Associations of body composition with physical activity, nutritional intake status, and chronotype among female university students in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Having higher muscle mass in early adulthood is an important factor in preventing sarcopenia. However, university students undergo lifestyle changes compared to their high school years, which may lead to changes in body composition, such as an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. The study aimed to investigate the association between body composition and lifestyle behaviors, including chronotype, among Japanese female university students, due to the prevalence of underweight among young females in the country. METHODS: The physical activity level (PAL), daily dietary intake status, morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) score, and body composition of 230 students were assessed in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were determined. RESULTS: Individuals who were evening type (ET) had a higher %BF and lower SMI than those who were non-ET, but no differences in body weight or BMI were found. Although ET individuals had lower total energy intake, protein intake, and PALs than non-ETs, the differences were small. However, multiple regression analyses showed that SMI was significantly positively associated with MEQ and PAL, and %BF was significantly negatively associated with MEQ and PAL. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that female university students with lateness of chronotype and low physical activity have a body composition imbalance resulting in higher body fat and lower muscle mass. Therefore, young females may need to take chronotype-specific measures (especially ET individuals) to help them maintain an appropriate body composition.

Sociodemographic factors and lifestyle behaviours associated with bullying victimization and perpetration in a sample of Brazilian adolescents.

This article aims to identify the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle behaviours with bullying perpetration and victimization among high school students. The adolescents (n=852) answered a questionnaire about bullying (victims and perpetrators), sociodemographic factors (sex, age, maternal education, and participant's work status), tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug experimentation, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration. Multilevel logistic regression models were performed. Older adolescents were less likely to be victims of bullying. Females were less likely to be perpetrators or victims of bullying. Adolescents who were working were more likely to be involved in bullying in both forms. Participation in non-sport activities and alcohol consumption were associated with higher odds of bullying victimization. We have identified specific populational subgroups that are more susceptible to being victims and/or perpetrators of bullying, which could support tailor-specific interventions to prevent bullying.

[Body image and associated factors among students from the municipal school network in a city in southern Brazil]. / Imagem corporal e fatores associados em estudantes da rede municipal de ensino em uma cidade no sul do Brasil.

A negative perception of body image is related to worsening of physical and mental health. This cross-sectional study sought to describe the relationship between body image and demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors in ninth grade students from 25 municipal elementary schools in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 810 students participated (85% of those eligible), aged 13 to 22 years (mean age 14.9 years). Data were collected through a standardized and pre-coded questionnaire and the relationship between the outcome (satisfied/indifferent or dissatisfied with body image), and independent variables were analyzed using Multinomial Logistic Regression. The prevalence of body dissatisfaction of 31%, higher among girls who tried smoking or alcohol, suffered bullying, perceived themselves as fat/thin and tried to lose/gain weight. There was greater indifference among those who attributed little or no importance to image. In boys, there was a higher incidence of dissatisfaction among those who tried smoking, suffered bullying, gave little/no importance to image, saw themselves as fat and tried to gain weight. There was greater indifference in boys who attributed little importance to image and were obese. A third of the sample were dissatisfied, which was associated with various behavioral factors.

A percepção negativa da imagem corporal está relacionada à piora da saúde física e mental. Estudo transversal objetivou descrever a relação entre imagem corporal e fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e comportamentais nos estudantes do nono ano de 25 escolas municipais de ensino fundamental em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Participaram 810 estudantes (85% dos elegíveis), de 13 a 22 anos (média de 14,9 anos). Dados foram coletados mediante questionário padronizado e pré-codificado e a relação entre o desfecho (estar satisfeito, indiferente ou insatisfeito em relação à imagem corporal), e variáveis independentes, foi analisada por Regressão Logística Multinomial. Prevalência de insatisfação corporal de 31%, maior entre as meninas que experimentaram fumo ou álcool, sofreram bullying, se percebiam como gordas ou magras e tentavam perder ou ganhar peso. Maior indiferença nas que atribuíram pouca ou nenhuma importância à imagem. Nos meninos, mais chances de insatisfação entre os que experimentaram fumo, sofreram bullying, atribuíram pouca ou nenhuma importância à imagem, se percebiam gordos e tentavam ganhar peso. Maior indiferença nos meninos que atribuíram pouca importância à imagem e estavam obesos. Cerca de um terço da amostra apresentou insatisfação, que esteve associada a alguns fatores comportamentais.

Factors associated with concurrent alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use: 2019 National School-Based Health Survey. / Fatores associados ao policonsumo de álcool, tabaco e drogas ilícitas: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2019.

The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with concurrent alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among Brazilian schoolchildren aged 13-17. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2019 National School-Based Health Survey. The outcome was use of the three substances during the last 30 days. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression was carried out with independent variables grouped into four blocks: sociodemographic characteristics; family context; behavioral aspects; and stressors. Variables with p<0.05 were retained in the final model. The prevalence of concurrent substance use was 3.3%. Being male, living in the Midwest, South and Southeast, skipping school without parent permission, parents not knowing what their children do in their free time, having parents who smoke, having experienced physical aggression from parents, feeling that life is not worth living, trying drinking and illicit drugs before the age of 13, and having friends who drink alcohol, smoke and use drugs in their presence remained associated with the outcome in the final model. The findings reveal high prevalence of concurrent alcohol, cigarette and illicit drug use among adolescents and that poly use is associated with sociodemographic, family, and behavioral factors and stressors.

Objetivou-se analisar os fatores associados ao policonsumo de álcool, tabaco e drogas ilícitas, entre adolescentes escolares brasileiros de 13 a 17 anos. Estudo transversal, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (2019). A variável desfecho foi o relato de consumo das três substâncias nos últimos 30 dias. As variáveis independentes foram agrupadas em quatro blocos: características sociodemográficas; contexto familiar; situações estressoras; aspectos comportamentais. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística múltipla hierarquizada, permanecendo no modelo final as variáveis com p<0,05. A prevalência de policonsumo em adolescentes escolares foi 3,3%. No modelo final, sexo masculino, morar na região Centro-Oeste, Sul e Sudeste, faltar a escola sem permissão, pais não saberem o que fazem no tempo livre, ter pais fumantes, sofrer agressão física pelos pais, sentir que a vida não vale a pena ser vivida, experimentar bebida alcoólica e drogas ilícitas antes dos 13 anos, ter amigos que bebem bebida alcoólica, fumam e usam drogas na sua presença permaneceram associados ao desfecho. Os dados mostram alta prevalência de policonsumo de três substâncias entre adolescentes e sua associação a fatores sociodemográficos, familiares, comportamentais e a eventos estressantes.

E-cigarette use among university students in Palestine: Prevalence, knowledge, and determinant factors.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports indicated accelerated rates of e-cigarette use, especially among youth in various Middle Eastern countries, including Palestine. Nevertheless, little is known about knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding this topic in Palestine. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Palestinian university students, along with their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about e-cigarette use. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study, utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire, was conducted on Palestinian students from five universities between 17/04/2023 and 04/11/2023. RESULTS: A total of 1002 Palestinian university students completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of e-cigarette use among students was 18.1%. The mean knowledge score about e-cigarettes was significantly lower among the users of e-cigarettes compared to non-users. E-cigarette use was significantly associated with the participants' smoking status. Among e-cigarette users, 43.6% were also current traditional cigarette users, and 66.9% were current waterpipe users. E-cigarette use was significantly associated with having a friend who is a smoker and/ or a smoking mother. Binary logistic regression revealed a significant positive effect between the participant's smoking status, the mother's smoking status, knowledge about e-cigarettes, and the use of e-cigarettes (p-value < 0.05). Among e-cigarette users, 18.8% used them in indoor places at the university, and 25% reported using them daily in the past month. Affordability of e-cigarettes was the most reported reason for their use (47.5%). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that e-cigarette use is prevalent and rapidly rising among university students in Palestine. This is worrisome as it is significantly associated with insufficient knowledge about the adverse health effects of E-cigarette use, and its addictive nature. These findings focus on the importance of improving the students' knowledge about e-cigarette use by implementing educational campaigns and considering age regulations on e-cigarette availability and use.

The relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions in college freshmen: a cross-lagged analysis.

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues has been gradually increasing among college students in recent years. Improvements in mental health can be achieved through changes in daily behavior and the use of psychological counseling. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions among college freshmen as they enter the university. It also examines the impact of various sub-dimensions of health-promoting behaviors and other factors on the negative emotions (stress, anxiety, and depression) experienced by college freshmen. Methods: Using the Negative Emotion and Health-Promoting Behavior scales, a 7-month longitudinal study was conducted on 4,252 college freshmen, with collection of data at two time points (T1: November 12, 2021; T2: June 17, 2022). Out of this longitudinal study, 3,632 valid samples were obtained. This research aimed to explore the association and impact between negative emotions and the level of health-promoting behaviors among college students during their time at the university. Results: ① There were significant differences in the levels of health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions over the course of 7 months (P < 0.05). Health-promoting behaviors were found to have a significant negative correlation with negative emotions (P < 0.05). ② Negative emotions at T1 significantly negatively predicted health-promoting behaviors at T2 (ß = -0.11, P < 0.01), while health-promoting behaviors at T1 significantly negatively predicted negative emotions at T2 (ß = -0.12, P < 0.001). ③ Stress management (ß = -0.104, P < 0.05; ß = -0.087, P < 0.05), self-actualization (ß = -0.282, P < 0.01; ß = -0.260, P < 0.05), health responsibility (ß = -0.057, P < 0.05; ß = -0.088, P < 0.05), and interpersonal relations (ß = 0.068, P < 0.01; ß = 0.138, P < 0.05) were important components in improving stress and anxiety. Self-actualization (ß = -0.437, P < 0.001), exercise (ß = 0.048, P < 0.001), nutrition (ß = 0.044, P < 0.001), and interpersonal relations (ß = 0.065, P < 0.001) were important components in improving depression. ④ Gender, place of household registration, and whether the individual is the only child were significant factors affecting negative emotions in college freshmen. Conclusion: The level of health-promoting behaviors is an important indicator for assessing the negative emotional states of college freshmen. Enhancing health-promoting behaviors across various dimensions can help alleviate different types of negative emotions. Gender, place of household registration, and being the only child are significant factors that influence negative emotions.

Relationships among Sleep Time, Physical Activity Time, Screen Time, and Nutrition Literacy of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China.

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents are reaching alarming levels and have become a major public health problem. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep time, physical activity (PA) time, screen time (ST), and nutritional literacy (NL). Methods: This cross-sectional online study involving adolescents aged 10-18 years was conducted in September 2020 in 239 schools in Chongqing, China. NL was measured using the "Nutrition Literacy Scale for middle school students in Chongqing (CM-NLS)". According to the recommended by the Chinese dietary guidelines (2022), we divided the sleep time of junior high school students into <9 h and ≥9 h, high school students into <8 h and ≥8 h, divided the workdays into weekend PA time < 1 h and ≥1 h, and divided the workdays into weekend ST < 2 h and ≥2 h. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association. Results: A total of 18,660 adolescents (50.2% males) were included. The proportion of participants that were junior high school students and attended boarding schools was 57.2% and 65.3%, respectively. Compared with senior high school students, junior high school students had a higher level of NL. Whether on workdays or weekends, participants with sleep time ≥ 8/9 h, PA time ≥ 1 h, and ST < 2 h per day had higher levels of NL. On weekdays, participants who met the sleep time ≥ 8 h/9 h (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.62) and PA time ≥ 1 h (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.81) had higher reporting of NL levels. Conclusions: Sleep time, PA time, and ST were positively correlated with NL among adolescents, especially junior high school students.

E-cigarette use reasons and associated e-cigarette use dependence among college students: A longitudinal examination.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have established an understanding of reasons for e-cigarette use and associated e-cigarette use patterns such as use frequency, yet the critical extension to associated e-cigarette dependence outcome remains under-researched. This study used longitudinal data to examine whether the reasons for e-cigarette use predict a higher/lower level of e-cigarette dependence. METHODS: This study recruited college students who were current e-cigarette users from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 (four semesters) at three public universities in the Midwest and South of the U.S. Those who participated for at least two semesters were included (N = 366). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. E-cigarette use dependence was assessed using the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index. A linear mixed model with a random intercept and a random slope was conducted to examine the longitudinal association between reasons for e-cigarette use and dependence, controlling for demographics and other covariates. RESULTS: Participants who used e-cigarettes for relaxation (ß = 0.63, p < 0.05) and due to their good taste (ß = 0.63, p < 0.05) had a higher level of e-cigarette dependence. Participants using e-cigarettes for experimental purposes had a lower level of e-cigarette dependence (ß = -1.21, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of addressing e-cigarette use reasons and their relationship to e-cigarette dependence. Prevention and intervention efforts aimed at developing more effective strategies should consider the various e-cigarette use reasons associated with dependence risks, such as enhancing awareness of the use dependence risk related to good taste of e-cigarettes and use for relaxation, as well as incorporating early screenings for use.

Clusters of lifestyle behavioral risk factors and their associations with depressive symptoms and stress: evidence from students at a university in Finland.

BACKGROUND: No previous research of university students in Finland assessed lifestyle behavioral risk factors (BRFs), grouped students into clusters, appraised the relationships of the clusters with their mental well-being, whilst controlling for confounders. The current study undertook this task. METHODS: Students at the University of Turku (n = 1177, aged 22.96 ± 5.2 years) completed an online questionnaire that tapped information on sociodemographic variables (age, sex, income sufficiency, accommodation during the semester), four BRFs [problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, food consumption habits, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)], as well as depressive symptoms and stress. Two-step cluster analysis of the BRFs using log-likelihood distance measure categorized students into well-defined clusters. Two regression models appraised the associations between cluster membership and depressive symptoms and stress, controlling for sex, income sufficiency and accommodation during the semester. RESULTS: Slightly more than half the study participants (56.8%) had always/mostly sufficient income and 33% lived with parents/partner. Cluster analysis of BRFs identified three distinct student clusters, namely Cluster 1 (Healthy Group), Cluster 2 (Smokers), and Cluster 3 (Nonsmokers but Problematic Drinkers). Age, sex and MVPA were not different across the clusters, but Clusters 1 and 3 comprised significantly more respondents with always/mostly sufficient income and lived with their parents/partner during the semester. All members in Clusters 1 and 3 were non-smokers, while all Cluster 2 members comprised occasional/daily smokers. Problematic drinking was significantly different between clusters (Cluster 1 = 0%, Cluster 2 = 54%, Cluster 3 = 100%). Cluster 3 exhibited significantly healthier nutrition habits than both other clusters. Regression analysis showed: (1) males and those with sufficient income were significantly less likely to report depressive symptoms or stress; (2) those living with parents/partner were significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms; (3) compared to Cluster 1, students in the two other clusters were significantly more likely to report higher depressive symptoms; and (4) only students in Cluster 2 were more likely to report higher stress. CONCLUSIONS: BRFs cluster together, however, such clustering is not a clear-cut, all-or-none phenomenon. Students with BRFs consistently exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms and stress. Educational and motivational interventions should target at-risk individuals including those with insufficient income or living with roommates or alone.

[A study on the dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among adolescents in Shandong Province].

Objective: To understand the current status and its associated factors of dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among adolescents in Shandong Province and explore the reasons for dual use behavior. Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted among 7 999 middle school students who were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sample method. Data were weighted and analyzed by the SPSS 25.0 complex program. Results: In Shandong Province, the prevalence rates of attempting and current dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among adolescents appeared as 7.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Male, friends smoking, and secondhand smoke exposure in the past 7 days were risk factors for dual use. Compared with cigarette smokers, dual users have no differences in cognition and behavior in quitting smoking (P>0.05). The main reason for dual users to smoke e-cigarettes was curiosity. Conclusions: Dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes is common among adolescents in Shandong Province, and its influencing factors are similar to traditional cigarettes. Dual use is not a transitional stage for smoking cessation. Dual users are more likely to continue smoking in the future, which should be paid attention and concern.

[Analysis of prevalence status and influencing factors of e-cigarette use among secondary school students in Heilongjiang Province].

Objective: To describe the current situation and influencing factors of e-cigarette use among secondary school students in Heilongjiang Province to provide evidence for formulating provincial youth e-cigarette prevention and control strategies. Methods: A multi-stage stratified cluster probability sampling method was adopted in 2021, with 8 340 students in 180 classes from 56 primary and high schools in 10 monitoring districts and counties in Heilongjiang Province. The students in the selected classes filled out a unified questionnaire by themselves. SAS 9.4 software was used for data cleansing, sample weighting, and analysis. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the differences between groups, and a two-level logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of e-cigarette use among secondary school students. Results: A total of 8 329 survey questionnaires were included in the analysis. The prevalence rates of ever and current e-cigarette use among secondary school students in Heilongjiang Province were 18.27% and 5.46%, respectively. In terms of ever e-cigarette use, the rate of boys (23.94%) was higher than that of girls (12.35%). The rate of vocational high school students (39.18%) was higher than that of general high school students (24.11%) and than that of junior school students (11.27%). In terms of current e-cigarette use, the rate of boys (7.08%) was higher than that of girls (3.76%). The rate of vocational high school students (14.56%) was higher than that of general high school students (7.70%) and than that of junior school students (2.67%). The rates of ever and current e-cigarette use were relatively higher in each subgroup, including "weekly allowance more than 40 Yuan" "one of the student's parents, friends or teachers was smoker" "smoked cigarettes now" and "saw e-cigarette advertisements". A two-level logistic regression model showed that the following factors were the influencing factors of current use of e-cigarettes among secondary school students, including gender, whether they were current cigarette smokers, the smoking status of their close friends, if they saw teachers smoked in the school, noticed e-cigarette advertisements, and e-cigarette addictive cognition. Conclusions: The prevalence rates of ever and current e-cigarette use among secondary school students in Heilongjiang Province were high. E-cigarette advertisements, the smoking status of their close friends, and whether they saw teachers smoking in the school were the main factors affecting e-cigarette use among secondary school students in Heilongjiang Province. It is necessary to focus on constructing smoke-free environments and increase health education related to e-cigarette knowledge on risk in developing a smoke-free campus in the whole province.

Prevalence, pattern and predictors of intimate partner violence amongst female undergraduates in Abia State, Nigeria; public health implications.

BACKGROUND: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the range of sexually, psychologically and physically coercive acts used against adult and adolescent women by a current or former male partner. It is a major public health problem globally. This study determined the prevalence, patterns and predictors of IPV amongst female undergraduates in Abia State. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January - February 2022 amongst 306 female undergraduates in Abia State. A mixed method of an online structured questionnaire created on Google forms & onsite self-administered questionnaire were deployed for data collection. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using IBM SPSS Version 26.0. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 306 respondents participated in the survey. The overall prevalence of IPV amongst female undergraduates was 51.2% (95% CI: 44.8-57.6%). Emotional abuse was the most common form of abuse 78.9%, followed by Physical abuse 42.0% and Sexual abuse 30.8%. Predictors of IPV reported include female earning/receiving more than their partner monthly (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.20-4.41); male (partner) alcohol consumption (aOR = 5.17; 95% CI: 2.46-10.88), being a smoker of cigarette/marijuana (aOR = 11.01; 95% CI: 1.26-96.25) and having witnessed domestic violence as a child (aOR = 3.55; 95% CI: I.56-8.07). Adverse effects such as unwanted pregnancies (12%), miscarriages (10%), eating/sleeping disorders (21%) and bruises (23%) amongst others were noted in some of the victims. CONCLUSION: Over half of all female undergraduates in Abia State have experienced IPV with emotional abuse being the commonest. Some Individual and relationship factors were identified as predictors of IPV. We recommend intensifying primary prevention campaigns against risk factors identified like smoking and alcohol consumption.

The effect of perceived stress on menstrual complaints in university students.

Studies have examined the effect of stress on dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. For this reason in this study, it was aimed to determine the impact of stress on menstrual symptoms (adverse effects, abdominal pain, and coping methods). This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 351 university students in Turkey by sharing the link to the questionnaire on online social media platforms. It was determined that those whose income was equal to their expenses had lower menstrual symptoms, having a chronic disease and smoking increased menstrual symptoms (F = 3.19/p = .04; t = 2.33/p = .02; t = 3.96/p = .00). The study identified that there was a positive low-level correlation (r: 0.25, p < .01) between the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire, and the 6.5 percent change in menstrual symptoms was explained by perceived stress. In the study, it is thought that stress affects the experience of menstrual symptoms. Therefore, it is believed that by providing training on stress and effective coping methods by midwives and nurses, menstrual symptoms can be reduced, contributing to women's health. For future studies, it is recommended to examine the effects of stress coping methods training on stress and menstrual complaints.

The Associations of Physical Activity and Health-Risk Behaviors toward Depressive Symptoms among College Students: Gender and Obesity Disparities.

Engaging in health-risk behaviors (HRBs) may be correlated with depressive symptoms among college students, but these relationships require more research. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of physical activity levels (i.e., light [LPA] and moderate-vigorous [MVPA]) and HRBs (i.e., sedentary behavior [screen-based and non-screen-based behavior] and cigarette and e-cigarette tobacco use) with depressive symptoms in a sample of college students. Physical activity levels and HRBs were assessed through validated questionnaires. In total, 366 students participated (Mage = 22.59 ± 3.54; 60.1% female; 52.9% normal weight). E-cigarette use in males (ß = 0.23, p < 0.05) and screen-based sedentary behavior in females (ß = 0.14, p < 0.05) showed significant predictive utility toward depressive symptoms. In the overweight/obese group, screen-based sedentary behaviors (ß = 0.19, p < 0.05) and e-cigarette use (ß = 0.23, p < 0.01) showed significant predictive utility toward depressive symptoms. Females reported higher levels of depressive symptoms (Mfemale = 18.23 vs. Mmale = 14.81; η2 = 0.03) and less MVPA (Mmale = 52.83 vs. Mfemale = 41.09; η2 = 0.06) than males. Enhancing mental health by improving physical activity and eliminating HRBs should be tailored toward at-risk demographics.

Exploring the Influence of a Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Program on Childhood Well-Being: A Comparative Study in Primary School Students.

Childhood is a crucial stage of human development in which the lifestyles children adopt can have a significant impact on their well-being throughout their lives. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the healthy habits and Body Mass Index (BMI) of students from a primary school that participated in a program to promote physical activity and healthy eating one year earlier with other students from two schools that had not participated in this type of program. We analyzed a sample of 287 Spanish students, aged between 8 and 12 years. A survey of healthy habits was completed, and anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). The questionnaire data indicated that there are some significant differences (p = ≤ 0.05) in the consumption of some unhealthy foods between the evaluated groups. An amount of 11% of the sample was considered obese and 26% were overweight; no significant differences were found between the groups. This study suggests that the healthy habits strategy implemented by a school improves pupils' habits, especially in reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. Despite the positive effects, the data indicate that these programs fall short of government recommendations, particularly in areas such as physical activity and certain dietary choices.

Attitudes, Behaviors, and Perceptions of Students Vaping in Three Mexican Universities.

The increase in the popularity and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has consistently risen worldwide and has become associated with adverse health outcomes. This study has identified the attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate students who vape in three universities in Mexico. A cross-sectional study involving 495 participants was conducted using a survey from October to December 2023. Three universities in different states in Mexico collaborated with colleges in Yucatan, Durango, and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Descriptive statistics include frequencies and percentages, and four logistic regression models were employed. In the sample, 31% and 17.54% of participants reported smoking and vaping, respectively. Students who reported vaping in the last month reported that their first experience with vaping was at an average of 17.3 years of age, and of those, 71.26% (n = 62) reported having vaped for over 100 days, while the remaining 38% reported vaping for between 2 and 100 days. Students from Veracruz and Yucatan began vaping at a younger age than in the central and northern regions. There is a need to educate students about the dangers of the chemicals in the liquids they use, the secondary exposure vapers, and the health dangers they pose.

Use of and Beliefs toward Novel Tobacco and Nicotine Products among Portuguese University Students: A Pandemic Survey.

Over the last decade, novel tobacco and nicotine product experimentation and use have dramatically increased among the youth, even in countries with strong tobacco control and anti-smoking social norms. We performed an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in March-June 2021, targeting students from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal. The aim was to assess the experimentation and use of tobacco and nicotine products and students' beliefs towards these products. Of the 452 participants, 67.0% were female; the mean age was 21.9 ± 3 years. Most students (60.4%) reported experimenting with tobacco/nicotine products; 31.2% were current users; polyconsumption was common. Of the current users, all used cigarettes, 41.1% used heated tobacco, 20.6% e-cigarettes, and 14.9% used water pipes. Our multivariate analysis showed that being male, being in the third year of study, and cohabiting or socializing with smokers were strongly associated with tobacco/nicotine use. While most students agree that heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are addictive, that they are not less harmful than cigarettes, and that second-hand exposure may cause health problems, few tobacco/nicotine users are ready to quit, and few students support a smoke-free university campus. These findings indicate high experimentation and the regular dual use of novel tobacco and nicotine products and suggest a pro-smoking social norm among university students.

Health-Related Behaviours of Foreign Students Studying in Poland and Their Determinants: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Educational migration benefits students and receiving countries, but universities are challenged to meet a variety of needs, such as cultural adaptation and changes in health behaviours such as dietary habits. This study aimed to assess the health-related behaviours, encompassing dietary/eating habits, among international students in Poland, while also elucidating the factors influencing these behaviours. The study consisted of two phases: (phase 1) cross-sectional research among 231 foreign students using the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ); and (phase 2) focus group interviews with 15 international students. The study was conducted in accordance with STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) and COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) Checklists. It was shown that the respondents highly value health. Students' health-related behaviours are related to their financial situation, health condition, self-assessment of their lifestyle, the importance attached to being healthy, and their country of origin. The qualitative analysis allowed us to identify (1) the barriers related to the exhibiting of health-related behaviours, (2) expectations of foreign students regarding the exhibiting of health-related behaviours, (3) changes in the health-related behaviours, and (4) factors facilitating the exhibiting of health-related behaviours. There is a need for inter-university cooperation on a strategy to promote health-promoting behaviours of foreign students studying in Poland.

Does sensation-seeking behavior influence the patterns of flavored e-cigarette use? A cross-sectional study among Indonesian adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: The variety of available flavors in e-cigarettes may be a driver for young people to start using these products. The objectives of our study were to examine the relationship between sensation-seeking behavior and e-cigarette use, and to identify the predictors of flavor use patterns among adolescents in Indonesia. METHODS: Students aged 15 to 24 years participated from randomly selected high schools and universities in Indonesia. Participants answered questions about their demographic data, e-cigarette use, conventional cigarette use, and sensation-seeking. Flavor preferences were identified from eight different flavor categories. Multivariate multinomial regression analysis was employed to predict conventional cigarette and e-cigarette use among students. A latent class analysis was conducted to determine the number of latent classes of flavor use. RESULTS: One thousand six hundred high school and university students, with a mean age of 18.2 years (SD 2.19), were recruited between March and August, 2023. Conventional cigarette use in the past 30 days was higher (16.3%) compared to e-cigarette use (13.3%, p = 0.017), with approximately 8.5% of students were being dual users. Higher levels of sensation-seeking significantly increased the odds of being a current e-cigarette user (OR = 2.54, 95%CI 1.99-3.25) and a current conventional cigarette smoker (OR = 2.38, 95%CI 1.85-3.07). Three groups of flavor classes were identified: 1) primarily menthol flavor users (14%), who had a strong association with current conventional cigarette use; 2) experimenters, who mostly preferred fruit-flavored e-cigarettes (76%); and 3) the multi-flavor user group (10%), who had a higher sensation-seeking tendency. CONCLUSIONS: Flavors, especially menthol and fruit flavors, attract youth, broaden the e-cigarette audience and are particularly appealing to high sensation-seekers. Banning these flavors could significantly deter e-cigarette initiation among youth.

Effect of nutrition education on dietary diversity and academic achievement among adolescent school girls in North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: Globally, adolescent students, particularly girls, are severely affected by malnutrition, in part because of their specific biological needs, and that they have not been considered a health and nutrition priority. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of a health belief model-based nutrition education on the dietary diversity and grades of adolescent school girls in the north Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was done in the north Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Adolescent school girls ages 10 to 19 y old were selected from the zone districts from February 1 to May 30, 2023. The main outcome variables included grades and dietary diversity, which were collected on the baseline and end line from the intervention and control groups. RESULTS: This study revealed that there were statistically significant differences in good nutritional knowledge, 88.1% versus 69.2% (χ2 = 16.835, P < 0.001), good dietary diversity; 77.4% versus 45.9% (χ2 = 33.247, P < 0.001) and grades above average, 90.6% versus 65.4% (χ2 = 29, P < 0.001) among school adolescent girls between the intervention and control groups, respectively. Regarding positive attitude, 84.3% versus 85.5% (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.876), there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the dietary diversity scores and grades of adolescent school girls in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group. Therefore, health belief model-based strategies should be recommended as effective communication channels to improve adolescent school girls' dietary diversity and academic performance.