University Students Research Articles

Physical activity, leisure-time management, perceived barriers to physical activity and mental well-being among Turkish university students.

This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) level, free time management, mental well-being, and perceptions of barriers to PA among university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 723 Turkish university students, which included four questionnaires to assess participants' PA levels, conditions of mental well-being, free time management, and perceived barriers to PA. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the participants' PA level. The study found that 216 (29.9%) of participants were inactive, 325 (45%) were minimally active, and 182 (25.1%) were health-enhancing active. While 25.23% of males were inactive, 42.02% were minimally active, and 31.45% were health-enhancing active, these rates were 31.4, 45.98, and 22.62% for females, respectively. These findings highlight that 3/4 of university students have inadequate PA levels. Changes in barriers to PA (p < 0.001), free time management (p = 0.040), and mental well-being (p < 0.001) were associated with PA levels. According to the regression analysis, only increased barriers to PA was a significant predictor of PA (p < 0.001). Given the role of health science students in public health, this study could help policymakers develop new strategies to promote healthy living and address barriers to PA, such as students' free time and mental health.

Factors Associated with Food Waste Among University Students in Colombia

(1) Background: Globally, millions of tons of food are wasted annually, with a significant portion occurring at the household level. This study aimed to quantify food waste generated by university students and identify key factors associated with this behavior. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community trial involving 227 Colombian university students. Participants self-reported their daily food waste (grams per person per day), as categorized by food type, which was collected through an online-based questionnaire under prior training. The data were analyzed using a binomial regression model to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRaj) and identify associations between food waste and demographic variables. (3) Results: Of the participants, 63% were women, with a mean age of 20.4 ± 3.8 years. Overall, 65% (n = 148) reported food wastage. The average food waste per person per day was 22.6 ± 15.5 g, increasing to 94.0 ± 5.0 g among those who reported wastage. Significant associations were found between food waste and several factors: Among those with a higher prevalence of food waste were women (PRaj = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89); students from rural areas (PRaj = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.67); and those with higher income levels, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.68) for those earning 1–2 Minimum Legal Monthly Wages (LMMW) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.93) for those earning 3+ LMMW. Household size and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with food waste (p &gt; 0.05). (4) Conclusions: On average, the population generates 8.25 kg of food waste per person per year, rising to 34.31 kg among those who report wasting food. Gender, geographic location, and income were key predictors of daily food waste.

University students who were men who had sex with men (MSM) in Sichuan, China had a higher prevalence of insomnia and probable depression than their non-MSM counterparts: mediation via emotional dysregulations.

Men who have sex with men studying in universities (MSM-US) frequently face multiple sexual minority stressors that potentially lead to maladaptive emotional regulations and mental problems. This study compared the prevalence of depression/insomnia between MSM-US and non-MSM male university students (NUS) and hypothesized that the potential differences would be mediated via emotional dysregulation styles (rumination and catastrophizing). The study design was a cross-sectional study. NUS were recruited from a university-based survey using cluster sampling in three universities in China from June to October 2018, while MSM-US from the same university-based survey and the other community-based survey using convenience sampling. The effective samples size was 2,531 (292 MSM-US and 2,239 NUS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed. MSM-US had significantly higher prevalence of both probable depression (55.1% versus 35.7%; OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 3.38-6.94) and moderate-to-severe clinical insomnia (17.3% versus 4.1%; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.73-2.83) than NUS. MSM-US were also more likely than NUS to use emotional dysregulation styles (rumination/catastrophizing), which were correlated with probable depression/insomnia (r = 0.17 to 0.31). In the SEM, the differences in depression/insomnia between MSM-US and NUS were partially mediated by the latent variable of emotional dysregulation (rumination and catastrophizing), with effect sizes of 55.0% for probable depression and 33.6% for insomnia, respectively. Depression and insomnia were prevalent among male university students in Sichuan, China. Furthermore, MSM-US were at increased risk than NUS for both mental problems; emotional dysregulation partially explained such differences. Future studies are warranted to confirm the findings, develop tailored interventions to address general and MSM-specific stressors and reduce rumination and catastrophizing, and examine whether similar patterns exist in other sexual minority groups.

Entrepreneurial Education and Intention as a Panacea for Sustainable Development Goals: Evidenced Among Public and Private University Students in Southwest, Nigeria

The study was carried out to investigate the impact and also compare the motivational impact level of sustainable entrepreneurship education on sustainable entrepreneurial intention among public and Private University Undergraduate in Southwest, Nigeria. It adopted survey research design, a sample size of 3,542 out of 26,898 university undergraduates from the selected Public and private universities in Ogun, Osun, and Oyo States were selected. Primary data was sourced using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was adopted to get the mean and standard deviation of the constructs for the variable under investigation, while Mann-Whitney U-test was used to examine the differences in the impact level and Linear Regression was used to analyse the impact of sustainable entrepreneurship education of sustainable entrepreneurial intention. Findings showed that sustainable entrepreneurship education have significant impact (F1, 3540 = 21187.94; R&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; = 0.8568; P &amp;lt; 0.0000) on Sustainable Entrepreneurial intentions. Also, the public Universities (μ&amp;lt;SUB&amp;gt;R&amp;lt;/SUB&amp;gt;=1584.96) students have more of motivational impact level in terms of sustainable entrepreneurship education compared to students in private Universities (μ&amp;lt;SUB&amp;gt;R&amp;lt;/SUB&amp;gt;=2035.35). The study recommends based on its findings that the Federal government should also contribute towards putting in place infrastructure for entrepreneurial and skill acquisition in private Universities.

Assessment of e-cigarette dependence and influencing factors among Palestinian young adults: a cross-sectional study.

E-cigarette use is a growing public health concern, especially because of the potential health risks it poses. This study focuses on assessing e-cigarette dependence and the factors associated with it among Palestinian young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2023 among university students in the West Bank. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, knowledge, and attitudes regarding e-cigarettes. E-cigarette dependence was assessed using the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index. The study included 386 university students who used e-cigarettes. Many of them started using e-cigarettes at a young age, and 54.7% were dual users of e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco. High levels of dependence were reported in 11.4% of participants, and moderate dependence in 28.8%. Several factors were identified through multivariate linear regression as significantly associated with e-cigarette dependence: a higher monthly allowance (β = 0.116, 95% CI: 0.128- 1.124, p = .014), having a father who uses tobacco (β = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.030- 1.638, p = .042), having a close friend who smokes traditional cigarettes (β = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.019- 1.667, p = .045), using e-cigarettes in areas where traditional smoking is prohibited (β = 0.175, 95% CI: 0.689-2.330, p < .001), using e-cigarettes to quit other forms of tobacco (β = 0.134, 95% CI: 0.434-2.314, p = .004), and a more negative attitude score (β = - 0.210, 95% CI: - 0.285- - 0.112, p < .001). The study revealed high levels of e-cigarettes dependence among the participants among young adults, with associated variables such as monthly allowance, attitudes, and age of e-cigarette initiation. Policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals should collaborate to address e-cigarette dependence among young adults, taking into consideration social, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.

Awareness of Importance of Premarital Counseling among Students of Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt.

Awareness of Importance of Premarital Counseling among Students of Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt.

Looking for the experts: examining course accommodations and modifications for students with intellectual disability in inclusive higher education

ABSTRACT Background Opportunities for students with intellectual disability to attend postsecondary education have increased with the rise of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) supports, bringing the need to examine the experiences of students and their instructors. Method This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 12 university instructors of IPSE students and 10 IPSE students to examine experiences with course adaptations. Results Results indicate that instructors desired greater institutional support, training, and information as they felt unsure about their abilities to support students with intellectual disability and had varied understanding of accommodations and modifications. Students wanted to be seen as capable university students, utilised peer mentor supports, and were able to provide information about how they learned in a university setting. Conclusions The study found that students were valuable but often underutilised sources of information about their own access needs and sometimes worked through and around university systems. Implications for practice are provided.

An intervention study on the influence of altruistic teaching on L2 learners’ English research article abstract writing

Abstract A large mass of research has reported the significance and power of positive psychology (PP) constructs in second/foreign language (L2) education. As an offshoot of PP, altruistic teaching, which highlights teaching without self-focus, has recently initiated its way into L2 research territory. However, the way altruistic teaching influences L2 students’ academic literacy skills, such as abstract writing, has been left uncharted to date. To bridge this gap, the present study used an experimental design to investigate the contribution of altruistic teaching to 163 university students’ English abstract writing required in research article (RA)s. The results of t-test and ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between the learners’ RA abstract writing in the control and experimental groups in both the short and long run in light of altruistic teaching. The study discusses the results and presents the implications of altruistic teaching for L2 research and practice.

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: DO SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONTROL PLAY ROLE?

Smartphone addiction has increasingly emerged as a significant concern among college students. This study aims to investigate the impact of self-esteem and self-control on smartphone addiction within this demographic. Adopting a survey design with a correlational approach, the study involved 130 students selected using convenience sampling. The researchers employed the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Self-Control Scale for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the variables, followed by hypothesis testing through simple and multiple regression analyses. The results indicate that both self-esteem and self-control negatively affect smartphone addiction, both independently and collectively. Specifically, higher levels of self-esteem and self-control are associated with lower levels of smartphone addiction among participants. This study provides a novel contribution by examining the combined effects of self-esteem and self-control, offering new insights into the roles of these psychological factors in predicting smartphone addiction among Indonesian university students. These findings have significant implications for addressing smartphone addiction through interventions that enhance self-esteem and self-control.

Bivalent Fears of Evaluation in Social Anxiety: Evaluation of an Extended Psychoevolutionary Model

Fears of negative evaluation (FNEs) and fears of positive evaluation (FPEs) comprise a bivalent model of evaluation that can explain the aetiology and maintenance of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). In this study, we examined an extended version of this model which incorporates two related cognitive processes (concerns about reprisal and discounting of positive outcomes) as partial mediators of the effects of FNEs and FPEs. We built on earlier work by including a broader measure of social anxiety across different social situations and comparing models for groups of participants with and without probable SAD. Structural equation modelling was utilised to test the model in a sample of 890 university students (74.8% female, mean age 29.49). We replicated the findings of Cook et al. in the overall sample and in the group with probable SAD. FNEs and FPEs predicted social anxiety directly and were serially mediated by concerns about reprisal and discounting positive outcomes. The model was also a good fit for those without SAD; however, in the model, FNEs were no longer a direct predictor of social anxiety. The findings confirm the utility of the extended bivalent model and have implications for psychoevolutionary accounts of social anxiety.

Pet Ownership and Its Influence on Animal Welfare Attitudes and Consumption Intentions Among Chinese University Students

As global awareness of animal welfare continues to rise, it has become essential to understand the factors that shape individual attitudes and consumption behaviors related to animal welfare. This study empirically investigates how pet ownership influences attitudes towards animal welfare and related consumption intentions among Chinese university students. Findings demonstrate that students from pet-owning households exhibit significantly more favorable attitudes and behaviors concerning animal empathy, awareness of animal welfare, willingness to purchase animal welfare certified products, and the willingness to pay a premium for animal welfare labels. Pet ownership fosters emotional resonance, enhancing empathy and perceptions regarding animal welfare, and influences preferences for animal welfare certified products through simulated consumer choices. By applying propensity score matching (PSM) to mitigate endogeneity concerns, this research advances theoretical discussions surrounding animal welfare attitudes and consumption behaviors. Looking ahead, the promotion of animal welfare should involve coordinated efforts across educational institutions, policy frameworks, and market mechanisms to cultivate a broader understanding and adoption of animal welfare principles.

The associations between well-being and Cloninger’s personality dimensions in a Korean community sample

Background Well-being is a multidimensional construct comprising affective and non-affective components. Previous research has consistently linked personality traits to well-being, yet cultural variations in this association remain underexplored, particularly in collectivistic cultures such as Korea. Therefore, this study aims to identify universal and culture-specific characteristics of personality in relation to well-being. Methods A sample of 527 Korean university students participated, providing data through the Korean version of the Temperament and Character Inventory-RS (TCI-RS), self-rated health (SRH), social support (SS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS). Pearson correlation analysis and ANCOVA, with sex and age as covariates, were employed to examine linear associations. Multidimensional personality profiles were utilized to investigate non-linear associations among character dimensions on different aspects of well-being. All analysis was performed using jamovi 2.3.12. Results Self-directedness and cooperativeness exhibited positive linear associations with both affective (positive and negative affect) and non-affective (SRH, SS, SWLS) components of well-being. Self-directedness emerged as a key predictor across various well-being aspects. Cooperativeness was strongly associated with perception of social support. Self-transcendence showed positive associations with both positive and negative affect, considering interactions with other character dimensions. Discussion While self-directedness played a pivotal role universally, the impact of cooperativeness and self-transcendence appeared to be influenced by cultural factors, enhancing perception of social support and affecting both positive and negative affect in a collectivistic culture. This study illustrates the importance of considering cultural nuances in the relationship between personality and well-being. Future research should delve deeper into cultural differences, emphasizing the need for subtle interpretations of specific personality traits within diverse cultural contexts.

Do generation Z students read? Reading habits of the students of Dhaka University

PurposeThe proliferation of digital tools and instant access to information has diversified reading habits among Generation Z (Gen Z) students. The primary objective of this study is to examine the reading habits of Gen Z students at Dhaka University.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire method was employed to collect data from 354 university students. We collected research data through printed questionnaires, and randomly selected students to answer survey questions. A total of 500 printed questionnaires were distributed to the seminar library, university hall library and Dhaka University library. Additional efforts made to engage students in classrooms.FindingsStudents prefer printed materials, particularly fiction and enjoy reading at home. The majority have emerged as dormant readers and prefer using mobile phones for reading. Hobbies and interests have been identified as significant influencers in shaping reading habits. Promoting a reading culture, improving access to books, integrating technology, expanding fiction collections, creating engaging content and tailoring outreach strategies are key steps to enhancing the reading habits of the Gen Z students in Bangladesh.Social implicationsThese findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers and educators seeking to foster effective reading habits among students by aligning strategies with their preferences and needs.Originality/valueThis study offers original insights into the reading habits of Gen Z students at Dhaka University, focus on enhancing library collections, particularly in fiction literature, addresses challenges such as space constraints and reflects innovative approaches to fostering improved reading habits among students.

Digital Competences and Years of Access to Technologies Among Chilean University Students: An Analysis Based on the DIGCOMP Framework

This study investigates the relationship between access time to digital technologies and the devel-opment of digital competences among Chilean university students, using the DIGCOMP-PED in-strument based on the DIGCOMP framework. Methods: The instrument was applied to 4360 first-year students at a Chilean public university, and an expert validation process was carried out to identify relevant competences for academic training. Results: The findings indicate a positive but non-linear relationship between years of experience using technologies and performance in certain areas of the DIGCOMP framework. Although the study was conducted between 2021 and 2022, with the follow-up analysis completed in 2024, access alone does not guarantee the acquisition of ad-vanced skills across all competences. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the complexity of the re-lationship between access to technology and the development of digital competences, highlighting the importance of pairing access with quality education and structured guidance in digital literacy to prepare students for the challenges of the digital world.

Islamic or Conventional Banking

Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to examine the banking preferences of Kuwaiti university students, their preferences between Islamic and conventional, the reasons supporting their choice and, as a measure of satisfaction, the likelihood of them recommending their bank to their friends and family. Design/methodology/approach: We conduct a short survey among undergraduates using a 4-item paper questionnaire physically distributed and collected at a Kuwaiti business school. The large response (n= 503) is analysed and descriptive statistics used to present the results Findings: Results indicate a majority prefer Islamic banking and that the main reason for this is their religion. Those students who opted for conventional banks gave social reasons such as recommendation for their choice. A higher level of satisfaction was recorded for Islamic banking customers. We conclude that Islamic banks have managed to match their ethical and religious appeal with the delivery of efficient and convenient banking services that are valued by the student segment. Practical Implications: Our results are of interest to those offering retail banking services in binary markets where conventional banks compete with Islamic banks in addition to researchers in this domain. For Islamic banks, the significance of maintaining a strong reputation with the underpinning of robust Shariah principles is emphasized. Originality: The paper contributes fresh understanding to the acceptance of and satisfaction with Islamic banks and their products and services among a strategically important segment. It provides evidence suggesting a bright future for Islamic banking in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.

A combined approach of design for Six Sigma, generic product development process and ergonomics-safety philosophy to reduce musculoskeletal disorder problems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to decrease musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) problems using a combined approach including design for Six Sigma, generic product development process, and ergonomic-safety philosophies. Design/methodology/approach A total of 550 students voluntarily participated in this study. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and t-tests were used to analyze the collected anthropometry. A cause-and-effect diagram, Pareto’s chart, a brainstorming session, and a priority matrix were also used to extract the 22 design parameters of the product. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha values were determined to verify the validity of qualitative and quantitative data. Findings Results showed that students are at a high risk of developing MSD issues. The most serious MSD problems among the students were neck pain (74%), back pain (73%), muscle and joint pain (67%), knee pain (57%), leg pain (54%), etc. Besides, all anthropometrics of males are higher than females except Hip Breadth. Among 12 anthropometries, two measurements and one measurement showed statistical significance at p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.05, respectively. Six design parameters of the mounted desktop (Seat Height, Desk Height, Seat to Desk Clearance, Seat Width, Seat Depth, and Backrest Height) are the most crucial design parameters to design and develop the product. Practical implications The proposed design of the mounted desktop can be used in different tertiary educational institutes to reduce MSDs among students. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt that introduces a combined approach to reduce MSD issues by applying Six Sigma, a generic product development process, and ergonomics-safety philosophy to design and measurement of 22 design parameters of mounted desktop for university students.

Sustainable entrepreneurship education: Impacts of the circular economy, health literacy, and well‐being

AbstractEducation systems that integrate sustainable entrepreneurship education, digitization, and the circular economy (CE) have an effect on well‐being and provide a holistic approach to the promotion of sustainable development. Higher education institutions have a valuable dual role in disseminating the CE as a new sustainability paradigm through both the teaching of students and the preparation of future teachers toward the incorporation of sustainability into other educational levels. This study focused on new health literacy (health competence) findings, with the aim to analyze the health literacy, well‐being, and socioeconomic status of university students in the era of new normality post‐pandemic (COVID‐19). The analysis was based on the health literacy questionnaire of Van der Vaart, WHO‐5, and the MacArthur Scale of socioeconomic status. The results showed that health literacy among students in Romania tended to improve during the pandemic based on their experience with digital media. This effect was particularly evident in the assessment of health information and digital health competence.

Developing Strategies to Promote Physical Fitness for University Students

Background and Aims: The physical fitness problems of university students must be paid great attention to. As the backbone of training university students, how to guide the students to exercise scientifically and achieve the best physical fitness for effect has become an urgent problem for physical educators in universities and universities. The objective of this research was to develop strategies to promote physical fitness for university students. Methodology: This research is mixed methods research. The population for this research includes 5,275 first-year students enrolled at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies for the 2023 academic year. Using the Taro Yamane formula, the sample size was calculated to be 371 university students. The questionnaire was distributed to 371 university students to investigate the problems and current situation of physical fitness of university students. After that, 7 experts were invited to develop a question framework for a focus group. 10 experts conducted a focus group to develop the question framework for use in the Delphi consensus, and 19 experts were invited to conduct a two-round Delphi consensus, to develop the strategies to promote physical fitness for university students. Finally, a connoisseurship method was used to confirm the developed strategies with 9 experts. The data gathered from the questionnaire were analyzed using the average and standard deviation, while consensus data were evaluated through the median and interquartile range. The established criteria for consensus required a median of ≥ 3.50 and an interquartile range of ≤ 1.50. Results: The strategies to promote physical fitness for university students were organized into 6 key aspects and comprised 51 factors. These 6 key aspects include: (1) Policy and Administrative Support, (2) Physical Education Curriculum and Programs, (3) Facilities and Equipment, (4) Engagement and Motivation, (5) Monitoring and Assessment, and (6) Sustainability of Fitness Programs. Conclusion: The study emphasizes a thorough strategy for improving university students' physical fitness by addressing program sustainability, policy, curriculum, facilities, motivation, and assessment. These six tactical elements guarantee a balanced, encouraging atmosphere for sustained health and fitness.

Roles of Personal Values and Information Technology Usage in Forming the University Students’ View of Environmental Sustainability: A Preliminary Regional Study of Economics and Business Students

This study focuses on two significant factors shaping university students’ perception of environmental sustainability. Those are (a) personal values, measured by the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) and (b) the usage of and proficiency in information technology. Personal values have been widely used to analyze individual perspectives toward various issues, including environmental ones. As contemporary social arrangements include significant influences from social networks and mobile phone usage, overall engagement with technology becomes an essential factor affecting university student attitudes and behaviors. While the individual impact of those factors can be found in the extant literature, we look into their interaction concerning university student pro-environmental attitudes, measured by the Revised NEP (New Ecological Paradigm) Scale, and their environmental self-efficacy. Our sample comes from the population of undergraduate business and economics students from Central and Southeast Europe, specifically Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. We discuss our findings in the context of previous studies from the same regions and consider the unique socio-economic factors. The research results address Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action) by analyzing the factors contributing to university student pro-environmental attitudes and their self-efficacy in the context of their information technology usage and proficiency.

Are the functions of non-suicidal self-injury associated with its persistence and suicide risk in university students? Insights from a network analysis

BackgroundTo date, a number of intra- and interpersonal functions of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been identified. Yet, their association with persistence of NSSI and suicide risk remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate which functions of NSSI are associated with its persistence and suicide risk in university students using a network analysis.MethodsAltogether, 830 university students reporting a lifetime history of NSSI were enrolled. The persistence of NSSI was defined as its presence over preceding 12 months.ResultsPersistent NSSI was directly connected to the nodes representing two functions of NSSI: affect regulation and self-punishment. Suicide risk was directly connected to the anti-suicide function of NSSI. The shortest pathway from persistent NSSI to suicide risk led through depressive symptoms. Other likely pathways (three mediating nodes) led through the functions of NSSI (affect regulation or self-punishment, anti-dissociation, and anti-suicide). Depressive symptoms had the highest centrality. However, it did not differ significantly compared to some functions of NSSI (marking distress, anti-dissociation, toughness, and affect regulation).DiscussionIn university students, persistent NSSI might be directly associated with its functions related to affect regulation and self-punishment, while suicide risk might be directly associated with the anti-suicide function. The observations posit a role of intrapersonal functions in shaping the outcomes of NSSI. Depressive symptoms and some NSSI functions might be the most promising targets for interventions in this population.