Onset of depressive symptomatology in a sample of university students

Factors influencing flu vaccination in nursing students at Palermo University

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the determinants of nursing students' compliance with flu vaccination.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous paper questionnaire was administered to students attending the 3-year nursing course at the University of Palermo. Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented.

RESULTS

403 nursing students (65% female) completed the questionnaire (response rate 98.5%). The average age of the respondents was 22.0 years (SD ± 3.04). The dependent variable: "In the next season, do you intend to be vaccinated against flu? Yes", displayed a statistically significant association with the following independent variables: "year of study: second" (aOR 2.66), "year of study: third" (aOR 1.72), "Perceived health status: medium-high" (aOR 6.61), "Did you get vaccinated against seasonal flu last year? Yes" (aOR 22.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Although nursing students are not yet health professionals, they spend part of their time in health facilities for their clinical training and will be the health workers of the future. Involving nursing students in influenza vaccination campaigns can also help them take better care of themselves and their patients.

Investigate the sexual habits of young people: a cross-sectional study among nursing students of the University of Palermo

INTRODUCTION

Sexually transmitted diseases are an emerging problem especially among young people, increasing the burden of disease in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual habits, sexual relations and knowledge of STIs among the students in the nursing science course of the University of Palermo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In April 2019, a survey was provided to students that investigate on: personal information and habits, knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, anti-HPV vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, considering it as a dependent variable "Have you occasionally had unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes", in order to evaluate the role of the variables of the questionnaire. Results are expressed as adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR).

RESULTS

405 students completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the sample is 21.65 years, 69.63% of the interviewees are women. The multivariable logistic regression shows that the risk of having occasional unprotected sex (without condom) is significantly associated with "Do you permanently have unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes" (aOR 4.46); "Have you ever received information on sex education and/or sexually transmitted diseases? No" (aOR 6.02); "Age Class <22 years old (aOR 2.03); "Number of sexual partners: As the unit increase" (aOR 1.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Too many young people receive confusing and conflicting information about relationships and sex, as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Nurses play an important role in promoting public health. The study showed that young students are not still enough sensitized on sexually transmitted infections and preconception care.(www.actabiomedica.it).

Investigate the sexual habits of young people: a cross-sectional study among nursing students of the University of Palermo

INTRODUCTION

Sexually transmitted diseases are an emerging problem especially among young people, increasing the burden of disease in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual habits, sexual relations and knowledge of STIs among the students in the nursing science course of the University of Palermo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In April 2019, a survey was provided to students that investigate on: personal information and habits, knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, anti-HPV vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, considering it as a dependent variable "Have you occasionally had unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes", in order to evaluate the role of the variables of the questionnaire. Results are expressed as adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR).

RESULTS

405 students completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the sample is 21.65 years, 69.63% of the interviewees are women. The multivariable logistic regression shows that the risk of having occasional unprotected sex (without condom) is significantly associated with "Do you permanently have unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes" (aOR 4.46); "Have you ever received information on sex education and/or sexually transmitted diseases? No" (aOR 6.02); "Age Class <22 years old (aOR 2.03); "Number of sexual partners: As the unit increase" (aOR 1.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Too many young people receive confusing and conflicting information about relationships and sex, as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Nurses play an important role in promoting public health. The study showed that young students are not still enough sensitized on sexually transmitted infections and preconception care.(www.actabiomedica.it).

Nursing students and depressive symptomatology: an observational study in University of Palermo

Purpose

Depression is a common and serious medical illness, considered as a public health issue because it interferes with the interpersonal, social and professional functioning of the individual, and its frequency is constantly increasing. According to a recent review, approximately 34 per cent of nursing students had experienced depression worldwide. The university period may represent a moment in which the mental well-being of students is subjected to stress with a relative predisposition to the development of diseases related to mood disorders. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence and examine the socio-demographic correlates of depressive symptomatology.

Design/methodology/approach

In April 2019, a questionnaire was administered to all the nursing students of University of Palermo of the three years of course, accompanied by informed consent. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. The statistical significance level chosen for all analyses was 0.05. The results were analyzed using the STATA statistical software version 14. Results are expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Findings

The sample consists of 493 students who completed the questionnaire, and the average age of the sample participants is 21.88 years. The multivariable logistic regression model shows that the risk to have depressive symptomatology is significantly associated with the following independent variables: female gender (aOR 1.91), being single (aOR 1.87), second year of study (aOR 1.94), third year of study (aOR 1.92), not performing regular physical activity (aOR 1.78) and perceived low health status (aOR 3.08).

Originality/value

This study shows that belonging to the female gender, being further along in the years of study, having a chronic illness and perceiving a low state of health are all factors that can increase the risk of developing the symptoms of depression; rather, regular physical activity, friendship and romantic relationships can be considered factors protecting them from the risk of falling into depression that can undermine both the study and work performance. Certainly, it is important to analyze all the involved variables to improve the global health not only of the nursing students but of all the students.