Posttraumatic stress symptoms among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic:Prevalence,correlates,and mental health help-seeking

BACKGROUND Revisiting the epidemiology of posttraumatic stress symptoms(PTSSs)among university students during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic as well as understanding the mental health help-seeking behavior of individuals with PTSSs has critical implications for public mental health strategies in future medical pandemics.AIM To investigate the prevalence and correlates of PTSSs among university students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to examine mental health help-seeking behaviors among these students.METHODS A total of 2507 Chinese university students were recruited via snowball sampling.The students completed the Seven-item Screening Scale for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Sociodemo-graphic characteristics,pandemic-related characteristics,and mental health help-seeking behaviors of students with PTSSs were also collected.RESULTS The prevalence of PTSSs among the participants was 28.0%.Seven significant correlates of PTSSs were identified(odds ratio=1.23-3.65,P≤0.024):Female sex,being 19 years old or older,living with others or alone,a low level of family economic status,fair or poor interpersonal relationships,severe or very severe local pandemic,and having family members diagnosed with COVID-19.However,only 3.28%of the students with PTSSs reported seeking help from mental health specialists.Among the 23 students who sought help from mental health specialists,13 opted for online or telephone-based psychological consultation.CONCLUSION Our data suggest that there was a high risk of PTSSs among university students and a high level of unmet mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.The delivery of mental health services online or via telephone is a promising approach to address these unmet needs.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors among University Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Introduction: WHO estimated that uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment and second leading cause of blindness globally. University students are prone to developing refractive errors due to their curriculum that requires a lot of near work affecting their performance and quality of life unknowingly. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of refractive errors. This study addresses the paucity of knowledge about refractive errors among university students in East Africa, providing a foundation for further research. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with refractive errors among students in the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in which 368 undergraduate students selected using random sampling were assessed for refractive errors from March 2021-July 2021. Eligible participants were recruited and their VA assessment done after answering a questionnaire. Students whose VA improved on pin hole had subjective retinoscopy and results were compiled and imported to STATA 14 for analysis. Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 26.36% with (95% CI) among university students especially myopia. Myopia is most predominant at 60%, followed by 37% Astigmatism and hyperopia of 3% among medical students. Astigmatism consisted of largely myopic astigmatism 72% (26) and 28% (10) compound/mixed astigmatism only. Student positive family history of refractive error was found to have a statistically significant relationship with refractive errors with AOR 1.68 (1.04 - 2.72) (95% CI) and P (0.032). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among university students, especially myopia, was found to be high and family history was associated with students having refractive errors.

Spelling Errors in University Students' English Writing

This paper investigated the spelling errors made by university students in Hong Kong.By analyzing the spelling errors in the untimed essays and exam scripts,we found that students are prone to make more spelling mistakes in exam scripts,the same type of errors occur in both of the two kinds of texts;and their ranks of the frequency also are the same.

How Teachers' Attitudes During Error Treatment May Influence Students' Oral English Competence

Usually, Chinese EFL students make satisfactory progress in reading, grammar and writing. However, it is very difficult for them to transmit messages, exchange thoughts in English. I conducted a questionnaire in Inner Mongolia Teachers’ University and found out that when the students come to speak English, they tend to appear frustrated, lack confidence on the grounds of fear of making errors, which may be closely related to the teachers’ attitudes towards students’ errors. Therefore, it is essential for English teachers to have proper attitudes to errors in English teaching. The paper discusses some important strategies on whether, when and how speaking errors should be corrected based on some researchers’ views and on a small scale of experiment for the purpose of helping teachers deal with students’ errors effectively in communication.

Brief Analysis of Chinese Students’ Errors in English Reading

On the basis of the theories of psycholinguistic perspective in language teaching and communicative approach in language learning,the author of this paper analysed briefly some tangible errors for the Chinese students in their reading comprehension in line with his own teaching experiences. The aim of the paper is to overcome the obstacles existing between the author’ s text writers and the text readers and to enable the latter to become effective readers.

The prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in 3654 first year students at Tianjin Medical University

AIM：To determine the prevalence of vision impairment（VI）and refractive error in first year university students at the Tianjin Medical University.METHODS：This is a cross-sectional observational cohort study of VI and refractive error among first year university students at the Tianjin Medical University.The first year university students were involved in this study and were given a detailed questionnaire including age,birth date,and spectacle wearing history.A standardized ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity（VA）,slit-lamp examination,non-cycloplegic auto-refraction,objective refraction,fundus photography,and examination of their spectacles were recorded.RESULTS：A total of 3654 participants were included in this study.Totally 3436（94.03%） individuals had VI in this population.Totally 150（4.10%） individuals had VI due to ocular disease,including amblyopia,congenital cataract,retinal atrophy or degeneration,strabismus,congenital nystagmus,refractive surgery orthokeratology.Totally 3286（89.93%） subjects had VI due to refractive error.Only 218（5.97%） students were emmetropia.Moreover,refractive error was the main cause for the VI（95.63%）.Totally 3242（92.52%） students were myopia and the prevalence of mild,moderate,and high myopia subgroup was 27.05%,44.35%,and 21.26% respectively.Totally 44（1.29%） subjects were hyperopic.The rates of uncorrected visual acuity（UCVA）,presenting visual acuity（PVA）and best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）which better than 20/20 in both eyes were 5.65%,22.32% and 82.13% respectively.The rates of correction,under correction and well correction in myopia subjects were 82.73%,84.39% and 15.61%,respectively. CONCLUSION：We present a high prevalence of refractive errors and high rates of under correction refractive error among first year university students.These results may help to promote vision protection work in young adults.

Frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students

AIM:To investigate the frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students.METHODS:Totally 158 student volunteers underwent routine vision examination in the optometry clinic of Guangxi Medical University.Their data were used to identify the different types of accommodation and nonstrabismic binocular vision dysfunction and to determine their frequency.Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with these abnormalities.RESULTS:The results showed that 36.71%of the subjects had accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision issues,with 8.86%being attributed to accommodation dysfunction and 27.85%to binocular abnormalities.Convergence insufficiency(CI)was the most common abnormality,accounting for 13.29%.Those with these abnormalities experienced higher levels of eyestrain(χ2=69.518,P<0.001).The linear correlations were observed between the difference of binocular spherical equivalent(SE)and the index of horizontal esotropia at a distance(r=0.231,P=0.004)and the asthenopia survey scale(ASS)score(r=0.346,P<0.001).Furthermore,the right eye's SE was inversely correlated with the convergence of positive and negative fusion images at close range(r=-0.321,P<0.001),the convergence of negative fusion images at close range(r=-0.294,P<0.001),the vergence facility(VF;r=-0.234,P=0.003),and the set of negative fusion images at far range(r=-0.237,P=0.003).Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender,age,and the difference in right and binocular SE did not influence the emergence of these abnormalities.CONCLUSION:Binocular vision abnormalities are more prevalent than accommodation dysfunction,with CI being the most frequent type.Greater binocular refractive disparity leads to more severe eyestrain symptoms.

Students’ Reaction to Errors

L2 learners often develop grammatical competence in the absence of concomitant pragmatic competence. In an attempt to better understand how this developmental stage arises, this study explores the extent to which L2 learners of English are aware of differences in learners' and target-language production in grammar and pragmatics.

Patient Safety Attitudes, Skills, Knowledge and Barriers Related to Reporting Medical Errors by Nursing Students

Introduction: Health care system structure is prone to human error. Medical errors are one of the major challenges that health systems in all countries are grappling with to minimize and reduce the damage caused by them. The aim of this study was to assess the Patient Safety Attitudes, Skills, Knowledge and Barriers Related to Reporting Medical Errors by Nursing Students in Ilam, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed method was conducted to this study. Sampling was conducted by census of all students entering nursing criteria in Ilam in 2016. A number of 140 students participated in this study. The tool used in this study was created by Schnall et al. that measures knowledge, attitudes and skills related to medical errors reporting. Data were analyzed with t test, regression and correlation coefficients and descriptive statistical methods. Results: The results showed that nursing students had a positive attitude with respect to the reporting of medical errors (p = 0.01). They also have the low knowledge to medical errors and reporting them. There were significant differences in all groups and subgroups of knowledge, attitude, and skills (except creating of safety culture subgroup) between the two group’s students. Moreover, the main reason for not reporting was the lack of knowledge and fear of punishment. Conclusions: The results of this study help those who involve in the health care system to improve patient safety and improve the process of reporting medical errors by nursing students’ participation in the process of reporting error, while improving knowledge and attitudes through nursing education with the effective educational models. As a result, there is a need to educate students on reporting systems.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B among Students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis in 2024

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis regarding hepatitis B. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 within the university’s social campus among a sample of 800 students. Results: The sex ratio favored men at 1.5, and the average age was 23.3 years with a standard deviation of 2.7 years. Among students, 26.6% had never heard of the term “hepatitis B”, and 60% knew it was a liver disease. Young people and adolescents were identified as the most exposed population group by 52.3% of respondents. According to 53.7% of the sample, hepatitis B would be a curable disease. Furthermore, 95.0% of the surveyed individuals were not vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 36.3% were afraid of living with an infected person. While 63.0% had poor knowledge, 78.8% had negative attitudes, and poor practices were observed in 6.9% of participants. Conclusion: This study highlighted a lack of knowledge and concerning attitudes among students regarding hepatitis B. The results underscore the need to intensify information and awareness campaigns about this disease, as well as the importance of promoting vaccination and encouraging appropriate preventive practices among the student population.

An Analysis on the Students′ Common Errors in English

本文概括了学生的常见错误 ,分析其原因所在。通过学习 。

Preceptors'experiences in guiding nursing students to use research findings and to implement evidence-based practice

Objective:Evidence-based practices(EBPs)have been taught to students by identifying the best evidence/evidence from research results.However,the experiences of Indonesian nurse preceptors in helping students implement research findings have not been explored thoroughly.This study aimed to explore Indonesian nurse preceptors in guiding nursing students to use research findings.Methods:This study used interpretive phenomenology analysis that involves 9 nurse preceptors from hospitals in West Kalimantan,Indonesia.Semi-structured in-depth interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim.Results:Three themes were generated during the analysis:“types of student supervision,”“issues during supervision,”and“the need for research literacy and supervision.”Conclusions:Nurse preceptors need support to supervise the nursing students to use research findings.In addition to upgrading nursing skills,nurse preceptors must receive training in research and its utilization.Developing an appropriate strategy to assist students in using research findings will enhance the promotion of evidence-based nursing practices on a daily basis.

Investigation of the Acceptability of Cultured Meat in University Students

Background: Over the past 20 years, cultured meat has drawn a lot of public attention as a potential solution to issues with animal husbandry, including inadequate use of natural sources, improper animal welfare practices, and possible risks to public health and safety. The novel method of producing meat through culture reduces the need for animals to produce muscle fiber, thereby obviating the necessity for animal slaughter. Apart from its ethical advantages, cultured meat presents a possible way to fulfill the expanding need for food among growing populations. The purpose of this research was to find out whether Turkish students would be willing to pay for and accept cultured meat. Technique: Method: 371 university students who willingly consented to fill out a questionnaire and provide demographic data make up the research sample. Questions from previous studies on the acceptability of cultured meat were compiled to create the survey. The research’s data collection took place in March and April of 2022. The research was completed in June 2022 after the data had been processed and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were female and had omnivorous eating habits. Based on the results of the Bonferroni correction test, students with a higher intention to purchase and consume cultured meat were those who received economics and business education. Students with two years of university education had a higher overall survey score than those with four years of education (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it is discovered that there is a negative correlation between the participants’ ages and their Factor 2 (using cultured meat as an alternative to industrial meat) and Factor 3 (consuming and purchasing it) section points (r = -109, p = 0.036) (r = -0.121, p = 0.019). In conclusion, university students generally have a negative outlook on health-related issues, such as eating cultured meat as an alternative.

Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary effects of an online compassion training program for nursing students:A pilot randomized controlled trial

Objectives:This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an online compassion training program for nursing students and preliminarily investigate its effects on mindfulness,self-compassion,and stress reduction.Methods:This study employed a randomized controlled trial design.Second-year students from a nursing college in Guangzhou,China,were recruited as research participants in August 2023.The intervention group participated in an 8-week online compassion training program via the WeChat platform,comprising three stages:mindfulness(weeks 1e2),self-compassion(weeks 3e5),and compassion for others(weeks 6 e8).Each stage included four activities:psychoeducation,mindfulness practice,weekly diary,and emotional support.Program feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates,program engagement,and participant acceptability.Program effectiveness was measured with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale,Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form,and Perceived Stress Scale.Results:A total of 28 students completed the study(13 in the intervention group,15 in the control group).The recruitment rate was 36.46%,with a high retention rate of 93.3%.Participants demonstrated high engagement:69.2%accessed learning materials every 1e2 days,93.3%practiced mindfulness at least weekly,with an average of 4.69 diary entries submitted per person and 23.30 WeChat interactions with instructors.Regarding acceptability,all participants expressed satisfaction with the program,with 92.4%finding it“very helpful”or“extremely helpful.”In terms of intervention effects,the intervention group showed a significant increase in mindfulness levels from pre-intervention(51.54±10.93)to postintervention(62.46±13.58)(P<0.05),while no significant change was observed in the control group.Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in post-intervention self-compassion and perceived stress levels,the intervention group showed positive trends:selfcompassion levels increased(35.85±8.60 vs.40.85±5.54),and perceived stress levels slightly decreased(44.77±8.65 vs.42.00±5.77).Conclusions:This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of an online compassion training program for nursing students and suggested its potential effectiveness in enhancing mindfulness,self-compassion,and stress reduction.Despite limitations such as small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up,preliminary evidence indicates promising prospects for integrating such training into nursing education.Further research is warranted to confirm thesefindings and assess the sustained impact of this approach on nursing education and practice.

Comparison of vergence mechanisms between university students with good and poor sleep quality

AIM:To compare the vergence mechanisms between good and poor sleepers in university students.METHODS:A total of 64 university students were recruited in this study.The validated Malay version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire(PSQI-M)was used to measure the participants’sleep quality over the past month.Participants were categorized as good sleepers(n=32)and poor sleepers(n=32)based on the PSQI-M scores.Heterophoria and fusional vergences were measured at distance and near.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare heterophoria,negative fusional vergence(NFV),and positive fusional vergence(PFV)at distance and near between good and poor sleepers.Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between PSQI-M score and PFV at distance.RESULTS:Both distance and near heterophorias were not significantly different between good and poor sleepers(P>0.05).There was a difference in distance PFV(P<0.05)between good and poor sleepers,but not in distance NFV,near NFV,and near PFV(P>0.05).Distance PFV was negatively correlated with PSQI-M score(rs=-0.33,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:University students with poor sleep quality demonstrates a reduced ability to maintain fusion with increasing convergence demand at distance.Sleep quality assessment during binocular vision examination in university students is recommended.

The Impact of Social Media on Dietary Behaviors and Body Image of College Students: A Qualitative Approach

Background: The use of social media platforms for health and nutrition information has become popular among college students. Although social media made information readily accessible in different formats, nutritional misinformation promoted by influencers and non-experts caused negative impact on diet behavior and perception of body image. Previous research indicated that extensive use of social media was positively linked to disordered eating behaviors. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that allow users to follow celebrities intensified exposure to influencers’ messages and images and resulted in negative moods and body dissatisfaction. Objective: This paper aims to explore the impact of social media on college students’ dietary behaviors and body image. Participants: 18 undergraduate students from a public university in the Southern United States were recruited through a mass email. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study of three focus groups was conducted. The focus groups were based on guiding open-ended questions. Atlas.ti was used to code and analyze the data using inductive and deductive codes. Results: Three main themes were identified. The conditions theme included elements that explain why and how social media influences the participants’ actions. The actions theme included eating behavior, physical activity, and dietary supplement intake. The consequences theme describes anticipated or actual outcomes of actions such as body image and ideal weight. Conclusions: Social media has had a negative influence on diet behaviors and a positive influence on physical activity. Evidence-based nutrition and weight management information is needed to thwart potential misinformation.

The Impact of Binge Drinking among Brazilian University Students on Mental Health and Quality of Life: A Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Study

Background: The restrictive lockdown measures that were introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic imposed constraints that affected university students’ drinking habits and mental health. Methods: The current study evaluated the rate of binge drinking among university students as they returned to normal life post-lockdown and whether binge drinking affected their mental health and quality of life. A cross-sectional study included 1382 university students (18 - 24 years) of one private Southwestern university in Brazil. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief were used. Data were collected after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period (from October 2021 to May 2022). Results: 52.6% of the students reported binge drinking, and 35.6% reported symptoms of depression. Binge drinkers were 1.41 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms when compared with non-binge drinkers, and binge drinking was a risk factor for lower quality of life in all three domains (physical, psychological and environmental). Conclusion: Our study highlights an increased prevalence of binge drinking in university students after the pandemic lockdown. The rise in binge drinking rates was linked to depressive symptoms and worsening of quality of life.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Knowledge of Risk Factors for Hypertension among University Students in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, excessive alcohol use, cigarette smoking, a lack of physical activity, stress, and an unhealthy diet are modifiable risk factors linked to hypertension. Non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include older age and a family history of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge of hypertension risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at St. Augustine University of Tanzania. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of a total score of eight, a score of four or more was considered good knowledge, and a score of less than four was considered poor. All sociodemographic characteristics were included in logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio. Results: A total of 390 undergraduate students participated in this study. Most of the participants 266 (68.2%) identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension. The median (IQR) knowledge score was 2 (2 - 3). Overall, only 43 (11.0%) of the participants had good knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. However, none of the sociodemographic factors were associated with a good level of knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Our findings highlight poor knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among university students in northwestern Tanzania. Only stress and older age were known by more than half of the students as risk factors for hypertension. To reduce the burden of hypertension, it is crucial for prevention and control programs to target improving university students’ knowledge of risk factors for hypertension.