International, inter-university transferability of a student health surveillance system (SuSy) tool

Abstract Introduction While university students are known to face major life transition challenges with the risk to engage in potentially undesirable health-related habits, there are very few attempts to monitor students’ health behaviour on a regular long-term basis. Even in cross-sectional designs, students from the field of Public Health and/or Health Sciences are rarely investigated. Here, a cross-university students’ health behaviour surveillance system is presented. Methods A students’ health and health behaviour surveillance system (SuSy) has been implemented in Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in 2014, collecting and analysing data of health sciences students twice a year since. After Manchester Metropolitan University joined the project and adapted SuSy to its specific context in 2016, data of both SuSy settings were compared using logistic regression models. In addition, focus groups were carried out in both universities in order to assess the perception and acceptance of the tool. Results After eight elicitations with total sample of 1366 responses, a decreasing trend of smoking and increasing trend of cannabis consumption can be observed among Hamburg students. In comparison, Manchester students tend to smoke significantly more (OR = 3.74, 95%CI 1.95-7.17), but consume less cannabis (OR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.14-0.9). Trends in physical activity and healthy food consumption complete the overview. Focus groups revealed that SuSy is perceived as an appealing, useful and recognisable tool among students from both universities. Discussion While being easily adapted in content and delivery, SuSy allows for the provision helpful, comparable information about students’ health behaviours as well as for the observation of time trends. These findings underline SuSy’s potential in promoting university students’ health. Key messages The student health surveillance system (SuSy) tool allows comparable information about students’ health behaviours as well as the observation of time trends. SuSy is perceived as an appealing, useful and recognisable tool among students from both universities.

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Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Health Behaviours among University Students: The Predictive and Moderating Role of Gender

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/7058105 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Romualdas Malinauskas ◽

Audrone Dumciene ◽

Saule Sipaviciene ◽

Vilija Malinauskiene

Keyword(s):

Emotional Intelligence ◽

University Students ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Risk Taking ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Self Report ◽

Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Relationship

This study investigated the role of gender as a potential predictor of health behaviour and potential moderator of the relationship between emotional intelligence and health behaviour. This cross-sectional study included 1214 students (597 males and 617 females). Data were collected using the Schutte Self-Report Inventory and the Health Behaviour Checklist. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was executed with the components of health behaviour as the dependent variables to examine the predictive value of the emotional intelligence indicators as the independent variables. Gender predicted all categories of health behaviours. Only one indicator of emotional intelligence, appraisal, predicted the Accident Control and Traffic Risk Taking categories. The emotional intelligence indicator of social skills emerged only as a predictor of Wellness Maintenance and Enhancement in university students. Gender moderates the relationship between all emotional intelligence indicators and health behaviour components except the relationship between Appraisal and Substance Risk Taking and the relationship between Utilization and traffic risk taking.

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Time Trends of Crohn’s Disease in Catalonia from 2011 to 2017. Increasing Use of Biologics Correlates with a Reduced Need for Surgery

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9092896 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 2896

Author(s):

Eduard Brunet ◽

Emili Vela ◽

Luigi Melcarne ◽

Montserrat Clèries ◽

Caridad Pontes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crohn’S Disease ◽

Crohn's Disease ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Time Trends ◽

Biological Treatment ◽

Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

Biological Drugs ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

Treatment Use

Background and Aims: Data from clinical trials suggest that biological drugs may improve the outcomes in Crohn’s disease (CD) by reducing the need for surgery or hospitalization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the time-trends of the use of biological drugs and other treatments for CD, and its relationship with outcomes in Catalonia. Materials and Methods: All patients with CD included in the Catalan Health Surveillance System (containing data on a population of more than 7.5 million) from 2011 to 2017 were identified. The exposures to different treatments for inflammatory bowel disease were retrieved from electronic invoicing records. Results: Between 2011 and 2017, the use of salicylates, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive treatment fell from 28.8% to 17.1%, 15.8% to 13.7%, and 32.9% to 29.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Biological treatment use rose from 15.0% to 18.7% (p < 0.001). Ostomy rates per 1000 patients/year fell from 13.2 in 2011 to 9.8 in 2017 (p = 0.003), and surgical resection rates from 24.1 to 18.0 (p < 0.001). The rate of CD-related hospitalizations per 1000 patients/year also fell, from 92.7 to 72.2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Biological drug use rose from 15.0% to 18.7% between 2011 and 2017. During this period, we observed an improvement in the outcomes of CD patients.

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Spiritual intelligence on health behaviours among Malaysian university students in a Malaysian public university: The mediating role of self efficacy

Malaysian Journal of Movement Health & Exercise ◽

10.15282/mohe.v7i2.203 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roxana Dev Omar Dev

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Spiritual Intelligence ◽

Self Report ◽

Mediation Effect ◽

The Relationship

University students experience a substantial amount of change where they progress from the highly controlled setting of school to the self-motivated environment of the university. Many changes which involve social, financial, and environment elements, can be a burden to the students putting them at risk in negative health behaviours. Negative health behaviours among university students are a course of concern since they have a tendency to be carried into adulthood which can possibly cause the emergence of chronic disease at a younger age. Spiritual intelligence together with self-efficacy is seen to promote better health behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and self-efficacy on health behaviours among university students in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. A correlational study was conducted on 400 undergraduate university students who lived on campus and were chosen through stratified random sampling technique using closed ended questionnnaires (The Spiritual Self-Report Inventory, General Self Efficacy Scale and a modified version of Health Style Questionnaire). Pearson correlation and structural equation modelling were used to explore association between these aspects. Spiritual intelligence, self-efficacy and health behaviour were significantly correlated. Self-efficacy showed a partial mediation effect towards the relationship between spiritual intelligence and promoting health behaviour (p=0.0001). Thus, there was an association between spiritual intelligence with health behaviour, and self-efficacy with health behaviour. It is interpreted that spiritual intelligence can boost positive health behaviour and it is associated with self-efficacy relevantly gives benefit to health behaviour. Such data have important implications for both health practice and policy especially for higher education institutions.

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Stress Perceived by University Health Sciences Students, 1 Year after COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105233 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5233

Author(s):

Yolanda Marcén-Román ◽

Angel Gasch-Gallen ◽

Irene Isabel Vela Martín de la Mota ◽

Estela Calatayud ◽

Isabel Gómez-Soria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupational Therapy Students ◽

Health Sciences Students ◽

The Impact

Today’s COVID-19 situation can affect university Health Sciences students’ psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the stress caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health Sciences students from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) almost 1 year after the pandemic began. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administered online questionnaire. It evaluated the impact of perceived stress with a modified scale (PSS-10-C), and assessed anxiety and depression on the Goldberg scale. Students presented stress (13.1%), anxiety (71.4%) and depression (81%). Females (81.7%) and the third-year Occupational Therapy students (p = 0.010) reported perceived stress. Nursing students perceived less stress (OR: 0.148; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.842). University students developed stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 almost 1 year after the pandemic began. Psychological support measures for these groups should be prioritized.

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Proceedings of the International Workshop ‘Integration of International Expertise in the Development of a Mental Health Surveillance System in Germany’

BMC Proceedings ◽

10.1186/s12919-020-00186-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (S4) ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Surveillance System ◽

International Workshop ◽

Health Surveillance

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Preventive health behaviours during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic based on health belief model among Egyptians

Middle East Current Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s43045-020-00051-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ayah M. Barakat ◽

Zeinab A. Kasemy

Keyword(s):

Health Belief Model ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Practical Importance ◽

Health Belief ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Major Outbreak ◽

Belief Model

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly in the world, and on 11 March 2020, WHO announced the outbreak a global pandemic. Given the severity of this major outbreak and the importance of prevention and protection against the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the predictors of engaging in the preventive behaviours could potentially be of great practical importance as it could help us identify high-risk groups and take the necessary steps towards improving their health behaviour. As the health behavioural response of the Egyptian population during COVID-19 is unknown and the health belief model constructs can be used to explain health behaviour, this study was conducted to assess the preventive behaviours to COVID-19 and the associated role of health belief model constructs over three periods of time; at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic then 4 weeks and10 weeks later. Results Perceived severity and benefits of health belief model constructs showed significant decrease in the 2nd interview, followed by an increase in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Perceived barriers showed a significant increase in the 2nd interview followed by a significant decrease in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Knowledge score was significantly lower at the start, then a surge happened in the next interview followed by a slight drop in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Preventive behaviours were significantly lower in the 2nd interview then significantly higher in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). On the analysis of the factors associated with preventive behaviours using multivariate regression, the results determined age, high education, being a health care worker, perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy. Conclusions Perceptions of benefits could be increased by tailoring communication strategies to various groups, emphasizing how different people can engage in effective preventive behaviours. Policy makers should pay attention to lower-educated persons living in rural areas being a group with the least engagement in health-protective actions.

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A COVID ‐19‐ready public health surveillance system: The FDA 's Sentinel System

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety ◽

10.1002/pds.5240 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Noelle M. Cocoros ◽

Candace C. Fuller ◽

Sruthi Adimadhyam ◽

Robert Ball ◽

Jeffrey S. Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Public Health Surveillance ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

Public Health Surveillance System

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Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lifestyles of Health Sciences University Students in Spain: A Longitudinal Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061958 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1958

Author(s):

Idoia Imaz-Aramburu ◽

Ana-Belén Fraile-Bermúdez ◽

Batirtze San Martín-Gamboa ◽

Silvia Cepeda-Miguel ◽

Borja Doncel-García ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Nursing Students ◽

University Students ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Basque Country ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Long Time

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily activities worldwide. University students may have experienced substantial changes in daily living as a result of restrictions on university attendance. The return to normalcy may take a long time, and understanding the influence that shifts in daily routines have had on the lifestyles of university students may inform approaches to support overall well-being. We analyzed changes in the lifestyles of students enrolled at a health sciences university during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study took place at the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing in the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the final sample consisted of 113 nursing students, 109 medical students, and 45 physiotherapy students. Our results demonstrate changes in lifestyles of university students during the pandemic. MedDiet adherence scores and the percentage of students with high adherence increased during the pandemic. This increase was due to the increased consumption of vegetables and nuts. In terms of physical activity, the practice of moderate and intense physical activity was maintained. These results provide important information for both public health authorities and educational institutions to guide strategies to maintain the well-being of students and enhance opportunities for young adults to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Towards an integrated animal health surveillance system in Tanzania: making better use of existing and potential data sources for early warning surveillance

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02789-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Janeth George ◽

Barbara Häsler ◽

Erick Komba ◽

Calvin Sindato ◽

Mark Rweyemamu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Warning ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Animal Health ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

Surveillance Data ◽

Data Sources ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Traceability System ◽

Spatial Coverage

Abstract Background Effective animal health surveillance systems require reliable, high-quality, and timely data for decision making. In Tanzania, the animal health surveillance system has been relying on a few data sources, which suffer from delays in reporting, underreporting, and high cost of data collection and transmission. The integration of data from multiple sources can enhance early detection and response to animal diseases and facilitate the early control of outbreaks. This study aimed to identify and assess existing and potential data sources for the animal health surveillance system in Tanzania and how they can be better used for early warning surveillance. The study used a mixed-method design to identify and assess data sources. Data were collected through document reviews, internet search, cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, site visits, and non-participant observation. The assessment was done using pre-defined criteria. Results A total of 13 data sources were identified and assessed. Most surveillance data came from livestock farmers, slaughter facilities, and livestock markets; while animal dip sites were the least used sources. Commercial farms and veterinary shops, electronic surveillance tools like AfyaData and Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) and information systems such as the Tanzania National Livestock Identification and Traceability System (TANLITS) and Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) show potential to generate relevant data for the national animal health surveillance system. The common variables found across most sources were: the name of the place (12/13), animal type/species (12/13), syndromes (10/13) and number of affected animals (8/13). The majority of the sources had good surveillance data contents and were accessible with medium to maximum spatial coverage. However, there was significant variation in terms of data frequency, accuracy and cost. There were limited integration and coordination of data flow from the identified sources with minimum to non-existing automated data entry and transmission. Conclusion The study demonstrated how the available data sources have great potential for early warning surveillance in Tanzania. Both existing and potential data sources had complementary strengths and weaknesses; a multi-source surveillance system would be best placed to harness these different strengths.

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