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Ibrahim D, Ahmed RM, Mohammad AZ, Ibrahim B, Mohammed T, Mohamed ME, Abdelgadir T, Mohammed B, Ibrahim M, Shaaban KMA. Prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety disorder and perceived stress among Sudanese medical students. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:68. [PMID: 38263070 PMCID: PMC10807220 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05510-y] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) causes significant disturbance in an individual's well-being and activity. Whereby, interfering with the dynamic progress in life. Also, anxiety is a product of stress and a major predictor of academic performance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), measure levels of anxiety and perceived stress, evaluate the academic profile, identify lifestyle characteristics, and explore the relationship between these factors. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 340 Sudanese medical students filled out online questionnaires, composed of the sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, academic profile, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 scale (GAD-2), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20.0 for data analysis. RESULTS Of 340 medical students, 3.8% of them were diagnosed with GAD, while 29.1% scored ≥ 3 in GAD-2, indicating a possible diagnosis. The study found that 9.7% of the participants used addictive substances, with 42% of them having high GAD-2 scores. Moreover, high anxiety levels were associated with high-stress scores (p-value = 0.000). Also, high GAD-2 scores were significantly associated with students who spent less than 10,000 SDG (18 USD) weekly, spent more time on entertainment using smart devices (p-value = 0.004), and had an unhealthy diet (p-value = 0.004). Low anxiety levels were associated with better sleep quality (p-value = 0.00), satisfaction with religious practices (p-value = 0.00), and increased leisure/hobby time (p-value = 0.018). High-stress levels were observed in females (p-value = 0.035), those with lower academic performance satisfaction levels, and increased hours of smart device usage for entertainment (p-value = 0.001). Reduced stress levels were associated with being ≥ 23 years old, increased leisure/hobby time (p-value = 0.002), satisfaction with religious practices [F(3, 166.6) = 10.8, p-value = 0.00)], and having a healthy diet (p-value = 0.006). CONCLUSION The low prevalence of GAD corresponded with previous literature, but 29.1% of medical students had a high probability of having GAD. The study emphasizes on providing accessible mental health services for medical students and interventions addressing modifiable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan.
| | - Reem Mohamed Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Ayman Zuhair Mohammad
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Basil Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Tibyan Mohammed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Mona Elfadl Mohamed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Tibyan Abdelgadir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Baraah Mohammed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Moneib Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, P. O Box: 321, Sudan
| | - Kamil M A Shaaban
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
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Mota JF, Lopes LC, Trottier CF, Johnson ST, Lieffers J, Prado CM. A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of a Web-Based Intervention on Perceived Stress and Diet Quality Among First-Year University Students. TELEMEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 4:327-335. [PMID: 37908625 PMCID: PMC10615051 DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Background e-Health interventions can potentially improve health care. My Viva Plan® (MVP) is a web-based program that focuses on mindfulness, nutrition, and physical fitness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this platform on stress indicators and diet quality among first-year university students. Methods Ninety-seven university students were enrolled in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized into control (n = 49) and MVP (n = 48) groups. Perceived stress was measured using the self-report Stress Indicator Questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by the nutrient-rich foods index, and body composition was assessed by a hand-to-foot, multifrequency, bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results There were no differences in physical, sleep, behavioral, emotional, and personal habit indicators between groups. Diet quality and body composition were similar between groups, except among women in the MVP group with decreased body fat (-1.2 ± 2.6 kg, p < 0.05). Participant engagement was low: 50% of the MVP group did not access the platform. Conclusions The MVP web-based intervention was not associated with improvements in stress indicators, diet quality, and body composition, likely due to the characteristics of our cohort of healthy young individuals. Future studies should focus on enhancing motivational approaches to explore the potential of e-health interventions that improve health behavior. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03579264A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao F. Mota
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Lorena C.C. Lopes
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Department of Bioscience, Centro Universitário de Mineiros–Unifimes, Mineiros, Brazil
| | - Claire F. Trottier
- Human Nutrition Research Unit, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Steve T. Johnson
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Canada
| | - Jessica Lieffers
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Carla M. Prado
- Human Nutrition Research Unit, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Godziuk K, Prado CM, Quintanilha M, Forhan M. Acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a single-arm 12-week digital behavioral health intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:129. [PMID: 36797720 PMCID: PMC9936108 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health interventions may improve osteoarthritis (OA) management. This study evaluated the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a multimodal digital nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness intervention in adults with knee OA. METHODS Adults with advanced knee OA and an orthopaedic referral were invited to self-enroll in a pragmatic 12-week single-arm intervention. OA-focused nutrition and exercise resources were delivered weekly by email, and secondary components accessed on-demand (web-platform, webinars, and nutrition consultation). Acceptability was assessed by qualitative interview data and completion rates. Preliminary effectiveness on clinical outcomes was assessed by change in health-related quality of life, well-being, mindfulness, self-efficacy, and interest in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between baseline and 12-weeks. RESULTS N = 102 patients self-enrolled (73.5% female, age 64 ± 7 years, body mass index 32.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2); n = 53 completed the 12-week intervention (71.7% female, age 65 ± 7 years, body mass index 33.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2). Acceptability was demonstrated by positive perceptions of tailored intervention resources. In study completers, health-related quality of life components of pain and physical functioning domains improved at 12-weeks [change in SF36 4.4 (95%CI 0.2-8.6), p = 0.016, and 6.7 (95%CI 2.7-10.7), p < 0.001, respectively]. Self-efficacy for managing daily activities improved [change in PROMIS T-score 4.4 (95%CI 2.8-6.0), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION A 12-week digital multimodal intervention for knee OA was acceptable to patients and shows preliminary effectiveness in improving self-efficacy, aspects of quality of life, and decreasing interest in TKA. Digital behavioral interventions for knee OA may be an acceptable approach to improve patient outcomes and OA self-management while potentially reducing utilization of costly health system resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Godziuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 2-004 Li Ka Shing Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.
| | - Carla M. Prado
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 2-004 Li Ka Shing Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5 Canada
| | - Maira Quintanilha
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 2-004 Li Ka Shing Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5 Canada
| | - Mary Forhan
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Solomou S, Logue J, Reilly S, Perez-Algorta G. A systematic review of the association of diet quality with the mental health of university students: implications in health education practice. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2023; 38:28-68. [PMID: 36441584 PMCID: PMC9853940 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
University students are at risk of experiencing mental health problems during the transition from home to university. This transition can also adversely affect their diet quality. This review aims to examine bidirectional associations from observational studies regarding the influence of diet quality on the mental health of university students, and vice versa. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched using relevant search terms. The searches were last updated on 15 July 2022. Majority of studies (36 out of 45) found that good diet quality of students was associated with better mental health in terms of depression, anxiety, stress and overall general mental well-being. Moreover, majority of studies (19 out of 23) found that stress and anxiety of students were associated with poorer diet quality. The effect sizes observed were generally small-moderate. Healthy diets of students have been associated with better mental health in terms of depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues. Stress experienced by university students has been associated with unhealthy diets. There are implications for health education research, as interventions to improve diet quality at the university level could reduce mental health issues; additionally, interventions to support students under stress may lead to healthier dietary habits when living on campuses. Randomized controlled trials and intervention studies are needed to further investigate these implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Logue
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Siobhan Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK
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Chust-Hernández P, Fernández-García D, López-Martínez L, García-Montañés C, Pérez-Ros P. Female gender and low physical activity are risk factors for academic stress in incoming nursing students. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:1281-1290. [PMID: 34386983 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12928] [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] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nursing students suffer from stress more frequently than other students. The objective was to analyze the academic stressors that most affect new nursing students. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional study on new nursing students. FINDINGS Two hundred and eighty-two students, 78% women, mean age of 21.46 (6.1) years. Giving presentations in class and lack of time for homework are the items that cause the greatest academic stress. Women had higher levels of academic stress, and higher levels of physical activity are related to lower academic stress. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Women have a higher level of academic stress. Doing sport is a protective factor that diminishes academic stress the more it is practiced. Encouraging nursing students to play sports could be beneficial in reducing their academic stress, with women benefiting the most.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Pérez-Ros
- Department of Nursing, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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Toth SE, Highfill MC, Jenkins IK, Battle RD. Exercise stages of change and barriers among undergraduates at a historically black university. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36170376 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2115843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate exercise stages of change (SOC) and physical barriers among undergraduates at an Historically Black University (HBCU) and quantify their relationship. Participants: A total of 326 undergraduate HBCU students; 198 were females (body mass index (BMI) range 16.5-87.9; M = 26.5 ± 6.8) and 127 were males (BMI range 18.0-49.3; M = 26.4 ± 5.7). Methods: Students voluntarily completed a three-section survey: demographic questions, Exercise SOC, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ). Results: An ANOVA determined significant differences (p < . 001) between the means for each SOC for lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of willpower, and lack of skill. Significant differences (p < . 001) existed between SOC and BBAQ score, as well as number of important barriers. Conclusions: HBCU interventions should address time management, energy, motivation, social support, and skill development to promote exercise and reduce barriers, especially among Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Toth
- Department of Health Science and Human Performance, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - M Christine Highfill
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Isia K Jenkins
- Department of Health Science and Human Performance, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Rakiya D Battle
- Department of Health Science and Human Performance, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
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Lau PWC, Wang JJ, Ransdell LL, Shi L. The effectiveness of Facebook as a social network intervention to increase physical activity in Chinese young adults. Front Public Health 2022; 10:912327. [PMID: 35937270 PMCID: PMC9354571 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.912327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Facebook, one of the worlds' most popular online social networks, is easy to access and cost-effective. Its use to enhance individual's physical activity (PA) participation should be examined. This research reviews the effectiveness and successful features of Facebook for influencing PA behaviors in young adults (Study 1), and empirically examines the efficacy of the features purported in increase PA via a Facebook intervention (Study 2). Methods In Study 1, PubMed, Medline, SPORT Discus, ERIC, and Embase were searched for articles that identified successful features and effectiveness of Facebook PA interventions published between January 2005 and February 2022. In Study 2, a 4-week Facebook PA intervention with University students was conducted using features identified in Study 1. The PA behaviors with objective (ActiGraph) and subjective (questionnaire) measures, perceived PA level, stage of readiness, effectiveness, and efficiency of Facebook were examined. Results Study 1 concluded that the most effective strategies for producing significant PA changes in young adults using a PA Facebook intervention included the following: Adding behavior modification (goal setting and self-monitoring), using influence agents, recruiting members of an existing network with the snowball technique, being attentive to group size, enhancing social support with motivational quotes, interactive posts, opinion polls, increasing tailored feedback, and providing educational information. Study 2 found no significant difference in PA between the intervention and the control groups, as measured objectively, but the subjective reporting of PA behavior was higher in the intervention group. Compared to the control group, the Facebook PA intervention group reported more positive change in perceived stage of readiness in PA participation, commuting type, sport type, sport venue, sport emotion, and fast breathing or sweating. When features were ranked by the Facebook PA intervention group, motivation (supports from your friends) and tailored feedback (the responses from your friends are really personal and fits you) were the top two ranked features. Conclusion The use of influence agents in the Facebook PA intervention could address exercise preference and facilitate higher program engagement. Significant differences related to commuting type, sport types, sport venue barriers, and exercise intensity across groups were noteworthy and warrant additional investigation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. C. Lau
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Exercise Science and Health, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China
| | - J. J. Wang
- National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: J. J. Wang
| | - Lynda L. Ransdell
- Department of Kinesiology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- Laboratory of Exercise Science and Health, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China
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Chung J, Mundy ME, McKenzie S. A Self-Managed Online Mindfulness Program in a University-Wide Learning Management System Orientation Site: A Real-World Ecological Validation Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:869765. [PMID: 35602693 PMCID: PMC9121920 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.869765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in randomised-controlled trials and large experimental studies has been demonstrated in university student populations. Whilst these investigations have provided insight into the nature of the delivery of mindfulness-based practices, there has been little research in the implementation of self-managed online student wellbeing and mindfulness programs at university. This ecological validation study conducted in 2020 evaluated a real-world implementation of a large, university-wide, online mindfulness-based program that was accessible fully online via the tertiary institutions’ Learning Management System (LMS) student orientation site. The total sample included 833 participants from a range of disciplines and faculties at Monash University, Australia. At the end of the study, 236 (28.3%) participants were retained and completed the follow-up survey. Participants had the option to engage with the fully self-managed online mindfulness program for a 12-week semester. The mindfulness practices were pre-recorded, audio-guided sessions, and 10–15 min in length. Baseline and end of semester questionnaires included the 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, 10-item Perceived Stress Scale and the 18-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Participants who engaged with the mindfulness program over 3 or more weeks showed significant improvements in all three outcome measures, and all participants showed significant improvements in wellbeing at the end of semester. Learning analytics obtained via the LMS revealed that 58.6% (n = 489) had not logged into the mindfulness program at all, almost a third (31.0%, n = 259) logged into the program materials once or twice, and 10.2% (n = 85) of the whole sample engaged with the program actively, having logged in three or more times. The total number of student logins peaked in week 2, reduced between week 2 and week 7 and thereafter activity remained stable until the end of the semester. We hypothesise that the changes in wellbeing, stress and mindfulness at the end of the semester seen in the low engagement participants may partly be explained by the circumstances of COVID-19 restrictions improving. This study has revealed and discusses the complexities of student behaviour and implications for implementing an online mindfulness program in the real- world setting of a university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chung
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew E Mundy
- Monash Centre for Professional Development and Monash Online Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen McKenzie
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Yogeswaran V, El Morr C. Effectiveness of online mindfulness interventions on medical students' mental health: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2293. [PMID: 34920715 PMCID: PMC8683314 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medical school typically presents students with a combination of academic and personal stressors that may lead to substandard mental health wellbeing. Meditation practices such as mindfulness facilitate a greater awareness of one's thoughts and feelings, thereby decreasing emotional reactivity. The use of mindfulness-based interventions delivered online has considerable potential in fostering self-care and helping medical students to handle mental health challenges. We examined the available evidence on the use of online mindfulness interventions in order to determine whether they are feasible and effective for improving medical students’ mental health. Methods We performed a systematic review guided by PRISMA guidelines and utilised the following databases: ProQuest, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, IEEE Explore, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The key search terms used include mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, online, web, virtual, internet cyber, app, medical students, residency students, and residents. English-language articles published in the last ten years that described online interventions for medical students or residents were included in the review. Results Two studies describing the impact of online mindfulness interventions on medical students’ mental health were identified. Research in this domain is nascent; available qualitative and quantitative evidence suggests benefits in self-compassion, perceived stress, cognitive skill use, mindfulness, creating coping mechanisms, and greater awareness of emotions and feelings. There was no evidence of the effectiveness of online mindfulness interventions on depression, anxiety and burnout. There was, however, general low program usage and participation tended to diminish near the conclusion of the interventions. Conclusions The evidence found in the systematic review exhibits the potential for online mindfulness interventions to be effective in addressing some mental health challenges of medical students. There was insufficient evidence to support the use of online mindfulness interventions for burnout, depression, and anxiety. Longitudinal studies with randomised controlled trials are required to generate stronger and robust evidence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12341-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Yogeswaran
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christo El Morr
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Lieffers JRL, Quintanilha M, Trottier CF, Johnson ST, Mota JF, Prado CM. Experiences with and Perception of a Web-Based Mindfulness, Nutrition, and Fitness Platform Reported by First-Year University Students: A Qualitative Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 121:2409-2418.e3. [PMID: 34119458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.04.019] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND My Viva Plan (MVP) (https://www.myvivainc.com/) is a web-based application developed by a dietitian that aims to support healthy living by providing resources and self-monitoring tools to help promote a healthy diet, healthy mind, and physical fitness. First-year university students have the potential to benefit because poor dietary choices, limited physical activity, and high stress are prevalent in this population. In addition, they are also active technology users. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand experiences and perception of MVP by first-year university students using this tool as part of a 12-week randomized controlled trial. DESIGN One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted following a 12-week intervention involving use of MVP. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING First-year university students from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (n = 32). INTERVENTION Participants were instructed to use MVP as much as possible for 12 weeks in either the fall/2018 or winter/2019 semesters. QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed abductively using content analysis. RESULTS Participants reported varied use of MVP across the 12-week period. Data were categorized using the HealthChange Methodology (Behaviors, Emotions, 37 Situations, Thinking) framework. Participants provided various examples of emotions (eg, motivation, stress), situations (eg, time, living arrangements, finances), and thinking (eg, self-awareness, level of satisfaction with MVP, and how MVP was or could be better tailored for students) that acted as either facilitators or barriers to MVP use and explained their behaviors associated with this tool. CONCLUSIONS Overall, participant behaviors regarding MVP varied and were influenced by several factors, including their emotions, situations, and thinking. The Behaviors, Emotions, Situations, Thinking framework may be helpful for dietitians to identify barriers and facilitators affecting their client's use of ehealth tools for lifestyle behavior change. This information can be used to optimize client support when using these tools.
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