Search Results (6,428)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019 and was declared a pandemic from March 2020 to May 2023, profoundly affecting public health systems, economies, and daily life worldwide. University students were among the most impacted groups, facing abrupt transitions to remote learning, social isolation, and increased psychological distress due to academic and personal uncertainties. During the pandemic, few studies have been conducted with this population and so far, none have evaluated factors associated with COVID-19 infection in university students, so this study aimed to evaluate variables associated with COVID-19 infection among university students in southern Brazil. Data were collected from July to November 2020 through an online questionnaire addressing lifestyle and health, with participation from 1533 students. Among the variables analyzed, statistically significant associations with COVID-19 infection were identified for age, occupation, use of continuous medication, compliance with social distancing, and self-medication practices. Younger students (18–29 years) and those dedicated solely to studying exhibited higher infection rates. Additionally, participants who reported using continuous medication, not adhering to social distancing measures, or engaging in self-medication were significantly more likely to have contracted COVID-19. These results help outline risk profiles within the university student population and contribute to improved preparedness for future disease outbreaks. Furthermore, they underscore attitudes and behaviors that may increase vulnerability to infectious diseases, highlighting the importance of targeted health promotion and prevention strategies in this demographic. Full article

Background: One’s dietary pattern throughout life is established during the perinatal period, especially in the intrauterine environment. This study aims to analyze whether maternal and birth characteristics are associated with food consumption in young adults using baseline data from the Nutritionists’ Health Study (NutriHS). Methods: We employed cross-sectional analysis of data from 386 undergraduate nutrition students and nutritionists. Current food consumption was evaluated as per the NOVA classification. The maternal and birth factors included maternal age, parity, type of childbirth, health problems during pregnancy, prematurity, and birth weight, and multiple correspondence analysis of these variables was performed to identify patterns in them. Results: The energy contribution of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with the pattern characterized by participants whose mothers were 19 years of age or younger, primiparous, and had a vaginal delivery (β = 0.48; 95% confidence interval = 0.02, 1.66). Conclusions: We concluded that maternal age at birth was associated with the dietary patterns of adult children. Participants whose mothers were 19 or younger at birth had significantly higher consumption of ultra-processed foods in adulthood compared to those whose mothers were older. Full article

Background: Psychological distress is one of the leading causes of ill health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Nursing students often report higher levels of stress than the general population. Identifying the determinants of mental distress is essential to raise awareness and enable universities to implement preventive interventions. Aim: To examine the relationship between physical activity and psychological distress among nursing students at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 187 students completed a three-part survey: (I) sociodemographic characteristics, (II) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and (III) the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results: Among participants, 28.3% were inactive, 36.9% engaged in moderate activity, and 34.8% engaged in vigorous activity. Significant associations were observed between physical activity and gender (χ² = 9.64, p < 0.001), nationality (χ² = 8.09, p = 0.01), anxiety (FET = 99.34, p < 0.001), and stress levels (χ² = 12.41, p = 0.05). Regression analysis showed that gender, nationality, anxiety, and stress significantly predicted physical activity levels (F(3,183) = 62.47, p < 0.001), explaining 51% of the variance (R² = 0.506, adjusted R² = 0.498). Conclusion: Physical activity among nursing students was significantly associated with gender, nationality, anxiety, and stress. Programs that promote physical activity may help reduce psychological distress and improve students’ health and well-being. Failure to address high levels of stress and anxiety may increase the risk of burnout in future professional practice. Full article

Background: Undergraduate nursing students (UNSs) often enter clinical training just as they are still mastering the emotional labor of the profession. In Nepal, where teaching hierarchies discourage upward dialogue and hospitals routinely struggle with overcrowding, supply shortages, and outward nurse migration, these learners confront a distinct, under-documented burden of psychological distress. Objective: This study examines how UNSs interpret, negotiate, and cope with the mental health challenges that arise at the intersection of cultural deference, resource scarcity, and migration-fueled uncertainty. Methods: A qualitative design employing reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), guided by the Reflexive Thematic Analysis Reporting Guidelines (RTARG), was used. Fifteen second-, third-, and fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at a major urban tertiary institution in Nepal were purposively recruited via on-campus digital flyers and brief in-class announcements that directed students (by QR code) to a secure sign-up form. Participants then completed semi-structured interviews; audio files were transcribed verbatim and iteratively analyzed through an inductive, reflexive coding process to ensure methodological rigor. Results: Four themes portray a continuum from silenced struggle to systemic constraint. First, Shrouded Voices, Quiet Connections captures how students confide only in trusted peers, fearing that formal disclosure could be perceived as weakness or incompetence. Second, Performing Resilience: Masking Authentic Struggles describes the institutional narratives of “strong nurses” that drive students to suppress anxiety, adopting scripted positivity to satisfy assessment expectations. Third, Power, Hierarchy, and the Weight of Tradition reveals that strict authority gradients inhibit questions in classrooms and clinical placements, leaving stress unvoiced and unaddressed. Finally, Overshadowed by Systemic Realities shows how chronic understaffing, equipment shortages, and patient poverty compel students to prioritize patients’ hardships, normalizing self-neglect. Conclusions: Psychological distress among Nepalese UNSs is not an individual failing but a product of structural silence and resource poverty. Educators and policymakers must move beyond resilience-only rhetoric toward concrete reforms that dismantle punitive hierarchies, create confidential support avenues, and embed collaborative pedagogy. Institutional accountability—through regulated workloads, faculty-endorsed wellbeing forums, and systematic mentoring—can shift mental health care from a private struggle to a shared professional responsibility. Multi-site studies across low- and middle-income countries are now essential for testing such system-level interventions and building a globally resilient, compassionate nursing workforce. Full article

Aim: We aimed to assess the impact of a Health and Nursing course on the professional commitment of first-year undergraduate nursing students and obtain quantitative and qualitative feedback on teaching. Design: This study employed a quasi-experimental design. Methods: Fifty first-year undergraduate nursing students who attended the Health and Nursing course were recruited. A self-designed basic information questionnaire, the Nursing Professional Commitment Scale, the Students’ Perceived Teaching Quality Questionnaire, and two quick open-ended questions were used to collect the data. Professional commitment before and after the intervention was compared using an independent samples t-test. The correlation between the students’ perceived teaching quality and professional commitment was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative feedback. Results: The participants experienced a significant improvement in their professional commitment. The students’ perceived teaching quality was significantly correlated with their professional commitment. According to the students’ feedback, the most impressive aspects of the course were case-based learning and visits to healthcare institutions. Conclusions: A Health and Nursing course with high-quality teaching increased the professional commitment of first-year undergraduate nursing students. The findings suggest that nursing educators should consider the external macro-sociopolitical environment when designing an introductory course to equip students with a broader perspective on nursing professional development. Teaching content and pedagogy should be improved to promote knowledge delivery and internalization. Full article

Background/Objective: Adequate serum vitamin D levels are essential for overall health, particularly in preventing oropharyngeal infections. This study aims to explore the relationship between serum vitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and the prevalence of oropharyngeal diseases—specifically rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and nasopharyngitis—in patients at a private specialist medical clinic. Materials and Methods: The study involved 311 patients with an average age of 15.96 ± 15.06 years. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test and chi-square test, were conducted to evaluate the significance of the findings. Results: Nasopharyngitis was highly prevalent, affecting 83.27% of participants, with higher recurrence rates in those with lower vitamin D levels (p = 0.001). Otitis media was present in 53.37% of cases, while rhinosinusitis was less common and more frequently associated with higher vitamin D levels. Patients with behavioral disorders had significantly higher mean vitamin D levels (34.82 ng/mL ± 11.85) compared to those without (28.49 ng/mL ± 14.37) (p = 0.001). Conclusions: A subgroup of children with neutropenia (ANC < 1500/μL) exhibited significantly lower vitamin D levels and higher infection recurrence rates, underscoring their heightened vulnerability. This study highlights the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels for pediatric health and suggests that higher vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of oropharyngeal infections. Full article

Nowadays, the use of technology has become increasingly indispensable, leading to prolonged exposure to computers and other screen devices. This situation is common in work areas related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), where people spend long hours in front of a computer. This exposure has been associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders, among which nonspecific back pain is particularly prevalent. This observational study presents the design of a telerehabilitation strategy based on 3D animations, which is aimed at enhancing the musculoskeletal health of individuals working or studying in ICT-related fields. The intervention was developed through the Moodle platform and designed using the ADDIE instructional model, incorporating educational content and therapeutic exercises adapted to digital ergonomics. The sample included university students in the field of computer science who were experiencing symptoms associated with prolonged computer use. After a four-week intervention period, the results show favorable changes in pain perception and knowledge of postural hygiene. These findings suggest that a distance-based educational and therapeutic strategy may be a useful approach for the prevention and treatment of back pain in academic settings. Full article

Against the backdrop of growing concerns over university students’ mental health worldwide, campus environments play a crucial role not only in shaping spatial experiences but also in influencing psychological well-being. However, the psychosocial mechanisms through which campus landscapes affect well-being remain insufficiently theorized. Drawing on survey data from 500 students across two Chinese universities, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and interpretable machine learning techniques (XGBoost-SHAP) to systematically examine the interrelations among landscape perception, place attachment, perceived social acceptance, school belonging, and psychological well-being. The results reveal the following: (1) campus landscapes serve as the primary catalyst for fostering emotional identification (place attachment) and social connectedness (perceived social acceptance and school belonging), thereby indirectly influencing psychological well-being through these psychosocial pathways; (2) landscape perception emerges as the strongest predictor of well-being, followed by school belonging. Although behavioral variables such as the green space maintenance quality, visit frequency, and duration of stay contribute consistently, their predictive power remains comparatively limited; (3) significant nonlinear associations are observed between core variables and well-being. While the positive effects of landscape perception, place attachment, and school belonging exhibit diminishing returns beyond certain thresholds, high levels of perceived social acceptance continue to generate sustained improvements in well-being. This study advances environmental psychology by highlighting the central role of campus landscapes in promoting mental health and provides actionable strategies for campus planning. It advocates for the design of balanced, diverse, and socially engaging landscape environments to maximize psychological benefits. Full article

Background: In recent decades, the relationship between mental health and well-being has been explored from many perspectives, with emphasis on the two-continua model of health in different contexts, with an emphasis on young higher education students. Both mental health and well-being are considered predictors of academic success. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mental health and well-being among first- and fourth-year nursing students. The sample consisted of 473 nursing students from a university in the central region of mainland Portugal. Methods: Data were collected using the short versions of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF). Results: Canonical correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between psychological distress and mental well-being. The first statistically significant canonical function (p < 0.05; Cr = 0.601) was primarily defined by depression (canonical loading = −0.992) in the distress group and emotional well-being (canonical loading = 0.948) in the well-being group. Redundancy analysis confirmed a significant interdependence: variables related to psychological distress explained 27.8% of the variance in well-being, while well-being variables explained 23.8% of the variance in distress. Conclusions: These results reinforce the two-continua model, highlighting the need to address both mental health and well-being throughout higher education. Full article

Food security among college students is an increasing concern, with potential implications for their health, academic performance, and future well-being. This study investigated food security within a college community in Mexico, focusing on food availability, access (both economic and physical), and consumption patterns. A mixed-methods approach was employed at Ciudad Universitaria, BUAP, Mexico, between 2023 and 2024. Stratified random sampling was used, resulting in a final sample of 606 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, the ELCSA, structured cafeteria observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and three focus groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment confirmed that origin (p = 0.0017), mode of transportation (p = 2.31 × 10⁻⁵) and private vehicles (p = 1.77 × 10⁻⁵) were the key determinants. Although the environment offered a variety of options, processed and ultra-processed products dominated the food choices. A total of 95.9% of students purchased food on campus, yet only 21.8% reported engaging in healthy eating habits. Focus groups revealed that students’ food choices were influenced by availability, access, and perceptions of affordability and convenience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve food security and promote healthier dietary practices within the college setting. Full article

School refusal behavior, defined as a child’s prolonged voluntary absence from school for reasons unrelated to illness and/or economic hardship, is a growing concern in Japan. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue by disrupting children’s lives. This review summarizes the prevalence, contributing factors, and health implications of school refusal, particularly in the context of COVID-19. A literature review of government reports and PubMed-indexed studies indicates that school refusal in Japan has been rising for eleven years, reaching a record 340,000 cases in 2023. Middle school students (6.7%) were the most affected, followed by elementary school students (2.1%). The pandemic intensified school-related, family-related, and child-related risk factors. School closures disrupted routines, reduced peer interactions, and increased social isolation, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Reports of suicides and mental health disorders among children have also surged. Family stressors, including economic hardship and parental mental health struggles, further exacerbate school refusal. Additionally, remote learning has widened socioeconomic disparities in access to education, leaving vulnerable children at greater risk. Addressing school refusal requires a multifaceted approach involving schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers. School-based interventions, mental health approach, and flexible educational programs would be essential. The Japanese government’s “COCOLO Plan” represents progress toward a more inclusive education system, and a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy is needed. Ensuring all children receive the necessary support to reengage with education is critical to overcoming the long-term challenges posed by school refusal. Full article

A greater understanding of health-promoting factors, such as hope, is crucial for preventing and enhancing the mental health of higher education students. The Herth Hope Index (HHI) is a 12-item tool that has been widely used to assess a comprehensive, non-temporal perception of hope. While this instrument has been used extensively in adult populations, most studies focus on clinical populations. Additionally, the HHI reveals inconsistencies in terms of scale dimensionality and items to be retained. Therefore, this study sought to assess the HHI’s psychometric characteristics in a sample of Portuguese Higher Education students. The person response validity, internal scale validity, unidimensionality, and uniform differential item functioning were assessed using a Rasch rating scale model. A total of 2227 higher education students participated during the e-survey activation period (spring semester of 2020). The mean age of the sample was 22.5 ± 6.2 years (range 18–59 years). Three of the twelve items (#3, #5, and #6) failed to satisfy the established criterion for goodness of fit. Following the elimination of these three items, the resultant nine-item scale exhibited satisfactory item fit to the model, appropriate unidimensionality (52.4% of the variance explained), enough person goodness of fit, sufficient separation, and the absence of differential item functioning. The 9-item version of the HHI had psychometric properties comparable to the original 12-item version. This study also underscores the importance of validated instruments for assessing hope-based interventions in academic contexts. Further research is necessary to explore the potential dimensions inherent to the hope concept and to identify variations in hope profiles among items influenced by cultural attributes. Full article

Humor plays a vital role in human well-being and communication and is increasingly recognized as a beneficial resource in healthcare contexts. While prior studies have explored humor in general university populations, limited research has focused on nursing students, who face distinct interpersonal and emotional demands during their training. This pilot study aimed to describe multidimensional sense of humor among first-year nursing students in Spain using the validated Spanish version of the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS), which includes a three-dimension model: humor competence, humor as a coping mechanism, and social attitudes toward humor. A total of 78 students completed the MSHS questionnaire via an online survey. The overall mean score was 66.8 (SD = 13.1) out of 96, with the highest mean observed in the dimension of humor as a coping mechanism (mean = 22.2, SD = 4.0). Individual item analysis revealed strong agreement with positively worded statements such as “I like a good joke” (mean = 3.36, SD = 0.82) and “Humor is a lousy coping mechanism” (reverse scored; mean = 3.69, SD = 0.67). These findings suggest that humor is a relevant personal and interpersonal resource among future healthcare professionals. Incorporating humor-related competencies in nursing education may support student resilience and enhance patient-centered care. Further research is needed to examine humor’s longitudinal development and its role in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) commonly co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and specific learning disorder (SLD), affecting academics, mental health, and lifestyle. Although screeners such as the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire (AAC-Q) are widely used elsewhere, recognition and support for DCD in Japan remain limited. This study examined associations among DCD traits, ADHD/ASD-related difficulties, learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, and lifestyle factors in university students. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey of 16,295 students; responses from 527 were analyzed. The instruments used for the analysis included the AAC-Q, short forms of ADHD and ASD Difficulty Scales, the 7-item Learning Difficulty Scale for Postsecondary Students and 10-item Scale for Childhood Learning Difficulties, and the University Personality Inventory (UPI). Nonparametric and Spearman’s rank correlations were performed. Results: DCD traits were observed at 7.4% (AAC-Q ≥ 32). This is a screen-positive proportion only. AAC-Q scores correlated strongly with ADHD difficulties (r = 0.65), moderately to strongly with ASD difficulties (r = 0.55), and moderately with mental health difficulties measured by the UPI (r = 0.41). Conclusions: These findings suggest that identifying DCD traits at university entry may be associated with greater student self-understanding and improved access to appropriate support. They support targeted DCD screening alongside ADHD/ASD screening at university entry, rather than universal screening. Full article

This study investigated youth’s empowerment through EU-funded climate change projects (CCPs) and the role that social research and public engagement play in that process. The importance of considering youth empowerment in a time of climate change is increasingly recognized. Youth are exposed to interrelated health, socioeconomic, and political vulnerabilities caused by climate change, but they often lack resources to address and navigate these changes. To help address these issues, youth empowerment holds the potential to give youth a greater influence over their lives in the context of an evolving climate. EU-funded CCPs play a crucial role in EU’s climate mitigation and adaptation policies, and the implementation of these projects can have widespread implications for youth across the EU. However, there is little research exploring the local youth implications of EU-funded CCPs. In this paper, we want to start addressing this knowledge gap by exploring how youth empowerment was facilitated, shaped, and restrained over a year-long collaboration with students from a Greek school as part of a Horizon 2020 project on the social acceptance of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCUS) technologies. The findings indicate that the activities provided the students with opportunities to explore and express different types of concerns, knowledge, and perspectives on issues related to climate change, social acceptance, and CCUS. However, the empowering potential of these activities was also shaped by power differentials and contestations around the validity of different knowledge sources. For meaningful youth engagement through Horizon 2020 initiatives, more longitudinal and meaningful participation is needed. Full article