Non-medical Students Research Articles

What is Transferred and How Much is Retained? A Simulation Study of Complex Surgical Skills

IntroductionStudies indicate that learning surgical skills on low-fidelity models is equally beneficial to learning on high-fidelity models in terms of skills retention and transfer. However, it is unclear how low-fidelity simulation training impacts retention and transfer in novice learners, particularly on complex surgical tasks that incorporate multiple challenging skills. This study explores the capacity of complete novices to learn and transfer complex surgical skills from a low-fidelity model to a high-fidelity simulation after a delay. MethodsTask-naïve medical and nonmedical undergraduate students (n = 62) participated in a three-phase prospective double-arm randomized (2:1) experimental study. Participants completed two skills training sessions (end-to-side anastomosis) on a low-fidelity bench model. After a 4-week delay, participants completed the task again either using the low-fidelity model or a high-fidelity model (cadaver) and were assessed using a validated checklist. ResultsThere was a significant time × fidelity group interaction (P = 0.004). Simple effects analysis indicated the high-fidelity group (Mdiff = 4.18, P < 0.001) performed significantly worse (P = 0.003) in phase 3 relative to phase 2 compared to the low-fidelity group (Mdiff = 0.75, P = 0.39). Post hoc logistic regression analysis indicated that radial suturing technique and economy of motion skills were less likely to be completed correctly for those in the high-fidelity group. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that for novice populations, relying on low-fidelity simulation training as a source of teaching complex skills may not provide a reliable transfer to high-fidelity models and in turn clinical settings.

Basic life support awareness among non-medical students at King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Background: The knowledge and skills about basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support are the most important determining factors of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success rates. Practicing simple CPR techniques as well as knowing BLS improves the chances of survival of the patient until experienced medical help can arrive. In most cases, it is sufficient for survival in itself. The study aimed to determine non-medical undergraduate students' knowledge of BLS and related skills at King Faisal University.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia between October 10 and December 30, 2021. A total of 406 students from nonmedical colleges participated in the study. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was subsequently administered, which included 10 items assessing knowledge about BLS.Results: A total of 406 participants completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants (82.5%) had poor knowledge of the BLS. A quarter of students (25.1%) indicated that they had previously taken BLS training. Approximately (16%) of students acquired their knowledge about BLS from the internet, 7.6% from watching movies and TV shows, 16% from school subjects, 2.2% from college subjects, and 26.4% from reading.Conclusions: BLS knowledge was very limited among non-medical colleges students. It is evident from the study that nonmedical students need better BLS training in order to respond appropriately to cardiac arrest and other emergency situations.

Deteriorated sleep quality and influencing factors among undergraduates in northern Guizhou, China.

BackgroundThe sleep quality of undergraduates is considerably worse than that in general population, a cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate sleep quality and identify related factors.MethodsAll participants from the freshmen to senior were recruited by the stratified cluster sampling from December 1, 2018 to January 12, 2019. The questionnaire used in this research was primarily composed of three sections: demographic characteristics, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and influencing factors of sleep quality. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0.ResultsA total of 1,063 valid questionnaires were collected. Among them, 53.7% subjects suffered poor sleep quality. PSQI general score was 5.94 ± 2.73. There were significantly differences in sleep quality in sex, majors and grades. The survey reported that women suffered worse sleep quality than that of men, and medical students suffered worse sleep quality than non-medical students. Meanwhile, it also found that freshmen had better sleep quality than that of sophomores and juniors, sophomores suffered worst sleep quality. The logistic regression analysis showed that bad physical condition (OR (Odds ratio): 2.971 (2.034∼4.339)) and smoking (OR: 1.754 (1.258∼2.446)) were associated with poor sleep quality in males. However, more factors associated with poor sleep quality among females were found, including noisy dormitory environment (OR: 2.025 (1.354-3.030)), skipping breakfast more times per week (OR: 1.332 (1.031∼1.721)), drinking coffee before sleep (OR: 2.111 (1.155∼3.861)), playing with mobile phones for more than 45 minutes before sleep (OR: 1.745 (1.210∼2.515)), more time spent playing games per day (OR: 1.347 (1.048∼1.730)), bad physical condition (OR: 2.507 (1.797-3.497)), and severe academic stress (OR: 1.561 (1.126-2.166)).ConclusionAbout half of college students experienced poor sleep, and poor sleep quality was prevalent in women, medical students, and sophomores. Moreover, there were more risk factors associated with the poor sleep quality of women than with men. Health policymakers should fully consider these factors in improving the sleep quality of college students.

HPV Vaccination Intentions of Female Students in Chinese Universities: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions among female university students in China and establish a basis for improving HPV vaccination coverage. Methods: We searched CNKI, EBSCO, JSTOR, MESH or Emtree, Weipu Information Chinese Journal Service Platform, Wanfang Data, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Web for the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify peer-reviewed published research on intentions by female college students in China to receive the HPV vaccination. Results: A preliminary search of 408 papers resulted in the inclusion of 12 studies, all cross-sectional, of moderate or high quality, with a sample size of 12,600. The HPV vaccination intention rate among Chinese female university students was 16.67% (95% CI: 12.38% to 21.24%). The vaccination intention rates of medical students, non-medical students, and Tibetan students were 30.37% (95% CI: 28.80–34.12%), 15.53% (95% CI: 11.2–20.22%), and 14.12% (95 % CI: 10.59–18.04%), respectively. The vaccination intention rates of the participants with parental education of junior high school and below, high school, and bachelor’s degree and above were 15.36% (95 % CI: 11.59 to 17.54%), 17.18% (95 % CI: 12.33% to 19.61%), and 19.81% (95 % CI: 15.61% to 22.25%), respectively. The intention rates of vaccination among residents of first-tier, second-tier, and third-tier cities were 17.64% (95% CI: 12.76–21.63%), 15.39% (95% CI: 11.74–19.82%), and 13.87% (95% CI: 9.36–15.65%), respectively. The results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable with little publication bias. Conclusion: The intention rate of HPV vaccination among female university students in China is low and varies among different populations. There is a need to increase HPV vaccination promotion efforts to improve the intention of female university students to receive the vaccine.

Self-medication practices and their characteristics among Iranian university students

BackgroundSelf-medication in students, as educated people, is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals as it has potential risks, disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to drug use and the prevalence of self-medication practices among university students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran, using an electronic “self-medication practices and medication habits” questionnaire. A total of 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare universities participated in the study.ResultsThe prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines used for self-medication included cold remedies and sedatives that were used by 33% of the students. About 47% of students stated that they have used antibiotics without a physician’s prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information on self-medication in about 40% of students. There was no significant difference in self-medication between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.659–1.134). Self-medication in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39–5.60).ConclusionsSelf-medication had a high prevalence among students. The best strategy to reduce or eliminate self-medication is to raise students’ awareness and knowledge about potential risk of self-medication practices.

Awareness and Influencing lifestyle modification factors regarding Hepatitis B among non-medical students – Efficacy of an educational package

Among all communicable diseases, Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease affecting the liver. It spreads through contact with infected blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. Symptoms may not occur for a few days or longer after contracting the virus and unfortunately public has a lack of awareness about hepatitis B and its risk. 2 billion people have been infected (1 out of 3 people) by hepatitis B in the world. Out of this 240 million people are chronically infected and 10-30 million will become infected each year. Up to a million people die each year from hepatitis B and its complications such as liver cancer. Approximately 2 people die each minute from hepatitis B related complications. According to the study report, India has over 40 million HBV carriers and accounts for 15% of the entire pool of HBV carriers of the world. Thus the researchers wished to conduct a research study on awareness and influencing lifestyle modification factors regarding hepatitis among non-medical students in selected colleges at Bengaluru. A total of 60 non-medical students were selected were recruited randomly. A quasy experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design with a quantitative approach were used. A structured knowledge questionnaire and a checklist developed by the investigator were used to collect data. The study findings showed that 50 students (83.3%) had inadequate awareness, 10 students (16.7%) had moderate awareness and none of the study participants had an adequate level of awareness regarding hepatitis-B. and Out of 9 influencing lifestyle factors 14 (23.3%) students had two factors, 11 (18.3%) students had three factors, 10 (16.7%) had one factor, 8 (13.3%) students had four factors, 7 (11.7%) of them had none of the factors, 6 (10%) of the subjects had six factors, 4 (6.7%) of the subjects had five factors none of the subjects had more than six factors towards influencing lifestyle factors of hepatitis B.

Predictors of Medical Students’ Compassion and Related Constructs: A Systematic Review

Phenomenon: Compassion, and related constructs such as empathy, are core values in healthcare, with known benefits for both patients and staff. Yet research on the factors that affect compassion and compassion-related constructs remains scattered. This review systematizes and synthesizes studies investigating the predictors of compassion and related constructs among medical students, allowing for a better understanding of the factors that both positively and negatively contribute to the development of compassionate future physicians. Approach: A systematic review of 12 databases for studies from database inception up until April 2020 was conducted. Non–peer-reviewed literature and studies in which >50% of the sample were non-medical students were excluded. Intervention studies were also out of the scope of this review. We assessed risk of bias and confidence in the findings using standardized tools. Data were categorized within the Transactional Model of Physician Compassion, a framework in which compassion is influenced by personal (student), environmental, patient/family, and clinical factors. Findings: Of 14,060 retrieved articles, 222 studies were included. Of these, 95% studied student factors, but only 25% studied environmental, 9% studied patient, and 6% studied clinical factors. Predictors of greater compassion included maturity; work and life experiences; personality traits of openness to experience and agreeableness; skills such as perspective taking, reflection, and mindfulness; and positive role modeling. Conversely, negative attitudes/emotions, burnout, stress, detachment, operating in cultures prioritizing knowledge and efficiency over humanistic care, negative role models, time constraints, and heavy workloads predicted lower compassion. Patient-related factors included “difficult” and “noncompliant” patients or those perceived as responsible for their illness. Overall, 60% of studies had a serious risk of bias, particularly confounding and participant selection biases. Insights: Medical student compassion is predicted by a wide range of factors relating to the student, their training environment, their patients, and the clinical situation. However, existing research has largely focused on student factors (e.g., sociodemographic and dispositional traits), many of which are not amenable to intervention. Skills such as perspective taking, reflection, and mindfulness are associated with higher compassion and may present opportunities for intervention. There is also strong evidence that environmental factors shape students’ compassion. Researchers and educators should continue to explore the impact of patient and clinical factors on students’ compassion. Studies remain at high risk of bias.

Attitudes of Nursing Students and Non- Medical Students Toward Vaccination

Introduction. despite the scientifically proven positive effect on the population, vaccination remains a major public health problem. The biggest problem at the moment is that attitudes are based on other people’s opinions or various scientifically unfounded information obtained via the internet.Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes and level of knowledge about vaccination of nursing students and non-medical students in Croatia and establish whether there is a difference between them.Methods. The study involved 961 nursing and non-medical students from Croatia, aged between 18 and 53 years. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire program ‘google forms’ which consisted of 33 questions and was completely anonymous.Results. The study shows that nursing students have better knowledge of vaccinations and vaccines. They also have a statistically more positive attitude towards vaccination in comparison to non-medical students. When it comes to obtaining information about vaccines, as in existing studies from around the world, the participants in this study stated that they first turn to doctors and nurses for information related to vaccination and its side effects.Conclusion. The results of this study show that nursing students have better knowledge. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the attitudes of nursing students and students of non-health studies, but the numerical difference is very small, which actually shows a very small difference in attitudes. educational and health institutions play an important role in forming attitudes, as well as the importance of presenting accurate, clear, and proven information.

Knowledge and Associated Factors for the Uptake of Hepatitis B Vaccine among Nonmedical Undergraduate Students in a Private University in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B is a life-threatening viral infection that causes acute and chronic diseases of the liver. Hepatitis B infection is endemic in Nigeria with a national pooled prevalence rate of 9.5%. However, a safe and effective vaccine that offers the protection against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is available. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine and the associated factors for the uptake of the vaccine among non medical undergraduate in a Private University in Ekiti State. Materials and Methods: This survey is a cross-sectional study involving 420 nonmedical undergraduate students of a private university in Ekiti State, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured pretested self-administered questionnaire between March and May 2019. Analysis was done using SPSS version 23, and the level of significance was taken as P &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.7 years. Almost half of the students (47.4%) were within the age range of 15–19 years. Females constitute 51.4% of the respondents and mostly practiced Christianity (77.4%). The majority of respondents had good knowledge of HBV vaccine (77.6%). Just a little over a quarter (26. 9%) of the respondents have taken one or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine. There was a statistically significant association between respondents' age (P = 0.032), the college of study (P = 0.006), and good knowledge of HBV vaccine (P &lt; 0.001) and uptake of hepatitis B vaccine. The factors associated with uptake of hepatitis B vaccine include older age group (25–29 years), studentship in the college of science, and good knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion: The majority of respondents had good knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine. Associated factors identified for uptake of hepatitis B vaccine include age (25–29) years, studentship in faculty of science, and good knowledge of hepatitis B vaccine. It is recommended that health education about hepatitis B and its vaccine should be offered to undergraduates to increase the uptake of hepatitis B vaccine.

COMPARISON OF PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND BARRIERS TO EXERCISE AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Perceptions of exercise benefits and barriers in medical and non- medical students needs to be explored as it is expected that medical students have more awareness regarding physical activities. Objective: To compare the perception of exercise benefits and barriers among medical and non-medical students. Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 months from November 2020 to April 2020, on sample of n=289 regular male and female students in the age range of 19-27 years. The data of final year medical students was collected from Azra Naheed Medical College and nonmedical students from Superior University, Lahore Through on probability convenient sampling technique. The perception of exercise benefits and barriers was assessed using the exercise benefit/barrier scale (EBBS). The data was carried out by an online Google form due to the pandemic situation. The independent sample t-test was used to estimate of difference among both groups. Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.75±2.11 years. A total of n=164(56.74%) were males and n=125 (43.25%) were females. The result of independent t-test showed no significant difference between medical and non-medical students regarding exercise benefit (91.2±11.66 ver. 91.09±12.83, p=0.93) and barriers (34.97±7.22 ver. 35.27±7.62, p=0.72) as well in total score of EBBS (126.23±14.450 ver. 125.81±16.390, p=0.810).Conclusion: It is concluded that medical and non-medical final year students are equally aware about exercise benefits and barriers. Keywords: Benefits, BarriersExercise, Medical students, non-medical students, hysical activity, Perception

Formation of valeological competence in conditions of classroom and distance learning

Formulation of the problem. The article considers the problem of valeological (health saving) competence formation in non-medical students. Health saving competencies are based on a healthy lifestyle, safe behavior practices and the ability to provide emergency pre-hospital care to victims in critical situations. The formation of valeological competence in non-medical takes place during the study of valeological disciplines (including "Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge", "Health Pedagogy" and others) in higher education institutions (HEI). Since the spring of 2019, the teaching of these disciplines is forced to take place in distance form. The purpose of the article. To compare the formation of valeological competence in students of the same educational level who were trained in a standardized valeological program in conditions of classroom and distance learning. Research methods. The study used methods: qualimetric and expert assessments – to form a factor-criterion model of valeological competence, pedagogical experiment and mathematical statistics – to calculate and compare the results of the formation of valeological competence, randomization – to form comparison groups. The main results of the study. It is established that valeological competence and the vast majority of its components (13/14) are better formed during classroom training. Thus, a high level of competence (75–100%) was reached by 14.4% of students who studied in the classroom form (offline), and only 10.1% of students who studied in the distance form (online). Possible reasons for this difference are the need to conduct classroom classes (trainings, role-playing games, emergency training) and higher initial level of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in students who have undergone classroom training. Conclusions. It is concluded that it is necessary to return to classroom learning after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and the war in Ukraine for more successful formation of valeological competence in non-medical students.

Comparative Study on Self-Medication among Medical and Non-Medical University Undergraduates

People usually pursue self-medication to deal with common ailments. Reuse of previous prescriptions, utilization of available unused medicines at home (from another prescription), and recommendation of any medicine by family and friends are some of the key factors that trigger self-medication. To evaluate the practice of self-medication, the selected population was university undergraduates, as the youth have a great impact on social media, which may help them to teach self-medication in two ways, i.e., increase or decrease of self-medication. This study was aimed at comparing the self-medication practices among medical and non-medical university undergraduates (students). This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the medical and non-medical university undergraduates in Karachi, Pakistan. A validated questionnaire was filled by 452 participants and analyzed using SPSS version 25. It was found that 59.5% of medical students always prefer self-medication, whereas 40.5% of non-medical students were seen to self-medicate when falling ill. Among all medical students, 49.4%, compared to 50.6% among non-medical students, were found to have self-medicated. From this study, we found that the medical student graduates showed the highest prevalence of self-medication compared to students in a non-medical field. Awareness campaigns about the consumption of medicine without prescription should be arranged by healthcare professionals and the government for the youth. The selling of drugs without prescription or medical advice should also be restricted by Pakistani healthcare authorities via organizing essential curative and preventive seminars.

Consumption of selected groups of food products by medical and non-medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A properly balanced diet should provide multiple valuable nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body through the proper frequency of consuming food products that are their source. This is particularly important during the pandemic when there is a need to support the immune system. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of selected groups of food products and to determine whether this frequency differs among medical and non-medical students in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted among 435 Polish and Turkish students using an original questionnaire. The proper study was preceded by a pilot study in 40 participants.The Wilcoxon test was used to assess the differences in the frequency of consumption of selected groups of products among medical and non-medical students both during and before the pandemic. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Significant differences were observed in the frequency of consumption of: sweets (p=0.02 among medical students), salty snacks (p=0.03 among both groups of students), fast food products (p=0.00 among medical and p=0.01 among non-medical students) and energy drinks (p=0.02 among medical and p=0.00 among non-medical student) in the analysed periods of time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed that during the pandemic, the frequency of food products consumption in the study groups of students from medical and non-medical faculties is mostly satisfactory. There were significant differences in the frequency of consumption of sweets, salty snacks, fast food products and energy drinks in both groups of students.

Photoprotection Knowledge and Photoprotective Behavior of University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

Objective: Awareness regarding the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are commonly neglected in Asian countries. This study sought to evaluate the ultraviolet radiation knowledge and photoprotective behaviors of university students in Indonesia. Methods: This observational cross-sectional was conducted at Pelita Harapan University, Indonesia. Results: A total of 89 (45.4%) medical students and 107 (54.6%) nonmedical students participated in this study. Their mean age was 21.03 ± 2.03 years, and 46.4% of them had Fitzpatrick type III skin. Medical students as well as older students exhibited a higher level of knowledge regarding photoprotection (P ≤ 0.05). Factors related to good photoprotective behaviors were sex, older age, and average expenditure on skincare. Further analysis revealed that a high level of knowledge regarding photoprotection was related to acceptable photoprotective behaviors (P = 0.01; odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval = 1.13–3.54). Conclusions: Knowledge regarding sun-related damage and practice of photoprotective behaviors were low among the participants. The results indicate that formal education and academic subjects should incorporate the topic of sun-related damage and promote the practice of photoprotective behaviors early on to increase awareness among populations.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among college students in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundSince the outbreak of the respiratory infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus in 2019, the COVID-19 epidemic has posed a serious threat to the life and safety of the public, and has also seriously affected the normal study and life of college students in China. Although a series of studies have been conducted on college students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19, the results vary widely. This study aimed to evaluate the pooled estimated level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about COVID-19 among college students in China.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search on Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database and Wanfang Database up to 13 February 2022. We then assessed the quality of included studies using a checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for cross-sectional studies and analyzed using STATA.15 after two researchers independently extracted relevant data and entered them into Microsoft Excel. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests were used to check for publication bias, and sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, on the basis of which subgroup analyses were performed by time of investigation (study period) and by gender and major of the subjects.ResultA total of 42 studies including 174,440 subjects were included in this review, and the quality of the included studies was mainly intermediate and advanced. The findings of the meta-analysis showed that the overall levels of Chinese college students’ knowledge, positive and negative attitudes, and practice of preventive measures towards COVID-19 were 74% (95%CI: 69%-79%), 84% (95%CI: 80%-88%), 31% (95%CI: 23%-38%) and 82% (95%CI: 77%-86%), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis showed that female and medical college students had higher levels of knowledge and practice on COVID-19.ConclusionThe study findings showed that the overall KAP level of college students in China included in the study was relatively optimistic. Influenced by gender, major and time, there were differences in the KAP level of college students. In order to promote the effective prophylaxis and control of pandemic, we recommend implementing targeted measures to improve the awareness rate of COVID-19-related knowledge among this group and the implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive measures among male and non-medical college students.

The Relationship between Cyberbullying and Mental Health among University Students

Background: The term ‘cyberbullying’ is linked to traditional bullying, and both refer to oppression. This study aimed to determine the overall effects of cyberbullying on mental health among university students of various ages, and to investigate the extent to which victims (students) directed less attention and focus towards their academic achievement. Methods: The participants in this study were 326 male and female students from King Faisal University in the Al-Ahsa Governorate. The researchers in this study employed the descriptive correlative approach. Results: The study’s findings revealed that there were substantial variations in the categories of sex, academic specialty (medical and non-medical students), and family economic status, in relation to cyberbullying surveys. In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between cyberbullying and mental health. Conclusions: It is highly recommended that, in order to prevent cyberbullying, people of all generations need to be made aware of it via specific programs in different public areas, for example, in schools, colleges, and malls, and on social media.

A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study- Knowledge, behavior and psychological change among Medical and Non-medical Students in Jordan during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, and it was officially declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality and has impacted the lives of the global populations.&#x0D; Aim: To compare the knowledge of medical and non-medical students at Jordanian universities in issues related to COVID-19 and to evaluate the psychological and behavioural changes in Jordanian students’ lives following directly/indirectly exposure to the COVID-19.&#x0D; Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was sent to a convenience sample in Jordanian universities through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) between 16th of June and 30th of June 2020. The questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic, participant’s source of information regarding COVID-19, knowledge on COVID-19, the psychological consequences of COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on participant’s behaviour. The final version of the questionnaire was further tested for content validity by experts in the field. Chi-square test was used to find significant differences between the two groups.&#x0D; Results: A total of 912 participants completed the survey, with 507(55.6%) being medical students and 405(44.4%) being non-medical students. About 90% of students believed in the existence of corona virus (n=817), but not in the seriousness of the infection (n=85, 9.3%). The majority 82.2% (n=750) agreed that the fake news on social media caused panic situations. A total of 275 medical students avoided following news as compared to 187 non-medical students, and the difference was statistically significant (p-value = 0.003). There were 438 medical students and 338 non medical students who avoided leaving the house for unnecessary needs (p-value = 0.004).&#x0D; Conclusion: Medical students had better knowledge and were more aware on COVID-19 than that of non-medical students; for this reason, medical students tended to change their behaviours in a good way. The current pandemic seems to impact the psychology of the both groups with no difference significant.

Emotional reactions and hardiness among Russian students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic provoked emotional reactions in Russian student populations. Hardiness is seen as a personality predisposition that increases individuals’ resilience to stress.ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and various components of hardiness in Russian students. In addition, the correlations between emotional reactions and hardiness components were also analysed.MethodsData collection was carried out between 29 May and 06 July 2020. A total of 129 medical and non-medical students participated in the study. The DASS-21 was used to measure depression, anxiety, and stress levels, while the Personal Views Survey-III examined hardiness. Both questionnaires were adapted for use in Russia.ResultsWe found that medical students were less likely to be depressed than non-medical students (M = 4.03 and M = 6.01 respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Medical students had higher levels of the component of hardiness such as commitment (M = 20.95 and M = 18.43 respectively, p &lt; 0.05). In both groups, all hardiness components have negative relationships with depression, anxiety, and stress, but in the medical group control is associated only with depression (rx = -0.446, p &lt; 0.01), whereas the other group also has associations with anxiety (rx = -0.356, p &lt; 0.01) and stress (rx = -0.407, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionsHardiness was negatively related to depression, anxiety, and stress in a pandemic setting. Medical students were more adaptable to the pandemic than non-medical students.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Depressive Mood: A Focus on Medical Students in Targeted Employment

ObjectiveTo study depression and its influencing factors in medical students with directed employment in medical schools. MethodsIn this study, 586 students enrolled in Wenzhou Medical University were studied, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9) was used to distinguish depressed mood from depressive symptoms and to establish a multivariate logistic regression model. ResultsUp to 60.9% of the survey respondents experienced depressive mood within two weeks, and 21.6% experienced mild or higher depressive symptoms. The majority of the students showed only depressive mood (64.5%), and depressive symptoms accounted for a small percentage (35.5%). The detection rate of depressive mood within 2 weeks was higher in female students (70.4%) than in male students. Medical specialty, whether or not students were directed medical students, whether or not students performed directed employment, being an only child, monthly living expenses, financial status, health status, personality, and self-perceived academic stress were significant factors (P<0.05) associated with depressed mood among university students. In this study, non-medical students were more likely to experience depression (P<0.001). Depression was higher among non-directed medical students (P<0.001). Among medical students with directed employment, those with non-compliance intention had a greater risk of depression (P<0.01). Medical students with depressed mood tended to self-regulate (82.1%) and had a less significant tendency to choose medication (25.3%). ConclusionsWith a high detection rate of depressive mood and symptoms and most students presenting only with depressive mood, early detection and interventions for depressive mood are essential to prevent deterioration of the target students’ condition.

Dynamics of emotional reactions among Russian students during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe pandemic of a new coronavirus infection can be considered as a long-term traumatic event. It is known that chronic stress is characterized by dynamics of emotional state caused by processes of adaptation and maladaptation.ObjectivesOur study aimed to investigate the dynamics of depression, anxiety, and stress levels among Russian students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected from May to July 2020 (the first pandemic wave) and from October 2020 to April 2021 (the second wave). A total of 170 non-medical university students participated in the study. We used the DASS-21 to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsWe found that during the first wave of the pandemic, 57 % of students showed no symptoms of depression, 77 % had no symptoms of anxiety, and 76 % showed no signs of stress. In the second wave, 50 % of students showed no depression, 65 % no anxiety and 67 % no stress. Analysis of mean values showed that the second pandemic wave provoked higher levels of anxiety (M = 3.32±4.25 vs M = 4.71±4.71, p &lt; 0.05) and stress (M = 6.50±4.50 vs M = 7.99±4.97, p &lt; 0.05) .Conclusions The second wave of the new coronavirus pandemic provoked more severe emotional reactions among Russian students than the first. By these results we suggest that the duration of the pandemic harms the emotional state of the general population. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement psychotherapeutic programs to restore the mental health of Russian citizens.DisclosureNo significant relationships.