scholarly journals Association between mental health and nutritional status in university students aged 18–24 years

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Wilson ◽  
Farzad Amirabdollahian ◽  
Grace Farhat ◽  
Claire Macdonald-Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Food Diary ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIt is estimated that 19% of 16–24 year olds suffer from a mental health condition. There has been a fivefold increase in reported mental health problems from first year university students since 2006/07(1). Limited but consistent evidence suggests that nutritional status is linked to mental health. University students may be more vulnerable to the impact of diet on mental health due to increased food insecurity and risk of stress. The aim of this project was to determine the association between nutritional status and stress, anxiety and depression in university students.After obtaining ethical approval, university students (n = 562) aged 18–24 y were recruited. A cross-sectional design was used to measure body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), capillary blood measures of glucose and lipids and nutrient intake by validated 3-day food diary. Mental health status was determined by DASS21 questionnaire (2) and participants were grouped into 5 categories: normal, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe for anxiety, depression or stress. Difference in nutritional status between categories was determined by a Kruskal-Wallis test and Dun-Bonferroni post-hoc tests using SPSS version 25 and significance determined as p < 0.05.Results showed that depression was associated with %BF (p = 0.025), blood glucose (p < 0.001), dietary protein (p = 0.003) and dietary sugar (p = 0.041). Anxiety was associated with blood glucose (p < 0.001) and dietary protein (p = 0.007).Stress was associated with total cholesterol (p = 0.007), HDL cholesterol (p = 0.007) and blood glucose (p < 0.001).In light of these findings, further research is required to investigate the effect of student lifestyle habits and university practices on mental health and nutritional status so that strategic interventions can be designed to improve the health of young adults at university.

scholarly journals From Stress to Psychopathology: Relationship with Self-Reassurance and Self-Criticism in Czech University Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Jaroslava Dosedlova ◽  
Denise Andrzejewski ◽  
Greta Kaluzeviciute ◽  
Makoto Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Transactional Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
As Stress

AbstractPsychological stress has become a major concern, potentially leading to diverse health problems including psychopathology such as depression and anxiety. Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is an established model, conceptualizing stressful experiences via person–environment relationship. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the pathway from stress to depression/anxiety, with a focus on self-criticism (inadequate-self and hated-self) and self-reassurance (reassured-self) in Czech students who suffered from high prevalence of mental health problems. Convenience sample of 119 undergraduates completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and the Forms of the Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used to aid an accurate and complete report of the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were positively associated with inadequate-self and hated-self while negatively associated with reassured-self. Both inadequate-self and hated-self partially mediated the stress–depression and stress–anxiety relationships, whereas reassured-self only partially mediated the stress–depression relationship. Inadequate-self had greater impact on the stress–depression/anxiety pathways than hated-self and reassured-self. Findings indicate that clinical treatment may benefit from targeting the feelings of inadequacy to prevent stress progressing to psychopathology. This is particularly relevant as stress levels are rising globally. Our findings offer developments to the Transactional Model, and help practitioners and educators identify solutions to protect mental health of Czech university students.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Volken ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Simone Amendola ◽  
Anthony Klein Swormink ◽  
Marion Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
National Population ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Containment Measures

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students (n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population (n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

Impact of Media and Time Management Pattern on Mental Wellbeing among the General Population during COVID-19 Lockdown in India – A Cross-Sectional, Respondent-Driven Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (19) ◽  
pp. 1432-1439
Author(s):  
Vishwak Reddy Vatte ◽  
Praveen Khairkar ◽  
Srinivas Kandrakonda ◽  
Tabitha Jezreel ◽  
Satya Revanth Karri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Management Pattern ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND In COVID-19 pandemic, nation-wide complete lockdown was enforced for about 10 weeks which was an unprecedented experience for all and potentially influenced mental wellbeing partly through infodemic mismanagements. This study intended to analyse the impact of media and time management pattern on mental wellbeing among general population during COVID-19 lockdown in India. METHODS An online study questionnaire was circulated among general population between 1 st April and 12th May 2020 using social networking site (s). The questionnaire included socio-demographic details, source of information and knowledge on COVID-19, impact of time spent on media, smart phone, productive and relaxation activities, general views on lockdown experience and further mental health status was screened using standardized DASS - 21 Scale. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS statistic 26.0. RESULTS A total of 891 people responded from 11 states, mostly (89 %) from South India, and 27.5 % were having mental health problems on DASS - 21 scale. Most of the participants opined that COVID-19 information on traditional (53 %) and social media (85 %) were not completely authentic and perhaps amplifying perceptual responses. Excess time spent on media (46 %) and smart phone over exposure (61 %) had significant mental health issues and on contrary individuals who managed their time well, indulging in productive and relaxation activities were found to be psychologically stable (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the impact of media and time management pattern during lockdown emphasizing both positive and negative predictors of mental health. There is clearly a need for media regulation and working in collaboration with authorities for better mental wellbeing of the society in ongoing fight with COVID19. KEYWORDS COVID-19, Lockdown, Media, Smartphone, Time Management Pattern

scholarly journals A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing university students' stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Debowska ◽  
Beata Horeczy ◽  
Daniel Boduszek ◽  
Dariusz Dolinski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Medical Psychology ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The time of widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases can lead to elevated stress and mental health problems among all persons affected, and in particular those sub-groups of the population that are at an increased risk of mental health problems. One such vulnerable group constitutes university students. The aim of this study is to assess stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among different groups of university students (medical, psychology, and other). Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected survey data among a large sample of 7228 university students from Poland (mean age = 22.78, s.d. = 4.40; 81% female). Data were collected in five waves, during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (March and April 2020). Results The results demonstrate a significant increase in depression levels as the pandemic was progressing. We also found that female students scored significantly higher than male students on depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychology students recorded the lowest scores on depression and anxiety. Young adult students (aged 18–24 years) had more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than adult students (⩾25 years). Conclusions These results provide insights into stress and mental health among university students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings can be used for a more effective identification of students who may struggle during next stages of the pandemic and future crises.

Mental health problems among university students and the impact of structural conditions

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Wörfel ◽  
Burkhard Gusy ◽  
Katrin Lohmann ◽  
Katharina Töpritz ◽  
Dieter Kleiber
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Unravelling the impact of COVID-19 on mental health: A scoping review on traumatogenic events using the phases of response to disaster model

2021 ◽  
pp. 218-236
Author(s):  
den Cruyce Nele Van
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Background: Disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic give rise to high levels of psychological distress in people worldwide. Since this is the first pandemic of its kind, the best available evidence is needed on what psychological needs could be expected during and after the pandemic. Objectives: In this scoping review existing research on traumatogenic events is examined in order to identify the potential impact on mental health of the COVID pandemic. The research findings are organized using the the phases of disaster response model. Results: A total of 34 longitudinal studies, 2 studies with multiple waves of data collection and 92 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included in this scoping review could be classified as: 87 studies on COVID-19, 2 on SARS, 19 on wars, 19 on terrorist attacks and 1 on a nuclear accident. Results indicate that stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger, grief and fear can be anticipated as common reactions. The longer a pandemic continues, the higher the psychological strain is expected to be. Conclusions: The phases of response to disaster model offers a valid frame to unravel the impact of the pandemic on mental health over time. Specific attention must be given to vulnerable groups, whereby specific risk factors include age, gender, pre-existing mental health problems, healthcare profession, migration background, isolation and low socio economic status. However, these may change over time, and a delayed manifestation of psychosocial problems needs to be considered too. Mental health governance is, therefore, warranted throughout and even up to 6 months after the pandemic.

scholarly journals Mental health problems in the general population during and after the first lockdown phase due to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic: Rapid review of multi-wave studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Richter ◽  
Steffi Riedel-Heller ◽  
Simeon Zuercher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
General Populations ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and the lockdown response have increased mental health problems in general populations compared to pre-pandemic times. The course of mental health problems during and after the first lockdown phase has not yet been reviewed.MethodsWe conducted a rapid review of multi-wave studies in general populations with time points during and after the first lockdown phase. Repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were included. The main outcome assessed was whether indicators of mental health problems have changed during and after the first lockdown phase. The study was registered with PROSPERO No. CRD42020218640Findings23 studies with 56 indicators were included in the qualitative review. Studies that reported data from pre-pandemic assessments through lockdown indicated an increase in mental health problems. During lockdown no uniform trend could be identified. After lockdown mental health problems decreased slightly.InterpretationAs mental health care utilization indicators and data on suicides do not suggest an increase in demand during the first lockdown phase, we regard the increase in mental health problems as general distress that is to be expected during a global health crisis. Several methodological, pandemic-related, response-related and health policy-related factors need to be considered when trying to gain a broader perspective on the impact of the first wave of the pandemic and the first phase of lockdown on general populations’ mental health.

scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0245083
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Md. Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and their associations with previously reported factors (e.g., poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. The present estimates of DAS were more prevalent than in previous pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi university students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

scholarly journals Do Community Free-Medication Service Policy Improve Patient Medication Adherence? A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients With Severe Mental Disorders in Beijing Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junli Zhu ◽  
Qingzhi Huang ◽  
Wei Lu ◽  
Yun Chen ◽  
Bin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Medication ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Service Policy ◽  
The Impact

Background: Nowadays, mental health problems have become a major concern affecting economic and social development, with severe mental health disorders being the top priority. In 2013, Beijing began to implement the Community Free-Medication Service policy (CFMS). This article aims to evaluate the effect of the policy on medication adherence.Methods: In this study, multi-stage sampling was used to select representative patients as samples. Some of the baseline data were obtained by consulting the archives, and information about patient medication adherence measured by Brooks Medication Adherence Scale was obtained through face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of the policy.Results: Policy participation had a significant positive impact on medication adherence (OR = 1.557). The effect of policy participation on medication adherence in the Medication-only mode and Subsidy-only mode were highly significant, but it was not significant in the Mixed mode.Conclusion: This study found that the CFMS in Beijing as an intervention is effective in improving the medication adherence of community patients. However, the impact of the policy is not consistent among service modes. Reinforcement magnitude and frequency should be considered when designing reinforcement interventions.

scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and associations between DAS and factors previously reported (poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. There was a suggestion that these rates were higher than in previous, pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

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