university students

Tobacco use is highly prevalent in Afghanistan, posing a significant challenge among young people, including university students. This study aims to investigate tobacco product usage patterns and associated factors among male students at Herat University, Afghanistan, addressing the critical need for understanding and addressing this public health issue. In this cross-sectional study conducted between April and May 2021, 640 male university students were surveyed using interview-based stratified random sampling to assess cigarette, smokeless tobacco (ST), hookah, and e-cigarette use alongside sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression identified significant predictors. The prevalence was 35.3% for cigarette smoking, 15% for ST use, 14.1% for e-cigarette vaping, and 35.5% for hookah smoking. In the cigarette model, predictors included age (OR = 1.20), mother’s education (secondary/high school OR = 2.19; university OR = 2.68), friends’ use (OR = 9.54), and employment status (OR = 2.52). The hookah model highlighted friends’ use (OR = 31.05), marital status (OR = 2.10), employment status (OR = 1.76), and mother’s education (secondary/high school OR = 2.18; university OR = 3.57) as predictors. In the ST model, predictors were friends’ use (OR = 20.12), employment status (OR = 3.37), and mother’s education (secondary/high school OR = 2.91). Lastly, the e-cigarette model revealed the predictors of friends’ use (OR = 7.91) and employment status (OR = 1.87). Tobacco use among Afghan male university students is significantly influenced by peer behavior, employment status, and parental education. Interventions should target accessibility and sociocultural attitudes and include educational programs and policy measures to reduce tobacco consumption in the university setting.

 Academic underperformance in mathematics is widespread across all educational levels. To comprehend its causes, it is crucial to analyze various factors that impact academic advancement in mathematics through their interplay. The present study aimed to develop and validate a mathematics self-efficacy scale for university students.

 The research method was correlational and of instrument development type. The statistical population included all undergraduate students of Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran in 2021, of which 300 were selected as a sample using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. In the process of scale construction, a set of items was initially selected based on a review of the research literature in the field of mathematics self-efficacy and the identification of valid tests in this area. Then, a preliminary version of the questionnaire was administered to a sample of 300 students. Factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

 Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the mathematics self-efficacy scale consisted of four components: mathematical achievement and success, general mathematical self-efficacy, mathematical anxiety, and mathematical stress. Cronbach’s alpha for the four components were 0.97, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. The results of the convergent validity evaluation showed that all four components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale were positively correlated with the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation components of the Academic Motivation Scale and negatively correlated with academic motivation.

 The components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale had acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the designed scale can be used as a valid tool to measure the level of mathematics self-efficacy in university students.

The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a crisis management model for administrators of Farhangian University of Iran.

This mixed research was conducted in two phases, qualitative (phenomenology) and quantitative (cross-sectional survey). In the first phase, 16 administrators and academic staff members of universities with experience in crisis management were selected and interviewed. Then, data coding, components and quality requirements of crisis management were obtained through theme analysis. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was designed based on the obtained indicators and using stratified random sampling method, 265 faculty members were studied and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method and PLS3 software.

According to the findings, the components of crisis management in Farhangian University include level of preparedness to deal with the crisis; preparing a risk management plan; organizational structure; participation of organizations; organization communications; continuous monitoring; leadership of the organization; organizational agility; and university infrastructure. Also, crisis management requirements include quality of trainers, educational facilities, performing relief maneuvers, physical equipment and financial resources.

The results showed that students, professors and administrators should receive the necessary training on crisis management in universities in order to prevent possible damages when facing a crisis.

Lifestyle choices influence health and wellbeing, and accessing health information online requires skills to use effectively. This study aimed to assess eHealth literacy and its association with lifestyle behaviours among undergraduate students in Nigeria. We employed a cross-sectional study design using questionnaires to gather responses from undergraduate students across 15 faculties at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The calculated sample size was 630 participants, but to account for a 50% potential loss, 1250 students across all levels were selected for the study. A random sampling technique was used to select six faculties: three health-related and three non-health-related. A structured demographic questionnaire was used to record sociodemographic information, lifestyle behaviours, internet access, and use; the e-health literacy scale (eHEALS) was used to record e-Health literacy. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive (mean, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (Chi square) were employed, where appropriate, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Out of the 1250 students that participated in the study, 1233 (98.7%) had internet access, while 791 (63.5%) used the internet to assess health information regularly. A total of 648 (51.8%) and 573 (45.9%) students, respectively, exercised regularly and slept regularly. A total of 913 (73%) participants ate regular breakfast. Most of the students did not consume alcohol regularly (91.9%) and were non-smokers (95.9%). The mean eHEALS score was 27.77/40 points. Students in health-related courses had better eHealth literacy than others (p<0.05); a higher level of study led to higher eHealth literacy (p<0.01); and those who exercised once a week or more had better eHealth literacy (p<0.01). Study participants demonstrated good eHealth literacy, associated with course, level of study, exercise, and sleep patterns. Future nationwide studies on the impact of eHealth literacy education are needed to prove causation and develop an intervention.

Self‑medication is a global concern among professionals and non‑professionals, with a rapid increase in prevalence. The study aims to assess the prevalence of self‑medication and its associated factors among university students.

A cross‑sectional, descriptive study was conducted in three universities, and a total of 817 college students participated in this study.

About 75.40% of the participants reported using medications without a professional prescription. The category of analgesics was the most commonly used in self‑medication (82.80%), while the most common symptom was a headache (81.50%). Almost 74.10% percent of participants who have practiced self‑medication stated that the reason was the “lack of time to consult a physician.” Most participants who have used self‑medication (90.30%) stated that the source of knowledge was “previous prescription.”

Health education programs concerning self‑mediation should be held in university settings to improve attitudes and practices toward self‑mediation.

Lifestyle changes and, consequently, changes in dietary habits have led people, especially young people, to consume more processed and fast food. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of fast-food consumption among medical sciences students in Rafsanjan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a researcher-designed self-reported questionnaire, which was distributed among 350 medical sciences students in Rafsanjan, Iran, selected by stratified random sampling from 2019 to 2020. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire were confirmed before commencement. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. The results showed that university students had above-moderate knowledge (39.7 ± 0.55) and positive attitudes (60.52 ± 0.43) about fast food consumption. The mean number of times students consumed fast food in the past month was 12.41 ± 0.46. There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between attitude and practice. Also, knowledge had a significant inverse correlation with attitude and practice. The level of women’s knowledge was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than men’s knowledge, and the knowledge score of dental and medical students was significantly higher (P = 0.04) than that of students from other schools. The men’s attitude score was significantly higher (P = 0.04) than the women’s. Appropriate interventions should be implemented to improve students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning fast food consumption. Food labeling, teaching healthy cooking and preparation, time management, improving university meal programs, and opening affordable, healthy on-campus restaurants are recommended.

According to the report of the World Health Organization, mental disorders are one of the 10 most important causes of disability in the world. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the number and frequency of latent classes of depression and its determinants in Isfahan university of medical students.

A total of 1408 medical students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were enrolled in the study in 2017. The symptoms and severity of depression were assessed using the standard Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questionnaire. Latent class analysis was applied to seven symptoms of depression, all of which had four levels. Latent class subgroups were compared using the Chi‑square test and analysis of variance test. The regression model was used to check the relationship between identified classes and related factors. Analyzes were done using SPSS‑21 and Mplus7 software.

In this study, three latent classes were identified, that is, the group of healthy people, the group of borderline people, and the group of people suspected of depression. The prevalence of identified latent classes among medical students is 0.52, 0.32, and 0.16%, respectively. The regression results showed that compared to the healthy group, the factors affecting depression in the borderline and suspicious group were increasing age, female gender, interest in the field of study, physical activity, history of depression, and history of anxiety.

The three classes that were identified based on the students’ answers to the depression symptoms questions differed only based on severity. The history of depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors of latent classes of depression.

It is well known that the concept of e-sports has undergone significant development today. E-sports is a branch of sport based on online games. As a professional activity, it is equated with competitive activity.

The aim of the study is to determine the motivation of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences to participate in e-sports.

The research group of the study consists of volunteer students with an average age of 20.15±2.57 years, studying at the sports science faculties of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Gazi University, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, and Kırıkkale Universities. The participants consist of a total of 265 university students, 105 of whom are female and 160 of whom are male. The E-Sports Participation Motivation Scale (EKMS) developed by Öz and Üstün (2019) was used to collect data.

As a result of the study, it was found that there was a significant difference in favor of women only in the competence sub-dimension of the gender variable in the motivation to participate in e-sports (p<0.05). while the region of residence, monthly income, and ownership of a personal device had no influence on the motivation to participate in e-sports was achieved.

The number of studies in the field of e-sports is increasing every day. It is inevitable that these studies will contribute to the development and spread of e-sports. The increase of more comprehensive and qualitative research-based approaches in this field will contribute to the popularity of e-sports and the diversity of application areas.

Depression in Malaysia represents a significant and growing public health concern. With the current challenges in academic and university life, university students have become particularly vulnerable to depression and are unable to cope with stress. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify associative factors for depression among Malaysian students.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at public and private universities in Malaysia. A convenience sample of 1821 out of 1860 cases were approached and completed self-administered questionnaires, regarding depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and their socio-demographic, academic, and psychosocial characteristics. A Chi-square test was conducted to find the relationship between the variables and depression, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors.

More than one-third (33.8%) of students scored clinical levels of depression. Financial support for the study, alcohol consumption, poor sleep quality, body mass index, and the global score for psychosocial characteristics were predictors of depression.

A high rate of depression in Malaysian students may be mitigated by addressing the influencing factors. Interventions, such as lifestyle change can reduce depression in this group.

Substance use disorders are a significant global public health issue, causing considerable suffering, trauma, and financial burden. With the increasing prevalence of drug use and its detrimental consequences, it is crucial to identify predictors and implement preventive measures to address these problems. The main aim of the present study was to test the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict university students’ illicit drug use intentions in the Indian context.

The study used a cross-sectional research design and included a sample of 1254 students (male=473, female=781) aged 15-29 (Median age=22.61). Participants completed the measures of attitude, perceived norms, refusal self-efficacy and drug use intentions. Structural Equation Modeling was utilised to analyse the effectiveness of TPB constructs to predict university students’ drug use intentions.

The results indicated that positive attitude and perceived norms were positively related with drug use intentions, while refusal self-efficacy was negatively related. The proposed model accounted for (30%) of the variance in students’ illicit drug use intentions. The analysis of Regression weight estimates and critical ratios represented that the perceived norms and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted drug use intention. However, contrary to expectations, attitude did not predict drug use intentions.

The findings of the present study highlighted the usefulness of TPB in predicting drug use intentions in the Indian context. These findings will benefit drug use intervention programmes.

Cigarette Smoking plays an important role in causing chronic diseases around the world and its consumption among adolescents is quickly increasing. Significant relationship has been reported between the smoking status and health literacy.

This investigation aimed at recognizing the relationships between smoking intention and various dimensions of health literacy in university students.

In the current cross-sectional investigation, 542 students of Mashhad Universities of Applied Sciences were collected using cluster sampling method. Data collection tools were sociodemographic, health literacy, and smoking intention questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS software.

Among the various investigated dimensions of health literacy, the decision making and health information application dimension has the lowest score and the reading skills and access dimensions have the highest score, respectively. Results showed that the smoking intention was associated significantly with decision making (ß Standard: -0.27, Confidence interval: -0.03 - -0.01) and health information application and access dimensions (ß Standard: -0.3, Confidence interval: -0.03 - -0.02). Furthermore, decision making and health information application dimension was the strongest smoking intention predictor.

Recognizing the skills that are most strongly associated with smoking decision-making can help designers develop clear, informative, and actionable programs and training. The findings of this investigation indicated the fact that in order to reduce the intention of smoking and in contrast to increase carrying out preventive and healthy behaviors among university students, specific consideration must be had to the factor of health literacy and its effective dimensions.

Physical activity has a significant impact on the quality of life and mental health of college students. The importance and role of happiness in mental health and social participation have been one of the most important priorities of psychology researchers. Also, very few studies have been conducted on happiness among college students, especially females, so the present study aimed to determine the correlation between physical fitness and happiness among female university students.

This research was a descriptive and correlational study. The participants consisted of a group of 124 females (aged 20.94 ± 1.82 years) who were selected randomly from Ilam university students. The AAHPERD battery was used to obtain the physical fitness grade of the students and the Oxford questionnaire was used to calculate their happiness. The data were analyzed by SPSS software and the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results of this study indicated a significant relationship between physical fitness and happiness (r = 0.293, P = 0.048).

The research indicated that exercise and physical activity effectively improve students' happiness and suggested that it must pay more attention to sport programs and increase university student's physical fitness.

The present research aimed to compare the psychological profile of university students with and without a disciplinary record.

The statistical populations of this descriptive and causal-comparative study, included all Ferdowsi University of Mashhad undergraduates with a verdict issued by the university committee on discipline in the academic years of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 and all undergraduates with no disciplinary record in the same academic year. A sample of 200 undergraduates was selected from each population with the purposive sampling method. Both groups responded to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

The results showed significant differences in depression (P= 0.001), anxiety (P= 0.006), and overall mental health scores (P= 0.01) between two groups. Similarly, significant differences were found in neuroticism (P= 0.001), openness to experience (P= 0.001), agreeableness (P= 0.001), and conscientiousness (P= 0.001). Students with a disciplinary record showed more psychological problems than those without a disciplinary record. Moreover, they had higher scores for negative traits and lower scores for positive traits.

Based on these findings, students with disciplinary records may have some special personality problems and need more psychological help. Also, these findings can contribute to developing disciplinary rules to prevent student infractions.

University life is a special period in which students take full responsibility for their lives, especially as individuals. This period includes many positive and negative situations. As a result, they need serious psychological support to cope with the potential or real problems they experience. This study aims to determine the effects of cognitive-behavioral-therapy-based psychoeducation programs on university students’ automatic thoughts, perceived stress, and self-efficacy levels.

This was a quasi-experimental study with a single group pre-test and post-test design. The research was carried out at a university in Turkey from October 1 to November 15, 2022. The sample consisted of 223 students who agreed to participate in the research. The psychoeducation program prepared within the scope of the study was conducted face-to-face for four 45-min sessions. In this study, we used an individual introduction form, automatic thought questionnaire, perceived stress scale, and general self-efficacy scale. Data analysis was done via SPSS software, version 23. To analyze the data, we used descriptive statistics along with the Pearson correlation test and the Spearman correlation test.

A total of 73.4% of the students who participated in the research were female and 49.5% stayed in the student dormitory. The economic situation of 53.2% was moderate and 41.4% to 67.1% of the students had a good relationship with their families, while 63.5% had a good relationship with their friends. After the psychoeducation, a significant decrease was observed in the mean scores of students’ automatic thoughts and perceived stress, while their self-perception scores increased significantly (P<0.05).

The cognitive-behavioral-therapy-based psychoeducation program positively affects university students in various aspects. After the psychoeducation, the perceived stress levels of the students decreased, their self-efficacy levels were positively affected, and their negative automatic thinking levels decreased.

Good nutrition is imperative to achieve a better health status. The rate of obesity and related comorbidities is increasing all over the world. The main reasons behind this worse situation are the overconsumption of food groups or exceeding the recommended portion sizes. University life is a period when students are independent in making their food choices. The chances of adopting unhealthy eating behaviors are increased during this tenure. Nutritional knowledge is an important tool in assessing the nutritional status of an individual, group, and community.

The main objective of the current study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of university-going students.

The pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data from the students of the University of Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 300 students participated in this study (150 from the Nutrition Department and 150 from the non-nutrition departments). Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and total nutritional knowledge (TNK) scores were measured during the 4-month study duration. Additionally, gender-and department-based comparisons of various parameters were performed. The mean TNK of the Nutrition Department students was higher (34.89 ± 0.95/58) than non-nutrition departments (24.05 ± 1.00/58) (P = 0.01). Additionally, the mean TNK of female students was higher (28.53 ± 1.28/58) than male students (27.05 ± 1.27/58) (P = 0.03). Moreover, 61% and 63% of nutrition students were familiar with the relationship between high intake of salt and fats with chronic diseases, respectively.

A statistically significant relationship was not observed between gender (P = 0.78) and departments (P = 0.10) with body mass index (BMI). This finding shows that nutritional knowledge alone is not a predictor of the nutritional status (BMI) of an individual. Students, even from the Nutrition Department, failed to transform their knowledge about nutrition into healthy food choices and eating practices.

It is necessary to initiate nutrition education programs emphasizing making healthy food choices. Moreover, nutritional knowledge related to dietary guidelines should be incorporated into daily life to remove the disease burden associated with obesity.

 The quality of sleep has different physical and psychological consequences, and can affect students' academic achievement.

 This study aimed to explore factors associated with sleep quality in university students using panel regression.

 This study was conducted based on the data from a longitudinal study, namely the “Health and Lifestyle of University Students”. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-administered questionnaire containing general information about sleep quality, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), a questionnaire consisting of information about anxiety, Healthy Lifestyle Scale for University Students (HLSUS), and a questionnaire including information about lifestyle were completed by students during the first eight weeks of their first semester. The Panel linear regression and frontier model were used to assess the association of sleep quality with sex, unit, residency, marital status, teeth brushing, drug use, alcoholic drinks, age, anxiety, and healthy lifestyle.

 A total of 706 individuals (46.8%) suffered from poor sleep quality. Between the two models of panel linear regression and frontier, the former (i.e., panel linear regression) was determined to be a more powerful model with the Akaike information criteria = 3790.68 and Bayesian information criteria = 3899.712, suggesting that the dormitory students with a high level of anxiety and low level of healthy lifestyle had significantly poor sleep quality.

 Residency, drug use, anxiety, and healthy lifestyle scale were found to be closely associated with sleep quality of university students by using panel linear regression model. Our finding may have been of valuable help to policymakers and planners in their effort to improve the sleep quality of university students.