Portuguese University Students Research Articles

Digital health literacy and online information queries in Portuguese university students

BackgroundWorldwide there is an overwhelming amount of information about COVID-19 circulating online, also named infodemic. Misinformation (the unintentional) and disinformation (the intentional) spreading of false information have proven to be very dangerous to public health. Hence, more than ever, people need skills for searching, evaluating and integrating information related to health in daily life, i.e., health literacy. Until now, little is known about the digital health literacy of university students and their information-seeking behaviour. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the associations between university students' digital health literacy and online information queries during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (and infodemic) in Portugal.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 3.084 Portuguese university students (75.7% females), with an average age of 24.2 (SD = 7.5), was conducted using an online survey. We used sociodemographic data (sex, age, subjective social status) and the digital health literacy questionnaire adapted to the specific COVID-19 context. Online information queries included the topics related to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 searched by students. Logistic regression models were performed.ResultsOnline information queries (e.g., individual measures to protect against infection, current spread of the virus, current situation assessments and recommendations) were associated with an increased odds of achieving sufficient digital health literacy.ConclusionsOnline information queries related to epidemiological and public health topics are significantly associated with digital health literacy in times of COVID-19. Further studies are needed, including programs that improve digital health literacy among university students and increase the availability of high-quality content information.

Are business students more financially literate? Evidence of differences in financial literacy amongst Portuguese college students

PurposeConsidering the importance of financial literacy (FL) in people’s lives the goal of this study aims to assess the level of FL of young Portuguese students, addressing the impact of the level of education on the FL of college students.Design/methodology/approachData from a non-probabilistic sample of 185 students attending higher education bachelor’s and master’s degrees courses in Economics, Management and Marketing was collected between February 25 and March 23, 2019, using an online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using IBM SPSS 25 to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings show that the level of the degree (bachelor’s or master’s degree) and the academic background of the individual’s parents have a positive impact on FL. Moreover, among individuals with a high level of FL, gender and professional situation are additional predictors. Furthermore, the authors observed that the level of FL of Portuguese students attending higher education is overall low, especially in terms of their knowledge of the main financial concepts, which may call for public policies to be implemented so that to reduce this vulnerability.Research limitations/implicationsAmong limitations is the limited sample collected, restricted to a particular target, Portuguese students attending business-related courses such as Economics, Management and Marketing, either studying for a master’s or bachelor’s degree. This issue restricts the generalization of the overall findings to other students studying different fields. Future studies can collect a random and representative sample.Practical implicationsThis study test can be replicated to generate a diagnosis in any region or country, identifying how financially literate the region under analysis is. Also, this can be done to verify the evolution of FL after educational interventions.Social implicationsFL is an important competence. In fact, youngsters in the whole world have been suffering from a lack of financial knowledge (FK), and some characteristics of them can push them into indebtedness, and, even bankruptcy, such as a higher level of status consumption, the tendency to have an attitude of self-appraisal, to be self-centered, to seek instant gratification. This study helps to lead to a better understanding of this phenomenon.Originality/valueAddressing college students attending different levels is an add-on to the existing body of literature. This paper contributes to study differences in FL between college and master students, enlightening and evaluating the role of scholarship maturity on financial education. Furthermore, some of the findings challenge the extant knowledge regarding the influence of professional experience, gender and age on the level of FK that students have. Finally, the current approach is innovative as it addresses FK, FL and numeracy in the same study.

Effects of the COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in College Students: A Longitudinal Survey.

To “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 contagion, several countries ordered lockdowns amid the pandemic along with indications on social distancing. These social isolation measures could potentially bring alterations to healthy behavior, including to alcohol consumption. However, there is hardly any scientific evidence of the impact of such measures on alcohol consumption and binge drinking (BD) among young adults, and how they relate to alcohol craving, stress, anxiety, and depression levels. We addressed these questions by conducting a longitudinal study with 146 Portuguese college students—regular binge drinkers (regular BDs), infrequent binge drinkers (infrequent BDs) and non-binge drinkers (non-BDs)—in three moments: before the pandemic (Pre-Lockdown), during lockdown (Lockdown) and 6 months after (Post-Lockdown). Results revealed that regular BDs decreased alcohol use during Lockdown, a change in behavior that was even greater during Post-Lockdown, when regular BDs displayed similar levels of consumption to infrequent/non-BDs. Additionally, alcohol craving and living with friends were predictive of alcohol use during Lockdown, whereas stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms did not contribute to explain changes in drinking behavior. Collectively, the results suggest that BD in young Portuguese college students can be stopped when the contexts in which alcohol intake usually takes place are suppressed, which may have important implications for future prevention and intervention strategies.

Portuguese Cyber Victims’ Self-Esteem and Gender in Young Adulthood

ABSTRACT A growing body of evidence acknowledges that cyberbullying is a public mental health issue that extends to college settings. Current literature highlights the need to conduct further research on gender differences in mental health indicators proposed by cyberbullying theoretical models in young adulthood. This study examines the specific link between victimization, gender, and self-esteem through the General Aggression Model for cyber victimization. We surveyed 796 Portuguese college students (381 females, 415 males; age range: 18–25) with the Cyberbullying Questionnaire–Victimization and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Over half of our sample reported victimization experiences at a given point in their lives. Male and female young adults do not differ in their involvement as victims of cyberbullying. College cyber victims reported less self-esteem than non-involved students. Only self-esteem emerged as a significant predictor of cyber victimization. Current findings deepen our knowledge of the negative impact cyberbullying has on the mental health of college students and offer empirical support to the development of prevention and intervention strategies focusing on the psychological maladjustment of young adults regardless of their gender.

The Work Values of Portuguese Generation Z in the Higher Education-to-Work Transition Phase

The cohort of young people born with or after the Internet has been dubbed Generation Z (Gen Z, or post-millennials). They are now entering the higher education-to-work transition phase, although this is yet to be studied. Previous studies have found that work values and work preferences vary across generations and national cultures, justifying regular and localised examination. However, very little is known to date about the work values of Portuguese Gen Zs. In this study, we describe the work values of Portuguese university students in the higher education-to-work transition phase and examine their influence on salient work-related preferences. We surveyed over 3000 students attending university degrees from eight main Portuguese universities. We find that Portuguese Gen Zs value social values above all, followed by intrinsic and then extrinsic work values, potentially configuring a unique profile. Work values partially explain work preferences such as employer size and salary expectations. Gender differences mark our results, with women expressing higher work values in all three dimensions and lower entry salary expectations. These results can be useful for employers seeking to attract the best university graduates, facilitate their integration and promote their development.

Are oral overuse behaviours associated with painful temporomandibular disorders? A cross-sectional study in Portuguese university students.

Many different types of oral overuse behaviours occur frequently in adult populations with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Less is known regarding these behaviours and their associations with TMDs in university students. Test the association between frequency of different oral overuse behaviours evaluated by the Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC) and the severity of painful TMDs. In this cross-sectional study, 1381students from 19 universities in the Oporto District, Portugal, completed the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) Personal History Questionnaire and the OBC, and they received an RDC/TMD clinical examination. The OBC sum score (ranging from 0 to 84 points) was classified as normal (0≤16 points), low overuse (17≤24) or high overuse (≥25). Painful TMD subtypes (myalgia, arthralgia or combined) were identified. Associations were tested using multivariable binary logistic regression models (α=.05), adjusted for age and sex, and referencing the normal parafunction group. University students with high overuse were more likely to have a painful TMD: myalgia (OR=1.9, 95% CL: 1.3-3.0); arthralgia (OR=2.2; 95% CL: 1.4-3.4), combined (OR=5.0; 95% CL: 3.1-8.1). Students with low overuse were more likely to have only the combined painful TMD (OR=2.4; 95% CL: 1.4-4.0) but not the individual painful disorders. Of the 21 different behaviours, 13 were reported at least 50% of the time. In this university student sample, oral overuse behaviours are widespread, and their overall extent exhibited a dose-response relationship with respect to severity of painful TMDs based on pain and chronicity. Only some behaviours were independently associated with painful TMDs, suggesting the value of further OBC instrument development.

Entrepreneurial Intention before and during COVID-19—A Case Study on Portuguese University Students

The present research aims to compare the entrepreneurial intention of university students before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. For this purpose, some dimensions were analyzed, such as the availability of this target audience to undertake an activity at their own risk, the preference for a future while employed by others, their perception of the values that society places on entrepreneurship, and the entrepreneurial abilities/skillsets. A comparative study of a quantitative nature was used, associating two samples composed of students of higher education in Portugal, the data were obtained before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the results permits us to conclude: (1) in the circumstances of macroeconomic changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurial activity does not decrease; (2) respondents are less interested in being employed by others and more attracted to being entrepreneurs; (3) there is a growing concordance with the values that society places on entrepreneurship; and (4) there is now a greater aptitude for entrepreneurial activity. The present research is original, as it compares data obtained in different contexts of economic and social stability. It contributes to theory and practice, in the sense that it points to conclusions in the opposite direction of other studies carried out in situations of disasters of another nature, and can serve as a reference for the development of strategies to promote entrepreneurship, within higher education institutions and official entities to publicize and promote new public policies.

Generalized problematic internet use and perfectionism in portuguese university students

IntroductionAlthough there are several empirical studies exploring the relationship between problematic Internet use and personality traits, few had considered perfectionism.ObjectivesTo explore the association between generalized problematic Internet use and perfectionism.MethodsA sample of 433 Portuguese university students (Mage = 20.15 years, SD = 1.77, range = 18-25 years) completed the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2/GPIU and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Composite Scale – short version.ResultsGPIU total score (rs=.16**), Mood Regulation (rs=.22**), and Deficient Self-Regulation (rs=.13**) were correlated with Positive Striving factor. GPIU total score (rs=.38**), Preference for Online Social Interaction (rs=.16**), Mood Regulation (rs=.28**), Deficient Self-Regulation (rs = .33**), and Negative Consequences (rs=.41**) were significantly correlated with Evaluative Concerns factor. A one-way between groups analysis of variance was conducted to explore the relation between GPIU and perfectionism. Subjects were divided into three groups according to their GPIU risk levels (Group1:low-risk; Group2:medium-risk; Group3:high-risk). There was a statistically difference at p >.05 level in Positive Striving scores for the three risk level groups: F (2,430)=4.39, p=.013, and in Evaluative Concerns scores, F (2,430)=28.83, p=<.001. Post-hoc comparisons using the Tukey USD test, for Positive Striving, indicated that the mean score for Group1 (M=39.21, SD=8.56) was significantly different from Group3 (M=43.69, SD=9.74). Considering Evaluative Concerns, the mean score for Group1 (M=39.86, SD=11.31) was significantly different from Group2 (M=46.91, SD=11.42) and from Group3 (M=51.75, SD=8.54).ConclusionsGPIU is consistently related to maladaptive perfectionism. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the bidirectional association between GPIU and perfectionism traits.

Energy literacy: an overlooked concept to end users’ adoption of time-differentiated tariffs

Demand-response programs have been implemented aiming to reshape consumption patterns through time-differentiated price signals reflecting generation availability and grid conditions. Although these programs have been in place for several years, it is still unclear to what extent end users are ready (and willing) to adopt them, as they may require understanding complex information related to energy tariffs and consumption patterns and consequently changing behaviors and daily routines. This work aims to assess the influence of end users’ literacy (including proficiency on energy-related topics, numeracy, and graphical literacy), the decision style, and the way electricity tariffs information is framed, on the willingness to adopt time-differentiated tariffs (TDT). An exploratory online survey was conducted between March and May 2018 to a convenience sample of 340 Portuguese university students who, although not being representative of the whole population, are illustrative of the next generation of more literate energy end users. Results highlighted the role of energy literacy as a crucial factor in facilitating the readability and understandability of TDT information and in encouraging end users to adopt TDT schemes. The different dimensions of energy literacy showed to influence the results differently as worse numeracy and graphical literacy levels were correlated with a lower willingness to adopt TDT. Results also revealed the relevance of the framing effect in the end users’ willingness to enroll in TDT and socio-demographic parameters (as age and housing) emerged as relevant factors influencing the willingness to adopt such pricing schemes. These results convey further information for the design of more effective energy policies aiming to promote end users’ energy literacy and empowering them to make more informed decisions.

Explaining entrepreneurial intentions, nascent entrepreneurial behavior and new business creation with social cognitive career theory – a 5-year longitudinal analysis

Scholars conceptualize entrepreneurial behavior (EB) as the actions taken for new venture creation, which are said to manifest from an individual’s intention to become an entrepreneur (EI). Though theoretically supported, predicting EB through EI faces many operationalization challenges, is rarely empirically reported, and presents methodological inconsistencies. Addressing these issues will improve our ability to identify emerging and successful new business venturers and facilitate further entrepreneurial stimulation of populations. Using both a cross-sectional and a 5-year longitudinal research design, we study the applicability of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) in explaining EI and EB for a sample of 1,149 Portuguese college students. The cross-sectional results support SCCT’s ability to explain students’ intentions in this large student population. Furthermore, with a smaller subsample, longitudinal analysis confirms intentions, as predictive of nascent EB, towards successful new business creation. In contrast to the theory’s propositions, we find that entrepreneurial self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations do not add to EI’s ability to predict EB. This study contributes to the currently scarce empirical support for SCCT as an appropriate model explaining EI and is the first to apply this theory’s core model to test the EI-EB link longitudinally. This study may be relevant to educators and policymakers who want to promote and assist college students in creating their own new businesses.

Análise sobre os novos e os tradicionais consumos de cinema - o perfil dos jovens universitários portugueses

It is intended to give answers about the ways of consumption of films by young Portuguese university students, and presenting the characteristics profile of cinema audiences in a global context.Through access to multiple studies (secondary research), we try to understand the evolutionary trends of these consumptions, using diachronic analyzes of the various sectors / segments under analysis, but also through primary research directly to the public under study by applying a questionnaire. It is intended to assess: 1) what is the evolution of the cinema consumption patterns; 2) Determine the measure of traditional cinema consumption; 3) Determine the measure of cinema consumption through different distribution formats; 4) Sort the access and consumption of cinema of the new formats.

Development and Psychometric Properties of a Scale to Measure Resilience among Portuguese University Students: Resilience Scale-10

Higher education students lack skills to deal in a positive way with the crises inherent to the developmental phase in which they find themselves. However, the complexity of the current global context adds an urgent need for them to be resilient. For this purpose, it is necessary to evaluate their capacity for resilience, which requires the use of instruments that are easy to access, useful, simple, and fast. In this sense, this study aimed to develop and validate a scale to assess students’ resilience in the face of adversity. The scale was administered to a sample of 2030 Portuguese higher education students. The results obtained pointed towards a factorial structure composed of two factors named “self-determination” and “adaptability”, which showed good internal consistency. Therefore, this scale proved to be a valid measure to assess resilience among the university population. Future studies may consider this variable as an intervention target since it can be a predictor of success in phases of change and crisis.

Physical activity among Portuguese university students and its relation to knowledge and perceived barriers

University students, regardless of the country, have a very high prevalence of physical inactivity and health habits acquired during this period tend to remain throughout life, including those related to physical exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between knowledge about the recommendations on the practice of physical activity (PA), the perceived barriers towards PA and the practice of PA by higher education students. This cross-sectional study used a self-reported questionnaire with a stratified sample of university students (n = 840) from a university in Portugal. An ordinal logistic regression model was calculated to determine the predictive variables to the practice of PA. The results showed that 35.7% of the students surveyed were sedentary, the level of knowledge about PA was low, correctly answering 2.79 (SD = .090) questions in a total of 6, and lack of time was the most evident perceived barrier. The constructed model predicted that having more barriers to PA (β = -.750, p = .000) and being female decreased the likelihood of practising PA (β = .578, p = .000). The increase of PA levels of university students is a social necessity and, in this context, higher education institutions should undertake a key role in promoting student health, by implementing actions to reduce their students’ inactivity, developing the transmission of information about the health benefits related to the practice of PA.

Digital audiovisual contents for literacy in depression: a pilot study with university students

Abstract Depression is a global health problem; as an illness it may affect any person, independently from age, job or social condition. University students are immersed in environments of high levels of stress and responsibility, which may cause depressive symptoms. This is the context from which the relevance of the work described in this paper derives: a pilot study that was developed during the first stages of a research project aimed at assessing the efficacy of a digital audiovisual psychoeducational intervention (called DEEP) on depressive symptoms and depressive disorders in Portuguese university students. The pilot study was developed with a group of 12 Portuguese university students and included a survey by questionnaire applied to assess literacy in depression in pre- and post-intervention stages. The audiovisual content was shared on a private group on an instant messaging application for smartphones. Pre- and post-intervention results show that participants’ ability to recognize depressive symptoms, identify causes and adequate treatment options for depression was higher after watching the audiovisual content of DEEP intervention. Our work has led us to conclude that, when combined with digital resources, psychoeducational interventions arouse more interest in participants and motivation to new knowledge enhancing mental health literacy.

Associations between COVID-19-Related Digital Health Literacy and Online Information-Seeking Behavior among Portuguese University Students.

We aim to evaluate the associations between digital health literacy (DHL) related to COVID-19 and online information-seeking behavior among university students. Methods: A total of 3.084 students (75.7% women), with an average age of 24.2 (SD = 7.5) participated in this cross-sectional study, most of whom (36.5%) were from social sciences and pursued a bachelor’s degree (50.7%). Data on COVID-19-related DHL and online information-seeking behavior were collected using an online questionnaire. Logistic regression models were performed. Results: As the pandemic progressed, participants showed a lower chance of achieving a sufficient DHL (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.6; 0.9). Using search engines more often (e.g., Google) (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5; 0.9), Wikipedia (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.6; 0.9) and social media (e.g., Facebook) (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.6; 0.9) decreased the likelihood of achieving sufficient DHL related to COVID-19. More frequent use of websites of public bodies (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1; 2.5) increased the odds of reporting sufficient DHL. Conclusion: DHL is associated with university students’ online information-seeking behavior in the time of COVID-19. From a community and public health perspective, programs aiming at improving DHL should be highlighted.

Portuguese College Students’ Perceptions About the Social Sexual Double Standard: Developing a Comprehensive Model for the Social SDS

Research on the sexual double standard (SDS) indicates its maintenance among college students, despite some attenuation and the emergence of alternative standards. Results show some inconsistencies, however, which highlight conceptual and methodological weaknesses that limit conclusions about the existence and expression of the SDS. One response entails distinguishing personal acceptance of the SDS from its social existence; maintenance of the SDS may reside in the latter, as there is some evidence for a decline in personal but not in social SDS. We aimed to analyse Portuguese college students’ perceptions about the social SDS and to develop a comprehensive model for it. Four male (n = 30) and four female (n = 17) focus groups were conducted with data analysis framed by Grounded Theory. The social SDS emerged especially with regard to casual sex and multiple partners, legitimized by the accepted/recognized existence of sexual gender roles and stereotypes. It is maintained through conformity with SDS and gender prescriptions in order to prove/protect femininity, masculinity and sexual reputation. The process reduces sexual autonomy and has drawbacks for sexual health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive model can inform deconstructive strategies to promote egalitarian, liberal, and positive sexual experiences.

Eating behavior: The influence of age, nutrition knowledge, and Mediterranean diet

Student life during the university period is characterized by many changes in eating behaviors and dietary patterns due to adaptation to a new environment, study stress, lack of proper time management, and busy class schedules. These unhealthy actions may be detrimental to cognitive processing and influence academic performance, which is related to professional success. To assess different eating patterns in Portuguese university students and relate them to several sociodemographic variables. Cross-sectional information about eating behavior was assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 169 students between 18 and 50 years of age, from the Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias and from different academic courses, some related to health sciences. Mediterranean diet adherence was also assessed using a validated 14-item questionnaire. According to the analyses of the 169 participants included in the sample, 33 presented restrained eating behavior, with 73 presenting external and 63 emotional. In the same line of thought, 62.10% of nutrition sciences students presented emotional eating behavior and overall it was observed that these students were more likely to have emotional eating behavior. Otherwise, presenting restrained eating behavior was statistically associated with being older and having higher Mediterranean diet adherence. Studying nutrition sciences was associated with having emotional eating behavior. Older students and those who adhere more closely to the Mediterranean diet were associated with having restrained eating behavior.

Positive perceptions of beer consumption among portuguese university students

The abusive consumption of alcohol by college students has negative effects on both individual and public health. Positive expectations about alcohol are related to behaviours and patterns of consumption frequently acquired in adolescence. Objective. This study analyses the impact of individual variables (gender, age at first drink, being away from home, and first option degree course) on beer consumption in first-year college students. The moderating effect of positive perceptions about alcohol consumption will also be considered. Method. The sample comprised 214 first-year college students at a Portuguese public university. Results. Positive perceptions of alcohol consumption had an impact on levels of beer consumption and the rate of beer consumption could be explained by just four student variables: age at first drink, gender, first option degree course, and positive perceptions of alcohol consumption. The indices of model fit were adequate. Conclusions. Interventions targeting reductions of student’s alcohol consumption should consider the effects of positive perceptions of alcohol.

Effectiveness of Educational Practices in University Students' Knowledge about Sun Protection and Its Relation to Sunlight Exposure: An Exploratory Study in a Portuguese Higher Education Institution.

Nowadays, there is worldwide recognition that health and educational outcomes are inextricably linked. It is also recognized that health education comprises opportunities to improve health literacy, including the improvement of knowledge and the development of life skills to promote individual health. It is also known that the behavioral practices regarding sun exposure are an important risk factor for skin cancer. Research is needed in this area to understand the contribution of the “Education for Health” curricular unit to these issues. Our exploratory research sought to collect information about the knowledge and practices regarding sun exposure of a group of Portuguese university students who have already attended this curricular unit. The results indicate that the participants show that, notwithstanding that they have already attended this curricular unit, they do not have more literacy on skin health, do not perceive that sun exposure habits are related to skin health and do not perceive that photoprotection constitutes prevention of skin cancer. The results support the need to promote the necessary reflection and debate on the way in which health education should be taught, as well as what is taught, in order to empower students to get decision-making skills associated with the adoption of healthier attitudes and practices, thus helping to prevent skin cancer.

The Psychometric Properties of a Portuguese Version of the Trait-Meta Mood Scale: an Attachment Framework

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS). The TMMS is a self-report measure that assesses stable individual differences in the way people attend, discriminate, and repair their mood and emotions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted in a sample of 1070 Portuguese university students, aged 17–30 years. Attachment, coping and rumination measures were used to establish construct validity, and internal consistency was also tested. The CFA failed to gather support for the original three-factor structure. Results suggested that a four-factor structure, including 26 items tapping suppression, clarity, repair, and difficulties in defensive repression provided the best fit to the data. The four subscales evidenced good internal consistency. In addition, concurrent validity with attachment, coping, and rumination variables was determined. This four-factor structure provided a valid and reliable measure to assess emotion regulation and is proposed to add some comprehensive value to the assessment of emotion regulation under an information-processing and attachment framework.