Results of a brief online group application of the unified protocol for the prevention of emotional disorders in university students: a pilot study with multiple baseline experimental design / Resultados de una aplicación grupal breve en línea del protocolo unificado para la prevención de trastornos emocionales en estudiantes universitarios: un estudio piloto con diseño experimental de línea base múltiple

Los trastornos emocionales (TEs) son los trastornos más comunes entre la población joven. El desarrollo de programas preventivos de los TEs es fundamental para evitar su posible aparición. Los programas de prevención transdiagnósticos podrían presentar una ventaja sobre los existentes para mejorar las estrategias de regulación emocional. Así, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido determinar la viabilidad y eficacia preliminar de un programa breve basado en el Protocolo Unificado (PU). El proyecto consistió en un estudio piloto utilizando un diseño experimental de línea base múltiple. Nueve estudiantes universitarios recibieron un programa de 5 sesiones basado en el PU en formato grupal online. Se encontraron diferencias significativas después de la intervención en la regulación de las emociones, el apoyo social percibido y la evitación, con tamaños del efecto moderados-grandes (r de Cohen = .49 - .59). Estas mejoras mostraron aumentos en los seguimientos al mes y a los 3 meses. Esos resultados están en línea con los que muestran que los programas preventivos transdiagnósticos breves podrían ser útiles para la prevención de los TEs en población universitaria.(AU)

Emotional disorders (EDs) are the most common disorders among the young population. The development of preventive programs for EDs is essential to avoid their possible appearance. Transdiagnostic prevention programs could present an advantage over existing ones to im-prove emotional regulation strategies. Thus, the objective of this study has been to determine the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of a brief program based on the Unified Protocol (UP). The project consisted of a pilot study using a multiple baseline experimental design. Nine university students received a 5-session program based on the UP in online-group format. Significant differences were found after the intervention for emo-tion regulation, perceived social support and avoidance, with moderate-large effect sizes (Cohen's r= .49-.59). These improvements showed in-creases at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Those results are in line with those showing that brief transdiagnostic preventive programs could be use-ful for the prevention of EDs in the university population.(AU)

Adapting an Online Guided Self-Help CBT Programme Targeting Disordered Eating for Students in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study.

Disordered eating is a significant issue in university student populations. Currently, access to interventions is limited. Online interventions present an innovative way to increase accessibility to treatment for those in need. The current study explored how an online intervention for disordered eating (everyBody) could be modified to suit the needs of university students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aotearoa New Zealand is a unique cultural context, with an indigenous population that has a high incidence rate of disordered eating, highlighting the need to adapt everyBody to the local context. Individual interviews were conducted with nine students currently at university in Aotearoa New Zealand, aged between 18 and 33 years old (five females, four males). Three first-order themes were identified using template analysis. The themes indicate that participants perceived the programme as acceptable and feasible for use with Aotearoa New Zealand's university student population. Furthermore, the themes provide insight into potential adaptions to the programme to facilitate engagement and uptake. The suggested changes were largely consistent with previous research on E-therapy design (e.g., content length, therapeutic alliance), and also highlight changes specific to fit Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural context. The findings have implications for universities and other funders deciding on services for students with disordered eating and eating disorders.

Challenges and strategies for navigating Australian healthcare access: experience from Chinese international students.

BACKGROUND: Australia hosts over 680,000 international students, contributing $47.8 billion to the Australian economy in 2023, and Chinese students rank first among all nationalities. However, despite their considerable numbers, research focusing on their access to healthcare services is scant. This study aimed to explore barriers and supports regarding the utilisation of healthcare services among Chinese international students studying in Australia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Chinese between October and December 2023 with 25 Chinese international students (age range, 19-30; female/male, n = 18/7; undergraduate/postgraduate/doctoral, n = 1/18/6) enrolled in three Australian universities to understand the healthcare challenges they encountered and the coping strategies they recommended. These interviews were recorded, and thematic analysis was applied to the interview data. An adapted social-ecological model was used to identify barriers and pragmatic strategies to deal with the challenges at different levels. RESULTS: Chinese international students in Australia faced healthcare barriers at different levels. Individual barriers included language and cultural disparities, lack of knowledge about the healthcare system, and reluctance to seek help. Institutional barriers involved high costs, difficulties regarding appointments, and procedures related to the referral system. Policy barriers included insurance coverage and reimbursement issues. The students interviewed for this study proposed individual-level strategies, such as trying various methods to reduce language barriers, seeking information online, and using online resources and consultations. A central appointment platform and multilingual medical service were recommended from students to medical institutions, while medical service guidance and psychological support were suggested to education institutions. Higher-level strategies were also reported, which were mainly pertaining to insurance terms and coverage for overseas students and improving the accessibility of medical information. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies barriers to healthcare access for Chinese international students in Australia, including culture-specific challenges. To mitigate these issues, we recommend self-directed health promotion, targeted support by education institutions, enhanced cross-cultural communication and expanded telemedicine by hospitals, and attention to insurance coverage. Future research should explore optimising these approaches to improve support systems and policy frameworks.

Variations in the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression by age at first occurrence of ACEs.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be associated with depression. However, the extent to which such association varies by age at the first occurrence of ACEs remains unexplored. The objectives of this study are: (1) To describe the association between ACEs and depression among university students in China, and; (2) to assess the extent to which the mentioned association varied by age at first ACE. METHODS: We conducted a self-administered survey among university students in southern China and analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: We found significant associations between ACEs and depression prevalence, particularly when comparing students with three or more ACEs vs. students with no ACEs (62% vs. 36%; Adjusted OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 1.99, 6.12). Stratified analyses showed that the association was particularly strong among students who first experienced ACEs at age 0-6 years (66% vs. 36%; Adjusted OR = 4.05; 95% CI = 1.90, 8.59), but was non-significant among those who first experienced ACEs at age 13-18 years (31% vs. 36%; Adjusted OR = 0.99; 95 CI = 0.24, 4.08). CONCLUSION: The strength of the associations between ACEs and depression varied by the age at first ACE. However, the cross-sectional study design, potential information bias, and lack of generalizability should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.

An analytical study on changes in university students' attitudes toward physical activity.

Purpose: Positive attitudes toward physical activity have been consistently linked to health Behaviors. This study aims to validate the effectiveness of attitude change in the domain of exercise and identify the mechanisms through which this change occurs in the context of sports and promote exercise behavior. Methods: 103 university students (20.7 ± 1.97 years, 40 males, and 63 females) completed the implicit and explicit attitude tests. Based on their exercise levels assessed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), participants were categorized into low and high exercise level groups. From this sample, 66 university students (19 males and 47 females) with low exercise levels completed a self-generated information task. Subsequently, physical activity was assessed through a skipping rope task. Results: The implementation of the self-generated information task resulted in notable alterations in implicit attitudes (ηi2 = 0.07) toward physical activity during subsequent Implicit Attitude Test (IAT) evaluations. Additionally, significant changes were observed in explicit attitudes (ηe2 = 0.12) toward physical activity among university students. Moreover, the use of self-generated information positively influenced immediate exercise behavior. Discussion: This study provides valuable insights into the impact of attitudes on behaviors among university students. It suggests that attitudes toward physical activity can be effectively changed through the use of self-generated information methodology, leading to an enhancement in immediate exercise behavior. Such attitude change has the potential to promote healthier behaviors and reduce the risk of diseases. These findings hold implications for interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity levels among university students.

The association between appetite and eating behaviors among Chinese female university students.

Background: Young females are at a higher risk of developing unhealthy eating behaviors. This study investigated the relationship between appetitive traits and eating behaviors among female university students. Methods: The study participants were 520 female university students from a public university in Eastern China. Appetitive traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (C-AEBQ). Data on eating behaviors, including food intake frequency, meal regularity, and dieting behavior, were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported data. Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were used to correlate appetitive traits with BMI and eating behaviors. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify different appetitive patterns, and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between different appetitive patterns and eating behaviors. Results: Two food-approach traits (food enjoyment and emotional over-eating) were positively correlated with BMI, while two food-avoidance traits (slowness in eating and satiety responsiveness) showed negative correlations. Food responsiveness was linked to a higher intake of delivered food, spicy food, and sugar-sweetened beverages, whereas satiety responsiveness was correlated with more frequent meal skipping. The LPA identified four appetitive patterns: food approachers, food approachers with emotional under-eating, food avoiders, and food avoiders with emotional over-eating. Food avoiders had significantly lower BMI than the other groups. Compared to food approachers, food avoiders skipped breakfast more frequently, and food avoiders with emotional over-eating skipped both breakfast and lunch more often. After adjusting for BMI, appetitive patterns showed no significant relationship with dieting behavior. Conclusion: Among female university students, appetitive patterns correlated with eating behaviors, and students with food-avoidance patterns had a higher risk of meal irregularity. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing trait- and pattern-specific approaches to promote healthy eating behaviors among female university students.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CATs) in Nursing Education in Spanish Universities.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary therapies in the general population is increasing, so it is necessary to understand the training that health professionals receive in this type of therapy in their training plans, as they are often the primary source of information for patients. Our aim was to investigate Spanish universities that offer subjects on complementary therapies in their nursing degree programs. METHODS: This study is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. For this purpose, we used a document published on the website of the Ministry of Universities as the working document. Additionally, a literature search was conducted up to September 2023 in the PubMed database, along with reverse searches. RESULTS: Out of a total of 62 universities, only 16 (29%) offer a subject related to this type of therapy, 27.5% (11) are public universities and 22.7% (5) are private universities, most of them being optional subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The training content on complementary care in nursing degree programs in Spanish universities is scarce, highlighting the potential benefit of expanding and promoting it, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

An internet-based self-help intervention for the reduction of consumption of ultra-processed products and increase of physical activity in Mexican university population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The consumption of ultra-processed products has been associated with the etiology of various diseases, mainly metabolic diseases. On the other hand, physical activity acts as a protective factor that helps prevent the appearance of this type of disease. In addition to the physical effects, both the consumption of ultra-processed products (UPPs) and sedentary behaviors have been associated with a significant impact on people's mental health. These problems occur significantly in university students. Online internet interventions are an alternative that has the advantage of reaching a broader sample size and adapting to various problems. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical superiority trial with two independent groups will be developed with 176 participants. Participants in both groups will be evaluated in 5 steps: (1) pretest, (2) middle of the intervention, (3) post-test, (4) follow-up at 3 months, and (5) follow-up at 6 months. In the experimental group ("UNISALUD"), participants will receive an intervention composed of 11 sessions with interactive elements such as videos, audio, and infographics created through the user experience (UX) principles and based on the health action process approach (HAPA). The participants in the control group will be on the waiting list and will receive treatment 27 days after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Thus, participants will not receive the treatment immediately. Discussion: The study is expected to establish the feasibility of a self-help internet-based intervention created based on the user experience methodology and the health action process model, leading to a significant decrease and increase in the consumption of UPPs, ultra-healthy products, and physical activity, respectively. Conclusion: Internet-based interventions are scarce in Latin America. Due to their potential, this study will provide data about consumption of UPPs, physical activity, and mental health of the Mexican population, which will influence the reduction of health-related complications through prevention strategies or measures.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05834842.

An online delivered running and walking group program to support low-active post-secondary students' well-being and exercise behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the feasibility and acceptability of a social identity-informed, online delivered, running and walking group program to support low-active post-secondary students' exercise behavior and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A two-arm, non-blinded, parallel pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted whereby low-active post-secondary students at a Canadian university were equally randomized to an online delivered running/walking group program or an attention control condition. Primary feasibility and acceptability outcomes included program interest, study enrolment and retention, questionnaire completion, program attendance, program satisfaction, and affective exercise attitudes. Post-program interviews were conducted to ascertain participants' experiences with the program. Secondary outcomes included well-being, exercise behavior, social identity, social support, and exercise identity. RESULTS: Ninety-two individuals were screened for eligibility, and 72 were equally randomized to the online group program or attention control condition. Recruitment exceeded the target sample size (60), study adherence and questionnaire completion were above 90%, program attendance was moderate (M = 5.03/8), self-report program satisfaction was moderate-to-high (M = 4.13/5), and there was no condition effect for affective attitudes. During interviews, participants expressed satisfaction with the program. They also discussed challenges with developing a shared sense of identity and social connection with group members via online platforms. There were small condition effects for exercise-related well-being and exercise identity and no condition effects for the remaining secondary outcomes. Social identity scores were moderate (M = 4.63/7). CONCLUSIONS: The STRIDE program was feasible and acceptable but should be delivered and piloted in-person before a full-scale efficacy trial is conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04857918; 2021-04-20.

The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience in the Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Academic Achievement.

In this study, the mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between negative childhood experiences and academic achievement was examined. The sample of the study consists of 405 participants who graduated from state universities in Turkey in the spring semester of 2022-2023. In the study, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale, the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, and the general weighted grade point average in the university graduation transcripts of the participants were used as data collection tools. The relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis using Process Macro (Model 4). In the regression analysis, mediation was tested with the Bootstrap technique. According to the results, there were significant negative relationships between adverse childhood experiences and academic achievement and psychological resilience, while there were significant positive relationships between psychological resilience and academic achievement. In addition, adverse childhood experiences are a predictor of academic achievement, and psychological resilience has a partial mediating role in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and academic achievement. It is thought that the results obtained may contribute to the field within the scope of preventive and intervention guidance services to increase the academic achievement of university students with adverse childhood experiences.

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the University Demand-Resource Questionnaire: further evidence from Hungarian university students.

Purpose: The present study aimed to further examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the UDRQ among a sample of Hungarian university students. Methods: Firstly, the factor structure of the UDRQ was examined among 837 Hungarian university students. Specifically, two measurement models (first-order model and second-order model) were constructed and compared. Secondly, the internal consistency reliability of the UDRQ was examined. Thirdly, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across genders. Finally, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across two different samples. Results: It was found that the first-order model outperformed the second-order model and better represented the factor structure of the UDRQ subscales. Results of Cronbach's alpha and Composite Reliability suggested that the internal consistency reliabilities of the two UDRQ subscales were satisfactory. Measurement invariance analysis revealed that the UDRQ measurement model was strict invariant across genders and samples. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that the UDRQ displayed satisfactory reliability and validity and could be used to assess demands and resources of Hungarian university students.

Enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion to mitigate suicide risk: A feasibility and acceptability study among Japanese university students.

OBJECTIVES: Suicide is a serious mental health problem among university students. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a novel intervention that targets suicide risk by enhancing self-esteem and self-compassion. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the healthcare center at a Japanese University. Measurements of suicidal risk, self-compassion, self-esteem, and other psychological variables were collected at baseline, post-intervention, four-week follow-up, eight-week follow-up, and twelve-week follow-up. Participants also provided feedback on the program's acceptability. RESULTS: A total of 17 participants consented to participate in the intervention, 14 completed post-treatment assessment, 10 completed the four-week follow-up assessment, and 8 completed the eight-week and twelve-week follow-up assessment. Following the intervention, the study observed moderate to large improvements in self-esteem, self-compassion, hopelessness, depression, and suicide risk. The participants also reported reliable changes in clinical outcomes and positive perceptions of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducation program exhibited high acceptability and feasibility and promising early outcomes. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, these findings suggest potential benefits of the program. Further studies for examining the efficacy of the program are highly warranted.

Examining the Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Among University Students: A Campus-Wide Survey Analysis.

STUDY PURPOSE: This study investigates the relationship between anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among university students through a comprehensive campus-wide survey. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey design was adopted in this study. A total of 437 students from three public medical universities in Saudi Arabia participated in the survey, which assessed anxiety and depression using standardized scales and GI symptoms through a tailored questionnaire. RESULTS: The findings reveal a significant overlap between mental health disorders and GI symptoms, highlighting that students experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression frequently report GI issues. This correlation underscores the importance of integrated health strategies to address both mental and physical well-being. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that there is a significant correlation between anxiety, depression, and GI symptoms among university students. This highlights the need for comprehensive and integrated health interventions that address both mental and physical health to improve overall well-being and academic success in this population.

Association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and Sleep Quality among Lebanese University Students.

Objective The association between sleep quality and overall health has been extensively examined. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between sleep and the inflammatory potential of the diet. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore the association between the scores on the Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) and sleep quality in Lebanese university students. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with students attending the Tripoli campus of Beirut Arab University. A total of 270 students aged between 17 and 25 years were randomly selected. All students filled out a multicomponent questionnaire that included an assessment of their sleep quality using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and of their physical activity level using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The scores on the E-DII were calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results Individuals in the highest (most proinflammatory) quartile of the E-DII were at an increased risk of having poor overall sleep quality compared with the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.27-6.44). Regarding the individual domains of sleep quality, subjects in quartiles 3 and 4 of the E-DII were at an increased risk of having poor sleep efficiency compared with those in quartile 1 (OR = 2.49; 95%CI: 1.12-5.54; and OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.13-5.62 respectively). However, individuals in quartile 3 were at a reduced risk of having daytime dysfunction compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.23-0.83). Conclusion The inflammatory potential of the diet seems to be related to sleep quality in our sample of Lebanese university students. Future prospective studies are required to further explore this association.

Efficiency of assertiveness training on the stress, anxiety, and depression levels of college students (Randomized control trial).

BACKGROUND: The significance of assertiveness in promoting mental health is well acknowledged. To investigate the impact of assertiveness training on lowering anxiety, stress, and depression among college students at a private university in Cairo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, three questionnaires were used: demographic, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Students were randomly allocated to either a group that underwent assertiveness training (experimental group) or a control group. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was utilized with a pre- and post-assessment. The training program is an adapted version of DBT skills training. The training program includes mindfulness, assertiveness, and problem-solving skills through eight 90-min group sessions. RESULTS: There were (n = 50) students in the experimental group compared with (n = 50) the control group. Assertiveness group, in comparison with control group, resulted in significantly greater reductions in stress as shown in DASS scores (the effect size, d = 0.52, P < .000), anxiety (the effect size, d = 0.30, P < .000), depression (the effect size, d = 0.21, P < .000), and total scores of DASS (the effect size, d = 0.45, P < .000). Assertiveness group, in comparison with control group, resulted in significantly greater increase in assertiveness as shown in RAS scores (the effect size, d = 0.38, P < .000). CONCLUSION: It is possible that increasing an individual's level of assertiveness might be a helpful strategy for reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Negative impact of online gambling problematic in disabled and non-disabled university students: exploring the risk profile.

Introduction: The rise of online gambling has brought about significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on university students. This issue becomes even more complex when considering students with disabilities. Objectives: This research examines the gambling profile and beliefs of university students based on whether they have a disability. In turn, it seeks to identify if there is a typology of at-risk gamblers according to the disability variable. Finally, it aims to find out the prevalence of gambling among students depending on whether they have a disability and the typology of at-risk gambler. Method: A total of 704 university students (135 with disabilities and 569 without disabilities) completed the NODS Belief Questionnaire to assess problems associated with gambling and to generate a typological grouping of risk gamblers, as well as a questionnaire designed specifically for the gambler profile. Results: It was found that a small percentage of participants engage in gambling on a daily basis, with a higher frequency among students with disabilities. In addition, it was observed that the behavior and concern about financial expenditure on gambling interferes with their daily activities and is a cause for concern, with higher risk being observed to a greater extent in students with disabilities. Discussion: These data suggest the importance for universities and relevant authorities to address these problems comprehensively, providing adequate resources for students with disabilities and promoting a culture of wellbeing that discourages problematic gambling activities and encourages healthy alternatives for entertainment and stress management.

The dimensional validity and reliability of the Italian smartphone addiction inventory of Yemeni university students.

The increasing usage of smartphones globally necessitates the creation of reliable and valid scales to evaluate their psychological effects, particularly within academic settings such as universities. The current study aimed to identify the factorial structure of the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) in the Republic of Yemen. The sample consisted of 1920 university students (1136 males and 784 females). The data was analyzed with the AMOS V25 statistical program. The results of the factor analysis supported the goodness of fit of the five-factor model to the data with excellent indices: RMSEA = 0.052, CFI = 0.910, GFI = 0.931, AGFI = 0.915, TLI = 0.907, NFI = 0.915, RFI = 0.916, and RMR = 0.032, all of which are within the ideal range to support the goodness of fit of the model to the factorial structure of the inventory, as the values of the explained variances ranged between 0.740 and 0.834., with indices of reliability in measurement. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that four items loaded on the Time Spent factor, four items on the Compulsivity factor, eight items on the Daily Life Interference factor, five items on the Craving factor, and three items on the Sleep Interference factor, with all loadings being statistically significant (>0.001). Based on these findings, research direction and recommendations were provided.

Exploring the Quality of Life of University Students in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Survey Using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Assessment.

PURPOSE: To comprehensively assess the quality of life (QoL) of Egyptian university students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online study. SETTING: Online settings of university students from August to October 2023. SUBJECTS: University students aged 18-25 from various institutions in Egypt. MEASURES: Physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to detect significant associations while Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1930 Egyptian university students were included. Students showed outperformance in the psychological health and social relationships domains, with medians of 58 ± 20.8 and 58 ± 25, respectively, compared to physical health with a median of 46 ± 17.8 and environmental health with a median score of 16.6 ± 21.9. Non-medical students reported higher QoL scores, particularly in physical, psychological, and social domains, compared to their medical counterparts (P-values <0.001, 0.007, and 0.002, respectively). No significant differences were observed between genders in any of the domains. Academic performance satisfaction significantly correlated with higher QoL scores across all domains (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This multi-center study sheds light on diverse aspects influencing QoL of Egyptian university students. The findings underscore the importance of addressing academic stressors, promoting health behaviors, and tailoring interventions based on students' academic backgrounds with larger and more representative samples.

Utilizing digital technologies to promote well-being in university students: the 'DigiWell' research protocol.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the well-being of university students, particularly those in healthcare and medical programs. Psychological interventions rooted in positive psychology have proven effective in enhancing mental health, with online and digital delivery methods proving to be equally viable. This study aims to enhance mental health among Italian university students through digital interventions, including virtual reality, utilizing a stepped care approach. Specific objectives include implementing online positive interventions for students experiencing mild distress (DigiWell_Step 1), evaluating a Virtual-Reality intervention for moderate distress (DigiWell_Step 2), and identifying students experiencing high distress or optimal well-being. Cluster analyses and linear models will assess intervention outcomes. It is anticipated that students undergoing these steps will experience significant improvements in well-being and distress reduction, with sustained benefits at a three-month follow-up. This research contributes to understanding the efficacy of mental health interventions for university students, leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility and user engagement. The integration of digital technologies enhances the cost-effectiveness and engagement of interventions delivered through a stepped care approach tailored to the targeted population.

A rapid assessment of depressive and anxious symptoms among university students during the COVID-19 public health emergency: A repeated cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify potential associations between student characteristics and mental health symptoms during the early parts of the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS: 3,883 students at a large public university on the West Coast of the United States. METHODS: We conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey to assess health-protective behaviors, mental health, social support, and stigma resistance. The survey was administered in April 2020 and again in November/December 2020. Odds of mental health symptoms were estimated using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: 39% of respondents reported anxious symptoms, 9% reported depressive symptoms, and 27% reported both anxious and depressive symptoms. AAPI had lower odds of reporting both anxious/depressive symptoms compared to whites (OR = 0.59; 95% CI:0.43-0.81). CONCLUSION: Students reported elevated levels of psychological stress during the pandemic, yet our results may underestimate the actual odds due to stress brought on by COVID-19.