scholarly journals Associations of university student life challenges with mental health and self-rated health

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Porru ◽  
S Schuring ◽  
U Bültmann ◽  
I Portoghese ◽  
A Burdorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Student Life ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Sf36 Score

Abstract Background Mental health problems are highly prevalent among university students. Stress due to student life challenges may be a risk factor for poorer health. This study investigates to what extent student life challenges and changes therein are associated with mental health and self-rated health. Methods In a longitudinal study with 568 Italian university students mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) and self-rated health with a single item from the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36) (score ranges: 0-100) at baseline and at six months follow-up. Student life challenges were investigated using six subscales (score ranges: 1-4) of the Higher Education Stress Inventory (HESI). A between-within linear regression model was used to investigate whether a higher exposure to life challenges was associated with poorer health (between individuals) and whether changes in student life challenges were associated with changes in health (within individuals). Results Higher exposure to student life challenges was associated with poorer mental health (b ranging from -5.3 to -10.3) and self-rated health (b ranging from -3.1 to -9.6). An increase in student life challenges within individuals was associated with poorer mental health and self-rated health, in particular for high workload (b up to -5.9), faculty shortcomings (b up to -5.7), and unsupportive climate (b up to -5.6). Discussion Exposure to student life challenges and changes therein are associated with university students' health. Our findings suggest that student life challenges may be a target for interventions to improve mental health and self-rated health among university students. Key messages Mental health and self-rated health differ between students and change within-them. Higher exposure to student life challenges is associated with poorer health, and an increase in student life challenges is associated with a decrease in health.

scholarly journals Engagement and Effectiveness of a Healthy-Coping Intervention via Chatbot for University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Gabrielli ◽  
Silvia Rizzi ◽  
Giulia Bassi ◽  
Sara Carbone ◽  
Rosa Maimone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Concept Evaluation

BACKGROUND University students are increasingly reporting common mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and they frequently face barriers to seeking psychological support because of stigma, cost, and availability of mental health services. This issue is even more critical in the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital mental health interventions, such as those delivered via chatbots on mobile devices, offer the potential to achieve scalability of healthy-coping interventions by lowering cost and supporting prevention. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to conduct a proof-of-concept evaluation measuring the engagement and effectiveness of Atena, a psychoeducational chatbot supporting healthy coping with stress and anxiety, among a population of university students. METHODS In a proof-of-concept study, 71 university students were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic; 68% (48/71) were female, they were all in their first year of university, and their mean age was 20.6 years (SD 2.4). Enrolled students were asked to use the Atena psychoeducational chatbot for 4 weeks (eight sessions; two per week), which provided healthy-coping strategies based on cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness techniques. The intervention program consisted of conversations combined with audiovisual clips delivered via the Atena chatbot. Participants were asked to complete web-based versions of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) at baseline and postintervention to assess effectiveness. They were also asked to complete the User Engagement Scale–Short Form at week 2 to assess engagement with the chatbot and to provide qualitative comments on their overall experience with Atena postintervention. RESULTS Participants engaged with the Atena chatbot an average of 78 (SD 24.8) times over the study period. A total of 61 out of 71 (86%) participants completed the first 2 weeks of the intervention and provided data on engagement (10/71, 14% attrition). A total of 41 participants out of 71 (58%) completed the full intervention and the postintervention questionnaires (30/71, 42% attrition). Results from the completer analysis showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms for participants in more extreme GAD-7 score ranges (<i>t</i><sub>39</sub>=0.94; <i>P</i>=.009) and a decrease in stress symptoms as measured by the PSS-10 (<i>t</i><sub>39</sub>=2.00; <i>P</i>=.05) for all participants postintervention. Participants also improved significantly in the <i>describing</i> and <i>nonjudging</i> facets, based on their FFMQ subscale scores, and asked for some improvements in the user experience with the chatbot. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the benefit of deploying a digital healthy-coping intervention via a chatbot to support university students experiencing higher levels of distress. While findings collected during the COVID-19 pandemic show promise, further research is required to confirm conclusions.

scholarly journals Effects of Shinrin-Yoku Retreat on Mental Health: A Pilot Study in Fukushima, Japan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Dean Fido
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Mean

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a cost-effective healing practice, and has attracted the interest of scientists. Recently, its effects on mental health has been increasingly reported. Japanese university students suffer from high rates of mental health problems, and the number of suicides remain high, despite the total number of suicides in Japan has been decreasing. Effective mental health approaches are sought after for Japanese students, however healthful treatment has not been identified to date. Accordingly, this pre-post pilot study evaluated the levels of mental wellbeing, self-compassion, and loneliness among 25 Japanese undergraduate students who participated in a three-day shinrin-yoku retreat in Fukushima, before, straight after and two weeks after the retreat. The mean scores of mental wellbeing increased significantly from pre-retreat to post-retreat; self-compassion and common humanity increased significantly from pre-retreat to follow-up; and mindfulness increased significantly from pre-retreat to post-retreat, and from pre-retreat to follow-up. The mean scores of loneliness did not make any significant changes. As self-compassion has been found strongly associated with mental health of university students, shinrin-yoku retreat should be evaluated with a larger sample and in a shorter time frame.

scholarly journals The Mental Health and Wellbeing of University Students: Acceptability, Effectiveness and Mechanisms of a Mindfulness-Based Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6023
Author(s):  
Emma Medlicott ◽  
Alice Phillips ◽  
Catherine Crane ◽  
Verena Hinze ◽  
Laura Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Academic Goals ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Self Compassion

Mental health problems are relatively common during university and adversely affect academic outcomes. Evidence suggests that mindfulness can support the mental health and wellbeing of university students. We explored the acceptability and effectiveness of an 8-week instructor-led mindfulness-based course (“Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World”; Williams and Penman, 2011) on improving wellbeing and mental health (self-reported distress), orientation and motivation towards academic goals, and the mechanisms driving these changes. Eighty-six undergraduate and post-graduate students (>18 years) participated. Students engaged well with the course, with 36 (48.0%) completing the whole programme, 52 (69.3%) attending 7 out of 8 sessions, and 71 (94.7%) completing at least half. Significant improvements in wellbeing and mental health were found post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Improvements in wellbeing were mediated by mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience. Improvements in mental health were mediated by improvements in mindfulness and resilience but not self-compassion. Significant improvements in students’ orientation to their academic goal, measured by “commitment” to, “likelihood” of achieving, and feeling more equipped with the “skills and resources” needed, were found at post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Whilst exploratory, the results suggest that this mindfulness intervention is acceptable and effective for university students and can support academic study.

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.

Adolescents’ stress - a challenge for adults in charge - The Improve the Youth project

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kleszczewska ◽  
J Mazur ◽  
A Dzielska ◽  
T Gaspar ◽  
M Gaspar de Matos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Youth Policy ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Advisory Boards

Abstract Background The project was an answer to the results of the HBSC (Health Behaviour of School-aged Children) study 2013/2014 which indicated an alarming situation regarding the adolescents' mental health. The aim was to investigate mental health problems of Polish and Portuguese youth and to create tools and materials which can be a professional help in this matter. Improve the youth project consisted of two main elements: research and implementation phase. The mixed-method approach was applied in the project. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. 2004 pupils (aged 13-19) were surveyed in 89 schools in 2017/ 2018 in Poland. Findings form qualitative study were guidelines for quantitative research. Perception of stress among young people was selected as the leading subject. Short Form Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) in a shorter version of 4-statement were used. There were two advisory boards: first - practitioners (psychologists, pedagogists, teachers, social workers) and second - adolescents. Both were consulted to prepare all materials. Results Stress levels are higher in girls than in boys, and they increase with age: between 13 and 19 year of age the increase in the prevalence of high stress level was 5,3% in boys and 12.5% in girls. Family affluence, school achievements and school burden were identified as stress determinants of adolescents. Materials presenting the data and giving practical information and tools on how to support adolescents in coping with stress: guide for adults, guide for youth created by youth and scenario of workshops. 20 workshops for young people run by young people were organised in both countries for about 200 adolescents Results and materials were presented to youth organizations, social institutions and decision makers responsible for youth policy during two 'Improve the Youth' conferences in Poland and in Portugal.

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.

scholarly journals Sex Difference in the Association between Electronic Cigarette Use and Subsequent Cigarette Smoking among U.S. Adolescents: Findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–4

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1695
Author(s):  
Zongshuan Duan ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Jidong Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Estimation Equations ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Prospective Association

E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco products among U.S. adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests that adolescents using e-cigarettes are at elevated risk for initiating cigarette smoking. However, whether this risk may differ by sex remains unknown. This study analyzed data from Wave 1 to 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey. Generalized estimation equations (GEE) were performed to estimate the associations between baseline e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, mental health conditions, and other tobacco use. Effect modifications by sex were examined. Multivariate analyses showed that, among baseline never cigarette smokers, past-30-day e-cigarette use at baseline waves was significantly associated with past-30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up waves (aOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.51–6.08). This association was significantly stronger for boys (aOR = 6.17, 95% CI: 2.43–15.68) than for girls (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.14–8.33). Additionally, using other tobacco products, older age, and having severe externalizing mental health problems at baseline were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking at follow-up. The prospective association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking differs by sex among U.S. adolescents. Sex-specific tobacco control interventions may be warranted to curb the youth tobacco use epidemic.

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