scholarly journals Risk Factors Of Loneliness And Anxiety Symptoms During Movement Control Order Among University Students: A Comparative Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-144
Author(s):  
Nurul Rashidah Mohamed Roseli ◽  
Izzah Auni Mahyuddin

COVID-19 is a dreadful virus with extreme infectiousness as it spreads through both direct and indirect methods, as long as human movement exists. Malaysia introduced the first phase of Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18th of March, following the success of other earlier countries such as China, Scotland and Eng-land. A number of prohibitions were enforced to minimize human movements in the country. This includes the temporary closure of all educational institutions. The closure of institutions results in the division of university students into two groups: (1) students who were stranded in their respective universities and (2) students who managed to return to their respective hometowns. Meanwhile, prevalence of mental health disturbances among university students was found to be high during MCO due to loneliness and constant pressure from chaotic situa-tion. Previous evidences from other population indicate different prevalence of loneliness across social groups such as gender, economic status and locality. This paper provides a comparative analysis to discover the risk factors of loneliness among university students. Results show that most university students exhibit moderate to high loneliness, however there is no significant difference of loneli-ness across gender and nationality. No significant difference of loneliness is iden-tified between students who were living in residential college during MCO and those who were staying out-campus. Initiatives to address loneliness issues in residential college is further discussed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (16) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Nor Balkish Zakaria ◽  
Juliana Mohd Abdul Kadir ◽  
Muhammad Rasyid Abdillah ◽  
Mohd Khairul Ariff Noh ◽  
Saunah Zainon

The Movement Control Order (MCO) for Covid-19 safety measure caused worry and anxiety among university students, especially those stranded in their university hostels or rental accommodation. Universities’ staffs helped their basic living and study needs. This study aims to determine the emotional challenges among these students and examine the association between their emotional score across the university’s welfare. Based on a survey of 284 respondents, the findings show that there is a significant difference between their emotions and stranded locations. Residential facilities, information updates, and food provided are substantial to their emotional scores. Keywords: Emotional Challenges; Covid-19 Pandemic; Stranded Students; University Welfare eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i16.2719


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e043814
Author(s):  
Mesfin Tadese ◽  
Andargachew Kassa ◽  
Abebaw Abeje Muluneh ◽  
Girma Altaye

ObjectivesThe study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea.Design and methodInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively.Setting and participantsEthiopia (2019: n=647 female university students).OutcomesThe primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome.ResultsThe prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)).ConclusionsDysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-418
Author(s):  
Tingting Li ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Mingming Chen ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Lianping He ◽  
...  

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Psychological distress is an important mental health problem among university students. The goal of this study was to determine psychological distress and its associated risk factors among students in the Anhui province. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 1304 students. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of the general demography and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was completed. Psychological distress was assessed using the GHQ-12-item questionnaire. A dichotomous category split was imposed on the GHQ-12 for the purpose of analysis. A GHQ-12 score of 4 or higher indicated psychological distress. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 system. RESULTS A total of 1304 samples were analyzed in this study. The results indicated that the education level of the father and mother was associated with the students’ psychological distress (P<0.001). A significant association was found between high-intensity exercise and low-intensity exercise and psychological distress. However, no significant difference was identified between gender and psychological distress (P=0.173). CONCLUSION The education level of parents, high-intensity exercise, and low-intensity exercise were associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that it is indispensable to raise awareness of psychological disorders and its associated risk factors among university students. Further studies are required to develop appropriate interventions for high-risk groups.


Author(s):  
Zhuang Hong ◽  
Lingzhong Xu ◽  
Jinling Zhou ◽  
Long Sun ◽  
Jiajia Li ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Older people are more vulnerable and likely to have falls and the consequences of these falls place a heavy burden on individuals, families and society. Many factors directly or indirectly affect the prevalence of falls. The aims of this study were to understand the prevalence and risk factors of falls among the elderly in Shandong, China; the relationship between economic level and falls was also preliminary explored. (2) Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified sampling method, 7070 elderly people aged 60 and over were selected in Shandong Province, China. General characteristics and a self-rated economic status were collected through face to face interviews. Chi-square tests, rank sum tests and two logistic regression models were performed as the main statistical methods. (3) Results: 8.59% of participants reported that they had experienced at least one fall in the past half year. There was a significant difference in experienced falls regarding gender, residence, marital status, educational level, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary disease, and self-reported hearing. The worse the self-rated economic status, the higher the risk of falling, (poor and worried about livelihood, OR = 3.60, 95%; CI = 1.76–7.35). (4) Conclusions: Women, hypertension, diabetes and self-reported hearing loss were identified as the risk factors of falls in the elderly. The difference of economic level affects the falls of the elderly in rural and urban areas. More fall prevention measures should be provided for the elderly in poverty.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-216
Author(s):  
C John ◽  
R Adah ◽  
R Caleb ◽  
S Okolo

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to <6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores <-3 and MUAC <11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged<6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those <3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-216
Author(s):  
C John ◽  
R Adah ◽  
R Caleb ◽  
S Okolo

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to <6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores <-3 and MUAC <11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged<6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those <3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-14
Author(s):  
Wan Norhayati Wan Ahmad ◽  
Azharudin Ali

The Covid-19 pandemic came and brought a big wave of shock to the entire world with several millions of recorded death. Also, its effect on business, economies and human lives is devastating. Hence, many things have changed, including our daily norms. That involves daily activity, education, and economic activities. Even though this pandemic brings fears to the community, there is still a silver lining of this situation. Everywhere around the world were reported to have positive impacts on the environment due to Covid-19 and actions taken in containing it. Literature and reports show that total emissions have decreased due to less usage of fuel, electricity, travelling and the temporary closure of factories. Less air and water pollution are reported everywhere. Despite all these, it was argued that this is going to be a temporary blessing. Things will go back to square when normal activities are restored, and lockdowns are lifted. The question is, could this positive impact be sustained? What can we do to sustain or at least minimise the environmental damage in the future? This paper presents some data on how action to contain Covid-19 such as MCO and lockdown positively impact the environment worldwide especially Malaysia; as well as suggestions on how we could sustain, if not all, some part of these positive impacts through new norms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2743
Author(s):  
Ankilma Do Nascimento Andrade ◽  
Maria Enoi Gadelha Vale ◽  
Marta Ligia Vieira Melo ◽  
Ubiraídys De Andrade Isidório ◽  
Milena Nunes Alves de Sousa ◽  
...  

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a associação dos fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares e qualidade de vida em universitários que trabalham. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal e analítico, com 40 discentes. Analisaram-se os dados no SPSS 21. Resultados: 55% da amostra possuem qualidade de sono ruim e que 15% distúrbio do sono. Quanto ao nível de atividade física, 65% dos que trabalham foram classificados com sedentários. Com relação aos domínios de “dor”, foi observada uma diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,01) apontando que os universitários que trabalham apresentam mais dor. Conclusão: mesmo em uma população de adultos jovens, observou-se o estado de vulnerabilidade para o desenvolvimento de DCV, sendo preocupantes, entre os universitários que trabalham, o nível da qualidade de sono e o sedentarismo observados, que podem comprometer a saúde e a qualidade de vida dessa população. Descritores: Doenças Cardiovasculares; Estudantes; Fatores de Risco; Qualidade de vida; Doença Crônica; Sexo,ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the association of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and quality of life among working university students. Method: this is a quantitative, transversal and analytical study with 40 students. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21. Results: 55% of the sample had poor sleep quality and 15% had sleep disturbance. Regarding the level of physical activity, 65% of those who work were classified as sedentary. Regarding the "pain" domains, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) was observed, indicating that the working university students presented more pain. Conclusion: Even in a population of young adults, the vulnerability to the development of CVD was observed, and the level of sleep quality and sedentary lifestyle observed among the working university students, which may compromise health and quality of life of this population. Descriptors: Cardiovascular Diseases; Students; Risk Factors; Quality of Life; Chronic Disease; Sex.RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la asociación de los factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardiovasculares y la calidad de vida en los universitarios que trabajan. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal y analítico, con 40 discentes. Se analizaron los datos en el SPSS 21. Resultados: el 55% de la muestra tiene una mala calidad de sueño y el 15% de los trastornos del sueño. En cuanto al nivel de actividad física, el 65% de los que trabajan fueron clasificados como sedentarios. Con respecto a los dominios de "dolor", se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,01) apuntando que los universitarios que trabajan presentan más dolor. Conclusión: incluso en una población de adultos jóvenes, se observó el estado de vulnerabilidad para el desarrollo de ECV, siendo preocupantes, entre los universitarios que trabajan, el nivel de la calidad de sueño y el sedentarismo observados, que pueden comprometer la salud y la calidad de vida de esa población. Descritores: Enfermedades Cardiovasculares; Estudiantes; Factores de Riesgo; Calidad de Vida; Doença Crónica; Sexo.


Author(s):  
Seok Tyug Tan ◽  
Chin Xuan Tan ◽  
Seok Shin Tan

The temporary closure of learning institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced the physical activity of students across all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and the patterns of physical activity among university students in confinement. This cross-sectional study involved 147 Malaysian students and 107 Indonesian students. Body weight before the pandemic and during the pandemic was self-reported by the respondents, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess the physical activity and sedentary behavior of the respondents. The findings revealed that 79.6% of Malaysians and 77.6% of Indonesians were physically active during the confinement. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the duration devoted to vigorous-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 480.00 MET minutes/week) and moderate-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 0.00 MET minutes/week) among the studied population. During the pandemic, Malaysian students (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) devoted a significantly higher duration to walking (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) and sedentary behavior (9.16 ± 4.47 h/day) than Indonesian students (M = 990.00 MET minutes/week and sedentary behavior = 7.85 ± 4.27 h/day). Overall, no significant difference was noted in the total physical activity of Malaysian and Indonesian students during the pandemic (MMalaysian = 2826.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 1782.00 MET minutes/week). Findings from Spearman’s rank correlation test suggested that there was a weak inverse correlation between the duration engaged in vigorous-intensity activity and weight change among the Malaysian students (rs = −0.199, p = 0.016), after adjusting for gender and age. Overall, the closure of learning institutions and exercise facilities has further prevented individuals from complying with the WHO recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the period of home confinement.


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