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.

Relationship between Students’ Personality and Mental Health at University of Guilan (Faculty of Humanities)

The main goal of this research was the scrutiny of relationship between students’ personality characteristics and mental health at the University of Guilan. The population was the students of the Faculty of Humanities in 2009 with 3000 which 196 were selected using Kerjeci & Morgan table and stratified sampling method. They answered to the NEO and GHQ questionnaires. Results showed that there was relationship between personality characteristic of neurotic, openness, extraversion and being conscionable with mental health. Meanwhile, openness had the highest and extraversion with the lowest correlation scale and most of students (65%) had low mental health. Also, there were no significant differences among students with respect to different courses but significant difference with respect to gender and age.

Relationship of Smartphone Dependence to General Health Status and Personality Traits among University Students

We investigated associations between smartphone dependence and general health status or personality traits. To 197 medical university students, we administered a set of self-reporting questionnaires designed to evaluate these parameters. For males, smartphone dependence positively correlated with somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and emotional instability, and negatively correlated with agreeableness. For females, smartphone dependence positively correlated with somatic symptoms, severe depression, and extraversion, and negatively correlated with social dysfunction. These findings suggest that smartphone dependence may be associated with general health status or personality traits and that there may be a gender difference in these associations.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relationships between Gender, Weight, and Body Image: Effects on Stress Management and Life Satisfaction in University Students

This study highlights the importance of understanding how gender and weight affect key aspects of well-being, such as body image, stress management, and life satisfaction among college students. By examining these relationships, the study aims to provide information that serves as a basis for designing specific interventions to promote mental health and general well-being in this population. The objective is to provide insights into the relationships between these variables to guide targeted interventions for student well-being. Methods: A total of 100 university students from Chile (60% women, 40% men), aged between 18 and 25, participated in this study. Participants were classified into weight categories based on their Body Mass Index (BMI) according to WHO standards: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Validated scales were used to measure body image, stress management, and life satisfaction. Descriptive analyses and one-way ANOVA were conducted to identify significant differences between gender and weight categories. Results: Significant differences were found in stress management and body image according to weight categories. Participants with obesity reported the lowest scores in both body image and stress management, while underweight participants reported the highest scores. Men reported slightly better stress management, but the difference was not statistically significant. A moderate positive correlation was found between body image and life satisfaction (r = 0.29, p Conclusion: Gender and weight play an essential role in influencing body image, stress management, and life satisfaction among university students. These findings highlight the need for interventions that promote a healthy body image and effective stress management strategies, particularly for overweight and obese students.

Surveying on English Mobile Learning Among University Students: Current State and Influencing Factors

Mobile learning integrates mobile technology with digital learning,offering flexible,personalized content and portable equipment.It enables access to rich content and enhances learning efficiency.Therefore,it has become mainstream to utilize mobile devices for English learning among university students’English learning.The current study aims to examine the current situation and influencing factors of university students’English mobile learning.98 university students in one university of Shanghai participated the study and the questionnaire was used to collect the data.The results indicated that most university students already have electronic devices to support mobile learning.Personal factors,environmental factors,digital literacy,and technological capabilities are the main factors affecting university students’English mobile learning.The current study has implications for learners,teachers,and software developers.Learners should adjust their learning motivation,play an active role,and fully utilize the mobile platform to obtain resources and improve learning efficiency.Teachers should incorporate the advantages of mobile teaching and promote categorized and tiered teaching.Software developers should add new functions on the basis of meeting the basic needs of learners and continuously innovate the mobile learning platform.

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.

Canadian university students’ perceptions of future personal infertility

Objective: University is a time for self-discovery, development of independence and transition to adulthood. It is not well examined whether childless university students also consider the potential of future personal infertility. The objective of this study was to document expectations and perceptions related to personal infertility in a sample of young adults. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 39 male and female university students in Ottawa, Canada. Interview topics included contemplation of personal infertility, anticipated gendered experience of infertility and cultural perceptions of infertility. Results: The possibility of future infertility was not contemplated by most participants (74%). Although students generally expected infertility to be an emotional experience, women especially anticipated that infertility would be associated with negative gender identity and reduced self-esteem. Ethnic-minority participants from pro-natalist countries perceived infertility to be stigmatized by their communities, particularly against women. Conclusions: This sample of childless young adults anticipated many gendered and cultural dimensions of the experience of infertility, suggesting that these perceptions are shaped well in advance of contemplation of family planning.

Discussion on Shaping the Sound Personality of College Students in the Ideological and Political Education in Colleges and Universities

Ideological and political education in colleges to explore how to shape the students＇ healthy personality has certain theoretical and practical significance, contribute to the introspection of the traditional ideological and political education limitations, update the concept of Ideological and political education, enhance the effectiveness of Ideological and political education, promote the process of young university students. This paper attempts to in University Ideological and political education how to mold students＇ healthy personality research.

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.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese college and university students assessed using Rome Ⅲ criteria

AIM:To estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)in college and university students of North China and certain related factors for IBS.METHODS:A total of 2500 students from Shandong University in North China were asked in February-March 2009 to complete questionnaires,including the Rome Ⅲquestionnaire,hospital anxiety and depression scale,and IBS-quality of life questionnaire(IBS-QOL).RESULTS:Among the 2126 students with complete data,the prevalence of IBS was 7.85%according to the RomeⅢcriteria,with a female/male ratio of 1.78:1.Most students had the IBS-constipation subtype (36.5%),followed by IBS-diarrhea subtype(31.1%)and IBS-mixed subtype(23.9%).The students with IBS had a higher anxiety and depression score than those without IBS.Low exercise level and anxiety indicated a high risk for IBS.The mean score of IBS patients was 74.2± 4.242 on the IBS-QOL.CONCLUSION:The prevalence of IBS is 7.85%in Chinese college and university students according to the RomeⅢcriteria.Low exercise level and anxiety may be the risk factors for IBS.

Understanding perceptions of college students on the operation of automated shuttle for persons with disabilities on campus walkways

Persons with disabilities have difficulties traveling from one point to the other due to the limited options of travel modes for the first and last mile.Western Michigan University tested using an autonomous shuttle on the main campus's sidewalks for persons with disabilities.This study's objectives are to understand the empathy college students without disabilities had on the need for suitable transportation services for students with disabilities and the perceived risks of the services'operation on sidewalks.The Bayesian ordered logit model and text mining analyzed 396 survey responses.The Bayesian ordered logistic regression results revealed that age,gender,and ethnicity are important factors that contribute to different opinions concerning perceived risks and sympathy brought by an autonomous shuttle operating on pedestrians'sidewalks.The text mining results revealed several patterns.While respondents who were against the operation focused on potential safety hazards and the crowdedness of the sidewalks,supporters focused on the expected improved mobility for people with disabilities.The findings from this study are expected to assist policymakers and vehicle manufacturers with pedestrian expectations and considerations related to risk and safety when sharing their walkways with the autonomous shuttle.

A Survey Study on TPACK Framework for Normal Students of English Major in Ethnic Colleges and Universities:Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

With the continuous advancement of education informatization,Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge(TPACK),as a new theoretical framework,provides a novel method for measuring teachers’informatization teaching ability.This study takes normal students of English majors from three ethnic universities as the research object,collects relevant data through questionnaires,and uses structural equation modeling to conduct data analysis and empirical research to investigate the differences in the TPACK levels of these students at different grades and the structural relationships among the elements in the TPACK structure.The technological pedagogical knowledge element of the TPACK structure was not obtained by exploratory factors analysis but through path analysis and structural equation modeling,the results show that the one-dimensional core knowledge of technological knowledge(TK),content knowledge(CK),and pedagogical knowledge(PK)have a positive effect on the two-dimensional interaction knowledge of technological content knowledge(TCK)and pedagogical content knowledge(PCK);furthermore,TCK and PCK have a positive effect on TPACK;and TK,CK,and PK indirectly affect TPACK through TCK and PCK.On this basis,suggestions are provided to ethnic colleges and universities to develop the TPACK knowledge competence of normal students of English majors.

Challenges and Countermeasures for Private Universities in Providing Education for International Students

Private universities are one of the forces driving the internationalization of higher education in China.Private universities are taking advantage of the trend to provide education for international students,playing an important role in the high-quality development of higher education in China.However,they also face challenges such as insufficient policy support,lack of management experience,and limited enrollment channels.Breakthroughs can be made through methods such as refining content,expanding enrollment channels,and attracting talent.