scholarly journals Eating disorders among university students: a public health challenge. An European study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Ladner ◽  
A Lukács ◽  
I Brumboiu ◽  
E Ciobanu ◽  
C Croitoru ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Eating disorders (ED) and behavioural risk factors among students in higher education remain to be investigated. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of ED and the behavioural factors associated with ED in university students in four European universities: Chisinau (Ch) in Republic of Moldava, Cluj-Napoca (CN) in Romania, Miskolc (Ms) in Hungary and Rouen (R) in France. Methods In the four countries, students in higher education completed an anonymous standardized self-questionnaire, from 2016 to 2018. The questionnaire collected age, gender (M, W), housing, curricula, smoking, cannabis consumption, alcohol abuse problems (ADOSPA test), and perceived stress (Cohen score). The Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF scale) screening test was used to identify student with ED. Results A total of 3076 students were included, 705 in Ch, 582 in CL, 534 in Ms and 1255 in R. The sex-ratio was M:F=0.31 Ch, 0.30 in CN, 0.44 in Ms and 0.66 in R. The mean age was 21.2 (SD = 3.98) in Ch, 21.2 (SD = 3.2) in CL, 23.8 (SD = 5.1) in Ms and 20.0 (SD = 3.4) in R. The global prevalence of ED was 23.8%. According to the gender, the prevalence of ED in the four universities was 14.7% in M and 38.3% in W in Ch, 21.8% in M and 24.7% in W in CN, 19.7% in M and 21.4% in W in Ms and 16.1% in M and 34.0% in W in R (p < 10-4). After logistic regression, significant positive relation between the positive SCOFF was observed with female gender, alcohol abuse problems and stress level. Conclusions ED prevalence patterns were quite similar in the four countries, with high prevalence of ED, even in men. Associated behavioural risk-factors were quite similar. It might be necessary in the future to screen students for potential ED upon entry to the university and also to inform student about the risk of ED and advise them to consult a healthcare professional. Key messages Our study highlights the high prevalence of eating disorders, with similar behaviours in university students in four countries. Because of the detrimental effects of ED on physical and emotional health, it seems mandatory to set up public health programs (health promotion, prevention).

Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in four Caribbean countries. Content In all 9,143 adolescents (15 years = median age) participated in the cross-sectional “2016 Dominican Republic, 2016 Suriname, 2017 Jamaica, and 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”. Eight behavioural risk factors of NCDs were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Summary Prevalence of each behavioural NCD risk factor was physical inactivity (84.2%), inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (82.2%), leisure-time sedentary behaviour (49.6%), daily ≥2 soft drinks intake (46.8%), ever drunk (28.6%), twice or more days a week fast food consumption (27.6%), having overweight/obesity (27.4%), and current tobacco use (13.8%). Students had on average 3.6 (SD=1.4), and 79.0% had 3–8 behavioural NCD risk factors. In multivariable linear regression, psychological distress and older age increased the odds, and attending school and parental support decreased the odds of multiple behavioural NCD risk factors. Outlook A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered and several factors independently contributing to multiple behavioural NCD risk factors were identified.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabil Ahmed Badawy ◽  
Shokria Adely Labeeb ◽  
Mawaheb Falah Alsamdan ◽  
Badria Faleh Alazemi

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy in community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti patients, describe the number and types of drugs used, and identify risk factors associated with polypharmacy. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in which we interviewed 500 community-dwelling Kuwaiti adults over 65 years of age. The data collection occurred during a 4-month period from March to July 2017. Results: Fifty-two percent (n = 260) of the patients were males, with a mean age of 71.73 ± 5.32 years. The prevalence of polypharmacy (5–8 drugs) and excessive polypharmacy (>8 drugs) was 58.4% (n = 292) and 10.2% (n = 51), respectively. The risk factors associated with an increased number of medicines used were: female gender (p = 0.019), a lower level of education (p = 0.003), a high number of hospital admissions (p = 0.000), clinics visited by the patient (p =0.000), and number of comorbidities (p = 0.000). The most commonly used medications (82.6% of the study population) were blood glucose-lowering agents, excluding insulin. Other commonly used medications were antihypertensive drugs and lipid-modifying agents. Conclusion: A significant sector of the older Kuwaiti patient population has a high prevalence of polypharmacy and is thus exposed to its potential hazards. The current study highlights the need to revise the drug-dispensing policy among community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti people, as well as to initiate educational programs among healthcare practitioners concerning prescribing issues in older individuals.


Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Background Globally non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the increase. The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of multiple behavioural risk factors of NCDs among university students from 24 countries. Methods In a cross-sectional study, the sample included 18 017 university students from countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Results indicate that prevalence of single behavioural NCD risk indicators were 38.2% for physical inactivity, 80.5% for inadequate fruit and vegetables intake, 23.1% for having overweight/obesity, 10.5% for heavy alcohol use and 11.8% for current tobacco use. Students had on average 1.6 (SD = 0.9), and 15.9% had three or more behavioural NCD risk factors. In adjusted linear regression, male sex was positively and stronger beliefs in health benefits were negatively associated with multiple behavioural NCD risk factors. Conclusions A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered. Several behavioural NCD risk factors, such as male sex and low health behaviour benefits beliefs, were found that could be utilized in targeted interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S846-S847
Author(s):  
Snigdha Vallabhaneni ◽  
Matthew Zahn ◽  
Erin Epson ◽  
Kathleen ODonnell ◽  
Sam Horwich-Scholefield ◽  
...  

Abstract Background C. auris has been identified from > 1600 US patients. Risk factors include high-acuity post-acute care admissions (e.g., long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs)), hospitalization abroad, and carbapenemase-producing organism (CPO) colonization. Early detection of C. auris is key to controlling spread. We describe four active surveillance strategies that led to early C. auris identification. Methods Based on known risk factors, state health departments used active C. auris surveillance strategies: (1) species identification of yeast from urine cultures from LTACHs, (2) screening patients with a CPO and hospitalization abroad, (3) LTACH C. auris point prevalence surveys (PPS), or (4) admission screening in acute and long-term care settings. Results (1)A laboratory in Southern California serving 12 LTACHs began species identification for all Candida from urine cultures, which would have otherwise been discarded because they are assumed to be not clinically significant. Within 5 months, testing of 271 Candida urine isolates identified the region’s first C. auris case, prompting contact tracing and identification of additional cases and facilities. (2) When CPOs were identified in patients with recent hospitalizations outside of the United States, the Maryland Department of Health screened patients for C.auris colonization. Of four screened, one, who received care in Kenya, was C. auris colonized. (3) The Indiana State Department of Health implemented monthly PPS at an LTACH that frequently admits patients transferred from a high prevalence area. Of 38 patients screened, two were colonized. (4) The Connecticut Department of Public Health offers C. auris admission screening for patients who received inpatient care in high prevalence areas; of 12 screened, one C. auris colonized patient was found. Infection control assessments and implementation of infection control measures followed each detection. Conclusion Early detection of C. auris is important but is impacted by infrequent yeast species identification and a reservoir of asymptomatic colonized patients. Healthcare facilities and public health jurisdictions can consider adopting one or more of these strategies based on epidemiology and resource availability. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
María Camino Escolar-Llamazares ◽  
María Ángeles Martínez Martín ◽  
María Yolanda González Alonso ◽  
María Begoña Medina Gómez ◽  
Elvira Mercado Val ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
Mária Mehešová

Abstract Introduction: Health and well-being are crucial for individuals, a particular country as well as the whole society. Therefore, it is important to focus research on it, and the Social-Emotional Health Survey - Higher Education used on the sample of university students is a good example of it. Purpose: The aim of the article is to bring information on the current issues of social-emotional health in Slovakia and the possibilities of its measuring with the emphasis on the brand new international questionnaire method Social-Emotional Health Survey - Higher Education (SEHS-HE) by M. Furlong. Methods: The method measures four basic dimensions and twelve psychological indicators of social-emotional health of university students. It helps to find the strengths and health predictions of students. Conclusions: Mental health of young people is the priority of the Slovak National Treating Program for Children and Youth, from which goes the necessity to identify the mental health of various groups of people especially of children and youth, to support it and to create the conditions for its optimal development.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document