Adherence to recommended intake of pulses and related factors in university students in the UniHcos project.

Pulses such as peas, beans or lentils are one of the most complete foods at the nutritional level; however, they are one of the most often neglected foods in the diets of university students. Entrance to university translates into a major lifestyle change for many young people, and the habits acquired or cemented at this time will remain into adulthood. The objective of this study is to analyse the association between personal/sociodemographic factors, dietary intake of other food groups and the consumption of pulses in first-year university students. This cross-sectional study is part of the UniHcos project, a multicentre study of multipurpose prospective cohorts in eleven Spanish universities. Data from 9862 university students were collected through an online self-questionnaire completed by all students who met the selection criteria and agreed to participate in the project during the 2011-2018 academic years. Of students, 75·8 % presented an inadequate (≤2 times/week) consumption of pulses. Living outside the family home in either a student residence (OR 0·76; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·84) or rental (OR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·70, 0·95) decreased the compliance with recommendations on the consumption of pulses. Low consumption of pulses is seemingly not restricted to a specific profile or dietary pattern among university students, and no specific focus group for intervention can be identified. Policies promoting the consumption of pulses among the university population as a whole are necessary to increase compliance rates with the dietary recommendations.

[Healthy eating and self-perception of health]. / Alimentación saludable y autopercepción de salud.

OBJECTIVES: The aim is to determine whether there is an association between perceived health status, healthy eating and other lifestyles in people over 50 years old. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: 8 Basic Health Zones from the Health Area of Albacete. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 781 subjects, randomly selected by simple random sampling. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: variables: self-rated quality of life (EuroQol 5D), dietary habits (questionnaire on frequency of food consumption), physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire), toxic habits, health problems (International Classification of Primary Care) and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.4 years (SD: 6.6) and the proportion of women was 60.1%. On a scale of 0-100 the mean score in the perceived health status was 74.0 (SD: 15.2). This score had a weak correlation with the number of healthy eating criteria (r=0.078; P=.03). A linear trend (P=.001) was observed between exercise intensity and better self-rated health. The score was lower in smokers (70.9±15.6 vs 74.9±15.1 SD; P=.004). In the multiple regression, the number of healthy eating criteria remained an association with the score on perceived health status (P=.04), after adjusting the model for sociodemographic characteristics, number of health problems, and toxic habits. CONCLUSIONS: In people over 50years of age the level of self-rated health is associated with the fulfilment of the criteria of a healthy diet, which is independent of other health habits and main sociodemographic variables.

Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic use - UniHcos project.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevalence rates and self-reported changes in patterns of alcohol use among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic alcohol use. A serial cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos project was carried out. Data from 10 518 first-year university students (73.3% female, mean age 19 (SD = 1.6)) collected between 2012 and 2022 were analysed. The evolution of the pooled prevalence rates during the time series was analysed and the risk of problematic alcohol consumption was assessed using the AUDIT. Also, self-reported changes in alcohol use patterns during the pandemic were assessed. According to the results, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of alcohol use in the past 30-days was reduced (76.3% in 2019 vs. 63.7% in COVID-19) increasing again in the New Normal period. Thus, a similar pattern in the practice of binge drinking was observed. Regarding the AUDIT score, 21.7% (95%CI 20.9, 22.6) of the students had harmful alcohol consumption, with a higher proportion among males. In the multivariable logistic models, a higher AUDIT score was significantly associated (p-value < 0.001) with being male and living with roommates. According to self-reported changes in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of participants with harmful use reported an increase in alcohol consumption compared to those at low-risk (43% vs 19%). Finally, despite the overall reduction in drinking prevalence during COVID-19, changes were not equal for all students and depended on their previous level of problematic drinking, highlighting that this should be considered in the development of strategies against alcohol use in this population.

Prevalence of Depression and Fish Consumption among First Year Spanish University Students: UniHcos Project.

The World Health Organization estimates that one fifth of university students have experienced major depressive disorder at some point in their lives. Nutrition may be one of the modifiable factors that influence the development of depression. Specifically, low omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D levels, both nutrients found in high quantities in fish, have been linked to depressive disorders. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression among young Spanish university students, in addition to the pattern of fish consumption among students and the possible relationship between fish consumption and the presence of depression. Data were collected retrospectively from a nationally representative sample of 11,485 Spanish university students aged 18 years or older in 11 Spanish universities, from 2012 to 2022. The respondents were analyzed according to frequency of consumption and compliance with weekly recommendations for fish intake and the presence of depression. Regression models were also performed to determine students' odds of depression as a function of compliance with recommendations according to selected sociodemographic variables. The prevalence of depression was 10.5%; it was more prevalent in women, older students and in those with both high and low BMIs. In addition, it was also more prevalent in those that lived outside the family home, with roommates and those who were employed. Sixty-seven percent of the students met the fish intake recommendations. The most common frequency of fish consumption was 1-2 times/week (44.2%), and the least frequent was 2.3% daily fish consumption. Students from northern universities were more likely to consume fish (68.4%) than those from southern universities (66.4%). Non-consumption of fish was found to increase the risk of depression (ORa = 1.45 (1.28-1.64); AF = 31.0% (21.9-39.0)), but it was the student's own conditions that had the greatest influence on the development of the disorder. In summary, a lower consumption of fish seems to be associated with a higher incidence of depression in Spanish university students; however, other social factors of the student may influence the development of the disorder, and all of this should be taken into account for the development of prevention strategies.

Attitudes towards Tattoos among Spanish Health Science Students.

(1) Background: The aim is to ascertain health science students' attitudes towards tattoos and their association with healthy lifestyles and socio-demographic variables. (2) Methods: Descriptive study conducted on pharmacy, medical and nursing students (n = 423). To ascertain attitudes towards tattoos, we used the Attitudes Towards Tattoos Scale. Other variables were physical activity, healthy diet, harmful habits and socio-demographic variables. (3) Results: A total of 12.6% (95% CI 9.1−16.2) of students reported having a tattoo; 58.9% did not regard tattoos as a health risk. In terms of attitudes, the mean score in the range of 7−35 (7­most unfavourable to 35­most favourable) was 22.6 (SD 5.2; 95% CI: 22.0−23.2). Scores were higher (p < 0.05) among women (23.1; SD: 5.3), persons aged <20 years (23.6; SD: 5.0) and smokers (23.9; SD: 4.6). Attitudes were found to be more favourable (p < 0.05) in nursing students than in pharmacy or medical students. No relationship was observed with physical activity, healthy diet or drug use. (4) Conclusions: The attitude to tattoos is most favourable among women, persons aged under 20 years and nursing students. In terms of health habits, attitudes are more favourable among smokers, regardless of their level of physical activity, compliance with healthy eating guidelines or consumption of alcohol or other drugs.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain-UniHcos Project.

Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.

Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Use of Health Services in Spanish University Students: UniHcos Project.

The aim of the study was to examine the association of alcohol consumption patterns (hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking) and the use of emergency services and primary care consultations in university students. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at eleven Spanish universities collaborating within the uniHcos Project. University students completed an online questionnaire that assessed hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking using the AUDIT questionnaire and evaluated the use of emergency services and primary care. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the chi-squared test and Student's t-test and nonconditional logistic regression models to examine this association. Results: There were 10,167 participants who completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.2−17.6), while the prevalence of binge drinking was 48.8% (95% CI: 47.9−49.8). There were significant differences in the use of emergency services in those surveyed with hazardous alcohol use (p < 0.001) or binge drinking pattern (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of attendance during primary care visits in individuals with hazardous alcohol use (p = 0.367) or binge drinking pattern (p = 0.755). The current study shows the association between university students with a pattern of hazardous alcohol use or binge drinking and greater use of emergency services. However, no significant association was observed between the said consumption patterns and the use of primary care services.

Reliability and Validity of the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q) in Persons with Arterial Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q) in persons with arterial hypertension undergoing pharmacological treatment, along with its convergent validity with degree of control of blood pressure levels, therapeutic adherence, and tolerability of antihypertensive drugs. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 484 persons. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated with the SATMED-Q, an instrument consisting of 17 items with six dimensions. Other variables were blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs, adverse effects, therapeutic adherence, and participants' characteristics. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was 0.916. Factor analysis revealed six factors that could account for 89.97% of total variance. The test-retest reliability analysis yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.910 (95% CI = 0.806-0.959). In a possible range of 0 through 100 points, participant satisfaction with treatment ranged from 38.2 to 100 (mean 79.9 (SD = 12.9; 95% CI = 78.8-81.0); median 80.9). SATMED-Q scores were higher among persons who reported experiencing no adverse effects (82.5 ± 11.6 SD vs. 68.7 ± 11.9 SD; p < 0.001). Satisfaction levels were significantly lower among subjects not complying with the treatment (73.2 ± 12.9 vs. 82.1 ± 12.1; p < 0.001), and significantly higher among those presenting with controlled blood pressure levels (82.1 ± 12.1 SD vs. 77.5 ± 13.3 SD; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SATMED-Q showed high internal consistency and good stability in the reliability analysis. It is an appropriate instrument for evaluating satisfaction with antihypertensive treatment, both in routine clinical practice and in community pharmacy or clinical research settings.

[Discrimination and its relationship with risk behaviors and perceived health in spanish university students: a cross-sectional study.] / Discriminación y su relación con las conductas de riesgo y la salud percibida en estudiantes universitarios españoles: un estudio transversal.

OBJECTIVE: Discrimination during vital moments, such as the university period, can generate a high impact on people's behavior and health. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible association of discrimination with perceived health and with different risk behaviors, as well as to describe gender differences in Spanish university students. Discrimination during vital moments, such as college, can have a high impact on people's behavior and health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data from first-year university students from 11 Spanish universities (n=9,862). Discrimination, perceived health, alcohol consumption, smoking, consumption of illegal substances, leisure time connected to the Internet, risky sexual relations, family function, risk of mental health problems and risk of eating disorders were assessed. Prevalences with their 95% confidence intervals were obtained and for quantitative variables the mean and standard deviation were calculated. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the relationship between discrimination and the other variables. RESULTS: An association was found between discrimination and fair or poor perceived health (OR: 1.7; p=0.0001), consumption of illegal substances (OR: 1.3; p=0.002), problematic internet use (OR: 1.3; p=0.004), family dysfunction (OR: 1.8; p=0.0001), risk of mental health problems (OR: 1.9; p=0.0001) and eating disorders (OR: 1.5; p=0.0001). Regarding gender differences, higher prevalence of discrimination was observed in men with health status perceived as fair or worse (OR: 2.2; p=0.0001), family dysfunction (OR: 1.8; p=0.0001), risk of mental health problems (OR: 2.2; p=0.0001) and eating disorders (OR: 1.9; p=0.002). Women, apart from the previous variables, presented association of discrimination with consumption of illegal substances (OR: 1.3; p=0.005) and problematic internet use (OR: 1.4; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings underline that there is an association between discrimination and risk behaviors among Spanish university students. In turn, discrimination was associated with poor or fair perceived health, this relationship being similar in both men and women.

OBJETIVO: La discriminación durante los momentos vitales, como el periodo universitario, puede generar un alto impacto en la conducta y en el estado de salud de las personas. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la posible asociación de la discriminación con la salud percibida y con distintas conductas de riesgo, así como describir las diferencias de género en estudiantes universitarios españoles. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal con datos de estudiantes universitarios de primera matrícula de primer curso de 11 universidades españolas (n=9.862). Se valoró la discriminación, la salud percibida, el consumo de alcohol, el hábito tabáquico, el consumo de sustancias ilegales, el tiempo de ocio conectado a internet, la práctica de relaciones sexuales de riesgo, la función familiar, el riesgo de problemas de salud mental y el riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Se obtuvieron las prevalencias con sus intervalos de confianza al 95% y para las variables cuantitativas la media y desviación estándar. Se calcularon las Odds Ratio con los intervalos de confianza al 95% para conocer la relación entre la discriminación y las otras variables. RESULTADOS: Se encontró asociación entre la discriminación y una regular o mala salud percibida (OR: 1,7; p=0,0001), el consumo de sustancias ilegales (OR: 1,3; p=0,002), el uso problemático de internet (OR: 1,3; p=0,004), la disfunción familiar (OR: 1,8; p=0,0001), el riesgo de problemas de salud mental (OR: 1,9; p=0,0001) y de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (OR: 1,5; p=0,0001). En cuanto a las diferencias de género, se apreciaron mayores prevalencias de discriminación en hombres con estado de salud percibida como regular o peor (OR: 2,2; p=0,0001), disfunción familiar (OR: 1,8; p=0,0001), riesgo de problemas de salud mental (OR: 2,2; p=0,0001) y de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (OR: 1,9; p=0,002). Las mujeres, además de las variables anteriores, mostraron asociación de la discriminación con el consumo de sustancias ilegales (OR: 1,3; p=0,005) y el uso problemático de internet (OR: 1,4; p=0,002). CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos del estudio subrayan que existe asociación entre la discriminación y las conductas de riesgo de los estudiantes universitarios españoles. A su vez, la discriminación se asoció con una mala o regular salud percibida, siendo esta relación similar tanto en hombres como en mujeres.

Menstrual Problems and Lifestyle among Spanish University Women.

Menstrual problems affect many young women worldwide, conditioning both their academic performance and quality of life. This study sought to analyse the prevalence of menstrual problems and their possible relationship with lifestyle among Spanish university women, as part of a research project (UniHcos Project) involving a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 7208 university students. A descriptive analysis was performed using the bivariate chi-square test and the Student's t-test together with a binary logistic regression, in which the dependent variable was 'suffering from menstrual problems'. Menstrual problems were identified in 23.8% of the students, representing women who paid more visits to the doctor and to emergency rooms, and who consumed more painkillers and contraceptives. In relation to dietary preferences, menstrual problems were 1.39 (CI 95% 1.22-1.61; p = 0.000) times more likely among women classified as high-risk alcohol users according to the AUDIT questionnaire, and 1.187 (CI 95% 1.029-1.370; p = 0.019) times greater among those who consumed sweets daily, 1.592 (CI 95% 1.113-2.276; p = 0.011) times more frequent among those who eat fish daily, and 1.199 (CI 95% 1.004-1.432; p = 0.045) times greater among those who were dieting. Menstrual problems affect many college students and potentially modifiable lifestyle variables exist which may influence their prevalence. It would be interesting to develop programmes to promote women's health in the university context.

[Evaluation of satisfaction with pharmacological treatment in people with hypertension]. / Evaluación de la satisfacción con el tratamiento farmacológico en personas con hipertensión arterial.

OBJECTIVE: Medication satisfaction is a patientcentered measure that helps predict the continuity of treatment, correct use and therapeutic compliance. The objective has been to evaluate the satisfaction with the treatment (ST) of subjects with arterial hypertension (HT) and find out if the type of treatment, the state of health and the personal characteristics are related to the satisfaction. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study conducted in the community pharmacy field. A total of 484 users of antihypertensive medication were evaluated (response rate: 81.6%). The ST was evaluated through the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines. In the statistical analysis, means comparison and correlation tests were used to verify the existence of associations between the ST level and the different variables, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Likewise, a multiple linear regression model was constructed to identify the associated variables avoiding possible confounding factors. RESULTS: In a range of 0-100 the mean ST value was 79.9 (SD=12.9, 95% CI=78.8-81.0). A weak correlation was observed between perceived health score and ST (r=0.145, p=0.001). ST was higher in subjects with controlled BP (82.1 ±12.1 SD vs 77.5 ±13.3 SD, p<0.001), in treated subjects over 5 years (83.5 ± 12.8 SD vs 78.5 ±12.6 SD; p<0.001), in subjects without adverse effects (82.5 ±11.6 SD vs 68.7 ±11.9 SD; p<0.001) and in lower social classes (81.2 ±12.8 SD vs 78.5 ±12.8 SD, p=0.02). It was lower in the non-compliers with the treatment (73.2 ±12.9 vs 82.1 ±12.1, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ST level is acceptable, despite insufficient BP control and the high rate of noncompliance. Satisfaction is conditioned both by effectiveness and by therapeutic adherence, although health status, treatment and personal characteristics also intervene.

OBJETIVO: La satisfacción con la medicación constituye una medida centrada en el paciente que ayuda a predecir la continuidad del tratamiento, su uso correcto y el cumplimiento terapéutico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la satisfacción con el tratamiento (ST) de sujetos con hipertensión arterial (HTA), así como averiguar si el tipo de tratamiento, el estado de salud y las características personales guardan relación con el nivel de satisfacción. METODOS: Se elaboró un estudio observacional de carácter transversal, realizado en el ámbito de la farmacia comunitaria. Fueron evaluados 484 consumidores de medicación antihipertensiva (tasa de respuesta del 81,6%). La ST fue evaluada mediante el Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire. Otras variables fueron la presión arterial (PA), los fármacos antihipertensivos, los efectos adversos, otros medicamentos, la comorbilidad, la salud autopercibida, el cumplimiento y las características personales. En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron pruebas de comparación de medias y de correlación para comprobar asociaciones entre el nivel de ST y las diferentes variables, considerando un nivel de significación de p<0,05. Así mismo, se construyó un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple para identificar las variables asociadas, evitando posibles factores de confusión. RESULTADOS: En un rango entre 0 y 100, el valor medio de ST fue de 79,9 (DE=12,9; IC 95%=78,8-81,0). Se observó una débil correlación entre la puntuación en salud percibida y la ST (r=0,145; p=0,001). La ST fue superior en los sujetos con PA controlada (82,1 ±12,1 DE frente a 77,5 ±13,3 DE; p<0,001), en los tratados durante más de 5 años (83,5 ±12,8 DE frente a 78,5 ±12,6 DE; p<0,001), en los sujetos sin efectos adversos (82,5 ±11,6 DE frente a 68,7 ±11,9 DE; p<0,001) y en las clases sociales inferiores (81,2 ±12,8 DE frente a 78,5 ±12,8 DE; p=0,02). Fue inferior en los incumplidores con el tratamiento (73,2 ±12,9 frente a 82,1 ±12,1; p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de ST es aceptable, a pesar del insuficiente control de las cifras de PA y a la elevada proporción de incumplimiento. La satisfacción está condicionada tanto por la efectividad como por la adherencia terapéutica, aunque también intervienen el estado de salud, el tratamiento y las características personales.

Psychological Distress, Family Support and Employment Status in First-Year University Students in Spain.

Mental disorders are consistently and closely related to psychological distress. At the start of the university period, the relationship between a student's psychological distress, family support, and employment status is not well-known. The aims of this study were: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress in first-year university students and to analyze its relationship with family support and the student's employment status. Data from 4166 first-year university students from nine universities across Spain were considered. The prevalence of psychological distress was obtained using the GHQ-12, a valid and reliable screening tool to detect poor mental health. To analyze the relationship between psychological distress, family support, and employment status, logistic regression models were fitted. Regarding the prevalence found, 46.9% of men and 54.2% of women had psychological distress. In both genders, psychological distress levels increased as family support decreased. Among women, psychological distress was associated with their employment status. The prevalence of psychological distress among first-year university students in Spain is high. In addition, family support, and employment status for women, could be factors to take into account when developing psychological distress prevention strategies at the beginning of the university period.

Drug use, family support and related factors in university students. A cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos Project data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of illegal drug use in college students on any previous occasion, during the previous year and the previous month, and to analyze the relationship between illegal drug use and family support and other factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data from students participating in the uniHcos project (n = 3767) was conducted. The prevalence and age of onset of consumption of cannabis, non-prescription sedatives, stimulants and depressants was evaluated. Polyconsumption was also assessed. The independent variables were: family support, age, residence, and employment status. To determine the factors related to drug use multivariate logistic regression models stratified by gender were fitted. RESULTS: Differences between men and women in prevalence of illegal drug use except non-prescription sedatives were observed. In both genders, less family support was associated with higher consumption of all drugs, except depressants, and with polyconsumption. To be studying and looking for work was related to cannabis and stimulant use and to polyconsumption among women, but only to cannabis use among men. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the notion that the start of university studies is a particularly relevant stage in the onset of illegal drug use and its prevention, and that consumption may be especially associated with family support.

Factors Associated with Meat Consumption in Students of Spanish Universities: UniHcos Project.

The level of meat consumption is one of the main deviations from the Mediterranean diet pattern in Spanish university students. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the consumption of fresh and processed meat in Spanish university students. This study is part of a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 9862 university students (UniHcos Project). A descriptive analysis and a chi2 test were carried out to assess differences between personal and sociodemographic variables and meat consumption, and binary logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with consumption; 19.9% and 73.5% met the recommendations for meat-fresh and meat-processed consumption, respectively. Only 3.8% of students meet the recommendations for both fresh and processed meat. Statistically significant differences were found between sex, BMI, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance with recommendations. Female employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for fresh meats while male, normal weight, employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for processed meats. There is a lack of compliance with the recommendations for consumption of fresh meat in Spanish university students, differences in compliance among students of differing regions and an association with sex, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance.