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.

A Survey on the Current Situation of Prehospital First Aid about Knowledge, Belief and Behavior among University Students in Jingzhou

Objective: To understand the current situation of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude and behavior of university students in Jingzhou City. Methods: A prehospital first aid knowledge questionnaire and the convenience sampling method were used to survey 307 university students in Jingzhou City. Results: The mean score of prehospital first aid knowledge of university students in Jingzhou City was 12.85 ± 2.643, the mean score of attitude was 50.73 ± 4.114, and the mean score of behavior was 39.05 ± 8.898;There was a statistically significant difference in the scores of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude, and behavior of university students depending on whether or not they had received prehospital first aid training (P P Conclusion: Jingzhou University students have a positive attitude toward pre-hospital first aid, but the knowledge level and behavior are low, which suggests that the government, society and the school should create good conditions to promote the improvement of pre-hospital first aid knowledge and ability.

The Social Media and Technology Addiction and Its Associated Factors among University Students in Lebanon Using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS)

The contemporary developments of Information and Communication Technologies usage have fueled a popular concern. The young people are experiencing technology addiction behavior due to excessive media and technology usage. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of social media and technology addiction. Objective: The objectives of this study are to assess prevalence of the technology addiction using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS) and to investigate the impacts of online social networking on health and academic performance of young university students in Lebanon. Methods: During the academic year 2017-2018, a cross-sectional study which enrolled 705 young university students was conducted. Data was collected using MTUAS questionnaire. The translation and cultural adaptation of the MTUAS followed a standardized protocol. The psychometric properties were then evaluated. We used multivariate regression analyses to determine which characteristics were associated with the technology addiction among students. Results: 705 filled out the questionnaire aged 17 to 35 years (mean = 20.42;SD = 2.41), 74% of whom were females. The internal consistency was high for all subscales and ranged from 0.54 - 0.87. The MTUAS yielded statistically significant scores for subgroups (known group validity). Males’ students had a higher risk of addiction to social media and technology than females. The use of media was viewed common among the smokers (OR = 1.76;95% CI = 1.10 - 2.82, p = 0.02) and drinkers of alcohol (OR = 1.80;95% CI = 1.04 - 3.11, p = 0.04). Students that used e-mailing, smartphone, and TV viewing had a high academic performance level. Females and public university students had negative attitudes toward technology. In conclusion: The technology becomes a big problem on the universities students’ users that has an impact on their life and affects their academic performance. The MTUAS Arabic version has been evaluated as a valid and reliable instrument.

The Impact of Family Relationships on the Smoking Habits of University Students

Smoking habits are thought to be strongly impacted by family relationships. In this study, we looked specifically at family relationships with the aim of finding effective anti-smoking education measures. We surveyed 290 university students in order to establish their current smoking habits, along with their family relationships from primary and junior high school until now. The results showed that students with one or more smokers in their family were clearly more likely to smoke. Furthermore, a poor relationship between the student’s parents and a poor relationship with his/her father are believed to have a causal relationship with the student smoking. In the section in which students were asked how often they were told to study, we found that students who smoked had been instructed to study a significantly higher number of times. It is believed that the stress experienced by students frequently told that they must study during their elementary or junior high school years leads to a tendency to smoke. Among the group of non-smokers, we found many who ate breakfast with their parents during elementary or junior high school, along with many who regularly went on holidays with their families. The lack of these things appears to distance parents from children and may be a factor regarding why children end up smoking. In this study, while no clear correlation was found between family relationships and smoking, several types of family relationships that may lead to smoking were suggested.

Study on Paths of Affect Factors on Adaption to University Life of Chinese International Students in Korea —Choosing Korean Training Chinese Students as Main Investigation Objects

The purpose of this paper is to study effect factors of adaptation to university life of Chinese International Students in Korea. 374 Korean language trainees are chosen as investigation objects by means of random cluster sampling. Questionnaire data are collected by using the survey form and then paths of effect factors on adaption to university life of Korean training Chinese students in Korea are analyzed. The results indicate that Korean language proficiency, physical symptoms, loneliness, self-efficacy, acculturation stress are direct effect factors on Chinese students adapting to university life in Korea. Besides, Korean language proficiency, physical symptoms, loneliness are not only direct effect factors on self-efficacy and acculturation stress but also indirect effect factors on Chinese students adapting to university life in Korea. In order to improve ability of Korean training Chinese students adapting to university life in Korea, Korean language proficiency and self-efficacy should be improved. And, some effective interventions should be given to reducing physical symptoms, loneliness and acculturation stress.

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.

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.

Differences in Self-Assessment Regarding Eating Behaviors among Female University Students Living in Japan, Korea, and Austria

Objective: To investigate cross-cultural differences in self-assessments of eating behaviors of female university students who bear responsibility for their own eating behaviors and who will, in the future, likely determine a family’s eating style. Design: A cross-cultural comparison. Setting: Japan, South Korea, and Austria. Subjects: Female university students from Japan (n = 276), Korea (n = 103), and Austria (n = 127). The survey comprised a questionnaire containing ten sections about eating behaviors (eating habits, regular meal times, and frequency of food intake) and eating attitudes. Results: Eating behaviors and attitudes differed significantly among the three cultures. Japanese students practiced healthier eating behaviors than did Korean and Austrian students, on the basis of their variety of food intake and regular consumption of three meals, but rated themselves lower on healthy eating behaviors. Austrian students tended to have more independent attitudes toward eating and food preparation (e.g., “I want to eat only my favorite dishes”) than Japanese or Korean students. Conclusions: Effects of cultural differences in psychological processes, such as self-cognition, emotion, motivation, and values, on self-assessment of eating behaviors is suggested.

The impacts of faculty caring on nursing students' intent to graduate:A systematic literature review

Objectives:To examine the current studies about the impacts of faculty caring on nursing students'intent to graduate and provide recommendations.The nursing profession continues to face nursing shortages.One of the solutions recognized to alleviate the shortage is increasing the number of students graduating from nursing schools.It lacks a literature review synthesizing the current research about the impacts of faculty caring on nursing students'intent to graduate and indicate areas for future research.Methods:This is a systematic literature review.The search of the literature was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA).Databases searched included MEDUNE via PubMed,CINAHL,PsyclNFO,and ProQuest Search.Search terms included'attrition,''dropouts,''graduation rate,''faculty,''instructor,''professor,''nursing,'and'caring.'Results:Ten articles met the inclusion criteria.The articles were conducted in the Associate Degree of Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.Nursing faculties played a significant role in students'intent to graduate by building students'confidence,creating a compassionate learning environment,and promoting students'competence.Faculties'caring behaviors,including respecting students,showing empathy,and using caring communication skills,were essential characteristics to affect students'learning environments.Conclusions:The findings indicate that students'perceptions of faculty caring can affect their perceptions of the learning environment and sense of belonging,and therefore,impact their intent to graduate.Students'perceptions of their instructors'caring behaviors are instrumental in motivating them to continue learning.The capacity of faculty caring plays a significant role in students'success.

Italian Psychometric Validation of the Multidimensional Students’ Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile Scale

The present study examines the factorial structure and assesses the psychometric properties of the adapted multidimensional Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Scale, considering a sample of Italian university students who participated to an online survey. The original 52-items Scale showed a high overall internal consistency. Four of the six subscales were associated with good values of the Cronbach’s α coefficient, whereas two subscales had lower values. Hence corrected item-total correlation was calculated and 26 items that decreased the scale’s reliability were deleted. The remaining 26 items were first subjected to Principal Component Analysis that suggested a conceptually meaningful five-factor model. This result was further supported by the first-order confirmatory factor analysis, in which all the factor loadings were statistically significant. The internal consistency and the composite reliability for the reduced version of the Scale and its subscales have shown a good reliability for the measurement models. The multidimensionality of the scale was also confirmed by a second-order factor model.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Participation of University Students in Rural Education for Poverty Alleviation

The principle of“poverty alleviation first helps the poor”is fundamental to poverty alleviation through education in rural areas.It serves as an important foundation for improving the soft power of rural culture and promoting the development of rural cultural construction.However,college students,being one of the main participants in educational poverty alleviation,have not been equipped with a well-established institutionalized participation mechanism and a sufficient awareness of participation.To enhance college students’awareness and participation in rural education and poverty alleviation and to improve the institutionalization,this research focuses on college students as a group,delves into the current situation and willingness of college students to participate in rural education and poverty alleviation,and analyzes the influencing factors affecting college students’participation in rural education and poverty alleviation by means of a questionnaire and a computerized statistical algorithm.Lastly,based on mathematical and statistical analysis,the research puts forward corresponding optimization countermeasures and suggestions from the perspectives of the government,colleges and universities,and villages,so as to provide decision-making guidelines for solving the problems of rural education development and talent constraints.

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.

Relationship between physical activity and specific working memory indicators of depressive symptoms in university students

BACKGROUND The detection rate of depression among university students has been increasing in recent years,becoming one of the main psychological diseases that endangers their physical and mental health.According to statistics,self-harm and suicide,for which there is no effective intervention,are the second leading causes of death.AIM To explore the relationship between different elements and levels of physical activity and college students’depression-symptom-specific working memory indicators.METHODS Of 143 college students were analyzed using the Beck Depression Self-Rating Scale,the Physical Activity Rating Scale,and the Working Memory Task.RESULTS There was a significant difference between college students with depressive symptoms and healthy college students in completing verbal and spatial working memory(SWM)tasks correctly(all P<0.01).Physical Activity Scale-3 scores were significantly and positively correlated with the correct rate of the verbal working memory task(r=0.166)and the correct rate of the SWM task(r=0.210)(all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks according to different exercise intensities(all P<0.05)and different exercise durations(all P<0.05),and no significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks by exercise frequency(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION An increase in physical exercise among college students,particularly medium-and high-intensity exercise and exercise of 30 min or more,can improve the correct rate of completing working memory tasks.

Students'Political Belief Education in Agricultural and Forestry Colleges and Universities in Network Environment:Taking Northwest A&F University as an Example

The influence of the network environment on the education of political beliefs of college students in China cannot be ignored.Taking Northwest A&F University as an example,starting from the current situation of students'political belief education in agricultural and forestry colleges and universities,the impact of network environment on the education of political beliefs of students in agricultural and forestry colleges and universities was analyzed,and the implementation path of improving political belief education in the network environment was explored,in order to provide a reference for improving the effectiveness of ideological and political education of students in agricultural and forestry colleges and universities.

Research on Practical Pathways of Strengthening Labor Education for College and University Students in the New Era

Labor education is an essential component of college and university education that can help students to develop a strong work ethic,acquire practical skills,and better understand the value of work.Strengthening labor education for college and university students is an urgent need of the high-quality development of the society and the internal requirement of promoting the all-round development of individuals.This study analyzes the importance of strengthening labor education for college and university students in the new era and proposes four practical pathways which draw on labor courses and campus activities,social practices,scientific research projects,and internships.After implementing these pathways,a survey of 967 students showed that students’understanding and awareness of labor was deepened,their hands-on skills and interests in science and labor practices were improved,and they became more cordially respectful to the working class.Taken together,the exploration and practice of these pathways helps college and university students to recognize their abilities,strengths,and interests,and guides them to form good labor habits that permeate all aspects of their studies and lives.

Research on Ways to Improve the Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ability of Poor College Students in Northwest China

Improving the ability of innovation and Entrepreneurship of impoverished college students in local colleges and universities could alleviate employment pressure to a certain extent, solve employment difficulties and help college students realize their self-worth, which are related to social stability and economic development. By using the methods of questionnaire and individual interviews, this paper investigates some of the students who set up files for poverty alleviation in northwest local colleges and universities, and understand the current situation of innovation and Entrepreneurship of poor college students. It is hoped that the ability of innovation and entrepreneurship can be improved by enhancing the awareness of innovation and entrepreneurship, improving the education system, innovating learning mode, building a practical platform and implementing quality management.

Is There an Association between Social Connectedness, Social Identity, Alcohol Consumption and Mental Health among Young University Students?

Social connectedness has been identified as a protective factor for a range of health issues however the literature is not conclusive. The high prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption and mental health problems among university students along with the potential for the university as a setting for health promotion prompted this study. The study aims to explore the association between levels of alcohol consumption, mental health, social connectedness and social identity among university students. Online data were collected from a random sample of university undergraduate students (n = 2506) aged 18 - 24 years old. Outcomes were measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, Social Identity Scale and measures of paid employment and study (hours), and participation in sports and other clubs. The majority of students had consumed alcohol in the last 12 months (87%). Of these students 38% reported to drink at hazardous levels (AUDIT ≥ 8). When all factors were considered: gender, living arrangements, being a domestic student, hours spent at work, participation in university and community sport, higher levels of psychological distress, higher levels of social connectedness, and lower levels of social identity were significant predictors of hazardous alcohol consumption. The finding highlights the need for the inclusion of integrated, multi-strategy health promotion interventions on campus. Further exploration of the associations between social connectedness and social identity as influences of health behaviors will better inform the development of targeted strategies for specific groups.

Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in university students in the city of Leon, Mexico

Objectives: Recent changes in life style have increased obesity, smoking and sedentary habits in the entire population. Obesity and overweight frequency have trebled in Mexico in the last few decades. The presence and frequency of cardiovascular risk factors were determined in students at the Universidad DeLa Salle Bajío, both newly admitted and in advanced years. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol levels, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were obtained and assessed in 4814 students, 1507 recently admitted and 1507 advanced students. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 15.3%, sedentariness 33.8%, hypercholesterolemia 8.16%, smoking habits 15.8%, and alcohol consumption 12.1%. Body mass index (BMI) (23.5 ± 4 vs. 22.7 ± 4), waist/ abdomen index (0.84 ± 0.06 vs. 0.83 ± 0.06) and serum cholesterol (3.54 mmol/L ± 0.79 vs. 3.98 mmol/L ± 0.77) were greater in the advanced students

Exploring the Impact of Serious Reading of Classical Metatextuals on University Students’Learning of Traditional Culture

An important carrier of excellent Chinese traditional culture is the classic book,and university students carry the important responsibility of promoting Chinese excellent traditional culture and propagating cultural confidence.The serious reading of classical texts is an important way for university students to learn traditional culture,which has the advantages of professionalism and systematization.At the present stage,university students lack the awareness and action to read the classics,and the time for serious reading is very limited.The genre,subject matter,and extent of IP development are important factors that affect the in-depth reading of the classic metatext.

Factors Affecting the Entrepreneurial Intention of Students at Tan Trao University

Entrepreneurship is one of the popular choices for students after graduation from higher education.The study focuses on proposing a model to identify the factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University by researching some typical models in the world.By quantitative research methods based on a survey of 391 students,the study has shown that there are 5 factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students at Tan Trao University,including opportunity,motivation,perception of behavioral control,skills and resources for entrepreneurship.Thereby,the study proposes a number of solutions for the students,the university and other related parties to promote students’entrepreneurial intentions.