scholarly journals Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in University students: cross sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Blakey ◽  
Lucy Reeve ◽  
Neville Q Verlander ◽  
David Edwards Edwards ◽  
David Wyllie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
University Students ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Of Cambridge ◽  
Social Settings

Objectives To define risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in University of Cambridge students during a period of increased incidence in October and November 2020. Study design Survey Methods Routine public health surveillance identified a marked increase in the numbers of University of Cambridge students with respiratory illness and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the 10 days after a national lockdown was announced in the UK on 5 November 2020. Cases were identified both through symptom-triggered testing and a universal asymptomatic testing program. An online questionnaire was sent to all University of Cambridge students on 25 November to investigate risk factors for testing positive in the period after 30 October 2020. This asked about symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 test results, in-person teaching settings, other aspects of University life, and attendance at social events in the period just prior to lockdown, from 30th October and 4th November 2020. Univariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken evaluating potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Results Among 3,980 students responding to the questionnaire, 99 (2.5%) reported testing SARS-CoV-2 positive in the period studied; 28 (28%) were asymptomatic. We found strong independent associations with SARS-CoV-2 positivity were attendance at two social settings in the City of Cambridge (adjusted odds ratio favouring disease 13.0 (95% CI 6.2,26.9) and 14.2 (95% CI 2.9,70)), with weaker evidence of association with three further social settings. By contrast, we did not observe strong independent associations between disease risk and type of accommodation or attendance at, or participation in, a range of activities associated with the University curriculum. Conclusions Attendance at social settings can facilitate widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission in University students. Constraint of transmission in higher education settings needs to emphasise risks outside University premises, as well as a COVID-safe environment within University premises.

A mixed-methods study to identify factors associated with MenACWY vaccine uptake, barriers and motivations towards vaccination among undergraduate students

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten MA Trayner ◽  
Niall Anderson ◽  
J Claire Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
University Students ◽  
Meningococcal Disease ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: In response to an outbreak of severe meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W, the UK introduced the meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) for adolescents and new university students as a control measure. Objective: To estimate MenACWY vaccine uptake and identify factors associated with uptake, barriers and motivations towards vaccination among university students. Design: Mixed methods including a cross-sectional survey, 7 interviews and 1 focus group. Setting: A Scottish university between April and May 2016. Methods: Inclusion criteria were <25 years and attending university for the first time (MenACWY eligible). All first-year undergraduates ( n = 5,808) were invited to take part in the survey via email, and qualitative participants were recruited through the survey. The final sample consisted of 768 students, representing 13% (768/5,808) of the target population. Results: MenACWY uptake among the sample was 71.5% (549/768). Older students (22–24 years) were less likely than younger students (18 years) to have been vaccinated [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06–0.77], and male students were less likely to be vaccinated than female students (aOR = 0.667; 95% CI = 0.45–0.96). In comparison to international students, domestic students had a significantly higher odds of vaccination (aOR = 3.89; 95% CI = 2.64–5.72). Communication barriers were most frequently identified as reasons for non-vaccination. Most vaccination occurred before starting university (76.7%, 421/549), highlighting access barriers. Meningococcal disease knowledge was low; a significant association ( p < 0.001) was found between knowledge and vaccination uptake. Some participants were unaware of their vaccination history. They perceived meningococcal disease as severe, but disease risk as low. Key motivations were knowledge of the benefits of vaccines, influence of others and social responsibility. Conclusion: Students outside main UK-based, core age cohorts were under-immunised and focused efforts are needed to improve vaccination rates. Future student vaccination programmes could focus on raising awareness of the serious implications of meningococcal disease. Additional benefit may be gained from emphasising the benefits of vaccinations for society as a whole.

scholarly journals Asthma in South African adolescents: a time trend and risk factor analysis over two decades

2020 ◽  
pp. 00576-2020
Author(s):  
C.B. Baard ◽  
Z. Franckling-Smith ◽  
J. Munro ◽  
L. Workman ◽  
H.J. Zar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South African ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Time Trend ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Current Asthma

BackgroundSouth Africa has undergone major economic and health system changes impacting the epidemiology of childhood asthma. This study aimed to investigate prevalence time-trends of asthma in South African adolescents over 2 decades and to identify associated risk-factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017, in a randomised sample of 13–14 year-old Cape Town adolescents, using the standardised Global Asthma Network written, video, and environmental questionnaires. Using time-trend analysis, the prevalence and severity of asthma were compared with data from the 2002 ISAAC phase III study. Environmental and social risk-factors were analysed.Results3979 adolescents were included. Prevalence of lifetime and current asthma were 34.5% and 21.3%, respectively, on the self-report written questionnaire, similar to 2002 results. The prevalence of severe asthma in the last 12 months increased, measured by wheeze limiting speech (7.8% to 11.8%), ≥4 attacks of wheezing (5.0% to 5.8%) or ≥1 night·week−1 waking from wheezing (5.0% to 6.9%). The video questionnaire revealed increases in lifetime (16.9% to 22.5%), current (11.2% to 18.7%), or severe asthma (12.1% to 14.8%). Multivariate analysis showed associations between current asthma and smoking, female sex, pet exposure or higher socioeconomic status. Severe asthma was associated with smoking, pet exposure, outdoor pollution exposure or informal housing. 33% of those with severe or current asthma had been diagnosed.ConclusionThe prevalence of asthma is high, with increasing rates of severe asthma in adolescents. Underdiagnosis is a major concern and reduction in exposure to environmental factors, particularly smoking, and improved socioeconomic development are needed.

scholarly journals Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge, Precaution Practice, and Associated Depression Symptoms among University Students in Korea, China, and Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zhao ◽  
Fanlei Kong ◽  
Myo Nyein Aung ◽  
Motoyuki Yuasa ◽  
Eun Woo Nam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
China And Japan ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Depressive States

This study assessed university students’ knowledge and precaution practices of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Korea, China, and Japan, and investigated their depressive states during the pandemic. This cross-sectional survey collected data from 821 respondents, using an anonymous online questionnaire designed by the Yonsei Global Health Center, from 23 March to 20 April 2020, which included socio-demographic questions, knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19, preventative practices, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to assess mental health. High proportions of respondents showed good knowledge of the transmission pathways and information related to COVID-19. Contact history as well as concerns about family members and the disease showed statistically significant distinctions by nationality and gender. On the whole, all participants reported good levels of preventative practices. The Chinese group reported the highest preventative practice scores; and females scored higher than males. Moreover, the Japanese group showed the most severe depressive states; overall, females experienced more severe depression than males. Thus, authorities should especially emphasize the importance of COVID-19 precautions to males. Educational departments and health authorities should observe the mental health of university adults during the pandemic and plan interventions to improve it.

scholarly journals Borderline Personality Symptoms: What Not to Be Overlooked when Approaching Suicidal Ideation among University Students

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1399
Author(s):  
Nahathai Wongpakaran ◽  
Awirut Oon-Arom ◽  
Nuntaporn Karawekpanyawong ◽  
Trustsavin Lohanan ◽  
Thanakorn Leesawat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Suicidal ideation is a serious condition antecedent to suicidal attempts and is highly related not only to depression but also other psychosocial factors. This study aimed to examine the predictive effects of these potential factors for suicidal ideation among young adult university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of university students in Thailand. An online questionnaire employed the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10), the patient health questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), and a screening instrument for borderline personality disorder. An ordinal regression analysis was applied to determine the predictive effects of the independent variables. Of 336 students, the mean age was 20.26 ± 1.3 years, 80.4% of whom were female; 14.3% had suicidal ideation. The significant predictors of suicidal thoughts were perceived stress (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22); depressive symptoms (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.22); borderline personality symptoms (AOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.40); and perceived social support (AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00). Not only did depressive symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation but they also constituted important variables. Therefore, they should be included in intervention plans to prevent suicidality among university students.

scholarly journals Pornography as a Source of Sex Education and Genital-Related Satisfaction

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
K. Dawson ◽  
◽  
S. Nic Gabhainn ◽  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Pornography Consumption ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Female Genital

Objective: To examine whether use of pornography as a source of sex education predicted male and female genital dissatisfaction, within a social comparison framework. Design and Method: This study is based on cross-sectional survey data from 2162 University students, of whom 47% were female. Data were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire, which included pornography consumption and frequency and context of use. A combination of eight items from the Male Genital Self-Image Scale and Female Genital Self-Image Scale assessed genital satisfaction. Results: Pornography consumption was reported by 99.7% of males and 89.6% of females, with 72% males and 65% females reporting sex education as a frequent context of their use. For males, those who frequently used pornography for sex education were most likely to report very positive feelings about their genitals (92%), high levels of comfort with a sexual partner looking at their genitals (90%) as well as genital size-related satisfaction (84%), when compared with those who reported that they never used pornography for sex education. For females, frequent use for sex education was associated with genital appearance-related dissatisfaction (40%), compared to females who did not (20%). Conclusions: High proportions of Irish University students use pornography for sex education purposes. The findings suggest that, in terms of genital self-image, males are more likely than females to be positive outcomes of such use. This highlights the importance of the context of pornography use and suggests a potential positive purpose for ‘porn literacy’.

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