Internet addiction of university students in the Covid-19 process.

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of internet addiction among university students, leveraging a comprehensive quantitative approach to unravel the myriad factors influencing this modern-day malaise. Utilizing logistic regression analysis, this research delineates the predictive significance of Daily Internet Usage Time (DIUT) and Communicative Internet Use Frequency (CIUF) on the propensity for internet addiction, with the analysis substantiating these variables as potent predictors. The model elucidates a significant variance in internet addiction, affirming the complexity of internet addiction as influenced by a constellation of behavioral patterns. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic's exacerbation of digital dependency, this investigation sheds light on the escalation of internet use to addictive levels, prompted by prolonged isolation and the pivot to online learning platforms. This study underscores the resultant educational and psychological ramifications, highlighting a surge in addiction and its associated detriments such as diminished academic performance, social isolation, and a deterioration in mental health. Comparison of these findings with existing literature reveals a nuanced understanding of internet addiction, characterised by the interaction between individual behaviours and broader socio-economic and psychological contexts, such as the duration of daily internet use and the frequency of communicative internet use. This synthesis argues for a holistic strategy to address internet addiction, emphasizing the need for educational interventions, improving digital literacy and promoting healthy digital habits. By pinpointing the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its predictors within the university student demographic, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital dependency, proposing a multidisciplinary approach to develop resilient academic environments and support systems. It underscores the urgent need for targeted research to identify predictive factors of internet addiction, thereby enabling the formulation of effective strategies and policies for mitigating its impact on students' academic and psychological well-being. This study not only captures the complexity of internet addiction but also provides critical insights crucial for developing informed educational strategies and interventions in the digital age.

Effects of Different Physical Therapy Interventions in Improving Flexibility in University Students with Hamstring Tightness - A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to identify the different interventions for hamstring flexibility among university students with hamstring tightness and to determine the better treatment method. Design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. An electronic search of the databases: Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was conducted. A total of 11 articles were included in the review. Of these articles, 02 were case-control studies, 02 were interventional pre-post studies and 07 were RCTs. The 07 RCTs were included for network meta-analysis. The findings of the initial network meta-analysis (NMA) which compared control i.e., no intervention with other interventions revealed that all the physical therapy interventions: stretching, electrotherapy combined with stretching, massage, dry needling and neurodynamic exercises combined with stretching and neurodynamics alone were superior to control. Since most studies included stretching as an intervention, a second NMA was conducted to compare the different physical therapy interventions with stretching. The results suggested that US-guided neuromodulation (WMD: -5.80, CI: -12.11, 0.51) had large effects on hamstring flexibility compared to stretching and stretching combined with electrotherapy i.e., cryotherapy and ultrasound (WMD: 0.25, CI: -1.14 to 1.64), MET (WMD: 3.10, CI: -3.28 to 9.48) and massage (WMD: 8.05, CI: -11.90 to 27.18) were inferior to stretching. To further investigate the effects of these interventions three meta-analysis were performed. The results revealed that stretching was more effective (SMD 2.27, 95% 0.72 to 3.81, p < 0.01) compared to control (no intervention). Neurodynamic exercises combined with stretching and neurodynamics alone were found to be superior to stretching alone ((SMD -0.69, 95% -1.35 to -0.03, p < 0.01) and stretching combined with electrotherapy was not significantly better than stretching alone ((SMD -0.07, 95% -1.00 to 0.87, p=0.88). Neurodynamic exercises combined with stretching and neurodynamics alone showed to be superior to the other physical therapy interventions in improving hamstring flexibility for hamstring tightness among university students, however, the reliability of the evidence is low.

Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation.

Tai Chi serves as an effective exercise modality for enhancing autonomic regulation. However, a majority of existing studies have employed the single routine (SR) protocol as the basis for health interventions. The extent to which the gong routine application (GRA) protocol achieves similar levels of exercise load stimulation as traditional single practice routines remains uncertain. Therefore, this study the distinct characteristics of autonomic load stimulation in these different protocols, thus providing a biological foundation to support the development of Tai Chi health promotion intervention programs. we recruited a cohort of forty-five university students to participate in the 15 min GRA protocol and SR protocol. We collected heart rate and heart rate variability indicators during periods of rest, GRA protocol, and SR protocol utilizing the Polar Scale. Additionally, we assessed the mental state of the participants using the BFS State of Mind Scale. In summary, the autonomic load is lower in the GRA protocol compared to the SR protocol, with lower sympathetic activity but higher parasympathetic activity in the former. Results are specific to college students, additional research is necessary to extend support for frail older adults. It is advised to incorporate GRA protocol alongside SR protocol in Tai Chi instruction. This approach is likely to enhance Tai Chi skills and yield greater health benefits.

Formulated Palmitoylethanolamide Supplementation Improves Parameters of Cognitive Function and BDNF Levels in Young, Healthy Adults: A Randomised Cross-Over Trial.

BACKGROUND: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like lipid mediator which is naturally produced in the body and found in certain foods. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a bioavailable formulated form of PEA (Levagen+®) on serum BDNF levels and parameters of cognitive function in healthy adults. METHODS: A randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over trial was implemented to measure the effects of a 6-week 700 mg/day course of formulated PEA supplementation versus a placebo. Participants (n = 39) completed pre- and post-assessments of a lab-based cognitive test. Serum samples were collected to measure BDNF concentrations using an immunoassay. RESULTS: A significant increase in serum BDNF levels was found following PEA supplementation compared with the placebo (p = 0. 0057, d = 0.62). The cognition test battery demonstrated improved memory with PEA supplementation through better first success (p = 0.142, d = 0.54) and fewer errors (p = 0.0287; d = -0.47) on the Paired Associates Learning test. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to report a direct beneficial effect of Levagen+® PEA supplementation on memory improvement as well as corresponding increases in circulating neurotrophic marker levels. This suggests that formulated PEA holds promise as an innovative and practical intervention for cognitive health enhancement.

Trends and Challenges in the Mental Health of University Students with Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review examines mental health in university students with disabilities, focusing on increasing prevalence and associated challenges. Following the PRISMA protocol for study selection and analysis, it aims to analyze problem prevalence and risk factors, explore support strategies and available resources, and identify gaps and areas for improvement in care and access to mental health services for disabled university students. This review includes 16 articles that met the established criteria. The findings reveal higher mental health issue prevalence in these students compared to non-disabled peers, highlighting the need for specific, tailored interventions. Improvement areas in general inclusion measures to prevent high-risk situations and intervention responses to discomfort and existing mental health problems are discussed. The importance of a holistic approach to ensure their overall well-being and academic success in an inclusive educational environment is emphasized.

Effect of online Kundalini Yoga mental health of university students during Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial.

University students were at an increased risk for psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a randomized controlled trial, we examined the efficacy of an online Kundalini Yoga intervention on students' psychological functioning. Healthy university students (N = 106) were randomly assigned to a Kundalini Yoga group, an active control group, or a passive control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. The experimental group attended six Yoga sessions over 6 weeks and the active control group attended to six autogenic relaxation sessions over 6 weeks. All participants completed the study protocol, which involved answering questionnaires related to psychological distress, emotion regulation, self-compassion, self-concept, spiritual well-being, and subjective happiness at three different time points: baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Results showed that Yoga contributed to improving self-compassion, extrinsic affect improving, and personal and communal spiritual well-being, in comparison to the control groups.

Lessons from Carl M. Pearson 1919 - 1981.

Carl M. Pearson was an energetic and exceptional physician-scholar-leader who founded, established, and broadened the Divisions of Rheumatology at University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) beginning in 1956. His studies to induce myositis by injecting muscle saturated with the heat-killed tubercle bacillus, an emulsifier, and mineral oil (Freund's adjuvant) enabled his report that polyarthritis occurred with Freund's adjuvant alone in certain strains of rat and mice. This model of adjuvant arthritis allowed the next generation of studies to assess therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Analysis of initial sandplay characteristics among university students with different levels of loneliness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Loneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk of feeling lonely than other population groups. The mental health of college students is a hot topic at present. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students. However, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Initial sandplay is a good tool to reveal psychological activity. Therefore, our study aims to explore the characteristics of initial sandplay application among university students with different levels of loneliness. METHODS: We recruited 60 volunteers from a university to perform a sandplay experiment from January to April 2021. The UCLA Loneliness Scale measured the levels of loneliness. These 60 participants were divided into the experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) according to their levels of loneliness. The experimental group included participants with a scale score of more than 44. Other participants with a scale score of less than 44 belong to the control group. We recorded their sandplay artwork and statistically analyzed it by the Sandplay Process Record Form. Group comparisons were performed using the t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The logistic regression analysis by forward stepwise method was conducted to analyze the sandplay theme features for loneliness. RESULTS: Regarding the sandplay tools, the experimental group used fewer transportation tools (t=-3.608, p < 0.01) and more natural elements (t = 2.176, p < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, the experimental group created more natural scenes (χ2 = 4.310, p < 0.05) and used less of the lower left (χ2 = 4.593, p < 0.05) and lower right (χ2 = 5.934, p < 0.05) spaces. With regards to sand changes, the experimental group was less likely than the control group to make substantial changes (χ2 = 5.711, p < 0.05) and more likely to make almost no changes (χ2 = 4.022, p < 0.05). In terms of the themes, the experimental group was more likely to exhibit sandplay artwork themes of emptiness (χ2 = 8.864, p < 0.05) and neglect (χ2 = 6.667, p < 0.05), and less likely to show themes of energy (χ2 = 5.079, p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis of the sandplay themes, emptiness (OR = 5.714, 95%CI: 1.724-18.944, p = 0.003) and neglect (OR = 7.000, 95%CI: 1.381-35.479, p = 0.010) were demonstrated a nominal association with high levels of loneliness among both groups (F = 16.091, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.193), but failed to pass the Bonferroni testing correction (p threshold < 0.0025). CONCLUSION: University students with higher degree of loneliness do not like to drastic changes and prefer to use natural elements in element selection, while the control group likes to drastic changes and prefers to use transportation tools in element selection. Regression analysis of sandplay theme features revealed emptines and neglect may as significant associated factors for loneliness. We propose sandplay characteristics can help identify university students with different levels of loneliness during psychological evaluations. Therefore, it is important that the school and healthcare systems assist college students in identifying the loneliness through initial sandplay and carrying on the necessary psychological counseling to the lonely student population.

Determinants of Jaundice Among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021: Unmatched Case Control Study.

Background. Jaundice is a common problem in the neonatal period, and it is one of multiple factors found in children who die. Despite the majority of pathological jaundice public health consequences, there is no evidence on risk factors of pathological jaundice among neonates in Southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with jaundice requiring phototherapy management in neonates admitted to the neonatal unit of a university teaching hospital in Southwest Ethiopia (Mizan-Tepi). Methods. Facility-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted among 240 (80 cases and 160 controls) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital. Neonates with pathological jaundice and neonates without pathological jaundice were considered as cases and controls, respectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and extraction checklist, including information on maternal demographics, obstetrics, and neonatal factors. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to examine the association. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a P-value < .05. Results. In this study, 237 mothers with their neonates were included, making a response rate of 98.7%. The mean birth weight of cases and controls was 2330.3 ± 698.9 and 2699.3 ± 686.7 g, respectively. Hypothermia (AOR = 4.28; 95% CI: [1.72-10.67], cesarean delivery (AOR = 4.09; 95% CI: [1.69-9.93]), breast milk feeding (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: [1.04-8.47]) and being male (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: [1.17-6.13]) were significantly associated with jaundice. Conclusion. Most of the risk factors of neonatal jaundice were found to be modifiable. Therefore, early prevention and recognition of identified factors are recommended.

The state of coursework on horses in human services at universities and colleges in the United States: a scoping review.

An increasing number of universities and colleges in the United States are offering coursework on adaptive/therapeutic riding and the incorporation of horses in human service areas such as psychotherapy, education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. The first study to identify coursework in these areas was published in 2018. In order to track development over time, we conducted a replication study to determine the prevalence of coursework on horses in human services at higher education institutions. Information gathered for the 2021-2022 academic year included the institution name, geographic location, number of courses and their focus, academic department offering the course, and level of study. We identified 122 courses provided by 48 higher education institutions in 29 states in the following areas: adaptive/therapeutic riding (N = 82, 67.2%), mental health (N = 19, 15.6%), education/learning (N = 2, 1.6%), and equine movement in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology (hippotherapy) (N = 1, 0.8%). Survey or overview courses (N = 18, 14.8%) were also identified. These courses were offered both at the undergraduate (N = 114, 93.4%) and the graduate level (N = 8, 6.6%) by a total of 48 departments that either focused on animals, such as equine science, animal science, and agriculture (N = 27, 54%) or focused on humans, such as health science or liberal arts (N = 23, 46%). The results inform a discussion on changes over time as well as current challenges and opportunities for academic programs offering coursework about horses in human services.

Mindfulness to improve the mental health of university students. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. The selected studies had to incorporate a mindfulness intervention in university students. The methodological quality of the collected articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: We initially identified 321 studies, of which 21 were included in this review. The interventions focused on mindfulness with durations ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. The results demonstrated significant effects of a mindfulness intervention on mental health in university students. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that mindfulness is effective for improving the mental health of college students. Systematic Review Registration: identifier: CRD42023441453.

The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health among university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: We aimed to estimate the effect of mindfulness therapy on mental health. Methods: Two researchers searched 12 databases to identify relevant trials that were published from 1 January 2018 to 1 May 2023. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of mindfulness therapy on depression, which was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS); anxiety, which was measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), PROMIS, and DASS, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); stress, which was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), DASS, and GAD-7; mindfulness, which was measured by the GAD-7, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Short Form-12 Mental Component Score (SF-12 MCS) and Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS); and sleep quality, which was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). After screening studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,824 participants were ultimately included. Results: All these studies demonstrated positive effects of mindfulness therapy on depression (SMD = -0.33, 95% CI: [-0.44, -0.22], p < 0.00001, I2 = 29%), anxiety (SMD = -0.35, 95% CI: [-0.46, -0.25], p < 0.00001, I2 = 40%), stress (SMD = -0.39, 95% CI: [-0.48, -0.29], p < 0.00001, I2 = 69%) and sleep quality scores (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI: [-1.54, -0.09], p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in mindfulness (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI: [-0.36, -0.12], p = 0.34, I2 = 34%) between the mindfulness therapy group and the control group. Discussion: In future studies, it is necessary to consider the investigation on whether the strategies of improving the mindfulness therapy in adherence and fidelity can work on the improvement of the outcomes in mental health. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42023469301].

Bridging the gap between student and administrator perceptions of mindfulness in a university setting: An exploratory qualitative study.

Objective: This study explores the perceptions of mindfulness among students and administrators in a university setting. Participants: In Study 1, six focus groups were conducted with 34 students. In Study 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six administrators involved with implementing mindfulness-based activities. Methods: Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in Study 1. Study 2's data were examined according to the 4 major themes found in Study 1. Results: Students acknowledged the difficulty in defining the concept of mindfulness, yet its overall value for improving mental wellbeing was largely affirmed. Administrators perceived mindfulness as beneficial for students, but they expressed concern over low attendance at university-sponsored programs. Conclusions: For universities to harness the benefits of mindfulness, it is recommended that administrators mitigate barriers by having clearer guidance, preparing for emotional challenges, and integrating the practice into teaching, learning, and everyday activities.

Understanding nutrition students' knowledge, perceived barriers and their views on the future role of nutritionists regarding sustainable diets.

Nutrition professionals are important stakeholders in sustainable food systems with skills to promote the connection between health, food production, environment, culture and economics. Higher education institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of teaching about sustainability, yet there exists a gap in the literature detailing the awareness of sustainability issues by nutrition students. This study aimed to ascertain the level of knowledge of sustainable diets (SDs), the perceived barriers to their adoption in their own diets, students' experience of university-based teaching about SDs and their views on the future role of the nutrition profession in relation to SD amongst nutrition students on Association for Nutrition (AfN)-accredited degrees. The study assessed environmental and sustainable food literacy (SFL) through an online questionnaire and explored the issues in more detail in virtual or face-to-face interviews in 2019. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Kruskal-Wallis, Jonckheere-Terpstra, independent t-test, Spearman, Pearson Correlations). Qualitative data were analysed using the Braun and Clark (2006) six-step approach to thematic analysis. The questionnaire responses (n = 51) represented 17 AfN-accredited undergraduate courses (35% of AfN-accredited universities in 2019). The majority (76%) of students had received an introduction, partaken in a module or received teaching on SDs throughout their whole degree. Students were predominantly environmentally literate, yet had a fragmented understanding of SDs, focusing on the environmental aspects of SDs. There was no correlation between SFL and reported sustainability content of university courses, highlighting a need for more effective teaching on sustainability topics. Additionally, no relationship between self-reported diet intake and SFL was found. Students identified a lack of knowledge and education as barriers preventing them from adopting sustainable practices in the present and future. To integrate sustainability into their future practice more consistently and effectively, nutrition students require more structured, holistic sustainability education and knowledge.

Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students Toward Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Pre-service Education at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat.

Background Inconsistent evidence concerning the clinical practice implications of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) pre-service education exists in the literature. The aim of this study is to assess the IMCI pre-service training perceptions of medical students, including their willingness to prospectively utilize the IMCI guidelines in clinical settings. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study that was conducted between June 1 and August 31, 2022, at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The demographic data and IMCI pre-service education perceptions were recorded via the 10 close-ended questions. The questions focused on the student's perception of the usefulness of IMCI pre-service training in improving their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding childhood illnesses and how well it has enhanced their skills in dealing with sick children. SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 196 responses were collected, with 117 of them being from female participants and the remaining 79 from male participants. Participants were subcategorized into phase 2 (n=103), phase 3A (pre-clerkship, n=45), and phase 3B (junior clerkship, n=48). At least 67.8% of 171 medical students complying with one to two training sessions intended to apply their IMCI pre-service education knowledge and skills in clinical practice and parental counseling. The medical knowledge and clinical practice skill enhancement abilities of the IMCI sessions were recognized by ≥49.7% of medical students. The student responses regarding childhood illness management (p=0.03) and holistic assessment confidence (p=0.042) varied significantly between the study phases. The IMCI pre-service skills, knowledge, and confidence levels were observed in 47.1% (phase 2), 13.2% (phase 3A), and 35.5% (phase 3B) of medical students. Similarly, 40.2% (phase 2), 23.7% (phase 3A), and 54.8% (phase 3B) of subjects believed in the IMCI pre-service training's influence on their ability to perform holistic assessments in the pediatric population. Conclusion The overall results of this study advocate the clinical practice implications, based on the positive student perceptions, of the IMCI pre-service training in SQU. Future qualitative studies should evaluate these findings with wider student populations.

Low-intensity online mindfulness-based intervention for university students with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic-A randomized controlled trial with 3-month follow-up.

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of a low-intensity online mindfulness-based Intervention (iMBI) for alleviating anxiety in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial involving 134 participants from a local university in Hong Kong, subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 67) or the inactive control group (n = 67). The intervention group participated in a low-intensity iMBI comprising 16 online modules and two half-day online mindfulness workshops over an eight-week period. Outcomes were measured via an online platform using standardized assessment scales, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Chinese Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, at three different time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention and at a three-month follow-up. Results: Intent-to-treat analysis using 2 (group) × 3 (time) repeated measures of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that the intervention group, compared to the control group, showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.5) and a significant improvement in mindfulness skills with a medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.5) at post-intervention. The effects of the intervention in reducing anxiety and improving mindfulness persisted at the three-month follow-up. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the low-intensity iMBI in alleviating anxiety among university students.

Effectiveness of attachment-based compassion therapy to reduce psychological distress in university students: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: Higher education, particularly university, is a challenge for many students that can lead to their mental health being seriously affected. The stress to which they are subject throughout their time at university can lead to anxiety and depression. "Third wave" psychotherapies, including compassion-based therapy, have been used to improve psychological outcomes, such as stress, anxiety, emotional distress and well-being. There are some signs that third wave psychotherapies reduce psychological distress in university students, but more and higher-quality studies are needed. In this randomised controlled trial (RCT), we hypothesise that the provision of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) will be more effective than an active control group based on relaxation therapy for improving psychological distress in university students. Methods and analysis: A two-arm RCT will be conducted involving 140 university undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Zaragoza and the National University of Distance Education (UNED) who reside in the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. Interventions with either ABCT or relaxation therapy will be implemented, with an allocation ratio of 1:1 between groups. Both interventions will last six weeks and consist of six weekly group sessions lasting 1.5 h each. Data will be collected before and after the intervention, and there will be a follow-up at six months. The primary outcome will be psychological distress at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes will be depression, anxiety, stress and burnout symptoms, affectivity and emotional regulation. Attachment style, experiential avoidance, compassion (for others/oneself) and mindfulness skills will be measured as potential mechanistic variables. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using linear mixed regression models. The clinical significance of improvements will be calculated. Potential side effects will be monitored by an independent clinical psychologist. Ethics and dissemination: This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Aragón. Participant data will remain anonymous, and results will be submitted to peer-reviewed open-access journals and disseminated via conferences. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05197595.

Health Science Students' Perceptions of Hand Hygiene Education and Practice in a South African University: Introducing the University Hand Hygiene Improvement Model.

Hand hygiene serves as a critical preventative measure against the spread of acquired infections in healthcare facilities and is an integral component of patient safety programs. While healthcare students in training are typically introduced to the principles underlying hand hygiene, the translation of this understanding into practice is often lacking, and compliance has remained low. This study aimed to evaluate health science students' in biomedical sciences, chiropractic and emergency medical care, environmental health, complementary medicine, medical imaging and radiation sciences, nursing, optometry, podiatry, and sports and movement studies perceptions regarding hand hygiene education (knowledge and attitude) and practice at a university in South Africa. Consenting students were asked to complete an online questionnaire that tested their knowledge, practices, and skills in handwashing. The ANOVA analysis results suggested significant differences in hand hygiene scores across departments and years of study. The multiple regression analyses confirmed these findings, suggesting that the department of study significantly influenced all aspects of hand hygiene, while the year of study affected hand hygiene skills, and age group influenced hand hygiene practices. Based on these findings, a conceptual model, the University Hand Hygiene Improvement Model (UHHIM), was proposed to enhance the teaching and learning of hand hygiene at the university level. The model underscores the necessity of targeted education, continuous monitoring, and feedback, and the pivotal roles of hand hygiene facilitators and student participation in enhancing hand hygiene behaviors.

Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in winter on physical performance of university students: a one-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is epidemiological evidence which suggests an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone and muscle function; however, it is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation has an added benefit beyond bone health. Here, we investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation (1 month) on physical performance in Chinese university students in winter. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen eligible subjects with 25(OH)D (19.2 ± 7.8 ng/mL) were randomly assigned to either vitamin D3 supplement (N = 56; 1000 IU/day) or the control (N = 61) group for 1 month. Pre- and post-measurements included: 1) serum levels of 25(OH)D; 2) musculoskeletal and pulmonary function [vertical jump height (VJH) and right handgrip strength (RHS), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume at 1s (FEV1)]; 3) bone turnover markers [parathyroid hormone (PTH), n-terminal osteocalcin (N-MID), and calcium]; 4) hemoglobin-related parameters [hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), and red cell distribution width (RDW)]; 5) lipid parameters [total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)]; 6) Fatigue-related indicators [serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total testosterone (T)]. In addition, aerobic capacity was assessed by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) at baseline. RESULTS: During wintertime, supplementation with 1000 IU/d of vitamin D3 significantly increased serum 25(OH)D levels (from 18.85 ± 7.04 to 26.98 ± 5.88 ng/mL, p < 0.05), accompanied by a decrease of PTH (p < 0.05). However, vitamin D3 supplementation did not significantly impact the physical performance, serum lipid parameters, and bone turnover markers of students. Furthermore, 25(OH)D was found to be positively correlated with VJH and negatively correlated with PTH and TC at the beginning and end of the study (p < 0.05). In addition, the multiple linear regression analysis showed that 25(OH)D combined with athletic, gender, height, weight, Hb, and FVC could account for 84.0% of the VO2max value. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that one-month of 1000 IU/d of vitamin D3 supplementation during the winter had beneficial effects on 25(OH)D status and PTH. However, vitamin D3 intervention was not sufficient to improve physical performance. Furthermore, 25(OH)D levels combined with athletic, Hb and FVC could be a predictor of VO2max.