scholarly journals Psychological Wellbeing and Academic Experience of University Students in Australia during COVID-19

Author(s):  
Rachael H. Dodd ◽  
Kevin Dadaczynski ◽  
Orkan Okan ◽  
Kirsten J. McCaffery ◽  
Kristen Pickles

COVID-19 has created significant challenges for higher education institutions and major disruptions in teaching and learning. To explore the psychological wellbeing of domestic and international university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, an online cross-sectional survey recruited 787 university students (18+ years) currently studying at an Australian university. In total, 86.8% reported that COVID-19 had significantly impacted their studies. Overall, 34.7% of students reported a sufficient level of wellbeing, while 33.8% showed low wellbeing and 31.5% very low wellbeing. Wellbeing was significantly higher in postgraduate students compared with undergraduate students. Future anxiety was significantly greater among undergraduate than postgraduate students. Multivariable regression models showed female gender, low subjective social status, negative overall learning experience or reporting COVID-19 having a huge impact on study, were associated with lower wellbeing in the first few months (May–July) of the pandemic. Supporting the health, wellbeing, and learning experiences of all students should be of high priority now and post-pandemic. Strategies specifically targeting female students, and those with low self-reported social status are urgently needed to avoid exacerbating existing disparities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Simon Ayo Adekunle ◽  
Oiza Lauren Dimowo

This study investigated smartphone preference among undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian universities. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which students’ demographic attributes such as gender, age, usage experience and educational level influence their preference for smartphones. The study also identified and ranked smartphone brands based on selected factors like brand name, brand attachment, perceived usefulness, social influence, price, aesthetic value and product design and features. A cross-sectional survey research design was used for the study. The study population comprised all full-time university students in Nigeria both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Questionnaire was designed and electronically administered using Google Form to the target respondents. After three weeks (10th June to 1st July 2020), five hundred and forty-three (543) responses were collated. However, seventy-eight (78) were found to be invalid. As a result, four hundred and sixty-five (465) responses that formed the sample size were used for the study. The data collected were statistically analyzed using frequency table, percentages, mean, standard deviation and t-test with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study found that Samsung is the most preferred smartphone among students. It was also revealed that the first three most important factors that influence students' preference for smartphones are brand name, perceived usefulness, and design/features. The study revealed that demographic attributes do not significantly influence smartphone preference among university students. The study, therefore, recommends that demographic attributes such as gender, age, usage experience and programme should not be significantly considered by manufacturers and marketers of smartphones in product differentiation. Keywords: Brand name, demographics, preference, smartphone, students.    


2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie A. Seabrook ◽  
Paula D.N. Dworatzek ◽  
June I. Matthews

Purpose: To determine predictors of food skills in university students, specifically, the relative effects of a food and nutrition (FN) course; sex, age, and body mass index; food-related behaviours in the parental home; and food-related behaviours in university. Methods: Undergraduate students (n = 30 310) at Western University were invited to complete an online cross-sectional survey that assessed 7 components of food skills, from mechanical (e.g., peeling/chopping) to conceptual (e.g., weekly meal planning). The primary outcome measure was Total Food Skills Score (TFSS). All variables that were statistically associated with TFSS (P < 0.05) were analyzed hierarchically in 4 regression models. Results: The sample was comprised of 3354 students living independently for 2.6 ± 1.1 years. Students who had taken an FN course had higher food skills than those who had not (B = 30.72; P < 0.001), and this relationship remained significant through all subsequent models. The strongest predictor of food skills was meal preparation as a teen (B = 25.66; P < 0.001). Frequency of using a grocery list, packing a lunch, and time spent preparing meals on weekends were positively associated with food skills (P < 0.001), whereas frequency of buying pre-prepared meals was negatively associated with food skills (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Food skill development should occur well before young adults begin living independently.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Wiputra Cendana ◽  
Yonathan Winardi

There have been many ways offered as professional development (PD) for language teachers as well as conferences discussing its trends and alternatives. However, the world is facing CoVid19 pandemic that changes the context and media of English language teaching and learning in primary classrooms at present. Therefore, there is a need for novice teachers to be equipped by ways and opportunities in professional development that suit with the existing context and available media to apply PD. A preliminary cross-sectional survey was done in late July 2020 to get feedback on the ways primary English teachers of two private schools in West Jakarta did professional development. Possible solutions and opportunities are offered to assist them having a sustainable and meaningful professional development in the future during home-based learning (HBL) due to CoVid19 pandemic.The conclusion of the research is the primary English teachers have done various PD ways and need internal and external support from the school and local government mainly in the infrastructure, in order to provide the best possibility of the new learning experience with the students in the online classroom.    


Author(s):  
James Kay

This paper explores the primary forms and prevalence of sexual harassment on campus. It also looks into the general perception that students have concerning harassment. In a cross-sectional survey, 389 respondents filled a questionnaire on sexual harassment. Quantitative statistical analysis revealed that sexual harassment was significantly prevalent in academia. Two-thirds of university students are subjected to sexual harassment before they join campus. Many of the respondents acceded to have been subjected to sexually harassing behaviours but were resistant to label themselves as survivors of harassment. Perception was high among undergraduate students. Recommendations for the improvement of the situation to create a freer and safer campus environment and suggestions for further research are made.


Author(s):  
Tilagavati Subramaniam

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of sense of civic responsibility among the university students and to identify specific factors that contribute to a sense of civic responsibility. A total of 1213 final year undergraduates’ students were recruited from five public universities. Since Malaysian public universities are heterogeneous in terms of student racial composition, stratified sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample. A cross – sectional survey using a self- administered questionnaire was employed. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used in order to analyse the quantitative data obtained in this study. The demographic details and the level of sense of civic responsibility were analysed using descriptive statistics in order to obtain both the frequency and percentage for the data. Meanwhile, multiple regressions were used to determine the most influential factor that predicts a sense of civic responsibility among the final year undergraduate students. The results showed that respondents across the five institutions demonstrated a high level of sense of civic responsibility. Campus climate perception is the main contributor that caused the respondents to have a sense of civic responsibility. With regard to this, an institution of higher education can develop more effective strategies by stressing this factor. Student’s campus experiences have the potential to help students acquire the necessary knowledge, skill, values and motivation to take action in their communities as a thoughtful, engaged and socially responsible citizen.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah O. Aluh ◽  
Thelma Chukwuobasi ◽  
Adaobi U. Mosanya

AbstractBackgroundSocial anxiety is one of the most prevalent and disabling anxiety disorders with lifetime prevalence rates ranging from 2 to 16% s in different populations. Considering the rising use of social media among university students, it is necessary to assess their social anxiety as a result of the use of social media platforms since social anxiety can affect social interaction in social mediaMethodsThe current study employed a cross-sectional descriptive approach and was carried out among undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU) which is a data collection tool to assess levels of social anxiety experienced by university students while using social media platforms was used in the current study. Data were analyzed with IBM Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows, Version 20.0.ResultsA total of 228 out of the 380 questionnaires distributed were filled and returned (60% response rate). Social media usage was highest for WhatsApp (4.4±0.902) and Facebook (3.3±1.055). Social media anxiety was higher in females (69.00±12.59) than males (68.42±12.06) although this difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.356, p = 0.864). Social media usage was higher in females (35.02±5.04) than males (34.58±6.01) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.603, p = 0.314). There was a non-significant negative association between Social media usage and social media anxiety (r = –0.051, p = 0.4450). More than half of the students (55.7%, n = 127) had social media anxiety.ConclusionIn conclusion, there was a negative non-significant correlation between social media usage and social anxiety. Investigations regarding social anxiety in social media are scarce from low and middle income countries and this is the first from an African country.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5004 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Garratt-Reed ◽  
Joel Howell ◽  
Lana Hayes ◽  
Mark Boyes

Academic burnout is prevalent among university students, although understanding of what predicts burnout is limited. This study aimed to test the direct and indirect relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism (Perfectionistic Concerns and Perfectionistic Strivings) and the three elements of Academic Burnout (Exhaustion, Inadequacy, and Cynicism) through Repetitive Negative Thinking. In a cross-sectional survey, undergraduate students (n = 126, Mage = 23.64, 79% female) completed well-validated measures of Perfectionism, Repetitive Negative Thinking, and Academic Burnout. Perfectionistic Concerns was directly associated with all elements of burnout, as well as indirectly associated with Exhaustion and Cynicism via Repetitive Negative Thinking. Perfectionistic Strivings was directly associated with less Inadequacy and Cynicism; however, there were no indirect associations between Perfectionistic Strivings and Academic Burnout operating through Repetitive Negative Thinking. Repetitive Negative Thinking was also directly related to more burnout Exhaustion and Inadequacy, but not Cynicism. It is concluded that future research should investigate whether interventions targeting Perfectionistic Concerns and Repetitive Negative Thinking can reduce Academic Burnout in university students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-337
Author(s):  
Hyewon Shin ◽  
Jungmin Lee ◽  
Shin Jeong Kim ◽  
Minjeong Jo

Purpose: This study investigated intentions and attitudes towards future parenthood and awareness of fertility among university students in South Korea.Methods: The participants comprised 166 female and male undergraduate students enrolled at five universities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2019 using the Korean version of the Fertility Awareness Questionnaire and Attitudes of Parenthood. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics based on participants' general characteristics, the <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test to identify differences in intentions, and the t-test to evaluate attitudes towards parenthood and awareness of fertility in female and male students.Results: Both female and male students desired to have two children, but they lacked awareness about fertility. The possibility of combining work and having children, along with the availability of childcare resources, impacted the desire for parenthood. Male students tended to consider parenthood as less impactful on their lives and careers than female students. Social structures might also impact the decision to have children.Conclusion: It is important to provide health education emphasizing fertility awareness and parenthood in young adulthood so participants can consider these facts in advance. In addition, the government should provide resources for couples making parenthood decisions.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinghan Gao ◽  
Xiao Yuan ◽  
Jianjun Yang ◽  
Xueyan Fu

Abstract Background Polyphenol intake assessment is a first step for evaluating relationships between polyphenols and health-related outcomes. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is one of the minority areas in China, which is primarily consists of arid, dry desert. Objectives This study was to make assessment about phenolics intake by university students from Ningxia of China. Methods This study employed data from a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to June 2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China. A total of 413 undergraduate students (143 boys, 270 girls), mean age 20.6 years, participated in the study. Food-frequency consumption and anthropometric measurements were included in the survey. According to phenol-explorer website, the amount of different classes of phenolic compounds were established. Statistics analyses were conducted with IBM SPSS 20.0. Results Profile of the student subjects showed low weight (19.1%), overweight (6.8%) and obesity (0.5%). The mean value about phenolics intake was 1378 mg/day. The main polyphenols consumed were flavonoids (58.7% of total polyphenols), followed by phenolic acids (38.1%). Vegetables, fruits and cereals products were the most consumed foods, while infusions and sugar products were lower. Fruit was the main food sources of total polyphenols, especially apple (22.95%), orange juice (19.03%) and apple juice (3.93%). Conclusions This is the first study on the polyphenol intake of university students in Ningxia of China. The present results will be benefit for further investigation on the role of polyphenol intake against disease occurrence for this adults group.


2015 ◽  
pp. 1782-1793
Author(s):  
Olalere Mudasiru Yusuf ◽  
Bolanle Idayat Lawal ◽  
Mary Bose Oyewusi

This chapter examines the effectiveness of using mobile technologies in teaching and learning in a Nigerian university. The study explores the techniques that guide undergraduate students to learn with digital support from mobile devices and wireless communication during their classroom activities. This research focuses on mobile phones because of their accessibility to students and lecturers. The researchers investigate the types of mobile application used by students, the time spent on using the devices for learning, and the effectiveness of using mobile technology in teaching and learning. The research is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Three research questions are raised, and the respondents are 100 undergraduate students of the educational technology programme. Frequency count, percentages, and mean are used for data analysis. It is revealed that students often use their mobile phones for academic purposes, and the academic performance of students can be improved through the use of mobile phones to solve classroom questions. The time spent on using mobile phones for the learning process is also unveiled, and recommendations are made based on the researchers' findings.


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