Showing papers in "Journal of American College Health in 2015"
TL;DR: Among students with apparent mental health problems, treatment utilization is higher at doctorate-granting institutions, baccalaureate colleges, institutions with small enrollments, and schools with strong residential systems.
Abstract: Objective: On US college campuses, mental health problems are highly prevalent, appear to be increasing, and are often untreated. Concerns about student mental health are well documented, but little is known about potential variations across the diversity of institutions of higher education. Participants: Participants were 43,210 undergraduates at 72 campuses that participated in the Healthy Minds Study from 2007 to 2013. Methods: Multivariable logistic regressions focus on associations between institutional characteristics and student mental health and treatment utilization. Results: The following institutional characteristics are associated with worse mental health: doctoral-granting, public, large enrollment, nonresidential, less competitive, and lower graduation rates. Among students with apparent mental health problems, treatment utilization is higher at doctorate-granting institutions, baccalaureate colleges, institutions with small enrollments, and schools with strong residential systems. C...
148 citations
TL;DR: Students experiencing mental health problems demonstrate increased risk for NSSI and/or suicidal behavior.
Abstract: Objective: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality among undergraduates represent important public health issues. This analysis identified risk factors that distinguished 3 groups, those who reported no history of self-harm; self-injury, but no suicide attempts (NSSI only); and self-injury and a suicide attempt (NSSI + SA) in the past year. Methods: Data came from 16,044 undergraduates who completed the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment. Results: Over 3% of students reported NSSI, and one third of these individuals also attempted suicide. Factors that distinguished the NSSI only and NSSI + SA groups from the no self-harm group included current depressive symptoms, nonheterosexual orientation, an eating disorder/extreme weight control behavior, and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Factors that distinguished the NSSI + SA group from the NSSI only group were current depressive symptoms and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Conclusions: Students experiencing mental healt...
90 citations
TL;DR: E-cigarette use among college students is exponentially on the rise, and its co-use with alcohol may contribute to negative outcomes in this population.
Abstract: Objective: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to rise, and current data regarding use of e-cigarettes among college students are needed. The purpose of this study was to examine e-cigarette use and the relation of such use with gender, race/ethnicity, traditional tobacco use, and heavy drinking. Participants and Methods: A sample of 599 college students enrolled in General Psychology at a state university completed a self-report questionnaire. Results: Twenty-nine percent of students reported prior use of e-cigarettes, with 14% reporting use in the past 30 days. E-cigarette use was linked to male gender but not to race/ethnicity. Dual use (ie, concurrent use of both traditional and e-cigarettes) was related to heavier use of traditional and e-cigarettes, and nicotine use was linked to pronounced rates of heavy drinking. Conclusions: E-cigarette use among college students is exponentially on the rise, and its co-use with alcohol may contribute to negative outcomes in this population.
76 citations
TL;DR: College Health Surveillance Network data establish trends in utilization and epidemiologic patterns by college students and the importance of primary and behavioral health care services on campuses.
Abstract: Objective: This description of the College Health Surveillance Network (CHSN) includes methodology, demography, epidemiology, and health care utilization. Participants: Twenty-three universities representing approximately 730,000 enrolled students contributed data from January 1, 2011, through May 31, 2014. Methods: Participating schools uploaded de-identified electronic health records from student health services monthly. Results: During this study, just over 800,000 individuals used the health centers, comprising 4.17 million patient encounters. Sixty percent of visits included primary care, 13% mental health, 9% vaccination, and 31% other miscellaneous services. The 5 most common specific diagnostic categories (with annual rates per 100 enrolled students) were preventive (16); respiratory (12); skin, hair, and nails; infectious non–sexually transmitted infection (5 each); and mental health (4). Utilization and epidemiologic trends are identified among subpopulations of students. Conclusions: CH...
73 citations
TL;DR: A majority of students and faculty support smoke-free campus policies, which may reduce smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, according to a meta-analysis.
Abstract: Objective: Systematically review studies of support for, and effectiveness of, university campuses’ smoke-free policies. Participants/Methods: A search was carried out for studies in English related to campus smoking bans through June 2013. Eligible studies had outcomes for student or faculty attitudes, or measures of smoking prevalence or secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Results: Nineteen eligible studies were identified, 18 from the United States and 1 from the United Kingdom. A meta-analysis found 58.94% (95% confidence interval [CI] [52.35%, 65.53%]) of students (12 studies) and 68.39% (95% CI [65.12%, 71.67%]) of faculty (7 studies) supported smoke-free policies. Both studies measuring student smoking prevalence indicated a postban reduction (16.5% to 12.8% after 1 year [p < .001] and 9.5% to 7.0% [p = .036] after 3 years). Only 5% of UK universities were smoke-free compared with 25% of US universities. Conclusions: A majority of students and faculty support smoke-free campus policies, which ...
58 citations
TL;DR: Improving mental health treatment seeking among racial/ethnic minority college students should involve decreasing treatment barriers, improving access to affordable options, providing flexible scheduling or time-limited options, and decreasing stigma.
Abstract: Objective: This study examined mental health treatment barriers following intake at a counseling center among racially/ethnically diverse college students. Methods: College students (N = 122) seen for intake at a college counseling center in 2012–2013 completed self-reports of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and mental health treatment barriers 6 months later. Results: Racial/ethnic minority students less often reported previous mental health treatment and treatment after being seen at the counseling center, compared with white students. They also endorsed more treatment barriers—most commonly, financial concerns and lack of time—and more often endorsed stigma-related concerns. Treatment barriers were associated with not following through with counseling center recommendations and with greater depressive symptom severity but not with suicidal ideation during follow-up. Conclusions: Improving mental health treatment seeking among racial/ethnic minority college students should involve decrea...
57 citations
TL;DR: Results from the current study can be used by college administrators and counseling centers to improve service delivery and programming specifically for student veterans.
Abstract: Context: Research has indicated that returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans are experiencing mental health concerns following deployment. Increasing numbers...
56 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that ADHD impairs relationship quality among young adults and suggest mechanisms through which this impairment might occur.
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom levels in college undergraduates are associated with poorer romantic relationship quality, and to test whether emotion regulation difficulties, perceived stress, and hostile relationship conflict mediate this association. Participants: The sample consisted of 189 undergraduate students aged 18 to 25. Methods: Self-report measures of ADHD symptoms, relationship quality, and the proposed mediators were collected via online survey from May through August 2011. Results: Participants who reported clinically significant levels of both hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattentiveness (consistent with ADHD-C) had lower relationship quality than those whose self-reported symptoms indicated no ADHD diagnosis. Further, for women only, both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptom levels were negatively associated with relationship quality. Emotion regulation problems and hostile relationship ...
54 citations
TL;DR: There was a strong trend suggesting that the use of a medication reminder app was beneficial for adherence to antidepressant medication regimens.
Abstract: Objectives: To determine if medication reminding via smartphone app increases adherence to antidepressant medications in college students. Participants: College students (N = 57) enrolled at a state-funded institution who had a current prescription for an antidepressant and regularly used a smartphone device. Methods: Participants were randomized to either a reminder group or a control group. Both groups were asked to complete a survey and undergo a manual pill count at the beginning of the study and 30 days later. Results: There was a strong trend suggesting that the use of a medication reminder app was beneficial for adherence to antidepressant medication regimens. Factors influencing medication adherence in college students included health beliefs, use of illicit drugs, and type of professional care received. Conclusions: Use of a medication reminder may increase adherence to antidepressant medications in college students.
48 citations
TL;DR: Rate and predictors of HPV vaccination completion vary between NLW and AAPI women, and greater promotion of HPV literacy and gynecological service use should be made to young A API women to increase their HPV uptake.
Abstract: Purpose: Low rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women need to be addressed, particularly given the high incidence of cervical cancer in this population. The current study aims to investigate predictors of HPV vaccination in young AAPI and non-Latina white (NLW) women. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted of a health survey administered to college-aged women (N = 2,270) at a large public university in the Midwest. Andersen's behavioral model of health services utilization guided the study theoretically, and hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate research aim. Results: NLW women had a significantly higher rate of vaccine completion than AAPI women (NLW = 60.7%; AAPI = 38.6%). NLW women also scored higher on all 5 measures of HPV vaccine literacy than AAPI women. Both groups of undergraduate women reported that increasing age, knowledge about HPV, greater use of gynecological services, and ...
45 citations
TL;DR: Young males appeared to engage the most in risky health behaviors and had higher levels of overweight or obesity, compared with young females, and confirm the need for innovative interventions targeting this understudied and underserved young adult population.
Abstract: Objectives and Participants: The purpose of this article is to describe weight indicators and weight-related behaviors of students enrolled in 2-year colleges, including sex differences. Methods: During Fall 2011 and Spring 2012, 441 students from 3 Minnesota community colleges enrolled in the Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings (CHOICES) Study and completed baseline assessments. Participants completed a baseline survey evaluating eating and activity patterns, sleep, and stress and measures of height, weight, waist circumference, and body fat. Results: Participants were primarily female (68%), white (73%), with a mean age of 22.8 years, and 66.2% reporting an annual income < $12,000. Almost half (47%) were overweight or obese. Young males appeared to engage the most in risky health behaviors and had higher levels of overweight or obesity, compared with young females. Conclusions: Findings confirm the need for innovative interventions targeting this understudied and unders...
TL;DR: Students’ family belongingness seems to have a significant role in their manifestation of suicidal ideation, and was the only domain of belongingness that made a significant, unique, and negative contribution to suicidal Ideation.
Abstract: Objective: In this study, the relationships between 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) were examined with respect to suicidal ideation. Participants: A sample (N = 249) of undergraduate students was recruited from a large, midwestern university during the Spring 2013 semester. Methods: Multiple regression analysis examined whether the 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) significantly contributed to explaining variance in suicidal ideation. Results: Findings indicated that the 3 domains of belongingness accounted for 9.4% of the variance for suicidal ideation. Family belongingness was the only domain of belongingness that made a significant, unique, and negative contribution to suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Students’ family belongingness seems to have a significant role in their manifestation of suicidal ideation.
TL;DR: The positive role of virtues in stressful situations among Chinese undergraduates is clarified and benefit the college health professionals in attending strengths of their clients in practice both in Eastern and Western countries.
Abstract: Objective: This study explored the relationship among virtues, self-perceived life stress, and psychological symptoms. Participants: A total of 235 undergraduates participated in the study in March 2013. Methods: The participants were recruited to complete the Life Stress Rating Scale for College Students, the Chinese Virtues Questionnaire that measures 3 virtues (relationship, vitality, and conscientiousness), and the Symptom Checklist-90. Results: Regression analyses indicated that the perceived stress from minor events explained approximately 35.00% of the variance of psychological symptoms. Both vitality and conscientiousness contributed to another 6.00% of psychological symptoms. Perceived stress from minor events mediated the relationship between vitality and psychological symptoms, whereas conscientiousness directly affected psychological symptoms regardless of the perceived stress level. Conclusion: This study clarified the positive role of virtues in stressful situations among Chinese und...
TL;DR: The on-campus and off-campus environments differ in ways that may impact the ability of undergraduate students to be physically active.
Abstract: Objective: To identify differences in neighborhood environment and their association with physical activity (PA) levels of on-campus compared with off-campus students. Participants: Participants were 822 undergraduate students at a mid-sized mid-Atlantic university. Methods: Students completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale–Abbreviated and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in October 2013. Results: Lower residential density, traffic safety, and crime scores and higher land-use mix diversity, aesthetics, and lack of parking scores were reported among on-campus residents. On-campus residents reported higher levels of active transportation PA, leisure PA, and total PA. Land-use mix diversity, aesthetics, and lack of cul-de-sacs were associated with physical activity level. Conclusion: The on-campus and off-campus environments differ in ways that may impact the ability of undergraduate students to be physically active. Strategies to promote continued active transportati...
TL;DR: There was a gradual shift in the dietary patterns of international students towards the American diet, which led to weight gain among some of the students, which may potentially have a negative impact on their health status if continued for longer time periods.
Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to determine the impact of dietary acculturation on the health status of newly arrived international students at Virginia Tech in Fall 2010. Participants: Thirty-five international students, 18–36 years of age, completed the study. Methods: Data were collected at 3 different time periods (V1, V2, and V3) approximately 6 weeks apart. A food frequency– and dietary pattern–related questionnaire was administered and numerically coded responses were analyzed. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data were also collected at V1, V2, and V3. Body weight, fasting blood glucose level, and blood pressure of study participants were also determined at each time period. Results: Total sample population (TSP) had a significant increase in mean weight of 2.79 lb from visit 1 (V1) to visit 3 (V3) (p = .0082). Ten participants gained an average of 9.0 lb (participants who gained weight; n = 10). There was also an increase in the frequency of consumption of high-calorie American food i...
TL;DR: Greater perceived stress and poorer resources to cope with stress may contribute to emotional eating during the transition to college and body mass index moderated the emotional eating-stress relationship.
Abstract: Objective: This study sought to (1) examine perceived stress and resources to cope with stress as predictors of emotional eating during the transition to college and (2) determine whether body mass index (BMI) moderated the emotional eating-stress relationship. Participants: Participants were 97 college freshmen (73% female; BMI: M = 25.3 kg/m2, SD = 5.7 kg/m2). Research was conducted in September 2012. Methods: Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Emotional Eating Scale, and Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire during the first month of college. Height and weight were measured objectively. Results: BMI moderated the relationship between perceived stress and emotional eating. Higher stress predicted greater emotional eating for the lower BMI groups, but not the highest group. Greater resources to cope with stress predicted lower emotional eating. Conclusions: Greater perceived stress and poorer resources to cope with stress may contribute to emotional eating ...
TL;DR: Depression, anxiety, and ADHD are common among students referred by college counseling centers for medication evaluation and treatment and were the most common psychiatric problems identified in students.
Abstract: Objective: To describe diagnostic and psychotropic medication prescription characteristics among college students referred by college counseling centers for psychopharmacologic evaluation. Participants: Participants were 540 college students referred by 6 college counseling centers in Massachusetts between November 2005 and May 2011. Methods: Students completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and attempts, and substance use. Information regarding DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition) diagnosis, previous history of medication prescription, and current psychotropic medication(s) prescribed by the consulting psychiatrist was obtained from medical records. Results: Depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were the most common psychiatric problems identified in students. Half of these students had been prescribed mediation prior to evaluation. Antidepressant medication was the most frequently prescribed...
TL;DR: The discrepancy between potential need and treatment seeking suggests that colleges might be helpful in further facilitating mental health service use for student SM/Vs, which have unmet mental health needs.
Abstract: . Objective: To compare mental health symptoms and service utilization among returning student and nonstudent service members/veterans (SM/Vs). Participants: SM/Vs (N = 1,439) were predomin...
TL;DR: The hypothesis that SSM/Vs who report adjustment problems in college have a higher incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other behavioral health problems compared with those who do not report adjustment issues is tested.
Abstract: . Objective: Increasing numbers of student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) are enrolling in college. However, little is known about how their previous military experience affects their ad...
TL;DR: College students who are self-reported frequent, long, and late nappers may have a higher risk of poor nighttime sleep quality and more severe sleep deprivation.
Abstract: .Objective: To examine the habit of napping and its relationship with nighttime sleep in college students. Participants: Four hundred and forty undergraduate students who responded to an anonymous online survey in April 2010. Methods: Three questions were asked to determine the frequency, length, and timing of napping during the past month. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The PSQI score significantly differed among self-reported nap-frequency (p = .047) and nap-length (p = .017) groups, with those who napped more than 3 times per week and those who napped more than 2 hours having the poorest sleep quality. Students who napped between 6 and 9 pm had shorter sleep on school nights compared with students in other nap-timing groups (p = .002). Conclusions: College students who are self-reported frequent, long, and late nappers may have a higher risk of poor nighttime sleep quality and more severe sleep deprivation.
TL;DR: It is suggested that all-inclusive interventions that address weight-related issues and stress may help reduce depressive symptoms, which then may reduce suicidal behavior.
Abstract: Objective: Through a holistic health lens, the current study examines the effects of weight-related issues and stress on suicidality while controlling for depressive symptoms in college students. Participants: In total, 872 undergraduate and graduate students at DePaul University completed the American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment II Web-based survey in Spring 2010. Methods: Measures of suicidality, depression, weight-related issues, and life stressors were assessed, along with gender differences. Results: Females reported experiencing more weight loss attempts and total stressors than males. Weight-related issues and stress both significantly predicted depressive symptoms in a path analysis; depressive symptoms, in turn, significantly predicted suicidality. Gender differences were found; depressive symptoms mediate the relation between stress and suicidal behavior for females but not for males. Implications: This investigation furthers previous research on suicida...
TL;DR: PTSD symptoms were associated with lower self-efficacy for learning and maladaptive academic goal orientation, andorsement of more positive relations moderated the deleterious relationship between PTSD symptoms and mal adaptive goal orientation.
Abstract: Objectives: To examine the relationships between self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived positive relations with others, self-regulation strategy use, and academic motivation among student service members/veterans (SSM/V) enrolled in postsecondary education. Participants: SSM/V (N = 214), defined as veterans, active duty, or National Guard/Reservists of the US military, enrolled at 5 different institutions in Fall 2012. Methods: Data were collected using an online questionnaire that included standardized measures of PTSD symptoms, perceived quality of personal relations, academic self-regulation strategy use, and academic motivation. Results: PTSD symptoms were associated with lower self-efficacy for learning and maladaptive academic goal orientation. Additionally, PTSD symptoms were associated with lower effort regulation (ie, persistence) during academic work. Endorsement of more positive relations moderated the deleterious relationship between PTSD symptoms and ma...
TL;DR: Self-harm may be a unique phenomenon among service members/veterans and suicide prevention with this population should include information about self-harm, and future research should explore whether suicidal intent underlies self- Harm.
Abstract: . Objectives: Using a sample of student service members/veterans, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and suicide-related outcomes and the association...
TL;DR: Substance use and some mental health disorders do not preclude inner-city veterans from entering higher education and being married, employed, or in college was predictive of overall life satisfaction.
Abstract: Objective: To identify the prevalence of substance use and mental health problems among veterans and student service members/veterans (SSM/V) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to New York City's ...
TL;DR: Results suggest a need for continued examination of student service members/veterans as related to disparities in mental health by sexual orientation, and indicate student veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or unsure had higher levels of mental health symptoms and treatment.
Abstract: . Objective: Explore the mental health differences of student veterans by sexual orientation. Participants: Student service members/veterans (N = 702) from the Fall 2011 National College He...
TL;DR: The Ambassador Program was a feasible and potentially effective strategy to increase policy compliance and there were declines in observed violators per Ambassador visit and number of cigarette butts over time.
Abstract: Objective: Assess impact and feasibility of a Tobacco-Free Ambassador Program on campus policy compliance. Participants: Trained Ambassadors made 253 visits to campus sites over 15 months to observe and/or approach violators. Methods: Policy violators were observed at 23 locations during Wave 1 (April–June 2012) and/or Wave 2 (April–June 2013). For locations with at least 5 visits, average violators per visit were compared between the 2 waves using a paired t test. Attributes of violators were summarized. Cigarette butts were collected over 3-day periods in 4 campus hotspots during each wave. Personnel time and cost to implement the program were determined. Results: There were declines in observed violators per Ambassador visit and number of cigarette butts over time. Rate of violators per visit declined from 5.47 to 1.93, a 65% decrease. Personnel time was equal to 1.5 full-time equivalents annually. Conclusions: The Ambassador Program was a feasible and potentially effective strategy to increase...
TL;DR: The psychometric properties of a newly formed measure designed to assess professor/instructor bullying, as well as teacher bullying occurring prior to college, demonstrated strong criterion validity and internal consistency.
Abstract: Objective: This study developed and examined the psychometric properties of a newly formed measure designed to assess professor/instructor bullying, as well as teacher bullying occurring prior to college. Additionally, prevalence of instructor bullying and characteristics related to victims of instructor bullying were examined. Participants: Participants were 337 college students recruited in 2012 from a northeastern university. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to college students. A split-half, cross-validation approach was employed for measurement development. Results: The measure demonstrated strong criterion validity and internal consistency. Approximately half of students reported witnessing professor/instructor bullying and 18% reported being bullied by a professor/instructor. Report of teacher bullying occurring prior to college was related to professor/instructor bullying in college, and sex was a moderating variable. Conclusion: College students perceive instructor bullyi...
TL;DR: By combining both primary prevention and risk reduction approaches, Elemental is not only effective at reducing incidences of assault, it is also consistent with a number of recent recommendations for directions in sexual assault prevention programming.
Abstract: Objective: The object of this study is to extend prior evaluations of Elemental, a sexual assault protection program that combines primary prevention and risk reduction strategies within a single program. Participants and Methods: During 2012 and 2013, program group and control group students completed pretest, posttest, and 6-week and 6-month follow-up surveys assessing sexual attitudes and knowledge as well as experiences with assault. Results: The results reinforce previous findings that Elemental is effective in reducing sexual assault risk. Program effects were both direct, in that participation was associated with lower risk of assault, and mediated, in that participation impacted attitudes and beliefs that are empirically linked to risk of later assault. Conclusions: By combining both primary prevention and risk reduction approaches, Elemental is not only effective at reducing incidences of assault, it is also consistent with a number of recent recommendations for directions in sexual assau...
TL;DR: The perceived credibility of health information from traditional mass media was positively and significantly associated with college students' perception of health apps, but there was no significant effect in regards to online media.
Abstract: Objective: This study explored the potential relationships between existing media and health apps for health information among college students. Participants: This study collected and analyzed a total of 408 surveys from students of 7 universities across the United States. Methods: In order to explore the research questions and test the hypotheses, quantitative data from the online survey were analyzed through hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Results from the hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the perceived credibility of health information from traditional mass media was positively and significantly associated with college students' perception of health apps. However, there was no significant effect in regards to online media. Conclusions: This study's consideration of the relationships between existing media and health apps may guide health practitioners in their strategic approaches to improve the well-being of college students.
TL;DR: Campuses should address ACHA recommendations related to campus relationships with tobacco companies, include enforceable rules, and specify individuals and entities covered by policy.
Abstract: Objective: To measure comprehensiveness of California campus tobacco policies. Participants: Sixteen campuses representing different regions, institution types, and policies. Research occurred June–August 2013. Methods: Comprehensiveness was scored using American College Health Association's (ACHA) Position Statement on Tobacco. The Institutional Grammar Tool was used to breakdown policy statements into Strategies, Norms, or Rules. Differences in ACHA score and number of Strategies, Norms, and Rules were assessed by region, policy, and institution type. Results: Median ACHA score was 0.35 (scale of 0–1). Schools with 100% tobacco-free policies had highest ACHA scores, but failed to address relationships between schools and tobacco companies. Less than half the schools assessed (7/16) had Rules (enforceable penalties related to policies). In 67% of the policy statements, individuals doing the action were implied (not specifically stated). Conclusion: Campuses should address ACHA recommendations rel...