Health Education Practice Research Articles

Enhancing College Students’ Well-Being through an Online Mindfulness Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Background Mental health challenges continue to be on the rise with college students. The COVID-19 pandemic further accentuated these challenges. Thus, consideration could be given to exploring various strategies to support the well-being of students. Purpose This study examined the effects of an online mindfulness intervention in an academic course measuring the well-being in a two-group pretest and posttest study design. Methods Participants included (N = 40) undergraduate students ages 18–23. The experimental group consisted of participants in an online health course with a mindfulness component. The control group enrolled in an identical health course without a mindfulness component. Results The results indicated greater statistically significant increases in the experimental group’s well-being, mindfulness and positive affect, as well as a decrease in negative affect compared to the control group. Discussion This study offers insight into the potential effectiveness of online mindfulness interventions embedded in academic courses for benefiting students’ well-being. This is especially relevant as it was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when focus on well-being was paramount. Translation to Health Education Practice Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) play an important role in enhancing well-being in the college student population through the needs assessment, implementation, evaluation, research and usage of findings.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH-CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOUR IN LOWER PRIMARY ENGLISH LESSONS

Health as a value was already respected in the life of the oldest communities, and they tried to create harmony in their lives. The perception of health, the positive attitudes to wards health are established in childhood. Families and the educational work carried out in public education institutions, occupy a special place in this process. Health education and promotion, as important elements of education for sustainability, prepare students to respect health as a value and be able to contribute to the creation of a sustainable soci ety and economy in an active and constructive way. The purpose of this study is to present the theoretical background and pedagogical practice of health education by examining the Moson-Sopron county, and a survey performed with the headteachers and English teachers of the elementary schools of this county. We assume that these schools have a Health education program, health education is included in the curriculum of all subjects, project work is considered a significant method. Environment and health education can be supported by project work, highlighting sustainability and the importance of environment protection. The novelty of the pilot environmental education project - presented in this paper - is the module focusing on environmental hazards, as this is an extracurricular topic. The pre- and post-survey carried out among the 4th grade learners of a volunteer primary school before and after the project implementation proved that they had some basic knowledge about some areas of sustainability and healthy life but the project could help them to widen and deepen their knowledge and to understand the link between environment and their health.

Respiratory Health and Underlying Tobacco Use Motives Among Cigarette Smokers and Hubble-Bubble Pipe Consumers: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Background Tobacco use, whether through hubble-bubble pipes or conventional cigarettes, poses significant risks to respiratory health. Purpose Researchers aimed to assess the respiratory health and underlying tobacco use motives among hubble-bubble pipe consumers and cigarette smokers. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study involved 340 smokers from Pakistan. A self-administered questionnaire included demographic-related questions and two validated tools, i.e. Questionnaire for Ease of Cough and Sputum Clearance and Tobacco Motives Inventory. Data analysis utilized SPSS involving descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results In comparison to hubble-bubble pipe consumers, cigarette smokers had significantly poor respiratory health (p = .001, median = 8 vs. 10). Moreover, cigarette smokers reported higher social, self-enhancement, boredom relief, and affect regulation motives (p < .001). Respiratory health was also significantly different across gender, age, qualification, occupational status, marital status, lifestyle, and family history of smoking. Tobacco motives differed across gender, age, qualification, occupational status, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and family history. Discussion Although hubble-bubble pipe consumers reported lower respiratory health issues, consuming it is still a critical health concern. Translation to Health Education Practice Planning targeted education programs and interventions could address the underlying motives of tobacco consumption and thus can effectively improve respiratory health and promote smoking cessation.

A Study on the of Nutrition, Health and Hygiene Counselling impact on Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder, especially among women and children in developing countries. This study investigates the impact of nutrition, health, and hygiene counseling on the prevalence and management of iron deficiency anemia. Through a combination of dietary modifications, health education, and hygiene practices, the study aims to evaluate improvements in hemoglobin levels and overall health outcomes. Participants included women of reproductive age and children from a rural community, who were provided with structured counseling sessions over six months. Baseline and post-intervention data on hemoglobin levels, dietary intake, and hygiene practices were collected and analyzed. The results demonstrate significant improvements in hemoglobin levels and a reduction in the incidence of IDA, highlighting the effectiveness of comprehensive counseling as a sustainable intervention strategy.

Defining mental health literacy: a systematic literature review and educational inspiration

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how the term “mental health literacy” (MHL) is defined and understand the implications for public mental health and educational interventions.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive search was conducted by searching PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Keywords such as “mental health literacy” and “definition” were used. The publication year ranges from 1997 to 2023.FindingsIn total, 17 papers met the inclusion criteria. Three distinct themes characterise the definitions of MHL: cognitive understanding; affective empowerment; and behavioural change. In the mental health educational context, inspiration, transformation and practice can be viewed as three stages for curriculum development.Research limitations/implicationsDespite conducting a systematic literature review, there remains the possibility that certain relevant studies may not have been identified. Specifically, the selection criteria prioritise papers that explicitly addressed MHL.Practical implicationsTraditional educational approaches prioritise knowledge dissemination and attitude change; integrating MHL into mental health well-being curriculum advocates for action-oriented intervention to address mental health challenges.Social implicationsUnderstanding different definitions and concepts in a field can be valuable for consolidating shared understandings, highlighting tensions and contradictions, and enhancing communication among researchers. Ironically, perhaps, the process also highlights the provisional nature of these definitions.Originality/valueThe exploration of MHL with three themes of definitions sheds light on the understanding of this concept. Three core themes in MHL definitions guide future curriculum development. This study underscores the importance of prioritise action-oriented intervention in mental health education, emphasising the need to move beyond knowledge dissemination towards transformative practices that promote holistic mental well-being.

Goal Setting Moderates Behavior Change Outcomes in College Students After an Online Health Coaching Intervention

ABSTRACT Background Health coaching sessions that incorporate goal setting may help improve college students' health behaviors. Purpose This study examined whether specific goal-setting practices moderated changes in health behaviors during an online wellness intervention in college students. Methods Participants were 90 college students recruited from one US university. The intervention was a one-hour virtual one-on-one health coaching session where participants set two goals for either physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET)-minutes or MET-minutes), nutrition, sleep, or stress management. Self-reported baseline behaviors were collected, and follow-up surveys were completed at 6- and 12-weeks. Mixed effects models examined behavior change outcomes across the follow-up timepoints while testing the moderating effect of goal setting using interactions. Results The Goal×Time interaction was significant for moderate MET-minutes at 1st follow-up (b = 443, p = .003), and for total MET-minutes at the 2nd follow-up (b = 717, p = .047). The Goal×Time interaction was also significant for stress management at 1st follow-up (Odds Ratio = 7.3, p = .042). Discussion Participants who set physical activity and stress management goals had significantly higher physical activity and utilized more stress management techniques. Translation to Health Education Practice The use of specific goal-setting strategies for physical activity and stress management is recommended during online health coaching sessions. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

Familiarity Moderates Education Level of Stigma for Professional Efficacy of Treating Mental Illness

ABSTRACT Background About one in five adults in the United States experience any mental illness (AMI), whereas 14.2 million experience serious mental illness (SMI). The perception of stigma among individuals experiencing mental illness is associated with care seeking behavior and treatment adherence. Purpose Two factors that mitigate stigma are familiarity with someone experiencing AMI/SMI and general level of education. Heretofore, these factors have not been tested together to determine if familiarity moderates the relation between level of education and stigma of professional efficacy for treating mental illness. Methods In fall 2020, an online survey in the state of Utah measured 1,300 adults’ perceptions of stigma for AMI/SMI using a validated instrument. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results Results indicate that familiarity (i.e. self or immediate family member versus other person) moderated level of education for stigma of professional efficacy for treatment of AMI but not SMI. Discussion Participants viewed the professional efficacy of treating AMI and SMI differently. These findings have implications for educational interventions designed to mitigate public stigma for professional efficacy of treating mental illness. Translation to Health Education Practice Emphasizes the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc. assessment of needs and capacity, and evaluation and research competencies. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

Behavioral, Clinical, and Coronary Artery Calcium Screening for Prevention and Treatment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Implications for Health Education

ABSTRACT Background In the USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. Purpose To investigate the association between behavioral and non-behavioral risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods Patients referred for a CT angiography completed a demographic/behavioral questionnaire and medical history interview for CAD risk factors. Risk factor data were correlated with CAD subclinical atherosclerosis scores for 521 participants. Results Frequency among four levels of CAD revealed: no disease 38%, mild atherosclerotic 20%, moderate atherosclerotic 30%, and severe atherosclerosis 12%. Significant (p ≤ .05) demographic variables were as follows: age, race, marital status, and employment status. Significant predictive behavioral variables were as follows: tobacco use, daily water intake, sodium consumption, exercise days per week, and junk food consumption. Risk factors significantly associated with subclinical CAD included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and abnormal coronary calcium score. Discussion Multi-slice CT angiography allows early reliable evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis and correlation with behavioral/non-behavioral risk factors with level of CAD, instrumental to primary and secondary CAD prevention, limiting tertiary CAD treatment. Translation to Health Education Practice Study results have implications for Health Educators with regard to intervention research planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients presenting with different forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis, in Lay Gayint, Northern Ethiopia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites, that can cause long-term chronic disabilities. The clinical presentation of CL varies in both type and severity. CL presents as three main clinical forms: localised lesions (localised cutaneous leishmaniasis, LCL); mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) that affects the mucosa of the nose or the mouth; or as disseminated not ulcerating nodules (diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, DCL). Here we recruited a cohort of CL patients in a newly established leishmaniasis treatment centre (LTC) in Lay Gayint, Northwest Ethiopia, and collected detailed demographic and clinical data. The results of our study show that more males than females present to the LTC to seek diagnosis and treatment. 70.2% of CL patients presented with LCL and 20.8% with MCL. A small number of patients presented with DCL, recidivans CL (a rare form of CL where new lesions appear on the edges of CL scars) or with a combination of different clinical presentations. The duration of illness varied from 1 month to 180 months. Over a third of CL patients had additional suspected CL cases in their household. Despite the majority of CL patients having heard about CL, only a minority knew about its transmission or that it could be treated. Most CL patients lived in areas where environmental factors known to be associated with the transmission of CL were present. This work highlights that CL is an important public health problem in Lay Gayint and emphasises the urgent need for more CL awareness campaigns, better health education and better disease management practices.

Ethical risks in robot health education: A qualitative study.

As health education robots may potentially become a significant support force in nursing practice in the future, it is imperative to adhere to the European Union's concept of "Responsible Research and Innovation" (RRI) and deeply reflect on the ethical risks hidden in the process of intelligent robotic health education. This study explores the perceptions of professional nursing professionals regarding the potential ethical risks associated with the clinical practice of intelligent robotic health education. This study adopts a descriptive phenomenological approach, employing Colaizzi's seven-step method for data analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 nursing professionals from tertiary comprehensive hospitals in China. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Provincial Second Chinese Medicine Hospital. Nursing personnel, adhering to the principles of RRI and the concept of "person-centered" care, have critically reflected on the potential ethical risks inherent in robotic health education. This reflection has primarily identified six themes: (a) threats to human dignity, (b) concerns about patient safety, (c) apprehensions about privacy disclosure, (d) worries about implicit burdens, (e) concerns about responsibility attribution, and (f) expectations for social support. This study focuses on health education robots, which are perceived to have minimal ethical risks, and provides rich and detailed insights into the ethical risks associated with robotic health education. Even seemingly safe health education robots elicit significant concerns among professionals regarding their safety and ethics in clinical practice. As we move forward, it is essential to remain attentive to the potential negative impacts of robots and actively address them.

Oral health education in your practice.

Oral health education in your practice.

Awareness and Knowledge of Medical Interns in the Diagnosis and Management of Anaphylaxis in Medina Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Anaphylaxis is a severe hypersensitivity reaction caused by IgE-mediated mechanisms. This life-threatening condition affects multiple body systems. Global lifetime prevalence estimates for anaphylaxis range from 0.3% to 5.1%, with increasing incidence noted, particularly among young individuals. Symptoms range from mild skin manifestations like urticaria and pruritus to severe respiratory distress and hypotension. Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of medical interns in the Medina region, Saudi Arabia, regarding the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Method A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals in Saudi Arabia by delivering a questionnaire designed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge (including signs, symptoms, and management of anaphylaxis) among medical interns in the Medina region. The data collected were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (released 2013, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The study involved 291 interns from the universities in the Medina region. Most participants (275, 94.5%) correctly defined anaphylaxis and identified food allergies or insect stings as the main triggers (254, 87.3%). The participants demonstrated good knowledge of health education practices and anaphylaxis symptoms, such as the importance of carrying an adrenaline auto-injector (269, 92.4%) and recognizing syncope as a cardiovascular symptom (196, 67.4%). Regarding management, most correctly identified the initial step as removing the allergen (226, 77.7%) and epinephrine as the preferred medication (256, 88.0%). Significant gender differences were observed in the knowledge of management aspects (P = 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.049, P = 0.004, P = 0.001). Conclusion The study found that most participants had a good understanding of the definition of anaphylaxis and its most common triggers. The participants also demonstrated knowledge of symptoms and signs associated with anaphylaxis and the appropriate management of anaphylaxis. However, there were some differences in knowledge between females and males, suggesting that further education and awareness campaigns may be needed to ensure an accurate and consistent understanding of anaphylaxis among both genders. Overall, the study highlights the importance of education and awareness in effectively managing anaphylaxis and preventing its complications.

The breastfeeding experience of women with multiple pregnancies: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

BackgroundThe experiences and challenges associated with breastfeeding multiple births can be considerably more complex than those of singletons. Multiple births refer to the delivery of more than one offspring in a single birth event. Emphasizing the needs and experiences of mothers with multiple births during breastfeeding can enable healthcare providers to design targeted interventions that enhance breastfeeding rates. However, existing breastfeeding and health education resources and practices do not fully meet the needs of women who breastfeed multiples. This review aimed to review and synthesize qualitative studies on the breastfeeding experiences of women with multiple births.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in 10 electronic databases for papers published from the inception of the database to March 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research was utilized to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included. The thematic synthesis method of Thomas and Harden was employed to integrate and analyze the included literature to derive new categories and conclusions.FindingsEight studies met the inclusion criteria and quality assessment criteria for this study. Through the integration of their results, four themes were identified: the choice and willingness to breastfeed multiple births; the challenges of breastfeeding multiple births; stage management and individualised adaptation of breastfeeding; and the experience of support.ConclusionThroughout the feeding process from pregnancy to the postpartum period, mothers with multiple births often have predominantly negative experiences with breastfeeding. Consequently, hospitals should create a multidisciplinary follow-up team comprising obstetrics, neonatology, psychology, and community services to offer specialized and personalized support to these women at various stages.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [PROSPERO 2024 CRD42024520348].

Intensifying health education practices in primary care through the use of podcasts

Intensifying health education practices in primary care through the use of podcasts

Assessing Nutrition Awareness and Education within Active Population in MENA and its Effect on Professional Performance

ABSTRACT Background The MENA region witnesses significant changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns. These shifts raise concerns about the potential impact on nutritional awareness and dietary habits, which can influence professional performance. Purpose This study assessed the relationship between nutritional awareness, dietary quality, and professional performance within the region. Methods A cross-sectional study relied on data collected from 967 individuals in various countries. The research focused on evaluating nutritional awareness, dietary quality, and their association with self-reported professional performance. Data analysis was done with SPSS. Results The analysis revealed a robust correlation between nutritional awareness, the quality of diet, and professional performance. Individuals with heightened nutritional knowledge demonstrated a propensity for making healthier dietary choices, positively influencing their well-being. This translated into enhanced job performance, emphasizing a positive association between nutrition-related factors and professional success. Discussion The findings highlight the importance of nutritional awareness and healthy dietary choices in promoting higher professional performance within the region. Translation to Health Education Practice The results of the present study reflect prospects for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) focused on the need for interventions promoting nutritional education to optimize the well-being and productivity of the workforce in the MENA region in evolving socio-economic landscape. By targeting individuals and workplaces, health educators can play a crucial role in this endeavor.

Association Between Self-Esteem and Cyber Victimization: The Mediating Roles of Digital Game Playing and Cyberbullying

ABSTRACT Background Today, the intensive use of technology necessitates more research on cyberbullying and victimization among adolescents. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a proposed model of the associations between self-esteem, digital game playing, cyberbullying, and victimization in early adolescents. Methods A total of 312 early adolescents participated based on the criterion sampling method. The age range of the adolescents was 10–14 years (Mean = 12.63; SD = 0.60). Two-stage structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Bootstrapping analysis was used to test mediation effects. Results The findings revealed the serial mediating relations of digital game playing and cyberbullying in the association between early adolescents’ self-esteem and cyber victimization. Discussion The results emphasize the role of individual differences in adolescents’ self-esteem as a significant factor in cyber victimization. This relationship operates through the behavioral pathways of digital game use and cyberbullying. Translation to Health Education Practice Based on the research findings, health educators can encourage students in this developmental period to establish healthier relationships in the digital world and develop strategies to protect mental health. In this direction, health educators should aim to develop healthy digital gaming habits in students by considering the negative effects of digital game addiction on cyber victimization. For this purpose, educators can organize awareness-raising educational programs against digital game addiction and guide students in determining balanced play times

Validation of the Norwegian International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) in adult readers with normal vision

There is a lack of standardised reading tests in Norwegian suitable for adults and persons with visual impairment (VI). The International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) measure reading performance of longer paragraphs. The aim of this project was to translate and validate the IReST in Norwegian. Each of the German, English and Swedish IReST were translated into Norwegian. The translations were matched for length, linguistic difficulty, and structure, and piloted in five adults. Reading speed was assessed in 25 readers (41 years, SD = 10) with normal vision and the readings were recorded. Reading speeds were analysed for variability between texts and participants. There were no statistically significant differences between the ten texts (135 words, 765 characters [SD=18], word variation index 91.8% [SD = 0.9%]). Reading speed in adult readers was 204 (SD=31) words/min. There was no difference across texts for any of the participants (p&gt;0.05). Reading speed variance was 77.4% between subjects and 22.6% between texts. The Norwegian IReST is standardised and comparable to the international IReST tests. Reading speed falls within normative values in adult readers. The Norwegian IReST will be a valuable tool in assessing reading in clinical health care, rehabilitation and educational practice of adult and visually impaired readers and in reading research.

Diabetes specialist nurses' knowledge, skills, and personal attributes for providing competent health education practice, and its influencing factors: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe number of diabetes specialist nurse as well as their knowledge and skills have increased in Gansu Province since 2017. However, China has not fully addressed how to improve their professional skills to deliver effective health education. AimsTo investigate the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes of competent health education practices among diabetes specialist nurses in Gansu Province, western China, and the potential influencing factors. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsIn total, 178 diabetes specialist nurses from 45 hospitals participated in this study. Data were collected between December 2022 and April 2023 using the Nurse Health Education Competence Instrument (I-CepSE) and a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including univariate and multiple linear regression analyses, were used to analyze data. ResultsThe mean scores of overall I-CepSE, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes were 218.77 ± 31.65, 77.80 ± 18.27, 103.95 ± 13.75 and 37.02 ± 4.73, respectively. A shortage of nursing staff and heavy workload (81.4 %), lack of cooperation from patients (56.5 %), lack of access to educational resources during work placement (54.2 %), and nurses' lack of knowledge/skills in health education (53.1 %) were common barriers to health education implementation. The regression models for the overall health education competence domain were significant (P < 0.001) with R2 values ranging from 31.9 % to 50.5 %. Education level and years of experience in diabetes-related care were found to be significant on all knowledge, skills, and personal attitude scales (P < 0.05), and age was associated with diabetes specialist nurses' skills and personal attitude scores (P < 0.05). ConclusionDiabetes specialist nurses demonstrated moderate to high levels of health education knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, they lacked knowledge of pedagogical techniques and resources, with inadequate educational skills. This study suggests that reasonable nursing human resource allocation and continuous education and training are crucial for improving health education competence.

Breaking down barriers: rationalisations and motivation to stop among Chinese male smokers under cigarette dependence

BackgroundSmoking rationalisation beliefs are a huge barrier to quitting smoking. What types of rationalisations should be emphasised in smoking cessation interventions? Although past literature has confirmed the negative relationship between those beliefs and motivation to stop smoking, little is known regarding the importance and performance of those beliefs on motivation with varying cigarette dependence. The study aimed to ascertain rationalisations that are highly important for motivation yet perform poorly in different cigarette dependence groups.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted from November 19 to December 9, 2023 in Guiyang City, China. Adult male current smokers were enrolled. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis. The multi-group analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of cigarette dependence, and the importance-performance map analysis was utilised to assess the importance and performance of rationalisations.ResultsA total of 616 adult male current smokers were analysed, and they were divided into the low cigarette dependence group (n = 297) and the high cigarette dependence group (n = 319). Except for risk generalisation beliefs, smoking functional beliefs (H1: -β = 0.131, P < 0.01), social acceptability beliefs (H3: β = -0.258, P < 0.001), safe smoking beliefs (H4: β = -0.078, P < 0.05), self-exempting beliefs (H5: β = -0.244, P < 0.001), and quitting is harmful beliefs (H6: β = -0.148, P < 0.01) all had a significant positive influence on motivation. Cigarette dependence moderated the correlation between rationalisations and motivation. In the high-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs were located in the “Concentrate Here” area. In the low-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs were also situated in there.ConclusionsSocial acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs showed great potential and value for improvement among high-dependence smokers, while only social acceptability beliefs had great potential and value for improvement among low-dependence smokers. Addressing these beliefs will be helpful for smoking cessation. The multi-group analysis and the importance-performance map analysis technique have practical implications and can be expanded to other domains of health education and intervention practice.

Refractive Errors, Amplitude of Accommodation, and Myopia Progression in Kazakhstani Medical Students: 5-Year Follow-Up.

Background/Objectives: this longitudinal study aimed to investigate the refractive errors, the amplitude of accommodation, and myopia progression in Kazakhstani medical students as they progressed from the first to the fifth course of their studies. Methods: A total of 696 students from Semey Medical University underwent non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction in the first course, and 655 were available for examination in the fifth year of study. The amplitude of accommodation was measured before the instillation of cycloplegics using the push-up and push-down methods. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to evaluate the risk factors associated with myopia progression. Results: In the first course, the median spherical equivalent was -0.75 Diopters before cycloplegia and -0.25 Diopters after cycloplegia. In the fifth course, it constituted -1.125 Diopters before cycloplegia and -0.5 Diopters after cycloplegia. The proportion of students with myopia following cycloplegic refraction increased from 44.7% in the first course to 47.5% in the fifth course. The proportion of emmetropic students declined from 31.5% to 30.3%, and hyperopia decreased from 23.8% to 16.8%. The dioptric power of accommodative excess increased from 0.375 in the first year to 0.50 in the fifth year. The hours spent on near-work activities, such as reading books, writing, working at a computer, and using a mobile device, were significantly associated with a myopia progression of ≥0.5 Diopters. Conclusions: the findings of this study suggest implications for public health policy and educational practice.