Survey of the effects of internet usage on the happiness of Japanese university students

Orthorexia symptoms and disordered eating behaviors in young women with cancer

OBJECTIVE

A cancer diagnosis can motivate people to modify behaviors believed to influence prognosis or recurrence risk, including their eating habits. Orthorexia is a type of disordered eating that involves an extreme fixation on healthy eating. The current study examined: 1) the presence of orthorexia symptoms and disordered eating behavior in young adult women with cancer; 2) factors associated with orthorexia and disordered eating behaviors; and 3) the type and frequency of eating behavior changes made following cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Young adult women with cancer participated in an online survey. The Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale measured orthorexia symptoms and the Eating Habits Questionnaire assessed disordered eating behaviors. Fear of cancer recurrence, body image satisfaction, intolerance of uncertainty, internet use, and eating habit changes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of participants (N = 93), 36.7 % scored in the clinical range for orthorexia symptoms. A greater perceived knowledge of nutrition was related to higher cancer-related body image dissatisfaction (p = .03) and more years of education (p = .001). Approaching statistical significance (p = .05) were a positive correlation between intolerance of uncertainty and orthorexia symptom severity, a positive correlation between fear of cancer recurrence and problems associated with eating habits, and a negative correlation between internet use and positive emotions associated with healthy eating habits. Overall, 44.1 % of young adult women changed their eating habits since their cancer diagnosis and 69.9 % intended to in the next year.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adult women with cancer show elevated orthorexia symptoms and disordered eating behaviors, which are associated with potentially modifiable psychosocial factors.

Internet gaming disorder and its correlates among university students, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Over-indulgence in online/offline video games could result in the development of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Knowledge of the prevalence and correlates of IGD may help to understand its etiology. The aim of the present study was to estimate IGD and its psychological/game-related correlates in Saudi university students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, 843 students registered in a university in Saudi Arabia filled an online survey comprising diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), hospital anxiety and depression scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, social phobia inventory scale, satisfaction with life scale, and subjective happiness (SH) scale. For data analysis, an independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient/Chi-square test, and multiple linear regression followed by hierarchical regressions were used.

RESULTS

The frequency of IGD was 21.5%. Total game time/day, years of playing games, and social phobia were significantly higher in subjects with IGD (P = 0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively), whereas SH was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Tendency to IGD had a significant positive correlation with social phobia, total game time/day, and years of playing games and a negative correlation with SH. Total game time/day, years of playing games, and social phobia were significant positive predictors of tendency to IGD, whereas SH was a negative predictor. The rest of all variables were insignificant predictors.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of IGD in Saudi university students identified by DSM-5 criteria was relatively high (21.5%). The prediction of the severity of IGD could be based on social phobia, total game time/day, number of years of playing games, and SH.

Social networks and internet emotional relationships on mental health and quality of life in students: structural equation modelling

BACKGROUND

Social networks and relationships create a sense of belonging and social identity; hence, can affect mental health and the quality of life, especially in young people. The present study was conducted to determine the predicting role of social networks and internet emotional relationships on students' mental health and quality of life.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 350 students at Alborz University of Medical Sciences selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using five questionnaires: socioeconomic status, social networks, internet emotional relationships, stress, anxiety, depression scale (DASS-21), quality of life, and a checklist of demographic details. Data were analyzed in SPSS-25, PLS-3, and Lisrel-8.8.

RESULTS

According to the path analysis, the DASS-21 score had the most significant positive causal association with internet emotional relationships in the direct path (B = 0.22) and the most negative association with socioeconomic status (B = - 0.09). Quality of life had the highest negative causal association with the DASS-21 score in the direct path (B = - 0.26) and the highest positive association with socioeconomic status in the indirect path (B = 0.02). The mean duration of using social networks (B ≈ - 0.07) and internet emotional relationships (B ≈ - 0.09) had the highest negative association with quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The use of the internet and virtual networks, internet emotional relationships, and unfavorable socioeconomic status were associated with higher DASS-21 scores and reduced quality of life in the students. Since students are the future of countries, it is necessary for policymakers to further address this group and their concerns.

Harmony and Aversion in the Face of a Pandemic 1

While the survival function of culture against infectious disease has been investigated, little is known about its psychological processes under the real‐world threat of infection. Here, we compare the subjective COVID‐19‐related symptoms of Japanese and French adults during the spring of 2021. We tested two regression models describing the downregulation of symptoms by germ aversion, and by interdependent happiness, together with relational mobility and demographics. We regard germ aversion as an individualized fending‐off process marked by discomfort with the general other in the face of possible infection. We regard interdependent happiness as a relational safeguarding process against possible infection. Results suggest that the effect of germ aversion differed across nations, negatively explaining symptoms in Japan but not in France, and that the effect of interdependent happiness was shared. A possible psychological mechanism whereby collectivist culture suppresses infection in the face of the pandemic is discussed.

Investigating the Relationships between COVID-19 Quality of Life, Loneliness, Happiness, and Internet Addiction among K-12 Teachers and School Administrators-A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

It is well acknowledged that the roles of both school administrators and teachers have changed due to the global education crisis caused by COVID-19. During this challenging and critical period, it is essential to investigate how those working in the education sector who undertake strategic tasks for sustainable education are affected by the new conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the interrelationships between COVID-19 quality of life, loneliness, happiness, and Internet addiction. The research was designed according to the relational survey model, was conducted with 432 school administrators and teachers working in K-12 schools. The research data was collected through online questionnaires, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test and analyze proposed hypotheses. The study’s results revealed a positive relationship between the COVID-19 related quality of life and loneliness, and that loneliness significantly positively predicts Internet addiction. In this context, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the life quality, the participants’ loneliness levels significantly increased, and this increase in loneliness caused them to become addicted to using the Internet. Interestingly, it was also determined that a positive relationship exists between loneliness and happiness and that as the loneliness of individuals increased, their level of happiness also increased. In many studies conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a negative relationship was revealed between loneliness and happiness. In the current study conducted during the pandemic, the relationship between the two variables was positive. SEM results revealed that COVID-19 directly affects the quality of life, Internet addiction, loneliness, and happiness of school administrators and teachers. Furthermore, it was determined that Internet addiction indirectly affects the relationship between loneliness and happiness.

Internet use and health in higher education students: a scoping review

The amount of time spent online has increased over the last decade among higher education students. Students engage in online activities related to studies, work, leisure, entertainment and electronic services (e-services) use. The Internet is also used for health-related matters. The increase in the use of the Internet has influenced students' health, especially mental and physical health and well-being. This scoping review scrutinizes the literature between 2015 and 2020 (N = 55) on the association between Internet use and health in higher education students. A methodological framework, outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, was applied to conduct this review. Systematic searches were carried out in the CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases and in the available grey literature. For the data, a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke was utilized. Two major themes of 'Health-promoting Internet use' and 'Health-threatening Internet use' emerged and are described in this review.

Influence of Social Media Use on Practice of COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Ethiopian Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a severe public health issue worldwide. A broad amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by social media in Ethiopia. To date, there is limited evidence on the influence of social media use for COVID-19-related information on COVID-19 preventive practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of social media use on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This study used an anonymous Internet-based online cross-sectional survey using Google Forms to collect the data from the respondents from May 15 to June 17, 2020, in Ethiopia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between social media use as a predictor and COVID-19 preventive practice, after adjusting for socio-demographic and risk perception of COVID-19 variables. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

RESULTS

A total of 372 respondents have participated in the study. From 372, a total of 208 (55.9%) respondents in this study were male. Study participants who had good use of social media to get COVID-19-related information were 9.5 times more engaged in COVID-19 preventive practices compared with study participants who had poor use of social media to get COVID-19-related information (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 9.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.70-16.13). Also, study participants who had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 were 2.6 times more engaged in COVID-19 practices compared with study participants who had a low-risk perception of COVID-19 (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.58-4.38). Study participants who were students at the time of this study were 4 times more likely to show an adequate COVID-19 preventive practice score compared with those who had another occupational status (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.66-9.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the use of social media networks can have a positive effect on the practice of preventive measures and public safety against COVID-19; high-risk perception contributed to preventive activities against COVID-19. Social networking platforms can be used by public health agencies as an important method to raise public health understanding by disseminating concise messages to targeted audiences.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction during the COVID-19 Outbreak and Its Risk Factors among Junior High School Students in Taiwan

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly disrupted normal activities globally. During this epidemic, people around the world were expected to encounter several mental health challenges. In particular, Internet addiction may become a serious issue among teens. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of Internet addiction and identify the psychosocial risk factors during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study was constructed using a cross-sectional design with 1060 participants recruited from among junior high school students around Taiwan using stratified and cluster sampling methods. Taiwan's first COVID-19 case was diagnosed on 28 January 2020. New cases exploded rapidly in February, and as a result, participants were surveyed during March 2 through 27 March 2020. The prevalence of Internet addiction was found to be 24.4% during this period. High impulsivity, high virtual social support, older in age, low subjective well-being, low family function, and high alexithymia was all independently predictive in the forward logistic regression analyses. The prevalence rate of Internet addiction was high among junior high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Results from this study can be used to help mental health organizations and educational agencies design programs that will help prevent Internet addiction in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influence of Mass and Social Media on Psychobehavioral Responses Among Medical Students During the Downward Trend of COVID-19 in Fujian, China: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

An extensive amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by mass and social media in China. To date, there is limited evidence on how this infodemic may influence psychobehavioral responses to the crisis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the psychobehavioral responses to the COVID-19 outbreak and examine their associations with mass and social media exposure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study among medical and health sciences students from the Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou, China, was conducted between April 6-22, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 2086 completed responses were received. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that four constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM)-higher perception of susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; 95% CI 1.07-1.94), severity (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.10-1.59), self-efficacy (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.21-2.15), and perceived control or intention to carry out prevention measures (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09-1.59)-were significantly associated with a higher mass media exposure score, whereas only three constructs-higher perception of severity (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.19-1.72), self-efficacy (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.38-2.48), and perceived control or intention to carry out prevention measures (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.08-1.58)-were significantly associated with a higher social media exposure score. Lower emotional consequences and barriers to carry out prevention measures were also significantly associated with greater mass and social media exposure. Our findings on anxiety levels revealed that 38.1% (n=795; 95% CI 36.0-40.2) of respondents reported moderate-to-severe anxiety. A lower anxiety level was significantly associated with higher mass and social media exposure in the univariable analyses; however, the associations were not significant in the multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In essence, both mass and social media are useful means of disseminating health messages and contribute to the betterment of psychobehavioral responses to COVID-19. Our findings stress the importance of the credibility of information shared through mass and social media outlets and viable strategies to counter misinformation during a pandemic.

Relationships between internet use, deliberate self-harm, and happiness in adolescents: A Taiwan birth cohort pilot study

The potential risk of internet use on adolescents' self-harm is a major concern. Vulnerable adolescents who are susceptible to bullying are also susceptible to the negative influence of the internet. In this study, the pathway associations were investigated between the risk factors of deliberate self-harm, experience of being bullied, internet use, and protective factors of maternal monitoring on perceived happiness of 12- and 13-year-old adolescents in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Pilot Study dataset (n = 1,457). The Chinese Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used to measure the adolescents' self-perceived levels of happiness, in two dimensions of social adaptation status and psychological well-being. Our results show that 354 (24.3%) of the 12-year-olds reported having been bullied, and 289 (19.8%) of the 13-year-olds reported this. Seventy-nine (5.4%) of 13-year-olds reported deliberate self-harm in the past year. Results of a structural equation model showed that those who had been bullied at age 12 years were at greater risk of deliberate self-harm at age 13 years. A negative association was found between duration of internet use and perceived level of happiness. Adolescents who spent >5 h online during days off school were at higher risk of deliberate self-harm, and perceived a lower level of happiness. Therefore, spending >5 h online during days off school could be used as an indicator in future preventive action programs to screen out those at a high risk of excessive internet use, deliberate self-harm, and psychological well-being and social adjustment issues.

Association between Sleep Quality and Duration and Periodontal Disease among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and duration, and periodontal disease among a group of young Japanese university students. First-year students (n = 1934) at Okayama University who voluntarily underwent oral health examinations were included in the analysis. Sleep quality and duration were assessed by the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Dentists examined Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), probing pocket depth (PPD), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontal disease was defined as presence of PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP ≥ 30%. Overall, 283 (14.6%) students had periodontal disease. Poor sleep quality was observed among 372 (19.2%) students. Mean (± standard deviation) sleep duration was 7.1 ± 1.1 (hours/night). In the logistic regression analysis, periodontal disease was significantly associated with OHI-S (odds ratio [OR]: 2.30, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.83–2.90; p < 0.001), but not sleep quality (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79–1.53; p = 0.577) or sleep duration (OR: 0.98, CI: 0.87–1.10; p = 0.717). In conclusion, sleep quality and duration were not associated with periodontal disease among this group of young Japanese university students.

Insomnia in Chinese College Students With Internet Addiction: Prevalence and Associated Clinical Correlates

Background: Internet addiction (IA) has gained more and more attention for its negative impact on the subjects' study and daily life. However, in a large sample, there is little research on the association between IA and insomnia in Chinese college students. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia and its related risk factors among Chinese college students with IA. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to investigate 627 Chinese college students with IA. Each student completed a survey on demographic data, Internet addiction (Revised Chinese Internet Addiction Scale), depression (Self-Rating Depression Scale), insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale), anxiety (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale), and suicidal behavior. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to adjust for confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of insomnia among students with IA was 54.86%. Compared with IA students without insomnia, IA students with insomnia were more likely to be younger, smoking, drinking, have anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, suicide plans, and suicide attempts (all p < 0.05). Moreover, drinking [OR, 1.664; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.139-2.431; p = 0.008], anxiety (OR, 2.321; 95% CI, 1.116-4.826; p = 0.024), and suicidal ideation (OR, 1.942; 95% CI:1.295-2.911; p = 0.001) were independently associated with insomnia in IA students. Conclusions: Insomnia is very common in Chinese IA students. Drinking, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are independently correlated with insomnia. This study provides valuable evidence for school counselors and clinical professionals to assess Internet addiction, insomnia, and suicide risk.