Purpose and mastery as predictors of perceived health and substance use problems

We explored whether purpose in life and mastery predicted perceived physical health and problematic substance use among a sample of emerging adults who reported ever using alcohol or drugs. We examined perceived stress and coping as potential mediators of these associations and explored whether parental support moderated any of these associations. In a sample of emerging adults from across the United States (N = 2,564; M _age = 20.87, standard deviation = 1.75; 49.6% male), purpose in life and mastery were associated with better‐perceived health and fewer negative consequences of drug use via lower perceived stress and coping. In addition, parental support modified the relationship between purpose in life and stress and coping. The findings suggest potential health benefits associated with a greater purpose in life and mastery and indicate that parental support may enhance these associations.     

Depression,perceived control,and life satisfaction in university students from Central-Eastern and Western Europe

The poor health and psychological well-being of people in the former socialist states of Central-Eastern Europe are of serious concern and may be related to low perceived control. We compared depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and self-rated health in 3,571 male and female university students from 5 Western European countries and 4,793 students from 5 Central-Eastern European countries. Depression scores (short Beck Depression Inventory; Beck & Beck, 1972) were higher in Central-Eastern than Western European samples. The prevalence of low life satisfaction was also greater in Central-Eastern Europeans, but ratings of self-rated health did not differ. Ratings of perceived control were diminished, but sense of mastery and internal health locus of control were higher in Central-Eastern Europe. Depression and low life satisfaction were associated with low perceived control and mastery and with strong beliefs in the influence of chance over health. However, taking these factors into account did not explain the East—West difference in depressive symptoms and low life satisfaction.     

Knowledge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis amongst Durban University of Technology students in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa: the need for integrating public health education

BackgroundKwazulu-Natal is the epicenter of South Africa''s Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) burden which represents a growing threat to public health. Knowledge and awareness of MDR-TB are crucial for effective management and University students are an important vehicle for knowledge transfer of public health education.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of MDR TB and risk factors for transmission, prevention, treatment and control of MDR-TB among Durban University of Technology (DUT) students.MethodsThis quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 randomly sampled undergraduate students from 3 faculties and data was collected using a validated questionnaire.ResultsWhile a majority of participants (70.67%) had previous knowledge on TB, only 30.67% knew of MDR-TB. Only 23.49% of students reported knowledge of preventative measures associated with MDR TB. Women had a lower probability of having knowledge of MDR-TB compared to men (OR=0.45; CI:0.22,0.95; p<0.05) and students from the Accounting and Informatics faculty were less likely to believe that MDR-TB was a life-threatening illness (OR=0.24; CI:0.05,1.44; p<0.05) and showed limited knowledge of MDR-TB transmission.ConclusionThis study showed that students lacked knowledge of MDR-TB with respect to risk factors, treatment and prevention, which necessitates intervention strategies at a tertiary level to educate and inform students about MDR-TB.     

Risk factors for hazardous drinking in university students from South Africa and Belgium: a cross-cultural comparison study

BackgroundPrevious studies have associated certain risk factors with hazardous drinking in students. However, big cultural and geographical differences exist regarding alcohol use.ObjectivesTo determine whether or not there was a difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students and to establish the risk factors that contribute to hazardous drinking in university students (calculated using the AUDIT-C) from a developing country (South Africa) and a developed country (Belgium).MethodsAn online survey assessing hazardous drinking among university students in South Africa (University of KwaZulu-Natal, UKZN) and Belgium (University of Antwerp, UoA) was conducted, using the shortened version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Risk factors in males and females for hazardous drinking were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 499 students were included in the study (250 UoA and 249 UKZN students). A significant higher amount of male (94.8%) as well as female (92.4%) UoA students drank alcohol in the last year compared to the male (66.2%) and female (67.8%) UKZN students (p<0.001). Additionally, a significant higher amount of UoA students were hazardous drinkers, compared to the UKZN students (p<0.001). Multivaiate analysis showed that male UoA students were almost 6 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than male UKZN students (OR=5.611, p=0.005). Female UoA students were more than twice as likely to be hazardous drinkers than female UKZN students (OR=2.371, p=0.016).ConclusionThis study found a significant difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students.     

大学生的感戴与归因方式、领悟社会支持

目的:探讨大学生感戴与归因方式和领悟社会支持之间的关系。方法:采用方便取样,选取河南省某综合性大学320名大学生为被试(其中主动参与过志愿者活动272人),采用归因风格问卷(ASQ)、大学生感戴量表(SCSG)及领悟社会支持量表(PSSS)进行调查。结果:主动参与过志愿者活动的大学生的感戴量表总分和感戴广度得分均高于没有主动参与过志愿者活动的大学生(P﹤0.05)。积极归因、领悟社会支持均与大学生感戴呈正相关(r=0.24、0.49,均P﹤0.01);领悟社会支持在积极归因和大学生感戴的关系中有部分中介效应,中介效应占总效应的41.1%。结论:积极归因能通过增强大学生的领悟社会支持能力而提升其感戴水平。     

Relationship of health locus of control with specific health behaviours and global health appraisal: a meta-analysis and effects of moderators

Health locus of control (HLOC) refers to beliefs regarding how one’s health is influenced by oneself, others, or fate. This meta-analysis investigated whether three HLOC dimensions (internality/I-HLOC, powerful others/P-HLOC, chance/C-HLOC) were related to both specific health behaviours and global health appraisal, and whether these relationships were moderated by gender and age compositions, individualism, and power distance. Three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis was performed on studies examining the associations of HLOC with specific health behaviour (k?=?76, N?=?76,580, 57% women, M_age?=?43.75) and global health appraisal (k?=?95, N?=?12,068, 57% women, M_age?=?45.44), respectively. For specific health behaviour, the averaged correlations with the HLOC dimensions were generally weak (r’s?=??.07 to .10). However, the links between P-HLOC and exercise were moderated by all four demographic moderators, and gender composition and individualism moderated the association between the HLOC dimensions and diet. For global health appraisal, all of the averaged correlations were statistically significant (r’s?=??.16 to .21), except that between P-HLOC and mental quality of life. The results further showed individualism and power distance to moderate the links between the HLOC dimensions and both mental and physical quality of life, and gender composition to moderate those between these dimensions and two indicators of emotional problems (depression and anxiety).     

Gender and psychiatric diagnosis: a profile of admissions to mental hospitals in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Summary Objectives: This retrospective, epidemiological study aimed to identify gender patterns of admission to public mental hospitals, with regard to psychiatric diagnosis and management. Methods: The hospital records of a random, stratified sample of all 7938 patients admitted to the three psychiatric hospitals in the Western Cape Province for a calendar year were studied for gender differences regarding demographic features, admission-related variables, DSM-IV diagnosis, as well as management during hospitalisation and on discharge. Results: Findings were that more women than men were admitted overall. For women the main DSM-IV diagnoses were mood (41%) followed by psychotic disorders (29%); while for men the main diagnoses were psychotic disorders (47%) and substance abuse (23%). Significantly more women than men were labelled with mood, anxiety and adjustment disorders, and with avoidant, dependent, histrionic and borderline personality disorders. Significantly more men were diagnosed as substance abusers, schizophrenic and with cognitive disorders, and also anti-social personality disorder. More women were medicated, both during hospitalisation and on discharge; and more women also received ECT, while more men absconded from hospital. Conclusions: While some results confirm international research, there are areas of variance, as in schizophrenic and bipolar disorders. The findings have psychiatric service implications and indicate the need for further research into the gendered development of psychopathology.     

Psychosocial correlates of condom use consistency among Isixhosa-speaking women living with HIV in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Many HIV-positive South African women continue to have unprotected sex. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess correlates of condom use consistency among Xhosa-speaking HIV-positive women in South Africa. One hundred and twenty women were recruited from five primary care clinics and completed a questionnaire. Regression analyses indicated that assertive negotiation and self efficacy for condom use were proximal correlates of condom use consistency. Mediation analyses showed that self-efficacy for assertive negotiation is a distal correlate of condom use consistency.We propose a framework of correlates of condom use consistency to inform future intervention development.     

Depression,anxiety, and stress among Ugandan university students during the COVID-19 lockdown: an online survey

BackgroundCOVID19 pandemic forced most countries to lockdown, leading to the prolonged closure of many learning institutions. This dramatic shift led to increase of mental illness symptoms among university students.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Uganda''s university students during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsWe conducted a one-month online survey using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).ResultsParticipants n=321 were enrolled with mean age, 24.8(SD=5.1) years and 198(61.7%) were males. The prevalence of mental health symptoms among participants was 80.7%, 98.4%, and 77.9% for depression, high levels of anxiety, and stress, respectively. Statistically significant association between mental health symptoms on multi-logistic regression was found with Males (depression=2.97[1.61–5.48] and stress=1.90[1.07–3.35]), engagement in leisure activity (depression= 1.87[1.01–3.49] and stress=1.98[1.10–3.56]), and being finalist (stress=0.55[0.31- 0.97]). Use of addictive substances seem to potentially alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in the short term.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest a high prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among university students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Students'' mental health should be monitored by all stakeholders, especially as the pandemic progresses.     

Effects of health education on HIV/AIDS related knowledge among first year university students in China

BackgroundThe number of new HIV infections has increased and implementation of school-based health education programs on AIDS have been advocated for a long time.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effectiveness of an intervention of HIV/AIDS on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and control among first year university students.MethodsAn awareness questionnaire was adopted to assess awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS pre- and post-health education among first year university students in Qinghai, China. Independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsA total of 2,165 and 2,062 first year university students were respectively recruited pre- and post- HIV/AIDS health education. The awareness rate increased significantly after the health education intervention (from 48.59%, 95%CI: 46.47%–50.72% to 76.24%, 95%CI: 74.35%–78.06%). Students from Hui and Tibetan ethnicities, and those holding prejudices against AIDS patients were less knowledgeable than their counterparts regarding HIV/AIDS related knowledge, whereas urban-dwellers and those with higher paternal education were positively associated with awareness of HIV/AIDS related knowledge (p <0.05).ConclusionHIV/AIDS awareness among first year university students improved greatly after receiving an education intervention, which underscores its utility as part of the approaches of HIV/AIDS control and prevention.     

农村中学生精神卫生状况影响因素分析

目前，青少年心理健康问题日益受到重视，有关大、中学生的心理卫生调查研来已有不少报道’－‘。为了解农村中学生的精神卫生状况，寻找影响其心理健康的相关因素．并为预防心理疾病提供参考依据．我们对劲利县第七中学的中学生进行了调查。1资料及方法1．1对象选择我校高一至高三的学生，采取分层整群抽样方法，每年级抽取一个班共156人，男94人、女62人；一年级52人、二年级46人、三年级58人；年龄15～20岁·平均164士25岁。1·2方法采用症状自评量表（SCI，－90）［‘j和修订的艾森克个性问卷（EPQ）［’：；按指导语对每个学生进行…     

A founder BRCA2 mutation in non-Afrikaner breast cancer patients of the Western Cape of South Africa

Founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been reported in many different populations. We studied 105 Coloured and 16 Black Xhosa women residing in the Western Cape of South Africa diagnosed with breast cancer. We screened these patients using our standard panel of six previously reported SA Afrikaner and Ashkenazi Jewish BRCA1/2 mutations and identified only two Afrikaner mutations. Further screening by the protein truncation test (BRCA1 exon 11, and BRCA2 exons 10 and 11) revealed an additional four deleterious mutations (BRCA1 c.1504_ 1508del,p.Leu502AlafsX2, BRCA2 c.2826_2829del,p.Ile943LysfsX16, c.6447_6448dup,p.Lys2150IlefsX19 and c.5771_5774del,p.Ile1924Argfs X38). The latter, also known in Breast Cancer Information Core nomenclature as 5999del4, was identified in 4 of 105 (3.8%) Coloureds and 4 of 16 (25%) Xhosa women, which makes it a frequent founder mutation in the Western Cape Province. Although this mutation was previously reported to occur in the Netherlands, haplotype analysis indicated two distinct origins for the Dutch and South African mutations, excluding the possibility of a common Dutch ancestor and suggesting gene flow from the indigenous tribes such as the Xhosa to the Coloured population instead. Further studies to determine the carrier rate of this variant in the Xhosa and other SA populations are warranted.     

Help-seeking behaviour,barriers to care and experiences of care among persons with depression in Eastern Cape,South Africa

Background

Little is known about the help-seeking behaviour and barriers to care among people with depression in poor resource settings in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional population-based study including 977 persons aged 18-40 living in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The prevalence of depression was investigated with the help of a questionnaire (the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Several socio-economic variables, statements on help-seeking and perceptions of earlier mental health care were included. Data collection was performed from March to July 2012.

Results

The prevalence of depression was 31.4%. People aged 18-29 and those with no or low incomes were less likely to seek help. Promotive factors for help-seeking included having social support and tuberculosis comorbidity. Of all people with depression in this sample, 57% did not seek health care at all even though they felt they needed it. Of the variety of barriers identified, those of most significance were related to stigma, lack of knowledge of their own illness and its treatability as well as financial constraints.

Limitation

Recall bias may be present and the people identified with depression were asked if they ever felt so emotionally troubled that they felt they should seek help; however, we do not know if they had depression at the time they referred to.

Conclusions

Depression is highly prevalent among young adults in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; however, many do not seek help. Health planners should increase mental health literacy in the communities and improve the competence of the health staff.     

Knowledge and impressions regarding the concept of mutation among Japanese university students

Although the term mutation is frequently used in genetic counseling, it may carry negative connotations and create misunderstanding. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the impressions regarding three Japanese terms mutation of gene , change of gene , and lesion of gene as well as to investigate the depth of understanding regarding mutation. A total of 175 university students and auditing students were included and responded to two questionnaires that were Impressions regarding the term in the semantic differential method and Knowledge about the concept of mutation . In factor analysis, three factors (Value, Change Rate, and Intention) were extracted. Participants were divided into three groups depending on their knowledge, and a two-way analysis of variance (Term × Knowledge Group) was conducted on the factor score for each. Results showed that the main effect of the 'Term' was significant for the Value Factor and that interaction was significant for the Change Rate Factor, and that the main effect of Knowledge Group was significant for the Intention Factor. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should demonstrate an awareness of varying impressions of the different terms used to refer to the identical concepts of mutation. This is of particular importance when communicating with patients and their families.     

Gender-based violence, alcohol use, and sexual risk among female patrons of drinking venues in Cape Town, South Africa

Gender-based violence is a well-recognized risk factor for HIV infection among women. Alcohol use is associated with both gender-based violence and sexual risk behavior, but has not been examined as a correlate of both in a context of both high HIV risk and hazardous drinking. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between recent abuse by a sex partner with alcohol and sexual risk behavior among female patrons of alcohol serving venues in South Africa. Specifically, the aim of this study is to determine whether sexual risk behaviors are associated with gender-based violence after controlling for levels of alcohol use. We surveyed 1,388 women attending informal drinking establishments in Cape Town, South Africa to assess recent history of gender-based violence, drinking, and sexual risk behaviors. Gender-based violence was associated with both drinking and sexual risk behaviors after controlling for demographics among the women. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for alcohol use sexual risk behavior remained significantly associated with gender-based violence, particularly with meeting a new sex partner at the bar, recent STI diagnosis, and engaging in transactional sex, but not protected intercourse or number of partners. In South Africa where heavy drinking is prevalent women may be at particular risk of physical abuse from intimate partners as well as higher sexual risk. Interventions that aim to reduce gender-based violence and sexual risk behaviors must directly work to reduce drinking behavior.