scholarly journals Anxiety is associated with appetitive traits in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Coakley ◽  
Huyen Le ◽  
Spirit Rae Silva ◽  
Aspen Wilks
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Severe Anxiety ◽  
Satiety Responsiveness

Abstract Background COVID-19 has impacted mental health globally, however, associations between anxiety and appetitive traits during the pandemic are unreported. This study evaluated anxiety symptom severity and associations with appetitive traits in students at a large public University in the U.S. during the pandemic. Methods Current undergraduate and graduate/professional students completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. Demographic information, anxiety symptoms in the past 2 weeks assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and appetitive traits assessed by the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) were evaluated. Mean scores for eight AEBQ scales (four food approach and four food avoidance traits) were calculated. Differences in mean scores were examined between participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥ 10) and those with mild to no anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score < 10) via independent samples t-tests and effect sizes. Associations between GAD-7 score and individual appetitive traits were also examined, adjusting for age and gender. Results Of the 1243 students who completed the survey (57% undergraduates; mean age = 26.5 years), 51.9% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Groups experiencing the highest degree of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms included transgender, gender fluid, and other-gendered participants (73.6%); the youngest age group [18–20 years (62%)]; undergraduate students (60.7%); and Hispanic/Latinx participants (57.7%). Participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms had higher scores for most food approach and avoidance traits but lower scores for enjoyment of food than those with mild to no anxiety symptoms. Effect sizes were largest for hunger and emotional over-eating (Cohen’s d = 0.31 and 0.30, respectively). Adjusting for age and gender, GAD-7 score was significantly and positively associated with hunger, emotional over-eating, food and satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness and negatively associated with enjoyment of food. Conclusions Over half of students at a U.S. University reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during COVID-19. More severe anxiety symptoms were associated with increased hunger, emotional over-eating, and food and satiety responsiveness and decreased enjoyment of food. Universities must consider strategies to address anxiety, particularly in younger students; transgender, gender fluid, and students of other genders; and across race/ethnicities keeping in mind associations with appetitive traits.

scholarly journals Anxiety is associated with undesirable eating behaviors in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E Coakley ◽  
Huyen Le ◽  
Spirit Rae Silva ◽  
Aspen Wilks
Keyword(s):  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
The Past ◽  
Severe Anxiety ◽  
Satiety Responsiveness ◽  
Food Fussiness

Abstract Background COVID-19 has impacted mental health globally, however, relationships between anxiety and eating behaviors during the pandemic have not been explored. This study evaluated anxiety, eating attitudes and behaviors, and associations between anxiety and eating behaviors in students at a large public University in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Current undergraduate and graduate/professional students completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. Demographic information, indicators of anxiety in the past two weeks assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7), and eating behaviors assessed by the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) were evaluated. A score ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 indicated anxiety (≥ 15 indicated severe anxiety). Eating behaviors were reported via Likert scale and combined into eight AEBQ subscales; subscale mean and standard deviation were reported. Differences in mean AEBQ subscale scores were examined between participants with and without anxiety via Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to examine associations between GAD-7 score and individual AEBQ subscale scores, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and student status. Results The final sample included 1243 students (57% undergraduates). In the full sample, 51.9% experienced anxiety in the past two weeks; 24.6% had severe anxiety. Subgroups with the highest prevalence of anxiety included non-cisgender participants (73.6%), the youngest age group [18–20 years of age (62%)], undergraduate students (60.7%), and Hispanic/Latino participants (57.5%). Participants with anxiety had significantly lower AEBQ scores for enjoyment of food and significantly higher scores for emotional over and under-eating, food fussiness, food and satiety responsiveness, and hunger than those with no anxiety (p < 0.01). In adjusted analyses, GAD-7 score was significantly and positively associated with hunger, food responsiveness, emotional over-eating, satiety responsiveness, and food fussiness and negatively associated with enjoyment of food. Conclusions The prevalence of anxiety is overwhelming in undergraduate and graduate/professional students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating behaviors differ significantly in those with anxiety; increasing anxiety severity was associated with undesirable eating behaviors including hunger and emotional over-eating. Universities and health professionals must consider strategies to address anxiety, particularly in younger students, non-cis-gender students, and across race/ethnicities keeping in mind associations between anxiety and eating behaviors.

scholarly journals Obesity in Saudi Arabia in 2020: Prevalence, Distribution, and Its Current Association with Various Health Conditions

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Rasha A. Almubark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Colon Diseases

The global prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases and health conditions. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia and described the current national-level status of the association between obesity and various health conditions. This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted over phone-interviews in June 2020. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and the obesity was determined as BMI ≥ 30. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used for exploring current associations between obesity and health conditions. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 participants responded and completed the interview with a response rate of 75.48%. Of them, 50.1% were female, the mean age was 36.4 ± 13.5 (Range: 18–90), and the median age was 36. The national weighted prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 24.7%, and the prevalence in the sample (unweighted) was 21.7%. Obesity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [Odd ratio, (OR) = 1.52], hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.69), hypertension (OR = 1.61), lung diseases (OR = 1.69), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.57), sleep apnea (OR = 1.82), colon diseases (OR = 1.31), and thyroid disorders (OR = 1.8). This study provides an update on the recent prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It also shows the variation in prevalence rates between different regions, which might be explored further. Although obesity shows a decreasing trend, almost one-quarter of this study sample were obese. Obesity is currently associated with many health conditions that can affect the individuals’ quality of life, impose stress on the healthcare system and impose an economic burden on the country. This evidence highlights the need for action to focus more on obesity in Saudi Arabia.

Psychiatric disorders and social characteristics among second-generation Moroccan migrants in Belgium: An age–and gender–controlled study conducted in a psychiatric emergency department

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Fossion ◽  
Y. Ledoux ◽  
F. Valente ◽  
L. Servais ◽  
L. Staner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Generation ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Psychiatric Emergency ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender

SummaryPurpose.Clinically, one of the most consistent clinical findings among migrant patients is an increase in the rate of psychosis. The aim of the present study was to confirm this finding in Belgium by comparing second-generation Moroccan migrant patients with Belgian patients, matched for the variables of age and gender.Subjects and method.We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 272 patients admitted in a psychiatric emergency unit during the year 1998. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the two subgroups.Results.Multivariate analyses showed that migrant patients lived more often with their parental family and that they presented a higher rate of admission for psychotic disorders and a lower rate of employment.Discussion.Our findings add to the growing body of results showing increased incidence of psychosis among immigrants to European countries, but several factors have to be taken into account, particularly with regard to selection biases and differences in help-seeking behaviour and in family perception of the mental illness.Conclusion.Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that unemployment is a contributing factor in the risk for psychosis among migrant groups. Further studies would be needed to better explain some of our results, particularly the role played by the families of migrant patients.

scholarly journals The sociocultural and behavioural characteristics that patients want in psychiatrists: cross-sectional survey of patients’ views

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Richard Laugharne ◽  
Stefan Priebe ◽  
Agnes Chevalier ◽  
Catherine Paton ◽  
Rajaei K. Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Behavioural Characteristics ◽  
Sociocultural Characteristics ◽  
And Gender

Aims and method There appears to be no research to date investigating patients’ preferences for sociocultural characteristics or behavioural qualities of psychiatrists. We aimed to assess which are most important to patients. Patients (132) in community mental health teams across two sites (East Cornwall, East London) completed a questionnaire ranking the importance of different sociocultural characteristics and behaviours of psychiatrists. Results Patients cared more about age and gender than other characteristics. Four preferences (from a choice of ten) regarding behavioural qualities were clearly identified as important: explaining things clearly, dedication to personal treatment, being friendly and polite, and being up to date with medical knowledge. Clinical implications Patients are fairly unconcerned about the age, gender, religion and social background of psychiatrists. Characteristics they care about most include communication skills, competence, dedication to personal treatment and friendliness. Explaining things clearly is particularly important. This indicates specific areas of improvement for training and further research.

Assessing Smoking Prevalence Amongst School Children in a Health Board Region

2000 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Knight
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
School Year ◽  
Outcomes Measures ◽  
And Gender

The objective of the study was to provide baseline data for Tayside in 1995 on the prevalence of smoking cigarettes in school children, aged 11 to 15 years. The design was a cross-sectional survey of 4675 children, obtained using a random cluster sample of 79 schools, stratified by school year and deprivation category. The main outcomes measures using a structured questionnaire, were the prevalence and level of smoking, by age and gender. The prevalence rate of regular smoking was 9% (95% CI 8.2%–9.8%). The rate rises appreciably for boys between 13 and 14years and for girls between 12 and 13 years. Source of cigarettes was also an outcome measure, most cigarettes were obtained from small shops. Health Boards require a standard method for collecting regional baseline data on the prevalence of smoking among children both for evaluation of targeted health promotion initiatives by age and gender and also for comparison of regional smoking prevalence with national targets.

scholarly journals Nationwide cross-sectional survey of patients with relapsing polychondritis in 2019 demonstrates reduction of airway involvement compared with that in 2009

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Shimizu ◽  
Yoshihisa Yamano ◽  
Kimito Kawahata ◽  
Noboru Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Relapsing Polychondritis ◽  
Calcineurin Inhibitors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽  
And Gender

AbstractWe conducted retrospective cohort studies of patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP) twice in 2009 and 2019, using a physician questionnaire. We compared the patients’ clinical statuses between the years. Age and gender were comparable between the two surveys. Mean disease duration was longer in 2019 survey (8.3 years) than that in 2009 survey (4.8 years, P < 0.001). The mortality rate declined in 2019 survey compared with those in 2009 survey (from 9.2 to 1.6%, P < 0.001). Incidence of airway involvement decreased in 2019 survey compared with that in 2009 survey (from 49 to 37%, P = 0.012). In 2019 survey, we found more frequent use of biological agents and immunosuppressants in patients with airway involvement. When we focused on RP patients with airway involvement, physicians in 2019 chose methotrexate and calcineurin inhibitors preferentially, compared with azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. Of note is that increased use of infliximab was observed in RP patients with airway involvement, but not in those without. Reduction of airway involvement and mortality in patients with RP was observed in 2019 survey. The reduction may associate with the frequent use of biologics including infliximab in RP patients with airway involvement.

Psychosis, migration and social environment: an age-and-gender controlled study

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 338-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Fossion ◽  
L. Servais ◽  
M.-C. Rejas ◽  
Y. Ledoux ◽  
I. Pelc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Migrant Groups

AbstractPurposeAdverse social experiences are frequently invoked to explain the higher rate of psychosis among migrant groups. The aim of the present study was to establish the socio-environmental factors distinguishing migrant psychotic patients from autochthonous patients.Subjects and methodWe conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 341 migrant psychotic patients matched for age and gender with 341 autochthonous psychotic patients.ResultsMigrant patients lived more often with their parental family, were less often enrolled with a referral psychiatrist, presented a lower rate of employment, a lower percentage of alcohol misuse and of suicide attempts.DiscussionOur findings add to the growing body of results showing that more attention needs to be focused on socio-environmental variables in psychosis research. However, several limitations have to be taken into account, particularly with regard to selection biases and age of onset of the psychotic illness.ConclusionOur results are compatible with the hypothesis that unemployment is a contributing factor in the risk for psychosis among migrant groups. Migrants’ families are an important keystone in the mental health care process of their sick relatives. Our service models need to be adapted with the aim to make the treatment easier for migrant patients.

scholarly journals The frequency and nature of aggressive acts on Australian roads

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 27-36
Author(s):  
Amanda Stephens ◽  
Michael Fitzharris
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Aggressive Driving ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Risky Driving ◽  
Driving Pattern ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Mobile Phone Usage ◽  
And Gender

To understand the current prevalence of aggressive acts on Australian roads, a large cross-sectional survey was conducted inviting drivers from all Australian jurisdictions to participate. A stratified sampling procedure was undertaken to ensure the age and gender distributions were representative of each jurisdiction. Participants were asked to report the frequency of aggressive driving behaviours as well as speeding, drink-driving and mobile phone usage while driving. Recent crash history was also obtained. The sample consisted of 2,916 drivers (males = 45%) with an average age of 42 (±16) years. Minor aggressive behaviours such as expressing annoyance to other drivers and sounding the horn in anger were reported by the majority of the sample (60% and 70% respectively). More extreme behaviour such as chasing another driver when angry was less common, however still reported by 18% of the overall sample. Aggressive driving behaviours were more common in younger, male drivers with 36% of drivers aged 22 to 39 reporting extreme aggression. Associations were found between aggressive driving with crash involvement and other forms of risky driving behaviour. The results show that aggressive driving is a problem on Australian roads. Further research is warranted to explore where aggressive driving fits within an overall risky driving pattern of behaviour, what attitudes drivers hold toward aggressive driving, and how to target the reduction of these behaviours.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document