may need to recognise the critical phase of all young adults and provide the support that could, for example, help them reduce burnout and enhance their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Dang
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne Looijmans
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Lamura
- INRCA IRCCS - National Institute of Health and Science On Aging, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mariët Hagedoorn
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Zurlo MC, Vallone F. COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Have Learned on Stress, Technology Use, and Psychological Health Among University Students. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1458:289-302. [PMID: 39102204 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61943-4_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, the medical COVID-19 emergency is ending worldwide, whereas there is an increasing need to understand the marks and the lessons learned from over two years of unprecedented changes in all life domains. Recent research has highlighted growing rates of psychological suffering among the general population as well as among university students, who were yet well-recognized as a vulnerable population even before the pandemic. The present work drives from university students' experience, and it aims to provide an overview of the key dimensions to take into account, in terms of main risks, changes, challenges, and resources, to develop updated tailored research and interventions promoting psychological health conditions in the current time within and beyond the educational context/university students' population. Implications for research and interventions are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clelia Zurlo
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Federica Vallone
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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35
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Ding Y, Lee C, Chen X, Song Y, Newman G, Lee R, Lee S, Li D, Sohn W. Exploring the association between campus environment of higher education and student health: A systematic review of findings and measures. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2024; 91:128168. [PMID: 38313064 PMCID: PMC10835873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the neighborhood environments and residents' health. However, other important settings, such as university campuses, have received little attention. This paper conducted a systematic review and synthesized existing empirical works examining the association between the university/college campuses built and natural environments and students' health. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched nine databases using keywords related to higher-education campuses and health-related outcomes. A total of 19 articles were identified, including fifteen cross-sectional studies, three experimental studies, and one longitudinal study. The majority of the studies were conducted in Asian countries and published in the past five years. The findings indicate that active transportation infrastructure, such as increased road intersections and better walkability, were found to be positively associated with students' physical activity. The natural environments, including perceived naturalness, blue space, and greenness was shown to support student's mental health and quality of life. Specifically, blue space was found to be the most preferred place for mental restoration, and scattered trees demonstrated a supportive effect in reducing depression symptoms. Even just viewing virtual trees had a restorative effect and feel less anxiety. Additionally, during the summer, tree shadows were identified as the most important factors for enhancing thermal comfort. This review emphasizes the crucial role of campus environments in promoting college students' health. Future longitudinal studies and investigations using multiple campuses would provide a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Such endeavors can contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for designing and planning healthy campus environments that optimize students' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Ding
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Ryunjung Lee
- School of Architecture and Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio, United States
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Dongying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Wonmin Sohn
- School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, United States
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Wiciak MT, Shazley O, Santhosh D. Social Media Behaviors and Lifestyle Changes in Young Adults (Ages 18-28 years) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis From an International Cross-Sectional Study. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241228117. [PMID: 38291923 PMCID: PMC10832443 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241228117] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screen time (ST), mainly social media (SM), has increased during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, impacting mental and physical health. This study aims to analyze SM use in young adults ages 18 to 28 years and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 to provide a baseline on pandemic habits in the younger population. METHODS An international cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021. Participants responded about their SM behavior, and activities they noticed they did less and more during COVID-19. A total of 183 responses were analyzed. RESULTS The top reason respondents increased SM was for entertainment. Many respondents increased ST, physical activity (PA), and sleeping habits during COVID-19, while many decreased socialization, PA, and going outdoors. PA had mixed results among participants, indicating some increased PA and some decreased. Evidence suggests that timing of quarantining during the pandemic significantly influenced variables, like ST (P = .004) and socialization (P = .037). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Respondents generally noticed increased SM use for various reasons, including socialization, potentially explaining why respondents feel they socialize less. ST use increased; some people reported increased PA while others reported a decrease. Altogether, this provides vital context on young adults' SM and lifestyle habits, highlighting potential areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omar Shazley
- Saint James School of Medicine, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
| | - Daphne Santhosh
- Saint James School of Medicine, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
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Wagner B, Snoubar Y, Mahdi YS. Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1269010. [PMID: 38174076 PMCID: PMC10761424 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1269010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study sought to understand the mental health issues, mental health support and efficacy of that support among university students. Participants All students enrolled in a College of Arts and Sciences at one mid-size university received an email that contained a link to an anonymous, online questionnaire developed and disseminated through PsychData. 162 students completed the questionnaire. Methods Mixed methods: Data was summarized using descriptive analysis, testing for significance, testing for differences, and content analysis. Results Participants reported high levels of anxiety (76%) and depression (65%). Results indicated that participant demographics were associated with types of mental access, and support. Unexpected results included lack of knowledge or information on cost, and how to access mental health services hindered access for participants, and although telehealth was the most widely used support, in contrast to other studies, participants indicated a preference for face-to-face mental health services. Conclusion Results highlight the need for improving communication about and access to mental health services in higher education Recommendations and implications for policy and support services are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly Wagner
- Social Work Department, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Yaser Snoubar
- Social Sciences Department, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Wang W, Jiang J, Qi L, Zhao F, Wu J, Zhu X, Wang B, Hong X. Relationship between mental health, sleep status and screen time among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073347. [PMID: 38070905 PMCID: PMC10729102 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE On 20 July 2021, after the outbreak of COVID-19 at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, several universities started closed management and online teaching. This had a large impact on students' daily life and study, which may lead to mental health problems. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of screen time on mental health status of university students and the possible mediating effect of sleep status. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. A web-based questionnaire survey was employed that included demographic characteristics, sleep status and mental health status (depression, anxiety and loneliness). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale was used to assess sleep status, while the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Emotional versus Social Loneliness Scale (ESLS) were used to assess depression, anxiety and loneliness, respectively. Linear and logistic regression models were developed and adjusted for confounding factors, and finally the mediating effects were tested using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. RESULTS Finally, 1070 valid questionnaires were included. Among these, 604 (56.45%) indicated depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥16) and 902 (84.30%) indicated anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥10). The mean ESLS score (for loneliness) was 26.51±6.64. The relationship between screen time and depressive symptoms (OR 1.118, 95% CI 1.072 to 1.166) and anxiety symptoms (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.023 to 1.138) remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. Meanwhile, sleep status plays an intermediary role in screen time and mental health status (depression and anxiety) and accounts for 13.73% and 19.68% of the total effects, respectively. We did not find a significant association between screen time and loneliness. CONCLUSION During the outbreak of COVID-19, screen time is inevitably prolonged among university students. There is a relationship between mental health and screen time, and sleep status plays a mediating role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingfeng Jiang
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lerong Qi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fanqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Teti M, Myroniuk TW, Kirksey G, Pratt M, Schatz E. Using peer-ethnography to explore the health and well-being of college students affected by COVID-19. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2261841. [PMID: 37742341 PMCID: PMC10519263 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2261841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 continues to infect and affect college-aged youth. We lack information about how students experienced the pandemic day-to-day and what they need for recovery, from their own perspectives. This study employed peer ethnography to explore student's insights for current and future prevention and care. METHODS A team of eight students were trained as peer ethnographers to observe and record conversations with their peers in 15-minute increments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcripts of 200 conversations were collated and analysed via theme analysis to identify patterns. RESULTS Student conversations revealed dichotomous perspectives about COVID-19. Some students prioritized safety, captured via three themes-caution, rethinking routines, and protecting others. Other students struggled to follow prevention guidelines and took risks, also captured by three themes-parties, denial, and misinformation. A third category of themes captured the results of this dichotomy-tense campus relationships and a health leadership vacuum. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify specific locations for intervention (e.g., off campus parties) and needed community collaborations (e.g., bars and universities) for COVID-19 and future pandemics. Our findings suggest that overarching approaches, like harm reduction or affirmation (versus shame), are helpful intervention frameworks. Findings also celebrate the value of peer-ethnography, to learn about pandemics and solutions from the ground up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Teti
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Tyler W. Myroniuk
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Grace Kirksey
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mariah Pratt
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Enid Schatz
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Brunson EK, Rohde RE, Fulton LV. College students' willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:2804-2812. [PMID: 34905717 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1996375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective To assess college students' willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines and the factors that influence their decisions. Participants: Traditional (aged 18-23) undergraduate students at a university in central Texas. Methods: An online survey was administered in fall 2020 to 614 students stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. Results: 40.9% of students planned to take the vaccine as soon as possible, 37.1% eventually, 11.4% only if required, and 10.6% did not intend to be vaccinated. Analyses indicated that gender, major/minor, political affiliation, receiving a flu shot in the preceding 12 months, perception of risk for COVID-19, and vaccine hesitancy were all associated with willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusion: Results confirm that no one-size-fits-all approach to promoting COVID-19 vaccination among college students is possible. Instead, administrators interested in increasing vaccine uptake should address concerns of specific groups, while also utilizing the prosocial beliefs of college students (e.g., being vaccinated will protect others).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Brunson
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Rodney E Rohde
- Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Lawrence V Fulton
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
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Abu Hasan NI, Ganggayah MD, Suhaimi S, Abu Hasan N, Jamal NF. Mediating Effects of Fear on Mental Health among Undergraduate Students during Open Distance Learning. Malays J Med Sci 2023; 30:91-107. [PMID: 38239247 PMCID: PMC10793133 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.6.10] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Online distance learning (ODL) known as the flexible learning environment can trigger a negative impact on students' mental health. The study aimed to identify the influence of fear as mediator between mental health problem and university students' perception on ODL. Methods This is a cross-sectional study involving a convenient sampling of 258 undergraduate students. Self-administered structured questionnaires adapted from the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), were used to assess the severity of psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) and fear. The perception towards ODL is also designed to assess the students' perception related to ODL implementation. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Results Overall, 84.2%, 95.0% and 67.4% of the participants experienced moderate to very severe level of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. In addition, 82.6% of them suffering with moderate to extreme level of fear, of which 81.8% of participants had a negative view on ODL. The results of SEM-PLS revealed that there are complementary partial mediation effects of fear on the relationship between depression and students' perception during ODL (β = 0.502, t-value = 0.828, P-value = 0.017). The anxiety (β = 0.353, t-value = 5.401, P-value = 0.000) and stress (β = 0.542, t-value = 8.433, P-value = 0.000) have directly influenced on fear. Conclusion This study demonstrated that university students had the prevalence of psychological symptoms and fear during ODL. In line with this, fear contributes significantly to the mental health status of university students and has negatively impacted the students' perception during ODL implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhasniza Idham Abu Hasan
- School of Mathematical Sciences Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mogana Darshini Ganggayah
- Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Suzainiwati Suhaimi
- BDP Global Services Sdn. Bhd., Menara Takaful Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurhasnira Abu Hasan
- Department of Research, Development and Innovation, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Faezah Jamal
- School of Mathematical Sciences Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak, Malaysia
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Herres J, Ortelli O, Rodriguez I, Onyewuenyi AC. Factors associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38015144 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2266039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had detrimental effects on college students' psychosocial well-being due to campus closures starting in Spring 2020. This study examined changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms before and during the pandemic using longitudinal data collected from students over the 2019-2020 academic year. We also compared data from this sample in Fall 2019 (N = 282) to data collected from another sample in Fall 2020 (N = 240). Latent change modeling showed increases in stress during Spring 2020. Additionally, the Fall 2020 sample had higher levels of stress than the Fall 2019 sample. Differences in stress and depressive symptoms did not depend on underrepresented minority (URM) status, income, gender, or membership in Greek life or other organizations. However, third- and fourth-year students and student-athletes experienced more stress during the pandemic. Findings suggest an adverse and differential impact of the pandemic on students' psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Herres
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Olivia Ortelli
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
| | - Isabel Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
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Alqahtani A, Alhusseini N. Assessing Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Depression at Primary Healthcare Centers in Riyadh City. Cureus 2023; 15:e48854. [PMID: 38106797 PMCID: PMC10723624 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48854] [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] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Depression is a common and serious medical illness that is greatly influenced by socioeconomic, demographic, and biological factors. The recognition of social determinants of depression can help reduce the risk factors and promote mental health. The purpose of this study was to assess the social determinants of health (SDOH) of patients with depression and to classify its categories at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 322 participants who were selected through a convenience sampling technique from June 2021 to August 2022. The study included Saudi and non-Saudi patients at the Ministry of Health PHCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aged 12 years and older. Independent samples of t-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to assess differences in means of numerical variables. Correlations were made by the Pearson correlation coefficient. A p-value of <0.05 was set as the level of statistical significance. Logistic regression was used to determine the main variables associated with moderate to severe depression. RESULTS The findings showed 51% had minimal to mild depression, 27% had moderate depression, and 22% had moderately severe to severe depression. A greater proportion of females had moderate to severe depression (61%) (p=0.007). Also, moderate to severe depression was higher in those with lower monthly income(54%)(p=0.03). Saudi nationals were found to have a higher percentage of moderate to severe depression(51%)(p=0.007). Marital status was found to be associated with depression as single respondents were more likely to have moderate to severe depression (p=0.052) with 54%. CONCLUSION SDOH including gender, income, marital status, and nationality are associated with depression. Having a comprehensive system focusing not only on mental health services but also on the social determinants of mental health is very important. Future research is needed to understand the association between depression and SDOH in Saudi Arabia. The study results can help policymakers determine the areas that require improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alqahtani
- Family and Community Medicine, Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
- Public Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Noara Alhusseini
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
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Kreuziger SB, Snethen JA. College instructors' experiences with undergraduate students who have mental health symptoms: systematic review. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37855735 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2253920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to synthesize peer-reviewed research exploring postsecondary instructors' experiences with undergraduate students with mental health (MH) symptoms. METHODS English-language, peer-reviewed primary research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were included. Themes and subthemes were analyzed. RESULTS Ten articles met criteria. Three themes emerged: Instructor Actions in the Moment, with subthemes Talking with Students, Making Referrals, and Doing Nothing; Processing the Complex Emotional Impact, with subthemes Caring and Confidence, Powerlessness and Apprehension, Struggle with Boundaries, and Worry about Safety; and Needs Unmet by the Institution, with subthemes Wanted Disclosure, Wanted MH Training, Wanted Clear Policies, Wanted Institutional Support, and Wanted Robust Campus Counseling Services. Lack of resources was the major reported impediment. CONCLUSIONS Several implications for institutions emerge. MH education should be provided for instructors. Institutions should ensure MH policies are clear and easily accessible. Institutions should acknowledge instructors' efforts with students. Finally, training on applicable laws surrounding student MH should be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne B Kreuziger
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Julia A Snethen
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Al Maqbali M, Madkhali N, Gleason AM, Dickens GL. Fear, stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia related to COVID-19 among undergraduate nursing students: An international survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292470. [PMID: 37796791 PMCID: PMC10553289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has produced unprecedented change in daily life activities leading to major impacts on psychological wellbeing and sleep among individuals worldwide. The study aimed to assess levels of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia among undergraduate nursing students in four countries two years after the start of the pandemic. An international, multi-centre cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted between December 2021 and April 2022. An on-line questionnaire was distributed via Qualtrics® and JISC® software. Instruments included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Insomnia Severity Index, and a demographics and academic background questionnaire. The independent variables included demographic and academic backgrounds, while fear level, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were the dependent variables. A total of 918 undergraduate nursing students from KSA, Oman, UK, and UAE were participants in the study. Students presented with stress (91.6%), anxiety (69.1%), depression (59.8%), and insomnia (73.2%). The participants' mean Fear of COVID-19 Scale score was 12.97 (SD = 6.14). There were significant positive relationships between fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Undergraduate nursing students experienced moderate to severe levels of Fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological intervention and peer support are needed to reduce the long-term adverse outcomes of mental health problems and insomnia. It is important to introduce education about crisis management of infectious disease during pandemics into the nursing curriculum to increase student knowledge and improve their preparedness for such emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Geoffrey L. Dickens
- Mental Health Nursing Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Adjunct Professor Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
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Silva RR, Santos DAT, Costa BA, Farias Júnior NC, Braz AG, Costa GDCT, Andrade MS, Vancini RL, Weiss K, Knechtle B, de Lira CAB. Prevalence of fear of COVID-19, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate students during remote classes. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023; 35:303-313. [PMID: 36632016 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, undergraduate students were exposed to symptoms of psychological suffering during remote classes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that may be generated and be related to such outcomes. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and related factors in undergraduate students during remote classes. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 218 undergraduate students (60.6% women and 39.4% men). Students answered a self-administered online questionnaire designed to gather personal information, pandemic exposure, physical activity level, fear of COVID-19 using the 'Fear of COVID-19 Scale', symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and anxiety using General Anxiety Disorder-7. RESULTS Undergraduate students had a high prevalence of depression and anxiety (83.0% and 76.1%, respectively) but a low prevalence of fear of COVID-19 (28.9%) during remote classes. Multivariate analysis revealed that women who reported health status as neither good nor bad and who had lost a family member from COVID-19 had the highest levels of fear. For depression and anxiety, the main related factors found were female gender, bad health status, insufficiently active, and complete adherence to the restriction measures. CONCLUSION These findings may be used to develop actions to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression among students, with interventions through physical activity programmes to improve mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizia Rocha Silva
- Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Luiz Vancini
- Physical Education and Sports Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Chaudhary R, Rohilla M, Chauhan S, Saini M, Aman S, Singla H, bibi A, Ahmed S, Shriwastav S, Kaur N, Dev J, Chalotra R, Singh TG, Mehta S. The pandemic's unseen wounds: COVID-19's profound effects on mental health. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4954-4963. [PMID: 37811101 PMCID: PMC10552974 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001223] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This review aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, with a focus on the physiological and psychological consequences, including comorbidities. The goal is to understand the direct and indirect populations affected by mental distress and identify potential interventions. Methodology A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PLoS One, and Web of Science. The search utilized relevant keywords to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health. The selected articles were critically evaluated and analyzed to identify key findings and insights. Main findings Mental health, being an intrinsic component of overall well-being, plays a vital role in physiological functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a devastating global impact. Beyond the respiratory symptoms, individuals recovering from COVID-19 commonly experience additional ailments, such as arrhythmia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Healthcare professionals on the frontlines face an elevated risk of mental illness. However, it is crucial to recognize that the general population also grapples with comparable levels of mental distress. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of addressing mental health concerns. Various strategies can help mitigate the impact, including counselling, fostering open lines of communication, providing mental support, ensuring comprehensive patient care, and administering appropriate medications. In severe cases, treatment may involve the supplementation of essential vitamins and antidepressant therapy. By understanding the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential to address this pervasive issue effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manni Rohilla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Rajpura, Punjab
| | | | - Monika Saini
- M.M. College of Pharmacy
- Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Rajpura, Punjab
| | - Shahbaz Aman
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | | | | | | | - Shalini Shriwastav
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Narinder Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Jai Dev
- Department of Microbiology, M.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Rishabh Chalotra
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | | | - Sachin Mehta
- Birat Medical college Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu University, Nepal
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Lee J, Howard JT. Increased Self-Reported Mental Health Problems Among Asian-Americans During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Database. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2344-2353. [PMID: 36129608 PMCID: PMC9491255 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate changes in mental health outcomes among racial groups between 2019 and 2020. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the third through fourth quarters of 2019-2020 longitudinal data from the National Health Interview Survey. Self-reports of diagnosed depression and anxiety disorder were key outcomes. We calculated the percentage of depression and anxiety disorder across baseline sample characteristics. Discrete-time hazard models stratified by race/ethnicity were conducted, with hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values reported. RESULTS Of a total 10,415 individuals, 16.3 and 14.1% reported that they were diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder in 2019, respectively. In the multivariable model, only Asian-Americans experienced a significant increase in the probability of receiving a diagnosis of depression by 104% between 2019 and 2020 (HR 2.04, 95%CI 1.19-3.52; p = 0.010). Also, Asian-Americans had a 97% (HR 1.97, 95%CI 1.23-3.15; p = 0.005) greater probability of being diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2020 than in the previous year, while Hispanics and Whites had a relatively moderate increase of 40% (HR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.76; p = 0.040) and 11% (HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.03-1.20; p = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Asian-Americans experienced a disproportionate increase in mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discriminatory behaviors against Asian-Americans may be important contributors. The study findings suggest the need for serious actions to address this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusung Lee
- Department of Public Health, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Jeffrey T Howard
- Department of Public Health, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Li M, Li F. Assessment of college students' mental health status based on temporal perception and hybrid clustering algorithm under the impact of public health events. PeerJ Comput Sci 2023; 9:e1586. [PMID: 37810345 PMCID: PMC10557517 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1586] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic landscape of public health occurrences presents a formidable challenge to the emotional well-being of college students, necessitating a precise appraisal of their mental health (MH) status. A pivotal metric in this realm is the Mental Health Assessment Index, a prevalent gauge utilized to ascertain an individual's psychological well-being. However, prevailing indices predominantly stem from a physical vantage point, neglecting the intricate psychological dimensions. In pursuit of a judicious evaluation of college students' mental health within the crucible of public health vicissitudes, we have pioneered an innovative metric, underscored by temporal perception, in concert with a hybrid clustering algorithm. This augmentation stands poised to enrich the extant psychological assessment index framework. Our approach hinges on the transmutation of temporal perception into a quantifiable measure, harmoniously interwoven with established evaluative metrics, thereby forging a novel composite evaluation metric. This composite metric serves as the fulcrum upon which we have conceived a pioneering clustering algorithm, seamlessly fusing the fireworks algorithm with K-means clustering. The strategic integration of the fireworks algorithm addresses a noteworthy vulnerability inherent to K-means-its susceptibility to converging onto local optima. Empirical validation of our paradigm attests to its efficacy. The proposed hybrid clustering algorithm aptly captures the dynamic nuances characterizing college students' mental health trajectories. Across diverse assessment stages, our model consistently attains an accuracy threshold surpassing 90%, thus outshining existing evaluation techniques in both precision and simplicity. In summation, this innovative amalgamation presents a formidable stride toward an augmented understanding of college students' mental well-being during times of fluctuating public health dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Li
- Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanfan Li
- Student Affairs Department, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, Hubei, China
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Shek DTL, Wong T, Li X, Yu L. Use of instructional videos in leadership education in higher education under COVID-19: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291861. [PMID: 37733655 PMCID: PMC10513278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of online teaching mode has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly under the COVID-19 pandemic. To promote the learning motivation of students and teaching effectiveness, development of attractive online teaching material such as videos is important. In the present study, we developed 15 theory-related videos and 9 case-based videos in the context of a leadership course focusing on psychological well-being and psychosocial competence. Using a qualitative research methodology via focus groups (N = 48 students) to evaluate these videos, six themes emerged from the data, including video arrangement, design of videos, content of videos, benefits to students' pre-lesson self-learning, benefits to students' learning of course content, and contribution to students' class participation. The findings suggest that the videos can elicit positive perceptions of the students in a flipped classroom arrangement. Students also benefit from the videos in terms of their understanding of course content and their participation in class discussion. Besides, the study suggests that the videos promote the learning efficiency of the students. The present qualitative findings concurred with the previous quantitative findings, suggesting the value of using virtual teaching and learning to promote psychosocial competence in university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. L. Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tingyin Wong
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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