Young Male University Students Research Articles

Men's experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial-morphing, safer drinking intervention.

Risky alcohol consumption behaviours remain commonplace, representing a major threat to health and safety, and are especially evidenced by young university students. Consequently, new interventions targeting this high-risk group are required. The current study investigated young male university students' experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial morphing, safer drinking intervention. Twenty-five male student participants were recruited, aged 18-34 years. Inductive thematic analysis of data gathered whilst participants were immersed in the intervention, and thereby exposed to alcohol-aged images of their own faces, produced four primary themes: alcohol as a threat to appearance and health, motivations to protect appearance, motivational aspects of the intervention, and proposed improvements and applications. The results of the current study suggested that participants expressed intentions towards healthier consumption/maintenance of already non-risky intake, supporting the potential of the facial-morphing appearance-based approach to address risky alcohol consumption, even in high-risk groups.

Impacts of complex electromagnetic radiation and low-frequency noise exposure conditions on the cognitive function of operators.

Both electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and low-frequency noise (LFN) are widespread and influential environmental factors, and operators are inevitably exposed to both EMR and LFN within a complex exposure environment. The potential adverse effects of such exposure on human health must be considered seriously. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EMR and LFN on cognitive function as well as their interaction effect, which remain unclear. Sixty young male college students were randomly grouped and experiments were conducted with a 2 × 2 factorial design in a shielded chamber. Mental workload (MWL) levels of the study subjects were measured and assessed using the NASA-task load index (TLX) subjective scale, an n-back task paradigm, and the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging technique. For the 3-back task, the NASA-TLX subjective scale revealed a statistically significant main effect of LFN intensity, which enhanced the subjects' MWL level (F = 8.716, p < 0.01). Behavioral performance revealed that EMR intensity (430.1357 MHz, 10.75 W/m2) and LFN intensity (0-200 Hz, 72.9 dB) had a synergistic interaction effect, and the correct response time was statistically significantly prolonged by the combined exposure (F = 4.343, p < 0.05). The fNIRS imaging technique revealed a synergistic interaction effect between operational EMR intensity and operational LFN intensity, with statistically significant effects on the activation levels in the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The mean β values of DLPFC were significantly increased (L-DLPFC F = 5.391, p < 0.05, R-DLPFC F = 4.222, p < 0.05), and the relative concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the DLPFC were also significantly increased (L-DLPFC F = 4.925, p < 0.05, R-DLPFC F = 9.715, p < 0.01). We found a statistically significant interaction effect between EMR (430.1357 MHz, 10.75 W/m2) and LFN (0-200 Hz, 72.9 dB) when simultaneously exposing subjects to both for 30 min. We conclude that exposure to this complex environment can cause a statistically significant increase in the MWL level of operators, and even alterations in their cognitive function.

Altered stress responses in adults born by Caesarean section

Birth by Caesarean-section (C-section), which increases the risk for metabolic and immune disorders, disrupts the normal initial microbial colonisation of the gut, in addition to preventing early priming of the stress and immune-systems.. Animal studies have shown there are enduring psychological processes in C-section born mice. However, the long-term impact of microbiota-gut-brain axis disruptions due to birth by C-section on psychological processes in humans is unknown. Forty age matched healthy young male university students born vaginally and 36 C-section delivered male students were recruited. Participants underwent an acute stressor, the Trier social stress test (TSST), during a term-time study visit. A subset of participants also completed a study visit during the university exam period, representing a naturalistic stressor. Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests and self-report measures assessing mood, anxiety, and perceived stress. Saliva, blood, and stool samples were collected for analysis of cortisol, peripheral immune profile, and the gut microbiota. Young adults born by C-section exhibit increased psychological vulnerability to acute stress and a prolonged period of exam-related stress. They did not exhibit an altered salivary cortisol awakening response to the TSST, but their measures of positive affect were significantly lower than controls throughout the procedure. Both C-section and vaginally-delivered participants performed equally well on cognitive assessments. Most of the initial effects of delivery mode on the gut microbiome did not persist into adulthood as the gut microbiota profile showed modest changes in composition in adult vaginally-delivered and C-sectioned delivered subjects. From an immune perspective, concentrations of IL-1β and 1L-10 were higher in C-section participants. These data confirm that there is a potential enduring effect of delivery mode on the psychological responses to acute stress during early adulthood. The mental health implications of these observations require further study regarding policies on C-section use.

Cultural adaptation of “kawaii” in short mobile video applications: How the perception of “kawaii” is shaped by the cultural background of the viewer and the gender of the performer

Video-sharing social networking (VS-SN) platforms are a new communication tool especially popular among young people. Goal of our study was to examine the cultural adaptation of kawaii in VS-SN videos and its effect on viewers' social approach motivation to share the content. In a content analysis of 198 videos from a Japanese and Chinese VS-SN platform we identified two types of kawaii; “confident kawaii” typically found on the Chinese platform and “shy kawaii” typically found on the Japanese platform. These two types of kawaii were then tested in an online experiment comparing young male university students from Japan (n ​= ​107) and China (n ​= ​115). Chinese participants' kawaii ratings were higher for confident kawaii videos compared to Japanese participants’ ratings but no differences were found for “shy kawaii”. Furthermore, kawaii ratings had the highest prediction value for socially oriented behavior. Results of this study help to explain the impact kawaii has made worldwide and its popularity among young people on VS-SN platforms.

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus stretching: A comparison in effectiveness on hip active range of motion, muscle torque and power in people with hamstring tightness

BackgroundInstrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a new technique that has been known to be effective in reducing muscle tightness in athletics. However, little is known about its effect on the range of motion, muscle power, and torque compared to manual stretching among non-athletics. Thus, the study was aimed to compare the effectiveness between IASTM and manual stretching in improving hip flexion active range of motion (ROM), muscle torque and power on hamstring muscle complex (HMC) tightness in one session. MethodTwenty-three young male college students with unilateral hamstring tightness measured via straight leg raising (SLR) test (<65°) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Twelve participants received the application of IASTM (group 1), and eleven received manual stretching (group 2). Hip flexion active ROM was measured via goniometer, the torque & power of the hamstring muscle were measured using Humac isokinetic dynamometer, before and after both interventions. (ISRCTN17693345). ResultsThere was no significant difference in the improvement of hip flexion active ROM (69.6 ± 6.6 vs 72.5 ± 7.9, p = .34), HMC torque (63.7 ± 14.5 vs 53.2 ± 16.3, p = .14), and HMC power (47.8 ± 11.8 vs 40.9 ± 16.3, p = .34) between group 1 and group 2 respectively. When a comparison was made within each group, significant improvements in hip active flexion ROM was found in both groups (p's < .001), and HMC power was significantly improved in group 1 (p = .04) but not in group 2. ConclusionThe current study findings demonstrate that IASTM was as effective as manual stretching in improving hip flexion active ROM, muscle torque and power among non-athletic people with HMC tightness.

Is skin temperature associated with muscle recovery status following a single bout of leg press?

Objective. The measurement of skin temperature using infrared thermography has gained a lot of attention in sport and science since it might be related to the recovery process following high intensity, potentially damaging exercise. This study investigated the time course of the skin temperature response and the muscle recovery status following a resistance training session involving leg press exercise. Approach. Fourteen young male college students (19.9 ± 1.7 years, 176 ± 6 cm, 66.1 ± 7.6 kg, 21.1 ± 1.8 kg.m−2) performed one session involving 10 sets, of 10 repetition maximum each (RM), of unilateral leg press 45° exercise, performed to momentary muscle failure, with 2 min rest between sets. Perceived recovery, mean and maximum thigh skin temperatures, thigh muscle thickness, maximal isometric strength, muscle soreness, and horizontal jump performance were measured pre, 24, 48, and 72 h following exercise. Main results. The exercise protocol resulted in significant reduction in isometric strength, horizontal jump performance, and perceived recovery (p < 0.05). There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in muscle thickness and muscle soreness. With exception of jump performance, that recovered at 48 (p > 0.05), recovery parameters did not recover up to 72 h post-exercise (p > 0.05). Surprisingly, skin temperatures were not altered throughout the entire 72 h post-exercise period (p > 0.05). No significant positive correlation was found between skin temperatures and muscle thickness. Additionally, only one out of 16 correlation coefficients showed significant (r = −0.56, p = 0.036) inverse association between skin temperature and isometric strength. Significance. In conclusion, thigh skin temperature remains unaffected up to 72 h following a leg press exercise, and the time course response of thigh skin temperature was not associated with recovery status.

Thermal responses of young males of three thermal preference groups in summer indoor environments

This study aimed to explore the differences in thermal responses of three thermal preference groups of young male university students during summer. A questionnaire was administered to divide participants into three groups: cold thermal preference (Gcp), neutral thermal preference (Gnp), and warm thermal preference (Gwp). Human trials were performed in a climate chamber where the operative temperature was set at 26, 29, and 32 °C to represent three summer indoor environments. The core temperature, skin temperature, conductive heat flux, heart rate, thermal sensation vote (TSV), and thermal comfort vote (TCV) were recorded throughout the tests. The results indicated that the three groups differed (p < 0.05) in core temperature, heart rate, TSV, and TCV in the 29 and 32 °C environments but did not differ in the 26 °C environment. No significant difference was observed in the mean skin temperature between the groups, whereas the local skin temperature differed between the groups at some body segments. The Gwp subjects were more sensitive to indoor temperature variations in skin temperature than the Gcp subjects; however, they were less sensitive to thermal perceptions. Furthermore, differences were observed in the thermal responses of the three thermal preference groups during summer and winter. The findings of this study provide insights into the evaluation of the thermal responses of individuals, indoor environment control, and energy savings in buildings.

ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEMATIC FACEBOOK USE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UPM CORRELATED WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS

Introduction: Facebook has emerged as one of the top social networking sites (SNSs) among university students but at the cost of leading to negative implications on psychosocial wellbeing. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and stress have been implicated in the development of addictions; however studies that evaluate this are scarce among the Malaysian population. Our objective was to identify problematic Facebook use among undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and to correlate the psychological factors that influence problematic Facebook use. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 1060 students from various faculties in UPM. Validated Facebook Addiction Test (FAT) and DASS-21 questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis was done for demographic data. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were used in the analytical part. Results: Problematic Facebook use was detected among 16.6% of the undergraduate students. Problematic Facebook use was significantly related to the level of depression, anxiety and stress (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that younger age, male gender and depression were significant predictors of problematic Facebook use (p<0.05). Conclusion: Problematic Facebook use is significantly related to the level of depression, anxiety and stress. Young male university students are more prone to problematic Facebook use than females. Depression plays an important role in the development of problematic Facebook usage, thus requires careful monitoring of young students for early detection and prevention. Keywords : Internet Addiction, Malaysia, social networking, student psychology, university

Predictors of Abstinence from Smoking: A Retrospective Study of Male College Students Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Service.

There were high smoking rates among young male college students in Korea. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors affecting abstinence from smoking following smoking cessation service attendance in this population. Data were collected between 1 August 2015 and 20 August 2018. Participants were administered more than nine face-to-face and telephone counseling sessions by trained tobacco cessation specialists for six months. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 4, 6, and 12 weeks, and 6 months after the quit date. A total of 3978 male college student smokers were enrolled; their mean age was 23.17 (±3.45) years. Almost one-third of the participants (64.9%) reported that they had attempted to quit during the past year. The number of cigarettes smoked per day, CO ppm, and Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence score at the baseline were negatively associated with abstinence, while motivational variables—importance, confidence, and readiness—were positively associated with abstinence. Our results suggest that provision of visiting smoking cessation services can be an active intervention platform for college student smokers who need professional assistance or support. Active and accessible support should be provided to such people. Visiting a smoking cessation service may result in increased long-term abstinence rates in such students.

Correlation of anthropometric indices with rate pressure product in healthy young adults

Background: Generalized and abdominal obesity is associated with increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. Rate pressure product (RPP) is an indicator of myocardial oxygen consumption, and higher value of RPP indicates myocardial work stress or cardiovascular risk. Thus, RPP can be correlated with anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) to evaluate the risk of adiposity on myocardial work stress. Materials and Methods: In this study, 104 young male college students were recruited as subjects. Height, weight, WC, and hip circumference were measured whereas BMI and WHR were derived by specific formula. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded after allowing for 10 min rest and RPP was derived by specific formula. Subjects were distributed into different groups considering BMI, WC, and WHR. The analysis of parameters, i.e., systolic BP, HR, and RPP was done by one-way ANOVA, unpaired t-test, and Pearson correlation. Results: The major findings of this study suggested that obese and overweight subject RPP was more than normal participants. The subjects of WC >90 cm had higher RPP than the subjects of WC ≤90 cm. The subjects of WHR ≥0.90 had higher RPP than WHR <0.90. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between RPP and anthropometric indices, i.e., BMI, WC, and WHR. Conclusion: Vital parameters of adiposity or obesity such as BMI, WC, and WHR may be used to evaluate the risk of myocardial work stress or cardiovascular events in correlation with RPP.

Physiological, Perceptual and Affective Responses to Six High Intensity Interval Training Protocols in Young Male University Students

Physiological, Perceptual and Affective Responses to Six High Intensity Interval Training Protocols in Young Male University Students

'Most young men think you have to be naked in front of the GP': a qualitative study of male university students' views on barriers to sexual health.

Background In Australia, 15- to 29-year-olds account for 75% of all sexually transmissible infection (STI) diagnoses. STI rates among young men are rising, with most diagnosed in general practice. Young men less frequently attend general practice than young women, and rarely present with sexual health issues, making it difficult for general practitioners (GPs) to offer opportunistic STI education and screening. Little is known of the barriers preventing male university students accessing general practice for sexual health care, or what would facilitate this. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young men aged 18-24 years attending university between 2012 and 2014. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Twenty-eight interviews of 26-50min duration found self-imposed views of masculinity, privacy and embarrassment as key barriers to accessing GPs for sexual health care. This was compounded by poor STI knowledge and not knowing when or where to go for care. Participants, except if they were international students, acknowledged school as an important source of sexual health education. The need for sexual health education at university was identified. While the Internet was a popular source, there were mixed views on the benefits of social media and text messaging for sexual health promotion. Current expectations of young male university students to seek sexual health care or acquire sexual health information from medical care may be misplaced. Universities have an excellent opportunity to provide young men with appropriate sexual health information and could offer novel strategies to help young men look after their sexual health.

English

Stress is a common problem among university students and studies showed that involvement in exercise could help in reducing stress. However, information regarding the effect of high intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) using a resistant tube on stress among inactive and moderate active young male university students is limited. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of high intensity PRT using a resistant tube on psychological stress level, cortisol, DHEA and physical fitness in this population. A total of 30 male university students were participated in this quasi-experiment study. Intervention group (n = 14, age: 21.50 ± 1.37 yr) was participaned to carry out high intensity PRT by using resistant tube 3 times per week for 10 weeks; control group (n = 16, age: 21.29 ± 1.86 yr) was asked to continue their current lifestyle as usual. Before and after 10 weeks of intervention, psychological stress was measured by using PSS and SLSI questionnaires; cortisol and DHEA level were measured by using ELISA method. Timed up-and-go (TUG) used to examine dynamic balance and handgrip strength test used to measure muscle strength. Findings showed that the increased of DHEA level after 10 weeks of intervention was significantly difference between control and intervention groups (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant group difference in changes over time in anthropometric and body composition measurements, stress scores, cortisol level and physical fitness. High intensity PRT using resistant tube may be beneficial in increasing DHEA level among young male adults, which can act as a stress biochemical indicator. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/JSKM-2015-1302-06

Muscle activation during push-ups performed under stable and unstable conditions

Background/ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze muscle activation when performing push-ups under different stability conditions. MethodsPhysically fit young male university students (N = 30) performed five push-ups under stable conditions (on the floor) and using four unstable devices (wobble board, stability disc, fitness dome, and the TRX Suspension Trainer). The push-up speed was controlled using a metronome, and the testing order was randomized. The average amplitudes of the electromyographic (EMG) root mean square of the anterior deltoid (DELT), serratus anterior (SERRA), lumbar multifidus (LUMB), and rectus femoris (FEM) were recorded. The electromyographic signals were normalized to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). ResultsNo significant differences were found for the DELT [F(4,112) = 1.978; p = 0.130] among the conditions. However, statistically significant differences were found among the different conditions for the SERRA [F(4,60) = 17.649; p < 0.001], LUMB [F(4,76) = 12.334; p < 0.001], and FEM [F(4,104) = 24.676; p < 0.001] muscle activation. The suspended device was the only condition that elicited higher LUMB and FEM activation compared to the other conditions. Push-ups performed on the floor showed lower SERRA activation than those performed with all unstable devices. ConclusionNot all unstable devices enhance muscle activation compared to traditional push-ups.

Perceived risk of phoning while driving: A case study from Jordan

The use of mobile phones while driving is banned in most countries since it impairs driving performance and is believed to increase crash risk. The aim of this research is to identify the prevalence of phoning while driving in Jordan and to examine the association between drivers’ perception of risk and potential predicting variables. A sample of 423 drivers was surveyed to gather information on their mobile phone use while driving as well as their risk perception. Data collection took place anonymously at diverse locations through a self-report questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to highlight the association between risk levels and drivers’ demographics and exposure characteristics. An alarming rate of 93.1% of drivers, mostly young male college students, engaged in this unsafe behavior despite being aware of the associated risk and legislative laws. Findings suggested gender, employment status, age, education level, driving experience, and daily traveled distance were associated with mobile phone use while driving. Recommendations to enhance traffic safety were proposed and further research directions were highlighted.

The Effects of High Intensity Progressive Resistance Training on Psychological Stress and Biochemicals Parameters

Stress is a common problem among university students and studies showed that involvement in exercise could help in reducing stress. However, information regarding the effect of high intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) using a resistant tube on stress among inactive and moderate active young male university students is limited. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of high intensity PRT using a resistant tube on psychological stress level, cortisol, DHEA and physical fitness in this population. A total of 30 male university students were participated in this quasi-experiment study. Intervention group (n = 14, age: 21.50 ± 1.37 yr) was participaned to carry out high intensity PRT by using resistant tube 3 times per week for 10 weeks; control group (n = 16, age: 21.29 ± 1.86 yr) was asked to continue their current lifestyle as usual. Before and after 10 weeks of intervention, psychological stress was measured by using PSS and SLSI questionnaires; cortisol and DHEA level were measured by using ELISA method. Timed up-and-go (TUG) used to examine dynamic balance and handgrip strength test used to measure muscle strength. Findings showed that the increased of DHEA level after 10 weeks of intervention was significantly difference between control and intervention groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant group difference in changes over time in anthropometric and body composition measurements, stress scores, cortisol level and physical fitness. High intensity PRT using resistant tube may be beneficial in increasing DHEA level among young male adults, which can act as a stress biochemical indicator. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/JSKM-2015-1302-06

Postural Stability comparison in various standing positions between healthy young men and those with genu varum

Introduction : Genu varum is considered a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. Being aware of postural swing changes in various standing positions among genu varum patients, provide insight to prevent osteoarthritis in this population. This study is undertaken to compare Postural Stability in various standing positions between young healthy and genu varum male individuals. Materials and Methods: 80 healthy young male university students, 40 normal and 40 subjects with genu varum deformity, participated in this study. Deformity of genu varum was assessed with caliper and Goniometer. Each subject stood in five different positions on force plates to record changes in center of pressure (COP). For data analysis, Matlab and Spss software applied, where Mixed ANOVA test was used to compare dependent variables between two groups in 5 different positions (p≤0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups for distance and velocity of COP sway in opened-eye bilateral and opened-eye unilateral standing (p≤0.05); while no significant differences was observed between bilateral standing with closed eye, unilateral standing with opened eye, and unilateral standing with upward head. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be suggested that frontal knee angle may affect postural stability. Perhaps one of the reasons for higher injury risk and knee osteoarthritis in genu varum population is increase of COP swing. It is proposed focusing on corrective exercises can reduce these risks. Key words : Postural swing, various standing positions, healthy male, genu varum

Prevalence of Vocal Fry in Young Adult Male American English Speakers

The purpose of this study was to assess possible gender differences in the prevalence of vocal fry in the voices of young male college students. Results were compared with previously published findings derived from a matched sample of female speakers. Thirty-four male college students, native American English speakers, produced speech samples in two speaking conditions: (1) sustained isolated vowel /a/ and (2) reading task. Data analyses included perceptual evaluations by two licensed speech-language pathologists. Results showed that vocal fry was perceived significantly more frequently in sentences than in isolated vowel productions. When vocal fry occurred in sentences, it was detected significantly more often in sentence-final position than in initial- and/or mid-sentence position. Furthermore, the prevalence of vocal fry in sentences was significantly lower for male speakers than has previously been reported for female speakers. Possible physiological and sociolinguistic explanations are discussed.

HIV, Syphilis Infection, and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Male University Students Who Have Sex with Men in Beijing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Young male university students who have sex with men are at high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, HIV, and syphilis among male university students who have sex with men in Beijing, China; and to identify risk factors for unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Among 157 study participants, HIV and syphilis prevalence were 2.5% and 7.0%, respectively. We found a high prevalence of UAI in our study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed two significant predictors of UAI: believing it is not necessary to use a condom with a regular sex partner and not feeling anxious about being gay. Not using a condom during first sexual experience with a man was a marginally significant predictor of UAI. Male university students who have sex with men are especially vulnerable to HIV and STIs. Intensified education and HIV testing programs are needed to reduce risk in this population.

Brain functions associated with verbal working memory tasks among young males with alcohol use disorders

This study aimed to investigate the differences in brain functions during verbal working memory between individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and normal controls. fMRI was used to scan brain activations associated with verbal working memory while participants performed 2-back and 0-back tasks. A total of 21 young male college students participated in the study. Eleven of those who clinically met the criteria for AUD were assigned to the AUD group, whereas ten demographically similar subjects who were social drinkers but not AUD were assigned to the normal control group. The AUD group showed less activation in bilateral frontal and precentral, left superior temporal, left superior parietal, and left cerebellar cortex during the 2-back task relative to 0-back task compared to the normal control group. In contrast, the control group showed less activation only in the right uncus than the AUD group. These results suggest that subjects with AUD present abnormality in brain functioning during verbal working memory.