scholarly journals Exploration of simultaneous polydrug use: risk and protective factors in undergraduate students in one university, Kingston - Jamaica

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (spe) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Mitchell ◽  
Laura Simich ◽  
Carol Strike ◽  
Bruna Brands ◽  
Norman Giesbrecht ◽  
...  

Simultaneous polydrug use in undergraduate students was studied in one university in Kingston, Jamaica. The study was a cross-sectional, and used a survey method of data collection. We examined protective and risk factors associated with simultaneous polydrug use in a sample of 295 undergraduate students from the health and medical science departments in the university. Our results suggest that continued residence with family, family support, and students' emotional well-being are protective factors. On the other hand, ease of access of substance and limited emotional support may be considered risk factors. Our findings may inform preventive programs, though further research is required.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253373
Author(s):  
Sandra Osei-Afriyie ◽  
Albert Kwesi Addae ◽  
Samuel Oppong ◽  
Hubert Amu ◽  
Emmanuel Ampofo ◽  
...  

Background Like many other women in the developing world, the practice of breast cancer screening among Ghanaian women is unsatisfactory. As a result, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poor outcomes including mortalities. An understanding of the awareness and predictors of breast examination is an important first step that may guide the design of interventions aimed at raising awareness across the general population. This study aimed to explore the awareness, risk factors, and self-reported screening practices of breast cancer among female undergraduate students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduate students using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using Stata Version 13.1 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed to quantify the association between regular Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Results Seventy-three per cent of the students were aware of breast cancer, with social media being the most important source of information (64.4%). The prevalence of breast cancer risk factors varied from 1% of having a personal history of breast cancer to 14.3% for positive family history of breast cancer. Current use of oral pills/injectable contraceptives was confirmed by 13.2% of participants; 20% were current alcohol users and10.1% were physically inactive. Regarding breast examination, 42.6% performed BSE; 10.1% had Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), while 2.3% had undergone mammography in the three years preceding the study. Women who did not believe to be susceptible to breast cancer (AOR: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.02–0.09) and those who did not know their risk status (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.005–0.57) were less likely to perform regular BSE compared to those who displayed pessimism. Further, women with no religious affiliation had 0.11 (95%CI: 0.02–0.55) odds of examining their breast regularly compared to Christians. Conclusion This study demonstrated moderate awareness of the modalities of breast cancer screening and the risk factors of breast cancer among the students. However, there exists a gap between awareness and practice of breast cancer screening, which was influenced by optimism in breast cancer risk perception and religion. Awareness campaigns and education should be intensified in the University to bridge this gap.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Tirado Morueta ◽  
José Ignacio Aguaded Gómez ◽  
Isidro Marín Gutiérrez

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar factores protectores y factores de riesgo asociados al consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos. Fueron medidos sobre la base de un estudio descriptivo y transversal realizado en el curso 2007-2008 en la Universidad de Huelva. Para el análisis de las relaciones entre variables se utilizó el test de chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Para identificar factores de riesgo y protectores se realizó un análisis de regresión logística binomial. Los resultados confirmaron la influencia del policonsumo como principal factor de riesgo, así como el sexo. De igual modo los “botellones”, según mostraron los resultados, pierden poder predictivo respecto al consumo habitual, siendo los hábitos de lectura, la afición por la música y la edad factores protectores de este tipo de consumo. Finalmente, un bajo consumode alcohol en el medio universitario, la asistencia frecuente a clasee inferiores niveles de consumo semanal de alcohol, se revelaron como factores protectores. AbsctractThe main aim of this study is to identify protective factors and risk factors linked to alcohol consumption in university students of both sexes. These factors were measured on the basis of a descriptive cross-sectional study developed in 2007-2008 at the University of Huelva. In order to analyze the relations among variables, we have used the chi-square test of Pearson. To identify risk and protective factors a binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted. The results confirm the influence of policonsumption and sex as the main risk factors. "Botellones" decrease predictive degree when compared with usual consumption. Reading habit, love of music and age behave as protective factors against drugs consumption. Finally, lower drinking degrees inside the college, higher frequency of attendance and lower weekly alcohol consumption, are protective factors.


Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danica W. Y. Liu ◽  
A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt ◽  
Richard Burns ◽  
Rachel M. Roberts ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey

Abstract. Background: Little is known about the role of resilience in the likelihood of suicidal ideation (SI) over time. Aims: We examined the association between resilience and SI in a young-adult cohort over 4 years. Our objectives were to determine whether resilience was associated with SI at follow-up or, conversely, whether SI was associated with lowered resilience at follow-up. Method: Participants were selected from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project from Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia, aged 28–32 years at the first time point and 32–36 at the second. Multinomial, linear, and binary regression analyses explored the association between resilience and SI over two time points. Models were adjusted for suicidality risk factors. Results: While unadjusted analyses identified associations between resilience and SI, these effects were fully explained by the inclusion of other suicidality risk factors. Conclusion: Despite strong cross-sectional associations, resilience and SI appear to be unrelated in a longitudinal context, once risk/resilience factors are controlled for. As independent indicators of psychological well-being, suicidality and resilience are essential if current status is to be captured. However, the addition of other factors (e.g., support, mastery) makes this association tenuous. Consequently, resilience per se may not be protective of SI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Lemes de Aquino ◽  
Douglas Ataniel Alves Xavier ◽  
Meirielen Danubia Marra ◽  
Nubia Fernandes Fernandes Teixeira ◽  
Lorena Silva Vargas ◽  
...  

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a qualidade de vida de acadêmicos regularmente ativos em uma universidade; verificar se existe associação entre qualidade de vida e sintomas depressivos. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, tipo transversal, aplicar-se-ão três questionários estruturados, autoaplicáveis para mensurar o nível da qualidade de vida e índice de depressão entre acadêmicos. Far-se-á a análise estatística descritiva, empregar-se-á o teste Liliefors e usar-se-ão o teste t de Student. Apresentar-se-ão os resultados em forma de figuras. Resultados esperados: realizar-se-á a correlação entre a qualidade de vida dos estudantes dos cursos de graduação da universidade e a incidência de fatores depressivos com o início da vida acadêmica. Descritores: Depressão; Vida Acadêmica; Qualidade de Vida; Universidade; Estudantes; Educação Superior.ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the quality of life of academically active students in a university; to verify if there is an association between quality of life and depressive symptoms. Method: this is a quantitative cross-sectional study. Three structured, self-administered questionnaires will be applied to measure the level of quality of life and depression index among academics. The descriptive statistical analysis will be done, the Liliefors test will be used and the Student's t-test will be used. The results will be presented in the form of figures. Expected results: the correlation between the quality of life of undergraduate students of the university and the incidence of depressive factors with the beginning of academic life will be realized. Descriptors: Depression; Academic life; Quality of Life; Universities; Students; Education, Higher.RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar la calidad de vida de los académicos regularmente activos en una universidad; comprobar si existe asociación entre calidad de vida y síntomas depresivos. Método: se trata de estudio cuantitativo, tipo transversal, se aplicarán tres cuestionarios estructurados, autoaplicables para medir el nivel de la calidad de vida e índice de depresión entre académicos. Se hará el análisis estadístico descriptivo, se empleará la prueba Liliefors y se utilizarán la prueba t de Student. Se presentarán los resultados en forma de figuras. Resultados esperados: se realizará la correlación entre la calidad de vida de los estudiantes de los cursos de grado de la universidad y la incidencia de factores depresivos con el inicio de la vida académica. Descriptores: Depresión; Vida académica; Calidad de Vida; Universidades; Estudiantes; Educación Superior.


Author(s):  
Verra Widhi Astuti ◽  
Tasman Tasman ◽  
Lola Felnanda Amri

ABSTRAK Pendahuluan: Hipertensi disebut sebagai "silent killer" artinya dapat menyebabkan kematian secara diam-diam. Hanya melalui pengukuranlah deteksi dapat dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi hipertensi dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi hipertensi di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Nanggalo, Padang. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian dilakukan pada masyarakat usia > 18 tahun di wilayah Kerja Puskemas Nanggalo dengan sampel sebanyak 438 responden. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proporsi hipertensi di masyarakat Wilayah Kerja Nanggalo tahun 2019 sebesar 13,7 yang terdiri dari 10,7% hipertensi stage 1 dan 3% hipertensi stage 2. Sedangkan 19,2% responden sudah memasuki tahap pra hipertensi. Responden paling banyak pada usia produktif yaitu pada rentang usia 18-50 tahun; responden antara laki-laki dan perempuan jumlahnya hampir sama; sebagian besar memiliki status gizi (IMT) normal (64,2%), sebagian besar responden beraktivitas fisik secara rutin (77,9%); sebagian besar responden tidak merokok (61%); dan konsumsi makanan tinggi lemak jenuh dan rendah lemak jenuh hampir sama. Kesimpulan: Ada hubungan yang signifikan antara usia, berat badan (IMT) dan aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian hipertensi. Serta tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara jenis kelamin, kebiasaan merokok, dan makan makanan berlemak jenuh dengan kejadian hipertensi. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan mampu meningkatkan kesadaran responden terhadap faktor-faktor risiko hipertensi.   Kata kunci: Faktor risiko, hipertensi,  prevalensi.   ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypertension is called the "silent killer" which means it can cause death silently. Therefore, detection can only be done through measurement. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension and the risk factors that influence hypertension in the working area of ​​the Nanggalo Community Health Center, Padang. Methods: This study used an analytic survey method with a cross sectional approach. The research was conducted on people aged> 18 years in the working area of ​​Puskemas Nanggalo with 438 respondents as a sample. Result: The results showed that the proportion of hypertension in Nanggalo Work Area was 13.7 consisting of 10.7% stage 1 hypertension and 3% stage 2 hypertension. While 19.2% of respondents had entered the pre hypertension stage. Most respondents are in productive age, namely in the age range 18-50 years; the number of respondents between men and women is almost the same; most of them had normal nutritional status (BMI) (64.2%), most of the respondents had regular physical activity (77.9%); most of the respondents do not smoke (61%); and consumption of foods high in saturated fat and low in saturated fat is about the same. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between age, body weight (BMI) and physical activity with the incidence of hypertension. And there is no significant relationship between gender, smoking habits, and eating saturated fatty foods with the incidence of hypertension. The results of this study are expected to be able to increase respondents' awareness of risk factors for hypertension.   Keywords: Hypertension, prevalence, risk factor


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritam Banerjee ◽  
Sharmistha Bhattacherjee ◽  
Kuntala Ray ◽  
Jayanta Kumar Roy ◽  
Saikat Datta ◽  
...  

Background: Dyslipidemia, one of the classical Framingham risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, accounts significantly to the rise of non communicable diseases in India. Urbanization, along with greater consumption of dietary fats and decreased physical activity, has led to an increase in this problem manifold. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia among urban adults of Siliguri city, West Bengal and to identify the cardio-vascular risk factors associated with it. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among the 226 adults aged ≥20yrs in an urban area of Siliguri city, West Bengal, India. Data was collected by detailed history and physical examination; biochemical measurements were done using standards procedures. Dyslipidemia was defined by the presence of one or more than one abnormal serum lipid concentration. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test, t test and logistic regression analysis using SPSS 20 software (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Dyslipidemia was prevalent among 78.4 % of the total study subjects. Dyslipidemia was more in males than in females & in both males and females it was more prevalent in the age group 40 -59 years than in any other age group. It was associated with higher odds of major cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperglycemias, and tobacco use. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia remains a significant and growing problem in this part of the country. The reduction in the disease burden will require changes in life style as well as in national policies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i1.8474 Asian Journal of Medical Science Vol.5(1) 2014 pp.1-8


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽  
Franca Spatafora ◽  
Lisa Kühne ◽  
Heide Busse ◽  
Stefanie M. Helmer ◽  
...  

Background: Results of previous studies examining the impact of the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 on university students' mental well-being indicated severe mental health consequences. It is unclear how the current COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in study conditions due to federal regulations affected mental well-being in the German student population. We examined university students' perceptions of study conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated associations between study conditions and depressive symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany in May 2020 at four universities (N = 5,021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years, SD: 5.1). Perceived study conditions, as well as sociodemographic information, were assessed with self-generated items and the CES-D 8 scale was used to determine depressive symptoms. Associations between perceived study conditions (academic stress and academic satisfaction), in general, and confidence to complete the semester, in particular, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using generalized linear regressions.Results: Fifty-four percent of survey participants felt that the university workload had significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic; 48% were worried that they would not be able to successfully complete the academic year; 47% agreed that the change in teaching methods caused significant stress. Regarding depressive symptoms, the mean score of the CES-D 8 scale was 9.25. Further, a positive association between perceived study conditions and depressive symptoms was found (p < 0.001), indicating that better study conditions were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Results of the generalized linear regression suggest that better student mental well-being was related to higher confidence in completing the semester.Conclusions: This study provides first insights into perceived study conditions and associations with depressive symptoms among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Findings underline the need for universities to provide intervention strategies targeting students' mental well-being during the course of the pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigist Alemayehu Woldekidan ◽  
Ammas Siraj Mohammed

Background: Ketamine and propofol in a single syringe are reported to create an admixture used for balancing cardiorespiratory effects during induction of general anesthesia. This study aimed to assess the clinical practice and knowledge of “ketofol” among anesthesia providers.Methods: A cross-sectional institutional-based study was conducted among anesthesia providers. Data abstracted format was prepared and distributed to senior anesthetists, junior anesthetist postgraduate students, and undergraduate students. The study was conducted from January 1, 2019, to January 30, 2019. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed for frequency distribution and to determine the association, respectively.Result: From a total of 133 participants included in the study, the majority, 88 (66.2%), were men and 75 (56.9%) had 0–2 years of experience. More than two-thirds of participants, 105 (78.9%), have never had a seminar or educational session about combined use. Lack of experience among 11 participants (8.3%) was one of the reasons for not using “ketofol” followed by lack of knowledge among three (2.3%) participants. The majority of participants, 112 (84.2%), prefer ketamine and propofol to be administered one right after the other with separate syringes and the ratio to be 1:2, 64 (48.2). There was no significant association observed between sociodemographic and other characteristics and the practice of “ketofol.”Conclusion: In this study, nearly half of the participants rated their knowledge at the average level, and the study identifies that there is clinical knowledge and practice gap among anesthesia providers working in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH). Preparing educational sessions regarding “ketofol” for addressing identified barriers is among the recommendations forwarded to UOGCSH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Bertrams ◽  
Myriam Zäch

Social anxiety (alternatively: social-contact uncertainty) in the university context can lead to reduced health, well-being, and performance, and can even cause premature leaving of education. With the present study, we intended to supplement cross-sectional studies on students' autistic traits and social anxiety with longitudinal findings. We measured autistic traits and social-contact uncertainty of 118 university students on two occasions, roughly 1 year apart. Correlation, multiple regression, and cross-lagged analyses showed that more pronounced autistic traits predicted higher future social-contact uncertainty. Social-contact uncertainty did not predict autistic traits. We conclude that university students who are high in autistic traits tend not only to be more socially anxious at the moment but have a heightened risk of still being so in the future.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yigrem Ali Chekole

Abstract Introduction Compared to other deadly communicable diseases, Psychoactive Substance use is among the leading cause of death. Repeated use linked to addiction, dependence and predisposition for criminal and antisocial behaviors. Even though drug use in Africa relatively is short; however the abuse of drug in Africa is escalating rapidly. Substances use is also one of the most burning and growing public health problems in Ethiopia, as in many developing countries; alcohol is the most frequently used substance. Objective To Assess the Prevalence of alcohol Use and Associated factors among Dilla University undergraduate students in Southern Ethiopia. 2018. Methods An Institution based cross -sectional study was conducted at Dilla University among undergraduate regular students from January-February. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total of 803 samples of students from each year and department of the university. The collected data was coded, entered in to EPI-INFO version7.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Crude and adjusted OR were analyzed using logistic regression and the level of significance of association was determined at P- value <0.05. Result A total of 803 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 91.7%. Among the Participants, alcohol use was found to be 67.6%. (41.8%; n=336). Being 4 th year students (AOR =2.66, 95% CI: 1.64, 4.31), having friends who use substance (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.1), being Khat user (AOR= 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.09) and being Cigarette smoker (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.84) were found to be significantly associated with alcohol use. Conclusion Half of the participants found to have alcohol use. Therefore, early prevention, detection and alleviating of alcohol use should be implemented among students in the university.


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