Public Health Students Research Articles

Edukasi Mengenai Penyakit Berbasis Lingkungan Sebagai Dampak Bencana Perubahan Iklim

The background of the implementation of this community service is based on the many incidents of environment-based diseases that occur at every level of society as a result of the phenomenon of climate change. Education about environment-based diseases is a solution that can be offered in the context of anticipating climate change disaster adaptation and mitigation. The purpose of this community service is to provide information to the public regarding climate literacy and the importance of efforts to prevent and overcome various environmental-based disease events. The method in this community service is a quantitative method involving 39 Public Health students at Universitas Prima Nusantara Bukittinggi, who were selected by purposive sampling, after the education is carried out, the group will be given a test instrument to determine student knowledge about environment-based diseases and global climate change. The analysis technique used is a descriptive technique which is carried out to map the knowledge gained by students. The results of this community service are able to provide new knowledge to students related to the incidence of environment-based diseases as an impact of global climate change, by getting the most scores in the good predicate interval (71-85), reaching 46.15% of the total students. And it is concluded that the educational method on environment-based diseases is effective to be given in the context of adaptation and mitigation of climate change disasters. The findings obtained can be taken into consideration for the community on the importance of increasing knowledge in achieving a balance of human quality of life with environmental quality in the context of achieving the 3rd SDGs, namely guaranteed health and well-being and the 13th SDGs, namely climate action.

Pathway to Public Health: Investigating Reasons Behind the University of Sunderland Students Pursuit of Postgraduate Studies

Background: Postgraduate studies in public health are vital for addressing global healthcare challenges. This study examines the factors motivating students at the University of Sunderland to pursue advanced degrees in public health, aiming to understand both personal and external influences on their educational choices. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design, utilizing a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The research was conducted at the University of Sunderland's main and London campuses, targeting postgraduate public health students. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, focusing on descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Results: Out of 102 respondents, 94 met the eligibility criteria. The mean age was 31.5 years, with a majority being female (61.8%) and from the African continent (58.5%). Most respondents (52.1%) had clinical experience, and a significant portion (66%) cited career advancement as their primary motivation. Other notable motivations included improving community health (60.6%) and a desire to work in healthcare policy (44.7%). Cultural background significantly influenced motivations related to global health challenges, while academic history significantly affected motivations concerning community health improvement and disease prevention. Discussion: The findings highlight the diverse motivations driving students to pursue postgraduate public health studies, with career advancement being the most significant factor. Cultural and academic backgrounds play crucial roles in shaping these motivations, suggesting the need for tailored support and resources to address the specific needs of diverse student populations. The study underscores the importance of understanding these motivational factors to enhance educational strategies and support services for public health students.

Stop the spread: Empowering students to address misinformation through community‐engaged, interdisciplinary science communication training

AbstractTeaching science in an age of disinformation and misinformation requires empowering students to address inaccurate information in evidence‐based ways. Science communication scholarship highlights the growing importance of inclusive and relational approaches for addressing misinformation. Thus, we developed, implemented, and evaluated an interdisciplinary, graduate‐level course for students in STEM, journalism/communication, and public health to learn to address misinformation using community‐engaged, evidence‐based approaches. We used the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework for our mixed‐methods analysis of the efficacy of this course, assessing both the behaviors that students planned to utilize in community‐engaged science communication to address misinformation, as well as the attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control that influenced these planned behaviors. Quantitative self‐report metrics indicated that this curriculum increased students' subjective norms for misinformation correction as well as perceived behavioral control of science communication and science civic engagement. Thematic analysis of qualitative student interview data showed that the course helped students increase their plans for inclusive approaches to addressing misinformation. This study indicates the importance of community‐engaged curriculum to develop the mindset and self‐efficacy necessary for scientists‐in‐training to address misinformation in their communities.

Hidup Sehat Produktif Bebas Diabetes dengan Edukasi Kesehatan Tentang Penyakit Diabetes Melitus di Wilayah Kerja PKM Unit 1 Sumbawa

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or what is commonly called diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the insulin hormone in the body which cannot be used effectively to regulate blood sugar balance, thereby increasing the concentration of sugar levels in the blood. The aim of this community service is to increase community knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus. The benefits of community service activities are providing education about diabetes. The location of the community service activities is at BTN Bukit Permai in the Kerka Community Health Center Unit 1 Sumbawa area. This community service activity has been carried out well involving public health students and nursing students, in carrying out outreach activities to the community with the title "Productive Healthy Living Free of Diabetes with Health Education about Diabetes Mellitus in the Pkm Unit 1 Sumbawa Working Area" on Saturday 29 June 2024

Assessment of Depression and Anxiety Among Public Health Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in University of Hail, Saudi Arabia

Objective: The study aims to identify the socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with depression, and anxiety among public health students at the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The researchers collected responses from 446 participants using a convenience sampling approach through a cross-sectional quantitative research design. The collected data underwent analysis through descriptive statistics, focusing on socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Additionally, the measure of association is used to verify the associations of these factors with depression and anxiety among public health students of the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia. Finally, the binary logistic regression is used to identify the impacts of various socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors on mild to severe anxiety and depression of these students. Results: The research proves that lower family income and bad relationships with classmates are significant demographic factors, while unsatisfied sleep, smoking habits, and symptoms ranging from mild to severe depression are lifestyle factors that contribute to heightened anxiety among public health students at the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it was also found that transitional age (21-25 years) from socio-demographic factors, unsatisfied sleep level, smoking habit, and mild to severe symptoms of anxiety also cause significant increased depression among these students. Conclusion: The study concludes that students who are not satisfied with their sleep, and have a smoking status are more exposed to anxiety as well as depression as compared to non-smokers, and the students with satisfied sleep. Additionally, those students who are not good in relationships with their classmates, and have mild to severe symptoms of depression are exposed to anxiety significantly. Finally, those students having a transitional age of 21-25 years along with mild to severe symptoms of anxiety are significantly exposed to depression.

EDU_VACCINE app: Mobile application for public health students and health educators

BackgroundOne of the valuable tools in virtual education is mobile phone-based educational applications. The present study aims to design and evaluate the vaccination training program through a mobile phone application for the internship of public health students in 2022. MethodsThe current developmental-applied study was carried out among 30 female undergraduate public health students using census sampling method. The information needs and technical capabilities of the program were first determined. A skill-testing station test was taken, and the scores were recorded. The designed application was given to the students, and they were given one month to use it. After that, the same stationary test was taken again, and the scores were compared with those of the first test. Then, the level of user satisfaction with the vaccination training program was collected and analyzed using the fifth version of the user interaction satisfaction (QUIS) questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 25 and the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of 0.05. ResultsThe students’ average performance scores in vaccination skills increased from 17.56 ± 6.24 to 60.4 ± 2.15 after using the EDU_VACCINE application (p < 0.05). The average overall satisfaction score of the application was 117.86 ± 10.76 (p < 0.05). ConclusionAccording to the results, the average scores related to the vaccination performance of the students as well as the satisfaction of the EDU_VACCINE application are at a high level. Respectively, ‘ease of working with the application’ and its being ‘offline’ garnered the highest level of satisfaction, and these factors can make education through the application more popular among different educational fields.

Knowledge of Public Health Students Regarding HIV/AIDS and PLHIV: Do They Have Stigma?

Knowledge of Public Health Students Regarding HIV/AIDS and PLHIV: Do They Have Stigma?

Health science students’ preparedness for climate change: a scoping review on knowledge, attitudes, and practices

IntroductionClimate change (CC) is a global public health issue, and the role of health professionals in addressing its impact is crucial. However, to what extent health professionals are prepared to deal with CC-related health problems is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health students about the CC.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review through systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Proquest, and EBSCO. We included original scientific research with no language or time restrictions. Two authors independently reviewed and decided on the eligibility of the studies, then performed data extraction.Results21 studies were included, with a total of 9205 undergraduate nursing, medical, pharmacy, and public health students mainly. Most health science students (> 75%) recognized human activities as the main cause of CC. However, they perceived a lack of knowledge on how to address CC. Moreover, we found inadequate coverage or limited development of CC in related curricula that may contribute to incomplete learning or low confidence in the theoretical and practical concepts of students.ConclusionThe findings of our scoping review suggest that while health sciences students possess a general understanding of CC, there is a significant gap in their knowledge regarding its specific health impacts. To address this gap, there is a need for targeted education and training for future health care professionals that emphasizes the health effects of CC.

Disaster Preparedness Among University of Indonesia’s Public Health Student: A Campus Study

Introduction: This study examines the disaster resilience of students from the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia. It employs a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample size of 417 individuals.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the level of disaster resilience among students of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia and identify areas for improvement.Method: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 students from the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on various aspects of disaster resilience, including awareness of disaster potential, preparedness, education sources, insurance ownership, disaster response, and knowledge of nearby clinics/hospitals.Result: The findings indicate that overall, the level of disaster resilience among students of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia is satisfactory. However, there is room for improvement in certain areas such as disaster preparedness, knowledge of early warning systems, training or simulation, and readiness for disasters.Conclusion: In conclusion, while students demonstrate a commendable level of disaster resilience, there is a need for enhancement in specific areas. This could include improving disaster preparedness, increasing knowledge of early warning systems, providing training or simulation exercises, and enhancing overall disaster readiness.

Evaluation of mental health of students in healthcare education programs at Qatar University.

Mental health issues among undergraduate health-care students are a growing concern. This research aims to explore the frequency of mental health issues among health-care students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nutrition, biomedical sciences, nursing, and public health at Qatar University. Ethics approval was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 1,378 health-care students were invited to participate. Data were collected online using two validated questionnaires including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess symptoms of depression, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and two open-ended questions investigating risk factors and recommendations for enhancing institutional support. A total of 270 health-care students completed the survey; 227 female, and 43 male students. According to PHQ-9 cut-off values, 37.7% of students had mild depression symptoms, 25.5% moderate, 14.8% moderately severe and 10% severe symptoms. DASS-21 responses revealed 34.7% displayed severe to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, 15.4% severe to extremely severe stress symptoms and 21% severe to extremely severe depression symptoms. Students aged 18-21 years had significantly higher depression (p=0.03) and stress scores (p=0.05). Qatari students had significantly higher anxiety scores (p=0.05). Responses to open-ended questions were categorized into sub-themes and grouped together into broader themes. Most students reported exam stress and workload as key factors contributing to their negative mental health. Participants' recommendations included reducing academic workload through better curricular planning, providing training to faculty to better support students with mental health issues, and improving mental health services. This study showed a significant percentage of respondents reported symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression during undergraduate studies. Participants represent the future healthcare force for the country and there is a need to identify and support students with mental health issues through close monitoring, and work with all stakeholders to improve student support services.

Inclusivity and decolonisation of the post-graduate public health curriculum: Reflections from a student-led approach

The future of successful public health practice requires public health students to be educated within a decolonised curriculum that challenges the historical biases and inequalities that are deeply embedded within global public health and society. In this commentary, we reflect on what it can mean and why it's important to decolonise and diversify a public health curriculum. We describe how we used a student-led approach to begin this process, and share recommendations that are applicable to national and international curricula.

Putting the pieces together: comparing the effect of jigsaw cooperative learning and lecture on public health students’ knowledge, performance, and satisfaction

ABSTRACT The present research was conducted to compare the effects of two methods of traditional lecture and Jigsaw Cooperative Learning on the students’ knowledge, performance, and satisfaction. This quasi-experimental study was done on 50 public health students, who had been chosen through available sampling. The performance and satisfaction of students was measured through two researcher-made 80 and 18-item questionnaires after receiving the training. Data were analyzed through SPSS 2423.0 software. The mean score of knowledge in the pre-test stage in the jigsaw and lecture groups was 11.40 and 10.56, respectively, while these values in the post-test stage significantly increased in the jigsaw group compared to their lecture counterpart (16.68 vs. 10.76) (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the score of poster and pamphlet preparation, role-playing, and slide preparation in all subscales (P < 0.001). The mean score of satisfaction was higher in the jigsaw group in all subscales except for motivation (P = 0.17) and problem-solving (P = 0.43), compared to the lecture group (P < 0.001). The results indicated that the JCL method, by engaging students in the teaching-learning process, could cause enhanced knowledge, performance, and satisfaction of the learner, helping them deal with their courses with greater interest. .

Exploring Learning experiences of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students in a Public Health Undergraduate Degree.

Whilst university data highlights that BAME students are awarded up to 33% lower assessment outcomes than their white counterparts, there is limited contextual information to explain why the situation arises. A small scale qualitative project sought to explore the barriers and enablers to Public Health students' learning experiences through semi-structured interviews. Emerging themes included the role of the family in their learning; the influence of peer groups and others in their motivation to study and becoming an independent student and these themes are viewed from a critical intercultural and intersectional perspective.

Exploring the impact of street play as a powerful pedagogical tool in public health programs

This case study reports on the production, performance and evaluation of a public health street play by MSc Public Health students at York St John University (London Campus) in the United Kingdom. The street play was performed on World AIDS Day 2023. This paper focuses on the dynamic and interactive nature of street play as a pedagogical technique that aligns with constructivist principles, fostering meaningful learning experiences. Increased confidence, engagement and programme commitment were observed in students both in in-person and online sessions following the street play. While recognising these strengths, we discuss the need to address challenges, foster collaborations and implement continuous improvement strategies to make street play even more effective as a teaching method in the public health discipline.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health science students at the University of Parakou, Benin

ObjectivesResearch on psychological distress in African students is scarce. This study aimed at exploring the epidemiology (prevalence and correlates) of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health sciences students at the University of Parakou (Benin). MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey from June to July 2022 at the University of Parakou, the second-largest university in the Republic of Benin. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9). Information on several independent factors was collected and their associations with depressive symptoms were investigated using logistic regression models. ResultsData from 560 students were analyzed (mean age: 21.3± 2.3 years, 60 % were male, and 50.4 % were registered in the first year of study). The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 39.1 % [95 % CI: 35.2 %-43.1 %]. Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were observed in 15.3 % and 1.8 % of participants, respectively. In the multivariable model, being aged 21–23 (adjusted Odds Ratio=1.8, p-value: 0.007), a female (aOR=1.5, p-value: 0.050), a medical student (aOR=2.9, p-value: <0.001), a public health student (aOR=3.6, p-value: <0.001), belonging to households with higher incomes (aOR= 2.4, p<0.001), and experiencing stress (aOR=1.5, p-value: 0.048) independently increased the probability of having depressive symptoms. However, having support from close relatives (aOR= 0.5, p-value: 0.026) was associated with a lower probability of depressive symptoms. ConclusionsOur findings revealed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health science students. Given the correlates identified, actions to promote coping skills in stress and encourage more parental support may be real avenues likely to help reduce the frequency and consequences of depressive symptoms.

Public Health Students and Instructors Weigh in on Generative Artificial Intelligence: Are They on the Same Page?

Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) technology is used among students, yet it remains unclear how public health students and instructors perceive it to be effective in a learning environment. We described how and why public health students and instructors are using genAI technology along with their perceived benefits and limitations of using genAI, noting where perceptions overlap. We surveyed public health students and instructors at a higher education institution in the United States. Student survey questions covered which genAI technologies they used, which activities they used genAI for, and perceived benefits and limitations of using genAI. Questions for instructors covered which genAI technology they used, course activities genAI was integrated, and perceived benefits and limitations of using genAI. Student respondents ( n = 300) indicated using genAI technology for writing or clarifying concepts. Students and instructors ( n = 62) agreed genAI technology could save time on tedious tasks and will be part of our future workforce. They agreed that appropriate use in the classroom will better prepare future professionals. Alternatively, students and instructors indicated genAI may impede learning, produce inaccurate information, and pose opportunities for unethical behavior. While students and instructors agree on many aspects of genAI technology, instructors should be explicit about their expectations and rationale for use of genAI technology in classrooms.

Evaluation of a Pilot Wellness Elective for Master of Public Health Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Graduate student wellbeing is a public health issue in the United States. The COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated the mental health burden on graduate students worldwide. Culture of Wellness (PH 104) is a 2-week wellbeing elective course that teaches evidence-based wellbeing strategies for graduate students at a university in the United States. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of this pilot wellbeing elective on Master of Public Health students' mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 22 Master of Public Health students from the class of 2021 at a university in the United States. We provided a pre-course survey to students that assessed their perception of their own personal wellbeing, their knowledge about various wellbeing strategies, and their confidence in applying 13 wellbeing strategies before taking the course. Post-course students completed the same survey following course completion, as well as a matching evaluation and a five-month follow up survey. Of the 13 strategies taught, students reported significant improvements in their ability to apply 10 strategies. There was a significant increase in self-reported emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as a significant decrease in burnout. Five months post-course, more than three quarters of respondents used strategies taught in the course on a weekly basis or more. This pilot study is limited by its small sample size, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. The PH 104 Culture of Wellness course was effective in improving graduate students' wellbeing and confidence in applying wellbeing strategies.

Enhancing educational technology practical course: Designing and validating tools for evaluating knowledge, performance, and satisfaction of public health students.

The present study was conducted with the aim of designing and validating questionnaires for evaluating the public health students' knowledge, performance, and satisfaction (KPS) in the course of educational technology. The present study was conducted with qualitative-quantitative approach. Qualitative stage was done based on experts'opinion and related articles and questionnaires for developing, designing, and validating the tools. For validating the tools, face validity and content validity was done based on the opinion of the 10 expert panel. In quantitative stage, all initial validated tools were implemented on 50 students of public health for determining the reliability. The reliability of the tools was calculated using the internal consistency method of the items with Cronbach's ⍺ coefficient, and Kuder-Richardson. All analyses were conducted using SPSS-19 software. In the field of qualitative research, an assessment tool consisting of 20 four-option questions was designed. The content validity of this tool was confirmed based on the opinions of 10 educational experts, with CVI Total = 0.862 and CVR = 0.885. Additionally, the reliability of the tool was validated through testing on 50 public health students, resulting in a reliability coefficient of r = 0.780. Furthermore, for performance evaluation, four assessment tools each comprising 20 questions (totaling 80 questions) were designed. The validity values for these tools in the areas of PowerPoint (CVI = 0.981, CVR = 0.960), pamphlet (CVI = 0.866, CVR = 0.877), poster (CVI = 0.871, CVR = 0.906), role-playing (CVI = 0.871, CVR = 0.980), and the reliability of the tools with Cronbach's ⍺ r > 0.80 were confirmed. In the satisfaction assessment section, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 18 questions across seven domains was designed, with confirmed content validity (CVI = 0.949, CVR = 0.861) and reliability (r = 0.928). It seems that this tool can be used to measure the KPS of students from the educational technology course of the health field and similar fields.

The Effect of Giving Water Extract Boiled Beluntas Leaves on the Prevention of Vaginal Discharge in S1 Public Health Students at the STRADA Indonesia Institute of Health Sciences

Background: The high rate of vaginal discharge in women is caused by infection of various fungi in the vagina by bacteria Thricmonas vaginalis and candida albicans. Excessive and abnormal vaginal discharge can be an early symptom of cervical cancer that can lead to death in women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving water extract of boiled beluntas leaves on the prevention of vaginal discharge in S1 Public Health students at the STRADA Indonesia Institute of Health Sciences. Methods: This study used a pre-experimental method with a type of research one group pre test post test. The population in this study was all S1 Public Health students at the STRADA Indonesia Institute of Health Sciences and sampling using the simple random sampling method with a total of 84 respondents. Data analysis techniques used to test hypotheses are the Wilcoxon Test and data collection using questionnaires. Results: Data analysis using the Wilcoxon test shows that the significance level is 0.000&lt; α = 0.05 so that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted which means that there is an effect of giving beluntas leaf boiled water extract on the prevention of leucorrhoea in S1 Public Health students at the STRADA Indonesia Institute of Health Sciences. Conclusion: It is expected that female students who experience vaginal discharge can apply water extract of beluntas leaf decoction as a non-pharmacological drug that can be used if experiencing vaginal discharge.

General, Vaccination, Navigational and Digital Health Literacy of Students Enrolled in Different Medical and Health Educational Programs.

Evaluating prospective graduates' health literacy profiles before they enter the job market is crucial. Our research aimed to explore the health literacy levels of medical and health students by assessing their ability to obtain health-related information, understand healthcare systems, use e-health, and be informed about vaccination as well as to explore the factors associated with health literacy. Short versions of the HLS19-Q12 were used for a cross-sectional survey that was carried out among 1042 students enrolled in various medical and health educational programs at three medical universities in Kazakhstan between September and November of 2023. Additionally, instruments such as Digital Health Literacy (HLS19-DIGI), Navigational Health Literacy (HLS19-NAV), and Vaccination Health Literacy (HLS19-VAC) were employed. The score of General Health Literacy was 88.26 ± 17.5. One in eight students encountered difficulties in Vaccination Health Literacy. Despite overall high health literacy, Navigational Health Literacy posed challenges for all students. The Public Health students exhibited the highest General Health Literacy (91.53 ± 13.22), followed by students in Nursing, General Medicine, other educational programs (Dentistry and Biomedicine) and Pharmacy. Financial constraints for medication and medical examinations significantly influenced health literacy across all types of individuals. Since comprehensive health literacy instruction or interventions are still uncommon in the curricula, it seems reasonable to develop and incorporate appropriate courses for medical and health educational programs.