Risk and protective factors associated with hopelessness among Canadian postsecondary students
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ABSTRACT: Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-023-01050-w.
SUBMITTER: Keshoofy A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10072026 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:ObjectiveRecent reports express concerns about a mental health crisis among postsecondary students. These assertions, however, often arise from surveys conducted in postsecondary settings that lack the broader context of a referent group. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the mental health status of postsecondary students 18 to 25 years old from 2011 to 2017 and (2) to compare the mental health status of postsecondary students to nonstudents.MethodsPrevalence was estimated for a set of mental health outcomes using seven annual iterations of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2011 to 2017). Logistic regression was used to derive odds ratio estimates comparing mental health status among postsecondary students and nonstudents, adjusting for age and sex. Random effects metaregression and meta-analyses techniques were used to evaluate trends in prevalence and odds ratio estimates over time.ResultsOver the study period, the prevalence of perceived low mental health, diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders, and past-year mental health consultations increased among female students, whereas binge drinking decreased among male students. With the exception of perceived stress, the odds of experiencing each mental health outcome were lower among postsecondary students compared to nonstudents.ConclusionsThese findings do not support the idea that postsecondary students have worse mental health than nonstudents of similar age. The perception of a crisis may arise from greater help-seeking behavior, diminishing stigma, or increasing mental health literacy. Regardless, the observance of these trends provide an opportunity to address a previously latent issue.
| S-EPMC6966257 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) present a significant burden to health care systems worldwide. Evidence suggests that university students may have unique risk factors for developing MSKDs; however, research on the corresponding prevalence and risk factors of MSKDs in Canadian students is limited.MethodsUsing a multi-year cross-sectional survey, we aimed to understand the prevalence and risk factors of MSKDs in students at McMaster University. A survey on the prevalence of MSKD as well as potential risk factors was conducted online in the years 2018-2022. Our outcomes were the prevalence of MSKDs over the last 7 days and the last 12 months, as well as presence of lower body, upper body, and spine MSKDs. We investigated risk factors using negative binomial regression analysis, including a sex-stratified analysis.ResultsThere were a total of 289 respondents in 2018 with a decrease in the number of participants in the subsequent years (n2019 = 173, n2020 = 131, n2021 = 76). Participants reported a median of 2-3 pain sites in the last year and 1-2 pain sites in the last week in all four years. The most prevalent sources of self-reported pain were the lower back and neck. Depending on the year and outcome studied, 59-67% of participants reported neck/lower back pain in the last year, and 43-49% reported it in the last week. Although risk factors were different depending on the year and sex, overall, poorer mental health, being in health care studies, regular sports participation (males only), older age, and less hours of sleep were significantly associated with higher prevalence of MSKDs.ConclusionsThis study identified that MSKDs are a prevalent source of pain in university students. While some risk factors, such as mental health, are known to play a role in developing MSKDs, sports activity and academic pressure are risk factors that are unique to students. Our study also suggests that there may be differences in risk factors between sexes.
| S-EPMC10278339 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The aim of this study was to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among young adolescents by examining self-report data on mental health, substance abuse, violence involvement, social and economic challenges and supports, physical health and demographics in relation to STB. Data from nearly 27,000 students who completed the 2018-19 Maryland Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey/Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS) were used to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with STB among middle school students (grades 6-8; ages 11-14). Twenty-three percent of students reported lifetime suicidal ideation and nine percent reported lifetime attempt(s). Independent risk factors associated with STB include depression, substance abuse or misuse, violence involvement, bullying victimization at school or electronically, sexual activity, and sleep deprivation. Protective factors include having an adult outside of school to confide in and feeling that teachers care and provide encouragement. Interactive effects by gender and/or race/ethnicity were observed for some factors in relation to STB. These results suggest that evidence-based programs and policies at the universal and selective/indicated levels in school settings are needed and should be introduced earlier on to address the widespread prevalence of STB in young adolescents. Program planners should take into consideration social, cultural and language needs when implementing and developing intervention strategies.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12310-022-09521-6.
| S-EPMC9145114 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC8600384 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundComorbidity of depression and anxiety is common among adolescents and can lead to adverse outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the latent characteristics and mechanisms governing these disorders and their interactions. Moreover, few studies have examined the impacts of relevant risk and protective factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 1,719 students. Mplus 8.0 software was used to conduct latent profile analysis to explore the potential categories of depression and anxiety comorbidities. R4.3.2 software was used to explore the network of core depression and anxiety symptoms, bridge these disorders, and evaluate the effects of risk and protective factors.ResultsThree categories were established: "healthy" (57.8%), "mild depression-mild anxiety" (36.6%), and "moderately severe depression-moderate anxiety" (5.6%). "Depressed mood", "nervousness", and "difficulty relaxing" were core symptoms in both the depression-anxiety comorbidity network and the network of risk and protective factors. Stress perception and neuroticism serve as bridging nodes connecting some symptoms of depression and anxiety and are thus considered the most prominent risk factors.ConclusionsAccording to the core and bridging symptoms identified in this study, targeted intervention and treatment can be provided to groups with comorbid depression and anxiety, thereby reducing the risk of these comorbidities in adolescents.
| S-EPMC11861700 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe demanding educational environment requires sustained motivation and resilience, while the intense psychological stress among medical studies increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Student burnout is an escalating issue among medical students worldwide, significantly affecting their career success and overall well-being. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective burnout prevention strategies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the role of depression, anxiety, academic motivation and resilience in student burnout in a sample of Hungarian medical students.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among medical students at the University of Szeged, Hungary (N = 214; Mage = 21.82 years; 73.8% female). The survey first collected demographic information, after which participants completed five scales: the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory Short Form, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Academic Resilience Scale.ResultsBinary logistic regression for emotional exhaustion identified depression (OR = 0.32, p < .001), state anxiety (OR = 0.04, p < .01), and amotivation (OR = 0.19, p < .01) as significant predictors. For cynicism, the final model incorporated state anxiety (OR = 0.05, p < .001), intrinsic motivation through achievement (OR = -0.08, p < .05), external regulation (OR = 0.13 p < .01), and amotivation (OR = 0.41, p < .001). For reduced academic efficacy, depression (OR = 0.15, p < .001), alongside achievement (OR = -0.133, p < .01) and stimulation (OR = -0.10, p < .05) as intrinsic motivations were significant predictors.ConclusionsThis study reveals a significant prevalence of student burnout among medical students, particularly in clinical years, with emotional exhaustion and cynicism being more prominent. Depression and low motivation were strongly associated with higher student burnout, while intrinsic motivation appeared to protect against reduced academic efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health and fostering resilience to mitigate student burnout during medical training.
| S-EPMC11910849 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Injurious pecking can cause a wide range of damage and is an important welfare and economic issue in turkey production. Aggressive pecking typically targets the head/neck (HN) area, and feather pecking typically targets the back/tail (BT) area; injuries in these separate areas could be used as a proxy for the level of aggressive and feather pecking in a flock. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for integument injuries in Canadian turkey flocks. A survey containing a questionnaire about housing and management practices and a scoring guide was distributed to 500 turkey farmers across Canada. The farmer scored pecking injuries in two different body areas (HN and BT) on a 0-2 scale on a subset of birds within each flock. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with the presence of HN and BT injuries. The prevalence of birds with integument injuries ranged widely between the flock subsets (HN = 0-40%, BT = 0-97%), however the mean prevalence was low (HN = 6%, BT = 10%). The presence of injuries for logistic regression was defined as flocks with an injury prevalence greater than the median level of injury prevalence in the dataset (3.3% HN and 6.6% BT). The final logistic regression model for HN injuries contained five variables: flock sex, flock age, number of daily inspections, number of different people during inspections, and picking up birds during inspections (N = 62, pR2 = 0.23, α = 0.05). The final logistic regression model for BT injuries contained six variables: flock sex, flock age, litter depth, litter condition, inspection duration, and use of hospital pens for sick/injured birds (N = 59, pR2 = 0.29, α = 0.05). Flock age, and to a lesser extent, sex was associated with both types of injuries. From a management perspective, aggressive pecking injuries appear to be influenced by variables related to human interaction, namely during inspections. On the other hand, the presence of feather pecking injuries, was associated with litter condition and other management factors like separating sick birds. Future research on injurious pecking in turkeys should focus on these aspects of housing and management to better describe the relationship between the identified variables and the prevalence and severity of these conditions.
| S-EPMC8777054 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Iodine is a trace micronutrient that is critical for normal thyroid function and human health. Inadequate dietary intake is associated with cognitive impairment, infertility, growth retardation and iodine deficiency disorders in affected populations. Herein, we examined the prevalence of iodine deficiency in adults (median age of 61 years) based on the analysis of 24 h urine samples collected from 800 participants in four clinical sites across Canada in the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study. Urinary iodide together with thiocyanate and nitrate were measured using a validated capillary electrophoresis assay. Protective/risk factors associated with iodine deficiency were identified using a binary logistic regression model, whereas daily urinary iodine concentration (24 h UIC, μg/L) and urinary iodine excretion (24 h UIE, μg/day) were compared using complementary statistical methods with covariate adjustments. Overall, our Canadian adult cohort had adequate iodine status as reflected by a median UIC of 111 μg/L with 11.9% of the population <50 μg/L categorized as having moderate to severe iodine deficiency. Iodine adequacy was also evident with a median 24 h UIE of 226 μg/day as a more robust metric of iodine status with an estimated average requirement (EAR) of 7.1% (< 95 μg/day) and a tolerable upper level (UL) of 1.8% (≥1100 μg/day) based on Canadian dietary reference intake values. Participants taking iodine supplements (OR = 0.18; p = 6.35 × 10-5), had greater 24 h urine volume (OR = 0.69; p = 4.07 × 10-4), excreted higher daily urinary sodium (OR = 0.71; p = 3.03 × 10-5), and/or were prescribed thyroxine (OR = 0.33; p = 1.20 × 10-2) had lower risk for iodine deficiency. Self-reported intake of dairy products was most strongly associated with iodine status (r = 0.24; p = 2.38 × 10-9) after excluding for iodine supplementation and T4 use. Participants residing in Quebec City (OR = 2.58; p = 1.74 × 10-4) and Vancouver (OR = 2.54; p = 3.57 × 10-4) were more susceptible to iodine deficiency than Hamilton or Ottawa. Also, greater exposure to abundant iodine uptake inhibitors from tobacco smoking and intake of specific goitrogenic foods corresponded to elevated urinary thiocyanate and nitrate, which were found for residents from Quebec City as compared to other clinical sites. Recent public health policies that advocate for salt restriction and lower dairy intake may inadvertently reduce iodine nutrition of Canadians, and further exacerbate regional variations in iodine deficiency risk.
| S-EPMC9268597 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionInternational students make significant contributions to their host institutions and countries. Yet research shows that not all international students have the financial means to fend for themselves and meet their financial obligations for the entire study programme. Such students are at significant risk of food insecurity. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesise available information on the factors related to food insecurity among international students studying at postsecondary educational institutions and identify the types of food insecurity interventions that have been implemented to address this issue.Methods and analysisThe Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology will be used to guide this scoping review, and we will search the following databases: MEDLINE (through Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed, ERIC (via Ovid), PROSPERO and ProQuest. The titles, abstracts, and subsequently full texts of the selected papers will then be screened against the inclusion criteria. Data from articles included in the review will be extracted using a data charting form and will be summarised in a tabular form. Thematic analysis will be used to identify common themes that thread through the selected studies and will be guided by the steps developed by Terry et al.Ethics and disseminationSince this project entails a review of available literature, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be presented at academic conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. To make the findings more accessible, they will also be distributed via digital communication platforms.
| S-EPMC9562721 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Introduction: Cocaine users often present with repetitive events of cocaine-associated chest pain (CACP), clinically resembling acute coronary syndromes. The aim of the study is to describe the specific risk factors for CACP. Method: Cocaine users (n = 316) were recruited for a multicenter cross-sectional study. Lifetime CACP history, sociodemographic factors, and lifetime use of cocaine and other substances were assessed. Thirty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NOS3, ROCK2, EDN1, GUCY1A3, and ALDH2 genes, suggested by the literature on coronary spasms, were selected. The associations with CACP history were tested using the chi-square test, Student's t-test and logistic regression. Results: Among the 316 subjects [78.5% men, mean age 37.5 years, (standard-deviation ±8.7)], 190 (60.1%) were daily cocaine users and 103 (32.6%) reported a lifetime CACP history. Among those with a lifetime CACP history, the median was 10 events per individual. In multivariate analysis, lifetime CACP history was associated with daily cocaine use [odds-ratio (OR) 3.24; 95% confidence intervals (1.29-9.33)], rapid route of cocaine use [OR 2.33 (1.20-4.64) vs. intranasal use], and lifetime amphetamine use [daily amphetamine use: OR 2.80 (1.25-6.32) and non-daily amphetamine use: OR 2.14 (1.15-4.04) vs. never used]. Patients with lifetime opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) reported significantly less lifetime CACP history [OR 0.35 (0.16-0.76)]. None of the selected SNPs was associated with CACP history after multiple testing corrections. Conclusions: Clinical variables describing the intensity of stimulant use were positively associated with lifetime CACP history, while OMT was negatively associated with it. Specific harm reduction strategies can target these risk factors.
| S-EPMC8335401 | biostudies-literature