Suicide risk among undergraduate students in Brazil in the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of the SABES-Grad national survey.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate students present high rates of psychological distress, including suicide risk. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this scenario may have been aggravated. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate changes in the suicide risk rate from the period before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the factors associated with this outcome among Brazilian undergraduate students. METHODS: This was a nationwide survey carried out in Brazil with a cross-sectional design, including two data collection periods: a single-center in-person collection in 2019 and another multicenter online collection in 2020/2021. Data were collected using self-administered instruments. The outcome was a high risk of suicide, measured through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Analyses were carried out on data from two periods, i.e. before and during the pandemic (bivariate analysis and interaction tests), and a model of associated factors (multivariate analysis using Poisson regression) was developed including all participating universities distributed in the five regions of Brazil. RESULTS: In total, 6716 Brazilian undergraduate students participated (996 in 2019 and 5720 in 2020/2021). The prevalence of a high suicide risk rose from 11.3% to 17.0%, especially among women and poorer individuals. The prevalence of a high risk of suicide among Brazilian undergraduates was 19.6% and was associated with several socioeconomic, academic, pandemic, and mental health factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of a high suicide risk increased from prepandemic to during the pandemic, appearing to be largely influenced by social determinants, in conjunction with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does Money Buy Happiness? Disentangling the Association Between Income, Happiness and Stress.

Although there is evidence of an inverse relationship between stress and happiness, less is known about the interrelationship between income, happiness and stress. The purpose of this research brief was to investigate whether and how income and stress shape the distribution of happiness. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, with 1,168 individuals aged 18 years or older. The data were collected in 2016 and analyzed in 2019. Wealthiest people tended to be happier and less stressed. Less-stressed people had higher levels of happiness, which remain stable regardless of their income. Most-stressed individuals had lower prevalence of happiness throughout all income subgroups. Happiness levels among both rich and poor respondents decreased as stress levels increased. Nonetheless, this reduction was more pronounced among the poorest respondents. Concluding, stress plays an important role in the relationship between income and happiness. Although there is some evidence that money can exert influence on happiness, it seems that this association is highly dependent of individuals' stress levels.

Adherence to social distancing measures in southern Brazil, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the frequency of adherence to social distancing and individual protection measures of adult and older populations in two cities in southern Brazil and to characterize the sociodemographic aspects of these individuals. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the cities of Rio Grande, RS, and Criciúma, SC, Brazil. The outcome measure was the frequency of adherence to social distancing measures. Fisher's exact test (5% significance) was used to calculate the differences in prevalence according to exposure variables. RESULTS: Among the 2,170 participants over the age of 18, the prevalence of adherence to social distancing was 18.5%. Adherence was significantly higher among women; older adults; single, divorced, or widowed people with a low educational level; people of lower socioeconomic status; and people affected by multiple chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five respondents adhered to measures of social distancing, and adherence was more prevalent among the risk groups.

A Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad): methodological aspects of a nationwide multicenter and multilevel study overlapping with the Covid-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The academic environment can negatively impact the mental health of undergraduate students, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This study aimed to describe the methodological and operational aspects of a study of the health and well-being of undergraduate students: the Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad) project. METHOD: This was a nationwide cross-sectional study divided across two data collection strategies: a single-center, on-site data collection carried out in 2019 at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) and a multicenter, multilevel, online data collection carried out in 2020/2021 at FURG, the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), the Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), and the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). The main outcomes of interest were depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and suicide risk. RESULTS: A total of 996 students participated in the 2019 data collection (63.8% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 85.2%) and 5,720 students participated in the 2020/2021 collection (66.7% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 84.3%). Significant variations in socioeconomic and demographic profiles were observed between the different universities. Approximately one-third of the sample had been tested for Covid-19 in 2020/2021, 7.8% of whom had tested positive. CONCLUSION: The SABES-Grad project was the result of collaborative work between several actors from public universities in Brazil. Several aspects of the preparation and execution of this research are discussed in terms of its originality and relevance. Barriers and limitations and strategies adopted to overcome them are also presented.

[The experience of forced sexual intercourse among undergraduate students: associated factors and possible consequences]. / Experiência de relação sexual forçada entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados e possíveis consequências.

The scope of this article is to investigate the prevalence of the experience of forced sexual intercourse on life and its possible consequences on mental and sexual health among undergraduate students at a public university in Brazil. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study with 996 undergraduate students. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Poisson Regression model, and the etiological fractions of the consequences of forced sexual intercourse were calculated. The lifetime prevalence of forced sexual intercourse was 12.1%. Female sex, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, child food insecurity and domestic violence were associated with a higher prevalence of the outcome. Individuals who experienced forced sexual intercourse were more likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and to represent a potential suicide risk. The study revealed the problems of sexual violence in the university context.

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a prevalência de relação sexual forçada na vida e suas possíveis consequências na saúde mental e sexual em acadêmicos de cursos de graduação de uma universidade pública no Brasil. Estudo transversal quantitativo com 996 estudantes de graduação. A amostragem realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados. Foi usado o modelo de Regressão de Poisson, e foram calculadas as frações etiológicas das consequências de relação sexual forçada. A prevalência de relação sexual forçada ao longo da vida foi de 12,1%. Sexo feminino, orientação sexual não heterossexual, primeira relação sexual antes de 14 anos de idade, insegurança alimentar e violência no contexto doméstico na infância foram associados à maior prevalência do desfecho. Indivíduos que sofreram relação sexual forçada foram mais propensos a apresentar diagnóstico de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e de ter risco de suicídio. O estudo evidenciou a problemática da violência sexual no contexto universitário.

Fear of Covid-19 and health-related outcomes: results from two Brazilian population-based studies.

Fear is a reaction that can influence multiple aspects of health and life. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been serious pathophysiological, social, behavioral and mental consequences that can be related to fear. This study aimed to assess the fear of Covid-19 and its association with sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables. Data were gathered from two cross-sectional population-based studies conducted in 2020 with adults from two cities from Southern Brazil. The Fear of Covid-19 scale was used to evaluate fear of Covid. Exposure variables were socioeconomic, demographic, health and pandemic-related factors. Adjusted Poisson regression was performed to assess the association between fear of Covid-19 and the exposure variables. A total of 2,152 subjects were assessed. Higher fear of Covid-19 was found among women and in individuals with symptoms of Covid-19. Living alone, being richer, and testing positive for Covid-19 were associated with lower prevalence of fear. Higher prevalence of fear of Covid-19 was related to worse sleep quality, worse health perception, sadness, higher stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. There was a linear association between fear of Covid-19 and health outcomes. The results provide evidence that fear of Covid-19 seems to be associated with socioeconomic, demographic, health and pandemic-related factors.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors among Brazilian undergraduate students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The university context can be an overwhelming background, being especially harmful to undergraduates' mental health. Considering that several studies have reported on the prevalence of psychological distress among Brazilian undergraduate students, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior in this population. METHODS: Studies reporting on the prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior and its associated factors among Brazilian undergraduate students were systematically searched in scientific electronic databases. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Individual associated factors were summarized, and study characteristics associated with outcome prevalence were tested through meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: Forty-seven articles were included, of which 44 were meta-analyzed (37,486 undergraduates). The pooled prevalence estimates of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior were 37.75%, 28.51%, and 9.10%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed that investigations with probabilistic samples presented a higher prevalence of anxiety and that studies conducted within public institutions and with samples of exclusively medical students presented higher frequencies of depression. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional data do not allow the establishment of temporality and causal inference. Furthermore, the high heterogeneity of the included studies may also constitute a weakness of this review. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior among Brazilian undergraduates was high. These results have scientific and practical implications, the former regarding the need for the standardization of the methodology of studies and the latter regarding the need for comprehensive mental health care for Brazilian undergraduates.

[Sexual exploitation of homeless children and adolescents living on the streets in Southern Brazil]. / Exploração sexual de crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua no Sul do Brasil.

The scope of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual exploitation of homeless children and adolescents living on the streets, as well as characteristics associated with this outcome. In this cross-sectional investigation, carried out in the municipalities of Rio Grande and Porto Alegre-RS, data were collected through interviews, which were conducted by trained interviewers. The Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) strategy was adopted and statistical analyses were conducted using Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. The sample included 186 children and adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age, of which 8% reported having been subjected to sexual exploitation. Being 16 to 17 years old, having had forced sexual intercourse and not having bonds with school were characteristics independently associated with this outcome. It was observed that the lack of contact with school increased the probability 16-fold of having suffered sexual exploitation, being considered the main risk factor in this study. The proposition is that the inclusion and permanence of homeless children and adolescents living on the streets into schools might significantly reduce the risk of sexual exploitation of this population group.

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de exploração sexual entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua e as características associadas a este desfecho. Neste estudo transversal, conduzido nos municípios de Rio Grande e Porto Alegre-RS, os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas com os participantes, as quais foram conduzidas por entrevistadores treinados. O método de amostragem foi o Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) e as análises estatísticas foram conduzidas por meio da regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. A amostra foi composta por 186 crianças e adolescentes com idades entre 10 e 17 anos, das quais 8% relataram ter tido experiência de exploração sexual. Ter idade entre 16 e 17 anos, ter sofrido relação sexual forçada e não ter vínculo escolar foram características independentemente associadas a este desfecho. Foi observada que a falta de vínculo escolar aumentou em 16 vezes a probabilidade de sofrer exploração sexual, sendo o principal fator de risco identificado neste estudo. Sugere-se que a inclusão e permanência das crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua no contexto escolar possa reduzir significativamente o risco de exploração sexual entre esta população.

Depression in the elderly of a rural region in Southern Brazil. / Depressão em idosos de uma região rural do Sul do Brasil.

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in elderly residents of the rural area of Rio Grande/RS. In this cross-sectional population-based study performed with 994 elderly (≥ 60 years), whose sampling was based on the 2010 Demographic Census, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used for Major Depressive Episode (EDM) screening. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. The overall prevalence for Major Depressive Episode screening was 8.1%. The variables independently associated with depression were: female gender, continuous use of medications, chronic diseases, body mass index and worse health perception. The creation of programs target at the elderly in the rural area, aimed at screening, early diagnosis of depression and maintenance of treatment, encompassing several factors related to health, are important actions that must be fostered by the health system.

O objetivo deste estudo é estimar a prevalência de depressão e seus fatores associados em idosos residentes da zona rural do município de Rio Grande/RS. Neste estudo transversal de base populacional realizado com 994 idosos (≥ 60 anos), cuja amostragem foi baseada no Censo Demográfico de 2010, utilizou-se o "Patient Health Questionnaire 9" (PHQ-9) para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior (EDM). Foram realizadas análises descritiva, bivariada e multivariável, com uso de regressão logística. A prevalência geral para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior foi de 8,1%. As variáveis independentemente associadas com depressão foram: sexo feminino, uso contínuo de medicamentos, doenças crônicas, índice de massa corporal e pior percepção de saúde. A criação de programas de atendimento direcionados aos idosos da área rural, visando rastreamento, diagnóstico precoce de depressão e manutenção do tratamento, englobando diversos fatores relacionados à saúde, são ações importantes que devem ser fomentadas pelo sistema de saúde.

Income inequality and risk of infection and death by COVID-19 in Brazil. / Desigualdade econômica e risco de infecção e morte por COVID-19 no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, through space-time analyses, whether the income inequality of the Federative Units (FUs) in Brazil can be associated with the risk of infection and death by COVID-19. METHODS: This was an ecological study, based on secondary data on incidence and mortality rates for COVID-19. Data were analyzed at the state level, having the Gini coefficient as the main independent variable. Records of twelve days were used, spaced one week each, between April 21th and June 7th, 2020. The weekly variation in the rates was calculated through Prais-Winsten regression, aiming at measuring the evolution of the pandemic in each FU. Spearman's correlation test was used to assess correlation between the rates and their weekly evolution and the independent variables. Lastly, a spatial dependence diagnosis was conducted, and a Spatial Regression lag model was used when applicable. RESULTS: Incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 increased in all Brazilian FUs, being more pronounced among those with greater economic inequality. Association between Gini coefficient and COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates remained even when demographic and spatial aspects were taken into account. CONCLUSION: Income inequality can play an important role in the impact of COVID-19 on the Brazilian territory, through absolute and contextual effects. Structural policies to reduce inequality are essential to face this and future health crises in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, por meio de análise espaçotemporal, se a desigualdade econômica das Unidades Federativas (UF) do Brasil pode estar associada com o risco de infecção e morte por COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, baseado em dados secundários das taxas de incidência e mortalidade para COVID-19. Os dados foram analisados em nível estadual, tendo como principal variável independente o coeficiente de Gini. Foram utilizados os registros de 12 dias, espaçados em uma semana cada, entre 21 de abril e 7 de julho de 2020. A variação semanal das taxas foi calculada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten, com o objetivo de medir a evolução da pandemia em cada UF. O teste de correlação de Spearman foi empregado para avaliar a correlação entre as taxas e suas evoluções semanais e as variáveis independentes. Por fim, realizou-se diagnóstico de dependência espacial dos dados e usou-se o modelo de defasagem da regressão espacial, quando aplicável. RESULTADOS: As taxas de incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 foram crescentes em todas as UF brasileiras, tendo sido mais acentuada entre aquelas com maior desigualdade econômica. A associação entre coeficiente de Gini e incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 manteve-se mesmo quando levados em consideração aspectos demográficos e espaciais. CONCLUSÃO: A desigualdade econômica pode exercer papel importante no impacto da COVID-19 em território brasileiro, por meio de efeitos absolutos e contextuais. Políticas estruturais para a redução da desigualdade são fundamentais para o enfrentamento dessa e de futuras crises sanitárias no Brasil.

Suicidal thought in southern Brazil: Who are the most susceptible?

BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults worldwide. However, risk factors for suicidal thoughts might change across cultures and contexts. We aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal thought among adults in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study used a multistage sampling procedure to evaluated individuals with 18 years or more, living in a southern city in Brazil. We collected suicidal thought using a question from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In addition, we collected information on sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables, through a questionnaire using standardized and validated instruments. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) using Poisson Regression models with robust adjustment of the variance. RESULTS: We collected information from 1295 individuals, 6.6% were positive for suicidal thought. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with suicidal thoughts included: being a woman, poor, reporting current tobacco use, having household food insecurity, having three or more morbidities, being in the upper tertile of the stress scores, having had a depression diagnostic in the last year and sadness. LIMITATIONS: We cannot say that the associations found are causal. Suicidal thoughts were assessed from a single question. CONCLUSION: Suicidal thought is a prevalent condition, most likely associated with being a woman, having worst socioeconomic conditions, a poorer health, a higher stress, using tobacco and having depression and/or sadness.

Academic migration and marijuana use among undergraduate students: evidences from a sample in southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of marijuana use in the last month, its associated factors and its relationship with academic migration among undergraduate students of a federal university in southern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study and data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A systematic sampling process was conducted. To data analyses, it was used Poisson regression with robust adjust for variance. Overall, 1,423 students participated. The prevalence of marijuana use in the last month was 16.8% (95%CI 14.8% to 18.8%). Data showed that the greater the distance of the city prior to university entry, the higher the prevalence of marijuana use in the last month. Being male, having less age, being single, not having religious practices, having relatives and friends who have used any illicit drug, and having tobacco use in the last month were also risk factors. We understand that academic migration within the country tends to decrease students contact with family and increase vulnerability to peer influence, which may lead to a higher probability of marijuana use in this sample. The results highlights the importance to develop projects of illicit drug use prevention focused on this risky subgroup.

Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related risk factors for depression among men and women in a southern Brazilian city.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of depression and sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related risk factors therefor in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: Population-based, cross-sectional study of adults from Rio Grande, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Individuals (n=1,295) were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen for major depressive episodes (MDEs). We used a conceptual causal framework to organize and assess risk factors for MDE and calculated prevalence ratios (PR) using regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of MDE was 8.4% (95%CI 6.0-10.7) for men and 13.4% (95%CI 11.0-15.8) for women. For men, physical inactivity (PR 2.34, 95%CI 1.09-5.00) and perceived stress (PR 20.35, 95%CI 5.92-69.96) were associated with MDE. In women, MDE prevalence was higher among those in the first tertile of economic index (PR 2.61, 95%CI 1.53-4.45), with 0-8 years of schooling (PR 2.25, 95%CI 1.24-4.11), alcohol users (PR 1.91, 95%CI 1.21-3.02), those physically inactive (PR 2.49, 95%CI 1.22-5.09), with the highest perceived stress (PR 9.17, 95%CI 3.47-24.23), with another mental disorder (PR 1.85, 95%CI 1.32-2.59), and with more noncommunicable diseases (PR 1.85, 95%CI 1.06-3.22). CONCLUSION: Women had a higher prevalence of depression, and socioeconomic disadvantages were important for the occurrence of MDE; however, for men, only physical inactivity and stress were important predictors, suggesting possible different causal pathways for each sex.

Estresse percebido entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados, a influência do modelo ENEM/SiSU e possíveis consequências sobre a saúde / Perceived stress among undergraduate students: associated factors, influence of the ENEM/SiSU model, and its possible consequences on health

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir os níveis de estresse percebido, os fatores associados, em especial o impacto da escolha e satisfação com o curso, bem como as possíveis consequências desse desfecho entre graduandos. Métodos: Estudo transversal conduzido em 2019 com 996 estudantes de graduação de uma universidade pública no Sul do Brasil. A amostragem foi realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados em único estágio. O desfecho foi avaliado por meio da Escala de Estresse Percebido. As análises de fatores associados e possíveis consequências foram realizadas por meio de regressão linear múltipla e regressão de Poisson, respectivamente. Resultados: O escore médio de estresse percebido foi de 31,1 (DP = 9). Indivíduos do sexo feminino, de orientação sexual não heterossexual, mais pobres, com insegurança alimentar, com medo de violência no bairro, com percepção de difícil acesso a serviço psicológico e com menor suporte social foram os mais estressados. Participantes mais velhos e com algum nível de atividade física foram menos estressados. A insatisfação com o curso atual, e não o fato de ser o curso desejado no ingresso, foi associada ao estresse. Uso não médico de remédio prescrito, ansiedade generalizada, sintomas depressivos e pior qualidade de sono e de vida foram identificados como possíveis consequências do estresse. Conclusões: O modelo ENEM/SiSU parece não exercer efeito no estresse. Além disso, esse desfecho foi mais elevado entre indivíduos mais vulneráveis, tendo contribuído para diversos desfechos negativos em saúde mental. Recomenda-se o fortalecimento de serviços de assistência estudantil para que esses casos sejam identificados e manejados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure levels of perceived stress, associated factors, especially the impact of choice and satisfaction with the course, as well as the possible consequences of this outcome among undergraduates. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with 996 undergraduate students from a public university in southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. The outcome was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Analysis of associated factors and possible consequences were performed using multiple linear regression and Poisson regression, respectively. Results: Mean perceived stress score was 31.1 (SD = 9). Female individuals, with non-heterosexual orientation, poorer, with food insecurity, with fear of violence in the neighborhood, with perception of difficult access to psychological services and with less social support were the most stressed. Older participants with some level of physical activity were less stressed. Dissatisfaction with the current course, rather than the fact that it was the desired course prior admission, was associated with high levels of stress. Non-medical use of prescribed medication, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, and poorer quality of sleep and life were identified as possible consequences of stress. Conclusions: The ENEM/SiSU model seems to have no effect on stress. Furthermore, this outcome was higher among more vulnerable individuals, having contributed to several negative outcomes in mental health. It is recommended to strengthen student assistance services so that these cases can be identified and managed.

[Pregnancy and abortion experience among children, adolescents and youths living on the streets]. / Experiência de gravidez e aborto em crianças, adolescentes e jovens em situação de rua.

The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of pregnancy and abortion experience, along with associated factors among street children, adolescents and youths in Porto Alegre and Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. The sampling method in this cross-sectional study was Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS), innovative in research about hidden populations. Interviews were conducted with 307 subjects, aged 10 to 21 years. In multivariate analysis, Poisson regression with a robust error variance was used. Most of this sample were males, with no contact with school and family. Almost half of the participants had been on the street for five years or more, spending more than 15 hours per day on the streets. The prevalence of pregnancy experience was 29.3%, independently associated with being a girl, having 10 sexual partners or more in the last year, having a fixed sexual partner in the last year, and being older. The prevalence of abortion experience was 10.4%, independently associated with not living with the family, having more than two pregnancies, and being younger. The high prevalence of pregnancy and abortion experience highlights the need for the development of better sexual and reproductive health policies focused on this population.

A Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad): methodological aspects of a nationwide multicenter and multilevel study overlapping with the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction The academic environment can negatively impact the mental health of undergraduate students, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This study aimed to describe the methodological and operational aspects of a study of the health and well-being of undergraduate students: the Study on the Health and Wellness of Undergraduate Students (SABES-Grad) project. Method This was a nationwide cross-sectional study divided across two data collection strategies: a single-center, on-site data collection carried out in 2019 at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) and a multicenter, multilevel, online data collection carried out in 2020/2021 at FURG, the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT), the Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), and the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). The main outcomes of interest were depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and suicide risk. Results A total of 996 students participated in the 2019 data collection (63.8% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 85.2%) and 5,720 students participated in the 2020/2021 collection (66.7% female; median age of 22 years; response rate of 84.3%). Significant variations in socioeconomic and demographic profiles were observed between the different universities. Approximately one-third of the sample had been tested for Covid-19 in 2020/2021, 7.8% of whom had tested positive. Conclusion The SABES-Grad project was the result of collaborative work between several actors from public universities in Brazil. Several aspects of the preparation and execution of this research are discussed in terms of its originality and relevance. Barriers and limitations and strategies adopted to overcome them are also presented.

Determinantes sociais da qualidade de vida entre estudantes de graduação e sua associação com o risco de suicídio / Social determinants of quality of life among undergraduate students and their association with suicide risk

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida e a relação com o risco de suicídio. Métodos: estudo transversal com graduandos de uma universidade pública do Brasil. A qualidade de vida foi mensurada pelo WHOQOL-Bref. Um modelo hierarquizado foi testado através de regressão linear simples. A associação da qualidade de vida com risco de suicídio foi avaliada pela Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: participaram 996 estudantes com escore médio de qualidade de vida de 61,0±13,8. Sexo feminino, cor da pele não branca, orientação sexual não heterossexual, mais pobres, com insegurança alimentar, que utilizam transporte público, com medo de violência no bairro, histórico de discriminação e insatisfeitos com o curso de graduação tiveram pior qualidade de vida, que levou à probabilidade 11 vezes maior de risco de suicídio. Conclusão: o nível de qualidade de vida da amostra estudada foi baixo, estando associado a maior vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, o que contribui para o aumento no risco de suicídio. Sugere-se o fortalecimento dos serviços de assistência estudantil das universidades como forma de promover maior qualidade de vida por meio de ações de promoção de bem-estar social, o que poderá produzir efeitos na saúde mental dos estudantes

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life and the relationship with the risk of suicide. Methods: crosssectional study with undergraduates from a public university in Brazil. Quality of life was measured by the WHOQOL-Bref. A hierarchical model was tested using simple linear regression. The association of quality of life with suicide risk was assessed by Poisson regression. Results: 996 students participated with an average quality of life score of 61.0±13.8. Female gender, non-white, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, poorer, food insecure, using public transport, fear of violence in the neighborhood, history of discrimination and dissatisfied with the undergraduate course had a worse quality of life, which led to an 11-fold increased likelihood of suicide risk. Conclusion: the level of quality of life of the sample studied was low, being associated with greater socioeconomic vulnerability, which contributes to the increased risk of suicide. It is suggested to strengthen student assistance servi-ces at universities to promote improvements in quality of life through actions to promote social wellbeing, which may have effects on students' mental health

Experiência de relação sexual forçada entre estudantes de graduação: fatores associados e possíveis consequências / The experience of forced sexual intercourse among undergraduate students: associated factors and possible consequences

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a prevalência de relação sexual forçada na vida e suas possíveis consequências na saúde mental e sexual em acadêmicos de cursos de graduação de uma universidade pública no Brasil. Estudo transversal quantitativo com 996 estudantes de graduação. A amostragem realizada de forma sistemática por conglomerados. Foi usado o modelo de Regressão de Poisson, e foram calculadas as frações etiológicas das consequências de relação sexual forçada. A prevalência de relação sexual forçada ao longo da vida foi de 12,1%. Sexo feminino, orientação sexual não heterossexual, primeira relação sexual antes de 14 anos de idade, insegurança alimentar e violência no contexto doméstico na infância foram associados à maior prevalência do desfecho. Indivíduos que sofreram relação sexual forçada foram mais propensos a apresentar diagnóstico de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e de ter risco de suicídio. O estudo evidenciou a problemática da violência sexual no contexto universitário.

Abstract The scope of this article is to investigate the prevalence of the experience of forced sexual intercourse on life and its possible consequences on mental and sexual health among undergraduate students at a public university in Brazil. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study with 996 undergraduate students. Sampling was carried out systematically by single-stage clusters. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Poisson Regression model, and the etiological fractions of the consequences of forced sexual intercourse were calculated. The lifetime prevalence of forced sexual intercourse was 12.1%. Female sex, non-heterosexual sexual orientation, first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, child food insecurity and domestic violence were associated with a higher prevalence of the outcome. Individuals who experienced forced sexual intercourse were more likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and to represent a potential suicide risk. The study revealed the problems of sexual violence in the university context.

Adolescents' perception of parental feeding practices: Adaptation and validation of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire for Brazilian adolescents-The CFPQ-Teen.

BACKGROUND: Parental feeding practices may play a key role in dietary habits and nutritional status of adolescents, but research from adolescents' point of view on this topic is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To adapt and validate an instrument of parental feeding practices as perceived by adolescents in a Brazilian setting. METHODS: The Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire was translated into Portuguese and adapted to be answered by adolescents (ages 12 to 18). Content analysis and FACE validity to assess cultural equivalence was undertaken by experts in the adolescent nutritional and psychological fields. Pilot study was evaluated in 23 adolescents. The final version was administered to 41 students to assess instrument reproducibility (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient). Internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and construct validity (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) were assessed in a third sample of 307 adolescents. RESULTS: Experts and adolescents considered content validity as appropriate. In reproducibility analysis (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient), 10 of the 12 factors were above 0.7. The factors "teaching about nutrition" and "food as reward" obtained values of 0.60 and 0.68, respectively. The Cronbach's Alpha of the whole scale was 0.83 and alphas for subscales ranged from 0.52 to 0.85; the factors "teaching about nutrition" and "food as a reward" had the lowest values (0.52). After removing these two factors, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that the structural model was appropriate. The final scale was made up of 10 factors with 43 questions. CONCLUSIONS: The Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire-Teen demonstrates validity and reliability, and is a suitable tool to evaluate the perceptions of adolescents regarding parental feeding practices.

Sintomas de ansiedade generalizada entre estudantes de graduação: prevalência, fatores associados e possíveis consequências / Symptoms of generalized anxiety among undergraduate students: prevalence, associated factors and possible consequences

RESUMO Objetivo Medir a prevalência de sintomatologia ansiosa entre estudantes de graduação de uma universidade pública no Sul do Brasil, seus fatores associados e possíveis consequências. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com uma amostra aleatória de graduandos, realizado em 2019. Foi utilizado um questionário com questões sociodemográficas, acadêmicas e de saúde mental e física. Sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram avaliados por meio do Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7). Fatores associados e possíveis consequências foram analisados por meio da regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados Entre os 994 participantes, a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade generalizada severa foi de 30,9% (IC 95%: 27,9%-33,9%). As variáveis independentemente associadas a sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram: sexo feminino, orientação não heterossexual, sentir muito/muitíssimo medo de violência no bairro e perceber como difícil o acesso a serviço psicológico. Possuir alto nível de suporte social e apresentar algum nível de atividade física foi considerado fator de proteção para o desfecho. Possíveis consequências dos sintomas de ansiedade generalizada foram: pior qualidade de sono, utilizar algum medicamento sem prescrição nos últimos 30 dias e ser classificado como risco de suicídio moderado/severo. Conclusões Esses resultados demonstram a necessidade de um olhar mais atento para alguns subgrupos populacionais. Recomenda-se a implementação de intervenções psicológicas que incluam um número maior de indivíduos simultaneamente (como a criação de grupos terapêuticos), com o intuito de reduzir a carga de ansiedade no contexto universitário. O fortalecimento do setor de assistência estudantil da universidade também se torna uma importante possibilidade de melhora para esse cenário.

ABSTRACT Objective To measure the anxious symptoms of undergraduate students at a public university in southern Brazil, the factors associated with it and the possible consequences. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of undergraduate students in 2019. A questionnaire that evaluated sociodemographic, academic, mental and physical health aspects was used. Symptoms of generalized anxiety were evaluated through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7). Associated factors and possible consequences were analyzed using the Poisson regression, with robust variance adjustment. Results Among the 994 participants, the prevalence of symptoms of severe generalized anxiety was 30.9% (95% CI: 27,9%-33,9%). The variables independently associated with symptoms of generalized anxiety were: female gender, non-heterosexual orientation, feeling very afraid of violence in the neighborhood, perceiving access to psychological service as difficult. Having a high level of social support, and with any level of physical activity were considered protective factors for the outcome. Possible consequences of symptoms of generalized anxiety were: worse sleep quality, non-medical use of prescription drugs in the last 30 days, and being classified with moderate or severe suicide risk. Conclusions These results indicate the need to a closer attention to subgroups within this population. Implementation of psychological interventions that includes a broader range of individuals simultaneously are recommended (such as therapeutic groups) to reduce the burden of anxiety in the university context. The strengthening of the university's student assistance sector is also important to improve this situation.