Critical Health Literacy in a Pandemic: A Cluster Analysis Among German University Students

Objectives: In the COVID-19 pandemic, critical health literacy (CHL-P) has been proposed as a means of addressing issues of complexity, uncertainty, and urgency. Our study aimed to identify CHL-P clusters among university students in Germany and to analyze associations with potential determinants.Methods: In May 2020, students at four German universities participated in the COVID-19 International Student Well-Being Study, an online survey that yielded a non-probabilistic sample of N = 5,021. CHL-P, COVID-19-related knowledge, worries, risk perception, and adherence to protective measures were measured in an online questionnaire with self-constructed items. We conducted a cluster analysis of the five CHL-P items and performed logistic regression analyses.Results: Two CHL-P clusters were identified: high vs. moderate CHL-P. Belonging to the high-CHL-P cluster (31.2% of students) was significantly associated with older age, female/other gender, advanced education, higher levels of parental education, and moderate importance placed on education. In addition, higher levels of knowledge, risk perception and worries, and adherence to protective measures were associated with high CHL-P cluster membership.Conclusion: Students would benefit from educational measures that promote CHL-P at German universities.

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COUNTRY MATTERS: WELL-BEING AND EMIGRATION PLANS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SLOVAKIA AND BULGARIA: THE MEDIATION EFFECT OF ROOTEDNESS

10.36315/2021pad11 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 107-119

Author(s):

Frederika Lučanská ◽

◽

Oľga Orosová ◽

Vihra Naydenova ◽

Jozef Benka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Mediation Effect ◽

One Dimension ◽

Psychological Mechanisms ◽

The Relationship

The objective of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between well-being, rootedness and emigration plans (EP) among university students in Slovakia and Bulgaria. It also explored the mediation effect of rootedness in the relationship between well-being and EP. The data were collected throughan online survey (SLiCE 2016). The research sample consisted of 361 university students (M=22.4 years, SD=3.8) from Slovakia (141, 86.5% female) and Bulgaria (220, 69.1% female). Based on their emigration plans, the respondentswere dividedinto two groups;those who do not plan to leave (n=218, 60.4%) and those who plan to leave in the long term (n=143, 39.6%) after they finish university. ForSlovakia, all factors were significantly related toEP. Furthermore, the association between well-being and EP was fully mediated by two dimensions of rootedness with different psychological mechanisms. For Bulgaria, only well-being and onedimension of rootedness,desire for change,were significantly related to EP. It was also found that the association between well-being and EP was partially mediated by only one dimension of rootedness –desire for change. This study highlightsthat rootedness hasa different relationship with other examined factorsin different countries and also that it is necessary to respect the cultural and socio-economic featuresof acountry.

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Perceptions of Study Conditions and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Germany: Results of the International COVID-19 Student Well-Being Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.674665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽

Franca Spatafora ◽

Lisa Kühne ◽

Heide Busse ◽

Stefanie M. Helmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

German Student ◽

The University ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

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.

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Attitudes of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in the Netherlands

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.430 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

C De Bot ◽

M Brands ◽

E Kremers ◽

E van Ewijk ◽

J Dierx

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Active Breaks ◽

Climbing Stairs

Abstract Background Regular physical activity has multiple benefits for physical, mental, and psychosocial, however many students do not meet the national physical activity guidelines. Classroom physical activity can help students be more physically active. This study investigated the attitude of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in a university of applied science setting Methods Within this research a mixed methods design have been applied. A online survey was completed by 2016 students an semi-structured interviews were conducted among 19 students. Results A total of 2016 students successfully completed the questionnaire with a mean of 18-21 year (67%) and 52 % female. No classroom physical activity breaks were used during the lessons. In addition, almost half of the students are not able to concentrate well during the classes. Students (39%) noticed that physical activity during classes had a positive influence on their concentration. The majority of the students are open to activating forms of teaching at universities of applied sciences (69%). Students have a clear preference for active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks. Physical activities such as climbing stairs, sports exercises are not students preferred activities. Conclusions Implementing classroom physical activity breaks can improve student physical activity and concentration during school and behavior in the classroom. Activities such as climbing stairs, intense aerobic exercise were perceived as inconvenient. Active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks were acknowledged by students. Key messages Keep physical activity breaks short and manageable. Physical activity breaks can help in stress reduction and improving psychological well-being.

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Motivational profiles related to the academic satisfaction of university students

Anales de Psicología ◽

10.6018/analesps.35.3.320441 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 464-471

Author(s):

Jorge Vergara-Morales ◽

Milenko Del Valle ◽

Alejandro Díaz ◽

Lennia Matos ◽

María-Victoria Pérez

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

University Students ◽

Autonomy Support ◽

Autonomous Motivation ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Academic Satisfaction ◽

Motivational Profiles ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Estudiantes Universitarios

Los objetivos del estudio fueron identificar los perfiles motivacionales de estudiantes universitarios y evaluar sus diferencias en cuanto a la satisfacción académica. Los participantes fueron 882 estudiantes con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y 50 años, procedentes de nueve universidades chilenas. Los perfiles motivacionales se identificaron mediante análisis de conglomerados, siguiendo la combinación de métodos jerárquicos y no jerárquicos. El análisis de conglomerados se realizó incluyendo las siguientes variables motivacionales: (1) motivación autónoma, (2) motivación controlada, (3) percepción de apoyo a la autonomía, y (4) percepción de control de la autonomía. Las diferencias entre los perfiles se evaluaron a través de la prueba Anova unifactorial, considerando el cálculo del tamaño del efecto y el análisis post-hoc de Games-Howell. Los resultados del análisis de conglomerados apoyaron una solución de cuatro perfiles motivacionales: mala calidad (n = 167), baja cantidad (n = 144), buena calidad (n = 333), y alta cantidad (n = 238). Además, los estudiantes agrupados en los perfiles con mayores niveles de autonomía para el aprendizaje, presentaron los niveles más altos de satisfacción académica. Como conclusión, se destaca la importancia que tienen los factores motivacionales para facilitar el desarrollo del bienestar de los estudiantes universitarios. The aims of the study were to identify the motivational profiles of university students and to assess their differences according the academic satisfaction. The participants were 882 students aged 17 to 50, from nine Chilean universities. Motivational profiles were identified by cluster analysis, following the combination of hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods. The cluster analysis was perform including the following motivational variables: (1) autonomous motivation, (2) controlled motivation, (3) perception of autonomy support, and (4) perception of autonomy control. The differences among the profiles were assessed through the one way Anova test, considering the effect size calculation, and the Games-Howell post-hoc analysis. The cluster analysis results supported a four motivational profiles solution: poor quality (n = 167), low quantity (n = 144), good quality (n = 333), and high quantity (n = 238). Moreover, students grouped into profiles with higher levels of autonomy for learning, presented the highest levels of academic satisfaction. In conclusion, the importance of motivational factors to facilitate the development of university students’ well-being is highlighted.

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Digital health literacy and online information queries in Portuguese university students

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.039 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

R Rosário ◽

C Augusto ◽

MJ Silva ◽

S Martins ◽

A Duarte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

University Students ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Online Survey ◽

Digital Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models

Abstract Background Worldwide there is an overwhelming amount of information about COVID-19 circulating online, also named infodemic. Misinformation (the unintentional) and disinformation (the intentional) spreading of false information have proven to be very dangerous to public health. Hence, more than ever, people need skills for searching, evaluating and integrating information related to health in daily life, i.e., health literacy. Until now, little is known about the digital health literacy of university students and their information-seeking behaviour. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the associations between university students' digital health literacy and online information queries during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (and infodemic) in Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study of 3.084 Portuguese university students (75.7% females), with an average age of 24.2 (SD = 7.5), was conducted using an online survey. We used sociodemographic data (sex, age, subjective social status) and the digital health literacy questionnaire adapted to the specific COVID-19 context. Online information queries included the topics related to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 searched by students. Logistic regression models were performed. Results Online information queries (e.g., individual measures to protect against infection, current spread of the virus, current situation assessments and recommendations) were associated with an increased odds of achieving sufficient digital health literacy. Conclusions Online information queries related to epidemiological and public health topics are significantly associated with digital health literacy in times of COVID-19. Further studies are needed, including programs that improve digital health literacy among university students and increase the availability of high-quality content information.

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Evaluating mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours in UK university students: a country wide study

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-10-2019-0086 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 311-319

Author(s):

Paul Gorczynski ◽

Wendy Sims-Schouten ◽

Clare Wilson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

University Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Literacy ◽

Well Being ◽

Content Type ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Mental Well Being

Purpose Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems, few students know where to turn for support. The purpose of this study was to gain a UK wide perspective on levels of mental health literacy amongst university students and to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and mental health help-seeking behaviours. Design/methodology/approach A total of 300 university students in the UK participated in this online cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the mental health literacy scale, the general help-seeking questionnaire, Kessler psychological distress scale 10, The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale and the self-compassion scale: short form. Findings Overall, 78 per cent of participants indicated mild or more severe symptoms of distress. Students reported lower levels of mental health literacy when compared to students in other nations. Women, bisexuals, and those with a history of mental disorders indicated high levels of mental health literacy. Participants indicated they were most likely to seek support from intimate partners and least likely to seek support from religious leaders. No significant correlations were found between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Mental health literacy was not correlated with distress, mental well-being or self-compassion. Help-seeking behaviours were only significantly positively correlated with mental well-being. Originality/value Universities should address strategies to improve help-seeking behaviours in an effort to address overall mental well-being. Programmes may wish to help provide students with information about accessing face-to-face support systems. Environmental strategies to foster mental well-being on campus should also be explored.

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Perceived impact of COVID-19 on sexual health and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada

The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality ◽

10.3138/cjhs.2021-0038 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Wood ◽

Christopher Quinn-Nilas ◽

Alexander McKay ◽

Jocelyn Wentland

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

University Students ◽

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Personal Contact ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Perceived Impact

We examined the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual health, sexual behaviour, well-being, and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada. Between December 2020 and January 2021, 1504 university students across Canada completed an online survey focused on overall sexual health, well-being, solitary sexual behaviours, partnered sexual interactions, and access to sexual health services. The survey was designed by the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada and administered by the Leger polling company. Reported levels of overall sexual health were high. Cisgender women reported significantly greater scores of COVID-19—related stress compared to cisgender men; LGBQ+ students had higher levels of stress compared to heterosexual participants. Overall, solitary sexual behaviours (i.e., masturbation, porn use, vibrator use) remained unchanged or were perceived to increase compared to the time before the pandemic. Cisgender men reported higher scores (i.e., greater perceived increases) on masturbation and porn use than cisgender women. Frequency of sex with casual partners was perceived as similar or lower than what was usual before the pandemic, and most participants did not engage in sex where the close personal contact put them or their partner at risk for COVID-19. Declines in access were reported for all sexual health care services surveyed, with cisgender women and students of colour more likely to report decreased access to services. Results highlight the need for targeted public health messaging regarding sexual behaviour, investment in sexual health services, and supports tailored to the needs of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour.

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Knowledge, socio-cognitive perceptions and the practice of hand hygiene and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of UK university students

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10461-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christine Barrett ◽

Kei Long Cheung

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

University Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Time Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Hygiene Behaviour

Abstract Background During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and hand hygiene have been the primary means of reducing transmission in the absence of effective treatments or vaccines, but understanding of their determinants is limited. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and socio-cognitive perceptions, and their associations with such protective behaviours, in UK university students. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 293 students was undertaken on 13 May 2020. Survey questions addressed demographics, knowledge of the disease and effectiveness of the protective measures, risk perception, socio-cognitive perceptions (e.g. attitude, social support, and self-efficacy), habit, time factors and trust, as well as the hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the strongest associations of potential determinants with behaviour. Results Participants reported high levels of social distancing with 88.9% answering “Mostly” or “Always” for every activity, but only 42.0% reporting the same for all hand hygiene activities. Knowledge of the effectiveness of each activity in preventing transmission was high, with 90.7% and 93.5% respectively identifying at least 7 of 8 hand hygiene or 9 of 10 social distancing activities correctly. Habit (β = 0.39, p = 0.001) and time factors (β = 0.28, p = 0.001) were the greatest contributors to unique variance in hand hygiene behaviour, followed by ethnicity (β = − 0.13, p = 0.014) and risk perception (β = 0.13, p = 0.016). For social distancing behaviour, the determinants were self-efficacy (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), perceived advantages (β = 0.15, p = 0.022), trust in policy (β = 0.14, p = 0.026) and gender (β = − 0.14, p = 0.016). Regression models explained 40% hand hygiene and 25% social distancing variance. Conclusions This study indicated that communications about effectiveness of hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours had been effective in terms of knowledge acquisition. However, in the light of likely second waves of COVID-19, attention to maintaining social distancing behaviour and improving hand hygiene behaviour may need to address more difficult areas of changing habits, overcoming time factors and building trust, as well as interventions to increase self-efficacy and address risk perception concerns.

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Large diversity in Danish health literacy profiles: perspectives for care of long-term illness and multimorbidity

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz134 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Anna Aaby ◽

Alison Beauchamp ◽

Jonathan O’Hara ◽

Helle T Maindal

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Health Status ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Social Determinant ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Starting Point

Abstract Background Health literacy is an important, modifiable, social determinant of health. This study aims to explore health literacy challenges of people with long-term illness or multimorbidity and provide detailed profiles revealing health literacy strengths and weaknesses within a Danish population. Methods In this cross-sectional study among Danish individuals (n = 490), health literacy was assessed using the nine-scale Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Using multiple logistic regression and hierarchical cluster analysis, we estimated the association between HLQ scale scores and the likelihood of long-term illness and multimorbidity, and identified socio-demographic and health characteristics related to profiles of health literacy strengths and weaknesses. Results An increase in ‘actively managing my health’ and ‘social support for health’ decreased the odds of having a long-term illness [odds ratio, OR 0.53 (0.31–0.9); OR 0.43 (0.24–0.74)] and multimorbidity [OR 0.51 (0.26–0.98); OR 0.33 (0.17–0.62)], respectively. Conversely, an increase in ‘healthcare provider support’ increased the odds of having long-term illness [OR 2.97 (1.78–5.08)] and multimorbidity [OR 2.94 (1.53–5.87)], respectively. Five profiles were identified based on the cluster analysis. Each cluster was characterized by specific health characteristics, e.g. Cluster A by better health status (χ2 = 39.976 (4), P < 0.001) and well-being (χ2 = 28.832 (4), P < 0.001) and Cluster D by poor health status (χ2 = 39.976 (4), P < 0.001) and increased likelihood of long-term illness (χ2 = 18.641 (4), P < 0.001). Conclusions The association of health literacy with long-term illness and multimorbidity in combination with the health literacy profiling based on cluster analysis provides a comprehensive needs assessment and a promising starting point for the development of health literacy responsive interventions.

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Exploring health literacy and its associated factors among Palestinian university students: a cross-sectional study

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daaa089 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed B A Sarhan ◽

Yu Fujii ◽

Junko Kiriya ◽

Rika Fujiya ◽

Rita Giacaman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

University Students ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Parental Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Distress ◽

Distress Scale

Summary Health literacy plays an important role in personal and community health. Since university is a turning point when young adults begin to take responsibility for their own health, understanding university students’ health literacy levels is crucial. To this end, we aimed to explore health literacy and its associated factors among Palestinian university students. We conducted a cross-sectional study at Birzeit University in the Ramallah district. We recruited 472 students using convenience sampling at six on-campus cafeterias. The 44-item Arabic version of the Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to measure students’ health literacy levels, while a locally developed distress scale was used to measure students’ distress levels. We stratified the multiple regression model for the health literacy score by gender. Students’ average total health literacy score was 135.3 (SD 20.9), with male students scoring significantly higher than female students. A higher health literacy score was significantly associated with having a father with a higher level of education, a higher frequency of medical checkups, higher self-reported health status, and consulting a higher number of sources for health-related information. High distress levels were associated with lower levels of health literacy, especially among female students. This study provides the first evidence on Palestinian university students’ health literacy levels. Tailored health education and promotion are required for students with low parental education and moderate to high distress. Future research is required to explain the gender differences in health literacy and distress among university students.

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