Prevalence of mental health issues and associated risk factors among Chinese international students in US colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenyang Lin ◽  
Yuxin Tong ◽  
Yaying Bai ◽  
Zixi Zhao ◽  
Wenxiang Quan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 increased the prevalence of depression and anxiety among various populations. However, few have explored the mental health issues of Chinese international students in the US and the risk factors involved. OBJECTIVE his study examines the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Chinese international students enrolled in US universities during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the risk factors pertaining to changes in lifestyle, social support, sleep quality, and the virtual instruction mode to this student population. METHODS This study was conducted via an online cross-sectional questionnaire distributed through snowball sampling. The questions of the survey included demographic information, self-constructed questions on academic performance, financial concerns, use of social media, exercise, and psychological support, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression (PHQ-9), and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the associated risk factors. RESULTS From the 1881 participants, this study found a general prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score⩾ 5) at 48.6% and that of anxiety (GAD-7⩾ 5) at 43.0% among Chinese international students in the US during the late COVID pandemic period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that recent traumatic event(s), having friend(s) as tuition source(s), agreeing with and strongly agreeing with the pandemic’s impacts on financial status, a little workload, medium workload, a lot of workload, and higher ISI scores to be a associated with an increased risk of depression, while being a PhD student, more sources of emotional support, and higher SSRI scores were associated a lower risk of depression. Additionally, having friend(s) as tuition source(s), a little workload, often staying up for online courses, strongly agreeing with remote learning’s negative impacts on personal relationships, and higher ISI scores were associated with an increased risk of anxiety, while higher SSRI scores and older ages were associated with a lower risk of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese international students in the US. Multiple risk factors pertaining to financial concerns, workload, social support, and sleep quality were identified. It is important for future studies to further investigate this student population and for schools to make adjustments to better accommodate their psychological needs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. e100448
Author(s):  
Belinda Jackson Njiro ◽  
Harrieth Peter Ndumwa ◽  
Charles Joseph Msenga ◽  
Thomas Kawala ◽  
Ezekiel Matola ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe WHO has classified depression as a disease of public concern. Police officers are a particular subpopulation group that is at an increased risk for mental health problems. This study examined the prevalence of depression, suicidality and associated risk factors among police officers in urban Tanzania.AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression, suicidality and associated risk factors among police officers in Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2019 and October 2020 among 550 participants in Dar es Salaam recruited using a multistage cluster sampling technique. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to screen for depression and suicidality. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 tool was used to measure perceived social support. Descriptive statistics were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to establish associations between predictors of interest, depression and suicidality.ResultsThere were 497 participants in the study. Of these, 76.6% (376 of 491) were men, and the median (IQR) age was 37.0 (17) years. Around 19.8% (96 of 486) of the police officers screened positive for depression and 15.4% (75 of 413) for suicidality. A significant proportion was either moderately (29 of 96, 30.2%) or severely depressed (8 of 75, 10.7 %). Of those who experienced suicidal thoughts, 10.7% (8 of 75) reported having daily suicidal thoughts. Perceiving low social support was associated with an increased risk of reporting depression (adjusted OR (aOR): 28.04, 95% CI: 8.42 to 93.37, p<0.001) and suicidality (aOR: 10.85, 95% CI: 3.56 to 33.08, p<0.001) as compared with those with high perceived social support.ConclusionThe magnitude of depression and suicidality among police officers in urban Tanzania is alarmingly high. The study findings indicate the need for routine screening for depression and suicidality among police officers and design appropriate mental health responsive services in this population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Nwankwo B ◽  
◽  
Mumueh KP ◽  
Olorukooba AA ◽  
Usman NO

Background: Computers and other visual display devices have become essential in the present era and have led to a rise in computer-related health problems. Using computers in homes, universities and other institutions has increased output greatly but has also led to an increased risk of developing Computer vision syndrome (CVS). Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with computer vision syndrome among undergraduates. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among153 respondents who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. A Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between CVS and associated risk factors at a P-value of <0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.4 ± 3.4 years. The prevalence of CVS in this study was 83 (54.3%). The common symptoms experienced among the respondents were headache (51, 61.4%), eye strain (48, 57.8%) and blurred vision (42, 50.6%). The risk factors significantly associated with CVS in this study were duration of computer use, hours of computer use per day, level of a computer screen and taking breaks during computer use. Conclusion: About half of the students in this study had at least one symptom of CVS. Therefore, awareness of CVS should be created by the institution during which students would be educated on CVS and its prevention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Victoria Telle Hjellset ◽  
Marte Karoline Raberg Kjollesdal ◽  
Merethe Flaaten ◽  
Eivind Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Economic development, globalization and urbanization has resulted in a shift in dietary consumption and energy expenditure in low- and middle-income countries, called the Nutrition Transition. At the same time, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide. The Saharawi refugees have been living in refugee camps in the Algerian desert since 1975 and are totally dependent on food aid. High prevalence of overweight and obesity has been reported among Saharawi women. Limited knowledge about the prevalence of T2D and associated risk factors exists in this population; therefore, the aim with this study was to address this gap in the literature. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Saharawi refugee camps, in Algeria and 180 women and 175 men were randomly selected. Participants’ blood glucose levels was assessed by HbA1c measurements and diagnosed with diabetes if HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol and prediabetes if HbA1c was between 42–47 mmol/mol. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISK) was used to assess various risk factors for T2D. Results Mean HbA1c among the Saharawi refugees was 38 mmol/mol. Seven and 15% were diagnosed with T2D and prediabetes, respectively, and 26% and 19% were overweight and obese, respectively. According to FINDRISK, 9% of the participants had high risk of developing diabetes, 10% had moderate risk, 37% had some risk and 44% had low risk. In multiple logistic regression models, after controlling for age, gender, number of children, BMI and education, the strongest predictor for diabetes was waist circumference, OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1). The strongest predictor for prediabetes was age and waist circumference OR (95% CI): 1.0 (1.0, 1.1) and OR (95% CI): 1.1 (1.0, 1.1), respectively. Conclusions We found moderate prevalence of diabetes among the Saharawi refugees; however a high proportion had prediabetes and were suffering from overweight and obesity. In light of this, the rates of T2D are likely to increase dramatically in the near future. The Saharawi health authorities should pay attention to the increased risk of diabetes in this in this vulnerable population. Funding Sources Oslo Metropolitan University.


Author(s):  
Pedro Santos-Moreno ◽  
Carlos Alberto Castro ◽  
Laura Villarreal ◽  
Guillermo Sánchez-Vanegas

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic pathology, present in between 0.5% and 1% of adults. This disease is accompanied by comorbidities such as sleep disorders (SD) that occur in between 54% and 70% of the population with RA. The objective of this study was to identify the associated risk factors and the prevalence of sleep disorders in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a referral center for the management of autoimmune diseases in Bogotá, Colombia.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on a population of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) evaluated with the DSM-V. The factors related to sleep disorders and disease activity of were explored. The prevalence of sleep disorders was determined, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.Results: the study analyzed a total of 1436 patients, with a median age of 56 years. The prevalence of sleep disorders was 31.1%. There was an association between the presence of sleep disorders and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) (OR: 3.8 CI 95%: 3-5), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (OR: 3.2 CI 95%: 2.5-4.1), self-care activities (OR: 0.6 CI 95%: 0.4-0.9), and somatic symptom disorder (OR: 1.8, CI 95%: 1.3-2.6). Conclusions: An association (p-value <0.05) was found between SDs and disease activity (DAS28), functional capacity (HAQ), scholarship level, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, metabolic diseases, and leisure and self-care activities. In one third of patients SD were prevalent. It is suggested that patients be approached comprehensively carrying out behavioral and cognitive activities.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Hailu Weldemariam ◽  
Tigabu Addisu Lendado

Abstract Background Road traffic injury is defined as fatal or non-fatal cases incurred as a result of road traffic crashes. It accounts for an estimated 1.2 million people death and as many as 50 million injury in each year worldwide. This study was aimed to determine prevalence and associated risk factors of road traffic injury.Objective To determine the prevalence and its associated risk factors of road traffic injury.Method Facility based cross-sectional study with sample size of 309 was used for conducting study in two selected hospitals in Wolaita Zone.Systematic sampling method was applied to select study subject based on inclusion criteria. Data was collected by questionnaires which was developed from reviewing different literatures and analysed by using SPSS version 20statistical software.Result Among the total of trauma victims who visited emergency department of hospitals, approximately half of victims (49.2%) were due to road traffic injury followed by falling injury 60 (19.4%) and burns 35 (11.3%). After adjusting for confounding in multivariate logistic regression analysis, sex and living places are independent factors of road traffic injury. Two of them are highly significantly associated with road traffic injury and being male and urban resident had thirteen times AOR 13.08 95% CI (6.15-27.85) and more than two times AOR 2.69 95%CI (1.55-4.64) increased odd of road traffic injury respectively.Conclusion Road traffic injury was leading injury types among trauma victims visiting emergency department of Hospitals. Therefore, strong road safety policy at local and country level is needed to reduce vulnerability of individuals and vehicle related injury.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuel Senyael Swai ◽  
Luuk Schoonman

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in traditional and smallholder dairy cattle production systems in the Tanga region of North-eastern Tanzania. The study populations comprised 246 indigenous and 409 crossbred cattle, randomly selected from 105 smallholder dairy and 25 traditional managed herds, respectively. Individual animal and herd-level data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were screened forBrucellaantibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test The overall seroprevalence ofBrucellaantibodies in the smallholder dairy and traditional managed cattle was 4.1% and 7.3% respectively. The corresponding overall herd prevalence was 10.5% and 20% respectively. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, closeness to stock route, access to surface drinking water and location were identified as the major risk factors for individual herd seroprevalence. Older animals (6 years) were associated with increased risk of sero-positivity compared to animals of age category of 6 years. The results showed that brucellosis is prevalent and widely distributed locally, underscoring the need for further studies including surveillance and institution of preventive and control measures particularly among female young-stock and the general public who are at high risk of contracting brucellosis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Urmila K. V. ◽  
Usha K. ◽  
Mohammed M. T. P. ◽  
Kavitha Pavithran

Background: Depression is very common among higher secondary school students. This study is to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in higher secondary school students in a boarding school of North Kerala; to identify associated risk factors; to compare the prevalence depression between those attending and not attending additional tuition class for competitive exams.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted among 130 students residing in a boarding school of North Kerala during the period 2014-2015. CES-DC scale was used to measure the prevalence of depression. All of them were reassessed after 1year of entering the school with the same scale.Results: The prevalence of clinically significant depression was seen in 57.7% and the prevalence was more in those attending the tuition class (p=0.0068). Depression was more in girls and still higher in girls who attended the tuition classes (p=0.035). There was significant correlation between the prevalence of depression and stream of subjects selected (p =0.001), previous academic achievement (p= 0.01). The scores of depressions didn’t show any statistically significant difference after one year of stay in boarding school.Conclusions: Severity of depression correlates with academic stress especially in boarding schools. Stress of competitive exams definitely more in higher secondary students and is one of the important cause for depression in them. Adolescents are not acquiring enough coping skills to overcome depression. Enhancing the coping strategies and the rescheduling of the educational system are the most important factors for prevention of these symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaiwen Bi ◽  
Desmond Yeoh ◽  
Qiwenjing Jiang ◽  
Margaux Nicole Agnes Wienk ◽  
Shuquan Chen

Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese international students(CISs) experienced increased depression and anxiety associated with a combination of unique and universal COVID-19-related stressors. Among these factors, discrimination against Chinese is especially alarming. Therefore, studying correlates of distress including the association between discrimination and distress and factors intensifying or attenuating this link has important implications.Design: We adopted a cross-sectional self-report design.Methods: Our study compared depression and anxiety between CISs (N = 381) and Chinese students in Chinese colleges (CSCCs; N = 306) and examined correlates of distress and, in particular, the association between perceived discrimination and distress as well as moderators on this link within CISs.Results: Compared to CSCCs, CISs reported greater depression and anxiety. Depression was associated with being female, older, non-heterosexual, discrimination, coping inflexibility, low social support, and low satisfaction with online learning. Anxiety was associated with being female, older, heterosexual, discrimination, coping inflexibility, low social support, and low satisfaction with online learning. High perceived social support and being heterosexual weakened the association between discrimination and distress (anxiety and depression). Conclusions: Our study underscored the impact of the pandemic and related discrimination on CISs and highlighted individual differences that may warrant attention.Keywords: COVID-19, Chinese international students, psychopathology, perceived discrimination, intersectionality, minority stress


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