Results of a brief online group application of the unified protocol for the prevention of emotional disorders in university students: a pilot study with multiple baseline experimental design / Resultados de una aplicación grupal breve en línea del protocolo unificado para la prevención de trastornos emocionales en estudiantes universitarios: un estudio piloto con diseño experimental de línea base múltiple

Los trastornos emocionales (TEs) son los trastornos más comunes entre la población joven. El desarrollo de programas preventivos de los TEs es fundamental para evitar su posible aparición. Los programas de prevención transdiagnósticos podrían presentar una ventaja sobre los existentes para mejorar las estrategias de regulación emocional. Así, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido determinar la viabilidad y eficacia preliminar de un programa breve basado en el Protocolo Unificado (PU). El proyecto consistió en un estudio piloto utilizando un diseño experimental de línea base múltiple. Nueve estudiantes universitarios recibieron un programa de 5 sesiones basado en el PU en formato grupal online. Se encontraron diferencias significativas después de la intervención en la regulación de las emociones, el apoyo social percibido y la evitación, con tamaños del efecto moderados-grandes (r de Cohen = .49 - .59). Estas mejoras mostraron aumentos en los seguimientos al mes y a los 3 meses. Esos resultados están en línea con los que muestran que los programas preventivos transdiagnósticos breves podrían ser útiles para la prevención de los TEs en población universitaria.(AU)

Emotional disorders (EDs) are the most common disorders among the young population. The development of preventive programs for EDs is essential to avoid their possible appearance. Transdiagnostic prevention programs could present an advantage over existing ones to im-prove emotional regulation strategies. Thus, the objective of this study has been to determine the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of a brief program based on the Unified Protocol (UP). The project consisted of a pilot study using a multiple baseline experimental design. Nine university students received a 5-session program based on the UP in online-group format. Significant differences were found after the intervention for emo-tion regulation, perceived social support and avoidance, with moderate-large effect sizes (Cohen's r= .49-.59). These improvements showed in-creases at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Those results are in line with those showing that brief transdiagnostic preventive programs could be use-ful for the prevention of EDs in the university population.(AU)

Enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion to mitigate suicide risk: A feasibility and acceptability study among Japanese university students.

OBJECTIVES: Suicide is a serious mental health problem among university students. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a novel intervention that targets suicide risk by enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the healthcare center at a Japanese University. Measurements of suicidal risk, self-compassion, self-esteem, and other psychological variables were collected at baseline, post-intervention, four-week follow-up, eight-week follow-up, and twelve-week follow-up. Participants also provided feedback on the program's acceptability. RESULTS: A total of 17 participants consented to participate in the intervention, 14 completed post-treatment assessment, 10 completed the four-week follow-up assessment, and 8 completed the eight-week and twelve-week follow-up assessment. Following the intervention, the study observed moderate to large improvements in self-esteem, self-compassion, hopelessness, depression, and suicide risk. The participants also reported reliable changes in clinical outcomes and positive perceptions of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducation program exhibited high acceptability and feasibility and promising early outcomes. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, these findings suggest potential benefits of the program. Further studies for examining the efficacy of the program are highly warranted.

University Student Attitudes Regarding Answering Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity Questions on University Application Forms.

A sample of 700 undergraduate university students throughout the US completed an online survey about their attitudes answering questions about their sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SSOGI) on their university admission form. This study examined differences between cisgender and transgender and gender diverse students in attitudes related to answering sex assigned at birth and gender identity questions, and between heterosexual students and students of diverse sexual orientations in attitudes related to answering sexual orientation questions. Overall, students indicated positive attitudes about answering SSOGI questions on their university application form, but attitudes toward sexual orientation questions were less positive. Differences were found in question/answer choice understanding (gender identity and sexual orientation), ease of answering (sex assigned at birth), offensiveness in asking (sex assigned at birth), privacy concerns (sex assigned at birth), comfort in answering (sex assigned at birth and sexual orientation), confidentiality concerns (gender identity), and importance of asking (sex assigned at birth and sexual orientation). Findings demonstrate that most respondents held positive attitudes about answering SSOGI questions and that communicating to LGBTQ+ applicants the importance of and privacy protections associated with answering SSOGI questions on university application forms might be important.

An online delivered running and walking group program to support low-active post-secondary students' well-being and exercise behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the feasibility and acceptability of a social identity-informed, online delivered, running and walking group program to support low-active post-secondary students' exercise behavior and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A two-arm, non-blinded, parallel pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted whereby low-active post-secondary students at a Canadian university were equally randomized to an online delivered running/walking group program or an attention control condition. Primary feasibility and acceptability outcomes included program interest, study enrolment and retention, questionnaire completion, program attendance, program satisfaction, and affective exercise attitudes. Post-program interviews were conducted to ascertain participants' experiences with the program. Secondary outcomes included well-being, exercise behavior, social identity, social support, and exercise identity. RESULTS: Ninety-two individuals were screened for eligibility, and 72 were equally randomized to the online group program or attention control condition. Recruitment exceeded the target sample size (60), study adherence and questionnaire completion were above 90%, program attendance was moderate (M = 5.03/8), self-report program satisfaction was moderate-to-high (M = 4.13/5), and there was no condition effect for affective attitudes. During interviews, participants expressed satisfaction with the program. They also discussed challenges with developing a shared sense of identity and social connection with group members via online platforms. There were small condition effects for exercise-related well-being and exercise identity and no condition effects for the remaining secondary outcomes. Social identity scores were moderate (M = 4.63/7). CONCLUSIONS: The STRIDE program was feasible and acceptable but should be delivered and piloted in-person before a full-scale efficacy trial is conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04857918; 2021-04-20.

A pragmatic randomized trial to examine the effect of combining healthy diet with mindfulness cognitive therapy to reduce depressive symptoms among university students in a low-resource setting: protocol for the NutriMind Project.

BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders still rank as leading causes of morbidity worldwide despite increasing awareness and improvements in treatment. Notably, low- and middle-income countries like Uganda, are disproportionately affected by such disorders. The burden of depressive symptoms in these countries is particularly high among students, aggravated by poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate public health governance, yet it is clearly under-researched, making it hard to achieve several of UN Sustainability Development Goals. Current treatment options are insufficient to tackle the increased burden of depressive disease. This is more challenging for low-resource regions especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting the need for alternative treatments that can swiftly be applied if proven effective. The main aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is therefore to examine if a low-cost healthy diet (based on local Ugandan foods) combined with easy-to access mindfulness cognitive therapy can reduce depressive symptoms among university students in Uganda. METHODS: We will recruit female and male students at Makerere University, the largest public university in Uganda, to an open, intention-to-treat, two-armed RCT. Those who score above a predefined threshold on a self-reported assessment of depressive symptoms, measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression score (CES-D), are eligible for study inclusion and will be randomized to either an intervention (n = 125) or a control (n = 125) group. The intervention group will receive educational group-based sessions on how to prepare a Mediterranean-type of healthy diet and how to adhere to the principles of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Outcome measures include self-reported depression symptoms, quality of life, and dietary intakes. In addition we will perform a cost-effectiveness analysis. The RCT intervention will last 9 months, followed by additional 15 months with regular data collections. DISCUSSION: We here describe a novel approach to treat depressive symptoms among university students living in resource constraint settings, by combining a healthy diet with low threshold psychotherapy. If this intervention succeeds, our project can be viewed as a step towards evidence-based behavior practices for young adults with a common mental disorder (depression) that are beneficial to public mental health initiatives and management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The RCT is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05848973). The date of registration was August 14, 2023.

Examining bystander intervention for peer depression and sociodemographic correlates among university students in Singapore.

Introduction: The Advancing Research To Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma (ARTEMIS) study evaluated the impact of an intervention developed and implemented in Singapore on attitudes towards depression in university students. We aimed to assess the likelihood of university students intervening when their peers suffer from depression, before and after the ARTEMIS intervention. Methods: 390 students were recruited from a university in Singapore. The ARTEMIS intervention comprised a lecture by a trained mental health professional, a sharing session by a person with lived experience of depression, and a question-and-answer segment with a panel. The Bystander Intervention Scale for Depression (BISD) was administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. BISD assessed four factors: acceptance of responsibility to intervene, knowledge on how to intervene, awareness of depression among peers, and vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression. Linear mixed models were conducted to investigate associations. Sociodemographic correlates were also examined. Results: A favourable shift in all factors was observed at post-intervention, which weakened at 3-month follow-up. Having past experience in the mental health field (ß=1.50) and older age (ß=0.18) were significantly associated with knowledge on how to intervene. Having social contact with mental illness (SCMI) and past experience in the mental health field (PEMHF) were significantly associated with awareness of depression among peers (SCMI ß=0.89, PEMHF ß=0.43) and vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression (SCMI ß=0.39, PEMHF ß=0.61). Discussion: The short-term results of the intervention appeared promising across all BISD factors; however, these results were not sustained after 3 months. Future research should include the impact of 'booster' interventions over time. Sociodemographic factors that were identified to be significant correlates should also be considered when planning for future interventions.

Adaptation and validation of the Moroccan dialect version of the nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q): Among university students.

The fear of being without a mobile phone, known as nomophobia, is a new psychological issue that has arisen with the widespread use of information and communication technologies. To understand this phenomenon, more research is needed. The present study aimed to assess the factor structure of the Moroccan dialect version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) among a sample of Moroccan university students. The study included 400 students selected by convenience sampling from two universities (Fez and Rabat). First, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted using the principal component method with Varimax rotation. Then, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) were carried out. The results showed that a 20-item, four-factor model was the best fit for the data collected from the sample, indicating cross-cultural validity and the robustness of the NMP-Q's structure. This suggests that the Moroccan version of the NMP-Q is useful for assessing nomophobia behavior among Moroccan university students.

The effects of a blended learning model on the physical fitness of Chinese university students: a cluster randomized controlled trial in basketball education.

OBJECTIVE: The university period is a critical stage of personal development, and improving the physical fitness of university students is crucial to their academic performance, quality of life, and future. However, in recent years, the physical fitness level of Chinese university students has shown a decreasing trend. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a blended learning model on the physical fitness of Chinese university students through a 16-week intervention. METHODS: A total of 78 first-year students from a public university in Henan Province were recruited for this study via a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) design. The participants were divided into an experimental group (blended learning) and a control group (traditional learning). The intervention lasted for 16 weeks, and physical fitness indices such as body mass index (BMI), lung capacity, sit and reach, pull-ups/sit-ups, standing long jumps, 50-meter runs, and 1000/800-meter runs were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were conducted via generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Both learning models significantly improved students' physical fitness after 16 weeks. However, the blended learning model resulted in more significant improvements in lung capacity, sit and reach, pull-ups/sit-ups, standing long jumps, and 50-meter runs (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of BMI or 1000/800-meter run. CONCLUSIONS: The 16-week blended learning model effectively promoted physical fitness among university students, especially in terms of their lung capacity, flexibility, strength and speed.

The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience in the Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Academic Achievement.

In this study, the mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between negative childhood experiences and academic achievement was examined. The sample of the study consists of 405 participants who graduated from state universities in Turkey in the spring semester of 2022-2023. In the study, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale, the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, and the general weighted grade point average in the university graduation transcripts of the participants were used as data collection tools. The relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis using Process Macro (Model 4). In the regression analysis, mediation was tested with the Bootstrap technique. According to the results, there were significant negative relationships between adverse childhood experiences and academic achievement and psychological resilience, while there were significant positive relationships between psychological resilience and academic achievement. In addition, adverse childhood experiences are a predictor of academic achievement, and psychological resilience has a partial mediating role in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and academic achievement. It is thought that the results obtained may contribute to the field within the scope of preventive and intervention guidance services to increase the academic achievement of university students with adverse childhood experiences.

Effectiveness of a guided digital self-help intervention to improve sleep and the biological clock in university students - Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Sleep problems occur in many university students which affects their mental health and daily functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been proven effective in adults but research in university students, who struggle to maintain a 24-hour rhythm, is still limited. We hypothesize that a guided digital CBT-I intervention, enriched with components on the biological clock ('i-Sleep & BioClock') will be effective in reducing insomnia severity and improving mental health outcomes for students with sleep problems. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a guided online sleep and biological clock self-help intervention in improving sleep, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, functioning, academic performance, and quality of life in university students at 6 weeks and 18 weeks. Methods: This is a two-arm parallel-group superiority randomized controlled trial, comparing a 5-week guided online 'i-Sleep & BioClock' intervention to online psychoeducation (PE). We aim to include 192 university students (Bachelor, Master, and PhD) with at least subthreshold insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥10), aged ≥16, who can speak Dutch or English. We are excluding students with current risk for suicide or night shifts. The primary outcome is insomnia severity. Secondary outcomes include sleep estimates (sleep and light exposure diary), depression, anxiety, functioning, quality of life, and academic performance. The effectiveness of the intervention compared to online PE will be evaluated using linear mixed models. Discussion: The current study tests the effectiveness of an online self-help intervention for university students who suffer from sleep problems. This trial builds upon an open feasibility study and will provide evidence of an online guided self-help program for students. The findings of this study will determine the potential wider dissemination of the intervention to address the high need for available and accessible help for students experiencing insomnia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT06023693), registered on August 3rd, 2023.

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the University Demand-Resource Questionnaire: further evidence from Hungarian university students.

Purpose: The present study aimed to further examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the UDRQ among a sample of Hungarian university students. Methods: Firstly, the factor structure of the UDRQ was examined among 837 Hungarian university students. Specifically, two measurement models (first-order model and second-order model) were constructed and compared. Secondly, the internal consistency reliability of the UDRQ was examined. Thirdly, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across genders. Finally, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across two different samples. Results: It was found that the first-order model outperformed the second-order model and better represented the factor structure of the UDRQ subscales. Results of Cronbach's alpha and Composite Reliability suggested that the internal consistency reliabilities of the two UDRQ subscales were satisfactory. Measurement invariance analysis revealed that the UDRQ measurement model was strict invariant across genders and samples. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that the UDRQ displayed satisfactory reliability and validity and could be used to assess demands and resources of Hungarian university students.

Blended learning in physical education: application and motivation.

Background: The aim of the research was to evaluate outdoor aerobic sport activities (OASA) in the physical education (PE) of university students using wearables and their potential to personalize the learning process and enhance motivation. Methods: In total, 368 university students participated. The OASA structure and the key points of application in PE were described. Descriptive statistics of the training units (n = 3,680) were processed. The students recorded their training data in the Strava app (10 sessions per semester), and the data were shared in the online sport community created on the Strava platform. Motivation was evaluated using a questionnaire. The focus was both on intrinsic motivation and extrinsic "ICT" motivation, based on Strava app features and tools. Results: The most preferred outdoor aerobic sport activities were running (58%), cycling (13%), and walking (16%). The results provided insight into motivation and performance analysis. Students' motivation to participate in OASA was mainly in health concerns, such as staying in shape (94%), staying healthy (90%), and psychological concerns, such as having fun (88%), improving state of mind (88%), or relieving stress (83%). In achievement concerns, the motivation was a personal challenge (72%), while competing with others was ranked lowest (32%). The Strava app was a motivating tool for students to record, monitor, and analyze their individual activities and feel "connectedness" to the online sport community. 70% of students were motivated by the non-competitive character of PE, which gave them a personalized opportunity to train without being compared to others. Discussion: The OASA management, with the use of blended learning methods and the Strava app, uses a motivational approach to create, support, and maintain students' healthy habits of physical activity through PE lessons. The need for students to be motivated to exercise can be confirmed in the analysis of the statistical descriptive parameters of running, cycling, and walking. There was a tendency for students to complete only the minimum required distance/time (not more). On the other hand, students enjoyed the training, and 99% of students confirmed that they would enroll again. That fact underlined the importance of motivating students with an effective learning strategy and giving support and guidance.

Procrastination and risky health behaviors: a possible way to nurture health promotion among young adults in Italy.

Background: The study's main objectives were to evaluate the distribution of levels of procrastination and its relationship with sleep quality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and skipping breakfast, as a proxy measure of an unhealthy dietary pattern, among Italian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro in the Southern part of Italy, using stratified random sampling techniques. Eligible students were sent an anonymous online survey aimed at assessing sociodemographic characteristics, procrastination levels using the Pure Procrastination Scale, sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, smoking status, alcohol consumption using WHO's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, and breakfast habits. Results: The study included 518 participants with a mean age of 23 year. More than half of the sample was enrolled in medicine or life science majors and the procrastination mean score was 15 (±5.9 SD). Being procrastinators was significantly more frequently among students who were poor sleepers, hazardous alcohol consumers and breakfast skippers. When analyzing the clustering of risky behaviors, it was found that as the number of risky behaviors increased, the procrastination score exhibited an exponential increase. Conclusion: The study findings showed that university students who engage in procrastination tend to adopt risky health behaviors. The data gathered could be useful to derive targeted interventions aimed at groups more exposed to harmful health behaviors and to encourage institutional policies to promote healthy lifestyles within universities. Universities can act as hubs for cultivating a culture of well-being and promoting a healthy environment.

Comparison of Menstrual Symptoms in University Students with and without Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the menstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea in university students who underwent Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), in Mogadishu, Somalia, and students who did not undergo FGM/C in Ankara, Türkiye. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used. Results: Among the participants with FGM/C, 88.5% were Type 1 and the age at FGM/C was 8 years. The pain severity was 6.20±2.54 in women with FGM/C and was higher than that of those without FGM/C (5.97±2.32), but no significant difference was found. Among those who had FGM/C, 66% had a menstrual duration of 3-5 days, while 52.0.% of those who did not have FGM/C had a menstrual duration of 6-8 days (p<0.05). While 85.1% of those without FGM/C had a menstrual cycle of 21-35 days, 35% of those with FGM/C had a menstrual cycle of less than 20 days (p<0.05). It was found that 95% of those who have undergone female circumcision and 90.2% of those who have not had dysmenorrhea (p<0.05). Painkillers were always used by 28% of women with FGM/C and 26.3% of women without FGM/C (p<0.05). The total MSS score of those who have not had FGM/C was 3.34±0.72 and the score of those who have had FGM/C was 2.91±0.74 (p<0.05). The negative effects sub-dimension score was found to be higher in the non-FGM/C group with 3.20±0.75, while the coping methods sub-dimension score was higher in the FGM/C group with 2.91±1.13 (p<0.05). Conclusion: FGM/C is still common in Somalia. Our study results showed that having FGM/C may cause differences in dysmenorrhea and menstrual symptoms. Efforts to increase students' effective coping with menstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea are thought to be useful.

COVID-19-Related Social Isolation, Self-Control, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Chinese University Students: Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Internet gaming disorder among university students has become a great concern for university counsellors worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors influencing the development of internet gaming disorder in students during the COVID-19 pandemic could be different from those before the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the associations among social isolation, self-control, and internet gaming disorder in Chinese university students and to examine whether self-control mediates the positive effects of social isolation on internet gaming disorder. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from university students in Shandong province of China from April to September 2022. The Isolation subscale of the Self-Compassion Scale, Self-Control Scale, and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were used to assess the social isolation, self-control, and internet gaming disorder among university students, respectively. Models 4 and 5 of PROCESS software were used to analyze the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of gender on the association between social isolation and internet gaming disorder. RESULTS: A total of 479 students were recruited from 6 universities located in 3 different regions of Shandong, China. Students had low levels of internet gaming disorder and moderate levels of social isolation and self-control, with mean scores of 8.94 (SD 9.06), 12.04 (SD 3.53), and 57.15 (SD 8.44), respectively. Social isolation was positively correlated with internet gaming disorder (r=0.217; P<.001), and self-control was negatively correlated with social isolation (r=-0.355; P<.001) and internet gaming disorder (r=-0.260; P<.001). Self-control played a mediating role in the association between social isolation and internet gaming disorder (ß=-.185, 95% CI -.295 to -.087). The effects of social isolation on internet gaming disorder among female students were lower than those among male students. CONCLUSIONS: Self-control was a mediator in the association between social isolation and internet gaming disorder. Moreover, gender played a moderating role in the association between social isolation and internet gaming disorder. This study highlights the need to alleviate the development of internet gaming disorder among students during a pandemic, especially that of male students. Effective interventions that lessen social isolation and promote self-control should be developed.

An internet-based self-help intervention for the reduction of consumption of ultra-processed products and increase of physical activity in Mexican university population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The consumption of ultra-processed products has been associated with the etiology of various diseases, mainly metabolic diseases. On the other hand, physical activity acts as a protective factor that helps prevent the appearance of this type of disease. In addition to the physical effects, both the consumption of ultra-processed products (UPPs) and sedentary behaviors have been associated with a significant impact on people's mental health. These problems occur significantly in university students. Online internet interventions are an alternative that has the advantage of reaching a broader sample size and adapting to various problems. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical superiority trial with two independent groups will be developed with 176 participants. Participants in both groups will be evaluated in 5 steps: (1) pretest, (2) middle of the intervention, (3) post-test, (4) follow-up at 3 months, and (5) follow-up at 6 months. In the experimental group ("UNISALUD"), participants will receive an intervention composed of 11 sessions with interactive elements such as videos, audio, and infographics created through the user experience (UX) principles and based on the health action process approach (HAPA). The participants in the control group will be on the waiting list and will receive treatment 27 days after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Thus, participants will not receive the treatment immediately. Discussion: The study is expected to establish the feasibility of a self-help internet-based intervention created based on the user experience methodology and the health action process model, leading to a significant decrease and increase in the consumption of UPPs, ultra-healthy products, and physical activity, respectively. Conclusion: Internet-based interventions are scarce in Latin America. Due to their potential, this study will provide data about consumption of UPPs, physical activity, and mental health of the Mexican population, which will influence the reduction of health-related complications through prevention strategies or measures.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05834842.

The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation and associated factors among university students in China: Findings from a three-wave cross-sectional study from 2021 to 2023.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of suicidal tendencies among the public. However, there is limited research reporting on the changing trends in suicidal ideation after 2020 in the context of the long-term normalization of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in China. METHODS: The self-administered online questionnaire was adopted to collect 12-month suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and some demographic information from university students by convenient cluster sampling in Shandong, Shaanxi, and Jilin Provinces, China. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between different factors and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation from 2021 to 2023 among university students was 3.89 %, 5.81 %, and 4.33 %, respectively, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The trends presented a similar tendency in the subgroups according to gender, majors, and grades, except among urban freshman-year students. The associated factors of suicidal ideation were different among university students in different surveys. However, female gender, poor mental health, and depressive symptoms were linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation. LIMITATIONS: More representative large-scale longitudinal studies should be used to monitor the suicidal behavior of university students. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among Chinese university students exhibited a pattern of initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease from 2021 to 2023. Despite the complete lifting of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in China, the prolonged three-year epidemic may have enduring adverse effects on university students, underscoring the ongoing importance of providing continuous mental health services to this population.

Knowledge and Attitude of King Khalid University Students Toward Common Issues of Ear, Nose, and Throat.

Introduction Ear, nose, and throat (ENT), often known as otorhinolaryngology (ORL), is a subspecialty within medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the head, neck, and ears. Understanding ORL is essential for treating common ENT issues, avoiding complications, and preserving quality of life. These diseases can affect numerous physiological processes, including taste, smell, speaking, breathing, swallowing, hearing, and secretion clearance. In order to guide interventions for improved ENT health, our study sought to evaluate university students' degree of ORL-related knowledge. Methodology It is a cross-sectional study conducted among students at King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. Validated surveys are used to collect data via the Internet, including online and email-based data collecting. Data are cleaned in Excel and analyzed by IBM SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Our study included 131 Saudi university students in Abha City, revealing significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding ENT issues. Despite high awareness of certain topics like flu vaccination (87.8%) and the association between hearing loss and social life (95.4%), misconceptions persisted, such as the belief in vitamin C's efficacy against influenza (51.9%). Notably, 47.3% displayed good knowledge, 26.7% showed moderate knowledge, and 26% demonstrated poor knowledge about ENT issues. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age (p<0.001), academic level (p<0.001), and previous surgery related to ENT issues (p=0.014). Conclusion Our study revealed that 47.3% of participants have good levels of knowledge regarding ENT problems, with significant associations found with age, academic level, previous ENT surgery, and diagnoses of throat issues. Education campaigns should target specific demographics to improve the overall understanding of ENT health.

Cross-sectional study on university students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring the influence of adverse and positive childhood experiences.

Aim: This study examined the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students, focusing on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) influence mental health. Methods: A web-based survey was administered to 3000 university students from October 26 to 31, 2022, following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health assessments included the Japanese version of the Kessler Psychological Distress 6-Item Scale (K6) for depressive/anxiety symptoms, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-J) for distress, fear of COVID-19, and a three-item loneliness scale. Results: Of the respondents, 46.9% reported depressive/anxiety symptoms, 55.4% reported distress, and 37.3% reported fear of COVID-19. Factors such as current psychiatric treatment history and reduced income (either parental or personal) were predictive of worsening depressive/anxiety symptoms, distress, and loneliness. ACEs were found to exacerbate depressive/anxiety symptoms and distress, while PCEs mitigated these symptoms, and vice versa. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering both ACEs and PCEs in supporting the mental health of university students. PCEs were found to independently prevent mental health deterioration, including depressive/anxiety symptoms and distress, which may include post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, even in the presence of ACEs. Recognizing and fostering PCEs emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating mental health issues.

Specific learning disabilities and associated emotional-motivational profiles: a study in Italian university students.

In this study, we analyzed the emotional and motivational aspects characterizing the profile of university students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). We assessed 61 university students, 32 with SLD (age = 23.6) and 29 in the control group (age = 23.00). The results highlighted that individuals with SLD exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower resilience compared to the control group. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale - Short Form, which explores perfectionism, did not reveal differences between the groups. Conversely, lower scores emerged in SLD students for the intrinsic motivation sub-scales of the Academic Motivation Scale. This indicates less engagement in studying out of personal cognitive curiosity. The Self-Regulated Knowledge Scale - University, which measures various cognitive strategies, showed significantly lower scores in the SLD group for knowledge linking, knowledge training, and knowledge critique. This suggests a lower frequency with which SLD students attempt to connect new knowledge with what they already possess, apply their knowledge, ask questions, and critically analyze what they have learned. Therefore, psychological and motivational consequences are evident in this population and can impact well-being and quality of life.