Healthcare University Students Research Articles

Mental Disorders Among Healthcare Students Attending a Large University Hospital in Milan, Italy.

The high incidence rates, treatment difficulties, and tendency to become chronic, which subsequently affects personal and occupational functioning, make mental health disorders among the most important public health concerns. In this context, healthcare university students (HS) appear to be more vulnerable to psychological distress than others. Investigate the prevalence of diagnosed mental illness among different groups of HS to detect students who may be psychologically vulnerable and determine whether the implementation of support interventions is necessary. All HS who had a clinical examination performed by an occupational physician at our occupational health unit between 2021 and 2022 were included in our case series. Data were collected and analyzed as part of the occupational physicians' health surveillance program. out of 679 HS (507 females, 172 males, aged 22.2±3.9 mean±s.d) undergone clinical examination at our Occupational Health Unit, 36 (5.3%) reported a diagnosed psychiatric illness, and 20 were receiving pharmacological therapy at the time of the visit. A higher prevalence of psychological disorders has been highlighted in females (6.1% vs 2.9% in males) and students of the mental health sector (11.1%) when compared with others. A fit-to-work judgment with prescription was necessary for 16.7% of students with mental diseases. The presence of psychiatric disorders was associated with underweight (27.8%) and higher smoking habit (44.4%). These results underline the necessity of improving the current health surveillance protocols, which should also evaluate students' psychological fragility and implement effective intervention strategies to promote their health and wellbeing.

Effectiveness of Brain Gym Exercises Over Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Improving Sleep Quality Among Healthcare University Students: A Comparative Study.

Background More than half of healthcare university students are believed to experience inadequate sleep. The application of brain gym exercises is a relatively new concept that has shown potential for addressing a variety of cognitive and perceptual deficits. Nevertheless, its use in managing sleep disorders is still in the early stages. Though cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is still the standard treatment for sleep management, recent research suggests that brain gym exercises may help with sleep disorders like insomnia. Independent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CBT and brain gym activities in treating sleep disorders. Yet, there remains a paucity of studies directly comparing these two methods in treating individuals with sleep disturbances. Aim and objectives To ascertain the effectiveness of brain gym exercises over cognitive behavioral therapy in improving sleep quality among healthcare university students. Method The experimental study comparing brain gym exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions was conducted in Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from March 2023 to December 2023, with 60 subjects selected after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The protocol was administered for 4 weeks for 30 minutes per day. The baseline outcome measures were the insomnia severity index (ISI) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The outcome measure was used before and after 4 weeks of interventions to evaluate the outcome of the protocol. The software used in the analysis was SPSS 27.0 version and GraphPad Prism 7.0 version, and p<0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Result Post-treatment, evidence was observed for ISI (20.55, P = 0.0001) and PSQI (18.09, P = 0.0001) in Group A. Post-rehabilitation evidence was observed in Group B for ISI (19, P=0.0001) and PSQI (16.64, P=0.0001). The findings revealed a significantly higher mean difference between Group A and Group B, showing a considerable improvement in outcome measure scores within Group A relative to Group B. Conclusion The statistical analysis demonstrates a notable improvement in the pre-and post-scores of the ISI and PSQI following four weeks of brain gym exercises. In comparison, cognitive behavioral therapy showed comparatively less effectiveness in addressing insomnia. The observed improvement in sleep quality among students highlights that brain gym exercises have the potential to be a non-pharmacological alternative for managing mild to moderate insomnia.

Using Health Claims to Teach Evidence-Based Practice to Healthcare Students: A Mixed Methods Study

Background A multifaceted and interactive teaching approach is recommended for achieving proficiency in evidence-based practice, with critical thinking considered vital for connecting theory and practice. In this context, we advocate the strategic use of health claims in media to promote critical thinking and provide an accessible entry point to evidence-based practice for early-stage university healthcare students. Method We conducted a convergent mixed methods study, including a cross-sectional survey with structured and open-ended questions as well as focus group interviews, at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants were bachelor’s students in bioengineering, physiotherapy, social education, and occupational therapy. We employed a blended learning approach, combining digital learning resources, teaching in critical assessment of health claims and evidence-based practice, and a concurrent group exam assignment centered around health news. The outcome measures included students’ experiences integrating health claims into evidence-based practice teaching and their experiences with teaching approaches, including the group exam. Results Out of 446 participants, 136 (30.5%) responded to the structured questions in the survey. In response to the open-ended questions within the survey, 109 (80.1%) of the respondents shared positive experiences about the course, while 98 (72%) suggested improvements. Additionally, 25 students participated in focus group interviews. Synthesizing the results, we found that students viewed the inclusion of health claim assessment as a useful entry point for learning evidence-based practice. In addition, both the blended learning design and the group exam were identified as contributors to a positive perception of learning outcomes from the course. Conclusions Integrating critical reflection on media health claims into evidence-based practice education, alongside a blended learning approach and a group exam, may be beneficial for educating bachelor’s healthcare students. However, further rigorous study designs are needed to assess the effect of the course on learning outcomes. Registration DOI 10.5281/zenodo.6985449

Sleep quality and prevalence of mental disorders in healthcare university students of Brazil

Sleep quality and prevalence of mental disorders in healthcare university students of Brazil

ChatGPT for Academic Purposes: Survey Among Undergraduate Healthcare Students in Malaysia.

The impact of generative artificial intelligence-based Chatbotson medical education, particularly in Southeast Asia, is understudied regarding healthcare students' perceptions of its academic utility. Sociodemographic profiles and educational strategies influence prospective healthcare practitioners' attitudes toward AI tools. This study aimed to assess healthcare university students' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding ChatGPT for academic purposes. It explored chatbot usage frequency, purposes, satisfaction levels, and associations between age, gender, and ChatGPT variables. Four hundred forty-three undergraduate students at a Malaysian tertiary healthcare institute participated, revealing varying awareness levels of ChatGPT's academic utility. Despite concerns about accuracy, ethics, and dependency, participants generally held positive attitudes toward ChatGPT in academics. Multiple logistic regression highlighted associations between demographics, knowledge, attitude, and academic ChatGPT use. MBBS students were significantly more likely to use ChatGPT for academics than BDS and FIS students. Final-year students exhibited the highest likelihood of academic ChatGPT use. Higher knowledge and positive attitudes correlated with increased academic usage. Most users (45.8%) employed ChatGPT to aid specific assignment sections while completing most work independently. Some did not use it (41.1%), while others heavily relied on it (9.3%). Users also employed it for various purposes, from generating questions to understanding concepts. Thematic analysis of responses showed students' concerns about data accuracy, plagiarism, ethical issues, and dependency on ChatGPT for academic tasks. This study aids in creating guidelines for implementing GAI chatbots in healthcare education, emphasizing benefits, and risks, and informing AI developers and educators about ChatGPT's potential in academia.

Cross-sectional study of factors related to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among university healthcare students.

Healthcare students are more likely to become infected than other university students as they may encounter patients with COVID-19 during clinical training. Vaccination uptake is essential to prevent infection. This study explored factors related to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among healthcare students. This cross-sectional study conducted online surveys of undergraduate and graduate nursing and healthcare graduate students from four medical universities in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area of Japan. Data were collected from June to August 2022, when the fourth vaccination program was initiated. Data from 1,169 students were analyzed (response rate = 37.3%). The mean age was 25.1 ± 7.6 years, and most were female (82.3%). Academic majors included nursing (68.0%), medicine (16.3%), dentistry (9.3%), and others (6.4%). Thirty students (2.6%) were not vaccinated, one student (0.1%) had received one vaccination, 997 (85.3%) had received three, and 27 (2.3%) had received four. The major reason for not being vaccinated was insufficient confirmation of its safety (n = 25). Students who had received at least one vaccination (n = 1,139), 965 (84.7%) reported experiencing adverse side effects, the most frequent being pain at the injection site (76.2%), followed by fever (68.3%). In the logistic regression, a greater number of vaccinations (3-4 times) was associated with older age (odds ratio, OR = 1.53), working (OR = 1.67), and more frequent infection-preventive behaviors (OR = 1.05). Significantly fewer students were vaccinated at University B than at University A (OR = 0.46). Additionally, those majoring in subjects other than nursing (OR = 0.28), and students from non-Asian countries (OR = 0.30) were less likely to be vaccinated. It is necessary to pay attention to and encourage the vaccination of students who engage in low levels of preventive behavior, students who are young, international, or unemployed, and those in non-healthcare professional majors.

What do health care professionals, students, and laypeople in Greece believe about informed consent for research on medical practices? Unleashing Pandora's box

Abstract Background: Attitudes toward informed consent for research on medical practices has been little investigated in Greece in the general population as well as in health care students and professionals, and at the same time, undergraduate and postgraduate curricula with focus on informed consent issues are entirely missing. Methods: To explore attitudes toward informed consent for research on medical practices among students, doctors, and laypeople in Greece across several demographic variables. A total of 380 participants (180 first-year healthcare university students from various faculties including medicine, pharmacy, biology, nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery, health care engineers, 100 medical doctors of various specialties working in hospitals and private practice, and 100 laypeople) completed a survey questionnaire along with a detailed demographics questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that between the three groups, there were statistically significant differences in the responses for all aspects of attitudes toward informed consent. Overall, Greek participants reported more negative attitudes when compared with findings from the United States. In addition, most of the participants reported lack of educational experience regarding informed consent. Conclusion: The findings showed that the efforts and relevant initiatives by the Greek State, private institutions, and the Greek Medical Societies should refocus and emphasize on educational programs concerning the dissemination of relevant scientific information on informed consent processes, either as a provider or as a consumer. Future research should further investigate in more depth the complex influence of additional social and/or psychological factors for the reported differences.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: evidence from a three-wave longitudinal study

BackgroundThe 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is a widely used tool for individuals to self-report their self-esteem; however, the factorial structures of translated versions of the RSES vary across different languages. This study aimed to validate the Chinese version of the RSES in the Chinese mainland using a longitudinal design.MethodsA group of healthcare university students completed the RSES across three waves: baseline, 1-week follow-up, and 15-week follow-up. A total of 481 valid responses were collected through the three-wave data collection process. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the baseline data to explore the potential factorial structure, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on the follow-up data to determine the best-fit model. Additionally, the cross-sectional and longitudinal measurement invariances were tested to assess the measurement properties of the RSES for different groups, such as gender and age, as well as across different time points. Convergent validity was assessed against the Self-Rated Health Questionnaire (SRHQ) using Spearman’s correlation. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients, while test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient.ResultsThe results of EFA revealed that Items 5, 8, and 9 had inadequate or cross-factor loadings, leading to their removal from further analysis. Analysis of the remaining seven items using EFA suggested a two-factor solution. A comparison of several potential models for the 10-item and 7-item RSES using CFA showed a preference for the 7-item form (RSES-7) with two factors. Furthermore, the RSES-7 exhibited strict invariance across different groups and time points, indicating its stability and consistency. The RSES-7 also demonstrated adequate convergent validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability, which further supported its robustness as a measure of self-esteem.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the RSES-7 is a psychometrically sound and brief self-report scale for measuring self-esteem in the Chinese context. More studies are warranted to further verify its usability.

A Qualitative Study Exploring University Health Care Students Perceptions on Methods to Reduce Mental Health Stigma in Nigeria

A Qualitative Study Exploring University Health Care Students Perceptions on Methods to Reduce Mental Health Stigma in Nigeria

Bacterial Contamination of Healthcare Students' Mobile Phones: Impact of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), Users' Demographics and Device Characteristics on Bacterial Load.

We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated the bacterial contamination of mobile phones (MPs) in relation to users' demographics, habits, and device characteristics by administering questionnaires to 83 healthcare university students and sampling their MPs by following a cross-sectional design. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) at 22 °C (HPC 22 °C) and 37 °C (HPC 37 °C), Enterococci, Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococci were evaluated. Higher bacterial loads were detected for HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci (416 and 442 CFU/dm2, respectively), followed by HPC 22 °C, Enterococci, and Gram-negative bacteria; the vast majority of samples were positive for HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Staphylococci (98%), while Enterococci (66%) and Gram-negative bacteria (17%) were detected less frequently. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.262, p < 0.02) was found between the European head specific absorption rate (SAR) and both HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci; Enterococci showed a strong, significant correlation with HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Gram-negative bacteria (r = 0.633, 0.684, 0.884) and a moderate significant correlation with Staphylococci (r = 0.390). Significant differences were found between HPC 22 °C and the type of internship attendance, with higher loads for Medicine. Students with a daily internship attendance had higher HPC 22 °C levels than those attending <6 days/week. Our study showed that bacteria can survive on surfaces for long periods, depending on the user's habits and the device's characteristics.

Creativity is Not Related to Higher Cognitive Functioning: An Exploration Among Healthcare Professionals and Students During the Covid-19 Omicron Wave

In the light of the public health crisis due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is important to acknowledge its impact on healthcare professionals and students during the Omicron wave. In this study, the aim was to compare the levels of depressive symptomatology, burnout, and creativity in Greek healthcare professionals and students while exploring associations with cognitive functioning. The sample consisted of 243 Greek individuals (104 healthcare professionals and 139 healthcare university students). Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Both groups scored high in depression, however, no significant difference was found in the levels of creativity and cognitive functioning. Although health professionals scored higher in burnout, burnout levels were found to be low in both groups. No correlation was found among cognitive functioning, burnout, depression and creativity. Support should be provided to healthcare professionals and students. Further research should investigate cognitive functioning and possible associations with depression, burnout, and creativity.

Vaccine Hesitancy in Albanian university healthcare students: preliminary results

Vaccine Hesitancy in Albanian university healthcare students: preliminary results

Emotional intelligence is more important than the learning environment in improving critical thinking

Purpose To examine the association of critical thinking (CT) and emotional intelligence (EI) versus CT and learning environment (LE) in order to investigate which has the greatest influence EI or LE. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 s-year healthcare university students in two nursing and one medical schools from three universities in Greece, between October and December 2020. Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form were administered. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, with five steps, was used to compare the associations of CT and EI to CT and LE. Results Participants’ mean age (years) was 20.9 (6.6 SD); 82.6% female; 86.8% studying nursing. Students mean scores were moderate to high for CT disposition (44.7 ± 4.68). The general characteristics (age, gender, and school) were not significantly associated with CT (p > 0.05). However, CT was positively associated with LE (UCB = 0.064 & p < 0.001) and EI (UCB = 1.522 & p < 0.001). Moreover, CT seems to be associated in a higher degree (R2 change adj = 0.036 & p < 0.001) with emotional intelligence (UCB = 1.522) than with learning environment (UCB = 0.064). Conclusions Our findings suggest a different more optimal pathway for educators to improve the CT of their students through EI and not with LE as believed till now. By focusing on improving EI, educators may help their students become critical thinkers, who will provide better quality of care.

Eating self-regulatory skill, diet quantity, and diet quality of Malaysian healthcare university students: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The ability to self-regulate eating can improve health. This study aimed to determine the relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality among Malaysian university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 132 university students. Eating self-regulatory skill was assessed using the Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (SREBQ). Dietary intakes from two 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess diet quantity and quality. Diet quantity was measured as energy and macronutrient intakes, analysed using NutritionistPro. Diet quality was measured using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI). The relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality were evaluated using tests for differences between means and multiple linear regression. Results: Male participants (n=47) consumed more energy than female participants (n=85) (Male: 1850±570 kcal/day, Female: 1596±567 kcal/day, p=0.015). Participants from the Nutrition and Dietetics (N&amp;D) course (n=49) had better M-HEI scores than participants from other health courses (n=83) (N&amp;D course: 52.7±10.5, non-N&amp;D course: 47.2±10.7, p=0.005). The predictors of energy intake were gender (β=-0.193, p=0.023) and SREBQ score (β=- 0.223, p=0.009). Being female and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with lower energy intake. The predictors of diet quality were university course (β=0.240, p=0.005) and SREBQ score (β=0.181, p=0.033). Studying N&amp;D and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with higher M-HEI scores. Conclusion: Higher self-regulation of eating behaviour score is a factor that contributes to lower daily energy intake and higher diet quality score.

Overweight and obesity among Brazilian healthcare university students: prevalence and associated factors.

Obesity is an important factor for cardiovascular and metabolic events. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the associated factors among healthcare university students. A cross-sectional university-based study of 2,245 healthcare university students in the Midwest region of Brazil was conducted in 2018. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, family and comorbidities characteristics were investigated. Poisson regression was used for the multivariable analysis. All analysis was stratified by sex. The mean age of the sample was 22.7 years (standard deviation = 4.1) and 69.5% of the students was female. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.2- 15.6) and 4% (95% CI: 3.0-4.9) for women and 34.5% (95% CI: 30.9-38.1) and 11.3% (95% CI: 8.9-13.6) for men, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was at least 70% higher in female students aged 24 years or older (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.24-2.41) and those who smoke (PR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.66-3.02). Additionally, female students with a family history of obesity (PR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.46-2.77) or with two or three comorbidities (PR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.43-3.04) exhibited a significantly higher probability for overweight/obesity. Similar findings were observed in male students, but with smaller effect sizes. This study revealed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among healthcare university students, especially in men. It was related to the socio-demographic and family characteristics rather than behavioral factors.

COVID-19: Ramifications and Effects on University Healthcare Students.

This study was carefully designed to analyze the perceived psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Roseman dental students. Students assessed their perceived changes in stress, self-esteem, and lifestyle behavior changes based on the impact of the pandemic. A self-designed, anonymous, 18-item questionnaire was administered to Roseman dental students after being approved by the Institutional Review Board. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were utilized for comparison of psychological factors toward gender, as well as year of study. Chi-square correlations between stress and self-esteem, as well as lifestyle behavior, were also reported. In total, 313 students with a mean age of 28.15 (SD:4.21) completed the survey. Statistically significant differences were shown between students based upon age and year of study, with regard to stress and lifestyle behavior changes. Cross-tabulations of stress with self-esteem and lifestyle behavior changes showed positive relationships, as students with higher levels of stress showed significant self-esteem problems and lifestyle behavior changes. The largest frequency of stress/anxiety and lifestyle behavioral changes was found in the age range of 25-34 years old, particularly in the Class of 2024 and 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a significant psychological impact on dental students at Roseman. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on University healthcare students as a whole. The pandemic has not only affected the way in which dental students progress academically but also as healthcare providers now and into the future.

Toxic Habits and Well-Being Measures in Spanish Healthcare University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles are strongly entrenched in healthcare universities and have sometimes been linked to stress or lack of sleep. This study investigated the prevalence of toxic habits (smoking, patterns of harmful alcohol use, and illicit drug use), stress levels, perceived health status, and sleep duration and assessed the connections between toxic habits and said well-being measures, as well as healthcare students’ perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these health-related behaviors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, healthcare students from Alfonso X University (Spain) completed a health survey composed of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), self-perceived health status, and the number of hours of sleep. Results: A total of 997 healthcare students completed the survey, of which 982 were analyzed. Being a smoker (32.2%) was associated with worse health status and insufficient sleep. Risk drinkers (33.2%) were associated with being female, and the consumption of cannabinoids (6.7%), with being male. These three toxic habits were related to each other. High levels of stress (28.2%) were correlated with worse ratings in the perception of health status (29.2%) and with insufficient sleep (45.8%), and all of them were associated with the female sex. Respectively, 49.3% and 44.2% of students recognized a worsening in their perception of stress and their sleep habits during the pandemic. Conclusion: Healthcare universities must carry out health promotion programs for stress management, sleep habits, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Disaster Management and Preparedness among Future Jordanian Health Professionals: Exploring Knowledge, Attitude, and Readiness to Practice

Healthcare students as volunteers and future healthcare providers must be prepared to manage disasters. Disasters occurred worldwide and are highly prevalent in the recent time. We examined the level of knowledge (K), attitude (A), and readiness to practice (rP) among Jordanian healthcare university students regarding disaster medicine preparedness. The research goal is to establish a university educational course and training program for the healthcare profession students. A cross-sectional study assessed Jordanian medical, pharmacy, and health science students’ KArP levels using pretested and validated questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha for the final tool was K = 0.586; A = 0.814, rP = 0.542; KArP = 0.730. Statistical methods to compare means and explore the association were used with an alpha level of 0.05. Participants (n = 267) had a median age of 20 (IQR: 19.0 – 22.0). More female respondents than males; more respondents are in the pharmacy degree program and in the final year of their program. The median (IQR) of the total K, A, rP, and overall KArP scores were K [10.0 (7.0 – 12.0)]; A [39.0 (32.0 – 46.0)]; rP [31.0 (27.0 – 34.0)]; and overall KArP [80.0 (71.0 – 88.5)]. Knowledge and attitude were significant predictors of readiness to practice. Students from Jordan's public and private health colleges have moderate disaster medicine preparedness levels. Knowledge and attitude of students are determinants of readiness to practice. This research has confirmed the findings carried out in other countries (i.e., Qatar, China, Pakistan, Yemen, UAE) and it has used a validated tool that was earlier established in Qatar. Thus, it is evident that a course and training program are required for the healthcare university students.

What Went Wrong with the IMMUNI Contact-Tracing App in Italy? A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Attitudes and Experiences among Healthcare University Students.

The adoption of digital contact-tracing apps to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been sup-optimal, but studies that clearly identify factors associated with the app uptake are still limited. In April 2021, we administered a questionnaire to healthcare university students to investigate their attitudes towards and experiences of the IMMUNI app. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify app download predictors. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We surveyed 247 students. Most respondents (65.6%) had not downloaded IMMUNI, reporting as the main reason the perceived app uselessness (32.7%). In the multivariable analysis, being advised to use the app (aOR: 3.21, 95%CI: 1.80–5.73), greater fear of infecting others (aOR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.01–2.23), and greater trust in the institutional response to the emergency (aOR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.00–1.76) were positively associated with the outcome, whereas greater belief in the “lab-leak theory” of COVID-19 was a negative predictor (aOR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.60–0.93). Major technical issues were reported by app users. Targeted strategies aimed at improving awareness of digital health applications should be devised. Furthermore, institutions should invest in the development of these technologies, to minimize technical issues and make them accessible to the entire population.

The Effects of Different Education Models on the Physical Activity and Health Profile of Healthcare Students in Turkish University

Purpose: Hybrid and distance educational models can lead to different levels of physical activity among students. The aim of our study is to compare the effects of different education models on physical activity and health profile of university healthcare students. &#x0D; Methods: Six hundred healthcare students at Turkish universities between the ages of 17-25 were included in our study. Participants were divided into 2 groups as hybrid (n = 300, 246 females, 54 males) and distance (n = 300, 258 females, 42 males) according to the education model they received at the university. Measurements were applied online via Google Forms. The Physical Activity (PA) of the participants were assessed with Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the health profiles of the participants were assessed with The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) inventory.&#x0D; Results: The students in the hybrid education model had significantly higher physical activity level (p=0.001) and a better health profile (p=0.001) compared to the students who were in distance education model. &#x0D; Conclusions: Students with hybrid education model are more physically active and have a better health profile than students with distance education model because they go to university more than students with distance education model.