University Students In Ireland Research Articles

An Investigation into the Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks among University Students in Ireland

An Investigation into the Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks among University Students in Ireland

The peer mental health stigmatization scale-revised (PMHSS-R): Psychometric properties and cross-cultural factorial invariance in university students in Ireland and Argentina.

The study aimed to assess the psychometric quality of the Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale - Revised (PMHSS-R), by examining its factorial structure among young adults in Ireland and Argentina. A total of 429 participants aged between 18 and 25 years old were recruited (n = 187 Ireland, n = 242 Argentina). The PMHSS-R was completed by Irish participants and was translated, pilot-studied, and subsequently completed by Argentinian participants. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated optimal factor loadings for an eight-item solution and acceptable internal consistency for both scale dimensions in the Argentinian sample. Satisfactory levels of partial scalar invariance were achieved between countries, indicating that the scale measures mental health stigma consistently across cultures. Our findings highlight the PMHSS-R as a cross-culturally valid and reliable psychometric instrument to evaluate interventions targeting stigma. In conclusion, the PMHSS-R can be used in cross-cultural research to compare levels of mental health stigma and investigate the interplay between stigma and other psychologically relevant constructs between different countries and cultural contexts.

Lack of influence of social media on vaccine decision-making by university students in Ireland

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy is a complex, context-specific issue that negatively impacts vaccine uptake. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine mis- and dis-information on social media negatively impacted on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. University students’ beliefs and behaviors surrounding vaccine decision-making is less studied, but this population is important in disease transmission, vaccine uptake and effectiveness. Here, we surveyed students in a third-level Irish university, in September 2022, when pandemic restrictions had been removed, to primarily determine if their use of, and influence by, mainstream and social media correlated with their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or any vaccine. We analyzed 151 responses and found no significant correlation between students’ willingness to receive either a COVID-19 vaccine or any vaccine and their use of social media. There were significant links between vaccine acceptance and a range of factors, namely accommodation type, social media behaviors, perceived exposure to vaccine mis- or dis-information and previous vaccine uptake. This study provides a preliminary insight into drivers of university student COVID-19 and general vaccine willingness. It provides initial data, in the context of post-pandemic restrictions, to support further development of interventions to enhance vaccine uptake in third-level students in Ireland.

Understanding the stress and coping experiences of undergraduate university students in the COVID-19 context: A qualitative study

Background: The various psychological challenges experienced by university students have been well- characterised. The university experience can be stressful, which can negatively impact on mental health. Student stress was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lack of on-campus learning and peer contact. This study aims to understand the stress experiences and coping strategies of undergraduate university students in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the differences between first-year and returning students’ experiences. Methods: Undergraduate students at the National University of Ireland, Galway, took part in online semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Nineteen students were interviewed (10 first-years and 9 returning students). Three themes were developed in relation to perceived stressors: (1) ‘The unknown. The dragon. The fear of getting sick’ with sub-themes, ‘Fear of COVID-19’ and ‘Chronic uncertainty and negative media messages’; (2) ‘Online learning is overwhelming’ with sub-themes ‘Difficulties with university workload’ and ‘One place, same screen, same things’; (3) ‘Social isolation’ with sub-themes ‘Lack of peer contact’ and ‘Fear of missing out’. Two themes in relation to coping were also developed: (1) ‘Help each other, keep each other afloat’ and (2) ‘Focusing on the positives in a shared storm.’ First-year students described additional stressors not experienced by returning students such as navigating university for the first time remotely and making friends virtually. Conclusion: All students struggled with various additional stressors due to the COVID-19 situation, particularly first-year students who experienced additional stressors while adjusting to university in a pandemic context. All students described coping strategies to help manage stress, which may be useful in developing future interventions and mental health supports for university students.

Development and proposed evaluation of an eHealth learning tool for undergraduate university students in Ireland.

Undergraduate university students are at a critical stage of development in terms of their academic, social, psychological and behavioural health. Patterns established during these formative years can last a lifetime. eHealth tools have the potential to be engaging, convenient and accessible to a wide range of students by providing health information and enhancing the uptake of positive health behaviours. The 'Healthy Trinity Online Tool' (H-TOT) was developed in collaboration with students and a transdisciplinary team with decades of experience between them in terms of research, clinical responsibility and service delivery. Developmental steps undertaken included: a literature review to formulate the topic content choices; a survey of students to check the relevance and suitability of topics identified; and, the tacit experience of the development team. This co-design model led to the development of content encompassing academic life, healthy eating, physical activity, mood, financial matters, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and relaxation. Qualitative focus groups were subsequently conducted for in-depth exploration of the usage and functionality of H-TOT. The theoretical underpinnings include the locus of control and social cognitive theory. Evidence-based behavioural change techniques are embedded throughout. During early pre-piloting of H-TOT, the team identified and solved content functionality problems. The tone of the content was also revised to ensure it was non-judgemental. To make the H-TOT as interactive as possible, video scenarios were included and all content was audio-recorded to allow playback for students with visual or learning difficulties. Evaluation plans for the pilot year of H-TOT are outlined.

Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea Among University Students in Ireland.

ObjectivePrimary dysmenorrhea (PD), or painful menstruation, is a common gynecological condition that can cause intense pain and functional disability in women of reproductive age. As a nonmalignant condition, PD is relatively understudied and poorly managed. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact of PD among third-level students in Ireland.DesignA cross-sectional observational design was used.MethodsStudents (n = 892; age range = 18–45 years) completed an online survey on menstrual pain characteristics, pain management strategies, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing.ResultsThe prevalence of PD was 91.5% (95% confidence interval = 89.67–93.33). Nonpharmacological management strategies were most popular (95.1%); of these, heat application (79%), rest (60.4%), hot shower/bath (40.9%), and exercise (25.7%) were most common. Perceived effectiveness of these methods varied between participants. Analgesic use was also common (79.5%); of these, paracetamol was most used (60.5%) despite limited perceived effectiveness. Pain catastrophizing was a significant predictor of variance in both pain intensity and pain interference scores such that those with higher pain catastrophizing scores reported more intense pain and greater interference with daily activities and academic demands.ConclusionsThis article presents the first investigation into PD among third-level students in Ireland. Poorly managed menstrual pain may impact functional ability across several domains. Future research should focus on improving menstrual pain management education and support and promoting menstrual health literacy for women affected by PD.

An Evaluation of the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in a Sample of University Students in Ireland

The current study aimed to examine psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) in an Irish sample, including metric and configural invariance, convergent validity and internal consistency. Previous research has identified the scale as a unidimensional structure in a variety of different cultural and linguistic settings. Participants were 106 men and 139 women from a large Irish university (Age: M = 20.95; SD = 4.21). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the scale’s unidimensional structure and sex invariance. Positive correlations with self-esteem, well-being, flourishing and body-esteem measures and negative correlations with maladaptive perfectionism, perfectionism and self-reported BMI were identified providing support for the scale’s convergent validity. Excellent internal consistency (α = .96) was demonstrated. Consistent with previous research, men in Ireland reported significantly higher body appreciation than women. Body appreciation scores of the current sample were compared with international data scores from participants in the US, China, Poland, France, Canada and Iran.

Bored bluestockings and frivolous flirts: dynamics of gender and the experiences of the first female students of Queen’s College Cork, 1879–1910

ABSTRACT The campaign for women’s access to higher education in Ireland in the late-nineteenth century was understated, characterised by committees, middle class concerns and wrangling over legislation. The earliest female university graduates in Ireland were demure, hardworking and performatively feminine. This paper examines how the campaign for women’s higher education in Ireland, and the first female third level students in Ireland, responded to contemporary ideology regarding gender roles. It suggests that the first female university students in Ireland were engaged in a delicate balancing act, seeking access to previously forbidden male-dominated spaces, yet simultaneously attempting to preserve their femininity and respect decorum. This paper will also analyse the gender geography of third level institutions, and the way in which the separate spheres ideology was mapped onto universities.

Graduate attributes: Social constructions and lived experience of university students in Ireland

Aim. This paper examines how dominant understandings of students in third-level education in Ireland are reflected in national policies, filtered through the official and aspirational texts issued by Irish colleges, and negotiated and contested by students. Specifically, we investigate the discrepancies between the perceived needs of students in third-level education as imagined in government policies and promoted by higher education institutions, and the lived realities of students who grapple with multiple challenges brought about by structural failures in housing and higher education funding policy.
 Methods. Through documentary analysis and primary qualitative data on student experiences, we examine how the imagined figure of the third-level student/graduate becomes imbued with the aspirations of multiple stakeholders: policymakers, academic institutions, and potential employers - in ways that conflict with the lived realities of students.
 Results. We find that students are caught between the ambitions and expectations of an education system that pushes them into higher education without the requisite and adequate supports.
 Conclusion. The ideal graduate is expected to embody the nation’s hope for future success as well as to uphold the alma mater’s reputation among employers. Couched in this rhetoric of the graduate as the beacon of hope, however, are deeper failings of a welfare state that is still battling the aftermath of recession. These failures are projected onto students, manifesting in a very real way in their minds and lives as they struggle to balance between institutional, family and personal expectations, the demands of daily life and future plans.

Active Students Are Healthier and Happier Than Their Inactive Peers: The Results of a Large Representative Cross-Sectional Study of University Students in Ireland.

Time spent in university represents a period of transition and may be an appropriate time to promote physical activity among young adults. The aim of this study was to assess participation of university students in sport and physical activity in Ireland and to explore the association between physical activity and perceptions of overall health, mental health, and happiness. The Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland was a cross-sectional online survey among a representative sample (n = 8122) of university students in Ireland. Binary logistic regressions were performed to examine associations between self-reported physical activity and gender (predictor variables) and individual perceptions of overall health, mental health, and happiness (binary outcomes). Only 64.3% of respondents met the recommended level of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week with males significantly more active than females (72.1% vs 57.8% meeting guidelines). Those meeting physical activity guidelines were more likely to report greater overall health and higher mental health and happiness scores compared with their inactive peers. Active students enjoy better health (overall and mental) and are happier than their inactive peers. This provides a clear rationale for providing students with opportunities to be active at university. The data provide a baseline to monitor changes in physical activity patterns.

Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation among Irish Undergraduate College Students

ABSTRACTThis study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among 220 first year undergraduate university students in Ireland. Data were collected using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire. Findings indicated that 59% of participants experienced depressive symptoms and 28.5% had suicidal ideation. Financial stress and poor relationships with both parents, increased the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms. Sexual orientation, financial stress, and poor relationships with fathers, increased the odds of experiencing suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was also higher in those who had sought help in the past from mental health professionals. Nurses need to be aware of the factors associated with mental ill-health in this population.

Alcohol consumption among university students in Ireland and the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2014: a systematic review

BackgroundAlcohol is a leading cause of global suffering. Europe reports the uppermost volume of alcohol consumption in the world, with Ireland and the United Kingdom reporting the highest levels of binge drinking and drunkenness. Levels of consumption are elevated among university students. Thus, this literature review aims to summarise the current research on alcohol consumption among university students in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.MethodsMEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychInfo were systematically searched for literature from January 2002 until December 2014. Each database was searched using the following search pillars: alcohol, university student, Ireland or the United Kingdom and prevalence studies.ResultsTwo thousand one hundred twenty eight articles were retrieved from electronic database searching. These were title searched for relevance. 113 full texts were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Of these, 29 articles were deemed to meet inclusion criteria for the review. Almost two thirds of students reported a hazardous alcohol consumption score on the AUDIT scale. Over 20 % reported alcohol problems over their lifetime using CAGE while over 20 % exceed sensible limits each week. Noteworthy is the narrowing of the gender gap throughout the past decade.ConclusionThis is the first review to investigate consumption patterns of university students in Ireland and the United Kingdom. A range of sampling strategies and screening tools are employed in alcohol research which preclude comparability. The current review provides an overview of consumption patterns to guide policy development.

Computer use and musculoskeletal symptoms among undergraduate university students

The use of computers has been shown to have the potential for detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system. Previous research has identified risk factors for computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in the workforce, but the focus of investigation on university students is comparatively recent. There appears to be a relative paucity of research into computer-related MSS in European universities and none to date in Ireland. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer-related MSS in a cohort of undergraduate university students in Ireland. The cross-sectional study design involved a questionnaire of two parts. Part A was a questionnaire adapted from previously used questionnaires and included questions relating to demographic information regarding age, gender, year of study, hand dominance and details of computer use. Part B was a modified (to include only computer-related symptoms) Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. A total of 312 Health Sciences students were surveyed and 241 responded, giving an overall response rate of 76.9%. All students used a computer, with 95.4% using a laptop. Although the reported duration of computer use was quite low, the prevalence of computer-related MSS was high (52.8%). Increased prevalence of MSS was significantly associated with year of college, average daily laptop use and right hand dominance. A considerable proportion of students reported that MSS impacted on their work (18.3%) and leisure activities (23.6%) and furthermore 17.1% sought medical attention. The current study suggests that further research should be carried out on students from other disciplines and on students in other European universities to facilitate a greater understanding of the risk factors for computer-related MSS in undergraduate students.

Hazardous alcohol consumption among university students in Ireland: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThere is considerable evidence of a cultural shift towards heavier alcohol consumption among university students, especially women. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and correlates of...

Awareness of sexually transmitted infection and protection methods among university students in Ireland

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge. In 2012, young people (20-29 years) represented 59.1 % of STI notifications in Ireland. In studying awareness and knowledge of STIs, methods of protection, and sexual practices of young people, many researchers have accessed university students. Survey of 419 university students, investigating awareness and knowledge of sexual health and STIs, and risky sexual behaviour as a surrogate indicator of sexual activity in that age group. Self-administered questionnaire on students' demographics, sexual activity, knowledge, attitude and awareness of sexual health and STIs. 419 students responded: 56.1 % female and 78.1 % undergraduate students. 74.2 % remembered receiving sexual education in secondary school and 84 % of those found it useful, but only 51.8 % remembered education regarding STIs. 44.4 % believed that STIs do not pose a long-term health risk. 90.7 % of respondents were sexually active, and 10.3 % had contracted STIs. 94.7 % of sexually active students used contraception, with condoms most frequently used. 69.1 % of those active had experienced penetrative vaginal sex, 86.4 % oral sex and 19.2 % anal sex without a condom in the prior 2 years. Condom usage initiated by women was primarily for STI prevention. Young people do not always have the information needed for them to take responsibility for their sexual health. In this study, university-provided medical and information resources were available, but large numbers of students were unaware or uncomfortable accessing them. Future work is needed to determine factors contributing to effective communication of sexual health information to young people.

University Students’ Online Habits and Their Use of the Internet for Health Information

Studies have explored the use of the Internet for health information, but few have focused on the young adult population, a population that is known to have difficulties in accessing mainstream health services. It has been acknowledged that young people are active users of the Internet, and this mode of health service delivery warrants further exploration. This study aimed to determine university students' online habits and their use of the Internet for health information using a quantitative descriptive design. Data were collected from 922 university students in Ireland, aged between 18 and 24 years. The findings indicated that university students are active users of the Internet and of social networking sites, particularly for communication purposes. It was also found that 66.1% of participants had used the Internet to search for health information, for a variety of reasons, including information on specific illnesses, sexual health, and fitness and nutrition. It is concluded that the use of the Internet to communicate with young people in relation to their health needs to be explored.

Public Opinion and Development Issues: a Survey of Irish University Student Opinions

Surveys of Irish public opinion on international development assistance have shown high levels of support combined with relatively low levels of knowledge. This article discusses the finding of a survey of university students in Ireland in 2006-7. The results suggest that the attitudes of students in Ireland closely mirror that of the wider population. They are supportive of aid and think official aid from the government should be increased. Irish development NGOs are seen as the public face of development assistance and there is little recognition of Irish Aid – the state’s official development agency. While there is awareness of the importance of structural issues such as trade access and debt relief, the spontaneous responses to what needs to be done to allow development still focus on aid and volunteering. Students are already persuaded that development is important and are motivated to donate or act, development education efforts however need to focus more on creating a better understanding of the causes of underdevelopment and the structural factors relating to interactions between wealthy and poor states.

Public Opinion and Development Issues: A Survey of Irish University Student Opinions

The Irish government, like many other governments around the world, is concerned with maintaining public support for its development programme. Surveys of Irish public opinion on international development assistance have shown high levels of support combined with relatively low levels of knowledge. Contextualising these finds with surveys of public opinion in other states indicates that while the development project has a comparatively high level of support in Ireland, the Irish population has a comparatively unsophisticated understanding of both the causes of underdevelopment and the range of possible policy solutions. The last major survey of Irish public opinion on development was conducted in 2002, at the beginning of the recent major increases in the aid budget. This article discusses the finding of a survey of university students in Ireland conducted in 2006-7, after the Irish government committed itself to reaching the United Nations target of spending 0.7 per cent of GNP on official development assistance by 2012. The findings of this survey have implications for the content of development education at third level. Students are already persuaded that development is important and are motivated to donate or act; development education efforts, however, need to focus more on creating a better understanding of the causes of underdevelopment and the structural factors relating to interactions between wealthy and poor states.

A comparison of perceptions of self among university students in Ireland and the U.S.: Implications for counselling

The study compared 50 Irish and 50 American graduateand undergraduate psychology and counselling studentson the ways they rated My Real Self and My Ideal Selfon a Semantic Differential using Osgood et al.'s (1957)Semantic Differential Technique. A 2×2×2 MANOVA wasused for the data analysis where the status variableswere country, class, and gender, and the dependentvariables were the evaluative and potency scales ofthe Semantic Differential for both My Real Self and MyIdeal Self. It was found that males, as a whole,rated the potency of both My Real Self and My IdealSelf higher than females. Implications forcounselling are discussed.

Sex role patterns in an Irish student sample as measured by the bem sex role inventory (comparisons with an American sample)

Sex roles in 171 male and 180 female university students in Ireland were examined by the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). The distribution of scores for masculinity and femininity showed the same general pattern as in American samples. However, the Irish males rated themselves significantly lower in masculinity and significantly higher in femininity than the American males, indicating a more androgynous profile. Irish females rated themselves significantly lower than American females in both masculinity and femininity, and were less androgynous relative to Irish males. The distribution of subjects on sex role types showed a larger percentage of androgynous males and undifferentiated females in the Irish sample than in American samples. Both the male and the female Irish students scored lower than American students on the Social Desirability Scale. Separate scores were calculated for the positive and the negative items of the Social Desirability Scale, and it was found that positive items were assigned considerably higher ratings than the negative (reversed) items in both sexes. When controlled for social desirability, the masculinity and femininity scores were found to be uncorrelated. Factor analysis of the BSRI revealed six factors, which correspond to previous findings. In general, the present results support the view that masculinity and femininity, as measured by the BSRI, can be treated as separate dimensions, but that a more complex model than the two-factor structure is required.