Adherence to social distancing measures in southern Brazil, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the frequency of adherence to social distancing and individual protection measures of adult and older populations in two cities in southern Brazil and to characterize the sociodemographic aspects of these individuals. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the cities of Rio Grande, RS, and Criciúma, SC, Brazil. The outcome measure was the frequency of adherence to social distancing measures. Fisher's exact test (5% significance) was used to calculate the differences in prevalence according to exposure variables. RESULTS: Among the 2,170 participants over the age of 18, the prevalence of adherence to social distancing was 18.5%. Adherence was significantly higher among women; older adults; single, divorced, or widowed people with a low educational level; people of lower socioeconomic status; and people affected by multiple chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five respondents adhered to measures of social distancing, and adherence was more prevalent among the risk groups.

Factors associated with sleep quality in university students. / Fatores associados à qualidade do sono de estudantes universitários.

To investigate factors associated with poor sleep quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 with random sampling. Information on sleep was obtained using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). Independent variables included sociodemographic, behavioural, academic and psychological health characteristics. Adjusted analyzes were performed using Poisson regression. A total of 996 undergraduate students participated in the study. The poor sleep quality affected 23.1% of the sample (95%CI 20.5-25.9), ranging from 13.4% for those with little concern about violence in the neighbourhood to 36.5% for those with less social support. In the adjusted analysis, female sex [PR] 1.81; (95%CI 1.33-2.45), concern about violence in the neighbourhood [PR] 2.21; (95%CI 1.48-3.28), discrimination at university [PR] 1.42; (95%CI 1.08-1.86) and food insecurity [PR] 1.45; (95%CI 1.11-1.89) were associated with the presence of poor sleep quality, as well as having less social support and income and suffering psychological distress. The results highlight socioeconomic and mental health factors that affect sleep quality and demonstrate the need for reflection and interventions capable of minimizing this problem.

Investigar fatores associados a pior qualidade do sono. Estudo transversal realizado em 2019, com amostragem aleatória sistemática. Informações sobre sono foram obtidas através do Mini Sleep Questionaire (MSQ). Variáveis independentes incluíram características sociodemográficas, comportamentais, acadêmicas e de saúde psicológica. Análises ajustadas foram feitas com regressão de Poisson. Participaram 996 estudantes de graduação. A pior qualidade de sono atingiu 23,1% da amostra (IC95% 20,5-25,9), oscilando de 13,4% para os com pouca preocupação com violência no bairro a 36,5% para aqueles com menor suporte social. Na análise ajustada, sexo feminino [RP] 1,81; (IC95% 1,33-2,45), preocupação com violência no bairro [RP] 2,21; (IC95% 1,48-3,28), discriminação na universidade [RP] 1,42; (IC95% 1,08-1,86) e insegurança alimentar [RP] 1,45; (IC95% 1,11-1,89) associaram-se a presença de pior qualidade do sono, assim como ter menor suporte social e renda e apresentar sofrimento psicológico. Os resultados destacam fatores socioeconômicos e de saúde mental que interferem na qualidade do sono e demonstram a necessidade de reflexão e proposição de intervenções capazes de minimizar este problema.

[The experience of forced sexual intercourse among undergraduate students: associated factors and possible consequences]. / Experiência de relação sexual forçada entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados e possíveis consequências.

The scope of this article is to investigate the prevalence of the experience of forced sexual intercourse on life and its possible consequences on mental and sexual health among undergraduate students at a public university in Brazil. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study with 996 undergraduate students. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Poisson Regression model, and the etiological fractions of the consequences of forced sexual intercourse were calculated. The lifetime prevalence of forced sexual intercourse was 12.1%. Female sex, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, child food insecurity and domestic violence were associated with a higher prevalence of the outcome. Individuals who experienced forced sexual intercourse were more likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and to represent a potential suicide risk. The study revealed the problems of sexual violence in the university context.

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a prevalência de relação sexual forçada na vida e suas possíveis consequências na saúde mental e sexual em acadêmicos de cursos de graduação de uma universidade pública no Brasil. Estudo transversal quantitativo com 996 estudantes de graduação. A amostragem realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados. Foi usado o modelo de Regressão de Poisson, e foram calculadas as frações etiológicas das consequências de relação sexual forçada. A prevalência de relação sexual forçada ao longo da vida foi de 12,1%. Sexo feminino, orientação sexual não heterossexual, primeira relação sexual antes de 14 anos de idade, insegurança alimentar e violência no contexto doméstico na infância foram associados à maior prevalência do desfecho. Indivíduos que sofreram relação sexual forçada foram mais propensos a apresentar diagnóstico de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e de ter risco de suicídio. O estudo evidenciou a problemática da violência sexual no contexto universitário.

Experiência de relação sexual forçada entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados e possíveis consequências / The experience of forced sexual intercourse among undergraduate students: associated factors and possible consequences

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a prevalência de relação sexual forçada na vida e suas possíveis consequências na saúde mental e sexual em acadêmicos de cursos de graduação de uma universidade pública no Brasil. Estudo transversal quantitativo com 996 estudantes de graduação. A amostragem realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados. Foi usado o modelo de Regressão de Poisson, e foram calculadas as frações etiológicas das consequências de relação sexual forçada. A prevalência de relação sexual forçada ao longo da vida foi de 12,1%. Sexo feminino, orientação sexual não heterossexual, primeira relação sexual antes de 14 anos de idade, insegurança alimentar e violência no contexto doméstico na infância foram associados à maior prevalência do desfecho. Indivíduos que sofreram relação sexual forçada foram mais propensos a apresentar diagnóstico de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e de ter risco de suicídio. O estudo evidenciou a problemática da violência sexual no contexto universitário.

Abstract The scope of this article is to investigate the prevalence of the experience of forced sexual intercourse on life and its possible consequences on mental and sexual health among undergraduate students at a public university in Brazil. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study with 996 undergraduate students. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Poisson Regression model, and the etiological fractions of the consequences of forced sexual intercourse were calculated. The lifetime prevalence of forced sexual intercourse was 12.1%. Female sex, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, child food insecurity and domestic violence were associated with a higher prevalence of the outcome. Individuals who experienced forced sexual intercourse were more likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and to represent a potential suicide risk. The study revealed the problems of sexual violence in the university context.

Fatores associados à qualidade do sono de estudantes universitários / Factors associated with sleep quality in university students

Resumo Investigar fatores associados a pior qualidade do sono. Estudo transversal realizado em 2019, com amostragem aleatória sistemática. Informações sobre sono foram obtidas através do Mini Sleep Questionaire (MSQ). Variáveis independentes incluíram características sociodemográficas, comportamentais, acadêmicas e de saúde psicológica. Análises ajustadas foram feitas com regressão de Poisson. Participaram 996 estudantes de graduação. A pior qualidade de sono atingiu 23,1% da amostra (IC95% 20,5-25,9), oscilando de 13,4% para os com pouca preocupação com violência no bairro a 36,5% para aqueles com menor suporte social. Na análise ajustada, sexo feminino [RP] 1,81; (IC95% 1,33-2,45), preocupação com violência no bairro [RP] 2,21; (IC95% 1,48-3,28), discriminação na universidade [RP] 1,42; (IC95% 1,08-1,86) e insegurança alimentar [RP] 1,45; (IC95% 1,11-1,89) associaram-se a presença de pior qualidade do sono, assim como ter menor suporte social e renda e apresentar sofrimento psicológico. Os resultados destacam fatores socioeconômicos e de saúde mental que interferem na qualidade do sono e demonstram a necessidade de reflexão e proposição de intervenções capazes de minimizar este problema.

Abstract To investigate factors associated with poor sleep quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 with random sampling. Information on sleep was obtained using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). Independent variables included sociodemographic, behavioural, academic and psychological health characteristics. Adjusted analyzes were performed using Poisson regression. A total of 996 undergraduate students participated in the study. The poor sleep quality affected 23.1% of the sample (95%CI 20.5-25.9), ranging from 13.4% for those with little concern about violence in the neighbourhood to 36.5% for those with less social support. In the adjusted analysis, female sex [PR] 1.81; (95%CI 1.33-2.45), concern about violence in the neighbourhood [PR] 2.21; (95%CI 1.48-3.28), discrimination at university [PR] 1.42; (95%CI 1.08-1.86) and food insecurity [PR] 1.45; (95%CI 1.11-1.89) were associated with the presence of poor sleep quality, as well as having less social support and income and suffering psychological distress. The results highlight socioeconomic and mental health factors that affect sleep quality and demonstrate the need for reflection and interventions capable of minimizing this problem.

Estresse percebido entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados, a influência do modelo ENEM/SiSU e possíveis consequências sobre a saúde / Perceived stress among undergraduate students: associated factors, influence of the ENEM/SiSU model, and its possible consequences on health

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir os níveis de estresse percebido, os fatores associados, em especial o impacto da escolha e satisfação com o curso, bem como as possíveis consequências desse desfecho entre graduandos. Métodos: Estudo transversal conduzido em 2019 com 996 estudantes de graduação de uma universidade pública no Sul do Brasil. A amostragem foi realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados em único estágio. O desfecho foi avaliado por meio da Escala de Estresse Percebido. As análises de fatores associados e possíveis consequências foram realizadas por meio de regressão linear múltipla e regressão de Poisson, respectivamente. Resultados: O escore médio de estresse percebido foi de 31,1 (DP = 9). Indivíduos do sexo feminino, de orientação sexual não heterossexual, mais pobres, com insegurança alimentar, com medo de violência no bairro, com percepção de difícil acesso a serviço psicológico e com menor suporte social foram os mais estressados. Participantes mais velhos e com algum nível de atividade física foram menos estressados. A insatisfação com o curso atual, e não o fato de ser o curso desejado no ingresso, foi associada ao estresse. Uso não médico de remédio prescrito, ansiedade generalizada, sintomas depressivos e pior qualidade de sono e de vida foram identificados como possíveis consequências do estresse. Conclusões: O modelo ENEM/SiSU parece não exercer efeito no estresse. Além disso, esse desfecho foi mais elevado entre indivíduos mais vulneráveis, tendo contribuído para diversos desfechos negativos em saúde mental. Recomenda-se o fortalecimento de serviços de assistência estudantil para que esses casos sejam identificados e manejados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure levels of perceived stress, associated factors, especially the impact of choice and satisfaction with the course, as well as the possible consequences of this outcome among undergraduates. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with 996 undergraduate students from a public university in southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. The outcome was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Analysis of associated factors and possible consequences were performed using multiple linear regression and Poisson regression, respectively. Results: Mean perceived stress score was 31.1 (SD = 9). Female individuals, with non-heterosexual orientation, poorer, with food insecurity, with fear of violence in the neighborhood, with perception of difficult access to psychological services and with less social support were the most stressed. Older participants with some level of physical activity were less stressed. Dissatisfaction with the current course, rather than the fact that it was the desired course prior admission, was associated with high levels of stress. Non-medical use of prescribed medication, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, and poorer quality of sleep and life were identified as possible consequences of stress. Conclusions: The ENEM/SiSU model seems to have no effect on stress. Furthermore, this outcome was higher among more vulnerable individuals, having contributed to several negative outcomes in mental health. It is recommended to strengthen student assistance services so that these cases can be identified and managed.

A Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad): methodological aspects of a nationwide multicenter and multilevel study overlapping with the Covid-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The academic environment can negatively impact the mental health of undergraduate students, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This study aimed to describe the methodological and operational aspects of a study of the health and well-being of undergraduate students: the Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad) project. METHOD: This was a nationwide cross-sectional study divided across two data collection strategies: a single-center, on-site data collection carried out in 2019 at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) and a multicenter, multilevel, online data collection carried out in 2020/2021 at FURG, the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), the Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), and the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). The main outcomes of interest were depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and suicide risk. RESULTS: A total of 996 students participated in the 2019 data collection (63.8% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 85.2%) and 5,720 students participated in the 2020/2021 collection (66.7% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 84.3%). Significant variations in socioeconomic and demographic profiles were observed between the different universities. Approximately one-third of the sample had been tested for Covid-19 in 2020/2021, 7.8% of whom had tested positive. CONCLUSION: The SABES-Grad project was the result of collaborative work between several actors from public universities in Brazil. Several aspects of the preparation and execution of this research are discussed in terms of its originality and relevance. Barriers and limitations and strategies adopted to overcome them are also presented.

Internet addiction and depressive symptoms: a dose-response effect mediated by levels of physical activity.

INTRODUCTION: There are several negative impacts on the physical and mental health of people presenting internet addiction, including development of mood disorders, such as depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between internet addiction and depressive symptoms, as well as to test the mediating role of physical activity in this association. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate students from three universities (one private and two public institutions) in southern Brazil. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21), internet addiction with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT-20), and physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - short version). Poisson regression and the Karlson-Holm-Breen mediation method were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: We observed a dose-response relationship between internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Levels of physical activity mediated the association between moderate internet addiction and depressive symptoms, accounting for 10.7% of the effect observed. CONCLUSION: Internet addiction can be detrimental to individuals' health, contributing to development of depressive symptoms. Along with psychological and pharmacological therapies, prescription of physical activities is recommended.

Suicide risk among undergraduate students in Brazil in the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of the SABES-Grad national survey.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate students present high rates of psychological distress, including suicide risk. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this scenario may have been aggravated. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate changes in the suicide risk rate from the period before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the factors associated with this outcome among Brazilian undergraduate students. METHODS: This was a nationwide survey carried out in Brazil with a cross-sectional design, including two data collection periods: a single-center in-person collection in 2019 and another multicenter online collection in 2020/2021. Data were collected using self-administered instruments. The outcome was a high risk of suicide, measured through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Analyses were carried out on data from two periods, i.e. before and during the pandemic (bivariate analysis and interaction tests), and a model of associated factors (multivariate analysis using Poisson regression) was developed including all participating universities distributed in the five regions of Brazil. RESULTS: In total, 6716 Brazilian undergraduate students participated (996 in 2019 and 5720 in 2020/2021). The prevalence of a high suicide risk rose from 11.3% to 17.0%, especially among women and poorer individuals. The prevalence of a high risk of suicide among Brazilian undergraduates was 19.6% and was associated with several socioeconomic, academic, pandemic, and mental health factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of a high suicide risk increased from prepandemic to during the pandemic, appearing to be largely influenced by social determinants, in conjunction with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide risk in high school students: who are the most vulnerable groups? / Risco de suicídio em estudantes do ensino médio: quem são os grupos mais vulneráveis?

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with suicide risk among high school students from a federal educational institution in Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on a census of students (n=510) enrolled in IFRS, campus Rio Grande, in the second half of 2019. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Suicide risk was measured with the instrument Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and data were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment. Results: The prevalence of high suicide risk was 17.3% (95% confidence interval — 95%CI 14.0-20.0), with the following independent associated factors: female gender, higher socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption, less social support, attempt to lose weight, self-harm behavior, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: One in six students showed a high suicide risk. The identification of factors associated with the outcome is useful for detecting the most severe cases and referring them to specialized care.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao risco de suicídio em estudantes do ensino médio de uma instituição federal de ensino do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com base em um censo de estudantes (n=510) matriculados no IFRS, Campus Rio Grande, no segundo semestre de 2019. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário autoaplicável. O risco de suicídio foi medido com o instrumento Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview e a análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio de regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados: A prevalência do risco alto de suicídio foi de 17,3% (intervalo de confiança — IC95% 14,0-20,0), tendo como fatores independentemente associados: sexo feminino, maior nível socioeconômico, consumo de álcool, menor suporte social, tentativa de perder peso, comportamento autolesivo e maior risco de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Conclusões: Um em cada seis estudantes apresentou elevado risco de suicídio. A identificação dos fatores associados ao desfecho é útil para identificar os casos mais graves e encaminhá-los para atendimento especializado.

A Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad): methodological aspects of a nationwide multicenter and multilevel study overlapping with the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction The academic environment can negatively impact the mental health of undergraduate students, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This study aimed to describe the methodological and operational aspects of a study of the health and well-being of undergraduate students: the Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad) project. Method This was a nationwide cross-sectional study divided across two data collection strategies: a single-center, on-site data collection carried out in 2019 at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) and a multicenter, multilevel, online data collection carried out in 2020/2021 at FURG, the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), the Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), and the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). The main outcomes of interest were depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and suicide risk. Results A total of 996 students participated in the 2019 data collection (63.8% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 85.2%) and 5,720 students participated in the 2020/2021 collection (66.7% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 84.3%). Significant variations in socioeconomic and demographic profiles were observed between the different universities. Approximately one-third of the sample had been tested for Covid-19 in 2020/2021, 7.8% of whom had tested positive. Conclusion The SABES-Grad project was the result of collaborative work between several actors from public universities in Brazil. Several aspects of the preparation and execution of this research are discussed in terms of its originality and relevance. Barriers and limitations and strategies adopted to overcome them are also presented.

Internet addiction and depressive symptoms: a dose-response effect mediated by levels of physical activity

Abstract Introduction There are several negative impacts on the physical and mental health of people presenting internet addiction, including development of mood disorders, such as depression. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between internet addiction and depressive symptoms, as well as to test the mediating role of physical activity in this association. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate students from three universities (one private and two public institutions) in southern Brazil. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21), internet addiction with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT-20), and physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - short version). Poisson regression and the Karlson-Holm-Breen mediation method were used for statistical analyses. Results We observed a dose-response relationship between internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Levels of physical activity mediated the association between moderate internet addiction and depressive symptoms, accounting for 10.7% of the effect observed. Conclusion Internet addiction can be detrimental to individuals' health, contributing to development of depressive symptoms. Along with psychological and pharmacological therapies, prescription of physical activities is recommended.

Determinantes sociais da qualidade de vida entre estudantes de graduação e sua associação com o risco de suicídio / Social determinants of quality of life among undergraduate students and their association with suicide risk

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida e a relação com o risco de suicídio. Métodos: estudo transversal com graduandos de uma universidade pública do Brasil. A qualidade de vida foi mensurada pelo WHOQOL-Bref. Um modelo hierarquizado foi testado através de regressão linear simples. A associação da qualidade de vida com risco de suicídio foi avaliada pela Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: participaram 996 estudantes com escore médio de qualidade de vida de 61,0±13,8. Sexo feminino, cor da pele não branca, orientação sexual não heterossexual, mais pobres, com insegurança alimentar, que utilizam transporte público, com medo de violência no bairro, histórico de discriminação e insatisfeitos com o curso de graduação tiveram pior qualidade de vida, que levou à probabilidade 11 vezes maior de risco de suicídio. Conclusão: o nível de qualidade de vida da amostra estudada foi baixo, estando associado a maior vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, o que contribui para o aumento no risco de suicídio. Sugere-se o fortalecimento dos serviços de assistência estudantil das universidades como forma de promover maior qualidade de vida por meio de ações de promoção de bem-estar social, o que poderá produzir efeitos na saúde mental dos estudantes

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life and the relationship with the risk of suicide. Methods: crosssectional study with undergraduates from a public university in Brazil. Quality of life was measured by the WHOQOL-Bref. A hierarchical model was tested using simple linear regression. The association of quality of life with suicide risk was assessed by Poisson regression. Results: 996 students participated with an average quality of life score of 61.0±13.8. Female gender, non-white, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, poorer, food insecure, using public transport, fear of violence in the neighborhood, history of discrimination and dissatisfied with the undergraduate course had a worse quality of life, which led to an 11-fold increased likelihood of suicide risk. Conclusion: the level of quality of life of the sample studied was low, being associated with greater socioeconomic vulnerability, which contributes to the increased risk of suicide. It is suggested to strengthen student assistance servi-ces at universities to promote improvements in quality of life through actions to promote social wellbeing, which may have effects on students' mental health

Suicide risk in high school students: who are the most vulnerable groups?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with suicide risk among high school students from a federal educational institution in Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on a census of students (n=510) enrolled in IFRS, campus Rio Grande, in the second half of 2019. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Suicide risk was measured with the instrument Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and data were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment. RESULTS: The prevalence of high suicide risk was 17.3% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 14.0-20.0), with the following independent associated factors: female gender, higher socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption, less social support, attempt to lose weight, self-harm behavior, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. CONCLUSIONS: One in six students showed a high suicide risk. The identification of factors associated with the outcome is useful for detecting the most severe cases and referring them to specialized care.

Sintomas de ansiedade generalizada entre estudantes de graduação: prevalência, fatores associados e possíveis consequências / Symptoms of generalized anxiety among undergraduate students: prevalence, associated factors and possible consequences

RESUMO Objetivo Medir a prevalência de sintomatologia ansiosa entre estudantes de graduação de uma universidade pública no Sul do Brasil, seus fatores associados e possíveis consequências. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com uma amostra aleatória de graduandos, realizado em 2019. Foi utilizado um questionário com questões sociodemográficas, acadêmicas e de saúde mental e física. Sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram avaliados por meio do Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7). Fatores associados e possíveis consequências foram analisados por meio da regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados Entre os 994 participantes, a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade generalizada severa foi de 30,9% (IC 95%: 27,9%-33,9%). As variáveis independentemente associadas a sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram: sexo feminino, orientação não heterossexual, sentir muito/muitíssimo medo de violência no bairro e perceber como difícil o acesso a serviço psicológico. Possuir alto nível de suporte social e apresentar algum nível de atividade física foi considerado fator de proteção para o desfecho. Possíveis consequências dos sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram: pior qualidade de sono, utilizar algum medicamento sem prescrição nos últimos 30 dias e ser classificado como risco de suicídio moderado/severo. Conclusões Esses resultados demonstram a necessidade de um olhar mais atento para alguns subgrupos populacionais. Recomenda-se a implementação de intervenções psicológicas que incluam um número maior de indivíduos simultaneamente (como a criação de grupos terapêuticos), com o intuito de reduzir a carga de ansiedade no contexto universitário. O fortalecimento do setor de assistência estudantil da universidade também se torna uma importante possibilidade de melhora para esse cenário.

ABSTRACT Objective To measure the anxious symptoms of undergraduate students at a public university in southern Brazil, the factors associated with it and the possible consequences. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of undergraduate students in 2019. A questionnaire that evaluated sociodemographic, academic, mental and physical health aspects was used. Symptoms of generalized anxiety were evaluated through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7). Associated factors and possible consequences were analyzed using the Poisson regression, with robust variance adjustment. Results Among the 994 participants, the prevalence of symptoms of severe generalized anxiety was 30.9% (95% CI: 27,9%-33,9%). The variables independently associated with symptoms of generalized anxiety were: female gender, non-heterosexual orientation, feeling very afraid of violence in the neighborhood, perceiving access to psychological service as difficult. Having a high level of social support, and with any level of physical activity were considered protective factors for the outcome. Possible consequences of symptoms of generalized anxiety were: worse sleep quality, non-medical use of prescription drugs in the last 30 days, and being classified with moderate or severe suicide risk. Conclusions These results indicate the need to a closer attention to subgroups within this population. Implementation of psychological interventions that includes a broader range of individuals simultaneously are recommended (such as therapeutic groups) to reduce the burden of anxiety in the university context. The strengthening of the university's student assistance sector is also important to improve this situation.

Excessive use of social media by high school students in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of excessive use of social media and associated factors, as well as possible health consequences in high school students in southern Brazil. METHODS: This is a population-based cross-sectional study, conducted with high school students in the city of Rio Grande, RS. All students who were attending high school at the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, campus Rio Grande, were eligible for this research in the second semester of 2019. In total, 513 students participated in the study. The dependent variable was excessive use of social media, defined as more than five hours per day. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out and the Poisson regression was used to verify associations, with robust adjustment of variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of students who reported excessive use of social media was 35.9%. The groups that were most susceptible to excessive use of social media had the following profile: female, black/brown skin, aged between 18 and 20 years old, attending the first year of high school. Excessive use of social media was shown to be associated with smoking, risk of depression, anxiety and stress, high risk of suicide and drug use. CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of students used social media excessively. This behavior was associated with negative health outcomes.

Fear of Covid-19 and health-related outcomes: results from two Brazilian population-based studies.

Fear is a reaction that can influence multiple aspects of health and life. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been serious pathophysiological, social, behavioral and mental consequences that can be related to fear. This study aimed to assess the fear of Covid-19 and its association with sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables. Data were gathered from two cross-sectional population-based studies conducted in 2020 with adults from two cities from Southern Brazil. The Fear of Covid-19 scale was used to evaluate fear of Covid. Exposure variables were socioeconomic, demographic, health and pandemic-related factors. Adjusted Poisson regression was performed to assess the association between fear of Covid-19 and the exposure variables. A total of 2,152 subjects were assessed. Higher fear of Covid-19 was found among women and in individuals with symptoms of Covid-19. Living alone, being richer, and testing positive for Covid-19 were associated with lower prevalence of fear. Higher prevalence of fear of Covid-19 was related to worse sleep quality, worse health perception, sadness, higher stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. There was a linear association between fear of Covid-19 and health outcomes. The results provide evidence that fear of Covid-19 seems to be associated with socioeconomic, demographic, health and pandemic-related factors.

COVID-19 pandemic and physical inactivity in Brazilian university students: a multicenter study / Pandemia de COVID-19 e inatividade física em estudantes universitários brasileiros: um estudo multicêntrico

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with variables of the pandemic context in Brazilian university students. A cross-sectional, multicentric study was carried out in five public universities in different geographic regions of Brazil. The study included 5,720 students, aged 18 or over, between September 2020 and May 2021. Data collection was performed through a self-administered online questionnaire on the REDCap platform. The dependent variable was physical inactivity. The independent variables were the aspects related to the pandemic. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 48.8% (95%CI: 47.5%; 50.1%), ranging from 26.3% for those who went out every or almost every day for non-essential activities and 64.9 % for those who stayed at home all the time. University students who reported continuing to work normally and who were afraid of the pandemic were more likely to be physically inactive. The groups that were less likely to have the outcome were those with a reduction in income, those who left home more often for essential and non-essential activities, those who started working at home, those who complied with the social distancing, and those who had a risk factor for COV-ID-19. The findings indicate that one in two Brazilian university students are physically inactive and the main risk factors were isolation and fear of the pandemic. Interventions are recommended to promote physical activity, especially for the groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de inatividade física durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e a associação com variáveis do contexto pandêmico em universitários brasileiros. Conduziu-se uma pesquisa transversal, multicêntrica, em cinco universidades públicas das diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil. Participaram do estudo 5.720 estudantes, de 18 anos ou mais, entre setembro de 2020 e maio de 2021. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário autoaplicável online na plataforma REDCap. A variável dependente foi inatividade física. As variáveis independentes foram os aspectos relacionados à pandemia. A prevalência de inatividade física foi de 48,8% (IC95%: 47,5%; 50,1%), variando entre 26,3% para os que saíram todos ou quase todos os dias para atividades não essenciais e 64,9% para os que ficaram em casa o tempo todo. Universitários que referiram continuar trabalhando normalmente e que tinham medo da pandemia tiveram maior probabilidade de serem inativos fisicamente. Já os grupos que tiveram menor probabilidade para o desfecho foram os que tiveram redução na renda, os que saíram mais de casa para atividades essenciais e não-essenciais, os que passaram a trabalhar em casa, os que cumpriram o distanciamento social e os que tinham algum fator de risco para COVID-19. Os achados indicam que um a cada dois universitários brasileiros são inativos fisicamente e os principais fatores de risco foram continuar trabalhando normalmente e medo da pandemia. Recomendam-se intervenções para promover a atividade física, especialmente para os grupos mais afetados pela pandemia de COVID-19

An invisible villain: high perceived stress, its associated factors, and possible consequences in a population-based survey in southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Much of the evidence on the relationship between stress, lifestyle, and other physical and mental health outcomes comes from studies conducted in high-income countries. There is therefore a need for research among populations in low and middle-income settings. OBJECTIVES: To measure stress levels and identify factors associated with a high stress level and its consequences for health. METHODS: This was a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2016 with adults aged 18 years or older in a municipality in southern Brazil. A two-stage sampling strategy based on census tracts was used. Stress levels were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and classified into quartiles. The impact of the highest stress levelon each outcome was assessed with etiologic fractions (EF). RESULTS: The most stressed groups were: females (PR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.25-1.81), younger people (PR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.26-2.46), middle-aged individuals (PR = 1.60, 95%CI 1.17-2.19), those with lower schooling (PR = 1.56, 95%CI 1.20-2.02), the physically inactive (PR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.20-1.91), people who spent three or more hours watching television per day (PR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.12-1.50), and those with food insecurity (PR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.19-175). Possible consequences of high stress level were regular or poor self-perception of health (EF = 29.6%), poor or very poor sleep quality (EF = 17.3%), lower quality of life (EF = 45.6%), sadness (EF = 24.2%), and depressive symptoms (EF = 35.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Stress plays an important role in several domains of health. Both public policies that target reduction of inequalities and specific stress-management interventions can reduce stress levels in populations, thereby decreasing the burden of other negative physical and mental health outcomes related to stress.

Factors associated with the perception of fear of COVID-19 in university students / Factores asociados a la percepción de miedo al COVID-19 en estudiantes universitarios / Fatores associados à percepção do medo da COVID-19 em estudantes universitários

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with the perception of fear of COVID-19 in Brazilian university students. Methods: this is an online, cross-sectional analytical study conducted at a Brazilian public university with 1,437 undergraduate students between September and November 2020. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to measure the main construct. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen's r test and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: factors associated with fear of COVID-19 in university students were the variables biological sex, perception of good sleep quality, many days of access to information, not complying with social distancing, reporting sufficient hours of sleep, not having a partner, guidance sexual non-heterosexual, being in the risk group for COVID-19 and tobacco consumption. Conclusions: the study findings can contribute to the discussion about the weaknesses that the university population is experiencing in this pandemic period.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados a la percepción del miedo al COVID-19 en estudiantes universitarios brasileños. Métodos: estudio analítico transversal en línea realizado en una universidad pública brasileña con 1.437 estudiantes de pregrado entre septiembre y noviembre de 2020. Se utilizó la Escala de Miedo COVID-19 para medir el constructo principal. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, la prueba r de Cohen y el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: los factores asociados al miedo al COVID-19 en estudiantes universitarios fueron las variables sexo biológico, percepción de buena calidad del sueño, muchos días de acceso a la información, no cumplir con el distanciamiento social, reportar suficientes horas de sueño, no tener pareja, orientación. sexual no heterosexual, estar en el grupo de riesgo de COVID-19 y consumo de tabaco. Conclusiones: los hallazgos del estudio pueden contribuir a la discusión sobre las debilidades que vive la población universitaria en este período pandémico.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à percepção de medo da COVID-19 em estudantes universitários brasileiros. Métodos: estudo analítico transversal, online, realizado em uma universidade pública brasileira com 1.437 estudantes de graduação entre setembro e novembro de 2020. Utilizou-se a Escala de Medo da COVID-19 para aferição do construto principal. A análise dos dados se deu pelos testes U de Mann-Whitney, r de Cohen e análise de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: foram fatores associados ao medo da COVID-19 em estudantes universitários as variávies sexo biológico, percepção de boa qualidade de sono, muitos dias de acesso a informações, não cumprir distanciamento social, relato de horas suficientes de sono, não possuir companheiro(a), orientação sexual não heterossexual, ser do grupo de risco para COVID-19 e consumo tabaco. Conclusões: os achados do estudo podem contribuir para a discussão sobre as fragilidades que a população universitária está vivenciando neste período pandêmico.