Search Results (190)

Background/Objective: Nursing and non-nursing students experience high stress levels, making them susceptible to mental health issues. This study compared stress, anxiety, and depression between these two groups after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it explored the relationship between perceived helplessness, self-efficacy, and symptoms of mental stress and strain resulting from challenging internship conditions for nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 154 nursing students (mean age = 22.43 years) and 291 non-nursing students (mean age = 27.7 years). Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and a questionnaire on mental stress and strain. Results: Nursing students reported significantly higher scores in the DASS-21 subscales depression (ηp² = 0.016) and anxiety (ηp² = 0.037), and global stress (PSS-10; ηp² = 0.029) compared to non-nursing students, but no significant difference on the DASS-21 Stress subscale. The observed group differences in the present study may be partially attributed to group differences in demographic factors. Helplessness correlated strongly with nearly all scales of mental stress and strain during internships (all p’s < 0.001), while self-efficacy showed a strong negative correlation with non-occupational difficulties, health impairment, and emotional problems (all p’s < 0.001). Conclusions: Nursing students experience elevated depression, anxiety, and perceived stress levels compared to non-nursing students. Stronger feelings of helplessness and lower confidence in their ability to overcome challenges were strongly correlated with mental stress and strain during clinical training. Targeted interventions such as cognitive behavioral training and stress management should be integrated into nursing curricula to enhance resilience and coping strategies. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented social isolation measures, profoundly disrupting daily life, educational routines, and mental health worldwide. University students, already susceptible to psychological distress, encountered intensified challenges under remote learning and prolonged confinement. This longitudinal study examined fluctuations in anxiety and mood among 102 Brazilian university students during the pandemic, distinguishing between those solely engaged in academic pursuits and those simultaneously balancing work and study. Data collected via the Brunel Mood Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in April and July 2021 revealed that students exclusively focused on studies exhibited significant increases in depressive symptoms, anger, confusion, and anxiety, alongside diminished vigor. Conversely, participants who combined work and study reported reduced tension, fatigue, confusion, and overall mood disturbance, coupled with heightened vigor across the same period. Notably, women demonstrated greater vulnerability to anxiety and mood fluctuations, with socioeconomic disparities particularly pronounced among females managing dual roles, who reported lower family income. These findings suggest that occupational engagement may serve as a protective factor against psychological distress during crises, underscoring the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions and institutional support to mitigate the enduring impacts of pandemic-related adversities on the student population. Full article

Background: Despite the widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programmes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an ongoing occupational risk for healthcare students. In multi-ethnic and international university settings, differences in vaccination programmes and immune responses must be considered. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of protective levels of anti-HBs among medical students at an international university in Rome, exploring associations with demographic and vaccination-related factors. Methods: Data were collected from routine occupational health surveillance conducted in 2023. Anti-HB titres were measured in 507 students, and information on age, sex, country of birth, age at vaccination, and time since the last dose was analysed. Results: Overall, 55.0% of students had antibody levels of at least 10 mIU/mL, indicating serological protection. Higher seroprotection rates were observed among students vaccinated in the first year of life compared to those vaccinated later. A significant decline in antibody titres was also associated with longer intervals since vaccination. Students born outside Europe tended to show lower levels of protection. Conclusions: These results emphasise the importance of screening future healthcare professionals and continuously monitoring antibody titres to help reduce HBV infections. Full article

Background: Medical education is considered one of the most academically and emotionally demanding training programs. Throughout their education, medical students are exposed to various factors that can lead to psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the changes in psychological distress, depression, anxiety levels and internet addiction among medical students throughout their six-year education and to identify the contributing factors. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 282 students who enrolled in the medical faculty in the 2017–2018 academic year. A questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was administered to the students during the first week of their education. The same questionnaire was readministered at the end of the third and sixth years. Friedman’s variance analysis was used to compare measurement data across the three time points, while Cochran’s Q Test was employed for categorical variables. Results: The median scores of the GHQ-12, BDI, S-Anxiety, and IAT significantly increased from the first to the sixth year (p < 0.05). The prevalence of depressive symptoms, S-Anxiety, and risky internet use significantly increased from the first to the final year, particularly between the third and sixth years. According to logistic regression analysis based on sixth-year data, students whose fathers were university graduates, who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, and who were dissatisfied with their social lives were found to be at increased risk for psychological distress and depression. Students with high parental expectations were found to be at risk of depression and S-anxiety. Those dissatisfied with their occupational choice were at risk for both psychological distress and S-anxiety. Conclusions: It was found that the mental health of medical students deteriorated during their education, especially during the clinical years. Given that these students will be responsible for protecting and improving public health in the future, it is essential to prioritize their own mental well-being. Interventions aimed at preserving the mental health of medical students should be planned. Full article

Gender harassment is the most common variant of sexual harassment and is often seen in male-dominated workplaces. Importantly, persistent gender harassment produces pronounced impairment in psychological and occupational domains. The current study aimed to examine the degree to which male dominated academic degree programs are associated with higher rates of sexual harassment compared to female dominated programs. Four academic fields were chosen for their gender disparity—business, engineering, health sciences, and education. Consistent with hypotheses, cisgender women students in the college of engineering were most likely to experience gender harassment by peers and faculty. Implications and future directions are discussed. Full article

Objective: This study sought to examine the correlation between physical activity levels and various psychological and nutritional factors associated with the risk of developing eating disorders among female university students in the Health Sciences discipline. Method: The study assessed body image, self-esteem, nutritional status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and attitudes toward food in a sample of 96 women, categorized into two groups based on their level of physical activity. Results: Significant differences in skeletal muscle mass were identified between the groups, alongside associations between body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and elevated EAT-26 scores. Furthermore, students with higher levels of physical activity exhibited a significantly increased prevalence of eating disorder risk. Logistic regression analysis identified body dissatisfaction as a significant predictor of eating disorder risk, while membership in the group with the highest physical activity levels enhanced model fit and increased eating disorder risk. Conclusions: These findings indicate that, while physical activity is associated with certain benefits related to body composition and eating habits, it may also be linked to a heightened risk of disordered eating behaviors, contingent upon the underlying motivations and body perceptions involved. This study highlights the necessity for comprehensive preventive strategies that address both the physical and psychological dimensions of physical activity in female university students. Full article

Respirable particulate matter (RPM) is a major indoor environment concern posing direct health risks. Localized data on RPM exposure remains scarce across different microenvironments in occupational and educational settings. Students in educational settings are increasingly vulnerable to RPM, specifically in the winter season when more activities are carried out indoors and meteorological conditions elevate the PM levels. This study was conducted to assess the personal exposure of university students to RPM within their frequently visited microenvironments (MEs). Forty volunteers were selected, and their exposure to RPM was measured by specifically monitoring their particle mass count (PMC) and particle number count (PNC) in commonly identified MEs. Calibrated air pumps with nylon cyclones and a Dylos DC 1100 Pro were used for this purpose. We found that the mean RPM concentration for personal exposure was 251 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the prescribed National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) limit of 35 µg/m³. We also observed a significant correlation between the PNC and PMC in the microenvironments. The assessment of personal exposure to RMP in this study highlights the urgent need for mitigation strategies in educational settings to reduce the personal exposure of students to RMP to reduce their health-related risks. Full article

From an occupational health perspective, if not stored, handled, and disposed of properly, laboratory chemicals exhibit hazardous properties such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility. Additionally, they can also cause a range of health effects in handlers, including irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity. Additionally, the chemical waste generated during the planned assay is a significant byproduct and, if left untreated, can cause detrimental effects on both living organisms and non-living elements when released into the environment. Chemically, laboratory waste contains reagents, organic and inorganic compounds, and diagnostic stains. These agents are more toxic and hazardous than residential waste and affect the personnel handling them and the environments in which they are released. Considering this, it is crucial to adhere to waste management regulations during the various stages including generation, segregation, collection, storage, transportation, and treatment. This is extremely important and necessary if we are to avoid harm to individuals and environmental contamination. This review encompasses the examination of laboratory medical waste, various categories of chemical waste, and strategies to minimize and ensure the safe disposal of these toxic agents. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first review that focuses on the effects of laboratory-generated chemical wastes and environmental ethics. This is a neglected topic in healthcare education, and this review will serve as a valuable resource for students. Full article

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of higher education (HE) buildings significantly impacts the built environment sector. This research aimed to optimize learning environments and enhance student comfort, especially post-COVID-19. The study adopts the principles of Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) to collect and analyze various quantitative and qualitative data through environmental data monitoring, a user perceptions survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals. Although the environmental conditions generally met existing standards, the findings indicated opportunities for further improvements to better support university communities’ comfort and health. A significant challenge identified by this research is the inability of the facility management to physically manage and operate the vast and complex spaces within HE buildings with contemporary IEQ standards. In response to these findings, this research developed a BIM-based prototype for the real-time monitoring and automated control of IEQ. The prototype integrates a BIM model with Arduino-linked sensors, motors, and traffic lights, with the latter visually indicating IEQ status, while motors automatically adjust environmental conditions based on sensor inputs. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable building management, especially post-pandemic, but also demonstrate an advancement in the application of BIM technologies to improve IEQ and by extension, occupant wellbeing in HE buildings. Full article

Background: Violence against healthcare professionals is a growing public health concern. In Spain, the National Observatory of Aggressions recorded 16,866 cases in 2024, marking a 103.06% increase since 2017. This phenomenon has intensified in recent years, with serious repercussions for both the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, as well as for the quality of care provided. Objectives: This descriptive study examines the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of workplace aggression among undergraduate students at the University School of Nursing of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital. Materials and Methods: A self-administered ad hoc questionnaire was distributed to 266 students across all academic years to assess their knowledge and to explore their perceptions and experiences of aggression witnessed or experienced during clinical placements. This study was guided by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The findings revealed significant educational gaps among students regarding how to manage aggressive situations, as well as high levels of concern and an aggression exposure rate exceeding 30%. A statistically significant association was also observed in relation to the academic year. Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for the development of specific training programmes tailored to the needs identified and for enhancing occupational safety in healthcare settings. Full article

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that continues into adulthood and is linked to significant academic, occupational, and psychological challenges. Medical students may be at heightened risk due to the cognitive and emotional demands of their training. However, regional data on adult ADHD symptoms in this population, particularly in northern Saudi Arabia, remain limited. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of probable adult ADHD symptoms among medical students at the University of Tabuk and to examine the associated sociodemographic, academic, and health-related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between 15 May and 5 June 2025 among randomly selected Saudi medical students (years 2–6) at the University of Tabuk. The validated Arabic version of the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) was used to screen for probable ADHD. A positive screen was defined as ≥4 flagged items. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS v29. Results: Of the 219 respondents (60.3% male; mean age: 21.6 years), 23.3% screened positive for probable adult ADHD. Symptom frequency peaked in the third (40.0%) and fourth (35.6%) academic years and was lowest among sixth-year students (11.4%) (p = 0.012). A strong association was observed between positive ADHD screening and self-reported psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001). No statistically significant associations were found for gender, income, GPA, marital status, or academic phase. Conclusions: Nearly one in four medical students at the University of Tabuk exhibited symptoms suggestive of adult ADHD, a prevalence markedly higher than global estimates and consistent with regional trends. The association with psychiatric morbidity and the mid-programme peak suggests a need for proactive screening, mental health support, and academic accommodations. Universities can translate these findings into practice by instituting routine ADHD screening, offering flexible assessment accommodations, embedding peer-mentoring programmes, and strengthening on-campus mental-health referral pathways. Full article

Background: Occupational therapists can address worldwide mental health (MH) needs and workforce shortages. Ways to advance occupational therapy education to build occupational therapist workforce capacity in MH require further investigation. Objective: This study aimed to identify perceived barriers to and facilitators for advancing MH occupational therapy education, as rated by occupational therapy educators from across the world, stratified into groups of high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method: Global survey, Likert-type, created and distributed by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Data were subject to a secondary weighted and subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 155 responses were obtained from occupational therapy educators from 45 countries or territories; 69% of the respondents were from HICs. The weighted analysis showed that educational standards and student interest were large facilitators for both HICs and LMICs. Faculty expertise stood out as a facilitator and the lack thereof as a barrier, both across HICs and LMICs. For HICs, regulation issues, lack of recognition, lack of supervised/fieldwork practice, and lack of workforce demand were frequently reported barriers, whereas lack of teaching resources and practice evidence were often perceived as barriers in LMICs. Conclusions: Capacity building approaches are required to advance MH occupational therapy education, with tailored approaches for HICs and LMICs. Full article

In health professions education, the hidden curriculum is a set of implicit rules and expectations about how clinicians act and what they value. In fields that are very homogenous, such as rehabilitation professions, these expectations may have outsized impacts on students from minoritized backgrounds. This qualitative study examined the hidden curriculum in rehabilitation graduate programs—speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy—through the perspectives and experiences of 21 students from minoritized backgrounds. Semi-structured interviews explored their experiences with their programs’ hidden curricula. These revealed expectations about ways of being, interacting, and relating. Three overarching themes emerged, each reflecting tensions between conflicting values: (i) blend in but stand out; (ii) success lies in individualism, while de-prioritizing the individual; and (iii) fix the field, using your identities as a tool. When the expectations aligned with students’ expectations for themselves, meeting them was a source of pride. However, when the social expectations clashed with their own culture, dis/ability, gender, or neurotype, these tensions became an additional cognitive burden, and they rarely received mentorship for navigating it. Health professions programs might benefit from fostering students’ critical reflection on their hidden curricula and their fields’ cultural norms to foster greater belonging, agency, and identity retention. Full article

Indoor environmental quality profoundly impacts student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness, particularly in primary education, where children spend most of their developmental years. The study compares the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Designing Quality Learning Spaces (DQLS) version 2.0 for primary school classrooms with international standards set by OECD countries to develop IAQ and thermal comfort best practices in New Zealand across six climate zones. The research evaluates indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort factors affecting students’ and teachers’ health and performance. Using Ladybug and Honeybee plugin tools in Grasshopper with Energy Plus, integrated into Rhino 7 software, the study employed advanced building optimisation methods, using multi-criteria optimisation and parametric modelling. This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of building envelope parameters for historical classroom designs, the Avalon block (constructed between 1955 and 2000). Optimise window-to-wall ratios, ceiling heights, window placement, insulation values (R-values), clothing insulation (Clo), and window opening schedules. Our findings demonstrate that strategic modifications to the building envelope can significantly improve occupant comfort and energy performance. Specifically, increasing ceiling height by 0.8 m, raising windows by 0.3 m vertically, and reducing the window-to-wall ratio to 25% created optimal conditions across multiple performance criteria. These targeted adjustments improved adaptive thermal comfort, ventilation, carbon dioxide, and energy efficiency while maintaining local and international standards. The implications of the findings extend beyond the studied classrooms, offering evidence-based strategies for overall design and building performance guidelines in educational facilities. This research demonstrates the efficacy of applying computational design optimisation during early design phases, providing policymakers and architects with practical solutions that could inform future revisions of New Zealand’s school design standards and align them more closely with international best practices for educational environments. Full article

Soldering is a common engineering practice that releases airborne particulate matter (PM), contributing to significant long-term respiratory risk. The health impact of this exposure is significant, with up to 22% of soldering workers worldwide being diagnosed with conditions such as occupational asthma, restrictive lung disease, and bronchial obstruction. Studies have reported that soldering can produce PM_2.5 concentrations up to 10 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 24 h exposure limit of 35.0 μg/m³—posing significant respiratory and cognitive health risks under chronic exposure. These hazards remain underappreciated by novice engineers in academic and entry-level industrial environments, where safety practices are often informal or inconsistently applied. Air purification systems offer a mitigation approach; however, performance varies significantly with model and placement, and independent validation is limited. This study uses an indoor air quality monitoring system consisting of six AeroSpec sensors to measure PM_2.5–10 concentrations during soldering sessions conducted with and without commercial air purifiers. Tests were conducted with and without a selection of commercial air purifiers, and measurements were recorded under consistent spatial and temporal conditions. Datasets were analyzed to evaluate purifier effectiveness and the influence of placement on pollutant distribution. The findings provide independent validation of air purifier capabilities and offer evidence-based suggestions for minimizing particulate exposure and improving safety in laboratory soldering environments. Full article