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Hoteit R, Bou-Hamad I, Hijazi S, Ayna D, Romani M, El Morr C. A cross-sectional study of university students' mental health and lifestyle practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302265. [PMID: 38626105 PMCID: PMC11020786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES University students are regarded as the backbone of society, and their mental health during a pandemic may have a substantial impact on their performance and life outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess university students' mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, during Lebanon's extended COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sociodemographic factors and lifestyle practices associated with it. METHODS An online anonymous survey assessed the rates of mental health problems during COVID-19, controlling for socio-demographics and other lifestyle practices, in 329 undergraduate and graduate university students. Instruments utilized were the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (21-BAI) for anxiety, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) for stress. The study employed descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models to analyze the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Results were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS Moderate to severe rates of depression, anxiety and stress among students were reported by 75.9%, 72.2%, and 89.3%, respectively. The odds of anxiety and stress were higher among women compared to men. Students who used private counseling services had higher odds of anxiety and stress than those who did not. Overall rated health was a major predictor of depression and anxiety, with the "poor" and "fair" overall-reported health groups having higher odds than the "Excellent" group. When compared to those who did not smoke, students who increased their smoking intake had higher odds of depression, anxiety and stress. Students who reduced their alcohol consumption had lower odds of anxiety compared to those who did not consume alcohol. Students who reduced their physical activity had higher odds than those who increased it. Finally, students who slept fewer than seven hours daily had higher odds of depression than those who slept seven to nine hours. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a national student mental health crisis, with exceptionally high rates of moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors such as gender, university program, overall rated health, importance of religion in daily decisions, private counseling, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sleeping, were all found to have an impact on mental health outcomes. Our study highlights the need for university administrators and mental health professionals to consider targeted mental health programming for students, particularly for women and those with poor or fair overall perceived health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Hoteit
- Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imad Bou-Hamad
- Department of Business Information and Decision Systems, Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Hijazi
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Lebanese University, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Dinah Ayna
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Romani
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christo El Morr
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada
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Halfmann M, Castioni N, Wetzel L, Koopmann A, König S, Schmieder A. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23727. [PMID: 38226267 PMCID: PMC10788433 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23727] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women. Objective To investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and physicians in their first years of practice. Design and setting An anonymous survey was carried out online between December 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the Mannheim Medical Faculty and the Würzburg Medical Faculty, Germany, after obtaining informed consent. Primary outcome measures were changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and changes in participants' current quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life BREF. Results The results show wave-like courses for perceived anxiety and burden overlapping with the course of the COVID-19 incidence. In comparison to men, women showed a significant higher increase in HADS (p = 0.005) and a reduced life quality (p = 0.007) after COVID-19. Both sexes showed different frequencies of the factors influencing quality of life, with the presence of a previous mental illness and mean anxiety having a significant higher negative impact in women. Conclusion Future and young female physicians reported a disproportionate higher burden during COVID-19 compared to their male colleges. These observations suggest an increased need for support and prevention efforts especially in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Halfmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim, Germany
- Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Noah Castioni
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim, Germany
- Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lea Wetzel
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim, Germany
- Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Koopmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim, Germany
- Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah König
- Institute for Medical Teaching and Training Research, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Schmieder
- Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Germany
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Halfmann M, Wetzel L, Castioni N, Kiefer F, König S, Schmieder A, Koopmann A. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental burden and quality of life in medical students - results of an online survey. GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 40:Doc21. [PMID: 37361244 PMCID: PMC10285365 DOI: 10.3205/zma001603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Changes in academic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are potential stressors for medical students and can make them vulnerable for the development of psychiatric disorders.Previous pandemics had a negative impairment on well-being due to social isolation and the perceived threat, an increase in fear, anger and frustration and an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder among health professionals. Therefore, this study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students' mental health and possible psychological consequences. Methods In this anonymous online survey (online 12/01/2021-03/31/2022), we examined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of 561 German medical students aged between 18 und 45 years. Perceived anxiety and burden were assessed retrospectively from spring 2020 to autumn 2021. Changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), quality of life was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF). Results Anxiety and burden showed wavelike courses with higher scores in autumn, winter and spring. The scores for depression and anxiety increased after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the time before (p<.001). Results of a multifactorial ANOVA showed, that previous psychiatric illness (p<.001), being in the first two years of studies (p=.006), higher burden (p=.013) and greater differences in symptoms of depression (p<.001) were associated with a decreased quality of life in medical students. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on mental health of medical students and their actual quality of life. Therefore, medical faculties should establish specific support to prevent the development of psychiatric sequelae probably resulting in long-term medical leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Halfmann
- Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lea Wetzel
- Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Noah Castioni
- Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah König
- University Hospital Würzburg, Institute for Medical Teaching and Medical Education Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Schmieder
- University Hospital Würzburg, Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Koopmann
- Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Feuerlein Centre on Translational Addiction Medicine (FCTS), Heidelberg, Germany
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Tomić SD, Tomić S, Malenković G, Malenković J, Šljivo A, Mujičić E. COVID-19-Related Stress, Fear and Online Teaching Satisfaction among Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:894. [PMID: 36981552 PMCID: PMC10048461 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060894] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among students, due to COVID-19-related fear and also the transition from traditional to online lectures. In this questionnaire-based study, the COVID-19 Stress Scales (CSS), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Online Teaching Satisfaction Scale were used to assess COVID-19-related fear, stress, and overall satisfaction with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing students in Serbia. A total of 167 students participated in the study, whose mean age was 21.3 ± 5.3, and the majority of whom were female and first-year students. Overall, most students experienced moderate to extremely high COVID-19-related stress levels. Overall, first-year and fourth-year students scored significantly lower regarding the Xenophobia and Traumatic stress subscales than second-year and third-year students, whereas first-year students also scored significantly lower on the Danger and Contamination subscales. First-year students experienced less COVID-19-related fear compared to senior students. Students were reasonably satisfied with online teaching. A stratified program is needed to prevent further decline of students' mental health and to improve their adaptation through public, health, and educational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja D. Tomić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Tomić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Goran Malenković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Armin Šljivo
- Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ermina Mujičić
- Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Qin B, Hu Z, Liu W, Sun Y, Wang Y, Zhang H, Yang F, He Y. Anxiety and Depression Among College Students During the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Jiangsu, China. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:711-723. [PMID: 37077533 PMCID: PMC10106787 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s404478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of home-quarantined college students to identify the risk factors for psychological distress during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods A total of 1156 college students studying in Jiangsu, China, participated from August 5 to August 14. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data anonymously, including demographic characteristics, the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a physical activity scale, and items related to COVID-19. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were employed to establish the differences in levels of anxiety and depression across sociodemographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was applied to measure the predictors of levels of anxiety and depression, and associations were considered significant at p <0.05. Results The estimates of anxiety and depression were 48.1% and 57.6%, respectively. The univariate analysis indicated a significant difference in anxiety levels across student grades, whether the student was an only child, the distance from the worst-hit areas, and physical activity/exercise intensity. Physical activity intensity and living in communities with infected people were statistically correlated with the level of depression. Binary logistic regression results indicated that the predictive factors for anxiety were living within a short distance from the worst-hit areas (10~20 km), engaging in higher education (graduate students), and low-intensity daily exercise. Factors statistically predicting depression symptoms were having siblings, a COVID-19 diagnosis in the community and low-intensity daily exercise. Conclusion During outbreaks, students in an extremely stressful state are more likely to develop anxiety and depression, particularly postgraduates. Psychological interventions to reduce fears and encourage exercise should be available to home-quarantined college students. Students who live in the worst-hit areas and are not the only child in the family should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banghui Qin
- Institute of Medical Humanities, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Hu
- Institute of Medical Humanities, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wuqianhui Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Sun
- Institute of Medical Humanities, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Institute of Medical Humanities, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Education Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan He
- Institute of Medical Humanities, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yuan He; Fan Yang, Tel +86 18651625286; +86 18936356069, Email ;
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Elshaer IA, Zayed MA. Before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Physical Fitness Association with Mental Health among Higher Education Students: A Multi-Group Analysis Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15393. [PMID: 36430110 PMCID: PMC9696341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215393] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), created a significant problem people's health around the world. The mental and physical health of entire populations has been negatively impacted due to the introduction of several restriction methods. Maintaining a specific physical activity and fitness level is crucial given the pandemic situation. The connection between physical fitness and mental health has recently received growing attention. In contrast to the message from physiological research, which lauds the general benefits of fitness for physical health, the corresponding psychological literature reveals a more complex relationship. This paper outlines the research evidence, focusing on the relationship between physical fitness and depression, anxiety, and stress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were obtained from 390 higher education students (measuring their perception before and during the pandemic). They were analyzed by a structural equation modeling multi-group analysis to detect the variance in the test relationship before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretical and empirical implications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A. Elshaer
- Management Department, College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, Al-Hassa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Zayed
- Deanship of Student Affairs, King Faisal University, Al-Hassa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Fitness, Gymnastics and Sports Show, Faculty of Physical Education Alexandria University, Alexandria 21625, Egypt
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Nuñez TR, Pallasch N, Radtke T. Students' Emotional Well-being and Academic Functioning Before, During, and After Lockdown in Germany: Cohort Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e34388. [DOI: 10.2196/34388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 lockdowns have led to social detriments and altered learning environments among university students. Recent research indicates that such ramifications may engender various impairments to students’ mental health. However, such research has major limitations, such as the lack of a prepandemic control measure, the focus on singular well-being parameters, or the investigation of only the early phases of the pandemic.
Objective
To address these research gaps, this comprehensive and nationwide study compared 3 student cohorts (aged 17-48 years) in Germany: a prepandemic cohort (January-February 2020), a postlockdown cohort (May 2020-July 2020), and an intralockdown cohort (January-February 2021) regarding students’ general emotional well-being and academic functioning. It was hypothesized that, because of rigorous lockdown-related restrictions, students in the intralockdown cohort would report diminished general emotional well-being compared with the other cohorts. Furthermore, because of ongoing remote learning since the beginning of the pandemic, it was expected that students’ academic functioning would decrease across all 3 cohorts.
Methods
The data collection was performed over 3 consecutive semesters (fall semester 2019-2020, spring semester 2020, and fall semester 2020-2021). Students were surveyed on the web on various aspects regarding their general emotional well-being (eg, stress and general well-being) and academic functioning (eg, concentration and study-related flow). Data analyses were performed using multivariate ANOVAs.
Results
A total of 787 students participated in this study. Results indicated higher general well-being in the postlockdown cohort than in the intralockdown cohort (P=.02). As for students’ academic functioning, our results revealed that students in the prepandemic cohort reported higher study-related flow (P=.007) and concentration (P=.001) than those in the intralockdown cohort. In addition, students reported higher flow (P=.04) and concentration (P=.04) in the postlockdown cohort than those in the intralockdown cohort. No cohort effects were revealed for other aspects of general emotional well-being (eg, perceived stress) and academic functioning (eg, procrastination).
Conclusions
This study indicates that students’ general emotional well-being as well as motivational and attentional components of academic functioning can be impaired owing to the COVID-19 lockdowns and ongoing remote learning formats. The necessity and design of interventional programs remedying such effects in light of the ongoing crisis need to be addressed.
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Nahar Z, Sohan M, Supti KF, Hossain MJ, Shahriar M, Bhuiyan MA, Islam MR. Prevalence and associated risk factors for mental health problems among female university students during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study findings from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10890. [PMID: 36217458 PMCID: PMC9534543 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected the physical and mental health of people at all levels worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors for mental health problems among female university students in the urban area of Bangladesh. We conducted this online cross-sectional study among 451 female university students. Here we assessed the symptomatic prevalence of common mental health problems among the participants. The prevalence rate of loneliness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among female university students in Bangladesh was 55.88%, 69.18%, and 45.23%, respectively. Also, we noticed that mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of loneliness, generalized anxiety, and depression were 36.90%, 40.48%, and 22.62%; 48.08%, 22.44%, and 29.48%; and 37.31%, 26.87%, and 35.52%; respectively. According to the present study results, marital status, financial condition, education level, and family structure (nuclear/joint) are potential contributing factors to mental health problems among female university students living in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the academic performance and emotional well-being of students in Bangladesh. Also, the closure of university classes for a long time in Bangladesh was responsible for the poor mental health of students. Promoting good mental health has become a vital public health concern during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Female university students residing in urban areas in Bangladesh are more prone to developing mental health problems during any crisis. Therefore, the healthcare authorities of Bangladesh should promote the good mental health of students during and after the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in touch with students to support them psychologically and mentally during the pandemic is crucial for promoting their good mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabun Nahar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sohan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Kaniz Farzana Supti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Shahriar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh,Corresponding author.
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Supke M, Hahlweg K, Kelani K, Muschalla B, Schulz W. Mental health, partnerships, and sexual behavior of German university students after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36125795 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2119398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the state of mental health, partnerships, and sexual activity of German university students after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: In June and July 2021, 928 students (23.6 years; 63.5% female) from four universities in Germany participated in an online survey that assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as data on partnerships and sexuality. Results: Of the students, 56.4% were above the cutoff for clinically relevant depressive symptoms and 35.7% were above the cutoff for clinically relevant anxiety symptoms. Female gender, higher academic-related stress, lower financial resources, higher strain due to COVID-19, and more loneliness were associated with more severe symptoms. A quarter of the students each reported an improvement or deterioration in their partnerships. Conclusions: Student mental health appears to be worse compared to pre-pandemic and first wave data. It should be examined whether symptoms decrease when universities reopen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Supke
- Institut für Psychologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kurt Hahlweg
- Institut für Psychologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Krenare Kelani
- Institut für Psychologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Beate Muschalla
- Institut für Psychologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schulz
- Institut für Psychologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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Iftikhar S, Perceval G, Fu Y, Zhou C, Cao Y. Prevalence of mental health problems among stranded international students during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:211. [PMID: 36057725 PMCID: PMC9440457 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00917-2] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread fast throughout China and the rest of the world, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many countries have implemented travel bans, lockdowns, and stay-at-home policies to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of mental health problems among international students stranded outside of China during the pandemic. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted among non-Chinese international students enrolled at Chinese universities who were stranded in their home countries. The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Following informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured guide. Two independent investigators transcribed and coded the interview data. The investigators established themes after going through a detailed discussion. RESULTS Participants reported several mental health risk factors, such as a rise in hopelessness and level of uncertainty, worry, lost interest and focus, lack of support, unemployment and financial hardships, social pressure, behavioral and mood changes, sleep disorder, and increased smoking. These mental health problems will affect the concentration and deep learning, thereby increasing academic stress. In addition, we found that the outbreak of the delta-variant led to a further increase in these mental health risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic scenario, along with international travel restrictions, increased the likelihood of mental health problems among stranded international students. Thus, preventing further rises in mental health disorders and reducing the effects of pandemic-related measures on stranded international students, such as researchers and policymakers can mitigate the pandemic's effects and achieve national or international health and educational goals. Adequate intervention for this group is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shandana Iftikhar
- School of Education, Soochow University, Room No. 5627, Building 1005, Dushu lake campus, Suzhou, China
| | - Garon Perceval
- School of Education, Soochow University, Room No. 5627, Building 1005, Dushu lake campus, Suzhou, China.,UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Yining Fu
- School of Education, Soochow University, Room No. 5627, Building 1005, Dushu lake campus, Suzhou, China.
| | - Chuan Zhou
- School of Education, Soochow University, Room No. 5627, Building 1005, Dushu lake campus, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongguo Cao
- School of Education, Soochow University, Room No. 5627, Building 1005, Dushu lake campus, Suzhou, China
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Lifestyle, Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of Medical Students of Wroclaw Medical University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127507. [PMID: 35742755 PMCID: PMC9223718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The new disease COVID-19, induced by SARS-CoV-2, causes acute respiratory infection. Many countries, including Poland, began to set a variety of different restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. Most students had problems with online lessons. The study was conducted among second year medicine students of the Medical University of Wroclaw, and after the entire process of verification 200 respondents were accepted. The research consisted of completing the same anonymous online questionnaires twice in March and October 2020. This finally allowed for a critical assessment of the impact of the pandemic and its restrictions on the students’ daily lives. During the online classes, low levels of physical activity persisted (p = 0.718), whereas time spent sitting increased (p < 0.001). Despite positive changes in declared snacking (p = 0.061), we observed significant drops in the index of healthy diet (p = 0.001) and nutritional knowledge (p < 0.001) as well as an increase in the consumption of fast-food (p < 0.001) and energy drinks (p = 0.019). Reduced nutritional knowledge can cause a decrease in attention to healthy food preparation and much more frequent consumption of fast-food.
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Is Lower Trust in COVID-19 Regulations Associated with Academic Frustration? A Comparison between Danish and German University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031748. [PMID: 35162771 PMCID: PMC8835622 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the proximity of both countries, Danes and Germans differ in the level of trust in their government. This may play a role with respect to the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students. This study investigated the association between trust in governmental regulations, trust in university regulations, risk perceptions, and academic frustration among Danish and German students. As part of the COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study, an online survey was distributed among university students in participating European and non-European universities. In Denmark, 2945 students and Germany, 8725 students responded to the questionnaire between May and July 2020. Students from both countries reported approximately the same level of academic frustration concerning their progress and quality of education. However, German students perceived a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 compared to Danish respondents. Danish students showed higher trust in their government’s COVID-19 regulations than German students. Lower trust in government and university COVID-19 regulations and higher risk perception were associated with higher academic frustration. These results indicate that the level of trust in COVID-19 regulations might have an impact the overall frustration of students regarding their study conditions.
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13
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on European Students' Negative Emotional Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 12:bs12010003. [PMID: 35049614 PMCID: PMC8772797 DOI: 10.3390/bs12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable changes to higher education approaches, as a response to the global coronavirus pandemic, has increased the stress on university students. The impact of these changes has had an effect on the negative emotional symptoms being experienced, which can lead to more severe mental health issues. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress during the coronavirus lockdown. A systematic review of three electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed and Medline) was conducted, with 13 studies from different European countries reporting data on students and their negative emotional symptoms identified. The random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis on anxiety, depression and stress. The overall pooled prevalence rate was 55% (95% CI: 45–64%) for anxiety, 63% (95% CI: 52–73%) for depression and 62% (95% CI: 43–79%) for stress. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on negative emotional symptoms has been serious with studies reporting high prevalence rates for these. Isolation, reduced social contact, duration of quarantine and restrictions, which are the characteristics of a lockdown, played an important role in increased negative emotional symptoms for students. Countries have to be aware of this situation and develop mental support strategies to mitigate the impact.
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Ochnik D, Rogowska AM, Kuśnierz C, Jakubiak M, Schütz A, Held MJ, Arzenšek A, Benatov J, Berger R, Korchagina EV, Pavlova I, Blažková I, Aslan I, Çınar O, Cuero-Acosta YA. Mental health prevalence and predictors among university students in nine countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-national study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18644. [PMID: 34545120 PMCID: PMC8452732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The student population has been highly vulnerable to the risk of mental health deterioration during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence and predictors of mental health among students in Poland, Slovenia, Czechia, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Israel, and Colombia in a socioeconomic context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted among 2349 students (69% women) from May-July 2020. Data were collected by means of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Gender Inequality Index (GII), Standard & Poor's Global Ratings, the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), and a sociodemographic survey. Descriptive statistics and Bayesian multilevel skew-normal regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of high stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms in the total sample was 61.30%, 40.3%, and 30%, respectively. The multilevel Bayesian model showed that female sex was a credible predictor of PSS-10, GAD-7, and PHQ-8 scores. In addition, place of residence (town) and educational level (first-cycle studies) were risk factors for the PHQ-8. This study showed that mental health issues are alarming in the student population. Regular psychological support should be provided to students by universities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Ochnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, 40-555, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Cezary Kuśnierz
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Monika Jakubiak
- Faculty of Economics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| | - Astrid Schütz
- Department of Psychology, University of Bamberg, 96047, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Marco J Held
- Department of Psychology, University of Bamberg, 96047, Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Ana Arzenšek
- Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, 6101, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Joy Benatov
- Department of Special Education, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Berger
- The Center for Compassionate Mindful Education, 69106, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elena V Korchagina
- Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia
| | - Iuliia Pavlova
- Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Culture, Lviv State University of Physical Culture, Lviv, 79007, Ukraine
| | - Ivana Blažková
- Department of Regional and Business Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, 613 00, Czech Republic
| | - Imran Aslan
- Health Management Department, Bingöl University, Bingöl, 12000, Turkey
| | - Orhan Çınar
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, 25240, Turkey
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, 04000, Turkey
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15
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Rivera PA, Nys BL, Fiestas F. Impact of COVID-19 induced lockdown on physical activity and sedentary behavior among university students: A systematic review. Medwave 2021; 21:e8456. [PMID: 34487515 DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2021.08.8456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has entailed a significant socio-economic impact on various layers of the population. In many countries, attempts to control viral dissemination involved lockdown measures that limited citizens' overall mobility and professional and leisure activities. Objective This systematic review investigates the impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on university student physical activity and sedentary behav-ior, as these relate to physical and mental well-being. Methods Data was collected through PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, and APA PsycInfo databases until January 2021. Results Seven studies conducted in five different countries (United States, Spain, Italy, China, and United Kingdom) were included in the final review. Overall, most studies reported a significant decrease in mild physical activity (i.e., walking) among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Consistently, most studies reported a significant increase in sedentary time (i.e., sitting time on weekdays) in undergraduate students but not in graduate students. We observed that students who were more sedentary previous to lockdown, increased or did not change their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. In contrast, those who were less sedentary previous to lockdown decreased their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. Conclusions COVID 19 induced lockdowns appear to have negatively affected walking and sedentary behavior among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behavior among university students to improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Andrea Rivera
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo, Peru. ORCID: 0000-0002-3517-4313
| | - Bojan Luc Nys
- Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. ORCID: 0000-0002-7289-618X
| | - Fabián Fiestas
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo, Peru. ORCID: 0000-0002-9158-443X
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Chwałczyńska A, Andrzejewski W. Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7801. [PMID: 34360094 PMCID: PMC8345687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020-February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Chwałczyńska
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Waldemar Andrzejewski
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
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Voltmer E, Köslich-Strumann S, Walther A, Kasem M, Obst K, Kötter T. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, mental health and coping behavior in German University students - a longitudinal study before and after the onset of the pandemic. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1385. [PMID: 34256717 PMCID: PMC8275908 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to massive restrictions in public and private lives, including a shut-down of face-to-face teaching at universities in Germany. We aimed to examine the impact of these changes on perceived stress, mental health and (study-)related health behavior of students in a longitudinal study. METHODS For two timepoints - the year before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019, n = 1377) and the year during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020, n = 1867) - we surveyed students of all faculties at one German university for perceptions and preventive behavior regarding the COVID-19 pandemic using standard instruments for stress, anxiety, depression, and behavior and experience patterns. RESULTS About 90% of students (n = 1633) in 2020 did not have a known contact infected with SARS-CoV-2, while 180 (9.8%) did have one. Only 10 respondents (0.5%) reported an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Wearing masks and washing hands more often were practiced by ≥80% of students. Taking more care about cleanliness (51.8%) and using disinfectants (39.2%) were practiced much less. A higher percentage of female compared with male students and medical/health science students compared with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students engaged more frequently in specific or nonspecific preventive measures. More than three quarters (77.1%) of all students rated their general health as (very) good. There were no significant differences in general health, stress, and depression between 2019 and 2020 in the students who responded at both timepoints. The distribution of behavior and experience patterns for this group showed a slight but significant difference from 2019 to 2020, namely decreasing proportions of students with a healthy pattern and a risk pattern for overexertion. Students with different behavior and experience patterns showed marked differences in perceptions and reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as psychosocial stress and symptoms, with higher scores for mental health symptoms and lower scores in preventive behavior regarding risk patterns. CONCLUSION Despite massive alterations to students' lives in 2020, there were only moderate consequences for mental health compared with 2019 in the total student group of this German university. However, identifying students at risk would offer opportunities to foster mental health in relevant subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Voltmer
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Susen Köslich-Strumann
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anna Walther
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Kasem
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katrin Obst
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Kötter
- Institute of Family Medicine, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
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Kühne F, Maaß U, Stephan I, Weck F. Ist der Einsatz simulierter Patient_innen zum Erwerb psychotherapeutischer Fertigkeiten praktikabel? ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Da der Kompetenzerwerb in der Psychotherapieausbildung maßgeblich durch Üben und systematisches Feedback bestimmt wird, wurde eine Online-Lehrveranstaltung entwickelt, in der erfahrungsbasiertes Lernen mit Simulationspatient_innen (SP) und strukturiertes Feedback kombiniert wurden. Fragestellung: Ziel der Studie war die qualitative und quantitative Evaluation der Lehrveranstaltung. Methode: Zunächst wurden halbstandardisierte Interviews mit Seminarteilnehmer_innen, SP und der Supervisorin durchgeführt und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Außerdem wurden die Gesprächsführungsfertigkeiten der Student_innen (aus Sicht einer Supervisorin) und die therapeutische Selbstwirksamkeit (Selbstbeurteilung) im Seminarverlauf erhoben. Ergebnisse: Zwischen N = 13 und 15 Masterstudent_innen der Klinischen Psychologie, die beiden SP und die Supervisorin nahmen an Begleitstudie und Interviews teil. Die Student_innen schätzten v. a. den Praxisbezug des Seminars, wünschten sich mehr Interaktionen mit SP und noch häufigeres Feedback. Das Onlineformat wurde als Übergangslösung wahrgenommen. Gesprächsführungsfertigkeiten und therapeutische Selbstwirksamkeit nahmen signifikant zu. Schlussfolgerungen: Erfahrungsbasiertes Lernen kann mit SP und Feedback praktikabel umgesetzt werden, allerdings sollten Präsenzrollenspiele zumindest ergänzend angeboten werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Kühne
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Ulrike Maaß
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Isabell Stephan
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Florian Weck
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
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Talapko J, Perić I, Vulić P, Pustijanac E, Jukić M, Bekić S, Meštrović T, Škrlec I. Mental Health and Physical Activity in Health-Related University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9070801. [PMID: 34202384 PMCID: PMC8304952 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students' physical activity levels may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and physical activity among health-related students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The study included 823 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire for Physical Activity (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as physical activity. Two-thirds (59.2%) of students in health-related fields were insufficiently active, while the prevalence of depression (50.8%), anxiety (50.9%), and stress (49.9%) symptoms were high. Also, female respondents had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their male counterparts. Graduate students had higher levels of all three negative emotional states, but only anxiety levels were significant. This study shows that students in health-related fields had reduced physical activity and a high prevalence of negative emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to control and support students' mental health, especially in more affected female individuals, in order to reduce the pandemic's negative impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (J.T.); (I.P.); (P.V.)
| | - Ivan Perić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (J.T.); (I.P.); (P.V.)
| | - Patricia Vulić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (J.T.); (I.P.); (P.V.)
| | - Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, HR-52100 Pula, Croatia;
| | - Melita Jukić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.J.); (S.B.)
- General Hospital Vukovar, Županijska 35, HR-32000 Vukovar, Croatia
| | - Sanja Bekić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.J.); (S.B.)
- Family Medicine Practice, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, HR-42000 Varaždin, Croatia;
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (J.T.); (I.P.); (P.V.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Morales-Rodríguez FM, Martínez-Ramón JP, Méndez I, Ruiz-Esteban C. Stress, Coping, and Resilience Before and After COVID-19: A Predictive Model Based on Artificial Intelligence in the University Environment. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647964. [PMID: 34017287 PMCID: PMC8129547 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 global health emergency has greatly impacted the educational field. Faced with unprecedented stress situations, professors, students, and families have employed various coping and resilience strategies throughout the confinement period. High and persistent stress levels are associated with other pathologies; hence, their detection and prevention are needed. Consequently, this study aimed to design a predictive model of stress in the educational field based on artificial intelligence that included certain sociodemographic variables, coping strategies, and resilience capacity, and to study the relationship between them. The non-probabilistic snowball sampling method was used, involving 337 people (73% women) from the university education community in south-eastern Spain. The Perceived Stress Scale, Stress Management Questionnaire, and Brief Resilience Scale were administered. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 24) was used to design the architecture of artificial neural networks. The results found that stress levels could be predicted by the synaptic weights of coping strategies and timing of the epidemic (before and after the implementation of isolation measures), with a predictive capacity of over 80% found in the neural network model. Additionally, direct and significant associations were identified between the use of certain coping strategies, stress levels, and resilience. The conclusions of this research are essential for effective stress detection, and therefore, early intervention in the field of educational psychology, by discussing the influence of resilience or lack thereof on the prediction of stress levels. Identifying the variables that maintain a greater predictive power in stress levels is an effective strategy to design more adjusted prevention programs and to anticipate the needs of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Pedro Martínez-Ramón
- Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Méndez
- Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Ruiz-Esteban
- Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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21
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Stockwell S, Trott M, Tully M, Shin J, Barnett Y, Butler L, McDermott D, Schuch F, Smith L. Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e000960. [PMID: 34192010 PMCID: PMC7852071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 581] [Impact Index Per Article: 193.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In March 2020, several countries banned unnecessary outdoor activities during COVID-19, commonly called 'lockdowns. These lockdowns have the potential to impact associated levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Given the numerous health outcomes associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviour, the aim of this review was to summarise literature that investigated differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before vs during the COVID-19 lockdown. DESIGN DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Electronic databases were searched from November 2019 to October 2020 using terms and synonyms relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and COVID-19. The coprimary outcomes were changes in physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour captured via device-based measures or self-report tools. Risk of bias was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Sixty six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review (total n=86 981). Changes in physical activity were reported in 64 studies, with the majority of studies reporting decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behaviours during their respective lockdowns across several populations, including children and patients with a variety of medical conditions. CONCLUSION Given the numerous physical and mental benefits of increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behaviour, public health strategies should include the creation and implementation of interventions that promote safe physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour should other lockdowns occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Stockwell
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mike Trott
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Tully
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, UK
| | - Jae Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yvonne Barnett
- Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurie Butler
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daragh McDermott
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Felipe Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Lee Smith
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, UK
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22
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Negash S, Kartschmit N, Mikolajczyk RT, Watzke S, Matos Fialho PM, Pischke CR, Busse H, Helmer SM, Stock C, Zeeb H, Wendt C, Niephaus Y, Schmidt-Pokrzywniak A. Worsened Financial Situation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Was Associated With Depressive Symptomatology Among University Students in Germany: Results of the COVID-19 International Student Well-Being Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:743158. [PMID: 34975561 PMCID: PMC8716444 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.743158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous findings suggest that university students are at an elevated risk to experience financial hardship and to suffer from depressive symptoms. This vulnerability may have substantially increased during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic which might have affected students' socio-economic situation but possibly also their mental well-being. We examined whether the financial situation changed during the COVID-19 pandemic among German university students, and whether changes were associated with mental well-being. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in May and July 2020 at five German universities. Participants were asked, if they had sufficient financial resources to cover monthly expenses before and during the pandemic. The answer options were dichotomized into worsened and no change/better financial situation compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the CES-D 8 scale. For examining associations between sociodemographic, study-related, and financial factors and "worsened financial situation," we ran a generalized linear mixed model. To assess associations between depressive symptoms and worsened financial situation, we performed a linear mixed model. Results: We included 7,199 participants in the analyses (69% female, 30% male, 1% diverse, mean age: 24 years, standard deviation: 4.7). Overall, 25% of the participants reported to have a worsened financial situation at the time of the survey than in the time before COVID-19. Factors associated with a worsened financial situation were migration background, parents not being academics, not being able to borrow money, and payment of tuition fee by student and loan [odds ratios (OR) ranging from 1.20 to 2.35]. Factors associated with lower odds were: being single, living with others, studying a health-related field, being enrolled in a doctoral/Ph.D. or state exam program, and publicly funded tuition/tuition paid with a scholarship (OR ranging from 0.42 to 0.80). A worsened financial situation was associated with 1.02 points more on the CES-D 8 scale (95% CI: 0.80-1.24). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the pandemic put a number of students under financial strain with detrimental consequences for their mental well-being. Renewed attention must be paid to this vulnerable group to prevent the potentially damaging effects on their 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
| | - Nadja Kartschmit
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael T 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
| | - Stefan Watzke
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Halle-Saale, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Paula Mayara Matos Fialho
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia R Pischke
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Heide Busse
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz-Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Helmer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz-Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Claus Wendt
- Department of Social Sciences, University Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Yasemin Niephaus
- Department of Social Sciences, University Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmidt-Pokrzywniak
- 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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