E-cigarette use reasons and associated e-cigarette use dependence among college students: A longitudinal examination

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have established an understanding of reasons for e-cigarette use and associated e-cigarette use patterns such as use frequency, yet the critical extension to associated e-cigarette dependence outcome remains under-researched. This study used longitudinal data to examine whether the reasons for e-cigarette use predict a higher/lower level of e-cigarette dependence.

METHODS

This study recruited college students who were current e-cigarette users from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 (four semesters) at three public universities in the Midwest and South of the U.S. Those who participated for at least two semesters were included (N = 366). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. E-cigarette use dependence was assessed using the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index. A linear mixed model with a random intercept and a random slope was conducted to examine the longitudinal association between reasons for e-cigarette use and dependence, controlling for demographics and other covariates.

RESULTS

Participants who used e-cigarettes for relaxation (β = 0.63, p < 0.05) and due to their good taste (β = 0.63, p < 0.05) had a higher level of e-cigarette dependence. Participants using e-cigarettes for experimental purposes had a lower level of e-cigarette dependence (β = -1.21, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of addressing e-cigarette use reasons and their relationship to e-cigarette dependence. Prevention and intervention efforts aimed at developing more effective strategies should consider the various e-cigarette use reasons associated with dependence risks, such as enhancing awareness of the use dependence risk related to good taste of e-cigarettes and use for relaxation, as well as incorporating early screenings for use.

The relationship between exercise commitment and college students' exercise adherence: The chained mediating role of exercise atmosphere and exercise self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying exercise commitment, exercise atmosphere, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise adherence among college students, as well as the impact of gender differences on these mechanisms.

METHODS

Using a stratified cluster sampling method, 984 college students (aged 19.74 ± 1.25 years) from six universities in Anhui, Shandong, and Shaanxi provinces were randomly selected, with 403 male students and 581 female students. They had completed the Exercise Commitment Scale (ECC), Physical Exercise Atmosphere Scale (PEAS), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), and Exercise Adherence Scale (EPS). The study variables were analyzed in sequence for reliability and validity, correlation analysis, regression analysis, structural equation model testing, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap testing using SPSS 23.0 software and Hayes' (2013) Process plug-in.

RESULTS

Exercise commitment significantly positively predicted exercise adherence (β = 0.796, p < 0.01), exercise commitment significantly positively predicted exercise environment and exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.645, p < 0.01, β = 0.356, p < 0.01), exercise environment significantly positively predicted exercise self-efficacy and exercise adherence (β = 0.344, p < 0.01, β = 0.144, p < 0.01), and exercise self-efficacy significantly positively predicted exercise adherence (β = 0.934, p < 0.01). The mediating role of exercise environment in the relationship between exercise commitment and exercise adherence does not exist in male college students, while it exists in female college students.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise atmosphere and exercise self-efficacy play a mediating role between exercise commitment and exercise adherence, with a total mediating effect value of 0.796. This study indicates that exercise commitment not only directly predicts exercise adherence, but also indirectly predicts exercise adherence through the chained mediating effects of exercise atmosphere and exercise self-efficacy. The above-mentioned mediating effect exists in female college students, while some mediating effects do not exist in male college students, thus gender has a significant impact on this mediating effect.

Childhood trauma and alcohol misuse in college students: The moderating role of minimization

BACKGROUND

History of childhood trauma as a risk factor for alcohol misuse in early adulthood is very well documented. Given the associations between childhood trauma and alcohol misuse, more work is needed to understand the factors that influence this relationship.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood trauma, minimization of such events and alcohol misuse in a French college student sample.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit students from several colleges located in Western France. The data set included 1180 records with complete responses.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional online survey. Data collection instruments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

RESULTS

The strength of the association between CTQ score and AUDIT total score was increased by minimization score (β = 0.122, p = .07). This result suggests that under-reporting childhood trauma experiences tends to increase the impact of such events on alcohol misuse.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a tendency to minimize threatening childhood events may specifically be related to increased risk of greater alcohol misuse among college students. Therefore, it may be important for clinician to assess minimization of early events in students with a history of childhood trauma.

College student interest in teletherapy and self-guided mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened college students' mental health while simultaneously creating new barriers to traditional in-person care. Teletherapy and online self-guided mental health supports are two potential avenues for addressing unmet mental health needs when face-to-face services are less accessible, but little is known about factors that shape interest in these supports. Participants: 1,224 U.S. undergraduate students (mean age = 20.7; 73% female; 40% White) participated. Methods: Students completed an online questionnaire assessing interest in teletherapy and self-guided supports. Predictors included age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual minority status, and anxiety and depression symptomatology. Results: Interest rates were 20% and 25% for at-cost supports (teletherapy and online self-help, respectively) and 70% and 72% for free supports (teletherapy and online self-help, respectively). Patterns emerged by age, anxiety symptom severity, and race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Results may inform universities' efforts to optimize students' engagement with nontraditional, digital mental health supports, including teletherapy and self-guided programs.

The SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a severe toll on public health, with effects reaching far beyond unprecedented illness and mortality. Levels of mental health difficulties appear to be rising broadly as the pandemic has progressed, both in the general U.S. population and among college students specifically.1,2 The COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions may undermine college student mental health in myriad ways.2 Concurrently, students now face the potential for serious illness, loss of loved ones, financial strain, social isolation, loss of on-campus resources, and sudden disruption of routines-creating a "perfect storm" for the emergence or exacerbation of psychological distress.

The relationship between mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury: Findings from six universities in Shaanxi province, China

BACKGROUND

Although the development and application of mobile phones have changed various aspects of people's lives, excessive use of mobile phones has also raised physical and mental health concerns. However, the relationship between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is unclear.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted (2022) among students from six universities to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI. A Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS) was used to assess MPA, while NSSI was assessed via The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between MPA and NSSI.

RESULTS

A total of 18,723 college students (6531 males [34.9 %] and 12,192 females [65.1 %]) were included in the final analyses. The prevalence of NSSI during the past 12 months was 6.5 %. Furthermore, 5553 participants (29.7 %) met the MPA criteria (MPATS score ≥ 48), and the average MPATS score was 39.5 ± 13.0. MPA was associated with increased odds of NSSI after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, and relevant psychosocial variables (OR, 1.29; 95 % CI, 1.13-1.46). Moreover, gender did not affect the association of MPA and MPATS score with NSSI (P for interaction>0.05). The restricted cubic splines regression showed that a monotonically increasing risk of NSSI was associated with increasing MPATS score (P for non-linearity = 0.474).

CONCLUSIONS

MPA is associated with increased odds of NSSI among college students, indicating that early examination, prevention, and intervention for MPA may prevent and control NSSI.

Prevalence and coping of depression and anxiety among college students during COVID-19 lockdowns in China

BACKGROUND

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and mixed anxiety-depression disorder among college students during COVID-19 shelter-in-place lockdowns in China.

METHODS

Participants (N = 2818) were selected from 8 provincial regions across the country in areas that were under lockdown mandates. The dependent variables were anxiety and depression. Multiple regression models were tested using anxiety and depression as the respective outcome variables, and binary logistic regression was conducted with anxiety-depression comorbidity as the dependent variable. Explanatory variables were changes in (social) media use and communication behaviors, perceived effectiveness of daily activity involvements as well as a number of demographic and environmental factors.

RESULTS

Being a college senior, prior anxiety/depression history, having family members and residents in neighborhood tested positive with COVID were all important predictors of elevated anxiety, depression and their comorbidity. Increased face-to-face family communication and reading more e-books were associated with reduced anxiety, depression and their comorbidity. Listening to music and playing video games were correlated with lower anxiety but not depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Draconian shelter-in-place lockdowns as strictly enforced in China within a short notice could be detrimental to individual mental health and psychological well-being. Findings in this research can provide practical guidance for college counselors and health professionals in targeting particular segments of the student population in providing tailored psychological, therapeutic and material services during disruptive moments and public health crises. The central role of family communication in the emotional and social support process deserves critical contemplation.

Effects of physical health beliefs on college students' physical exercise behavior intention: mediating effects of exercise imagery

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the relationship between physical health beliefs and physical exercise behavior intention of college students and constructs a mediation model through the mediation role of exercise imagery.

METHODS

Using the stratified cluster sampling method, 1356 college students were measured in group psychology by using the Physical Health Beliefs Scale, Exercise Imagery Inventory, and Physical Exercise Behavior Intention Scale. The statistical software Mplus 8.1, SPSS 22.0 and SPSS PROCESS 3.3 were used for statistical processing. The common method deviation test was carried out by Harman single-factor control method. Finally, the bootstrap sampling test method and process plug-in were used to test the significance of intermediary effect.

RESULTS

(1) physical health beliefs have a significant predictive effect on physical exercise behavior intention (β = 0.32, p < 0.001); (2) exercise imagery (β = 0.13, p < 0.001) mediate the relationship between physical health beliefs and physical exercise behavior intention (physical health beliefs → exercise imagery → physical exercise behavior intention (95% Cl: 0.14, 0.32)).

CONCLUSION

physical health beliefs can directly improve the physical exercise behavior intention of college students, which can also affect college students' physical exercise behavior intention indirectly through exercise imagery. The findings suggest that exercise imagery are important variables that mediate the effect of the college students' physical health beliefs on their physical exercise behavior intention.

Detection of dynamic changes of electrodermal activity to predict the classroom performance of college students

It is emphasized in the Self-regulated learning (SRL) framework that self-monitoring of learning state is vital for students to keep effective in studying. However, it's still challenging to get an accurate and timely understanding of their learning states during classes. In this study, we propose to use electrodermal activity (EDA) signals which are deemed to be associated with physiological arousal state to predict the college student's classroom performance. Twenty college students were recruited to attend eight lectures in the classroom, during which their EDA signals were recorded simultaneously. For each lecture, the students should complete pre- and after-class tests, and a self-reported scale (SRS) on their learning experience. EDA indices were extracted from both time and frequency domains, and they were furtherly mapped to the student's learning efficiency. As a result, the indices relevant to the dynamic changes of EDA had significant positive correlations with the learning efficiency. Furthermore, compared with only using SRS, a combination with EDA indices had significantly higher accuracy in predicting the learning efficiency. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the EDA dynamics are sensitive to the changes in learning efficiency, suggesting a promising approach to predicting the classroom performance of college students.

Primary prevention of prescription stimulant misuse in first-year college students

Objective: Eight percent of college students report past year prescription stimulant misuse (nonmedical use of stimulants defined as taking stimulants in a manner other than prescribed). Despite this high prevalence rate, primary prevention efforts are lacking on college campuses. Participants and Methods: A prescription stimulant misuse primary prevention intervention targeting first-year college students was developed, refined, and pilot tested. Existing substance use treatment (motivational interviewing) and time management (cognitive behavioral therapy for adult ADHD) techniques were integrated into the novel brief prevention intervention. Focus groups provided feedback to help refine the prevention intervention. Following refinements, 484 first-year college students were randomly assigned to condition (327 treatment, 157 control) and followed for 3 months. Results: Participants rated the intervention as satisfactory. After controlling for time invariant covariates, condition significantly predicted prescription stimulant misuse. There was a lower rate of past 3-month prescription stimulant misuse reported in the intervention group (4.9%) compared to the control group (11.5%). Academic expectancies remained stable in the intervention group yet increased in the control condition over time. Time management skill ratings remained stable in both groups. Changes in academic expectancies, yet not time management skills, were a partial mediator of the prevention efficacy in prescription stimulant misuse at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the acceptability and efficacy of a brief primary prevention intervention for college student prescription stimulant misuse. Changes in positive prescription stimulant expectancies, yet not time management skills, appear to be potential targets for future preventive efforts.

Young adults' intention to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among their grandparents: A nationwide cross-sectional survey of college students in China

Background

During a vaccination plateau phase, traditional vaccination promotion strategies such as the mobilization of government and community appear to have limited impact on expanding the coverage. New strategies to promote vaccination are needed especially in older adults. Our study aimed to assess college students' intention to encourage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among their grandparents and its correlates.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China from May to June 2022. We collected information on socio-demographics of college students and their grandparents, constructs of health belief model (HBM) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) for college students, and college students' intention to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among their grandparents. Multilevel logistic regression models were performed to assess correlates of intention.

Results

We enrolled 2681 college students who reported information for 6302 grandparents. 2272 students (84.7 %) intended to encourage COVID-19 vaccination for 4744 (75.3 %) grandparents. Intention was associated with having received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine (AOR 3.28, 95 % CI 1.68-6.42), having ever lived with their grandparents (2.07, 1.46-2.93), and having grandparents who regularly went outdoors (2.85, 1.70-4.76). HBM and TPB models showed that college students who had higher levels of perceived susceptibility (1.79, 1.12-2.87), perceived severity (1.52, 1.12-2.06) of COVID-19 among their grandparents, and higher levels of subjective norms (2.88, 1.61-5.15) were more likely to have the intention.

Conclusion

College students' intention to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among their grandparents was high. It may be potentially viable to engage college students in promoting COVID-19 and other routine vaccination among older adults.

How college students are coping with COVID-19: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to measure college students' coping strategies and change of lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS

Students from the State University in California were recruited during July 2020.

METHODS

A total of 11 focus group meetings were conducted.

RESULTS

Students' coping strategies were analyzed aligning with the Transactional model of stress and coping - primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and coping efforts, and meaning-based coping. Their physical activity patterns were dramatically changed. They used various ways of managing stress and tried to overcome the unexpected situation caused by COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

This study mainly analyzed the three constructs of the transactional model: primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and coping efforts, and meaning-based coping. It is expected that the future study will focus on the last construct, coping outcomes/adaptation after the COVID-19 pandemic to measure the association between coping strategies and their outcomes.

Flu vaccinations: College campus not making the grade. A study of influenza vaccination at an urban public university

Objective: Even healthy college students are vulnerable to severe complications associated with seasonal influenza (flu). Despite national directives to increase influenza vaccination compliance, college campuses remain woefully below national goals. This study aimed to identify factors correlated with the decision to voluntarily receive an influenza vaccine. Additionally, students' reasons for non-vaccination were also examined. Participants: 1021 undergraduate students across four professional schools. Methods: A representative cross-sectional survey was conducted at a public, urban university. Results: The survey measured self-reported influenza vaccination: an overall influenza vaccination rate of 38% was identified. Student characteristics associated with increased influenza vaccination included students' enrollment in academic health disciplines; being female; human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination; and no marijuana use in the last month. Barriers to influenza vaccination included contraindications, mistrust issues, and personal reasons. Conclusion: Universities that can identify facilitators and barriers to voluntary influenza vaccination can assist with program initiatives to improve influenza vaccination compliance rates.

College students' experiences early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Applications for ongoing support

OBJECTIVE

To explore U.S. college students' experiences during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS

Students at a Northeastern public university.

METHODS

Participants were interviewed via videoconference between April 1 and May 31, 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed; analyzed using deductive and inductive approaches to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

34 students (68% female; 56% racial/ethnic minority) participated. Deductively derived themes included: (1) trust/mistrust; (2) desire for change; (3) precarity; and (4) silver linings. Subthemes included variation in vaccine confidence, concern regarding inequalities, and anxiety about education. Building on deductively derived themes, we hypothesized that participation in change-oriented activities could benefit well-being and novel approaches to information dissemination may be needed to overcome institutional distrust.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers insights into potential short and long-term pandemic impacts as well as mitigation strategies college and university faculty and administrations may consider.

A Low Degree of Physical Exercise Adherence in College Students: Analyzing the Impact of Interpersonal Skills on Exercise Adherence in College Students

Physical exercise adherence (PEA) is multifaceted and significantly influenced by elements such as physical prowess, personality traits, psychosocial traits, and demographics. At present, there are problems such as the low degree of PEA in college students. Studies have shown that exercise adherence (EA) can be improved by adjusting psychological factors. Social abilities are one of the important manifestations of mental health, so this study aims to explore the intrinsic influence mechanism of social abilities on college students' PEA. Shanghai Sports University consistently ranks first among Chinese institutions that specialize in sports in the list of the best Chinese institutions. Therefore, this study decided to survey Shanghai University students. Valid data were collected from 1278 students from 6 universities in Shanghai using a questionnaire survey method. The ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis technique was utilized in the study. The study has shown that (1) boys have stronger social abilities than girls; (2) the exercise attitude and exercise persistence of junior students are better than those of freshmen and sophomores; (3) social abilities, emotion regulation strategies, exercise needs satisfaction, exercise attitude, and EA were significantly positively associated with each other. Emotion regulation strategies and exercise attitude had a negative predictive effect on PEA, and exercise needs satisfaction and social abilities had a significant predictive effect on exercise adherence. (4) Exercise needs satisfaction and exercise attitude were used as mediating variables to regulate the influence of college students' social abilities on EA.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with abnormal stool form: a population-based cross-sectional study in college students

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) is a widely used stool scoring method that could indirectly reflect intestinal function.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the associations of AD with BSFS.

METHODS

This was a population-based cross-sectional study of freshmen in five universities of China. AD diagnosis was performed by dermatologists according to the guideline from the American Academy of Dermatology. BSFS and covariates were collected through an online questionnaire survey. Chronic itch scores were assessed by the numeric rating scales and grouped into quartiles (Q). Mixed logistic regression models were used. Subgroup analysis was conducted by covariates. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hard stools and loose stools were 8.9% and 7.6%, respectively (20,049 participants). After adjusting covariates, AD was significantly associated with hard stools (OR = 1.38, P < 0.001) and loose stools (OR = 1.24, P = 0.037). In subgroup analysis of hard stool, a stronger effect was observed in intake of milk (> 3 days/week), yogurt (> 3 days/week), pork (< 1 day/week), and higher itch scores (Q4).

CONCLUSION

This study found the relationship between AD and abnormal stool forms, and the association with hard stools might be modified by dietary factor.

An ecological momentary assessment study to examine covariates and effects of concurrent and simultaneous use of electronic cigarettes and marijuana among college students

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of e-cigarette and marijuana among college students is high. Yet, the literature was mainly based on cross-sectional surveys with emphasis on the smoking route. This is the first ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study that examined the vaping route of nicotine-marijuana co-use and the associated short-term psychological effects.

METHODS

This study recruited 686 college student e-cigarette users to participate in an on-line survey and 7-day EMA. Frequent marijuana users (247) - using marijuana weekly or daily - were compared with infrequent/non-users (439) on academic performance, e-cigarette use patterns, and dependence and respiratory symptoms. EMA data from the frequent users were used to study the association between marijuana vaping and e-cigarette consumption and the short-term psychological effects of e-cigarette and marijuana use.

RESULTS

The results show that e-cigarette users who frequently used marijuana tended to have lower academic performance, be involved in higher-risk use patterns, and have higher levels of e-cigarette dependence, marijuana problems, and respiratory symptoms, compared to infrequent/non-users. Marijuana vaping was associated with a higher level of e-cigarette consumption. E-cigarette use and marijuana use were both associated with higher levels of positive affect, physiological sensation, and craving for e-cigarettes. While marijuana use was linked to a lower level of negative affect, e-cigarette use did not have a significant effect. Further, none of the interaction effects between e-cigarette and marijuana use on psychological states were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed additive effects of e-cigarette and marijuana use although the hypothesized synergistic effects were not supported.

Food insecurity was negatively associated with adherence to the "fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in animal protein" dietary pattern among university students' households: the 2018 Mexican National Household Survey

BACKGROUND

University students are often affected by food insecurity (FI) and this situation has been associated with low consumption of fruit/vegetables and high intake of added sugars and sweet drinks. However, there needs to be more evidence on the association between FI and dietary patterns (DPs), assessing the overall diet and allowing analysis of commonly consumed food combinations. We aimed to analyze the association between FI and DPs in university students' households.

METHODS

We used data from 7659 university student households from the 2018 Mexican National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH, for its acronym in Spanish). We obtained FI levels (mild, moderate, and severe) using the validated Mexican Food Security Scale (EMSA, Spanish acronym). Two DPs were identified by principal component analysis based on the weekly frequency of consumption of 12 food groups. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted by university student and household's characteristics was applied.

RESULTS

Compared to food security, households with mild-FI (OR:0.34; 95%CI:0.30, 0.40), moderate-FI (OR:0.20; 95%CI:0.16, 0.24) or severe-FI (OR:0.14; 95%CI:0.11, 0.19) were less likely to adhere to the dietary pattern "Fruits, vegetables and foods rich in animal protein" (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish or seafood, dairy products, and starchy vegetables). In addition, people with severe-FI (OR:0.51; 95% CI:0.34, 0.76) were also less likely to adhere to the dietary pattern "Traditional-Westernized" (pulses, oils or fats, sugar, sweets, industrialized drinks, foods made from corn/maize, wheat, rice, oats or bran, coffee, tea and eggs).

CONCLUSIONS

In these households FI impairs the ability to consume a healthy dietary pattern (fruits/vegetables and foods rich in animal protein). In addition, the intake of foods typical of the Mexican food culture reflecting the local Western dietary pattern is compromised in households with severe-FI.

Modeling extracurricular activity participation with physical and mental health in college students over time

Objective: To describe extracurricular activity participation and explore its relationship with college students' health. Participants: 159 college students majoring in dental hygiene or occupational therapy. Methods: Data were collected prospectively at baseline, one- and two-year follow-ups. Self-reported participation in extracurricular activities over the past six months was grouped into eight categories: Fitness, Sports, Creative arts, Leisure, Social, Work, Caregiving, and Animal care. Physical and mental health were measured using SF-36, a valid tool measuring general health. Results: Participation in fitness, sports, creative arts, and work significantly decreased at one-year and two-year follow-ups (p < 0.01). Work/volunteer activity participation was associated with poorer physical health (β = -1.4, 95% CI: (-2.2, -0.5), p < 0.01), but a change from nonparticipation to some participation in work/volunteer activity was associated with better mental health (β = 2.6, 95% CI (0.3, 4.9), p = 0.04). Conclusions: Educators should consider the potential impact of maintaining extracurricular activities on college students' health when designing academic courses.

The relationship between mindfulness and mental health among Chinese college students during the closed-loop management of the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation model

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic on campus, universities in outbreak areas in China can implement closed-loop management.

OBJECTS

This study aimed to explore the relationship between mindfulness and mental health of college students under closed-loop management.

MEASURES

11,939 college students from a university in Changsha, China participated in the online survey during the closed-loop management period. The Chinese version of Perceived Stress Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Cognitive Reappraisal, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire were administered to the college students.

RESULTS

We found that mindfulness was negative association with mental health during the closed-loop management period. Perceived stress mediated the relationship between mindfulness and mental health. Cognitive reappraisal moderated the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress. Specifically, when the level of mindfulness is the same, individuals with more cognitive reappraisal tend to experience a less perceived stress.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study are of great significance to improve the mental health of college students during closed-loop management period.

The influence of family and culture on South Asian student dating violence survivors' college experiences

Objective: This paper discusses the influence of family and cultural backgrounds on South Asian student survivors' understandings of dating relationships and help-seeking after experiencing dating violence. Methods: Six South Asian undergraduate women dating violence survivors participated in two thé talks (similar to semi structured interviews) and a photo-elicitation activity to share their experiences of dating violence and how they make meaning of these experiences. Findings: Through analysis guided by the tenets of Bhattacharya's Par/Des(i) framework, this paper highlights two key findings: 1) the powerful role of cultural values in students' conceptualizations of healthy and unhealthy relationships; and 2) the effect of familial and intergenerational experiences on students' help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need to incorporate considerations of family and culture in efforts to address and prevent dating violence in higher education.

Systematic tracking of mental health acute care visits: A model of care for college students

Objective: College students who receive an acute care visit (ACV) from an emergency or inpatient unit require mental health follow-up (MHF) to improve long-term outcomes. This study describes tracking ACVs and MHF, while identifying characteristics of multiple vs. single ACVs.Participants: 191 students who received an ACV (N = 231) at one public university - enrollment approximately 39,000.Methods: For two academic years (AYs), students were tracked and offered timely MHF. Demographics, clinical information, utilization patterns, and rates of MHF were analyzed.Results: Primary reasons for an ACV were suicidal thinking (60.6%) and psychosis (13.9%). MHF improved between AYs (65.8% to 93.3%, X² = 27.48, p < .01). Multiple vs. single visits were more likely to present with self-injurious behavior and psychosis and received more intensive follow-up yet, had similar rates of MHF.Conclusions: The primary reasons for an ACV - suicidal thinking and psychosis - underscore the importance of campus suicide prevention and psychosis-specific services.

Early life influences on the development of food addiction in college attending young adults

PURPOSE

There is little investigation into the causes of food addiction. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of early life influences on the development of food addiction in college-attending young adults aged 18-29.

METHODS

This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design. College-attending young adults were invited to complete an online survey measuring Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), food addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, and demographic information. Correlations between food addiction and the other variables were analyzed and significant variables were placed into a nominal logistic regression model to predict the development of food addiction. Participants who met the criteria for food addiction were invited to participate in interviews to examine their childhood eating environment and when their symptoms emerged. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Quantitative analysis was conducted using JMP Pro Version 16.0 and qualitative analysis was conducted using NVIVO Software Version 12.0.

RESULTS

Survey respondents (n = 1645) had an overall 21.9% prevalence of food addiction. Significant correlations were observed between food addiction and ACEs, depression, anxiety, stress, and sex (p < .01 for all). Depression was the only significant predictor of the development of food addiction (OR = 3.33 95% CI 2.19, 5.05). The most common eating environment described by interview participants (n = 36) was an emphasis on diet culture, ideal body image, and restrictive environments. Symptoms frequently emerged after transitioning into college and having the ability to make their own food choices.

CONCLUSION

These results show the impact of early life eating environments and young adulthood mental health on the development of food addiction. These findings contribute to the understanding of underlying causes of food addiction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Correlates of COVID-19 vaccination status among college students

Objectives: Despite the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, vaccine hesitancy remains high among certain groups. This study examined the correlates of being unvaccinated among a sample of students attending a single university (N = 2900) during the spring and summer of 2021, when the campus had been closed for over a year and students were preparing to return to in-person learning. Methods: Students responded to an email invitation and completed electronic surveys. Results: In multivariable logistic regression analyses, students were more likely to be unvaccinated if they were African American, identified with any political affiliation other than Democrat, were undergraduates or international students, had not traveled outside the Los Angeles during the pandemic, and/or had previously been ill with COVID-19. Conclusion: Findings indicate that culturally resonant educational interventions, and possibly vaccine requirements, are needed to promote vaccination among university students.

Feasibility and acceptability of implementing the Making Friends with Yourself intervention on a college campus

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of Making Friends with Yourself (MFY): A Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Teens and Young Adults with a sample of college students. A secondary objective was to explore changes in psychosocial outcomes. Participants: Twenty-five students (23 females; mean age 20.35 years) enrolled in the 8-week intervention. Methods: Feasibility was measured by attendance and retention of participants; acceptability was determined through analysis of focus group data. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed through analyses of pre- and post-intervention measures. Results: The intervention was feasible as 20 students attended at least seven of eight classes, and 21 completed the program. Students found the intervention acceptable and reported significant increases in mindfulness and self-compassion and decreased perceived stress from pre- to post-intervention. However, academic stress increased. Conclusions: MFY may be a feasible and acceptable program to offer to college students. Further piloting in college student populations is recommended.

Correlation between physical efficiency index using Harvard step test and heart rate variation in college students

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical efficiency index (PEI) calculated by the Harvard step test and heart rate variation (HRV), and to identify parameters of HRV that can predict PEI in college students. Sixteen college students were participated in this study and they were randomly divided into two groups; higher PEI group (HPEI, n=6) and lower PEI group (LPEI, n=10). To investigate the relationship between PEI and HRV, we were measured HRV and Harvard step test. HRV test was the resting, immediately, 15 min and 30 min after the Harvard step test using electrocardiography device polyG-I. Relationship between PEI and HRV were determined Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis was performed for examining HRV parameters to predict PEI. As shown in the result, not only PEI was negatively correlated with root mean squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals (RMSSD), but had a positive correlation with low-frequency/high-frequency, but also normalized low frequency (normLF), the ratio of LF, and RMSSD, the change in RR interval showed a significant difference at each time point of measurement according to PEI levels. But, there were no significant differences among the HRV variables except normLF and RMS-SD. Our findings suggest a critical information that PEI calculated by the Harvard step test can be used as an index to predict the autonomic nerve function, and high PEI may have a positive effect on changes in autonomic nerve activity during recovery after exercise intervention.

College Student Resilience During COVID-19: Examining the Roles of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Prosocial Behavior

The present study examined factors associated with resilience in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were undergraduates at a large Midwestern university in the USA (N = 848). Hierarchical linear regression analyses examined self-reported pandemic-related adversity, community COVID-19 case rates, mindfulness, compassion, and prosocialness to determine the strongest associates of resilience. Findings demonstrated that mindfulness was the only psychological process of interest significantly associated with resilience, so specific facets were further explored in a regression analysis. Specifically, higher levels of the following mindfulness skills were associated with greater resilience: ability to describe internal experiences, to remain aware while engaging in action, and to take a nonreactive stance toward internal experiences. Mindfulness-based interventions may be appropriate for promoting resilience in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cannabis use disorder severity and sleep quality among undergraduates attending a Historically Black University

Nearly one third of Americans experience poor sleep, which is associated with numerous deleterious health outcomes. Poor sleep may be exacerbated when an individual attends college, as they experience drastic shifts in lifestyle and sleep patterns. Previous research suggests cannabis has therapeutic potential for sleep disorders but may also impair sleep quality long-term. However, no study has examined the differences in sleep quality within individuals who meet criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The purpose of the current study was to determine differences in sleep quality among undergraduate students who met criteria for mild CUD (n = 18), moderate CUD (n = 22), severe CUD (n = 16) and students who did not meet criteria for CUD (n = 244). Participants included 300 predominantly Black/African American undergraduate students (79% female), aged between 18 and 25 years. Each participant completed an online survey that included measures assessing sleep quality and CUD criteria. Employing analysis of covariance, the moderate CUD subgroup (M = 9.00, SD = 3.32) reported poorer sleep quality than individuals who did not meet criteria for CUD (M = 6.93, SD = 3.03). Interestingly, the severe CUD subgroup (M = 6.75, SD = 2.52) reported similar sleep quality to individuals who did not meet criteria for CUD (M = 6.93, SD = 3.03). Individuals meeting criteria for mild and moderate CUD reported the poorest sleep quality among the groups, suggesting a differentiation within CUD severity. Future research should assess withdrawal and cannabis use frequency among individuals who meet criteria for CUD to further elucidate disturbances in sleep quality among those with CUD.

College student symptoms as assessed by a student health survey

ObjectiveWe sought to identify the general health of college students.ParticipantsA total of 4402 university freshmen and sophomores were recruited to report their general health through an online questionnaire.MethodsResponses from the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire were analyzed. We then conducted latent class analyses to evaluate 54 different symptoms among participants.ResultsA four class solution was identified, consisting of a group of asymptomatic students (35.65%), a second group of students reporting mild fatigue and sleep symptoms (38.87%), a third group reporting moderate sleep and fatigue symptoms (20.36%), and a group reporting moderate and severe complaints on the majority of symptoms (5.11%). Female students had 2.07 times the relative risk of the severe symptom class of men. Indigenous students have 2.88 times the relative risk of occupying the severe symptom class than non-indigenous students.ConclusionsThe results suggest that about 5% of college students have varied symptoms of a moderate to severe degree. Future research is needed to better assess whether there are biological associations with these self-report findings, as well as to determine longer-term implications of these symptoms.

The situational contexts and subjective effects of co-use of electronic cigarettes and alcohol among college students: An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the co-use of e-cigarettes and alcohol, including the situational contexts and subjective effects associated with co-use in real-time is necessary for validating this behavior and informing intervention. Yet, the sparse literature has built upon retrospective data.

METHODS

This study recruited 686 college students who were currently using e-cigarettes from three campuses in the Midwest and South of U.S in Fall 2019-Fall 2021. An on-line survey was conducted to measure e-cigarette use patterns, GPA, e-cigarette and alcohol dependence symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. A 7-day ecological momentary assessment was used to collect real-time data on e-cigarette and alcohol use, situational contexts and subjective effects.

RESULTS

Frequent drinking e-cigarette users reported more high-risk use behavior including consuming 6 + drinks/occasion and simultaneous use, and reported more e-cigarettes and alcohol related dependence symptoms and respiratory symptoms, compared to infrequent/non-drinker e-cigarette users. Alcohol quantity was positively associated with e-cigarette quantity among the high frequency drinking group. This study identified important use contexts that were associated with higher e-cigarette consumption including use of menthol or fruit flavored e-cigarettes, being in a car, and the presence of others. E-cigarette use and alcohol use both increased the levels of positive affect, physiological sensation, and craving for e-cigarettes, whereas only alcohol use significantly decreased negative affect. No interaction effects between e-cigarette use and alcohol use were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the addiction and health risks associated with frequent co-use of e-cigarettes and alcohol, and also call for regulations on nontobacco flavorings in e-cigarette products.

Long-term exposure to ambient black carbon is associated with sleep disturbance in college students

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests an association of air pollution with sleep quality. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of black carbon, a key component of ambient particulate matter, on sleep.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of long-term exposure to black carbon and sleep quality in a group of college students.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in five universities in different regions of China. The concentrations of black carbon and other environment factors were defined as the averages during the 6 years prior to the recruitment. Averagely daily dose of black carbon exposure was estimated according to the respiratory rate. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a cutoff >5 indicating sleep disturbance. Linear regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association. The sensitivity analyses were conducted to estimate the effects of 1-month, 6-month and 1-year mean levels of exposure to black carbon on sleep quality.

RESULTS

A total of 20,053 incoming college students were included. 29.3% reported impaired sleep quality, with a mean PSQI score of 4.3 ± 2.2. The logistic regression showed that the risk of impaired sleep quality was positively associated with black carbon exposure, especially in the highest quantile (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11-1.43) compared with the lowest quartile after adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analysis showed that the effect of black carbon on sleep quality was stronger in participants with higher BMI, lower household income, and lower parental educational level. The results of sensitivity analyses were similar with main analyses.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure to black carbon is associated with sleep disturbance in college students. Improvement of air quality may help improve sleep quality.

Using network analysis to identify central symptoms of college students' mental health

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common among college students, including depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, which can affect their daily life and learning and even lead to suicide. The purpose of this study was to explore the gender differences in mental health symptoms among Chinese college students.

METHODS

The study population included 29,099 college students. All participants were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). We assessed and compared network and centrality in females and males separately, as well as students with suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

Satisfaction with current sleep pattern (I4), worry about different things (A3) and irritable (A6) appeared to be the most central symptoms in the female network. In the male network, satisfaction with current sleep pattern (I4), tired or little energy (D4) and feeling down, hopeless (D2) were the most central symptoms. In both suicidal ideation networks, the top five central symptoms included four anxiety symptoms and one sleep symptom.

LIMITATIONS

This study used cross-sectional data and could not examine the dynamic relationship between symptoms.

CONCLUSION

There were gender differences in college students' mental health network. In addition to poor quality sleep, the central symptoms of the female network were anxiety symptoms, while those of the male were mainly depression symptoms. There were no gender difference in the suicidal ideation network and the central symptoms were anxiety symptoms and difficulty falling asleep.

Knowledge and intention to use long-acting reversible contraception among university students

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and intention to use LARC among female students.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 292 female undergraduate and graduate students at a large midwestern university.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional in-person survey and multivariate analysis of LARC knowledge and intention to use LARC.

RESULTS

Total response rate was 84.9%. Among contraceptive users, 13.3% were using a LARC method. On average, respondents scored 4.8/10 (SD 2.5) on a 10-item LARC knowledge assessment. Higher levels of LARC knowledge were associated with the intent to use LARC in the future in our multivariate analysis (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.14-2.54: p = .01). Common reasons for LARC hesitancy were a need for more information, safety concerns, and risk of undesirable side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Low LARC knowledge and students' self-identified need for further LARC information represent an opportunity for campus contraceptive interventions which empower students to make informed reproductive decisions.

The effect of the Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being and lower back pain of college students during the pandemic

Background

This study aimed to examine the effect of Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and the lower back pain of college students during the coronavirus pandemic in China.

Setting

The study was carried out in a temporary experimental center of four universities in Wenzhou city in Zhejiang Province, China.

Population

387 participants who were college students were allocated to two groups: the Baduanjin exercise group(BEG, n = 195); and the Control group(CG,n = 192).

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial,387 participants who were college students were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 12-week Baduanjin exercise group (BEG, n = 195)and 12-week Control group(CG,n = 192).CAS(Coronavirus Anxiety Scale), PWBS(Psychological Well-being Scale),NMQ( Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), was used to assess COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and lower back pain at second times ( before and after the intervention). The paired t-test and an independent t-test (with a 95% confidence interval) was used to compare the outcome variables of the two groups.

Results

Within-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention. In contrast, the Baduanjin group had a significant improvement before and after the intervention. Between-group comparison, the Baduanjin group had a significant difference from the control group. The intervention effect on the Baduanjin exercise group was remarkably better than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Participants in the Baduanjin group significantly improved the corvid-19-related anxiety score decreased from ( 5.22 ± 0.45 to 5.07 ± 0.27, p < 0.05). The total psychological well-being score increased from (70.11 ± 8.65 to 84.12 ± 7.38,p < 0.05) and the prevalence of low back pain decreased from (22.45 ± 1.67 to 18.35 ± 1.05, p < 0.05) among college students.

Conclusion

During the pandemic, the Baduanjin exercise contributes to the reduction of the perceived anxiety related to COVID-19, decreases the prevalence of the lower back pain, and improves the psychological well-being of college students.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04432038. Registered on June 16, 2020.

Differences in college students' occupational dysfunction and mental health considering trait and state anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, university education has shifted from face-to-face classes to online and distance learning. Effects of exposure may manifest in terms of psychological, cognitive, or musculoskeletal impairments that affect an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. There is a dearth of studies exploring anxiety states, occupational dysfunction, and mental health associated with the new standard of increased telecommunication. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify the differences in occupational dysfunction, health literacy, positive and negative emotions, and stress response considering the anxiety states of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another purpose is to identify relationships among the parameters such as occupational dysfunction and mental health.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 358 students (average age: 18.5 years, age range: 18-29 years). Five tools were used: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD), European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47), Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS-2), and Stress Response Scale-18 (SRS-18). Based on the cutoff value of state and trait anxiety of the STAI, the participants were classified into four groups and compared using one-way analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests. The relationship between all parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

The group with high trait anxiety and high state anxiety had the highest CAOD total score, Total Mood Disturbance score on the POMS-2, SRS-18 score, and scores on many sub-items of the three parameters. The prevalence of occupational dysfunction was 47% for university students, and there was a variation of from 19 to 61% in each group. The correlation coefficients of the state and trait anxiety scores of the STAI, Total Mood Disturbance score, and SRS-18 ranged from .64 to .75. Additionally, the correlation coefficient between the CAOD total score and these parameters ranged from .44 to .48.

Conclusion

The prevalence of occupational dysfunction was highest in the group with high trait anxiety and high state anxiety, and occupational dysfunction, negative emotions, and stress responses were strongest in this group. Our findings point to potential areas for targeted support and interventions.

Prevalence of Food Insecurity in the General College Population and Student-Athletes: a Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to examine the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among the general college student population with a focus on student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI in these groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

FI is estimated to be more prevalent in college students than in the general population, although ranges vary widely. Less is known about FI among college student-athletes. Data on changes in FI prevalence pre-pandemic and during is mixed. Colleges and universities should invest in interventions to address FI on their campuses, and further research on FI among student-athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI is needed.

Interaction between physical activity and outdoor time on allostatic load in Chinese college students

Background

Physical activity (PA) deficiency, outdoor time reduction during college have been associated with higher cumulative physiological burden as measured by allostatic load (AL). Therefore, the present research sought to analyze the independent and interaction effects of PA and outdoor time on AL in college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two universities from April to May 2019. Self-assessment questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) were used in the investigation, AL level was assessed according to the results of biochemical examination, blood pressure and human body morphological measurements. Binary Logistic Analysis was used to analyze the relationships between PA, outdoor time and AL.

Results

The prevalence of low PA, low outdoor time and high AL were 16.3%, 71.1% and 47.6%, respectively. Low PA (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.20~2.78) and low outdoor time (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.35~2.67) are independently associated with high AL (P<0.05, for each). Interaction analysis indicated that low PA and low outdoor time were interactively associated with high AL (OR=2.93, 95%CI: 1.73~4.94, P<0.05).

Conclusions

There were the significant independent and interaction effects between PA and outdoor time on AL. In the future, college students’ physical education can be arranged reasonably to reduce the health risks.

Testing times: the association of intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs to test anxiety in college students

Background

Test anxiety has a detrimental effect on test performance but current interventions for test anxiety have limited efficacy. Therefore, examination of newer psychological models of test anxiety is now required. Two transdiagnostic psychological models of emotional disorders that can account for anxiety are the intolerance of uncertainty model (IUM) and the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model. Intolerance of uncertainty, the stable disposition to find uncertainty distressing, is central to the IUM, while beliefs about thinking, metacognition, are central to the S-REF model. We tested for the first time the role of both intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs in test anxiety.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used, with college students (n = 675) completing questionnaires assessing their test anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and metacognitive beliefs. Hierarchical linear regressions examined if intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs were associated with test anxiety, after controlling for age and gender.

Results

Females reported significantly more test anxiety than males. Partial correlations, controlling for gender, found intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs were significantly and positively correlated with test anxiety. Hierarchical linear regressions found metacognitive beliefs explained an additional 13% of variance in test anxiety, after controlling for intolerance of uncertainty. When the order of entry was reversed, intolerance of uncertainty was only able to explain an additional 2% of variance, after controlling for metacognitive beliefs. In the final regression model, gender, intolerance of uncertainty and the metacognitive belief domains of ‘negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worry’ and ‘cognitive confidence’ were all significantly associated test anxiety, with ‘negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worry’ having the largest association.

Conclusions

Both intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs are linked to test anxiety, but results suggest metacognitive beliefs have more explanatory utility, providing greater support for the S-REF model. Modification of intolerance of uncertainty and metacognitive beliefs could alleviate test anxiety and help students fulfil their academic potential.

Personalized individual-based exercise prescriptions are effective in treating depressive symptoms of college students during the COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial in China

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously increased depression prevalence among the public, including Chinese college students. However, many exercise cannot be performed as usual under the stay-at-home order. This study was a 12-week three-arm randomized controlled trial using the intention-to-treat principle, aiming to explore and compare the feasibility and effect of individual-based personalized aerobic-exercise and resistance-training prescriptions on depressive symptoms in college students, and conclude with some recommendations for individual-based exercise prescriptions.

METHODS

Eighty-six college students with depressive symptoms were randomized into aerobic-exercise (AE), resistance-training (RT), and wait-list control (WLC) groups. Participants in two experimental groups received 12-week personalized AE and RT prescriptions on their individual situations, respectively. No intervention was implemented on participants in the WLC group. Depressive symptoms and physical activity (PA) were measured by Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. All data were collected at the baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and 4-week post-intervention.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, 72.09% of depressive participants improved to "normal." Participants exhibited a statistical reduction in SDS in all 3 groups (p < 0.05) at 12 weeks compared to baseline. Follow-up assessments showed no significant increase in SDS at 4-week post-intervention compared to 12 weeks (p > 0.05). The independent t-test revealed significantly lower SDS in AE and RT group than in WLC group (p _AE < 0.001 and p _RT < 0.05) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and 4-week post-intervention. Furthermore, the PA of participants (including total PA and intensities) in both experimental groups represented a significant improvement at 4-week post-intervention compared to baseline (p < 0.05), while no differences were observed in the PA of participants in the WLC group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Personalized exercise prescriptions have good feasibility as they can increase adherence to intervention and reduce serious adverse events. Besides, individual-based personalized aerobic-exercise and resistance-training prescriptions result in a similar effect in relieving depressive symptoms and improving physical activity in college students. The individual-based exercise programs performed in 45- to 60- min with progressive moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 3 times/week for at least 12 weeks, may reduce depressive symptoms in college students during the COVID-19.

Exposure to black carbon is associated with symptoms of depression: A retrospective cohort study in college students

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed a significant association of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) with emotional disorders. However, as a crucial component of PM_2.5, little is known about the potential effect of exposure to black carbon (BC) on the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the associations of long-term exposure to BC during the past six years with the current symptoms of depression and anxiety in a group of incoming college students.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of incoming students in five universities of China. Symptoms of depression and anxiety during the past two weeks were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), respectively. Levels of BC and other environmental factors during 2013 ∼ 2018 (six years prior to the recruitment) was obtained from public repositories and linked to individual data by home addresses. Averagely daily dose of BC exposure was estimated according to the respiratory rate. Demographic and behavioral variables were collected through a questionnaire. The associations of BC with symptoms of depression and anxiety were estimated by mixed linear models adjusting for socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, and the principal components of multiple environmental exposures. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the effect modification by covariates. Overall effect of environmental mixture was evaluated by weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).

RESULTS

A total of 20,079 participants was included in the current study. After adjustment for covariates, long-term BC exposure was significantly associated with symptoms of depression (β = 0.17, P < 0.001) but not anxiety (β = 0.07, P = 0.125). Effect modification by sex and parental educational level: BC was correlated with depressive symptoms in women (β = 0.23, P < 0.001) but not in men (β = 0.04, P = 0.581), and higher educational level was associated with decreased effect sizes of BC. Sensitivity analysis showed that the acute and short-term effects of BC on depression was consistent with its long-term exposure (β varied from 0.18 to 0.20). WQS identified BC as the primary pollutant in association with symptoms of depression but not anxiety. BKMR identified no significant interaction between BC and other exposures.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to BC is associated with symptoms of depression but not anxiety in college students, and the relationship is modified by sex and education.

Risk and sources of heavy metals and metalloids in dust from university campuses: A case study of Xi'an, China

College students study and live at university for several years; however, the pollution levels, ecological health risks, and sources of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs) in the dust found at university campuses are still unknown. In this study, dust samples from university campuses in Xi'an were collected and the Zn, Mn, As, Pb, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Ba, and Ni contents were measured using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The pollution levels and ecological health risks of these HMMs were evaluated using the geo-accumulation, pollution load, and potential ecological risk indices and a health risk assessment model while their sources were apportioned using positive matrix factorization. The mean HMM concentrations in the dust were higher than the corresponding background values in the topsoil of Shaanxi Province. The Mn, V, Co, As, and Ni concentrations in the dust samples analyzed were within the levels categorized as no pollution by the geo-accumulation index standard, whereas other HMMs caused pollution to different degrees. Assessment of the pollution load index indicated that the dust samples analyzed were moderate contamination with HMMs. Pb and Cu in the dust presented considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively; the other HMMs presented low ecological risks. The combined ecological risk of the HMMs measured in the dust samples was considerable. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to male and female college students were within the safe levels. This study found three main sources of the HMMs measured in the dust: traffic, natural, and mixed sources (the latter including automobile repair industry waste and paints and pigments), which accounted for 47.5%, 29.3%, and 23.2% of the total HMM concentration, respectively.

Alcohol use, cannabis use, and psychopathology symptoms among college students before and after COVID-19

College students have experienced significant disruptions related to COVID-19, and limited international data suggest they may be at elevated risk for mental health symptom increases related to COVID. Given their potentially elevated risk, our aim was to evaluate differences from pre-college closures to post-closure in mental health symptoms, alcohol, and cannabis use. Participants (N = 4749) were from seven U.S. public universities/colleges. They were 70.1 % female and 48.5 % white, non-Hispanic/Latino, with 48.1 % in their first college/university year. 30-day retrospective assessments of alcohol and cannabis use, and past 2-week retrospective assessments of anxiety, depression, anger, and insomnia were captured at the time of the survey. We examined differences between those providing data pre- and post-university closure via linear and negative binomial regressions. Alcohol and cannabis use days were 13 % and 24 % higher, respectively, from pre-to post-university closure; also, prevalence of any 30-day alcohol use and alcohol use consequences were both higher in the post-closure sample (odds ratios = 1.34 and 1.31, respectively). In contrast, days of binge alcohol use were 4 % lower in the post-closing sample. Depressive symptoms and anger were both modestly higher in post-closing participants (d < 0.1), with no differences in anxiety symptoms or insomnia. The modest differences in substance use and mental health from pre-closure through two months post-college closure suggest unexpected resilience in a large and diverse sample of students. College health providers will need to identify those students experiencing the greatest increases in mental health symptoms and substance use, using innovative outreach and treatment.

College-based social and situational predictors of real-time prescription drug misuse in daily life

BACKGROUND

This study examined social and situational context predictors of prescription drug misuse among college-students at a large public university in the Midwest. Social and situational context predictors considered were hour of the day, weekend vs weekday, whether participants were at home or another place, and who they were with during instances of misuse. Salient social events, including home football games, city-regulated parties, and the 2019 Midwest polar vortex were also recorded.

METHOD

Using ecological momentary assessment methodology, 297 students completed momentary reports for 28 days. Participants indicated whether they had misused prescription medication (sedatives or sleeping pills, tranquilizers or anxiety medications, stimulants, and pain relievers) and reported on their social and situational context in the moment of misuse.

RESULTS

Multilevel modeling indicated that participants were more likely to misuse prescription medication earlier in the day vs. the evening, on weekdays vs. weekends, when at home vs. not at home, and while alone vs. with others.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides descriptive information on the social context in which prescription drug misuse is most likely to occur among college students. Our findings suggest that social and situational contexts of prescription drug misuse likely differ as compared to other substances (e.g., alcohol) among college students. Further research aimed at identifying momentary predictors of prescription drug misuse in this population is warranted.

Prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among college students during COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has brought huge changes to people's lifestyles, college students have also been affected seriously. Evidence about these significant changes indicated that college students were more prone to feel anxious and depressed. To derive a precise assessment of the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among college students worldwide, we conducted this meta-analysis.

METHODS

Based on the guidance of PRISMA, literature was searched in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycArticles (last search November 6, 2020). These articles after the screening were analyzed by a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom. Also, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were performed in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the pooled anxiety symptom prevalence was 31% (95% CI: 23-39%), pooled depressive symptom prevalence was 34% (95% CI: 27-41%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among different countries' college students were different, and the pooled depressive symptom prevalence of females was higher compared with males.

LIMITATIONS

The prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom in worldwide college students could be better assessed by a standard and reliable questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom during the COVID-19 pandemic is relatively high. Except for interventions that should be taken to control the pandemic urgently, mental health services are also needed to decrease the risk of anxiety and depression among college students.

Description of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in prospective health workers

The positive impact of a traumatic event is called Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) from which several positive psychological changes appear due to inner struggles faced by a person related to the traumatic events they experienced. This study aimed to describe PTG of prospective health workers. The study was conducted using a descriptive design on 378 respondents as the sample. The data collection process used 3 questionnaires, one of which is PTGI questionnaires. The results of the study showed that 50.2% of students experienced PTG at high level and 49.8% of students experienced PTG at low level. In terms of domain, students who experienced high-level PTG are mostly in the appreciation for life domain and students who experienced low-level PTG in the relating to other domain. Referring to results this study recommended that the PTG related activities be increased like the introduction of knowledge about PTG to students.

Knowledge of mitigation and attitude of preparedness of vocational health programs students in Jakarta in facing earthquake disasters

Knowledge of earthquake disaster mitigation is part of the preparedness efforts that all communities need, including students of vocational health The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge of mitigation and attitudes toward disaster preparedness for students in Jakarta. The design of this study was cross-sectional study design with a sample size of 107 regular students from four departments at the Jakarta Ministry of Health Polytechnic I. The average age of the study sample was 19.94 years and most of them were women, who had never attended lecture material and seminars/training related to disasters. This research showed that there was a meaningful relationship between knowledge of mitigation and preparedness in facing earthquake (p=0.01; α=0.05). The results of this study recommend the importance of instilling awareness of mitigation to improve earthquake preparedness.

Association of personal characteristics and cooking skills with vegetable consumption frequency among university students

Most university students are transitioning to adulthood, and tend to adopt unhealthy eating habits characterised by a low intake of fruits and vegetables. Few studies have specifically addressed the consumption of vegetables, which have a high content of minerals, fibre, and active compounds. The aim of this investigation was to assess vegetable consumption frequency among university students in a Brazilian capital and examine associations with individual characteristics and cooking skills. This crosssectional study used a online questionnaire to collect data. Cooking skills were evaluated in eight dimensions. Vegetable consumption was recorded in five frequency groups and then categorised into daily and non-daily consumption. Data were subjected to Pearson's chi-squared or analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Associations between cooking skill dimensions and daily vegetable consumption were identified by crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses.Adjustment was performed for sex, age, paternal education, and overweight/obesity.Results are expressed as odds ratios (p < 0.05). Less than half of the respondents (N = 237; 45%) reported consuming vegetables daily. Higher level of paternal education, not being overweight or obese, and higher scores on seven cooking skill dimensions were positively associated with daily vegetable consumption. Given the scarcity of research on the topic, the findings of this study make a significant contribution to knowledge and may support public health strategies for promoting vegetable consumption among university students.

Understanding perceptions and experiences of autistic undergraduate students toward disability support offices of their higher education institutions

BACKGROUND

Autistic undergraduate students are experiencing considerable difficulties on their college campuses. Yet, disability support offices (DSOs), which assume the responsibility of providing support to students with disabilities, often lack the resources to cater to the varied needs of autistic students.

AIM

To understand autistic students' perspectives and experiences with DSOs and the range of support services available from DSOs of higher education institutions in the United States.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 27 autistic undergraduate students were conducted to solicit their perceptions about their DSOs. A generic inductive approach was used to qualitatively analyze the participants' responses.

RESULTS

Students expressed both positive and negative experiences with academic and non-academic support, and perceived that DSO staff lacked specific autism knowledge and were often inaccessible. Some students initially decided not to receive DSO accommodations, but many chose to reach out to their DSOs after experiencing academic difficulties. Finally, students' perceptions of ways for DSOs to support them better highlighted the need for institution-wide efforts to make a cultural shift about disability and acceptance and the need for more individualized services.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate resources for DSOs and institution-wide efforts are needed to make college campuses both physically and emotionally accessible to autistic students.

Effectiveness of suicide prevention gatekeeper training for university teachers in Japan

Suicide is a leading cause of death among Japanese college and university students. Our previous study showed that the gatekeeper training (GKT) program significantly improved competence and confidence in the management of suicidal students in university administrative staff. However, we could not determine which component of the program was effective, nor if this program was effective for university teachers as well. In the current study, 81 university teachers were recruited; 63 of them received a general mental health lecture (MHL) and 18 of them received a 2.5 -h GKT program based on the Mental Health First Aid program. Competence and confidence in managing suicide intervention and behavioral intention as a gatekeeper were assessed by a self-report questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. As a result, we found a significant improvement in competence in the management of suicidal students in the GKT group compared to the MHL group. We also found significant improvements in confidence in the management of suicidal students and behavioral intention as gatekeepers in the GKT group, although the questionnaires for these outcomes were not validated. The program satisfaction score was significantly higher in the GKT group than in the MHL group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate a GKT program for university teachers in Japan. By comparing the two groups, we explicitly confirmed that active involvement of the participants is crucial for effective suicide prevention training.

"My Entire World Stopped": College Students' Psychosocial and Academic Frustrations during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normalcy for college attending young adults which resulted in a loss of the campus environment and classroom setting. This change in setting may interfere with a student's personal and academic wellbeing. This study used an online survey to evaluate college students' academic and psychosocial frustrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from March-April 2020 at a land-grant university in the Appalachian region. Data were available from 2643 undergraduate and graduate students. There was a 65.8% and 15.7% increase in the number of students who reported their learning and health as fair, poor, or very poor after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Qualitative responses were coded and 8 themes and 24 subthemes emerged. College students expressed frustrations regarding technology, classwork, research, family, social, emotional, behavioral, and financial aspects of life. These results can be used by higher education administration, faculty, and staff when planning for online courses. Ensuring that student frustrations and barriers to success are recognized and considered may help prevent students departing from higher education during this time.

Mindsets in health professions education: A scoping review

The growth mindset model has been linked with enhancing academic success in college students. A scoping review was conducted detailing evidence of the growth mindset model's application in health professions. Databases searched included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, Scopus, Conference Papers Index, Embase, and Education Database. A hand search was also carried out. 1296 articles were reviewed. Inclusion/exclusion resulted in 22 articles from health professions articles: medical education (10), nursing (3), veterinary (3), pharmacy (2), physiotherapy (1), and general health professions education (3). This study demonstrated that fixed mindset student learners may avoid constructive feedback, hide errors, and express negative maladaptive behaviors that threaten their learning. To cultivate an adaptive lifelong learning health professional, the growth mindset model shows promise and should be integrated into curricula. In closing, many articles were not empirical research. Implications: The growth mindset model shows promise for academic success in health professions education, but more robust studies are warranted.