University-based Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Multiplicative effect of stress and poor sleep quality on periodontitis: A university-based cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of perceived stress and poor sleep quality with periodontitis in a university-based cohort of individuals. A total of 235 individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Perceived stress and sleep quality were evaluated through validated questionnaires, while periodontitis was identified with a full-mouth periodontal examination protocol using both European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/AAP case definitions. Simple and multiple linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between perceived stress and sleep quality with periodontitis prevalence and severity. Stage III/IV periodontitis resulted associated with both moderate/high perceived stress (odds ratio [OR]=5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-13.5; p<0.001) and poor sleep quality (OR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.2-7.4; p<0.05). The interaction between moderate/high perceived stress and poor sleep quality presented a multiplicative association with stage III/IV periodontitis (EFP/AAP; OR=5.8; 95% CI: 1.6-21.3; p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated a similar trend of association also with linear periodontal parameters, that is, mean clinical attachment level (CAL) and mean probing pocket depth (PPD). The findings from the present study suggest that stress and poor sleep quality may exert a multiplicative effect on periodontitis prevalence and severity.

Sedative drug self-medication practice, attitude, and knowledge among medical students at the University of Dongola during 2022

Background: Self-medication with sedatives is a common problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Medical students experience significant psychological stress and are therefore at higher risk of using sedatives. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and knowledge of sedative drug self-medication practice among medical students at the University of Dongola. Methods: A university-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at the University of Dongola. Data was collected using pretested, self-administered questionnaires developed by the researchers after intensive searching and expert consultation. A total of 248 students were selected by the nonprobability-convenient sampling technique. Results: Sedative drug self-medication prevalence was 41.1% among medical students. The main reasons for practicing sedative drug self-medication were sleep disorders, allergies, saving time, and stress. Moreover, 54.8% of participants have knowledge about sedative drugs. The most common sources of information about sedative drugs were pharmacists (38.23%), doctors (36.27%), friends (10.78%), and family (8.82%). The most commonly utilized sedative drugs were anti-allergic (19.8%), antitussives (18.1%), diazepam (7.2%), thiopental (3.6%), and alprazolam (2.4%). Furthermore, 68.5% of participants accept that sedative drugs could be harmful and are associated with adverse effects. Conclusion: Our study revealed that self-medication with sedative drugs was less prevalent among medical students at the University of Dongola, Sudan. Furthermore, the medical students showed more knowledge and attitude toward self-medication with sedative drugs.

An exploratory university-based cross-sectional study of the prevalence and reporting of mistreatment and student-related factors among Thai medical students

BackgroundMistreatment is a behavior that reflects disrespect for the dignity of others. Mistreatment can be intentional or unintentional, and can interfere with the process of learning and perceived well-being. This study explored the prevalence and characteristics of mistreatment, mistreatment reporting, student-related factors, and consequences among medical students in Thai context.MethodsWe first developed a Thai version of the Clinical Workplace Learning Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) using a forward-back translation process with quality analysis. The design was a cross-sectional survey study, using the Thai Clinical Workplace Learning NAQ-R, Thai Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey, Thai Patient Health Questionnaire (to assess depression risk), demographic information, mistreatment characteristics, mistreatment reports, related factors, and consequences. Descriptive and correlational analyses using multivariate analysis of variance were conducted.ResultsIn total, 681 medical students (52.4% female, 54.6% in the clinical years) completed the surveys (79.1% response rate). The reliability of the Thai Clinical Workplace Learning NAQ-R was high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.922), with a high degree of agreement (83.9%). Most participants (n = 510, 74.5%) reported that they had experienced mistreatment. The most common type of mistreatment was workplace learning-related bullying (67.7%), and the most common source was attending staff or teachers (31.6%). People who mistreated preclinical medical students were most often senior students or peers (25.9%). People who mistreated clinical students were most commonly attending staff (57.5%). Only 56 students (8.2%) reported these instances of mistreatment to others. Students’ academic year was significantly related to workplace learning-related bullying (r = 0.261, p < 0.001). Depression and burnout risk were significantly associated with person-related bullying (depression: r = 0.20, p < 0.001, burnout: r = 0.20, p = 0.012). Students who experienced person-related bullying were more often the subject of filed unprofessional behavior reports, concerning conflict or arguments with colleagues, being absent from class or work without reasonable cause, and mistreatment of others.ConclusionsMistreatment of medical students was evident in medical school and was related to the risk for depression and burnout, as well as the risk of unprofessional behavior.Trial registrationTCTR20230107006(07/01/2023).

The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the association of autistic-like traits with burnout and depression in medical students during clinical clerkships in Japan: a university-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundBurnout and depression among medical students is linked to serious problems that require appropriate solutions. Subthreshold autism traits or autistic-like traits (ALTs) may be possible factors associated with burnout and depression. The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for burnout and depression has been widely reported. The treatment aims to improve psychological flexibility, a concept indicating engagement in personal value-based behaviors without avoiding uncomfortable private experiences. This study examined whether ALTs were associated with burnout or depression among medical students during clinical clerkships in Japan, and then investigated what psychological flexibility processes might mediate these associations.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to 284 medical students at Nagoya City University School of Medical Sciences who had been in clinical clerkships for 10 months or longer. Linear multiple regressions were performed with each burnout factor or depression as the outcome variable using validated tools measuring burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), ALT (Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version-21), and psychological flexibility processes (Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-7 and Valuing Questionnaire). Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.ResultsA linear multiple regression analysis that controlled for age and gender found that ALTs were significantly associated with lower personal accomplishment, a factor of burnout, and depression. Lower personal accomplishment was also associated with males and lower progress toward values of the psychological flexibility process. Depression was also associated with males and higher cognitive fusion, lower progress towards values, and higher obstruction to values of the psychological flexibility process. Surprisingly, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were not significantly associated with ALTs. The mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between ALTs and personal accomplishment was partially mediated by a process of progress toward values, while the relationship between ALTs and depression was partially mediated by both processes of progress toward values and cognitive fusion.ConclusionsALTs were significantly associated with lower personal accomplishment of burnout and depression among medical students in clinical clerkships. Consideration should be given to the psychological flexibility processes that focus on interventions targeting psychological flexibility for medical students with ALTs to reduce burnout and depression.

Epidemiological and clinical features of hypertrophic scar and keloid in Chinese college students: A university-based cross-sectional survey

BackgroundHypertrophic scar (HS) and keloid (KD) are common dermal fibroproliferative growth caused by pathological wound healing. HS's prevalence is currently undetermined in China. Though it primarily occurs in dark-skinned individuals, KD can develop in all races, and its prevalence among Chinese people is poorly documented. ObjectiveTo explore the present epidemiological status of them in Chinese college students. MethodsWe conducted a university-based cross-sectional study at one university in Fujian, China. A total of 1785 participants aged 16–34 years (mean age, 20.0 ± 2.0; 58.7% female) were enrolled and statistical analyses were performed. ResultsHS and KD were observed in 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–6.2) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3–1.0) of the population respectively. There was a significant difference by sex in HS (P < 0.05), but not in KD. The prevalence of HS and KD both showed a significant difference by age (P < 0.05), but not in ethnic and native place distribution. The occurrence of HS and KD were both concentrated in individuals 9–20 years old (HS: 77.2%; KD: 81.8%). They were mainly distributed in the upper limbs (52.1%; 64.3%), and the main cause was trauma (51.0%; 35.7%). In addition, male sex was a risk factor for HS (adjusted P < 0.001), and KD was associated with age ≥22 years and family history (adjusted P < 0.050). ConclusionHS and KD are common in Chinese college students, and more attention and research is warranted.

A Study to Correlate Smart Phone Addiction and Adult Hypertension Among Students of KPGU University: A Pilot Study

Background: The prevalence of hypertension is rising globally due to unhealthy lifestyle. Smartphones are vitalinstrument as a result of the rising use of technology in education. Anxiety, sadness, and sleep difficulties are alllinked to smartphone addiction. These mental illnesses also have an impact on blood pressure. The purpose ofthis study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its association with smartphone addiction amongadults.Methods: An university-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 74 young adults, aged 17-24 years(18.47±0.51for males and 19.27±0.97 for females) by random cluster sampling method after getting consent.Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure were measured according to normative data of ACSM guidelines. BMIwas calculated to identify the prevalence of obesity and its association with an increase in blood pressure. TheSmartphone Addiction Scale - a short version was used to assess level of smartphone addiction.Results: The prevalence of risk of developing hypertension in those who are having smartphone addiction was9.45% ((OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.155-1.762). And the association between smartphone addiction and obesity was 6.75%.Conclusion: Among college-going students surveyed at KPGU University Vadodara, there is a risk of developinghypertension due to excessive smartphone addiction as it shows borderline or elevated blood pressure and obesity.This can affect their physical as well as mental health. Therefore it is essential to arrange educational seminars tomake students aware of reducing the use of social media by engaging them in various recreational activities.

Perception of Condoms and Emergency Contraceptive Pill Use among Students in the University of Bamenda

Background: Globally, university students fall in the youth group prone to unattended sexual risks which may lead to unwanted pregnancy and STI/HIV. In Cameroon, more than a third of maternal deaths occur among adolescent girls and young mothers. Unwanted pregnancies results from the infrequent use of modern contraceptive methods and is one of the main causes of death in this population. Condoms are barrier contraceptive that have a beauty of dual protection-against pregnancy and transmission of STI/HIV, meanwhile emergency contraceptives has just one function which is protection against unwanted pregnancy. Aim: To assess the perception of condoms and emergency contraceptive pill use among students in the university of Bamenda, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A university-based cross-sectional study was conducted among students in the University of Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, a cosmopolitan area approximately about 19 km from Bamenda main town (Commercial Avenue). The study was carried out over a period of three months. Data were collected using a structured interviewer questionnaire administered through Google form. Data collected were extracted into excel sheet and analysed with SPSSv23. Results: The study included 719 students (318 males and 401 females). The rate of male and female condom use was 28.5% and 8.1% respectively. The mean age of our study populations was 24.5 ± 4.97 years with 52.7% of population between 20 to 24 years of age. Knowledge about condoms was high at 98.3%, however, 91.9% of participants have never used the female condoms before. Highest factor recorded for non-utilisation of the male and females condoms were reduction in sexual pleasure (47.4%) and lack of knowledge on usage (44.1%) respectively. 95% of students have knowledge on Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) but just an average (52.4%) have used it before. Fear of side effects (47.4%) was the main reason for not using ECPs. Conclusion: There is a very high knowledge about condom and emergency contraceptive pill among students. However, the rate of usage recorded was very low with highest source of information being the media/internet and lowest among relatives/family.

Promoting Cessation and a Tobacco Free Future: Knowledge and Attitude of Pharmacy Students Regarding Smoking Cessation in a Nigerian University

Tobacco smoking is a global public health threat and the largest single driver of health inequalities. Currently, there are over a billion smokers worldwide with approximately 80% of the smokers living in low-and-middle-income countries like Nigeria. Knowledge gaps on smoking cessation among pharmacy students might impact the quality of service these future pharmacists would provide in practice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students regarding smoking cessation in a Nigerian university. A University-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 pharmacy students of a Nigerian university using a pretested self-administered questionnaire between August and December 2019. Data were summarised descriptively using IBM SPSS (version 23). Most of the pharmacy students 203 (73.2%) agreed it is the pharmacists’ responsibility to support patients with smoking cessation. The majority of our respondents 226 (81.6%) reported pharmacy students need more training on smoking cessation. Thirty-three (11.9%) pharmacy students knew nicotine does not cause cancer. Less than one-tenth 27 (9.7%) of the pharmacy students were aware of smoking cessation products. Overall, 203 (73.2%) respondents had poor knowledge (score &lt; 60%) and an average positive attitude about smoking cessation. Pharmacy students have suboptimal knowledge about smoking cessation. However, they revealed a positive attitude towards smoking cessation. Therefore, there is a need for educational interventions to address the deficit in smoking cessation knowledge, as well as equip future healthcare providers. Thus, improving the quality of public health especially among smokers in Nigeria.

Factors associated with the improvement of the empathy levels among clinical-year medical students in Southern Thailand: a university-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmpathy is one of the core medical professionalisms that distress, burnout, and lack of personal well-being is also recognized as an important influencer on lower empathy levels. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mental health, burnout, and factors associated with the empathy levels among Thai, clinical-year medical students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed all fourth-to sixth-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, in Thailand; at the end of the 2020 academic year. The questionnaires utilized were: (1) The personal and demographic information questionnaire, (2) The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, (3) Thai Mental Health Indicator-15, and (4) The Maslach Burnout Inventory; Thai version. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with empathy levels were analyzed via the chi-square test and logistic regressions.ResultsThere were 466 participants, with a response rate of 91.5%. The majority were female (56.2%), and reported a below-average level of empathy (57.1%); with a median score (IQR) of 44 (40–48). The gender proportion of a below-average empathy level among male and female participants was 66.3% and 50.4%, respectively. Of the participants, 29.6% had poor mental health, 63.5% and 39.7% reported a high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores; even though most of them (96.6%) perceived having a high level of personal accomplishment. Multivariate analysis indicated that females, higher mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were statistically significant protective factors, which improved the empathy levels.ConclusionsMore than half of the clinical-year medical students reported below-average empathy levels. Female gender, better mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were related to the improvement of the empathy levels. Therefore, medical educators should emphasize the importance of focusing supporting students, of all genders and in regards to all stages of medical education, to increase their levels of empathy, to promote individual well-being, and to effectively prevent the phenomenon of student ‘burnout’.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Youth-Friendly Reproductive Health Services among Mizan-Tepi University Students, South-Western Ethiopia

Background Youth-friendly reproductive health services are designed to meet the unique needs of young individuals. Nevertheless, in developing countries such as Ethiopia, knowledge, attitude, and utilization of these services are very limited. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of youth-friendly health services and associated factors among students. Method A public university-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October and January 2019. Participants were chosen from the target group using a simple random selection procedure. To find the factors linked to youth-friendly health services, researchers used descriptive analysis, the chi-square test, and a logistic regression model. Result This study revealed that 237 (55.4%), 256 (59.8%), and 262 (61.2%) students had no knowledge, negative attitude, and not practiced youth-friendly reproductive health services, respectively. The binary logistic regression results revealed that male students were more likely to have knowledge and practice (AOR = 1.847; 95% CI: 1.124, 3.034; p=0.015) and (AOR = 1.821; 95% CI: 1.114, 2.975; p=0.017) respectively; however, they had less likely positive attitudes (AOR = 0.519; 95% CI: 0.315, 0.856; p value = 0.010) compared to female students. Students from primary and above educated families were more likely to have knowledge, attitude, and practice compared to students from uneducated families. Conclusion Overall, students' knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health services were poor. As a result, additional efforts, such as the availability of service providers and the improvement of facilities, as well as education linked to the service for young people and the allocation of appropriate service time, are required.

Health literacy and associated factors among undergraduates: A university-based cross-sectional study in Nepal.

Health literacy is one of the most critical aspects of health promotion. Limited health literacy is also accounted for adverse health outcomes and a huge financial burden on society. However, a gap exists in the level of health literacy, especially among undergraduates. This study aimed to assess the levels of health literacy and its socio-demographic determinants among undergraduate students of Tribhuvan University, Nepal. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 469 undergraduate students from five institutes of Tribhuvan University, Nepal. The 16-item short version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) was used to measure students' health literacy levels. Associated factors were examined using Chi-square tests followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses at the level of significance of 0.05. Nearly 61% of students were found to have limited health literacy (24.5% had "inadequate" and 36.3% had "problematic" health literacy). Female students (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.5), students from non-health related majors (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0), students with unsatisfactory health status (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7-4.5), students with poor financial status (aOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-6.8) and students with low self-esteem (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5-4.1) were significantly more likely to have limited health literacy. The majority of the undergraduates were found to have limited health literacy. Gender, sector of study, self-rated health status, self-rated financial status, and self-esteem were significantly associated with limited health literacy. This study indicates university students should not be assumed to be health-literate and interventions to improve students' health literacy especially for those whose majors are not health-related should be implemented. Further studies using a longer version of the health literacy survey questionnaire and qualitative methods to explore more on determinants of health literacy are recommended.

Prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia: a community university-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundInternet addiction is a common problem in university students and negatively affects cognitive functioning, leads to poor academic performance and engagement in hazardous activities, and may lead to anxiety and stress. Behavioral addictions operate on a modified principle of the classic addiction model. The problem is not well investigated in Ethiopia. So the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of internet addiction and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia.ObjectivesMain objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among University Students in Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Wollo University students from April 10 to May 10, 2019. A total of 603 students were participated in the study using a structured questionnaire. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A binary logistic regression method was used to explore associated factors for internet addiction and variables with a p value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were fitted to the multi-variable logistic regression analysis. The strength of association between internet addiction and associated factors was assessed with odds ratio, 95% CI and p value < 0.05 in the final model was considered significant.ResultsThe prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among the current internet users was 85% (n = 466). Spending more time on the internet (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.13, 95% CI 1.33–77.00)), having mental distress (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.02–7.06), playing online games (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.38–4.18), current khat chewing (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI 1.14–9.83) and current alcohol use (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.09–4.92) were associated with internet addiction.ConclusionsThe current study documents a high prevalence of internet addiction among Wollo University students. Factors associated with internet addiction were spending more time, having mental distress, playing online games, current khat chewing, and current alcohol use. As internet addiction becomes an evident public health problem, carrying out public awareness campaigns may be a fruitful strategy to decrease its prevalence and effect. Besides to this, a collaborative work among stakeholders is important to develop other trendy, adaptive, and sustainable countermeasures.

Does Learning Style Make a Difference on Student’s Academic Performance? Learning Style Preferences of Medical Students from University Tunku Abdul Rahman

Background: Learning preference is the effective and efficient modality or manner in which a learner has a natural preference to perceive process, store and recall new information. Learning style is the composite of cognitive, affective and physiological characteristics that indicate how a learner perceives, interacts and responds to the learning environment.&#x0D; Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the teaching and learning style preferences of medical students at UTAR by using VARK (Visual/Auditory/Reading/Kinesthetics) inventory questionnaires and to identify the different learning style preferences between gender and the academic year of medical education (pre-clinical year versus clinical year). &#x0D; Methodology: This was a university-based cross-sectional study involving 235 students from year 1 to year 5 in University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia from December 2017 to December 2018. Students, selected via universal sampling, were given the VARK inventory questionnaires determine their preferences of learning style. Data were further analysed using SPSS (version 22.0, IBM). &#x0D; Results: Of the 203 students (86.4%) who responded to the questionnaire, 62.1% of them were females while 80.3% of them were between 21-25 years of age. 86 students (42.4%) were from the preclinical phase while 117 (57.6%) were from the clinical phase. 70.4% of the students preferred studying alone to studying with a partner or group of friends (29.6%). Among them,157 medical students (77.3%) preferred multimodal learning style, with the most preferred mode trimodal which means combination of three sensory preference for example VAR or ARK, 35.67%, followed by quadrimodal which means combination of all four sensory preference for example VARK, 33.76% and bimodal which means combination of two sensory preference for example VA or AR, 30.57%. The remaining 46 students (22.7%) were unimodal learners (visual or auditory or reading or kinaesthetic) and 37% of them preferred kinesthetics which was learners prefer hands-on, practical experience. There was no significant difference in VARK modalities in terms of gender (p=0.39) and academic year (p=0.16). &#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of UTAR medical students preferred multiple modalities with trimodal being the most prevalent mode. Among unimodal learners, kinesthetics were the most preferred mode. There was no significant difference in VARK modalities in terms of gender and academic year.

Association between sources of sexuality education, sexual beliefs and behaviours in Lebanese young adults: a university-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study assessed the association between sources of sexuality education, sexual beliefs and behaviour among Lebanese youth. 451 unmarried students at a private university, mean age 20.25 (±1.41) years, participated in the study. Main sources of information were teachers, mothers, internet and friends. Respondents wished for increased involvement of fathers and doctors in their sexuality education. There was a positive association between receipt of school classes on reproductive health and adoption of protective behaviour at first sexual experience (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05). A Sexual Belief Index (SBI) was calculated as a mean score on 18 items related to sexual permissiveness (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Sex and classes on reproductive health predicted a rise in SBI. The timing of classes, namely earlier introduction, and communication with family and religious figures predicted a decrease in SBI. The SBI was positively associated with sexual activity (OR = 3.68, p = 4.399e-07), first sex at <17 years (OR = 5.262, p = 0.0099) and engagement in one-night stands (OR = 4.195, p = 0.0001). Students who engaged in same-sex sexual experiences had higher odds of contracting STIs (OR = 12.7, p = 0.0001). Findings reveal the need to include sexual health in school curricula; train parents, physicians and teachers as information providers and moderators of SBI; and improve access to youth-friendly services.

Skincare Habits and Rosacea in 3,439 Chinese Adolescents: A University-based Cross-sectional Study.

The pathogenesis of rosacea remains unclear but has been reported to correlate with skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to elucidate the skin-care habits of Chinese adolescents and determine the relationship between skincare habits and rosacea. A university-based cross-sectional investigation included 310 rosacea cases and 3,129 healthy controls who underwent health examinations and completed a questionnaire about daily skincare habits. Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV is a protective factor against rosacea (adjusted adds ratio (aOR) 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.72). Long bath duration (≥ 11 min, aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.01-6.72) and frequent use of facial cleansers (≥ 2 times/day, aOR 1.70; 95% CI 1.17-2.36) were positively associated with rosacea, but bath frequency (p = 0.22), water temperature (p = 0.53), and sun protection (p = 0.65) were not associated with rosacea. Inappropriate skincare habits, including extended bath durations and frequent use of facial cleansers, significantly increase the risk of rosacea in Chinese adolescents.

Comprehensive Health Literacy Among Undergraduates: A Ghanaian University-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, and use health information for enhancing health. Health literacy research has led to the understanding of its associations with health outcomes and health-promoting behavior. Health literacy is essential to health promotion, but a gap exists in the knowledge of health literacy in Ghana, especially among university students.Objective:This study aimed to ascertain the levels of health literacy and its sociodemographic determinants among undergraduate university students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using multistage cluster sampling to select 500 students from six colleges of the University; of those, 485 were included for data analysis after exclusions. Health literacy was assessed using the 16-item short version of the European Consortium for Health Literacy Questionnaire.Key Results:About 55% of students were found to have limited health literacy (20.4% had “inadequate” health and 34.2% had “problematic” health literacy). Students performed low on health literacy dimensions dealing with the access and appraisal of health information, especially relating to mental health. Multivariate logistic regression showed that factors associated with limited health literacy differed for each gender but generally included college type, self-esteem, health status, and year of study.Conclusions:Interventions need to be implemented to improve students' health literacy. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2019;3(4):e227–e237.]Plain Language Summary:The study reveals that health literacy may be a challenge even for the educated in Ghana especially among vulnerable people. University students should not be assumed to be health-literate and interventions that will help enhance their literacy in health should be implemented.

Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland: Protocol for a Web-Based Survey and Environmental Audit Tool for Assessing the Impact of Multiple Factors on University Students' Physical Activity.

BackgroundIncreasing proportions of the global population transition through a university setting, a setting associated with engagement in behaviors that diminish health such as high levels of physical inactivity. Increasing physical activity (PA) is a key element of health promotion strategies in many countries, but a better understanding of students’ PA and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors is needed. Studies provide protocols to collect information regarding these factors separately; however, none have developed a validated systematic approach to gather information pertaining to all across a whole country.ObjectiveThe purpose of this project is to examine students’ physical activity and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.MethodsStudent Activity and Sport Study Ireland (SASSI) is a university-based cross-sectional study that was carried out across the island of Ireland in 2014. A novel and comprehensive Web-based environmental audit tool (EAT) gathered information pertaining to the environment provided by universities for physical activity. A Web-based student survey (SS) collected information about physical activity beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of students. The audit tool and SS were developed through rigorous consultation processes involving international experts. An institutional champion volunteered at each university to recruit, administer, and ensure the completion of both assessments.ResultsData collection was undertaken between May and December 2014. A total of 80% (33/41) of universities completed the EAT, whereas 88.31% (8122/9197) of students (49.10% [3966/8122] male; mean 23.17 [SD 6.75], years) completed the SS sufficiently. Studies are currently underway with the data collected using this protocol.ConclusionsSASSI provides a novel and comprehensive protocol for systematically assessing the PA of students and the related personal, behavioral, and actual environmental factors. The strengths of the SASSI study are presented and include high response rates and a unique dataset that can provide information to relevant stakeholders and policy makers, along with aiding the development of university environments and interventions that promote PA involvement. The weaknesses of the protocol are recognized with suggestions given to overcome them in future research. This protocol is applicable for other countries and has great potential to create harmonization of data, which would allow for direct comparisons across nations.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/10823

The prevalence of Amblyopia in a young Population

Purpose:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of amblyopia and its determinants in Iranian students above 18 years.Methods:In this university-based cross-sectional study, multi-stag...

Investigation of the Association Between Cement Retention and Prevalent Peri-Implant Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study is to examine the association between retention type (cement-retained versus screw-retained restorations) and prevalence of peri-implant diseases in a German university-treated population. Data were analyzed from individuals that underwent clinical and radiographic peri-implant examinations as part of a university-based cross-sectional study from September 2011 to October 2012. Data from 139 individuals (mean age: 57.59 years) having 394 implants were analyzed: 192 implants supporting single crowns and 202 fixed partial dentures. Overall, 11.9% of the participants had peri-implantitis, whereas 68.9% had peri-implant mucositis. Crude odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis for cement- versus screw-retained restorations were 1.43 (0.45, 4.60) and 0.89 (0.53, 1.48), respectively. Results remained non-significant in multivariable models adjusting for type of restoration and smoking (all P values >0.50). There was also no effect of splinting restorations on disease prevalence in adjusted analyses (P values >0.32). In this university-treated sample, there is no association between the type of prosthesis retention and peri-implant diseases. Current findings show that, when appropriate selection and removal of cement is performed, cement retention is not a risk indicator for peri-implant diseases.

Accuracy of a digital skinfold system for measuring skinfold thickness and estimating body fat

The use of skinfold thickness measurements to evaluate the distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue and to predict body fat has recognised advantages. However, the different types of skinfold calliper available present limitations that make them unattractive and perhaps less used in daily practice. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy and functionality of a new digital skinfold system, the Liposoft 2008+Adipsmeter V0 (LA), for measuring skinfold thickness and determining body fat proportion (%BF). Skinfold thickness measurements made by the LA were compared with those obtained with a Harpenden (H) calliper from two samples of adults (n 45) and older adults (n 56) in a university-based cross-sectional study. A comparison was also conducted between estimated %BF from skinfolds and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bland and Altman plots show that skinfolds measured by the LA and H calliper are in high agreement, with a mean difference of 0·3 (95% CI -3·1, 3·4) mm. In regard to the %BF estimated from LA and H skinfolds measurement, the LA produced a similar approximation to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry %BF, with a mean difference of 0·2 (95% CI -0·8, 1·2) %, compared with %BF obtained with the H calliper. The LA system is an accurate instrumentation and represents an innovation in the evaluation of skinfold thickness and body composition based on anthropometric measurement.