Psychological distress among Canadian postsecondary students: a repeated cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS) between spring 2020-2023.

Objective: To examine trends in self-reported psychological distress among Canadian postsecondary students between 2020 and 2023. Participants and Methods: Using data collected from postsecondary students (n = 103,936) through the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), multilevel regression models were fitted to determine how distress levels, as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, differed across six-time points of the CCWS. Results: Across the cycles, students reported high levels of distress (mean across cycles = 26.16, SD = 8.61). Considering the impact of time on distress, when compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic, Fall 2020 (ß = 1.4, p < .001), Spring 2021 (ß = 1.2, p < .001), Spring 2022 (ß = 1.6, p < .001), and Spring 2023 (ß = 0.80, p < .017) had significantly higher levels of distress. Distress levels were associated with ancestry, age, gender, and sexual orientation. Conclusion: It is imperative to develop strategies and allocate resources to address the high levels of psychological distress among Canadian postsecondary students.

Assessing Support for Policy Actions With Co-Benefits for Climate Change and Physical Activity in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Calls to action addressing the interconnections between physical (in)activity and the climate crisis are increasing. The current study aimed to investigate public support for policy actions that potentially have co-benefits for physical activity promotion and climate change mitigation. METHODS: In 2023, a survey through the Angus Reid Forum was completed by 2507 adults living in Canada. Binary logistic regressions were conducted. Separate models were created to reflect support or opposition to the 8 included policy items. Several covariates were included in the models including age, gender, political orientation, physical activity levels, income, urbanicity climate anxiety, and attitudes surrounding physical activity and climate change. The data were weighted to reflect the gender, age, and regional composition of the country. RESULTS: Most individuals living in Canada strongly or moderately supported all actions (ranging from 71% to 85%). Meeting the physical activity guidelines, higher self-reported income, and scoring high on personal experience of climate change were associated with higher odds of supporting the policy actions related to climate actions. CONCLUSIONS: Most adults living in Canada support policies that align with the recommended policy actions related to physical activity and climate change. National campaigns enhancing awareness and understanding of the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and climate change are warranted, and these should consider the consistent demographic differences (eg, gender, age, and political orientation) seen in public support for physical activity-related policies.

The Energy to Smoke: Examining the Longitudinal Association between Beverage Consumption and Smoking and Vaping Behaviours among Youth in the COMPASS Study.

This study examined the longitudinal association between changes in sugar-sweetened and/or caffeinated beverage consumption and smoking/vaping behaviour among Canadian adolescents. Using longitudinal data from the COMPASS study (2015/16 to 2017/18), four models were developed to investigate whether beverage consumption explained variability in smoking and vaping behaviour in adolescence: (1) smoking initiation, (2) vaping initiation, (3) current smoking status, and (4) current vaping status. Models were adjusted for demographic factors. Multinomial logit models were used for model 1, 2, and 3. A binary logistic regression model was used for model 4. An association between change in frequency of beverage consumption and smoking/vaping behaviour was identified in all models. A one-day increase in beverage consumption was associated with smoking initiation (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.51), vaping initiation (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.32), identifying as a current smoker (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.35), and currently vaping (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11). Change in high-energy drink consumption was the best predictor of smoking behaviours and vaping initiation but not current vaping status. Given the health consequences of smoking and vaping and their association with high-energy drink and coffee consumption, policy initiatives to prevent smoking/vaping initiation, and to limit youth access to these beverages, warrant consideration.

The effects of sedentary behaviour interventions on work-related productivity and performance outcomes in real and simulated office work: A systematic review.

This review examined the impact of environmental, behavioral, and combined interventions to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour on work performance and productivity outcomes. Productivity outcomes were defined as variables assessing work-related tasks (e.g., typing, mouse), whereas performance outcomes were categorized as any variables assessing cognition that did not mimic work-related tasks. Nine databases were searched for articles published up to January 2018. Sixty-three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria: 45 examined a productivity outcome (i.e., typing, mouse, work-related tasks, and absenteeism), 38 examined a performance outcome (i.e., memory, reading comprehension, mathematics, executive function, creativity, psychomotor function, and psychobiological factors), and 30 examined a self-reported productivity/performance outcome (i.e., presenteeism or other self-reported outcome). Overall, standing interventions do not appear to impact productivity/performance outcomes, whereas walking and cycling interventions demonstrate mixed null/negative associations for productivity outcomes. Hence, standing interventions to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour could be implemented without negatively impacting productivity/performance outcomes.

Smoking zones versus smoke-free zones on Canadian postsecondary campuses: Which zone is more effective, adhered to and preferred?

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine if smokers at post-secondary campuses are more likely to adhere to smoke-free zones (areas where smoking is not permitted) or smoking zones (areas where smoking is permitted) based on preference and effectiveness. METHODS: A self-reported survey was developed and administered at two postsecondary institutions; Western University (smoke-free zones) and Fanshawe College (smoking zones). Smokers were asked how often they use these zones, which zone is preferred and which zone they think is more effective. A chi-squared analysis was performed to determine if there were differences in the frequency of responses. RESULTS: A total of 239 surveys were collected, 119 from Western and 120 from Fanshawe. Of these, 87% of respondents at Fanshawe were aware of where they could smoke on campus, and 67% reported that they mostly or always used these spaces. At Western, significantly fewer respondents knew where to smoke (57%), and only 30% reported mostly or always using appropriate zones (p<0.05). More participants at Fanshawe indicated that they had been told by someone in authority where they could smoke (36%) compared to Western (19%, p<0.05). At Fanshawe, 63% of respondents stated that smoking zones mostly or always effectively indicated where it was appropriate to smoke on campus compared to only 18% at Western (p<0.05). Both groups indicated they preferred the zone they currently had. Finally, more participants from Fanshawe intend to quit smoking within 6 months (61% from Fanshawe vs 49% from Western, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking zones on post-secondary campuses may be more effective and adhered to by smokers than smoke-free zones.

Informing population-specific smoking policy development for college campuses: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: In Canada, young adults have the highest smoking rates among all other population groups and specifically college students are at a higher risk. To implement effective policies that can prevent smoking and increase cessation, a population-specific approach is recommended. METHODS: Smoking and non-smoking young adults enrolled in a college program were recruited. Participants who did not smoke were asked to complete questionnaires about their demographics, college experience and the college environment. Additionally, they completed The Perceived Stress Scale and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale. Students who were current smokers completed the same questionnaires with the addition of one questionnaire about their smoking behaviors. Percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe the variables of interest and a chi-squared analysis was performed, when possible, to test the difference in response frequency between smoking and non-smoking participants. RESULTS: Differences were observed between smoking (n=65) and non-smoking students (n=214). Specifically, smokers were more likely to have a family member that smoked and to participate in binge drinking. Both groups indicated that they are unaware of campus smoking regulations; however smokers were more opposed to implementing smoke-free policies. CONCLUSIONS: College students are unaware of campus smoking regulations. The descriptive information and differences observed between smoking and non-smoking students in this study should be taken into consideration when developing future smoking regulations/policies on college campuses.

Pyometra complicating a LeFort colpocleisis.

An 81-year-old woman presented with uterine procedentia and incomplete bladder emptying. She initially experienced significant relief of her symptoms with a pessary but developed chronic vaginal bleeding and discharge. She subsequently underwent a LeFort colpocleisis. She presented to the office 7 weeks later complaining of a persistent vaginal discharge and loss of appetite. She was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with a pyometra and underwent a supracervical hysterectomy without complications.

Suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension with braided polyester suture.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS) using braided polyester suture. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SSLS for vaginal prolapse between 1999 and 2005. Outcomes included rate and timing of suture erosion and related symptoms, additional treatment, and long-term success rates. RESULTS: Sixty-four of 92 subjects had SSLS with braided polyester suture and had an average follow-up of 26.5 months. Suture-related complications occurred in 36% of patients. Mean time to presentation was 18.9 months. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 74%, and suture removal was required in 70% of patients with symptoms. Recurrent prolapse developed in 27% of patients, but additional therapy was required in only 6%. CONCLUSION: Permanent braided polyester sutures are associated with a high rate of suture-related complications over the long term and frequently require additional intervention to resolve associated symptoms.

Partial colpocleisis for the treatment of sacrocolpopexy mesh erosions.

The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of partial colpocleisis for mesh erosions after sacrocolpopexy. We retrospectively report our surgical management of mesh erosion after sacrocolpopexy. Between 1998 and 2006, we performed 499 sacral colpopexies and treated 21 patients for mesh erosion, including three referrals. Mean (range) time to diagnosis was 10.3 months (1-49). Grafts materials included: Mersilene (13), Prolene (7), and Pelvicol (1). Surgical outcomes were available for 19 patients. Ten (48%) patients were cured by the initial partial colpocleisis, while nine (45%) required a second or third (2, 10%) vaginal operation. All of the second and third vaginal excisions failed. Eight patients had an abdominal excision, and two patients required a second abdominal procedure. The success rate for the first and second abdominal resections was 38% (3/8) and 100% (2/2). Abdominal surgeries had higher blood loss (84 vs 378 cc, p = 0.012) longer hospitalization (outpatient vs 4.2 days p = 0.001), and additional morbidity (18.6%). Potential contributing factors to surgical failure were the presence of Actinomyces and current smoking. We recommend initial transvaginal mesh resection with partial colpocleisis for synthetic mesh erosions after sacrocolpopexy. Vaginal failures may be better served by an abdominal excision. Potential contributors to failure include current smoking and the presence of Actinomyces.