Comparative Survey Research Articles

Physicians’ intentions to use digital tools – a comparative survey, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in Southern Sweden

Objectives To describe changes in Swedish primary care physicians’ use of, attitudes and intentions toward digital tools in patient care between 2019 and 2022. Design A survey using a validated questionnaire measuring physician’s intentions to use digital tools based on the theory of planned behavior. Setting Sample of primary health care centers in southern Sweden. Subjects Primary care physicians. Main outcome measures Self-reported use and intentions to use, digital tools including digital consultations by text or video, chronic disease monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI) and the associations between attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions to use digital tools, in 2019 compared to 2022. Results In both 2019 (n = 198) and 2022 (n = 93), physicians reported high intentions to use digital tools. Self-reported use of video was slightly higher in 2022 (p = .03). No other changes were seen in the self-reported use or behavioral intentions to use digital tools. Conclusion The slow adoption of patient-related digital tools in Swedish primary health care does not seem to be explained by a low intention to use them among physicians. Future research on implementation of digital tools should include a focus on contextual factors such as organizational, technical and cultural barriers.

Tourists’ Willingness to Adopt AI in Hospitality—Assumption of Sustainability in Developing Countries

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer perceptions and behavior in restaurants, airline companies, and hotel sectors within the hospitality industry of Iran. The primary objective is to analyze how AI affects customer trust, brand engagement, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), and tourists’ readiness to use AI technologies. Using a comparative analysis approach and surveys, this research tests hypotheses about the effects of artificial intelligence on various dimensions of customer interaction. The findings highlight significant relationships between the quality of artificial intelligence and customer engagement metrics, such as trust and brand loyalty, which are crucial for understanding and predicting customer behavior in response to technological advancements. This study lays the groundwork for theoretical assumptions about sustainability in these sectors in developing countries, providing a basis for future empirical research that could validate these assumptions and explore broader implications of AI integration in enhancing sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.

Attitudes toward sustainable development and employer brands: comparing generations X, Y and Z in two countries

PurposeThis study investigates how sustainability influences employer branding across generational cohorts – Generations Z, Y and X – and between two neighboring countries, Slovenia and Croatia, with different economic development levels.Design/methodology/approachA comparative cross-generational survey was conducted among respondents from Slovenia and Croatia to assess the impact of sustainability on employer brand perception. The survey explored generational attitudes toward sustainability and its integration into the employer value proposition.FindingsThe study found that all the generational cohorts view sustainability as an important factor in their evaluation of employer brands. Generation X showed the most favorable attitude toward sustainability, followed by Generation Z, highlighting the need for organizations to communicate sustainability efforts effectively to attract these groups. However, there were subtle differences between the countries, with Slovenian respondents indicating a slightly higher preference for sustainable practices. Additionally, while Generation Z may not have the same financial leverage as Generation X, their high valuation of sustainability in employer branding demonstrates their future influence as they enter the workforce.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the survey’s conceptual framing, which may be inherently biased toward the more affluent Generation X’s capacity to prioritize sustainability and the focus on USA-based generational definitions, which may not be fully applicable across different cultural settings. Future research could address these limitations by refining the conceptual approach and expanding the sample to include more diverse geographical contexts.Originality/valueBy comparing responses from two economically distinct neighboring countries, the study reveals complex inter-generational dynamics and national contexts affecting sustainability’s role in employer attractiveness.

Environmental DNA Characterization of the Fish Species Composition in the Mukawa River and Adjacent Habitats

The diverse freshwater fish fauna of the Japanese archipelago is distributed among four main island landmasses, which include Hokkaido in the north, with many diadromous species. One relatively well-preserved river drainage along the southern coast of Central Hokkaido is the Mukawa River. Fish fauna surveys in the Mukawa River were mostly in downstream areas and the fish diversity is not well-documented among the upper, lower river, and coastal environments. Fish communities in the river, estuary, and sea were sampled using eDNA analysis to evaluate upstream and downstream species detections, and tidal and spatial detection variation near the river mouth. The number of species was higher at the river mouth and nearshore sites compared to the river and offshore. Fish detections reflected life history categories (freshwater resident, diadromous, brackish, or marine) and the environments. Similarity analysis showed that fish species compositions were divided into (1) upstream and midstream, (2) downstream and river mouth, (3) adjacent shore, and (4) offshore. Salmonid, cyprinid, loach, and sculpin species were detected in the river, compared to a mixture of species downstream and along the coast. This rapid assessment type study demonstrated that eDNA survey methodology would be effective for multiple river comparative surveys, seasonality studies, or evaluating possible effects of cross-river weirs or dams.

Barriers to long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic use in Japan: Insights from a comparative psychiatrist survey.

To investigate the negative attitudes of Japanese psychiatrists toward atypical long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, which are the current mainstream LAIs in Japan. We surveyed 69 Japanese psychiatrists using a 5-point Likert scale to assess their attitudes toward atypical LAI antipsychotics. Our assessment referenced concerns identified in a study conducted in Japan a decade ago, which found significant differences when compared with a survey of German psychiatrists. We also identified the factors influencing these negative attitudes. Additionally, the results were compared with those of previous Japanese and German studies. More than 50% of Japanese psychiatrists expressed negative attitudes toward atypical LAI antipsychotics in various areas. These concerns included apprehensions about cost, reluctance to recommend them initially, pain from injections, complexity of switching to LAI, usage in first-episode cases, and sufficient medication adherence with oral drugs. In all three studies, cost and adequate adherence to oral medication were concerns that exceeded the average of the three negative comments. Age and experience in psychiatry influenced the psychiatrists' attitudes toward using these drugs in first-episode cases. These findings shed light on the reasons for the underutilization of atypical LAI antipsychotics and suggest opportunities to enhance their appropriate use in clinical settings.

Reflecting on Evil and the Devil in Pentecostal Theodicy

Most Pentecostals, at least in the global South, believe that Satan and his demonic forces are responsible for much of the carnage and suffering that characterise life on earth. The broader context of the discourse is the challenge theodicy poses to Christian believers: if God is almighty and good, why do believers, just like unbelievers, suffer while living on earth? This paper aims to discuss Pentecostals’ response: they blame evil as Satan’s strategy to oppose God. They reason that his main goal is to handicap and double-cross creation because God threw him and his followers from heaven following his rebellion against the divine order. Thus, Satan is portrayed as the instigator of the first human couple, tempting them to sin, with all future generations implied by their choice and cursing human beings with a sinful nature at birth. Demonic forces employ human sinful nature to realise their ultimate goal, to separate humankind from the Creator by tempting them to sin while also threatening the rest of creation. This article investigates the Pentecostal theology of demonic forces in explaining the challenges posed by theodicy by comparing it to biblical data, using grammatical-historical exegesis and a comparative literature survey to evaluate their biblical grounding. It concludes that Pentecostals’ belief in such forces are justified if the the New Testament narratives are accepted as divine revelation. However, some Pentecostal speculations about demons’ origins, scope and reach are not biblically justified and complicates the response to theodicy, such as the origin of evil and its relation to human beings.

Distinct actions of testicular endocrine and lumicrine signaling on the proximal epididymal transcriptome.

The epididymal function and gene expression in mammals are under the control of the testis. Sex steroids are secreted from the testis and act on the epididymis in an endocrine manner. There is another, non-sex steroidal secreted signaling, named lumicrine signaling, in which testis-derived secreted proteins go through the male reproductive tract and act on the epididymis. The effects of such multiple regulations on the epididymis by the testis have been investigated for many genes. The recent development of high-throughput next-generation sequencing now enables us a further comparative survey of endocrine and lumicrine action-dependent gene expression. In the present study, testis-derived endocrine and lumicrine actions on epididymal gene expression were comparatively investigated by RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses. This investigation utilized experimental animal models in which testis-derived endocrine and/or lumicrine actions were interfered with, such as unilateral or bilateral orchidectomy. By bilateral orchidectomy, which interferes with both endocrine and lumicrine actions, 431 genes were downregulated. By unilateral orchidectomy, which also interferes with endocrine and lumicrine actions by the unilateral testis, but the endocrine action was compensated by the contralateral testis, 283 genes were downregulated. The content of such genes downregulated by unilateral orchidectomy was like those of lumicrine action-interfered efferent duct-ligation, W/Wv, and Nell2-/- mice. When genes affected by unilateral and bilateral orchidectomy were compared, 154 genes were commonly downregulated, whereas 217 genes were specifically downregulated only by bilateral orchidectomy, indicating the distinction between endocrine and lumicrine actions on the proximal epididymal transcriptome. Comparative transcriptome analyses also showed that the expressions of genes emerging since Amniota were notably impacted by bilateral orchidectomy, unilateral orchidectomy, and lumicrine action-interfering treatments; the degree of influence from these treatments varied based on the evolutionary stage beyond Amniota. These findings unveil an evolutional transition of regulated gene expression in the proximal epididymis by two different testis-derived signaling mechanisms.

[Training of Medical Assistants in Ophthalmology: Survey of a Sample of Large Ophthalmic Centers].

The shortage of specialists in SHI-accredited medical care is increasingly affecting medical assistants (MFA) in medical practices and Medical Care Center (MVZ). Training can mitigate the associated problems in the future, but currently only 42% of practices provide training. A survey of a sample of large ophthalmic centers was conducted to test the hypothesis that larger practices and MVZs provide disproportionate training. In addition, an interaction between ownership (physician-owned (äE); third-party owned (F)) and training engagement was evaluated. In a questionnaire-based complete survey (2022) of large ophthalmic centers of different ownerships organized in a network, the training rate by main operating site (HBS), the number of MFA trainees (MFA-A) per HBS, staffing problems and planned change in training commitment were collected. The distribution measures of the quantitative data were analyzed overall and separately by sponsoring organization and tested for significance.Results were compared to data from a representative survey (2020/2021) of all practices and MVZs. In order to determine the proportion of all ophthalmic MFA-A accounted for by the sample, their total number was determined in an extrapolation. The training rate of the total of 100 HBS of the 14 surveyed centers (11 äE, 3 F) of the sample was 82% (äE: 93%, F: 79%), which was higher than the representative survey (41%). In the sample, there were on average 5.9 MFA-A per HBS (äE: 5.6, F: 7.1), in the comparative survey 1.5. 50% of the centers in the sample reported staffing problems, 25% wanted to expand their training commitment; the comparative values of the representative survey were 11% for both parameters. Stratified by sponsorship, neither training rate nor MFA-A per HBS showed significant differences. According to projections, there were nearly 1,966 MFA-A working in ophthalmology in 2021, of which 19.5% were at centers in the study population. Of all the MFA-A in the sample, 71% were at the significantly larger centers by number of HBS owned by third-party. The survey confirms the positive correlation between the size of practices and MVZ and commitment to training. There are no significant differences according to the ownership of organization.

The Role of an Art Object in the Formation of Characteristic Features of Interior Space

The aim of the article is to study the role of different types of art objects in the formation of characteristic features of interior space. Research methods included bibliographic, typological and comparative analysis, field survey, compositional method, systematization and generalization. The scientific novelty lies in the research, analysis and systematization of the functional and aesthetic role of art objects in the formation of characteristic features of interior space. Conclusions. As a result of the study, the main features of the interior space, which can be achieved by placing an art object in it, were determined: intensification, assimilation, hyperbolization and transformation. Thus, the intensification of the interior is achieved through the dominant position of the art object, its compositional coherence with other elements, the subordination of rhythmic structures to it, and the creation of space for the effects of dynamism and expressiveness. Assimilation is achieved by subtly combining the geometric shapes of the interior space and the art object, creating a sense of balance, homogeneity, and compositional completeness. Hyperbolization relies on a pronounced semantic and stylistic contrast between the art object and the interior elements, resulting in the effect of compositional dissonance, revitalization, and at times, irony, sarcasm, and satire. Transformation involves visually altering the geometric form, size, or shape of both the interior space and the art object. This is achieved through methods such as dismemberment, emphasis, and the reconfiguration of spatial elements, leading to the effect of compositional asymmetry, dissymmetry, and dynamism. The study tested specific results in the design work of design students. The prospect for further research is to analyze the role of art objects in the qualitative transformation of modern interiors, to identify and systematize modern trends in the relationship between fine art and the object and spatial environment.

The digital governance puzzle: Towards integrative theory of humans, machines, and organizations in public management

In recent decades, the world has been undergoing extensive digital transformations, often described as the fourth transformative industrial revolution in human history. This revolution, replete with technological innovations and information society platforms, has dramatically altered many aspects of modern life. Governments and public administrations also play a major role in this revolution. They confront the challenges of regulations, various biases and barriers related to digital transformation, interactions with citizens in a highly technological environment, and the changing civic and political culture. This paper seeks to address major missing links in the digital governance puzzle. We suggest conceptual, epistemological, and empirical additions to current literature in this territory highlighting the need to integrate knowledge from various perspectives. Using a threefold interaction framework of human-machine-organization we develop a model to analyze the complex mechanism in which digitization processes in the public sector influence the behavior, performance, and values of public organizations. The model highlights the potential mediating role of perceptions of the Digital Governance Footprint (DGF) and people Mental and Emotional Models (MEMOs). Finally, we explain how multi/mixed-method analysis can support our model, using process-tracing strategy, comparative case studies, surveys, survey-experiments, and lab experiments.

A comparative analysis of distracted driving behavior among drivers of different income levels: A case study in huainan, China

This research aims to investigate the differences and causes behind distracted driving behavior among drivers with varying income levels. A comparative survey of 1121 drivers in Huainan City, China, was conducted, including 562 drivers from high-end communities representing the high-income group, and 559 drivers from general communities representing the low-income group. Employing social norms, risk perception, and experience as independent variables, the study further examines the role of in-group bias as a mediating variable, with distracted driving behavior serving as the dependent variable, through the construction of two structural equation models for analysis. The study found that among the high-income driver group, in-group bias significantly mediates the impact of social norms, risk perception, and experience on distracted driving behavior; however, this mediating effect is less pronounced in the low-income driver group. This finding is crucial for understanding the potential distracted driving behaviors induced by in-group bias within the high-income driver group and for effectively promoting driving safety. In summary, this research provides new insights into reducing distracted driving behavior among the high-income driver group, thereby enhancing road safety.

Rain-Based Train Washing: A Sustainable Approach to Reduce PM Concentrations in Underground Environments

Fine particle concentrations measured in many underground rail systems around the world consistently exceed those observed at ground level, potentially posing significant implications for human health. While numerous authors have observed these high particle concentrations and analyzed both their atomic compositions and health impacts, few have investigated devices and technologies capable of reducing these high levels in underground environments. In light of these considerations and recognizing the multifaceted challenges associated with maintaining air quality in underground metro systems, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of utilizing rainwater for washing trains to abate particulate matter (PM) concentrations in underground rail systems. To achieve this aim, an ad hoc case study was considered: the Naples Metro Line 1 (Italy), which is characterized by 4.5 km in the ground level and 13.5 km underground. A measurement campaign was carried out during storms of strong intensity through PM measuring instruments placed on station platforms along the metro line. Precisely, the trains were washed by the rain in the initial ground level section, and then continued wet within the underground one. The results of this measurement campaign were compared with those of a comparable survey carried out during average clear weather conditions, and the results showed that the train washing produces a significant PM10 concentration reduction of up to about 60% in the underground environment. If confirmed in other experimental settings, these results could lay the groundwork for the introduction of structured washing system devices (e.g., periodically washing trains and/or tunnels) for the reduction of PM concentration in underground metro systems. The present study sought to contribute valuable insights towards sustainable and environmentally conscious approaches to addressing air quality concerns, particularly by harnessing the natural resource of rainwater during specific meteorological events.

Future Intentions of First and Final-Year Nursing Students at Kenya Medical Training College

Purpose: To explore the nursing students’ future intentions upon graduation.
 Methodology: The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional survey of first-year nursing students and final-year nursing students on their future intentions upon graduation. The sample size was determined using Fisher et al., formula. Participants were selected through simple random sampling and those who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. An online questionnaire was administered using a free Open Data Kit (ODK). The summary sheet from ODK software was downloaded, and data was cleaned, coded, and entered into R statistical package for analysis.  Descriptive frequencies were generated for demographic and social characteristics; chi-square tests and proportion tests were used to determine significance when appropriate. Frequency counts, median, and percentages were tabulated for categorical variables.
 Findings: The study revealed that 99% (224/226) of the students would like to pursue a career in nursing after completing the diploma training. A higher proportion 69.1% (155/224) of the students who intend to pursue a career in nursing would prefer to pursue their nursing career outside of Kenya. There is a significant (P=0.004) difference since between the two groups as a higher proportion 77.5% (100/129) of Students in their first year of the study indicated they would prefer to pursue their career outside Kenya compared to 56.7% (55/97) students in their final year of the study. The study also revealed that 98.2% (222/226) of the students intend to pursue a degree in nursing upon completion of the KRCHN training.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: Regarding policy, this study suggests that the government collaborate with other nations to develop regulations that allow nurses to pursue education and employment abroad. After completing their training, nurses should be required to stay in Kenya for a predetermined period of time and should as most student nurses would wish to emigrate; thus, this will help alleviate the shortage.

Hand hygiene knowledge among nurses and nursing students–a descriptive cross-sectional comparative survey using the WHO's “Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire”

To determine the level of knowledge and explore the difference of hand hygiene between nursing students and nurses. Annually, 3.8 million people in Europe acquire healthcare-associated infections, highlighting the importance of hand hygiene. Despite WHO's emphasis on the fact that greater hand hygiene knowledge correlates with improved hand hygiene compliance, several studies have shown knowledge gaps among nurses and nursing students regarding hand hygiene. Descriptive cross-sectional comparative survey. A version of the WHO "Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire", translated into Swedish, was used for data collection among nursing students in the first and last semester, and registered nurses from a university and associated hospital. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and comparison between groups with Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc tests (Pairwise Z-Tests, Tukey HSD). The survey, conducted between December 2020 and January 2021, received responses from 201 participants, including 71 first semester students, 46 last semester students and 84 registered nurses, showing moderate (55.7% [50-74% correct answers]) to good (43.8% [75-100% correct answers]) knowledge levels. First-semester students scored lower (17.0 ± 2.1) than last-semester students (18.8 ± 1.8) and registered nurses (18.3 ± 2.1) out of 25 questions. It is necessary for all groups to receive proper education on hand hygiene knowledge and to have an educational program that does not separate the groups but combines them with continuing education, since the students will someday be influencing future hand hygiene knowledge as a peer, together with the nurse.

The radical left and its political communication. An examination of the campaign activities of radical left candidates in sixteen Europe countries

In this paper we focus on the political communication activities of the candidates of the radical left parties (RLPs), emphasizing their campaign activities during electioneering. We aim to address three key questions. First, we seek to understand what type of political communication activities RLP candidates use. Second, we undertake a comparative analysis, contrasting these activities with those employed by candidates and MPs from other party families in order to identify any notable distinctions. Third, we explore the thematic emphasis of their campaign activities and whether it aligns with the commonly held perception of RLPs as less individualistic, particularly in light of the prevailing trend towards increased personalization in politics. Our data come from the Comparative Candidates Survey (CCS) and cover 16 European countries over the years spanning from 2005 to 2017. In sum, the findings present a nuanced perspective and do not conclusively demonstrate a distinctly unique type of candidate of the radical left.

Effects of Results-Based-Financing on the Availability of Primary Registers in Private Health Facilities in Koulikoro, Mali

Summary: Registries provide an infrastructure for data evaluation and management as well as aknowledge collection system (library). The register in the health field allows you to acquire knowledge relevant and actionable to find solutions to problems current. Objective: The aim is to assess the availability of primary registers in private health centers. Methods and Materials: We carried out a retrospective, prospective and comparative survey on the availability of registers in the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 in private health centers having signed a performance contract with the Koulikoro contracting and verification agency as part of results-based financing. A total of 14 private health centers participated in this study. Results: We note an evolution in the availability rate of registers between the two periods evaluated. The availability of home visit, malnutrition and minor surgery registers was 0% in the third quarter of 2022 and it became respectively 4%, 7% and 80% in the third quarter of 2023. Conclusion: This study revealed that the regular verification of primary data recorded in registers is a factor leading to the increase in the availability of registers in private health centers.

Magnitude of Active Trachoma Among Host and Refugee Children in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia.

Trachoma is a serious public health concern and cause of blindness globally. Despite its vulnerability to all ages, children are more vulnerable to its adverse outcomes and devastating complications. This study assessed the magnitude of trachoma among children in host and refugee communities in Gambella, Ethiopia. A community-based comparative survey was done among 743 participants. Multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. Selected children were examined for trachoma using a 2.5x binocular loupe and graded using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading system. A standardized, structured, and pretested tool was used to collect the data. Data were collected through interviews and observation. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the associated factors. Variable with a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The magnitude of active trachoma was 119 (16.5%; 95% CI: 13.5, 21.4) with 36 (14.5%; 95% CI: 11.9, 18.8) and 83 (17.5%; 95% CI: 14.3, 22.7) from refugees and host communities, respectively. Poor knowledge of caregiver about trachoma [AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: (1.48, 8.85)], presence of human feces near the house [AOR = 4.57, 95% CI: (1.84, 11.34)], presence of garbage near the house [AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: (1.34, 12.36)], and the presence of flies on the face of the child [AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: (1.32, 8.84)] were significantly associated factors with active trachoma. Overall, one-sixth of children had experienced active trachoma. The magnitude of trachoma was higher in the host community compared to the refugees. Proper waste disposal and personal hygiene measures are important measures that should be addressed to tackle the problem.

How does collaborative freshwater governance affect legitimacy? Comparative analysis of 14 cases of collaboration in Aotearoa New Zealand between 2009 and 2017

ABSTRACT Collaborative governance is frequently thought to improve legitimacy and environmental outcomes. However, there remain gaps in our knowledge of whether and how collaborative governance influences legitimacy. Drawing on political systems theory and using a comparative case survey method, we explore legitimacy dimensions at the input, throughput, output, and outcome stages in 14 collaborative decision-making process in Aotearoa New Zealand from 2009-2017. Our qualitative inquiry utilizes coding categories that intertwine legitimacy with collaborative governance indicators. The analysis of these freshwater cases highlights the importance of input legitimacy within and across cases, emphasizing the critical nature of defining roles, responsibilities, authority, and mandate before collaboration. We delve into the implications of these findings for collaborative efforts in Aotearoa New Zealand and on an international scale.

Introduction to the special issue of the International Journal of Comparative Sociology on “National identity, nationalism, patriotism, and globalization”

This editors’ introduction into the themed issue of IJCS dedicated to the analysis of comparative survey work on national identity and globalization presents a very brief overview of core hypotheses from the five articles collected in the issue. The articles offer a variety of new, rather differentiated insights into how individual-level national identity attitudes and sibling concepts like national pride, patriotism, and nationalist chauvinism are related to societal-level variables that tend to vary with exposure to aspects of globalization, such as migrant influx and economic competition. Aside from the focus on those new contributions, the introduction also offers a few observations on the challenges that the wider national identity research field still faces. Given that the field is dealing with several overlapping attitude concepts, this centrally concerns a partial lack of conceptual clarity, which sometimes translates into ambiguous operationalizations and incomplete or imprecise explication of theoretical mechanisms. We conclude that the contributions of the themed issue, with their careful attention to particular aspects of measures and multi-level processes, may serve as another stepping stone for overcoming at least some of those challenges in the future.

Men who have sex with men were more depressed than their counterparts because of lower social support and higher loneliness: A comparative survey among Chinese university students

BackgroundPoor mental health is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), including MSM university students (MSMUS), causing a significant burden on their health and society. The study aimed to compare the difference in levels of depressive symptoms between Chinese MSMUS and non-MSMUS and test the mediating roles of social support and loneliness in the relationship between MSM status and depressive symptoms among male university students. MethodsFrom June to October 2018, a total of 305 MSMUS and 2447 non-MSMUS from two cities in Sichuan province (China) were investigated using questionnaires. ResultsThe proportion of depression in the MSMUS and non-MSMUS groups was 54.1 % and 36.4 %, respectively. MSM status, social support, and loneliness were all significantly associated with depressive symptoms among Chinese university students. Structural equation modelling showed that the association between MSM status and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by three indirect paths, including 1) via social support (mediated proportion = 19.4 %), 2) via loneliness (mediated proportion = 19.3 %), and 3) via social support and then loneliness (mediated proportion = 16.1 %). ConclusionsDepression was prevalent among university students in China, especially MSMUS. The findings increased our understanding of the mediating roles of social support and loneliness in the link between MSM status and depressive symptoms among Chinese male university students, which have great implications for designing interventions to improve their mental health. LimitationThe cross-sectional study design limited causal inferences.