Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior and Depression Among Japanese Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-sectional Online Survey

Abstract Background: Sedentary behavior, particularly prevalent during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been shown to lead to depression. In medical students, this could negatively affect the provision of healthcare. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between sedentary behavior and depression in Japanese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 30 to August 30, 2021, using anonymous questionnaire system to assess respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, sedentary behavior among 1000 Japanese university students. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The data of 484 respondents (48.4%) were included in a stepwise analysis, where we set the difference between medical and non-medical students as Model 1 and that between medical students with and without depression as Model 2.Results: In Model 1, medical students were less physically active (p<0.001), had longer sedentary time (p<0.001), and had higher PHQ-2 scores (p=0.048) than non-medical students. Moreover, Model 2 showed that longer sedentary time (OR=1.001, p=0.036) and screen time for leisure (OR=1.003, p=0.002) were associated with depression among medical students.Conclusions: Based on these results, it is evident that reducing Japanese medical students’ sedentary time and leisure screen time can help combat depression during COVID-19 pandemic; thus, these results can guide the development of appropriate interventions to prevent and treat depression.

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Association of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity with Depression in Sport University Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189881 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9881

Author(s):

Huixuan Zhou ◽

Xiaotong Dai ◽

Litian Lou ◽

Chan Zhou ◽

Wei Zhang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Patient Health

Background: Sports university students are usually expected to lead an active life and have a lower risk of depression. Therefore, there are few studies on depression and its risk factors among this population. This study aimed to investigate depression and its association with sedentary behavior and physical activity in sports university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduates majoring in physical education in a sports university in Beijing in March 2021. Students were asked about sociodemographic information, domain-specific sedentary behavior, physical activity, and depression (using a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire). Chi-squared test and logistic regression were carried out to analyze the data. Results: Among a total of 584 participants, the detection rate of depression was 49.1%. The median of total sedentary time was 7.29 h per day. After adjusting for covariates, recreational screen time (OR = 1.540, p = 0.035), sedentary time spent completing schoolwork (OR = 0.658, p = 0.038), and participation in vigorous physical activity everyday (OR = 0.415, p = 0.001) and a few times per week (OR = 0.423, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: Sports university students are not immune to depression and inactive lifestyles. Excessive recreational screen time may have an adverse effect on depression, which is somewhat independent of physical activity.

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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in School-Aged Children

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2016-0234 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 408-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Eimear Keane ◽

Xia Li ◽

Janas M. Harrington ◽

Anthony P. Fitzgerald ◽

Ivan J. Perry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Independent Association

Purpose:Globally, public health policies are targeting modifiable lifestyle behaviors. We explore the independent association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior on the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.Method:A cross-sectional survey of children aged 8–11 years (N = 826). Objective body mass index was used to classify children as normal weight or overweight/obese. Children wore wrist-worn Geneactiv accelerometers for 7-days and thresholds were applied to categorize MVPA and sedentary time. Screen time (ST) was parent reported. Poisson regression examined the independent association of (1) MVPA (2), objective sedentary time and (3) ST on the risk of overweight/obesity.Results:Overall, 23.7% (95% CI, 20.8–26.6%) of children were overweight/obese. On average, children spent 10.8% of waking time at MVPA and 61.3% sedentary. One-fifth (22.1%, 95% CI, 19.3–25.0%) of children achieved MVPA recommendations (≥ 60 min each day) and 17.5% (95% CI, 14.9–20.1%) met ST recommendations (<2 hr per day). Time spent at MVPA was inversely associated with the risk of overweight/obese independent of total sedentary time. Total time spent sedentary was not associated with overweight/obese independent of MVPA. ST was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obese independent of physical activity.Conclusion:Few schoolchildren met physical activity and screen time recommendations suggesting population based measures are needed.

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What medical students think about measurement of their wellbeing and the implications for pastoral support: cross sectional survey and qualitative interviews

10.1101/2021.08.24.21262526 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gemma Simons ◽

Raymond Effah ◽

David Baldwin

Keyword(s):

Medical Student ◽

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Teaching Quality ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

National Medical ◽

The Individual

Objectives To find out how, why and when medical students think wellbeing should be measured. Design A mixed methods study comprising a cross-sectional online survey (November 2020-March 2021) and semi-structured on-line interviews. Views on the frequency of availability for measurement, the format, type and purpose of measurement, and with whom wellbeing should be discussed were measured. When an outcome was scored 7-9 on a 9-point Likert scale of agreement by ≥75% of participants it was considered critical, in line with COMET and GRADE processes for rating recommendations. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken on the interview transcripts by two independent researchers. Setting All Medicine programmes at University of Southampton. Participants Medical students from all years took part in the survey (n=118) and interviews (n=16). Results Participant demographics were similar to national medical student demographics. Most participants (94%) felt able to give 5 minutes to measure their wellbeing at least once a month. No single format of measurement was rated critical. Research, governance and individual feedback all reached the 75% threshold for the purpose being considered critically important. Only subjective assessments undertaken by the individual in real-time were rated as critically important (78.1%) measurement tools. Students selected that they would discuss their wellbeing with other medical students (n=87) nearly as often as they selected a member of the Faculty (n=104). Top determinants of wellbeing picked by medical students were energy, ability to do activities of daily living, and negative feelings. Five interview themes further explained these findings. Conclusions Five recommendations about self-care teaching, quality-assured pastoral and peer support, proactive wellbeing check-ins and demographic data are discussed in light of these findings. Methods to achieve them are suggested, which are medical student-centred, and which make use of existing resources.

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Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Cardiothoracic Surgery in the United Kingdom: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 1675 Students

Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development ◽

10.1177/23821205211072722 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 238212052110727

Author(s):

Samiullah Dost ◽

Lana Al-Nusair ◽

Mai Shehab ◽

Arwa Hagana ◽

Aleena Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Extracurricular Activities ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Medical Schools ◽

Cardiothoracic Surgery ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Students Attitudes ◽

Survey Responses

Objectives The objectives of this study were the following: (i) assess interest levels in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) among UK-based medical students, (ii) identify potential motivators and barriers to pursuing CTS training, (iii) explore the influence of gender on interest in CTS in greater depth. Methods Medical students from all year groups across UK medical schools were invited to participate in a cross-sectional, national online survey. Responses were collected from 02/12/2019 to 08/12/2019. Results 1675 medical students from 31 UK medical schools responded, with an estimated 5.3% response rate. Of the respondents, 33.7% respondents reported having exposure to CTS, primarily through their medical school or through extracurricular activities (48.4% and 38.8%, respectively). When assessing interest in CTS, 31.4% were interested in undertaking a career in CTS, with a larger proportion of students expressing interest with no exposure to CTS than those with exposure. However, interest in pursuing CTS decreased with exposure as medical students transitioned from pre-clinical to clinical stages. Additionally, male participants were more interested in seeking a CTS post than their female counterparts (38% vs. 27.6%). The length of training ( p = 0.0009) and competitive nature ( p < 0.0001) of gaining a CTS post were the primary deterring factor for female participants, compared to their male counterparts. Conclusions This study shows the importance of quality of exposure and its impact on students’ interests in pursuing a career in CTS. The negative relationship between exposure and interest in CTS can be associated with the realisation of the challenges that come with pursuing CTS.

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The effect of COVID-19 on medical students’ education and wellbeing: a cross-sectional survey

Canadian Medical Education Journal ◽

10.36834/cmej.71261 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hassan ElHawary ◽

Ali Salimi ◽

Natasha Barone ◽

Peter Alam ◽

Stephanie Thibaudeau

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Prior History ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Health Habits ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Canadian Medical School ◽

History Of

Background: Canadian medical school curriculums have undergone major restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study’s goal was to assess the perceived impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ education and wellbeing. Methods: An online survey was distributed to Canadian medical students. Descriptive analyses and ANOVAs were used to assess changes in mental health, health habits and quality of education during the pandemic. Results: 248 medical students from 13 schools across Canada participated in this study. 74% reported a reduction in the quality of their education since COVID-19. 58% of students found online to be inferior to in-person teaching. 65% of students had more time for wellness and leisure activities, about half of the cohort felt more depressed (48%) and lonelier (52%). Student’s overall health habits worsened after the start of the pandemic (F=37.4, p < 0.001). Alcohol drinking, time spent seated, and screen time also increased since the pandemic (p < 0.001). During the pandemic, students with a prior history of depression or anxiety expressed increased depressive symptoms (66% vs. 42%, p =0.003), increased anxiety (69% vs. 41%, p < 0001), worse sleep quality (34% vs. 18%, p = 0.031), and poorer quality of life (55% vs. 65%, p = 0.024) versus those with no prior history. Conclusion: Canadian medical student’s education and wellbeing has been negatively impacted during the pandemic.

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What Motivates Medical Students to Engage in Volunteer Behavior During the COVID-19 Outbreak? A Large Cross-Sectional Survey

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.569765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Yu Shi ◽

Shu-e Zhang ◽

Lihua Fan ◽

Tao Sun

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Health System ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Full Time ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prosocial Motivation ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

After the COVID-19 outbreak, the health status of the general population has suffered a huge threat, and the health system has also encountered great challenges. As critical members of human capital in the health sector, medical students with specialized knowledge and skills have positively fought against the epidemic by providing volunteer services that boosted the resilience of the health system. Although volunteer behavior (VB) is associated with individual internal motivation, there is sparse evidence on this relationship among medical students, especially regarding potential mechanisms. Therefore, this study had two main objectives: (1) to examine the influence of prosocial motivation (PM) of medical students on their VB; and (2) to verify the chain-mediating role of calling and vocation (CV) as well as social responsibility (SR) in the relationship between PM and VB. Study I: a total of 2454 Chinese full-time medical students were invited to complete an online survey. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results demonstrated that PM significantly affected VB in medical students (β = 0.098, P < 0.001); CV as well as SR chain-mediated the relationship between PM and VB (β = 0.084, P < 0.001). PM promoted the formation of SR by positively evoking CV of medical students, further resulting in increased VB. Study II: A 28 person qualitative interview was conducted. Qualitative data are added to reduce the limitations of online questionnaires. At the same time, we can also critically study the VB of Chinese medical students during COVID-19. The results showed that there were various reasons for medical students to volunteer in the process of fighting against COVID-19, and the experience of volunteer service and the impact on their future life were different. Lastly, the current findings suggest that fostering volunteerism among medical students requires the joint effort of the government, non-profit organizations, and medical colleges.

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Household chaos, family routines, and young child movement behaviors in the U.S. during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10909-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chelsea L. Kracht ◽

Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽

Amanda E. Staiano

Keyword(s):

Young Child ◽

Screen Time ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Family Routines ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Middle Income ◽

Household Chaos

Abstract Background The home environment is an important facilitator of young child movement behaviors, including physical activity (PA), sleep, and screen-time. Household chaos, characterized by crowding, noise, and disorder in the home, may hinder efforts to obtain adequate amounts of movement behaviors. The COVID-19 outbreak impacted many families, and social distancing during this time may create conditions for more household chaos. Family routines can help establish order in the home and encourage an appropriate balance of movement behaviors, such as less screen-time and more sleep. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between household chaos and young child movement behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, and the role of family routines in this relationship. Methods A national online survey including 1836 mothers of preschoolers (3.0–5.9 years) was conducted during May 2020. Mothers reported demographic characteristics, household chaos, family routines, and the preschooler’s movement behaviors during the outbreak. Mothers completed a household chaos questionnaire and were grouped into chaos categories (low, moderate/low, moderate/high, and high) for analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the association between chaos category, family routines, and movement behaviors with adjustment for covariates. Results Mothers were 35.9 ± 4.1 years of age, middle income (47.8%), and preschoolers were 3.8 ± 0.8 years of age. Most mothers reported their preschooler was less physically active (38.9%), slept the same amount of time (52.1%), and increased their screen-time (74.0%) after the COVID-19 outbreak. Preschoolers in the high chaos households performed less total PA (β = − 0.36 days/week, 95% CI:-0.62 to − 0.09, p = 0.008), slept less (β = − 0.42 h, 95% CI:-0.59 to − 0.25, p = 0.001) and had more screen-time (β = 0.69 h, 95% CI:0.45 to 0.92, p = 0.001) compared to those in low chaos households. In most chaos categories, having a bed-time ritual was related to more child sleep, and mothers who viewed routines as “less/not important” reported more preschooler screen-time compared to mothers who viewed routines as “very important”. Conclusion Promoting bed-time rituals and prioritizing routines, even somewhat, may be related to an improved balance of child movement behaviors. Innovative measures are needed to support families during periods of disruption such as that experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A gender comparison of the psychological distress of medical students in Nigeria during the Coronavirus pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

10.1101/2020.11.08.20227967 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Oluwaseun Mercy Idowu ◽

OyinOluwa Gloria Adaramola ◽

Boluwatife Samson Aderounmu ◽

Ifeoluwa Delight Olugbamigbe ◽

Olaoluwa Ezekiel Dada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gender Differences ◽

At Risk ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Large Scale ◽

Online Survey ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractBackgroundThe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as a large scale stressor could have negative distress on the mental health on medical students. Since gender differences in mental health may exist between males and females, it would prove interesting to see if a large scale stressor such as the pandemic will cause variances in the psychological distress between both genders.This study assessed and compared the psychological distress of COVID-19 among male and female medical students in medical schools in South-Western NigeriaMaterials and methodsA cross-sectional online survey using was carried out among 1010 medical students from three largest universities in south western Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents were purposively selected, data was obtained on participants demographic and psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 21 statistical software, chi square was used to assess gender differences, multivariate regression analysis assessed the predictors of psychological distress among both gendersand p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsFemale medical students are at a higher risk of psychological distress compared to their male counterparts (p<0.005). Females were almost twice at risk of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic than males (OR=1.534, 95% p=0.003). Females with a positive history of mental illness were five times more at risk of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to females with no previous mental health history (OR=5.102, p=0.002)ConclusionFemales were at higher risk of psychological distress compared to male students. Gender specific interventions addressing psychological distress among medical students are recommended.

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Association between home environment and preschool children’s sedentary time moderated by parental educational level in a cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-15428/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elviira Lehto ◽

Reetta Lehto ◽

Carola Ray ◽

Riikka Pajulahti ◽

Nina Sajaniemi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Home Environment ◽

Educational Level ◽

Role Models ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Environment Factors ◽

Parental Educational Level

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is a major public health concern, especially in low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Sedentary time (SED) is one important predictors of obesity. To be able to diminish SED it is important to find modifiable predictors of sedentary behavior. The home environment associated with children’s SED may vary by parental SES. This study aims to clarify the association between parental educational level (PEL) and the home environment of 3–6-year-old children, and to examine how home environment associates with children’s SED, and whether PEL modifies these associations. Methods A cross-sectional Increased health and wellbeing in preschools (DAGIS) study was conducted in 2015–2016 in Finland. The parents (n=809) filled in questionnaires assessing PEL, and the home physical and social environment related to children’s SED. Children’s SED was measured with accelerometers, which the children (n=758) wore for one week. Results High PEL was associated with a home environment restraining sedentary behaviour compared with low PEL. Several sedentary behavior home environment factors, such as social norms, role models and rules concerning screen time were associated with children’s SED. Some of the associations with sedentary home environment factors and SED were moderated by PEL. Limits for child´s TV time was associated with children´s SED only among high PEL group and being pleased with own child’s ST was negatively associated with children’s SED only among the low PEL group. Conclusions Future interventions aiming to decrease SED should pay attention to relevant factors in children’s sedentary behviour home environment. It is important to acknowledge the possible PEL differences in these factors.

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Perceptions of the Podiatric Medicine Profession: A Survey of Medical Students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/18-100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 110 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Samantha A. Miner ◽

Tracey C. Vlahovic

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Medical Training ◽

Interprofessional Relations ◽

The United States ◽

Scope Of Practice ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Background Medical students (MSs) in allopathic and osteopathic medical programs may not be adequately exposed to the role of podiatric physicians and surgeons in health care. We explored perceptions of the specialty field of podiatric medicine from the perspective of MSs in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, responses regarding podiatric education and scope of practice were collected via a 16-question, self-reported, anonymous online survey distributed to MSs at one osteopathic and three allopathic medical schools in the Philadelphia area. Inferences and conclusions were drawn from the percentages of respondents. Statistical analyses for school of attendance, year of study, and physician relative subgroups were performed. Results The 129 survey responses obtained revealed misunderstandings regarding podiatric education and training. Only 45.7% correctly answered that podiatric medical students do not take the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The results also showed the perception of podiatry in a positive light, with approximately 80% of respondents agreeing that the term doctor is applicable when referring to a podiatrist. Respondents with a physician relative were more likely to rate podiatry's role in health care higher on a scale from 0 (inessential) to 5 (equivalent to MDs/DOs) than those without a physician relative. Conclusions The results of this preliminary survey were generally positive and optimistic while also identifying some misconceptions regarding MS perceptions of podiatric medical training and scope of practice. Further studies are needed to evaluate perceptions of podiatry from the perspective of other members of the health-care team to improve interprofessional relations and understanding.

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