Difference in alcohol consumption in central and eastern Slovakia during a coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several negative changes. Increased alcohol consumption has been reported in some studies. This study aimed to compare the level of alcohol consumption among college students in the central and eastern regions of Slovakia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three Slovak universities were included in the study. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to determine alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The total number of college students was 3,647. The overall AUDIT score was significantly higher in the eastern region (p 0.05). During a typical drinking day, more alcohol was consumed in the eastern region compared to the central region of Slovakia in men (p < 0.028). Excess drinking by men has been reported in the eastern region compared to the central region (p 0.05). Inability to remember what happened on a night of drinking was a significant difference in eastern men (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption is a significant problem in Slovakia. The number of students with a high AUDIT score from the eastern region is higher than the number of students with a high AUDIT score from the central region. More significant differences were found between men compared to women from eastern and central Slovakia (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 34). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: alcohol consumption, AUDIT, pandemic, COVID-19, Slovakia.

Stress Levels and Mental Well-Being among Slovak Students during e-Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has forced far-reaching changes in higher education. Isolation from peers and distance learning have significantly limited interpersonal contacts, which might have affected the mental well-being of students. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the level of perceived stress during e-learning among Slovak students and to identify the variables that have the most significant impact on mental health among students. The study included 3051 participants, 1773 women (58%) and 1278 (42%) with a mean age of 22.37 years. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were used to measure the severity of stress and depression level. In addition, an author's survey was used assessing the areas of social life, education skills, economic field, nutrition habits, and drugs. Almost all study participants were characterized by increased stress level and 47% of them were depressed. Moreover, isolation affected women more, especially in terms of social life and economics. It seems necessary to implement appropriate support programs for students, which could have the potential to improve their psychological condition.

Movement Activity Determination with Health-related Variables of University Students in Kosice.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a strong scientific evidence about the negative health consequences of physical inactivity. One of the potential tools for promoting physical activity at the institutional level of the Ecological model is to create conditions and settings that would enable pupils, students and employees engage in some form of physical activity. However, physical activities as a subject are being eliminated from the study programs at Slovak universities. The purpose of the study was to find current evidence about the level of structured physical activity and health-related variables in university students in Kosice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,993 or, more precisely, 1,398 students who attended two universities in Kosice. To collect data, students completed a questionnaire and were tested for body height, body weight, circumferential measures and percentage body fat. RESULTS: The university students did not sufficiently engage in a structured physical activity. A large number of students had either low or high values of percentage body fat and BMI and high WHR values. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have shown that the research into physical activity of university students should receive more attention.