University Students In Lebanon Research Articles

Impact of minimum unit pricing on youth alcohol consumption: insights from Lebanon

This paper analyses the impact of introducing an alcohol minimum unit pricing policy on youth's off-premise alcohol consumption. We rely on price elasticities derived using stated preference alcohol purchase data from a survey of 1024 university students in Lebanon. Selectively targeting drinks with high ethanol concentration by applying a minimum unit pricing (MUP) corresponding to the maximum price that respondents are willing to pay per beverage achieves a reduction in ethanol intake close to 0.23 l/month (∼28% of pre-MUP ethanol intake). Imposing a flat MUP corresponding to the average price respondents are willing to pay for all alcoholic beverages decreases ethanol intake by nearly half the reduction from the previous targeted MUP. This work provides evidence in favour of MUP in conjunction with taxation capable of substantially reducing alcohol consumption. We also document a positive welfare benefit of MUP.

Hesitancy to COVID-19 Vaccines among University Students in Lebanon

PurposeThe aim of the study is to assess the readiness and behavioral intentions of students enrolled at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess vaccine hesitancy among university students in Lebanon.Methods & MaterialsWe conducted an online survey between May 11 and June 18, 2021 administered to a total of 3805 undergraduate and graduate students. We used three models as the theoretical framework of the study. These include the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) (to assess attitude, perception and behavioral intentions), Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) (to assess readiness to adopt a preventive health behavior), and the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM) (to assess cognition and emotional reactions). Chi square and logistic regression were performed using STATA.ResultsThe study included 800 participants (21.02%) from all faculties (n=7) at AUB. The mean age was 21 years with the majority being undergraduate students (75%). The vaccine acceptance group represented 87.01% of the study participants while the hesitant and refusal groups accounted for 10.21%, and 2.77%, respectively. Our results showed that hesitancy was significantly associated with nationality, residency status and university rank (p value< 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant association between hesitancy and agreement/disagreement to the conspiracy type of thinking questions. Interestingly, the majority of the hesitant group agreed that the mainstream media is creating unnecessary fear towards COVID-19 (54.43%) and that millions more people per year die from flu than from COVID-19 (40.51%). Students reporting that pharmaceutical companies adequately tested the safety of the vaccine (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.19-1.43; p value=0.21) and those who consider the vaccine in agreement with their personal views (OR= 0.11, 95% CI= 0.02-0.51, p value= 0.004) were less likely to be hesitant. Interestingly, history of COVID-19 infection didn't affect the participants’ willingness to get vaccinated.ConclusionOur results showed a low hesitancy rate among students enrolled at AUB. The factors associated with hesitancy can be used as a core content to organize social campaigns for spreading awareness and increasing the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination.

Intercultural Communicators: The Case of Lebanese University Students

In this globalized world, graduating students with intercultural communicative competence (ICC) becomes essential (Saba ‘Ayon & Harb, 2022; Winstead, 2021). Concerned about the Lebanese graduates, the researchers in this follow-up study aimed to investigate the extent to which Lebanese private university students have the knowledge, attitudes, skills and critical cultural awareness of an intercultural speaker as per Byram’s (1997) multidimensional model of ICC. Using a mixed-methods design, the researchers employed an online self-completion questionnaire emailed to 190 conveniently selected private university students in Lebanon and three focus groups to collect their quantitative and qualitative data. The researchers analyzed the collected data quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusions of both types of analyses were triangulated. Major findings reveal that most of the respondents rank high on four components, namely knowledge, attitude, skills of interpreting and relating and critical cultural awareness, and moderate on one component of Byram’s ICC model, which is the skills of discovery and interaction. Major recommendations were made, among which was incorporating ICC within the Lebanese educational system.

Prevalence, risk factors, and management practices of primary dysmenorrhea among young females

BackgroundPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common gynecological conditions among young females, which has a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life and productivity. Despite its high prevalence, the evidence is limited regarding the management-seeking practices and its perceived effectiveness among females with PD.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted among 550 female students in six universities across Lebanon. The prevalence of PD, associated risk factors, and management-seeking practices were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of PD was 80.9%. Most of the females with PD described their menstrual pain as moderate (56%) to severe (34.6%), which significantly affected their daily activities and studying ability (P < 0.001). The major risk factors associated with PD included heavy menstrual flow (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.28), family history of PD (AOR = 2.52), history of weight loss attempt (AOR = 2.05), and medical specialization (AOR = 1.663). Only 36.9% of females with PD sought formal medical advice. Most dysmenorrheic females (76.4%) received medications for the management of PD, and remarkably none of them took hormonal contraceptives. Drugs commonly used for PD were mefenamic acid (26.2%), ibuprofen (25%), and paracetamol (11.5%), which were administered when the pain started (58.2%). All medications were significantly effective in reducing the pain score (P = 0.001), and most NSAIDs were more potent than paracetamol in managing PD (P = 0.001). However, no significant difference in adverse effects among medications was revealed. Moreover, no superiority of any individual NSAID for pain relief was established. Nevertheless, mefenamic acid was associated with the lowest risk of abdominal pain (OR: 0.03, P = 0.005) and the highest risk of flank pain (OR = 12, P = 0.02).ConclusionsSuboptimal management of PD is practiced among university students in Lebanon. Therefore, health care providers should educate dysmenorrheic females to optimize the self-management support of PD. Furthermore, future research is required to investigate females’ misconceptions about hormonal contraceptives in the management of PD, aiming to raise awareness and correct misconceptions.

Smartphone Screen Time Among University Students in Lebanon and Its Association With Insomnia, Bedtime Procrastination, and Body Mass Index During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. MethodsAn online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. ResultsAmong female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. ConclusionOur findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.

Addictive profiles of Lebanese university students in terms of smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use.

The Lebanese economic crisis, financial crisis, and USD shortage were conducive to an increased drug addiction especially for students who feel that their future in Lebanon is not safe, as well as the psychological fragility of the Lebanese people, and the more permissive sociocultural context. Our study aimed to assess the addiction levels and profiles of university students in Lebanon, and thus to evaluate the rapid rising in dependence regarding smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use during this crisis. This cross-sectional study was carried out between February and September 2020. A total of 467 participants (315 females, 152 males; Mage = 23.48 ± 6.03) were recruited through convenience sampling through several universities in Lebanon’s governorates. Participants received the online link to the survey. Students were divided into three clusters as follows: cluster 1, which corresponds to students with moderate addictions; cluster 2, which corresponds to students with high addictions; and cluster 3, which corresponds to students with low addictions. When comparing cluster 1 to cluster 3, the results of the multinomial regression showed that older age (aOR=1.08) and having a high monthly income compared to no income (aOR=2.78) were significantly associated with higher odds of being in cluster 1 compared to cluster 3. When comparing cluster 2 to cluster 3, the results of the multinomial regression showed that female gender (aOR=0.19) was significantly associated with lower odds of being in cluster 2 compared to cluster 3, whereas having a dead (aOR=16.38) or divorced parent (aOR=6.54) and having a low (aOR=3.93) or intermediate income compared to zero income (aOR=4.71) were significantly associated with higher odds of being in cluster 2 compared to cluster 3. The results of our study revealed a considerable prevalence of addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, and specially to smoking, among Lebanese university students. These findings emphasize the need to implement firm policies and rules in an attempt to minimize the tendency of the young population to engage in such addictions.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet among Lebanese University Students.

Scarce studies described eating habits and diet quality among university students in Lebanon. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among Lebanese university students. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 525 students (53% men, 18–25 years old) from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using a validated 14-item MedDiet adherence score. Mean adherence to the MedDiet was 7.96 (standard deviation 2.2), and it was adequate in 59% of participants. Adherence to the MedDiet was higher in older students and nonsmokers. Legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts were consumed according to the MedDiet standards among a minimum of 48.4% and a maximum of 69.5% of participants. Chicken, turkey, or rabbit was preferred by 66.9% of participants instead of beef, pork, hamburgers, or sausages; however, just 56.2% of participants showed adequate intake of red meat, hamburger, or meat products. Only 28.8% of them referred to an adequate intake of fish or shellfish. Most of the participants (86.3%) used olive oil as the main added fat, and 67.2% reported a low intake of butter and derivatives. Sofrito was also very usual among participants (79.6%). Only half of the studied sample reported an adequate intake of sweet or carbonated beverages and commercial sweets or pastries. Among the assessed sample, half the participants showed adequate adherence to the MedDiet; however, the mean of adherence among the sample is low.

Psychological distress experienced by self-quarantined undergraduate university students in Lebanon during the COVID-19 outbreak

Introduction Quarantine, although essential during contagious outbreaks, has been correlated with poor psychological outcomes in the general population. Such outcomes include low mood, suicide, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Studies have mostly looked at the mental health of general citizens, healthcare workers, or infected survivors, with limited research targeting university students. This study aimed to understand the psychological distress experienced by self-quarantined undergraduate university students in Lebanon during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods Undergraduate students enrolled at the American University of Beirut were invited to participate in a 47-item online questionnaire. 73 participants completed the questionnaire. Demographic data, data about COVID-19 exposure, stressors during quarantine, understanding the rationale, compliance, and difficulties associated with quarantine, and levels of psychological distress were analysed. Results 75.3% of the participants were considered as having a high risk of developing acute stress. Undergoing quarantine for more than 14 days, having a chronic medical illness, inadequate access to supplies, and fear of infection were all significantly associated with an increased risk of acute stress. Conclusion Despite being a necessary preventive measure during infectious disease outbreaks, quarantine can be associated with negative psychological effects, particularly in undergraduate students. Providing preventive and effective interventions is of utmost necessity. KEY POINTS During COVID-19, three-quarter of students had high risk for acute stress. Females had higher odds of high-risk acute stress compared to males. Having a chronic medical condition was associated with high risk acute stress. Long quarantine and lack of supplies were associated with high risk acute stress. Providing interventions to protect the mental health of students is necessary.

Predicting sexual risk and sexual health screening in a sample of university students in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

Objective The present study focuses on factors that predict sexual risk behaviors and sexual health screening behaviors in a sample of university students in Lebanon. Participants A convenience sample of 250 undergraduate students was recruited at a private university in Beirut, Lebanon. Methods Students completed measures of religiosity, psychological distress, contraceptives usage, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening, and sexual risk behaviors. Results Religiosity was negatively associated with a range of risky sexual behaviors whereas psychological distress was positively associated with these behaviors. Sex under the influence of alcohol/drugs, discussing methods of contraception, and engaging in sexual activities later regretted had significant effects on having had condomless vaginal sex. Gender (being female) and sex under the influence of alcohol had significant effects on STIs screening. Conclusion Interventions that focus on managing drug and alcohol use in students, unwanted pregnancy, religion, stigma related to screening, and sexual health education are recommended.

Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Habits among University Students in Lebanon.

Although the Mediterranean Diet has been acknowledged as the best overall diet for the year 2020, it has seen a decrease in its adherence over the past years. This is due to several reasons, one of which is the gradual shift to a more westernized diet with all the influences that occur especially on university students whose dietary choices set a path for future dietary habits. The aim of this study is to check the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and frequency of breakfast consumption among university students in Lebanon and check whether they are influenced by sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary knowledge, or academic data. A cross-sectional questionnaire was electronically sent to randomly selected students (210 females and 93 males) from different universities across Lebanon, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The questionnaire was filled online, and all data were self-reported. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) was used as a tool to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. The results showed that 18.8% of respondents had high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Students who reported always consuming breakfast and not skipping meals had significantly higher adherence to the MD. Furthermore, students with lower BMI and higher KIDMED scores had significantly more correct answers on the nutritional knowledge questions. In addition, there was a significant difference in the average KIDMED scores between different GPA categories, most notably when comparing high and poor MD adherence; students with excellent GPA scores had higher adherence to the MD than those with poor GPA scores. In conclusion, nutrition awareness in a university setting is very important since it may positively affect academic outcomes and may be the last chance to teach and engrave healthy eating patterns to a large scale of students.

The first life skills intervention to enhance well-being amongst university students in the Arab world: 'Khotwa' pilot study.

Although Life Skills programs showed to improve the psychological and physical wellbeing of individuals, little attention has been paid, worldwide and in the Arab countries in specific to implementing life skills intervention for university students. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of a life skills based health promotion intervention KHOTWA (STEP) in enhancing the wellbeing of university students in Lebanon, a country that faces economic and political instability. This is a quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-test, intervention-control design. Each group was formed of 78 participants studying in a private university in Lebanon. Mixed design was used to address the process and outcomes objectives of the intervention. The program was carried online due to COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed between the intervention and the control groups for life skills, dietary habits and mental health scores at the 3-month follow-up. For the intervention group, a significant increase was observed in the mean score of each of the following Life Skills subscales: self-care (p = 0.001), work and study (p = 0.013), career and education planning (p = 0.011) and looking forward/goal settings (p < 0.001). Students also achieved a healthier eating habit compared to those in the control group by decreasing their consumption of processed food. There was no significant effect in terms of body mass index (p = 0.827). Also, there was a significant change in the mental health status (p = 0.012) only in the intervention group as its mean score decreased after 3 months of the intervention implementation. This intervention enhances the mental health and promotes healthy habits leading consequently to a better quality of life and more productivity amongst university students. Therefore, such interventions should be replicated in other similar context to improve university students’ well-being.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among university students in Lebanon.

Little is known about the decision-making process of college students in Lebanon regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting behavioural intentions of students enrolled at the American University of Beirut to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 3805 students were randomly selected. Participants were divided into three groups: vaccine accepting (willing to take or already took the vaccine), vaccine hesitant (hesitant to take the vaccine) and vaccine resistant (decided not to take the vaccine). Overall, participants were vaccine accepting (87%), with 10% and 3% being hesitant and resistant, respectively. Vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with nationality, residency status and university rank. Participants who believed the vaccine was safe and in agreement with their personal views were less likely to be hesitant. Participants who did not receive the flu vaccine were more hesitant than those who did. Moreover, a significant association between hesitancy and agreement with conspiracies was observed. A high level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease and vaccine resulted in lower odds of vaccine resistance among students. The factors identified explaining each of the three vaccine intention groups can be used as core content for health communication and social marketing campaigns to increase the rate of COVID-19 vaccination.

Predictors of mental health literacy in a sample of university students in Lebanon

University students show high rates of mental health disorders and low rates of treatment seeking. Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is associated with increased service use and better mental health. We investigated the predictors of MHL for suicide, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in a sample of university students in Lebanon. Through a cross-sectional survey design, participants (N = 171) were presented with two vignettes along with MHL-related questions, were screened for psychological symptoms, and were asked to provide socio-demographic information. Educational background in Psychology was the strongest predictor of MHL as opposed to psychological symptoms and parental education. Gender was only associated with treatment recommendations. MHL for depression, GAD, and suicide in Lebanon aligns with other studies, whereas findings regarding gender, psychological symptoms, and parental education do not. MHL interventions for university students should focus on education in Psychology with a focus on themes addressed in this study.

Energy drinks consumption and perceptions among University Students in Beirut, Lebanon: A mixed methods approach.

BackgroundEnergy drinks (ED) are caffeine- and sugar-rich beverages with other ingredients that are marketed for their energy-boosting and performance-enhancing effects. The consumption of these drinks, with and without alcohol, is dramatically increasing worldwide, despite the reported side effects and potential harms to consumers. Few studies, to date, have explored the perceptions and experiences of young adults towards these beverages.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the consumption patterns and correlates of ED consumption, as well as the perceptions and experiences of university students in Lebanon towards these beverages.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was adopted. Data collection was conducted in two private universities in Beirut, Lebanon. A self-administered 36-item quantitative survey was first used to explore the prevalence and correlates of ED consumption among a convenience sample of university students (n = 226). The survey included questions related to socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and other lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity of university students. The subsequent qualitative phase consisted of focus group discussions (FGD) conducted to further examine the perceptions and experiences of university students towards ED. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted using survey data, whereas the transcribed FGD were analyzed thematically.ResultsA total of 226 university students completed the survey. Results showed that 45% of survey respondents consumed ED at least once in their life (ever consumers), among which 30% reported consumption of ED mixed with alcohol (AmED). Adjusting for socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, coffee and sports drinks consumption were significantly associated with ED (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.20, 5.00, and OR = 4.88, 95%CI = 2.41, 9.88, respectively). In addition, physically active participants were 1.89 times (95%CI = 1.01, 3.51) more likely to consume ED compared to their inactive counterparts. During the qualitative phase, a total of six FGD were conducted with 29 university students, who reported consuming ED at least once per month. Three main themes were derived reflecting individual-, interpersonal/social- and environmental-level factors affecting ED consumption among university students. These themes were further supported by eight subthemes, including: perceived benefits of ED, experienced side effects, misinformation about content of ED, peer pressure and social image, as well as affordability and accessibility of ED.ConclusionFindings highlight the need for public health policies and programs to curb the growing public health phenomenon of ED consumption amongst university students. Such programs should consider the multi-level factors affecting ED consumption at the individual, interpersonal/social, and environmental levels, including educational campaigns on ED potential harms, regulating ED content and labeling, as well as restricting sales and marketing of these beverages, especially among young consumers.

The impact of broad-based vs targeted taxation on youth alcohol consumption in Lebanon

This study aims to model youth's off-premise alcohol demand and forecasts ethanol intake responsiveness to alcohol taxes. Using stated preference alcohol purchase data from a survey of 1024 university students in Lebanon, we derive price elasticities that we use to forecast the effects of two excise tax scenarios on overall ethanol intake. The first scenario imposes a broad-based 20% tax on all types of alcoholic beverages, and the second scenario imposes a targeted 20% tax only on the high ethanol content, while exempting the lower ethanol beverages. Overall, targeted taxes are found to achieve a reduction in ethanol intake that is nearly three times that achieved by broad taxes (15.7% vs 5.3%). For 'past-month binge drinkers', targeted taxes would decrease alcohol intake by 16.3%, while broad taxes increase it by 3.3%. Finally, ethanol intake among participants who prefer low ethanol content would decrease under targeted taxes by more than five times as much as under broad taxes. For 'high-ethanol drinkers', targeted taxes decrease alcohol intake by an even larger proportion than for 'low-ethanol drinkers' (19.0% vs 15.6%), while broad taxes increase their ethanol intake by ∼16.0%. This study contributes evidence that taxation policy substantially reduces alcohol consumption and that alcohol consumption patterns should be accounted for when designing taxes.

The Social Media and Technology Addiction and Its Associated Factors among University Students in Lebanon Using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS)

The contemporary developments of Information and Communication Technologies usage have fueled a popular concern. The young people are experiencing technology addiction behavior due to excessive media and technology usage. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of social media and technology addiction. Objective: The objectives of this study are to assess prevalence of the technology addiction using the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS) and to investigate the impacts of online social networking on health and academic performance of young university students in Lebanon. Methods: During the academic year 2017-2018, a cross-sectional study which enrolled 705 young university students was conducted. Data was collected using MTUAS questionnaire. The translation and cultural adaptation of the MTUAS followed a standardized protocol. The psychometric properties were then evaluated. We used multivariate regression analyses to determine which characteristics were associated with the technology addiction among students. Results: 705 filled out the questionnaire aged 17 to 35 years (mean = 20.42; SD = 2.41), 74% of whom were females. The internal consistency was high for all subscales and ranged from 0.54 - 0.87. The MTUAS yielded statistically significant scores for subgroups (known group validity). Males’ students had a higher risk of addiction to social media and technology than females. The use of media was viewed common among the smokers (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.10 - 2.82, p = 0.02) and drinkers of alcohol (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.04 - 3.11, p = 0.04). Students that used e-mailing, smartphone, and TV viewing had a high academic performance level. Females and public university students had negative attitudes toward technology. In conclusion: The technology becomes a big problem on the universities students’ users that has an impact on their life and affects their academic performance. The MTUAS Arabic version has been evaluated as a valid and reliable instrument.

Survey of energy drink consumption and adverse health effects in Lebanon.

Consumption of energy is a national and international phenomenon that showed increase in market spread and profits from 1990 and made the emergence of many brands. Energy drinks are aggressively marketed with the claim that these products give an energy boost to improve physical and cognitive performance. However, studies supporting these claims are limited. The study examines the new phenomena of energy drinks among university students in Lebanon, based on the participants' personnel characteristics, university grade and the impact on health status. The study also determined whether high frequency of consumption was correlated with negative physical health symptoms. A cross-sectional study survey was undertaken on students aged between 18 and 30years in private university over three branches (Beirut, Tripoli and Saida). A self-administered questionnaire was used inquiring about socio-demographic characteristics, consumption patterns and side effect of energy drinks. Data was analyzed using SPSS 24. Findings showed a serious concern exists for the health and safety of the most at risk students who engaged in daily energy drink usage when two-thirds of these reported difficulties sleeping, more than one experienced heart palpitation and blood pressure; one-third had anxiety, nervousness and feeling thirsty, and one fifth indicated tiredness and headache. Such symptoms are reported with excessive consumption of caffeine that had adverse health effect on the body.

Factors Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome and its Different Symptom Domains among University Students in Lebanon

Factors Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome and its Different Symptom Domains among University Students in Lebanon

Individual and social correlates of aggressive behavior in Lebanese undergraduates: The role of trait emotional intelligence

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the relationship between Aggressive Behavior and individual factors, namely trait Emotional Intelligence, personality dimensions, emotion regulation and self-worth, as well as social factors, namely accepting/rejecting parenting styles and exposure to violence. The sample consisted of 252 university students in Lebanon (154 females), from 16 to 30 years old. Results from hierarchical regression analyses (controlling for age and gender and in the presence of social and individual predictors) showed that the Self-control and Emotionality factors of trait Emotional Intelligence were significant negative predictors of Aggressive Behavior while controlling for age and gender and in the presence of social and individual predictors). Exposure to violence and openness to experience also predicted Aggressive Behavior. Implications for future research and limitations of the present study are discussed.

Dietary patterns, their covariates, and associations with severity of depressive symptoms among university students in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study.

The study aims to identify dietary patterns in university students in Lebanon, to determine their associations with socio-demographic, lifestyle, and stress factors, and to assess the link between identified dietary patterns and severity of depressive symptoms, controlling for multiple confounders. Four hundred and fifty-seven private university students were surveyed. Information about dietary intake, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, physical activity, and depressive symptoms were collected by the 73-item food frequency questionnaire, background questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Dietary patterns were identified by exploratory factor analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to (1) identify covariates that were independently associated with dietary patterns and (2) examine the independent associations between each of the dietary patterns and severity of depressive symptoms. Five dietary patterns were identified: "traditional Lebanese", "Western fast food", "dairy", "Lebanese fast food" and "fruits". Higher scores of traditional Lebanese and fruits patterns were found to be associated with more meals per day, frequent breakfast consumption, and non-smoking. Higher Western fast food diet scores were shown to be associated with male gender, fewer meals per day, less frequent breakfast consumption, more frequent snacking, and alcohol consumption. Higher scores of the dairy pattern were found to be positively associated with hypertension, non-smoking, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Higher Lebanese fast food pattern scores were found to be associated with higher frequency of meal intake while watching TV and alcohol consumption. None of the five dietary patterns showed a significant association with severity of depressive symptoms after controlling for confounders. Severity of depressive symptoms showed no independent association with the identified dietary patterns.