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Botella-Juan L, Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Amezcua-Prieto C, Mateos-Campos R, Ayán-Pérez C, Molina AJ, Ortiz-Moncada R, Delgado-Parrilla A, Blázquez-Abellán G, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Alonso-Molero J, Fernández-Villa T. Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic use - UniHcos project. Alcohol 2024; 120:133-141. [PMID: 38969249 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.06.008] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevalence rates and self-reported changes in patterns of alcohol use among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic alcohol use. A serial cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos project was carried out. Data from 10 518 first-year university students (73.3% female, mean age 19 (SD = 1.6)) collected between 2012 and 2022 were analysed. The evolution of the pooled prevalence rates during the time series was analysed and the risk of problematic alcohol consumption was assessed using the AUDIT. Also, self-reported changes in alcohol use patterns during the pandemic were assessed. According to the results, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of alcohol use in the past 30-days was reduced (76.3% in 2019 vs. 63.7% in COVID-19) increasing again in the New Normal period. Thus, a similar pattern in the practice of binge drinking was observed. Regarding the AUDIT score, 21.7% (95%CI 20.9, 22.6) of the students had harmful alcohol consumption, with a higher proportion among males. In the multivariable logistic models, a higher AUDIT score was significantly associated (p-value < 0.001) with being male and living with roommates. According to self-reported changes in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of participants with harmful use reported an increase in alcohol consumption compared to those at low-risk (43% vs 19%). Finally, despite the overall reduction in drinking prevalence during COVID-19, changes were not equal for all students and depended on their previous level of problematic drinking, highlighting that this should be considered in the development of strategies against alcohol use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Botella-Juan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - María Morales-Suárez-Varela
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Carmen Amezcua-Prieto
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ramona Mateos-Campos
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences. Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Ayán-Pérez
- Well-Move Research Group, Department of Special Didactics, Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Antonio José Molina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rocío Ortiz-Moncada
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food and Nutrition Research Group, Universidad de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Delgado-Parrilla
- Centre for Research on Natural Resources, Health, and Environment (RENSMA), Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Gemma Blázquez-Abellán
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jessica Alonso-Molero
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Cantabria-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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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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Negash S, Horn J, Heumann E, Stock C, Zeeb H, Pischke CR, Matos Fialho PM, Helmer SM, Niephaus Y, Mikolajczyk R. University Students' Financial Situation During COVID-19 and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS). Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2271-2285. [PMID: 38860194 PMCID: PMC11162964 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s453694] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on students' financial situation as well as on their mental health. Aim To examine the reported change in the financial situation of German university students before and across two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate its associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods We used data from the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study conducted at five German universities (N = 7203). Linear regression models were used to analyze associations between a reported change in financial situation and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported to have a worsened financial situation at the time of the survey compared to the time prior to the pandemic. A worsened financial situation at the time of the survey as compared to prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms reported in all three depression and anxiety scales [a 1.46 point increase on the CES-D 8 scale (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19; 1.73), a 0.37-point increase in PHQ-2 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.46), and a 0.45-point increase in GAD-2 (95% CI: 0.35; 0.55)]. An improved financial situation, on the other hand, was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. As for the second change, comparing the current financial situation with the situation during the first wave of the pandemic, the associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms were broadly similar. Conclusion Our findings suggest that students are a vulnerable population in need of mental and financial support during times of crisis. Future research is needed to obtain insights into potential long-term effects of the pandemic on students' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Negash
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johannes Horn
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eileen Heumann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Claudia R Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Paula M Matos Fialho
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Helmer
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Yasemin Niephaus
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Haddad M, Abbes Z, Abdel-Salam ASG. The impact of online classes on sleep, physical activity, and cognition functioning among physical education students. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1397588. [PMID: 38882507 PMCID: PMC11178138 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1397588] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Online education has become a crucial component of teachers' professional development, and universities incorporate innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance teachers' training. These approaches have proven invaluable, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the impact of online versus face-to-face learning environments on sleep quality, physical activity, and cognitive functioning among physical education students. Methods Utilizing a unique methodological approach that combines wrist actigraphy, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, we provide a comprehensive assessment of these variables. Over 4 weeks, 19 male students participated in alternating online and face-to-face class formats. Results Our results reveal no significant differences in sleep quality or cognitive function between learning environments. However, notable findings include significant differences in Paired Associates Learning and weekday step counts in the face-to-face setting. Discussion These insights suggest that while online learning environments may not adversely affect sleep or cognitive functions, they could impact certain aspects of physical activity and specific cognitive tasks. These findings contribute to the nuanced understanding of online learning's implications and can inform the design of educational strategies that promote student well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monoem Haddad
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zied Abbes
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdel-Salam G Abdel-Salam
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Son HE, Hong YS, Son H. Association between Changes in Daily Life Due to COVID-19 and Depressive Symptoms in South Korea. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:840. [PMID: 38667602 PMCID: PMC11050245 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to examine changes in daily life due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among younger (≤64 years) and older (≥65 years) individuals and to analyze their association with depressive symptoms. Raw data from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey were used to analyze 228,485 individuals. Changes in daily life due to COVID-19 were measured using a questionnaire that evaluated changes in physical activity, sleep duration, instant food intake, and drinking and smoking status. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 scale, and logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between the two variables. This study confirmed a significant association between the two variables and found that the intake of instant food showed the largest difference in odds ratios between the younger (OR: 1.851; 95% CI: 1.720-1.992) and older groups (OR: 1.239; 95% CI: 1.060-1.447). A major finding of this study is that the analysis of the association between the two variables revealed a stronger correlation in more variables in the younger population compared to the older population. To address COVID-19-related depression and prepare for potential mental health crises, countries should expand response measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyunjin Son
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Republic of Korea; (H.-E.S.); (Y.-S.H.)
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Kinouani S, Macalli M, Arsandaux J, Montagni I, Texier N, Schück S, Tzourio C. Factors related to increased alcohol misuse by students compared to non-students during the first Covid-19 lockdown in France: the Confins study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:646. [PMID: 38424644 PMCID: PMC10905779 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18182-w] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The closure of bars and lockdowns related to the Covid-19 pandemic changed alcohol use levels in France during the spring of 2020. We wondered whether this sudden cessation of social interactions impacted students more than non-students and what factors specific to students would explain the increase in alcohol misuse. The aims of this study were to compare self-reported changes in alcohol misuse (alcohol intake and binge-drinking frequency) during the first Covid-19 lockdown from March 17 to May 10, 2020, between French students and non-students and describe factors associated with this alcohol misuse in each subgroup. METHODS Data collected in the Confins study from April 8 to May 10, 2020, were used in cross-sectional analyses stratified by student status. Multiple logistic regression was performed to estimate the association between self-reported increase in alcohol intake or binge-drinking frequency (at least six drinks of alcohol on one occasion) and demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors, as well as conditions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The population-attributable fraction was then used to estimate the contribution of identified risk factors to increased alcohol misuse in students and non-students. RESULTS Among both students and non-students, a self-reported decrease or no change in alcohol intake or binge-drinking was more common than an increase. However, the risk factors explaining an increase in alcohol intake differed among students (≥ 25 years old, not working or studying in the health field, and having suicidal ideation during the last 7 days) and non-students (having a medical diagnosis of mental disorders). The risk factors explaining an increase in binge-drinking frequency were similar in the two subgroups (being a tobacco smoker before lockdown and not practicing any physical activity during the last 7 days), except suicidal thoughts, which was a risk factor for alcohol misuse specific to students. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the vulnerability of certain French students to alcohol misuse and the necessity of combining both mental health and substance use-related screening in the student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shérazade Kinouani
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team HEALTHY, UMR1219, Bordeaux, 33000, France.
- Department of General Practice, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33000, France.
| | - Mélissa Macalli
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team HEALTHY, UMR1219, Bordeaux, 33000, France
| | - Julie Arsandaux
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Laboratoire de Psychologie Des Pays de La Loire, LPPL, UR 4638, Nantes, F-44000, France
| | - Ilaria Montagni
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team HEALTHY, UMR1219, Bordeaux, 33000, France
| | - Nathalie Texier
- Kappa Santé, 4 Rue de Cléry, Paris, 75002, France
- Kap Code, 28 Rue d'Enghien, Paris, 75010, France
| | - Stéphane Schück
- Kappa Santé, 4 Rue de Cléry, Paris, 75002, France
- Kap Code, 28 Rue d'Enghien, Paris, 75010, France
| | - Christophe Tzourio
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team HEALTHY, UMR1219, Bordeaux, 33000, France
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Dorsman H, de Hollander E, Wendel-Vos W, van Rossum C, Kemler E, Hupkens C, Hosper K, de Beurs D, Hiemstra M. Stability of clustering of lifestyle risk factors in the Dutch adult population and the association with mental health. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:1001-1007. [PMID: 37555829 PMCID: PMC10710343 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad116] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle factors often co-occur in clusters. This study examines whether clusters of lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, poor diet, sexual risk behaviour, cannabis and other drug use, change over time in a representative sample of Dutch adults. Additionally, the association between mental health and self-reported depression of lifestyle clusters was examined. METHODS Each year cross-sectional data of approximately 7500 individuals of 18 years and older from the annual Dutch Health Survey of 2014-2019 were used. Clusters were determined by a two-step cluster analysis. Furthermore, regression analyses determined the association between clusters of lifestyle risk factors and mental health. RESULTS Results show six clusters composed of one, multiple or no lifestyle risk factors. The clusters remained relatively stable over time: in some clusters, the number of people slightly changed between 2014 and 2019. More specifically, clusters that increased in size were the cluster with no lifestyle risk factors and the cluster with multiple lifestyle risk factors. Furthermore, results show that clusters with none to a few lifestyle risk factors were associated with better mental health and a lower prevalence of self-reported depression compared with clusters with multiple lifestyle risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The clustering of lifestyle risk factors remained stable over time. People with multiple lifestyle risk factors had poorer mental health than those without risk factors. These findings may emphasize the need for intervention strategies targeting this subgroup with multiple lifestyle risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Dorsman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen de Hollander
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wanda Wendel-Vos
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Rossum
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Kemler
- Dutch Consumer Safety Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Marieke Hiemstra
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Wenig V, Heumann E, Stock C, Busse H, Negash S, Pischke CR, Heinrichs K. Associations of loneliness with mental health and with social and physical activity among university students in Germany: results of the COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS). Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284460. [PMID: 38026349 PMCID: PMC10668152 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction University students are at high risk for loneliness with a potential negative impact on health. The COVID-19 measures disrupted students' academic routine and social life, which might have affected their perception of loneliness. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived loneliness among university students in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with mental health, behavioral outcomes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS) collected data from five German universities from October 27th to November 14th, 2021, resulting in a sample of 7,203 respondents. Associations of loneliness with depressive symptoms, anxiety, social and physical activity, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions. Results A total of 20.6% of students reported loneliness. Students with depressive or anxiety symptoms had more than eight- or sixfold odds, respectively, for reporting loneliness (depressive symptoms: OR = 8.29; 95% CI: 7.21-9.52; anxiety: OR = 6.48; 95% CI: 5.65-7.43) compared with students who did not report any symptoms. Students who were less physically active were more likely to experience loneliness compared with students who were more physically active (no moderate physical activity: OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.21-1.59; no vigorous physical activity: OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04-1.36). We found no association between loneliness and social activity. However, loneliness was associated with being single (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 2.55-3.36), living alone (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.13-1.52), or having a temporary residency status in Germany (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.65-3.04). Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of loneliness as a relevant factor associated with health. Further research is needed to determine potential protective factors to tackle loneliness and to investigate how study conditions at higher education institutions may affect students' perceived loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wenig
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eileen Heumann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Heide Busse
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sarah Negash
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Katherina Heinrichs
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
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Mehra K, Rup J, Wiese JL, Watson TM, Bonato S, Rueda S. Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2139. [PMID: 37915021 PMCID: PMC10621278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes. METHODS We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques. RESULTS Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis). CONCLUSION Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamna Mehra
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rup
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Jessica L Wiese
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Tara Marie Watson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Sarah Bonato
- Library Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Sergio Rueda
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
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van Hooijdonk KJ, Simons SS, van Noorden TH, Geurts SA, Vink JM. Prevalence and clustering of health behaviours and the association with socio-demographics and mental well-being in Dutch university students. Prev Med Rep 2023; 35:102307. [PMID: 37519443 PMCID: PMC10382923 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102307] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The college years represent a vulnerable period for developing health-risk behaviours (e.g., physical inactivity/unhealthy eating habits/substance use/problematic internet use/insufficient sleep). This study examined current health behaviour levels (RQ1), health behaviour classes (RQ2) and between-class differences in socio-demographics (RQ3) and mental well-being (RQ4) among Dutch university students (n = 3771). Participants (Mage = 22.7 (SD = 4.3); 71.2% female/27.3% male/1.5% other) completed an online survey (Oct-Nov 2021). Descriptive statistics (RQ1), Latent Class Analysis (RQ2), and Kruskal-Wallis/Chi-square tests (RQ3-4) were used. RQ1: Prevalence rates suggest that a subsequent proportion of the student sample engages in health-risk behaviours. RQ2: Four classes were identified: class 1 (n = 862) "Licit substance use health-risk group", class 2 (n = 435) "Illicit and licit substance use health-risk group", class 3 (n = 1876) "Health-protective group" and class 4 (n = 598) "Non-substance use health-risk group". RQ3: Class 1 represents relatively more international students and students in a steady relationship. Class 2 represents relatively more older/male/(pre-)master students and students living with roommates/in a steady relationship/with more financial difficulty. Class 3 represents relatively more younger/female students and students living with family/with lower Body Mass Index (BMI)/less financial difficulty. Class 4 represents relatively more younger/non-Western/international/bachelor students and students living with children/single/part of LGBTIQ+ community/with higher BMI. RQ4: Class 3 has significantly higher mental well-being while class 4 has significantly lower mental well-being, relative to the other classes. Above findings provide new insights which can help educational institutes and governments better understand the clustering of students' health behaviours and between-class differences in socio-demographics and mental well-being.
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Gajda M, Szemik S, Kowalska M. Changes in alcohol consumption among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic - results from POLLEK study. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:406-416. [PMID: 37681428 PMCID: PMC10663994 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02158] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social distancing and remote learning as one of the ways to fight against COVID-19 pandemic have affected universities and changed the lifestyle of many students. Psychoactive substances use was one of the way to deal with the anxiety caused by these new settings. Studies published so far have not provided a clear answer on whether COVID-19 leads to changes in the structure of alcohol consumption among medical students. The presented study attempted to answer this question based on the data available from the POLLEK study. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 3 separate groups of medical students (recruited in the following academic years: 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022) with a total number of 899 students. To assess the characteristics of alcohol consumption the authors used a Polish version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). RESULTS Students surveyed during the lockdown lived in the family home much more often, reported good health, and declared consumption of a smaller number of alcoholic beverages. Their AUDIT scores were statistically significantly (p = 0.04) lower compared to the group surveyed before the pandemic (5 vs. 6, respectively). There were no significant differences in the AUDIT results between other study periods. CONCLUSIONS Lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with a decrease in alcohol intake among medical students. This may be due to a different place of residence of students, a family home rather than a dormitory. However, the debate on this topic seems to be still open. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):406-16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksymilian Gajda
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Szemik
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kowalska
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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12
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Pueyo-Garrigues S, Pardavila-Belio MI, Pueyo-Garrigues M, Canga-Armayor N. Peer-led alcohol intervention for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Nurs Health Sci 2023; 25:311-322. [PMID: 37271216 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13023] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a brief, peer-led alcohol intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in binge-drinking Spanish nursing students. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 first-year nursing students who were randomly assigned either a 50-min peer-led motivational intervention with individual feedback or a control condition. Primary outcomes for testing the preliminary efficacy were alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Quantitative and content analyses of open-ended survey questions were performed. Participants in the intervention condition significantly reduced binge-drinking episodes, peak blood alcohol content, and consequences compared to the control group. Principal facilitators were completing the questionnaire during the academic schedule and providing tailored feedback through a graphic report. The main barrier was the unreliability of students' initial commitment. The findings suggest that a brief motivational intervention could be effective for reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences in Spanish college students. Peer counselors and participants reported high satisfaction, indicating that the intervention is feasible. However, a full trial should be conducted taking into account the identified barriers and facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miren Idoia Pardavila-Belio
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNa, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Pueyo-Garrigues
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNa, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Navidad Canga-Armayor
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNa, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
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Abdul Rahman H, Julaini NN, Zaim SNN, Masri NA, Abdul-Mumin KH. Mental Wellbeing and Health-Risk Behaviours of University Students in Brunei: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2327. [PMID: 37628524 PMCID: PMC10454063 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease discovered in 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the health behaviour of university students in a range of western nations and had a number of detrimental effects on their mental wellbeing. However, little is known about the impact on university students in Southeast Asia, particularly in Brunei. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors related to poor mental wellbeing and engaging in health-risk behaviors among university students in Brunei during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of students in all public universities was conducted from March to June 2021. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and WHO STEPs questionnaires were used to measure mental wellbeing, physical activity, and health behaviors, respectively. Logistic regressions were applied. Results: A total of 1020 university students participated in this study (57% response rate). Prevalence of poor mental wellbeing and physical inactivity were 30% and 42.8%, respectively. Excessive snacking (89.7%), sugar intake (81.7%), and salt intake (53.8%) were the most prevalent health-risk behaviors. Body mass index and participating in sports activities were the most common factors related to mental wellbeing and health-risk behaviors. Conclusions: Participating in certain sports activities appears to have protective effects against study outcomes. However, a high prevalence of physical inactivity and unhealthy diet among university students is a concern, as it could be indicative of future non-communicable disease trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanif Abdul Rahman
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei; (N.N.J.); (S.N.N.Z.); (N.A.M.); (K.H.A.-M.)
- School of Nursing and Statistics Online Computational Resource, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nurul Nazurah Julaini
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei; (N.N.J.); (S.N.N.Z.); (N.A.M.); (K.H.A.-M.)
| | - Siti Nurzaimah Nazhirah Zaim
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei; (N.N.J.); (S.N.N.Z.); (N.A.M.); (K.H.A.-M.)
| | - Nurfatin Amalina Masri
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei; (N.N.J.); (S.N.N.Z.); (N.A.M.); (K.H.A.-M.)
| | - Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei; (N.N.J.); (S.N.N.Z.); (N.A.M.); (K.H.A.-M.)
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Thorpe WJR, Gutman LM. Trajectories of physical activity during COVID-19: A longitudinal analysis of UK young adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289416. [PMID: 37556435 PMCID: PMC10411806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289416] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has demonstrated a disproportionate reduction in the moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of young UK adults during the initial months of COVID-19. However, previous research has not examined the trajectory of MVPA for this demographic over subsequent phases of the pandemic. The present study investigated the trajectory of MVPA from April 2020 to January 2021 in young UK adults. Data were drawn from 18-29-year-old participants of the Understanding Society COVID-19 Survey (212 males, 542 females). Weekly MVPA was self-reported at three time points (April and September 2020; January 2021) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. After controlling for significant covariates, growth curve modelling revealed no variation in weekly MVPA, which remained higher than the UK Physical Activity Guidelines. Female gender; Asian, Black and Mixed ethnicity; lower income,; living with a partner; and no access to a private garden or other outdoor space were associated with lower MVPA in April 2020. Gender, however, was a significant moderator of the trajectory. Males' MVPA increased between April 2020 to August 2020, followed by a sharp decline; whereas females showed a steady rate of decline from April 2020 to January 2021. Despite the recurrent lockdowns, this study shows that young UK adults, on average, continued to engage in MVPA, above the recommendated amount. Nevertheless, significant variation associated with gender, ethnicity and income highlights the importance of providing accessible spaces for young adults to exercise, especially those with limited access to private gardens.
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Affiliation(s)
- William John Robert Thorpe
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Morrison Gutman
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Holm-Hadulla RM, Wendler H, Baracsi G, Storck T, Möltner A, Herpertz SC. Depression and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic in a student population: the effects of establishing and relaxing social restrictions. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1200643. [PMID: 37608993 PMCID: PMC10440382 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In a quasi-naturalistic study design, we evaluate the change in psychopathological syndromes and general well-being after the alleviation of social restrictions. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific relationship between social isolation and depressive syndromes. Methods At two timepoints, the first during maximal social restrictions, the second after social restrictions had widely ended for 9 months, depressive and other syndromes were measured in an online survey addressing the total cohort of students registered at Heidelberg University, Germany via e-mail (n = 27,162). The complete Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was used with nine items for depressive syndromes. In addition, well-being was measured by the Well-Being Index WHO-5. In the quantitative and qualitative part of the study psychopathological syndromes and well-being were related to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Results After 1.5 years of pandemic-related social restrictions, "major" depressive syndromes were reported by 40.16% of the respondents to the PHQ in a sample of 2,318 university students. 72.52% showed a severely reduced Well-Being-Index. Nine months after the end of social restrictions, "major" depressive syndromes were reported by 28.50% of the participants. Well-being improved after the alleviation of social restrictions, as well: 53.96% showed a Well-Being Index of below 50 vs. 72.52% in the first study. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the free texts of the respondents suggest that a significant amount of depressive syndromes and reduced well-being are related to social isolation and loneliness. While in the times of the pandemic restrictions the participants mostly reported "loneliness and social isolation" (24.2%) as their main problem, only 7.7% described these as their main problem after social restrictions had been loosened for 9 months. The qualitative analysis hints that at t2 participants were more likely to mention possible ways to actively deal with loneliness than at t1, which might be interpreted along the lines of the decrease in depressive syndromes. Discussion Keeping the self-selection bias in mind our study results suggest that one third of "major" depressive syndromes and one quarter of severely reduced well-being accompany social restrictions or are even caused by them, with loneliness being an important factor. These results should be taken into account by health policies when coping with future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Matthias Holm-Hadulla
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health East, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hannes Wendler
- Department of Philosophy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gabriella Baracsi
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timo Storck
- Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Möltner
- Dean’s Office of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine C. Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Sarasjärvi KK, Chivers P, Bhoyroo R, Codde J. Bouncing back from COVID-19: a Western Australian community perspective. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1216027. [PMID: 37601213 PMCID: PMC10436488 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1216027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study explored the behavioral profiles of residing Western Australians during a COVID-19 lockdown period and transitions in behavior post-lockdown. Methods A total of 313 participants (76% female, age: M = 50.1, SD = 15.7 years) completed behavioral and mental health questionnaire items ~2 months after a 3-month COVID-19 lockdown in October 2020, using a retrospective recall to assess their experience during the lockdown period. Latent transition analysis (LTA) was used to identify behavioral profiles and transitions. Indicators were identified by assessing during-post-lockdown group differences (Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square tests) and profiles described using qualitative open-ended questions. Results Significant indicators included changes in physical activity, leisure screen time, alcohol intake, psychological distress, and loneliness, but not fast food consumption. The significant indicators were used to form LTA models. The five latent class model showed the best model fit (Log-likelihood = -1301.66, AIC = 426.12, BIC = 609.68). Approximately one in four participants reported a change in their behavior profiles after the lockdown ceased. Key differences between the profiles were age, household income, education, resilience, sense of control, existing mental health issues, and social relations. Washing hands and social distancing were the most recalled and effective health campaigns across the classes, with health campaigns encompassing physical activity/alcohol consumption, or domestic violence having the least attention. Discussion Overall, while most participants recovered relatively well after the lockdown period, LTA did identify subgroups such as those who were inactive and lonely experienced more difficulties than other groups, and engagement with public health campaigns differed. The results provide important insights for future public health campaigns on how these campaigns might be diversified to effectively target more people and particular groups to maximize engagement for maintaining people's mental health with additional focus on physical activity, alcohol consumption, and domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiira Karoliina Sarasjärvi
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paola Chivers
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ranila Bhoyroo
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Jim Codde
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
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17
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Lavilla-Gracia M, Pueyo-Garrigues M, Fotopoulou M, Canga-Armayor A, Esandi N, Alfaro-Díaz C, Canga-Armayor N. Training nursing students in motivational interviewing for alcohol misuse: A mixed method study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2023; 125:105775. [PMID: 36924704 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105775] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motivational interviewing led by nurses has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption among university students. However, most of these professionals feel that they lack the competence necessary for motivational interviewing due to a lack of formal training in the nursing curriculum. OBJECTIVES To design, implement and evaluate a motivational interviewing training course for alcohol misuse in an undergraduate nursing curriculum and to explore students' experiences with this course. DESIGN A mixed-methods study involving a descriptive comparative quantitative design and qualitative focus group interviews with nursing students. SETTINGS An elective nursing course in a Spanish university. PARTICIPANTS A total of 21 fourth-year nursing students. METHODS The course was developed as a twelve-week, two-hour course. It comprised three modules covering the concepts, tools and skills associated with motivational interviewing for alcohol misuse. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected after the completion of the course to evaluate the training received by students; these data were categorized using Kirkpatrick's model. The quantitative results included students' satisfaction, knowledge, skills and attitudes, which were measured using an ad hoc questionnaire, a multiple-choice exam, and two rater-based assessments (the Peer Proficiency Assessment instrument and an evidence-based checklist). Qualitative focus groups were used to explore students' experiences of the entire programme. RESULTS Students' satisfaction with the course was rated 9 out of 10, highlighting the usefulness and adequacy of the course content. The quantitative and qualitative results both indicated that all students acquired the knowledge necessary to perform motivational interviewing and significantly improved their motivational interviewing microskills. Only half of the students reached the level of proficiency in two of the three ratios calculated. The three main themes identified pertained to the learning atmosphere, module methodologies, and students' self-perceptions of competence. Finally, the students reported having transferred their learning to clinical practice. CONCLUSION A course on motivational interviewing for alcohol misuse positively influences nursing students both personally and in terms of their future professional work by improving their knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-perceived competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lavilla-Gracia
- University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - M Pueyo-Garrigues
- University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain.
| | - M Fotopoulou
- Colin Bell Building, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK.
| | - A Canga-Armayor
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain; University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients Department, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - N Esandi
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain; University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients Department, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - C Alfaro-Díaz
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain; University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients Department, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - N Canga-Armayor
- University of Navarra, School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Spain.
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18
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Jeong S, Fox AM. Enhanced unemployment benefits, mental health, and substance use among low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Sci Med 2023; 328:115973. [PMID: 37257269 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115973] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To buffer the economic impacts of the pandemic-induced economic downturns, the U.S. government passed major economic stimulus bills that provided cash payments to affected citizens and a large boost to unemployment benefits. We ask what impact these enhanced safety-net policies have had on mental health and stress-induced substance use among low-income Americans, especially enhanced unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which constituted a large economic transfer to those eligible. METHODS Using individual fixed effects analysis of a panel of nearly 900 low-income Americans since the start of the pandemic from the Understanding America Survey, we examine how receipt of enhanced unemployment benefits has impacted the mental health burden and substance use behaviors of low-income Americans. We additionally examine the buffering effect of a set of other safety-net measures (Stimulus, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, housing assistance, EITC, WIC, and CHIP). RESULTS We found that job loss, regardless of benefit receipt, was associated with increased stress and decreased average substance use, driven by reduced smoking when compared with those were employed. Yet, when factoring in UI receipt we see that receiving UI was associated with reduced stress, but no impact on depression or substance use. In contrast, those who did not receive UI experienced greater stress compared with those who were employed. Overall, we found that people who remained employed used substances more than people who were unemployed regardless of UI receipt with the exception of drinking. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that enhanced unemployment offset some of the negative mental health effects of the pandemic and did not increase routine substance use among the unemployed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyun Jeong
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Ashley M Fox
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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19
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Rubio M, van Hooijdonk K, Luijten M, Kappe R, Cillessen AHN, Verhagen M, Vink JM. University students' (binge) drinking during COVID-19 lockdowns: An investigation of depression, social context, resilience, and changes in alcohol use. Soc Sci Med 2023; 326:115925. [PMID: 37137201 PMCID: PMC10125214 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The first COVID-19 lockdown impacted the social life and behaviors of university students, such as alcohol use. While previous studies have reported changes in students' alcohol use during the lockdown, knowledge of risk groups like binge drinkers is limited. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate how the first lockdown impacted the alcohol use of university students who were regular binge drinkers before the lockdown. METHODS Cross-sectional data were used to explore self-reported changes in alcohol use and associated psychosocial effects in regular binge drinking versus regular drinking university students (N = 7355) during the first COVID-19 lockdown (Spring 2020) in the Netherlands. RESULTS University students generally drank less alcohol and reduced binge drinking behaviors during the lockdown. Being a binge drinker who increased/maintained alcohol use, or a regular drinker who increased, was associated with older age, fewer servings of alcohol per week before COVID-19, higher contact with friends, and not living with parents. Among regular binge drinkers, men increased their alcohol use during the lockdown significantly more than women. Among regular drinkers, those with high depressive symptoms and low resilience had increased alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS These findings give insight into significant changes in drinking behaviors among university students during the first COVID-19 lockdown. More importantly, it underscores the need to reckon vulnerable students considering drinking type and associated psychosocial variables for increasing or maintaining higher alcohol use during societal stress periods. In the present study, an unexpected at-risk group emerged among regular drinkers who increased alcohol use during the lockdown in association with their mental state (i.e., depression and resilience). As the COVID-19 pandemic, and the possibility of similar scenarios in the future, is still present in the current student life, specific preventive strategies and interventions should be targeted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Rubio
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | | | - Maartje Luijten
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rutger Kappe
- Department of Student Success, Inholland University for Applied Sciences, Haarlem, Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike Verhagen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M Vink
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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20
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Buelow MT, Wirth JH, Kowalsky JM. Poorer decision making among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence for "pandemic-brain". JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-11. [PMID: 36977338 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2186129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Did living through the COVID-19 pandemic cause healthy college students to experience "pandemic-brain," a phenomenon characterized by difficulties with various cognitive abilities? Did students shift from deliberative to more impulsive decision making? PARTICIPANTS We compared a pre-pandemic sample of 722 undergraduate students to 161 undergraduate students recruited in Fall 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD We compared scores on the Adult Decision Making Competence scale among participants who completed the task pre-pandemic or across two time points in Fall 2020, during the pandemic. RESULTS Decision making was less consistent and more reliant on gain/loss framing during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, but college students were no less confident in their decisions. No significant changes in decision making occurred during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS These decision making changes could increase the risk of making an impulsive choice with negative health consequences affecting demands on student health centers and imperiling learning environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Buelow
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Newark, Ohio, USA
| | - James H Wirth
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Newark, Ohio, USA
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The Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Substance Use and Mental Health in Portuguese Higher Education Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040619. [PMID: 36833153 PMCID: PMC9957448 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040619] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mental health of higher education students is a constant concern, and the pandemic situation caused by COVID-19 has intensified this concern. The social measures imposed to control and minimize the disease have led, among other things, to the reconfiguration of higher education students' academic life habits, which has naturally altered their emotional balance, mental health, and substance abuse. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study assesses the influence of higher education students' personal characteristics on their (self-reported) use of addictive substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and pharmaceutical drugs) before and during their first compulsory confinement in Portugal, as well as its relationship with mental health. An online questionnaire was applied between 15 April and 20 May 2020, to students from various study cycles of higher education institutions in one region of Portugal (northern area of Alentejo), which included the Mental Health Inventory in its reduced version (MHI-5) and questions (constructed by the authors) on personal characterization and on the use of addictive substances before and during confinement. The convenience sample included 329 mostly female health care students between the ages of 18 and 24. In our results, we found a statistically significant decrease in tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; however, there was an increase in tobacco use among older students and an increase in anxiolytic use among students with higher academic achievement and among students who exhibited more active social behavior in the period prior to confinement. Students who took anxiolytics during confinement had higher MHI-5 scores and students who used the most addictive substances during confinement had lower MHI-5 scores than the other students.
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Patin A, Ladner J, Tavolacci MP. Change in University Student Health Behaviours after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:539. [PMID: 36612861 PMCID: PMC9819045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions in the lives of the population. In particular, the health behaviours of university students were impacted. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of these behaviours from before the COVID-19 period to May 2021, during which lockdowns or curfews were in effect. METHODS Two retrospective online cross-sectional studies were conducted among university students in Normandy in May 2020 and May 2021. Socio-demographics and academic characteristics were collected. Tobacco smoking, binge drinking, cannabis use, and moderate and vigorous physical activity were collected for the 4 weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020 and in May 2021. RESULTS Overall, 6991 university students were included in the study (3483 in 2020 and 3508 in 2021) with a mean age of 20.8 (standard deviation = 2.5) and 73.4% of women. After logistic regression, binge drinking (occasional and regular), cannabis use (occasional), moderate physical activity (regular), and vigorous physical activity (occasional) decreased in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Tobacco smoking (occasional) and vigorous physical activity (regular) decreased only in 2020. Regular tobacco and cannabis use did not change significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. DISCUSSION Student health behaviours changed in May 2020 and May 2021 due to the implementation of measures restricting mobility and social interaction. Even if some risky consumption decreased in 2020 after the first lockdown, there was no rebound phenomenon in 2021: consumption either remained lower or similar to the pre-COVID-19 period. These behaviours need to be monitored in the future to assess the long-term effects of these restrictions on student health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Patin
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique-Centre de Ressources Biologiques (CIC-CRB 1404), CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Joel Ladner
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
- INSERM 1073, Univ Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Tavolacci
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique-Centre de Ressources Biologiques (CIC-CRB 1404), CHU ROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
- INSERM 1073, Univ Rouen, 76000 Rouen, France
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Lavilla‐Gracia M, Pueyo‐Garrigues M, Pueyo‐Garrigues S, Pardavila‐Belio MI, Canga‐Armayor A, Esandi N, Alfaro‐Díaz C, Canga‐Armayor N. Peer-led interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in college students: A scoping review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3562-e3578. [PMID: 36057959 PMCID: PMC10087199 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Risky alcohol consumption among college students is a significant public health issue. In the college setting, students can collaborate in the implementation of peer-led interventions. To date, evidence of peer-led programmes in reducing harmful alcohol consumption in this population is inconclusive. The aim of the current scoping review is to provide a broad overview by systematically examining and mapping the literature on peer-led interventions for preventing risky alcohol consumption by college students. The specific aims were to (1) identify the underlying focus of the interventions and assess their (2) effectiveness and (3) feasibility. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, DART-Europe, RCAAP, Trove and ProQuest. The inclusion criteria were peer-led interventions that exclusively addressed alcohol consumption, college students as the target population and interventional studies (randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions). The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated. From 6654 potential studies, 13 were included. Nine interventions were described within these studies: Voice of Reason programme, Brief Advice sessions, Peer Theatre, Alcohol Education programme, Perceptions of Alcohol Norms intervention, Motivational Intervention, Alcohol Skills Training programme, Lifestyle Management Class and the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. Only the last showed significant reductions in three of the four outcome measures: quantity and frequency of drinking, estimated peak blood alcohol concentration and alcohol-related consequences. It did not significantly decrease the number of heavy-drinking episodes. Peer interventions may be effective in preventing alcohol use among college students, although the evidence is weak and scarce. Further research is needed to strengthen the findings about peer-led interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Lavilla‐Gracia
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - María Pueyo‐Garrigues
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
| | | | - Miren Idoia Pardavila‐Belio
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
| | - Ana Canga‐Armayor
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
- School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients DepartmentUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Nuria Esandi
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
- School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients DepartmentUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Cristina Alfaro‐Díaz
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
- School of Nursing, Nursing Care for Adult Patients DepartmentUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Navidad Canga‐Armayor
- School of Nursing, Community, Maternity and Pediatric NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health ResearchPamplonaSpain
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Hoffmann A, Plotkina D, Broihanne MH, Göritz A, Kleimeier S. Differences in and drivers of mental, social, functional, and financial well-being during COVID-19: Evidence from Australia, France, Germany, and South Africa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276077. [PMID: 36228025 PMCID: PMC9560554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has a substantial and unexpected impact on individuals’ daily life around the world. Unprecedented public health restrictions such as lockdowns have the potential to affect multiple dimensions of individuals’ well-being, while the severity of such restrictions varies across countries. However, a holistic perspective comparing differences in and drivers of the different dimensions of well-being across countries differentially affected by COVID-19 is missing to date. We address this gap in the literature by examining the mental, social, functional, and financial well-being of 2,100 individuals across Australia, France, Germany, and South Africa by means of a survey administered during May of 2021. Supporting our holistic approach, we find that the different dimensions of well-being are correlated, with survey respondents from France reporting the lowest and those from Australia reporting the highest overall level of well-being. Respondents’ subjective and objective evaluations of their living conditions during lockdowns as well as positive health and financial behaviors are positively associated with their well-being during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvid Hoffmann
- Adelaide Business School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Daria Plotkina
- EM Strasbourg Business School, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Anja Göritz
- Department of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kleimeier
- Faculty of Management, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University of Stellenbosch Business School, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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Muth AK, Losecaat Vermeer A, Terenzi D, Park SQ. The impact of diet and lifestyle on wellbeing in adults during COVID-19 lockdown. Front Nutr 2022; 9:993180. [PMID: 36276821 PMCID: PMC9582278 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.993180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A healthy diet and lifestyle may protect against adverse mental health outcomes, which is especially crucial during stressful times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This preregistered longitudinal online study explored whether diet and lifestyle (physical activity, sleep, and social interactions) were associated with wellbeing and mood during a light lockdown in Germany. Participants (N = 117, 72 males; 28 ± 9 years old) answered mental health and lifestyle questionnaires (social connections, sleep, activity) followed by submitting 1 week of food and mood-lifestyle diary (food intake, positive and negative mood, mental wellbeing, sleep quality, physical activity level, quantity and quality of social interactions) via a smartphone app. We used multivariate linear and mixed-effects models to associate mood and wellbeing with dietary components and lifestyle factors. Interindividual analyses revealed that sleep and social interaction significantly impacted mood and wellbeing. Interestingly, fruit and vegetable intake correlated with wellbeing, even when controlling for all lifestyle factors. Fruit and vegetable intake also significantly correlated with daily fluctuations in wellbeing within individuals next to sleep, physical activity, and social interactions. We observed gender differences in fruit and vegetable intake and anxiety levels. Our results emphasize the importance of diet contributing to individual wellbeing, even in the challenging times of a pandemic. Future research is necessary to test if our findings could extend to other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Katrin Muth
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany,Neuroscience Research Center, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annabel Losecaat Vermeer
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany,Neuroscience Research Center, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Damiano Terenzi
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany,Neuroscience Research Center, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetes, Neuherberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Damiano Terenzi,
| | - Soyoung Q. Park
- Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Germany,Neuroscience Research Center, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetes, Neuherberg, Germany,Soyoung Q. Park,
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Chong WWY, Acar ZI, West ML, Wong F. A Scoping Review on the Medical and Recreational Use of Cannabis During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:591-602. [PMID: 34981958 PMCID: PMC9587770 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Introduction: The shelter-in-place orders and social distancing regulations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted lifestyles, including the use of cannabis. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize both the gray and academic literature on the use of cannabis during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 databases, including 2 medical databases, 7 social science databases, and 2 gray literature databases were searched resulting in 316 titles and abstracts of which 76 met inclusion criteria. Results: Nine themes emerged: (a) prevalence and trends of cannabis use during COVID[1]19; (b) demographics; (c) profile of mode of consumption; (d) context of using cannabis (i.e., solitary use vs. in groups); (e) factors contributing to use; (f) factors inhibiting use; (g) adverse clinical and psychiatric outcomes of cannabis use during the pandemic; (h) similarities between EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) and COVID-19 symptoms; (i) implications for policy and practice. Studies published until February 2, 2021 were included in this review. Discussion: Findings have highlighted that feelings of boredom, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic have contributed to an increase in the use of cannabis. Furthermore, accessibility to cannabis was noted to affect use during the pandemic. Adverse psychiatric and clinical outcomes were associated with the increased use of cannabis. Conclusion: Practitioners and policymakers are called to employ harm reduction strategies to respond to increasing cannabis use. There is a need for population-based studies and further examination of factors contributing to the increased use of cannabis during the pandemic and associated negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wing-Yee Chong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeynep Ilgaz Acar
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Lee West
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francis Wong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Longitudinal associations between physical activity and other health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: a fixed effects analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15956. [PMID: 36153415 PMCID: PMC9509399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20196-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGovernment enforced restrictions on movement during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have had profound impacts on the daily behaviours of many individuals, including physical activity (PA). Given the associations between PA and other health behaviours, changes in PA during the pandemic may have been detrimental for other health behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in PA during and after the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom (UK) were associated with concurrent changes in alcohol consumption, sleep, nutrition quality, diet quantity and sedentary time. Data were derived from the UCL COVID-19 Social Study, in which 52,784 adults were followed weekly across 22 weeks of the pandemic from 23rd March to 23rd August 2020. Fixed effects regression models showed that greater PA was positively associated with improved sleep and nutrition quality. However, increases in PA also showed modest associations with increased alcohol consumption and sedentary time. Encouraging people to engage in PA may lead to wider changes in other health behaviours in times of adversity. These associations could be a result of increases in available leisure time for many people during COVID-19 restrictions and are of ongoing importance given the emerging long-term changes to lifestyle and working patterns.
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28
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Stock C, Helmer SM, Heinrichs K. COVID-19 related disruption in higher education students' health and wellbeing: Implications for university action. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015352. [PMID: 36187608 PMCID: PMC9520463 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID 19 pandemic has led to substantial disruptions in the lives of students in higher education. Partial or full closures of institutions for face-to-face teaching or consultations over a long-lasting period of time in many countries have had significant consequences on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of many students. This perspectives article summarizes the implications on mental, social, and behavioral aspects of students' wellbeing. Moreover, the need for health promoting und supportive services, programmes, structures, and policies is outlined with recommendations for institutional actions on the level of teaching practice, counseling services, and health monitoring, and with the call to re-affirm the wider policy-oriented approach of the Health Promoting University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Stock
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany,Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark,*Correspondence: Christiane Stock
| | | | - Katherina Heinrichs
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Botella-Juan L, Amezcua-Prieto C, Morales-Suarez-Varela MM, Mateos-Campos R, Ayán-Pérez C, Molina AJ, Ortiz-Moncada R, Redondo-Martín S, Alguacil J, Blázquez-Abellán G, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Alonso-Molero J, Fernández-Villa T. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain-UniHcos Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11577. [PMID: 36141846 PMCID: PMC9517240 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Botella-Juan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Carmen Amezcua-Prieto
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - María M. Morales-Suarez-Varela
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ramona Mateos-Campos
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Ayán-Pérez
- Well-Move Research Group, Department of Special Didactics, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Antonio José Molina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rocío Ortiz-Moncada
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food and Nutrition Research Group, University of Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Susana Redondo-Martín
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Comisionado Regional para la Droga, Junta de Castilla y León, 47009 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Research on Natural Resources, Health, and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Gemma Blázquez-Abellán
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jessica Alonso-Molero
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Cantabria-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- The Research Group in Gene-Environment and Health Interactions (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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Salazar-Fernández C, Mawditt C, Palet D, Haeger PA, Román Mella F. Changes in the clustering of health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: examining predictors using latent transition analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1446. [PMID: 35906590 PMCID: PMC9338510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on daily life, affecting both physical and mental health. Changes arising from the pandemic may longitudinally impact health-related behaviors (HRB). As different HRBs co-occur, in this study, we explore how six HRBs - alcohol (past-week and binge-drinking), tobacco, marijuana, benzodiazepine use, and unhealthy food consumption - were grouped and changed over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 1038 university students and staff (18 to 73 years old) of two universities completed an online psychometrically adequate survey regarding their recalled HRB (T0, pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and the impact of COVID-19 on their behaviors during July (T1) and November (T2). Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) was used to identify HRB cluster membership and how clusters changed across T0, T1, and T2. Four clusters emerged, but remained mainly stable over time: ‘Lower risk’ (65.2–80%), ‘Smokers and drinkers’ (1.5–0.01%), ‘Binge-drinkers and marijuana users’ (27.6–13.9%), and ‘Smokers and binge-drinkers’ (5.6–5.8%). Participants who moved from one cluster to another lowered their HRB across time, migrating from the ‘Binge-drinkers and marijuana users’ cluster to ‘Lower risk’. Participants in this cluster were characterized as less affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower reported stress levels, anxiety, depression, and loneliness than the other clusters. Our results provide evidence of how HRBs clustered together and transitioned longitudinally during the COVID-19 pandemic. HRB clustering across time offers a valuable piece of information for the tailoring of interventions to improve HRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Salazar-Fernández
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile.,Departamento de Análisis de Datos, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | | | - Daniela Palet
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile
| | - Paola A Haeger
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Francisca Román Mella
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile.
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García-Campanario I, Vanlinthout LE, Toro R, Mangas A, Lagares-Franco C. Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity and Lifestyles in Post-Confinement Sports Science Undergraduates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159115. [PMID: 35897484 PMCID: PMC9332219 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether the infection by SARS-CoV-2 has significantly influenced physical activity, diet, alcohol, and drug consumption habits, as well as the quality of life of students of the bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted, which included socio-demographic questions related to the COVID-19 disease. Physical activity was analyzed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the PREDIMED questionnaire, alcohol consumption using the AUDIT questionnaire, and drug consumption using the DAST-10 questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was analyzed with the SF-12 questionnaire. Our results reveal that those who engaged in either vigorous physical activity or, on the contrary, very low-intensity physical activity, were affected by the SARS-CoV-2 disease, which reduced the average weekly time they spent on their type of activity. However, those who previously performed moderate activities have managed to stay on the same fitness level despite having suffered from SARS-CoV-2 disease (p = 0.433). In conclusion, general health is affected by suffering from the COVID-19 disease, inadequate eating habits, substance use, and the performance of vigorous or very low-intensity of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael García-Campanario
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (R.T.); (A.M.); (C.L.-F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luc E. Vanlinthout
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Rocío Toro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (R.T.); (A.M.); (C.L.-F.)
| | - Alipio Mangas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (R.T.); (A.M.); (C.L.-F.)
| | - Carolina Lagares-Franco
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (R.T.); (A.M.); (C.L.-F.)
- Research Group INIBICA CO15: Population and Health: Determinants and Interventions, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
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Larsson K, Onell C, Edlund K, Källberg H, Holm LW, Sundberg T, Skillgate E. Lifestyle behaviors in Swedish university students before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1207. [PMID: 35710368 PMCID: PMC9202972 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in Swedish university students’ lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. This study aimed to assess physical activity, sitting time, meal frequency and risk substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and illicit use of drugs) in Swedish university students before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, for all and stratified by age and sex. Methods Data were obtained from the Sustainable University Life cohort study in which web-based surveys were sent to university students repeatedly for one year. Baseline assessment (before the pandemic) was between August 2019-March 2020, follow-up 1 (FU1) between March-June 2020, and follow-up 2 (FU2) between June–September 2020. Participants reported weekly minutes of physical activity, daily sitting hours, meal frequency by weekly intake of different meals, and motivation for eating irregularly, if so. Also, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs was assessed. Population means and differences with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in lifestyle behaviors between time points were calculated with Generalized Estimating Equations. Results 1877 students (73% women, mean age 26.5 years) answered the baseline survey. Weekly exercise decreased by -5.7 min (95% CI: -10.0, -1.5) and -7.7 min (95% CI: -12.6, -2.8) between baseline and FU1 and FU2, respectively. Weekly daily activities increased by 5.6 min (95% CI: 0.3, 11.7) and 14.2 min (95% CI: 7.9, 20.5) between baseline and FU1 and FU2. Daily sitting time decreased by -1.4 h (95% CI: -1.7, -1.2) between baseline and FU2. Breakfast intake increased by 0.2 days per week (95% CI: 0.1, 0.3) between baseline and FU2. Lunch intake decreased by -0.2 days per week (95% CI: -0.2, -0.1) between baseline and FU1 and by -0.2 days per week (95% CI: -0.3, -0.0) between baseline and FU2. Dinner intake decreased by -0.1 days per week (95% CI: -0.2, -0.0) between baseline and both FU1 and FU2. Only minor differences in risk substance use were observed. Similar changes were observed in analyses stratified by age and sex. Conclusions Lifestyle behaviors in Swedish university students slightly improved during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04465435. 10/07/2020. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13553-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Larsson
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clara Onell
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Klara Edlund
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Källberg
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena W Holm
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sundberg
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Skillgate
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research On Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hardie I, Stevely AK, Sasso A, Meier PS, Holmes J. The impact of changes in COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on alcohol consumption and drinking occasion characteristics in Scotland and England in 2020: an interrupted time-series analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:1622-1639. [PMID: 35108758 PMCID: PMC9302640 DOI: 10.1111/add.15794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Early evidence suggests that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions affect alcohol consumption. However, existing studies lack data on how drinking practices changed as restrictions disrupted people's work, family life and socializing routines. We examined changes in consumption and drinking occasion characteristics during three periods of changing restrictions in Scotland/England. DESIGN Interrupted time-series analysis of repeat cross-sectional market research data (assessing step-level changes). SETTING Scotland/England, January 2009-December 2020. PARTICIPANTS Scotland: 41 507 adult drinkers; England: 253 148 adult drinkers. MEASUREMENTS Three intervention points: March 2020 lockdown, July 2020 easing of restrictions and October 2020 re-introduction of some restrictions. PRIMARY OUTCOME mean units consumed per week (total/off-trade/on-trade; 1 unit = 8 g ethanol). SECONDARY OUTCOMES drinking > 14 units per week, heavy drinking, drinking days per week, solitary drinking, drinking with family/partners, drinking with friends/colleagues, own-home drinking, drinking in someone else's home and drinking start times. FINDINGS In Scotland, March 2020's lockdown was associated with a 2.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61, 4.02] increase in off-trade (i.e. shop-bought) units per week, a -2.84 (95% CI = -3.63, -2.06) decrease in on-trade (i.e. licensed venues) units per week, but no statistically significant change in total units per week. July 2020's easing of restrictions was associated with a 1.33 (95% CI = 0.05, 2.62) increase in on-trade units per week, but no statistically significant total/off-trade consumption changes. October 2020's re-introduction of some restrictions was not associated with statistically significant consumption changes. Results for England were broadly similar. Lockdown restrictions were also associated with later drinking start times, fewer occasions in someone else's home and with friends/colleagues, more own-home drinking and (in Scotland only) more solitary drinking. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in on-trade alcohol consumption following COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Scotland/England in 2020 were mainly offset by increased own-home drinking. This largely persisted in periods of greater/lesser restrictions. The shift towards off-trade drinking involved significant changes in the characteristics of drinking occasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Hardie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Abigail K. Stevely
- Sheffield Alcohol Research Group (SARG), School of Health and Related ResearchUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Alessandro Sasso
- Sheffield Alcohol Research Group (SARG), School of Health and Related ResearchUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Petra S. Meier
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - John Holmes
- Sheffield Alcohol Research Group (SARG), School of Health and Related ResearchUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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Heradstveit O, Sivertsen B, Lønning KJ, Skogen JC. The Extent of Alcohol-Related Problems Among College and University Students in Norway Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:876841. [PMID: 35719681 PMCID: PMC9204355 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.876841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To provide estimates of the distribution of alcohol-related problems in a national sample of college and university students in 2021, i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison with pre-pandemic data from 2018. Design Longitudinal data from linkage of two recent national health surveys from 2018 to 2021. Setting Students in higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). Participants 8,287 fulltime students (72.5% women, 27.6% men) that were 18 years or more at the time of the first survey in 2018, and 21 years or more at the time of the second survey in 2021. Measurements The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess potential alcohol-related problems. Findings 37.0% of male students and 24.1% of female students reported either risky, harmful, or dependent alcohol use in 2021, compared with 55.0% of male students and 43.6% of female students in 2018. This decrease in alcohol-related problems was most pronounced for dependent alcohol use, where we observed a 57% relative reduction among male students (from 3.5% in 2018 to 1.5% in 2021) and a 64% relative reduction among female students (from 1.4% in 2018 to 0.5% in 2021). Conclusions The present study demonstrated a sharp decline in alcohol-related problems among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, that were present across gender, age groups, and geographical study locations. Universal preventive measures to limit students' alcohol use should be considered when restrictions related to the pandemic is lifted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ove Heradstveit
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- *Correspondence: Ove Heradstveit
| | - Børge Sivertsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Research & Innovation, Helse Fonna HF, Haugesund, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kari-Jussie Lønning
- The Norwegian Medical Association, Oslo, Norway
- The Student Welfare Association of Oslo and Akershus (SiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Wiley RC, Oliver AC, Snow MB, Bunn JY, Barrows AJ, Tidey JW, Lee DC, Sigmon SC, Gaalema DE, Heil SH, Markesich C, Villanti AC, Higgins ST. The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Smoking Among Vulnerable Populations. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 25:282-290. [PMID: 35605264 PMCID: PMC9384158 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM While accumulating evidence suggests that people modified their smoking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it remains unclear whether those most at risk for tobacco-related health disparities did so. The current study examined changes in smoking among several vulnerable smoker populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A web-based survey was distributed in 2020 to 709 adults with socioeconomic disadvantage, affective disorders, or opioid use disorder who participated in a previous study investigating the effects of very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes on smoking. Current smoking status and rate, and adoption of protective health behaviors in response to the pandemic (eg social distancing, mask wearing) were examined. RESULTS Among 332 survey respondents (46.8% response rate), 84.6% were current smokers. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that current cigarettes/day (CPD) was higher during COVID than pre-COVID (12.9 ± 1.0 versus 11.6 ± 1.0; p < .001). Most respondents had adopted protective health behaviors to prevent infection (>79% for all behaviors). More than half indicated that they were still leaving their homes specifically to buy cigarettes (64.6%) and were buying more packs per visit to the store (54.5%) than pre-COVID. Individuals unemployed at the time of the survey experienced greater increases in CPD (from 11.4 ± 1.4 to 13.3 ± 1.4, p = .024) as did those with higher levels of anxiety (from 11.5 ± 1.1 to 13.6 ± 1.1, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Smoking increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in this sample of adults from vulnerable populations, even while most adopted protective health measures to prevent infection. Unemployment and anxiety might identify those at greatest risk for increases in tobacco use. IMPLICATIONS Individuals from populations especially vulnerable to smoking might be at risk for greater harm from cigarette smoking during times of pandemic-related stress. Public health interventions are warranted to ameliorate increases in smoking among these populations. Special attention should be paid to those experiencing unemployment and high anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon C Wiley
- Corresponding author: Rhiannon C. Wiley, Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, University Health Center, 1 S. Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. Telephone: 802-656-1982;
| | - Anthony C Oliver
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Miranda B Snow
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Janice Y Bunn
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Medical Biostatistics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Anthony J Barrows
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Jennifer W Tidey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Dustin C Lee
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stacey C Sigmon
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Diann E Gaalema
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Sarah H Heil
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Catherine Markesich
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Andrea C Villanti
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Stephen T Higgins
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT,Department of Psychiatry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
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Stickley A, Shirama A, Inagawa T, Sumiyoshi T. Binge drinking in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence, correlates and association with preventive behaviors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 234:109415. [PMID: 35381568 PMCID: PMC8934738 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is some evidence that alcohol use may have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. However, as yet, there has been comparatively little focus on heavy/excessive drinking. This study examined binge drinking (BD) in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic and its association with COVID-19 preventive behaviors. METHOD Data were analyzed from an online sample of 1452 individuals aged 18 and above that were collected one year after the beginning of the pandemic. Self-reported information was obtained on current and pre-pandemic BD and a range of sociodemographic and health-related variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations. RESULTS Just under one-third of the sample (29.3%) reported past-month BD. More individuals reduced rather than increased BD during the pandemic (11.5% > 6.5%). Worsening household finances and depressive symptoms were associated with both current and increased BD, while young age (18-29) was linked to both increased and decreased BD. Individuals who binged had significantly lower odds for engaging in several COVID-19 preventive behaviors including wearing a mask (odds ratio [OR]: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30-0.76), hand washing (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.44-0.76) and avoiding crowds/staying at home (OR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.55-0.93). CONCLUSION BD is prevalent in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic and associated with poorer adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Increasing public awareness of the potentially detrimental effects of heavy alcohol use during the ongoing pandemic is now a public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stickley
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Aya Shirama
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
| | - Takuma Inagawa
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - Tomiki Sumiyoshi
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Investors’ Investment Intention of Sustainability-Related Investment: Evidence from China. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
This paper investigates how investors respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding their intention to invest in sustainability-related investment (SRI) funds. We conduct two experiments online with participants who have experience with stock and fund investments. The first one includes 292 participants, which aims to explore investors’ attitudes and investment intention of different sustainability-related components, and the second one includes 432 participants, which aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals’ attitudes and investment intention. Our results show that investors tend to invest in SRI funds when the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic is salient. Specifically, we find that although investors perceive environmental issues to be more important than economic and social issues, their investment intention of economic-focused SRI funds significantly increases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic threat. These findings suggest that fund managers can focus on particular types of investors when designing SRI funds, such as active investors with a preference for technical analysis and young female investors with a high level of income and education.
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Tholen R, Ponnet K, Van Hal G, De Bruyn S, Buffel V, Van de Velde S, Bracke P, Wouters E. Substance Use among Belgian Higher Education Students before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074348. [PMID: 35410029 PMCID: PMC8998911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many countries to issue far-reaching policy measures that may have led to increased substance use. Higher education students may have been disproportionally affected due to the rearrangement of educational life and their susceptibility to psychosocial distress and substance use. The current study examined associations between pandemic-related stressors, psychosocial distress, and self-reported alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use before and during the first wave of the pandemic. Data were collected in Belgium as part of the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study (C19 ISWS) and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analyses. The sample contained 18,346 higher education students aged 17 to 24 (75% women). Overall use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis as well as binge drinking decreased during the pandemic, perhaps due to limited social gatherings. Moving back to the parental home was associated with decreased substance use, while depressive symptoms were associated with increased substance use. Perceived threat and academic stress were associated with increased binge drinking among heavy bingers and increased tobacco use. Decreases among students who moved back to their parental home may be explained by increased informal social control. Increased substance use was associated with a number of stressors and psychosocial distress, which suggests that some students may have been self-medicating to manage their mental health amidst the pandemic. Public health policy concerning substance use may prove to be less effective if not tailored to particular subgroups within the student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Tholen
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Studies, imec-mict, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Guido Van Hal
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Sara De Bruyn
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Veerle Buffel
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Sarah Van de Velde
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
| | - Piet Bracke
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Edwin Wouters
- Center for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.D.B.); (V.B.); (S.V.d.V.); (E.W.)
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Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Italian Young Adults Before and During a COVID-19 Lockdown: A Latent Class Analysis Study. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION 2022; 43:191-208. [PMID: 35305212 PMCID: PMC8934024 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-022-00675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Two not mutually exclusive theories explain the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use. The Availability hypothesis contends that reduced opportunities to drink due to the closure of outlets and consumption sites should lead to decreases in alcohol use, whereas the Stress and Coping hypothesis argues that those exposed to stressful situations may increase drinking. The primary aim of this study was to examine changes—separately by gender—in the prevalence of drinking patterns among Italian young adults (18–34 years) before and during a COVID-19 lockdown. Study design was a repeated cross-sectional study, whereby data collected in 2015 and 2020 from nationally representative samples were analyzed. Latent class analysis identified five, fully invariant for women and partially invariant for men, drinking pattern classes among both cohorts: current non-drinkers (CND), weekend risky (WRD) and weekend non-risky drinkers (WnRD), daily non-risky (DnRD) and daily risky drinkers (DRD). In support of the Availability hypothesis, increases in abstaining and moderate drinking women and men were observed from 2015 to 2020. Concomitantly, among men only there were also increases in the prevalence of patterns characterized by risky drinking, coping drinking motives and related harm (Stress and Coping hypothesis). The pandemic and the three-tier lockdown imposed by the Italian government likely reduced overall alcohol use in the general population who drink moderately. However, there was a substantial increase in the prevalence of a small but significant group of men who drank daily and heavily to cope. Outreach and prevention efforts should target primarily this group, but also consider the opportunities that the exceptional circumstances of a quarantine offer to any individuals to reshape their lifestyle and health-related behaviors.
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Branquinho C, Paiva T, Guedes F, Gaspar T, Tomé G, Gaspar de Matos M. Health risk behaviors before and during COVID-19 and gender differences. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:1102-1110. [PMID: 34517436 PMCID: PMC8657327 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Changes in routines and habits, fear of contamination from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, and economic crisis have resulted in significant impacts upon individuals' lives, health, and risk behaviors. The present study aims to analyze health risk behaviors and gender differences of Portuguese adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative analysis using SPSS v. 26 software presents the evaluation of 5746 responses (M = 48.5 years, SD = 14.3), of which 67.7% were female. t Test was used to study differences in means before and during the pandemic and analysis of variance test to analyze gender differences. In the comparative study before and during the pandemic showed a decrease in the number of meals per day, physical activity and perception of sleep quality; an increase in tobacco use, beer consumption, and media use (TV, mobile phone, social networks, and online games). Gender differences study demonstrated that the number of meals per day suffered a decrease from pre to pandemic in women, while increasing in men, becoming prominent in the second moment under study. Both genders had an increase in consumption behaviors and substance use, but women revealed a decrease in the consumption of wine during the pandemic, while men revealed more consumption behaviors in the variables under study. The use of media also changed, with men showing a higher level in TV hours per day, social networks and online games before the pandemic and in TV hours per day and games/online during the pandemic. Women stand out in the use of mobile phone per day during the pandemic. Daily physical activity decreased during the pandemic, as did sleep quality. Males revealed a higher practice of physical activity at both periods, as well as sleep quality. Based on the results presented, it is expected that considerations and actions in the scope of public health policies and health prevention and promotion, will be rethought and adapted to the specificities of each gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Branquinho
- Aventura Social Project, Faculty of Human MotricityUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Department of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Human KineticsUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- ISAMB Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Teresa Paiva
- CENC—Centre for Electroencephalography and Clinical NeurophysiologyLisbonPortugal
| | - Fábio Guedes
- Aventura Social Project, Faculty of Human MotricityUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Department of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Human KineticsUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- ISAMB Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Tânia Gaspar
- Aventura Social Project, Faculty of Human MotricityUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- ISAMB Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Faculty of Social Sciences and HumanitiesLusíada University of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Gina Tomé
- Aventura Social Project, Faculty of Human MotricityUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Department of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Human KineticsUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- ISAMB Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Margarida Gaspar de Matos
- Aventura Social Project, Faculty of Human MotricityUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Department of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Human KineticsUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- ISAMB Research Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
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Lee SY, Kim S, Kim WH, Heo J. Employment, Economic, and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Changes in Smoking and Drinking Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052802. [PMID: 35270495 PMCID: PMC8910664 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The societal disruptions resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have caused changes in smoking and alcohol consumption. Using data from the Koreans’ Happiness Survey, a nationally representative survey in South Korea, we (1) described population-level smoking and drinking behaviors; (2) assessed changes in smoking and drinking behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) identified employment, economic, and sociodemographic factors associated with these changes using multinomial logistic regression. The overall amount of smoking and drinking decreased during the pandemic, but the changes were heterogeneous across subgroups. Male gender, receipt of the basic living allowance, self-employment, unemployment, and chronic disease status were associated with increased smoking, while higher household income, temporary worker status, living with someone (versus alone), and having fewer offline friends were associated with decreased smoking. Male gender, self-employment, living alone, having more offline friends, and chronic disease status were associated with increased drinking, while younger age, male gender, low and high household income (i.e., a U-shaped relationship), long-term rent with a deposit, temporary worker status, and chronic disease status were associated with decreased drinking. Our findings provide evidence on changes in smoking and drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea and differential changes across subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Yeop Lee
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03087, Korea; (S.Y.L.); (W.-H.K.)
| | - Sun Kim
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Woong-Han Kim
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03087, Korea; (S.Y.L.); (W.-H.K.)
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jongho Heo
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03087, Korea; (S.Y.L.); (W.-H.K.)
- National Assembly Futures Institute, Seoul 07233, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Effectiveness of Physical Activity Counseling in University Students Educated by Distance Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.1027410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Acuff SF, Strickland JC, Tucker JA, Murphy JG. Changes in alcohol use during COVID-19 and associations with contextual and individual difference variables: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2022; 36:1-19. [PMID: 34807630 PMCID: PMC8831454 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study meta-analyzed studies examining changes in alcohol consumption during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and systematically reviewed contextual and individual difference factors related to these changes. METHOD Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol, studies were gathered via PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, and preprint databases (published April 29, 2021) that examined individual-level changes in consumption during the initial COVID-19 mitigation measures (before October 2020). Next, sample proportion increases and decreases in consumption, in addition to mean change in consumption variables from pre- to during-COVID, were meta-analyzed, and contextual and individual difference variables related to consumption changes during the pandemic were summarized. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-eight studies provided data from 58 countries (M n = 3,876; Mdn n = 1,092; aggregate sample n = 492,235). The average mean change in alcohol consumption was nonsignificant (Cohen's d = -0.01, p = .68); however, meta-analysis revealed that 23% of participants reported increases in consumption and 23% reported decreases. These changes were moderated by per capita gross domestic product and country. Narrative synthesis revealed multiple predictors of increased drinking, including contextual changes (e.g., children at home, income loss, working remotely), individual difference variables (being female, a young-to-middle aged adult, or Black), and mental health/alcohol-related risk factors (e.g., depression). CONCLUSIONS The identified factors associated with increased alcohol consumption should be considered in planning behavioral health services during future crisis events that abruptly alter everyday environments in ways that increase stress and decrease access to naturally occurring rewards. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jalie A Tucker
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, Center for Behavioral Economic Health Research, University of Florida
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Spatafora F, Matos Fialho PM, Busse H, Helmer SM, Zeeb H, Stock C, Wendt C, Pischke CR. Fear of Infection and Depressive Symptoms among German University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of COVID-19 International Student Well-Being Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031659. [PMID: 35162681 PMCID: PMC8834840 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant psychological impact at the population level and fear of infection is one of the stressors involved. The study aimed to examine fear of infection and associations with university students’ depressive symptoms, substance use, and social contacts during the COVID-19 outbreak in Germany in May 2020. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at four German universities (n = 5.021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years) as part of the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study. Fear of infection was assessed using self-generated items, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Scale (CES-D-8). Associations between fear of infection and depressive symptoms were analyzed with linear regressions, controlling for sociodemographic variables. A total of 34% of the participants reported feeling worried about getting infected themselves, 75% were worried about someone from their personal network getting infected, and 78% feared that individuals close to them would get severely ill after infection. Sixteen percent of the variance of depressive symptoms could be explained by fear of infection (p ≤ 0.001). Students’ fear of infection should be considered in student communication and counseling to prevent worsening of mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Spatafora
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (F.S.); (P.M.M.F.)
| | - Paula M. Matos Fialho
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (F.S.); (P.M.M.F.)
| | - Heide Busse
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz-Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (H.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Stefanie M. Helmer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (S.M.H.); (C.S.)
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz-Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (H.B.); (H.Z.)
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (S.M.H.); (C.S.)
- Unit of Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, 6705 Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Claus Wendt
- Sociology of Health and Health Care Systems, University Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (F.S.); (P.M.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Student-, Study- and COVID-19-Related Predictors of Students' Smoking, Binge Drinking and Cannabis Use before and during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020812. [PMID: 35055634 PMCID: PMC8776226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used among university students. However, student lives and their substance use have changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on (trends in) weekly smoking, weekly binge drinking and weekly cannabis use in Dutch university students and investigated associated student-, study- and COVID-19-related characteristics. Between April and June 2020, several Dutch higher educational institutes invited their students to participate in an online survey. Data of 9967 students (Mage = 22.0 (SD = 2.6); Nfemale = 7008 (70.3%)) were available for analyses. Overall, weekly smoking remained stable (±11.5%), weekly binge drinking decreased (from 27.8% to 13.9%) and weekly cannabis use increased (from 6.7% to 8.6%). Male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, having less financial resources and less adherence to the COVID-19 measures were found to increase the risk of substance use (before/during the first COVID-19 lockdown). Additionally, male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, not being born in the Netherlands and having a student loan contributed to the likelihood of increased substance use during COVID-19. Patterns of characteristics contributing to the likelihood of decreased weekly substance use during COVID-19 were less clear. The risk factors male gender, not living with parents and being a bachelor student do not only contribute to the likelihood of using substances but also contribute to the likelihood of increased use during a lockdown. Prevention and intervention programs should especially target these risk groups.
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Barbosa BCR, Parajára MDC, de Paula W, Machado EL, Meireles AL. Age, skin color, self-rated health, and depression associated with co-occurrence of obesogenic behaviors in university students: a cross-sectional study. SAO PAULO MED J 2022; 141:e2022301. [PMID: 36541955 PMCID: PMC10065088 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2022.0301.r1.10102022] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The university context plays an important role in the health-disease process since students are potentially vulnerable to obesogenic behaviors that can influence long-term health. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with the co-occurrence of obesogenic behaviors among university students. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a cross-sectional study at a Brazilian public university. METHODS This study was conducted with all university students in the first and second semesters of 2019 at Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected between April and September 2019, using a self-administered questionnaire. The outcome was the co-occurrence of obesogenic behaviors, measured as the sum of three risk behaviors: inadequate eating practices, leisure-time physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior. A Venn diagram was used to evaluate the simultaneous occurrence of risk behaviors. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS A total of 351 students participated in the study. Inadequate eating practices constituted the most prevalent isolated risk behavior (80.6%), which was also the most prevalent when combined with sedentary behavior (23.6%). University students aged 20 years or younger, with non-white skin color, poor self-rated health, and symptoms of depression had increased chances of simultaneous occurrence of obesogenic behaviors. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of developing and implementing actions to reduce combined obesogenic behaviors in the university environment. Institutions should focus on creating an environment that promotes health-protective behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Carolina Rafael Barbosa
- MSc. Doctoral Student, Postgraduate Program in Health and
Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro
Preto (MG), Brazil
| | - Magda do Carmo Parajára
- MSc. Doctoral Student, Postgraduate Program in Health and
Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro
Preto (MG), Brazil
| | - Waléria de Paula
- MSc. Doctoral Student, Postgraduate Program on Pharmaceutical
Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro
Preto (MG), Brazil
| | - Elaine Leandro Machado
- PhD. Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte
(MG), Brazil
| | - Adriana Lúcia Meireles
- PhD. Professor, Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition,
School of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto (MG),
Brazil
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Dogan-Sander E, Kohls E, Baldofski S, Rummel-Kluge C. More Depressive Symptoms, Alcohol and Drug Consumption: Increase in Mental Health Symptoms Among University Students After One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:790974. [PMID: 34975589 PMCID: PMC8716753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.790974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As the majority of studies examining mental health during the pandemic are cross-sectional, little is known about the changes in mental health during the pandemic, especially in university students. Most studies indicate a worsening of mental health conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of German university students during the third wave of the pandemic in 2021 and to compare the results to a sample of a congruent cross-sectional study from 2020. Methods: Two cross-sectional and anonymous online surveys among university students were conducted (first survey: July-August 2020, N = 3,382; second survey: March-April 2021, N = 5,642). Mental health status was assessed with standardized measures (depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug consumption, and eating disorder symptoms), and social and emotional aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed. In addition to descriptive statistics and group comparisons of the two survey samples from 2020 and 2021, respectively, risk and protective factors related to mental health were analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in severities of depressive symptoms and alcohol and drug consumption between the two online surveys from 2020 and 2021. Findings suggest an increase in the severity of depressive symptoms as well as alcohol and drug consumption. Significantly more respondents reported suicidal ideation in the survey from 2021. Lower self-efficacy, less social support and lower resilience as well as higher perceived stress and more loneliness were reported by the participants of the survey from 2021 compared to 2020. Regarding factors predicting mental health symptoms, being female was a positive predictor for hazardous alcohol use and anorexia nervosa in comparison to men. Further, younger age, being diverse, higher perceived stress and loneliness were positive predictors for all mental health outcomes. Conclusion: This study reveals an increase in severities of depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol consumption among students. Being diverse, younger age, higher perceived stress and loneliness were mutual risk factors for higher depressive and eating disorder symptoms as well as alcohol consumption. Universities and health care policy should recognize and address mental health issues of young adults during ongoing times of crisis and invest in easy-to-access interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Dogan-Sander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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Oh H, Leventhal AM, Tam CC, Rajkumar R, Zhou S, Clapp JD. Stressors experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and substance use among US college students. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2021; 1:100005. [PMID: 35156105 PMCID: PMC8606256 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2021.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic caused numerous stressors that may have been linked to substance use among college students. METHODS We analyzed data from the Fall 2020 Healthy Minds Study (N = 15,995), a non-probability sample of students attending one of 28 universities, who completed an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic (September - December 2020). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the associations between COVID-19 stressors (concern, racial/ethnic discrimination, financial distress, infection, illness of loved one, death of loved one, caregiving) and substance use (alcohol, cigarette, marijuana), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and international student status. All COVID-19 stressors were included in the same weighted logistic regression models. RESULTS About 46.89% of the sample reported drinking any alcohol (in the past 2 weeks), 7.38% used any cigarettes, and 16.87% used any marijuana over the past month. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that infection and caregiving were significantly associated with alcohol use; racial/ethnic discrimination and financial distress were associated with smoking cigarettes; and concern and infection were associated with marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 stressors were related to substance use, though the strength and significance of the associations varied depending on the stressors and the type of substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Adam M. Leventhal
- USC Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, USA
| | | | - Ravi Rajkumar
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India
| | - Sasha Zhou
- Wayne State University, Department of Public Health, Wayne State, USA
| | - John D. Clapp
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA
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Changes in Tobacco Use Patterns among Veterans in San Diego during the Recent Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211923. [PMID: 34831686 PMCID: PMC8623485 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of tobacco use increases in times of stress; however, during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco use rates stayed the same in most populations. Previous work focused on the initial months of the pandemic, while this study examined the changes in tobacco use during a later peak period of the pandemic. We used data from 61,852 visits to the VA San Diego Healthcare System from November 2019 to February 2021, divided into pre-, early, and peak pandemic periods. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test whether the odds of being a daily or non-daily tobacco user varied over time, by demographic group, or with the presence of specific psychiatric diagnoses. Younger Veterans had a greater reduction in the prevalence of non-daily tobacco use between the early and peak periods, while older Veterans had a rise in daily use from pre- to the early pandemic, which returned to baseline during the peak. Individuals with substance use disorder and serious mental illness diagnoses were more likely to report tobacco use, but psychiatric diagnoses did not predict change over time. These findings demonstrate factors that potentially contribute to changes in tobacco use during a public health crisis and may help guide future targeted cessation efforts.
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50
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Goncalves A, Le Vigouroux S, Charbonnier E. University Students' Lifestyle Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8998. [PMID: 34501605 PMCID: PMC8430950 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have highlighted the impact of lockdowns on the lifestyle of university students. We do not, however, know how these lifestyles have changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the present study was to describe changes in the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and alcohol consumption in French university students during different periods of the pandemic. This cohort study was conducted between 23 April and 11 December 2020. Measurements were performed four times: Twice during two successive lockdowns and twice during the intervening period. A total of 1294 university students were initially included, and 91 students completed the four measurement points over a seven-month period. Alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors were measured. The results revealed high levels of physical activity during the first lockdown, but a subsequent decline during the pandemic that was partly explained by time. The pandemic had a positive effect on alcohol consumption. Sedentary levels were higher during both lockdowns, and sedentary behaviors tended to persist over time. This study raises concerns about the long-term effects of the pandemic on students' health and lifestyle. The preponderance of distance learning should be reconsidered, given the negative impact of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior on long-term health, especially in young adults.
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