scholarly journals Impact of Operational Definitions on the Predictors and Prevalence of Asthma Estimates: Experience from a University Students’ Survey and Implications for Interpretation of Disease Burden

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufemi O. Desalu ◽  
Emmanuel O. Sanya ◽  
Adekunle O. Adeoti ◽  
Sunday A. Aderibigbe ◽  
Philip M. Kolo
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Nasal Allergy ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Inconsistent operational definitions during asthma surveillance can lead to inaccurate estimation of disease burden and formulation of health policy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different definitions on the prevalence estimates and predictors of asthma among university students in Ilorin, Nigeria. The secondary aim was to compare level of agreement of the different definitions.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2015. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was self administered by 1485 students. Asthma diagnosis was based on five definitions used in previous studies in the country. These were ECRHS, International Study of Asthma, Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), Probable, Modified ECRHS and Modified Probable asthma definitions.RESULTS: The prevalence rates varied from 10.4 to 24.1% depending on the definition. Prevalence obtained by using ECRHS definition significantly differed from estimates by other definitions (Z score ≥ 1.96 p<0.0001) except modified probable asthma. Identified predictors of asthma varied from five to six depending on the definition, and their strength also differed by definition. Regardless of the definition, reported nasal allergy, skin allergy, family history of nasal allergy, asthma and parental smoking were the predictors of asthma. The Kappa statistics demonstrated a fair to almost perfect association between the ECRHS and other asthma definitions (Kappa = 0.334-0.841, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The prevalence rates and predictors of asthma are affected by operational definitions. Researchers need to adopt a uniform definition for accurate estimation of disease burden, international comparison of result and formulation of prevention policy. 

scholarly journals Stress Perceived by University Health Sciences Students, 1 Year after COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5233
Author(s):  
Yolanda Marcén-Román ◽  
Angel Gasch-Gallen ◽  
Irene Isabel Vela Martín de la Mota ◽  
Estela Calatayud ◽  
Isabel Gómez-Soria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Health Sciences Students ◽  
The Impact

Today’s COVID-19 situation can affect university Health Sciences students’ psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the stress caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health Sciences students from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) almost 1 year after the pandemic began. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administered online questionnaire. It evaluated the impact of perceived stress with a modified scale (PSS-10-C), and assessed anxiety and depression on the Goldberg scale. Students presented stress (13.1%), anxiety (71.4%) and depression (81%). Females (81.7%) and the third-year Occupational Therapy students (p = 0.010) reported perceived stress. Nursing students perceived less stress (OR: 0.148; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.842). University students developed stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 almost 1 year after the pandemic began. Psychological support measures for these groups should be prioritized.

scholarly journals Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking on the Spirometric Profile of University Students in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Zaher Nazzal ◽  
Deema Odeh ◽  
Fatima Azahraa Haddad ◽  
Mohammad Berawi ◽  
Belal Rahhal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
University Students ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Waterpipe Smoking ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lung Functions ◽  
Expiratory Flow

Background. Waterpipe smoking in young individuals is increasing with limited studies addressing its respiratory health effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of waterpipe smoking on young adults’ lung functions. Spirometric parameters were compared between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study of university students, including males and females, was conducted. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to record students’ characteristics. The spirometry test was performed to assess students’ lung functions; we recorded the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75%). Results. A total of 300 apparently healthy students (150 waterpipe smokers and 150 nonsmokers) were included in the study. Waterpipe smokers showed significantly lower values in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% compared to the nonsmoker group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The subgroup analysis on female students (50 WP smokers and 50 nonsmokers) showed a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion. Waterpipe smoking is associated with reduced spirometric parameters in healthy young adults with relatively limited smoking years.

scholarly journals 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

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 &lt; 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.

Predicting entrepreneurial motivation among university students: The role of entrepreneurship education

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (7/8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minoo Farhangmehr ◽  
Paulo Gonçalves ◽  
Maria Sarmento
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Entrepreneurial Motivation ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This research aims to better understand the main drivers of entrepreneurial motivation among university students and to determine whether entrepreneurship education has a moderating effect on improving the impact of knowledge base and entrepreneurship competencies on entrepreneurial motivation. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative interviews and a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 465 university students. Findings The study reveals that entrepreneurship competencies are a predictor of entrepreneurship motivation but that knowledge base is not. Additionally, entrepreneurship education does not improve the motivation of university students to become entrepreneurs. These findings suggest that, to increase entrepreneurial motivation, pedagogy should emphasize the development of students’ entrepreneurial psychological and social skills by covering in particular the emotional dimension and critical thinking. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship education and provides strategic recommendations for university managers and education-policy makers.

Psychologic predictors and epidemiology of internet addiction among university students in greece

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 40-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.C. Frangos ◽  
K.C. Fragkos
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Psychological Predictors ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Psychological Features ◽  
The Impact

AimTo present the epidemiology and psychological predictors of Internet Addiction (IA) among Greek University students.MethodsThis random sample consisted of 3545 students, drawn from 24 higher education institutions (1618/1927 M/F, mean age 20.12 ± 2.4 years). The survey was conducted in the 4 Greek cities: Athens, Preveza, Thessaloniki and Amfissa.ResultsThe prevalence rates of IA according to Young's Test in the four cities were: Athens (17.5%), Preveza (15.9%), Thessaloniki (19.3%), Amfissa (16.3%). There was a statistically significant association between location and IA (χ2 = 28.251, df = 3, p < 0.001), gender and IA for males and females (p < 0.001). We performed a t-test with the dependent variable S = sum of scores in the psychological features of loneliness, feeling abandoned, disappointed, aimless in life, and with low self-esteem; the grouping variable was IA. Results showed that the variable S was much lower for the non-addicted than for addicted students (t = 19.329, p < 0.005, df = 3085). Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of psychological characteristics on the likelihood that respondents would be Internet Addicted. The model was statistically significant χ2(10, N = 3085) = 316.3, p < 0.001. The model classified correctly 85.1% of the cases. The strongest predictors of IA were the following: Loneliness (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.67-2.71), feeling abandoned (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.2-2.1), low self-esteem (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.4-2.1) and fear of losing their job (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.7).ConclusionLoneliness, helplessness, low self-esteem and fear of unemployment are the strongest predictors of IA among Greek university students.

scholarly journals The impact of racially-motivated housing discrimination on allostatic load among Indigenous university students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Currie ◽  
Takara A. Motz ◽  
Jennifer L Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
University Students ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
The Body ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Housing Discrimination ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wear And Tear ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Allostatic load (AL) is an aggregate measure of wear and tear on the body due to the chronic activation of the stress response system. The goal of this study was to examine the association between racially-motivated housing discrimination and AL score within a sample of Indigenous university students.Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from Indigenous adults attending university in a small city in western Canada between 2015 and 2017 ( N = 104; Mean age = 27.8 years). An item adapted from the Experience of Discrimination Scale was to assess racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past 12 months. AL was measured as a composite of 7 biomarkers assessing neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system function. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapped linear regression models were used to examine associations adjusting for age, income, parenthood, and other situations in which discrimination had been experienced.Results Indigenous university students who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year (16.8% of the sample) had an average AL score of approximately 4, which was almost double that of their peers who had not. In an adjusted model. racially-motivated housing discrimination was associated with a-1.5 point increase in AL score. This model explained 35% of the adjusted variance in AL score, of which racially-motivated housing discrimination explained 24% ( R 2 Change = 0.24, F Change = 32.52, Sig. F Change p <0.001).Conclusions Indigenous adults who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year had early and more pronounced wear and tear on neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system functioning in young and middle adulthood than Indigenous peers who did not. These findings combine with others to highlight the need for increased efforts to prevent racially-motivated housing discrimination in urban centres.

scholarly journals The impact of racially-motivated housing discrimination on allostatic load among Indigenous university students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Currie ◽  
Takara A. Motz ◽  
Jennifer L Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
University Students ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Housing Discrimination ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wear And Tear ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Allostatic load (AL) is a preclinical marker of the pathophysiologic processes that precede the onset of disease. The goal of this study was to examine the association between racially-motivated housing discrimination and AL score within a sample of Indigenous university students.Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from Indigenous adults attending university in a small city in western Canada between 2015 and 2017 ( N = 104; Mean age = 27.8 years). An item adapted from the Experience of Discrimination Scale was to assess racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past 12 months. AL was measured as a composite of 7 biomarkers assessing neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system function. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapped linear regression models were used to examine associations adjusting for age, income, parenthood, and other situations in which discrimination had been experienced.Results Indigenous university students who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year (16.8% of the sample) had an average AL score of approximately 4, which was almost double that of their peers who had not. In an adjusted model. racially-motivated housing discrimination was associated with a-1.5 point increase in AL score. This model explained 35% of the adjusted variance in AL score, of which racially-motivated housing discrimination explained 24% ( R 2 Change = 0.24, F Change = 32.52, Sig. F Change p <0.001).Conclusions Indigenous adults who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year had early and more pronounced wear and tear on neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system functioning in young and middle adulthood than Indigenous peers who did not. These findings combine with others to highlight the need for increased efforts to prevent racially-motivated housing discrimination in urban centres.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of University Students in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Asif ◽  
Hafiz Abdul Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of COVID-19 eventually led to the declaration of Public health emergency of international concern and a pandemic by WHO due to its exponential global spread. Present study was conducted to investigate the impact of second wave of pandemic on mental wellbeing and social behaviors among university students of Pakistan during this crucial period of COVID-19 infection. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was designed to evaluate the psychosocial impact during the current COVID-19 outbreak among the students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Snowball sampling or chain referral sampling procedure was adopted to recruit the participants in the study. Verbal informed consent was taken from all participants before recruitment in the study irrespective of their gender, age and socioeconomic status. Results: Mental health of university students during COVID-19 epidemic was affected to a varying degree revealing that 26.66% were recorded to have mild, 27.15% moderate and 17.04% suffering from severe anxiety out of total 1029 students. Students who were residing in urban areas with parents and having a steady family income were negatively associated and found protective factors against anxiety. However, having a relative or an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for experienced anxiety. Positively associated factors with the level of anxiety symptoms included economic stressors, effects on daily-life, and academic delays whereas social support was negatively correlated with anxiety in COVID-19 related stressors. Conclusion: Public health emergencies and such pandemic are exerting serious psychological impacts on university students. It is recommended that the higher authorities should plan better policies to reduce this impact for the provision of high quality and timely crisis-oriented psychological services to university students.

scholarly journals To study the impact of psychiatry posting on attitude towards psychiatry and estimated likelihood of psychiatry as a career choice in female interns in North India

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Sunny Garg ◽  
Alka Chauhan ◽  
Mahender Singh ◽  
Mariya Khan ◽  
Sanjeet Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Career Choice ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
North India ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Written Informed Consent

Background: Psychiatric disorders have been rising in last few years and emerging as leading cause of disease burden. Psychiatry as a discipline of medicine carry a lot of stigma due to which there is a lack of young medical students or professionals in choosing psychiatry as a career. Aims and Objectives: To study the impact of psychiatry posting on attitude towards psychiatry and estimation of likelihood of Psychiatry as a career choice in female interns. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional observational study of 112 female interns who met the Inclusion criteria. A written informed consent was obtained from the interns. A selfassessable ATP-30 scale was used to assess the attitude of the interns, this questionnaire was filled by the interns on the first day and after the two weeks of their posting in psychiatry department. The data collected was analysed with the help of SPSS version (21.0) info. Results: Ninety-eight interns were considered for further analysis because 14 female interns fulfilled the exclusion criteria. More than 95% interns reported to have positive attitude towards psychiatry throughout the posting. Results showed a statistically significant (<0.01) positive attitude towards major areas in psychiatry except only psychiatric hospitals and treatment. Only 33 female interns chose psychiatry as a career choice after the posting of two weeks which is not statistically significant, while around 40% interns denied for it. Conclusion: Interns showed highly positive attitude towards psychiatry. The positive attitude of interns towards psychiatry would go a long way towards reducing the stigma attached to people with mental illness and mental health professionals.

Impact Of Online Classes During COVID-19 Pandemic Situation on Undergraduate University Students Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farwa Batool ◽  
Bareera Saeed ◽  
Atia Ur Rehman ◽  
Humaira Waseem
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Undergraduate University Students ◽  
Class Room ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 detected in school, colleges and universities close the entire world. More than 1.2 billion kids were not in class-room worldwide. Consequently; education has altered considerably, among the characteristic increase of relearning, where by education is under-taken distantly as well as upon digital platform. Research recommended that online education has been revealed to raise maintenance of knowledge, moreover acquire not as much of time, denotation alter corona virus comprise cause might be now to reside. Objective: To find out the impact of online classes in COVID-19 pandemic situation among undergraduate university students of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore. Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted for this research.Study was conducted from The University of Lahore, Lahore campus, department of Health Professional technologies. Sample size was 67. Data was analyzed and evaluated with the help of the statistical package for social sciences SPSS-V20 Results: Total 67 students participated in research. Participants' age range was 19 to 25 years.70% females and 29.9% males participated in this research.41.8% participants reported that they are facing difficulties in online classes while 3% participant were slightly disagree on it. 53.7% participants were disagreeing on learning satisfaction in online classes while 29.9% were strongly disagreeing. Conclusions: This study concluded that despite gaining immense popularity today, digital technology has still not been embraced by students for use in teaching. Students are still more inclined towards face to face teaching rather than e-teaching.

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