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Roșioară AI, Năsui BA, Ciuciuc N, Sîrbu DM, Curșeu D, Pop AL, Popescu CA, Popa M. Status of Healthy Choices, Attitudes and Health Education of Children and Young People in Romania-A Literature Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:725. [PMID: 38792908 PMCID: PMC11123286 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050725] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the health status and factors influencing healthy choices among children and young people in Romania, as well as the efficacy of related health education programs. Through understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to provide insights that can shape targeted interventions, policies, and educational strategies to improve this demographic's overall health and well-being. Materials and Methods: For this study, we performed a literature review of original published papers on the health status, healthy habits, health education, predisposition to making healthy choices in the future, and accessibility to the paediatric health system of Romanian children and young people, as well as the effects of different types of educational interventions on this demographic in Romania. Results: The prevalence of dental caries is high in Romania. In terms of eating habits and nutritional status, a worrying proportion of children are overweight or obese, which can lead to a variety of future physical and psychological problems. In terms of physical activity, few adolescents demonstrate regular fitness practices. Romania presents an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents. The mental health of students has become a pressing public health concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social networks is linked to mental health issues among young people. Romania still has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases and faces a high incidence of cervical cancer, with a mortality rate three times higher than the EU average. High rates of teenage pregnancies are linked to limited information about sexuality and a lack of access to family planning at a young age. There are large discrepancies in the accessibility of medical services between urban and rural areas. Conclusions: Romania faces significant obstacles to providing high-quality healthcare to children and young people. Improving nutrition, immunisation rates, and access to medical services represent essential areas for enhancing the health of children and young people in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Ioana Roșioară
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdana Adriana Năsui
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nina Ciuciuc
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dana Manuela Sîrbu
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Curșeu
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Lucia Pop
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Codruța Alina Popescu
- Department of Abilities Human Sciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Monica Popa
- Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-I.R.); (N.C.); (D.M.S.); (D.C.); (M.P.)
- Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Li X, Wang H, Manafe H, Braakhuis A, Li Z, Roy R. Assessing food availability and healthier options in an urban Chinese university: a case study using the Chinese Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey for Stores (C-NEMS-S). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:15. [PMID: 38167012 PMCID: PMC10759656 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Young adults (18-24 years) in universities are frequently exposed to an environment that promotes unhealthy eating behaviors. Using a validated tool, the Chinese Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey for Stores (C-NEMS-S), we assess the food availability and healthier options in a large, urban Chinese university. We employed C-NEMS-S for scoring criteria and weighting. A total of 52 on-campus canteen outlets were audited in an urban university located in Shijiazhuang City, China. General food outlets (n 43) and self-served food outlets (n 7) were further categorized into eight subtypes. Beverage outlets (n 2) were discussed separately from food outlets. C-NEMS-S scores were significantly different across food outlet types (P = 0.0024), especially between noodle and rice outlets (P = 0.0415). Food availability scores for starchy tubers (P < 0.001), dry beans (P < 0.001), vegetables (P = 0.0225), and fruits (P < 0.001) were significantly different across food outlet subtypes. Healthier options were scarce and only appeared in "grains" (n 2) and "meat and poultry" (n 2) categories. Further research on improving the accustomed audit tool and assessing university student diet quality is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbo Li
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Health SZX2021021, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
| | - Haiyue Wang
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Health SZX2021021, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
| | - Hendra Manafe
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Health SZX2021021, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China
| | - Andrea Braakhuis
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Zengning Li
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China.
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Health SZX2021021, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050031, China.
| | - Rajshri Roy
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Sydney School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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Staszkiewicz R, Sobański D, Bryś K, Och W, Garczarek M, Ulasavets U, Stasiowski M, Dammermann W, Strojny D, Grabarek BO. Effect of Glycemic Disorders and Habits on the Concentration of Selected Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:908-923. [PMID: 37888810 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010262904230919073351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy habits, such as overeating processed and high-calorie foods, alcohol abuse, and smoking, negatively impact human health. It has been suggested that the inflammatory process and the resulting growth of nerve fibers within the intervertebral disc (IVD) fissures is the main reason for the pain accompanying IVD degeneration (IVDD). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, or diabetes comorbidity contribute to the development of IVDD and how the aforementioned factors affect the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the study and control groups (intervertebral discs, IVDs from cadavers, and serum samples from voluntary blood donors). METHODS The study group comprised 113 patients diagnosed with IVDD who qualified for microdiscectomy. Two control groups (I and II) were used in this study. The first included 81 IVDs obtained from Caucasian human cadavers. Control group II, on the other hand, included serum samples obtained from 113 voluntary blood donors. The expression profiles of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Our statistical analysis confirmed that patients who were overweight/obese, smoked tobacco, consumed alcohol, or had diabetes had a higher risk of IVDD (OR > 1). Statistical analysis showed that BDNF, GAP-43, and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the IVDs and serum samples obtained from the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were noted in IVDD patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared to patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION We showed that changes in energy metabolism, habits, and lifestyle, as well as the degenerative process of IVD in the lumbosacral spine contribute to changing the concentration profile of the analyzed neurotrophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Staszkiewicz
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, 30-901, Krakow, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, WSB Academy, 41-300, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia, 40-555, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dawid Sobański
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University in Krakow, 30-705, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Krakow, 30-693 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Bryś
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia, 40-555, Katowice, Poland
| | - Waldemar Och
- Neurosurgery Department, Regional Specialist Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Michał Garczarek
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, 30-901, Krakow, Poland
| | - Uladzislau Ulasavets
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, 30-901, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Stasiowski
- Chair and Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 40-555, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, 5th Regional Hospital, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Werner Dammermann
- Center for Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Damian Strojny
- Institute of Health Protection, State Academy of Applied Sciences in Przemyśl, 37-700 Przemyśl, Poland
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, 30-901, Krakow, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, WSB Academy, 41-300, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
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Sanz-Martín D, Zurita-Ortega F, Melguizo-Ibáñez E, Alonso-Vargas JM, Caracuel-Cáliz R, Ubago-Jiménez JL. Physical Activity Time, Alcohol Consumption, Mediterranean Diet, and Anxiety in Education Science Students. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 14:87-102. [PMID: 38248126 PMCID: PMC10813882 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14010006] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Student lifestyles change during university. This research aimed to classify university students according to their levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anxiety and studied the relationships between the variables using a multigroup equation model according to gender. The sample was composed of 549 participants (M = 23.06; S.D. = 6.22), of whom 409 were women and 140 were men. Validated and adapted instruments such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the PREDIMED Questionnaire, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were used. The data revealed four clusters through Ward's method and the k-means method. Regarding the exploratory model, differences were found in the effects of the variables according to sex. In conclusion, alcohol consumption was positively associated with the Mediterranean diet, and physical activity was negatively associated with the Mediterranean diet and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanz-Martín
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Universidad Isabel I, 09003 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Félix Zurita-Ortega
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (J.M.A.-V.); (J.L.U.-J.)
| | - Eduardo Melguizo-Ibáñez
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (J.M.A.-V.); (J.L.U.-J.)
| | - José Manuel Alonso-Vargas
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (J.M.A.-V.); (J.L.U.-J.)
| | - Rafael Caracuel-Cáliz
- Faculty of Education Science, Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Luis Ubago-Jiménez
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (J.M.A.-V.); (J.L.U.-J.)
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Maftei A, Opariuc-Dan C. Perfect people, happier lives? When the quest for perfection compromises happiness: the roles played by substance use and internet addiction. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1234164. [PMID: 37841705 PMCID: PMC10568026 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1234164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Building on the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Stress-Coping Model, the present study explored the relationship between perfectionism (rigid, self-critical, narcissistic) and subjective happiness among youth. In this relationship, we also examined the mediating roles of substance use (i.e., drinking and smoking) and Internet addiction symptoms. Our sample comprised 431 Romanian university students aged 18-25 (M = 20.50, SD = 1.58), and most of them were females (79.81%, self-reported gender). Participants completed self-reported anonymous scales through a web-based survey at the beginning of 2023. Correlation analysis results indicated that all forms of perfectionism were associated with Internet addiction symptoms. Self-critical and narcissistic perfectionism and drinking, smoking, and Internet addiction symptoms were negatively associated with subjective happiness. Path analysis suggested that health-risk behaviors completely mediated the effect of perfectionism on subjective happiness. High levels of perfectionism were associated with high levels of health-risk behaviors, and high levels of addictive behaviors were associated with low levels of subjective happiness. We discuss the present findings considering their practical use regarding students' subjective happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maftei
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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Nasui BA, Ungur RA, Nasui GA, Popescu CA, Hofer AM, Dersidan S, Popa M, Silaghi H, Silaghi CA. Adolescents' Lifestyle Determinants in Relation to Their Nutritional Status during COVID-19 Pandemic Distance Learning in the North-Western Part of Romania-A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:922. [PMID: 37371154 DOI: 10.3390/children10060922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have examined how the lockdown restrictions enforced to halt the spread of COVID-19 have affected adults' movement behaviors; however, there is limited information regarding the effects on youth. This study aimed to report on the lifestyle habits of adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic remote learning and explore associations between the participants' bodyweight and lifestyle behaviors. We used a cross-sectional study applied to 285 students studying in the gymnasium. The response rate was 74.21%. They completed an online questionnaire regarding lifestyle, eating habits, and nutritional status (assessed by the Body Mass Index-BMI). The study was conducted in January-February 2021. The percentage of overweight and obese was higher among boys (p = 0.001). The mean sleep duration was 8.12 (SD:1.284) hours per night, and was higher in boys than in girls. The respondents met the physical activity (PA) recommendation for their age, based mainly on unorganized PA. The screen time was 4-6 h or more for the majority of the respondents. Dietary habits included a high consumption of comfort food, like cereals, sweets, soft drinks, snacks, and fried food, but a lower consumption of vegetables and fast food. The regression analyses showed that the BMI was correlated with the BMI of the parents and the number of hours spent in front of the computers in free time. The study identified behavioral and environmental factors that can be modified with effective strategies to reduce overweight and obesity among school students and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdana Adriana Nasui
- Department of Community Health, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rodica Ana Ungur
- Department of Medical Specialties, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Adrian Nasui
- Law Faculty, Dimitrie Cantemir University, Teodor Mihali Street, No 60, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Codruta Alina Popescu
- Department of Practical Abilities-Human Sciences, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Hofer
- Department of Community Health, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sebastian Dersidan
- Department of Community Health, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Popa
- Department of Community Health, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horatiu Silaghi
- Department of Surgery V, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Alina Silaghi
- Department of Endocrinology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Nasui BA, Talaba P, Nasui GA, Sirbu DM, Borda IM, Pop AL, Ciortea VM, Irsay L, Purcar-Popescu AI, Cinteza D, Iliescu MG, Popa FL, Suciu SM, Ungur RA. The Influence of Diet and Physical Activity on Oxidative Stress in Romanian Females with Osteoarthritis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194159. [PMID: 36235811 PMCID: PMC9571916 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disease, increases in prevalence with age, and affects most individuals over 65. The present study aimed to assess the oxidative status in relation to diet and physical activity in patients with OA. We used a cross-sectional study applied to 98 females with OA. Blood samples were collected to determine oxidative stress markers: malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and GSH/GSSG. Diet was estimated with a standardized food frequency questionnaire. We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess the females’ physical activity. Multiple regression analyses were executed to determine the association between the oxidative markers and the intake of vegetables and fruit. The study showed that most patients were overweight or obese (88.8%). The level of physical activity was above the recommended level for adults, mainly based on household activities. The intake of vegetables and fruit was low. The MDA marker was inversely, statistically significantly associated with the consumption of vegetables (p < 0.05). Public health policies must address modifiable risk factors to reduce energy intake and obesity and increase the intake of vegetables and fruit. Higher consumption of vegetables and fruit may provide natural antioxidants that can balance oxidative compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdana Adriana Nasui
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur Street, No.4, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Patricia Talaba
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur Street, No.4, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Adrian Nasui
- Faculty of Law, “Dimitrie Cantemir” University, 60 Teodor Mihali Street, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dana Manuela Sirbu
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pasteur Street, No.4, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ileana Monica Borda
- Department of Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu-Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.B.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Anca Lucia Pop
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Food Safety, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.B.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Viorela Mihaela Ciortea
- Department of Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu-Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laszlo Irsay
- Department of Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu-Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Ileana Purcar-Popescu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Clinical Hospital, 46-60 Viilor Street, 400066 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Cinteza
- 9th Department—Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Madalina Gabriela Iliescu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 1 University Alley, Campus—Corp B, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Florina Ligia Popa
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Victoriei Blvd., 550024 Sibiu, Romania
- Academic Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, Coposu Blvd., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Soimita Mihaela Suciu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rodica Ana Ungur
- Department of Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu-Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Comparative Study on Nutrition and Lifestyle of Information Technology Workers from Romania before and during COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061202. [PMID: 35334858 PMCID: PMC8953937 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate lifestyle factors among Information Technology (IT) workers from Romania before and during the pandemic. We used an online applied questionnaire, filled in by 1638 respondents, that assessed nutrition status-Body Mass Index (BMI), weight and diet change, physical activity, alcohol consumption, number of hours working in front of the computer, stress, and sleep. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the lifestyle factors that lead to weight gain. Although the level of physical activity (PA) was low before the pandemic, the results of our study showed a further decrease in physical activity. In total, 61.1% of men and 71.1% of women performed PA for less than 30 min per day. Weight gain was reported in 50.5% of men and 45.3% of women (mean weight gain was 5.11 ± 3.52 kg) as a result of increased screen time (with a mean of 3.52 ± 4.29 for females and 3.05 ± 2.09 for males, p > 0.05 h per day) and the reported changes in diet. Despite the popularity of home-cooked foods, the intake of vegetables and fruit remained low. The quality of sleep was poor for 55.7% of the respondents. Public health and corporation policies are required to encourage a healthy lifestyle and avoid chronic diseases.
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A Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Sambucus nigra L. Reduced Lipid Peroxidation in a Rat Experimental Model of Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15030772. [PMID: 35160718 PMCID: PMC8837157 DOI: 10.3390/ma15030772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The use of gentamicin (GM) is limited due to its nephrotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a flavonoid-rich extract of Sambucus nigra L. elderflower (SN) to inhibit lipoperoxidation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The HPLC analysis of the SN extract recorded high contents of rutin (463.2 ± 0.0 mg mL−1), epicatechin (9.0 ± 1.1 µg mL−1), and ferulic (1.5 ± 0.3 µg mL−1) and caffeic acid (3.6 ± 0.1 µg mL−1). Thirty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into four groups: a control group (C) (no treatment), GM group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM), GM+SN group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM and 1 mL SN extract day−1), and SN group (1 mL SN extract day−1). Lipid peroxidation, evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes activity—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)—were recorded in renal tissue after ten days of experimental treatment. The MDA level was significantly higher in the GM group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), and was significantly reduced by SN in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p = 0.021). SN extract failed to improve SOD, CAT, and GPX activity in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p > 0.05), and its action was most probably due to the ability of flavonoids (rutin, epicatechin) and ferulic and caffeic acids to inhibit synthesis and neutralize reactive species, to reduce the redox-active iron pool, and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. In this study, we propose an innovative method for counteracting GM nephrotoxicity with a high efficiency and low cost, but with the disadvantage of the multifactorial environmental variability of the content of SN extracts.
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Students in Danger: Binge Drinking Behaviour and Associated Factors in Hungary. Zdr Varst 2021; 60:244-252. [PMID: 34917193 PMCID: PMC8643116 DOI: 10.2478/sjph-2021-0033] [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: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Among young adults, high rates of binge drinking were observed in certain European countries. Binge drinking is associated with several health problems (unplanned pregnancy, HIV infections, problems with memory, and injuries). The aim of this questionnaire-based study was to measure the frequency of binge drinking and its association with sociodemographic, familial, lifestyle factors and school performance among secondary and university students (n=2449) in Csongrád County, Hungary. Methods In this cross-sectional study the students’ sociodemographic data, parents’ educational and economic level, and students’ academic performance and self-reported use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol were collected by a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were applied using SPSS 24.0 software. Results Altogether 2449 Hungarian secondary school students and university students participated in the study. Nearly one-third of the students were classified as binge drinkers, significantly more male university students. Tobacco or illicit drug use resulted in higher odds of being a binge drinker in both subgroups. Poor school performance and binge drinking were significantly correlated especially among secondary school students. Conclusions Targeting alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use together, including education, parent interventions, and public health policies, are crucial in the prevention of possible serious consequences.
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Rodríguez-Muñoz PM, Carmona-Torres JM, Rivera-Picón C, Morales-Cané I, Fabbian F, Manfredini R, Rodríguez-Borrego MA, López-Soto PJ. Risky Behaviours of Spanish University Students: Association with Mediterranean Diet, Sexual Attitude and Chronotype. Nutrients 2021; 13:4042. [PMID: 34836300 PMCID: PMC8620370 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common drugs that are consumed by young people are alcohol and tobacco, which are especially prevalent in universities. These risk behaviours can be determined by a series of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of alcohol and tobacco by Spanish university students and the relationship between the Mediterranean diet, sexual attitudes and opinions, and chronotype. A multicentre observational study enrolled 457 students from two public universities in Spain. The study period was from December 2017 to January 2018. The majority of the participants consumed alcohol (90.2%), tobacco consumption was low (27.2%), with a high percentage of students (78.6%) having a low dependence on nicotine. The surveyed students demonstrated a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which was shown to be associated with less risky alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet is a part of healthy lifestyle, and avoiding heavy drinking results in the intention to maintain such a lifestyle. In addition, unhealthy eating habits (skipping breakfast, eating sweets and pastries daily, and fast-food consumption) had a tendency to induce risky alcohol consumption. Therefore, to promote healthy lifestyle habits, it is considered important to establish programs that promote healthy diets in university settings and to evaluate them periodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Manuel Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-T.); (I.M.-C.); (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-T.); (I.M.-C.); (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Cristina Rivera-Picón
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Ignacio Morales-Cané
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-T.); (I.M.-C.); (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fabio Fabbian
- Faculty of Medicine, Surgery and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Manfredini
- Faculty of Medicine, Surgery and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (R.M.)
| | - María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-T.); (I.M.-C.); (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pablo Jesús López-Soto
- Department of Nursing, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-T.); (I.M.-C.); (M.A.R.-B.); (P.J.L.-S.)
- Department of Nursing, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Gavurova B, Ivankova V, Rigelsky M. Alcohol Use Disorders among Slovak and Czech University Students: A Closer Look at Tobacco Use, Cannabis Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11565. [PMID: 34770080 PMCID: PMC8582865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gavurova
- Center for Applied Economic Research, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Mostní 5139, 760 00 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Ivankova
- Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Rigelsky
- Faculty of Management, University of Prešov in Prešov, Konštantínova 16, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia;
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Nasui BA, Popa M, Buzoianu AD, Pop AL, Varlas VN, Armean SM, Popescu CA. Alcohol Consumption and Behavioral Consequences in Romanian Medical University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147531. [PMID: 34299980 PMCID: PMC8304642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is a major public health problem facing universities. The objectives of the present study were to investigate alcohol consumption and the behaviors associated with it among Romanian university medical students, with particular reference to sex differences, behavioral consequences, and lifestyle patterns. We performed a cross-sectional study on 722 medical students (60.4% females; 39.6% males); the participants filled out a validated questionnaire containing the following items co-occurring with alcohol consumption: smoking, illicit drug use, energy drink consumption, and other behavioral drinking consequences. Physical activity was estimated using the IPAQ questionnaire. We statistically analyzed the interrelation between alcohol consumption and target factors. The present study showed a high percentage of at-risk drinkers among male (15.0%) and female medical students (14.9%) in the studied group. Male students reported higher illicit drug use and physical activity than female students, but the at-risk female drinkers' group consumed more drugs than the low-risk female drinkers. Both male and female drinkers engaged in other risky behaviors correlated with drinking (e.g., smoking, low academic performance, and driving a car after drinking). Public health policies, strategies, and interventions should be initiated to reduce alcohol consumption and associated behaviors in medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdana Adriana Nasui
- Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.A.N.); (M.P.)
| | - Monica Popa
- Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.A.N.); (M.P.)
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.D.B.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Anca Lucia Pop
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Food Safety, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-745-009910
| | - Valentin Nicolae Varlas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 11171 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sebastian Mihai Armean
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.D.B.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Codruta Alina Popescu
- Department of Practical Abilities—Human Sciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Ramírez-Hurtado JM, Hernández-Díaz AG, López-Sánchez AD, Pérez-León VE. Measuring Online Teaching Service Quality in Higher Education in the COVID-19 Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2403. [PMID: 33804546 PMCID: PMC7967760 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of the Internet to develop new technologies has generated a considerable change in teaching and student learning in higher education. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has forced universities to switch from face-to-face to online instruction. Furthermore, this transfer process was planned and executed quickly, with urgent redesigns of courses originally conceived for live teaching. The aim of this work is to measure the service quality of online teaching delivered during the COVID-19 period. The methodology was based on an importance-performance analysis using a structural equations model. The data were obtained from a sample of 467 students attending a university in southern Spain. The results reveal five priority attributes of online teaching that need to be improved in order to enhance the service quality of the virtual instruction provided to students. Universities need to redefine their online format by integrating methodological and technological decisions and involving collaboration between teachers, students and administration staff and services. The results do not apply to educational institutions that exclusively teach courses online, but to those institutions that had to rapidly adapt, and shift course material originally designed for face-to-face training.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Ramírez-Hurtado
- Department of Economics, Quantitative Methods and Economy History, Faculty of Business, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, Km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain; (A.G.H.-D.); (A.D.L.-S.)
| | - Alfredo G. Hernández-Díaz
- Department of Economics, Quantitative Methods and Economy History, Faculty of Business, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, Km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain; (A.G.H.-D.); (A.D.L.-S.)
| | - Ana D. López-Sánchez
- Department of Economics, Quantitative Methods and Economy History, Faculty of Business, Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, Km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain; (A.G.H.-D.); (A.D.L.-S.)
| | - Víctor E. Pérez-León
- Department of Applied Economics II, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Seville, Avenida Ramón y Cajal, 1, 41018 Seville, Spain;
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