Perceived Stress,Energy Drink Consumption,and Academic Performance Among College Students

Abstract

Objective: This study explored relationships regarding perceived stress, energy drink consumption, and academic performance among college students. Participants: Participants included 136 undergraduates attending a large southern plains university. Methods: Participants completed surveys including items from the Perceived Stress Scale ¹ Cohen, S, Kamarck, T and Mermelstein, R. 1983. A global measure of perceived stress. J Health Soc Behav, 24: 385–396. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] and items to describe energy drink consumption, academic performance, and demographics. Results: Positive correlations existed between participants’ perceived stress and energy drink consumption. Participants’ energy drink consumption and academic performance were negatively correlated. Freshmen (M = 0.330) and sophomores (M = 0.408) consumed a lower number of energy drinks yesterday than juniors (M = 1.000). Males reported higher means than females for selected energy drink consumption items. Statistically significant interactions existed between gender and year in school for selected energy drink consumption items. Conclusions: Results confirm gender differences in energy drink consumption and illuminate a need for education regarding use of energy drinks in response to perceived stress.     

Energy Drinks,Weight Loss,and Disordered Eating Behaviors

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined energy drink consumption and relations with weight loss attempts and behaviors, body image, and eating disorders. Participants/Methods: This is a secondary analysis using data from 856 undergraduate students who completed the American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment II confidentially online during February 2012. Results: This study revealed that the majority reported lifetime consumption of energy drinks (68.4%) and a substantial minority (30.2%) reported past-30-day consumption. Chi-square and t test results suggest that consumption is associated with concerns about personal appearance, weight loss attempts, and disordered eating behaviors (eg, vomiting). Hierarchical logistic regressions revealed that after controlling for demographics, the relations between energy drink consumption and the act of trying to lose weight, the use of diet pills, and the use of vomiting/laxatives remained significant. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that energy drink consumption is associated with weight loss attempts, poor body image, and unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Future research should examine the prevalence of energy drink consumption for the purpose of weight loss.     

Racial and sex differences of fruit and vegetable self-efficacy and intake among college students in a rural,southern location

Abstract

Objective: To examine fruit and vegetable intake and self-efficacy among U.S. college students in a rural, Southern location. Participants: Undergraduate students (n?=?1503) enrolled in a university-wide health class at one large public institution during the spring 2017 semester. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected online and analyzed using independent samples t test, one-way ANOVA, and regression. Results: On average, participants did not meet fruit or vegetable intake recommendations. Mean self-efficacy scores were 17.2 (SD?=?3.4) and 16.42 (SD?=?3.7) for fruit and vegetables, respectively, with statistically significant differences observed by sex and race (p?<?0.05). Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated self-efficacy explained 20.9% (fruit) and 29.3% (vegetables) of the variance in consumption. Similar patterns were found for meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. Conclusions: Health campaigns are needed to address sex and racial disparities in college student fruit and vegetable intake and self-efficacy.     

The relationship between sleep and autonomic health

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between sleep and resting autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in college students. Participants: Participants were 141 undergraduate students (52 males) recruited from a large southeastern university during September–October 2017. Methods: Participants completed self-report inventories (demographic and sleep characteristics). Resting state skin conductance (SC) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in a laboratory setting for ANS functioning. Results: SC was positively associated with sleep quality (p?=?0.027), sleep latency (p?=?0.040), and use of sleep medication (p?<?0.001). Analyses yielded a negative association between the standard deviation of the normal-normal interval of heart beats (SDNN) and the self-reported amount of time to fall asleep each night (p?=?0.041). Sleep efficiency was negatively correlated with low frequency HRV (p?=?0.002). Conclusions: Sleep components are associated with resting ANS activity, and targeted interventions focused on improved ANS functioning may benefit sleep quality in college students.     

Living status in patients over 85 years of age after TUVRP

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate surgical risk and post-operative quality of living status in patients over 85 years of age after transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP).

Methods: Sixty patients over 85 years of age underwent TUVRP were compared with 228 patients less than the age of 80 years. Group A was 60 patients greater than 85 years of age, Group B was 137 patients from 71 to 79 years of age, and Group C was 91 patients from 60 to 70 years of age.

Results: In Group A, pre-operative ASA grade was higher than the other two groups, compared with Group C, p?<?0.01. Operating time was 40.03?±?18.90?min, compared in the three groups, p?>?0.05. Follow-up was obtained in 49 (81.67%) patients; of them 10 patients were deaths with a survival time of 22.90?±?11.14 months. In the 39 survivors, post-operative IPSS score was 11.17?±?6.9, compared with Group B, p?>?0.05 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Quality of Life (QOL) index was 1.11?±?0.80, compared with Group B, p?<?0.001 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Barthel Index score in 16 patients was >60 and the score was 82.81?±?8.56 pre-operatively. The patients with >60 were increased to 19 cases and the score was improved to 90.93?±?7.58 (p?<?0.001) in follow-up.

Conclusion: Surgical risk in patients over 85 years of age was higher than patients less than the age of 80 years. A safety TUVRP could improve their voiding function and activities of daily living.     

HIV knowledge mediates the relationship between HIV testing history and stigma in college students

ABSTRACT

Objective: HIV-related stigma is one of the strongest barriers to prevention and treatment. HIV prevalence in U.S. college students is estimated around 0.02%, but is thought to be drastically underreported. We examined the influence of HIV knowledge on the relationship between HIV testing history and stigma in college students. Participants: A random sample of 2343 students, over the age of 18, attending a large university in the southeastern United States completed the survey in January 2016. Methods: A mediation model was constructed in regression framework to explore the relationship between HIV testing history, knowledge, and stigma. Results: HIV testing history was associated with higher knowledge scores (a path: B = 4.08, p < .001) and higher knowledge scores were associated with lower stigma (b path: B = .01, p < .001). These results suggest that HIV knowledge partially mediates the relation between HIV testing history and stigma in college students. Conclusions: HIV testing history may decrease stigma by increasing knowledge. Results can be used to inform college health promotion practice on developing programs and services.     

Association between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome in adult men

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome (MS) in men older than 45 years.

Methods: Six hundred and sixty men (45–70 years) selected from 2906 participants of a population screening for prostate cancer were included in this study. Testosterone and the components of MS were assessed in all men. MS was diagnosed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Triglycerides (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (chol) index was calculated.

Results: The presence of MS was inversely associated with testosterone (χ², p?<?0.001), independently of age (OR 0.802, CI 95%: 0.724–0.887, p?<?0.0001). Hypertension was the most frequent abnormality observed followed by elevated TG and waist circumference (WC). Testosterone correlated positively with HDL-chol (r: 0.14, p?<?0.0001) and negatively with body mass index (BMI)(r: ?0.29, p?<?0.0001), WC (r: ?0.26, p?<?0.0001), TG (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), TG/HDL-chol (r: ?0.20, p?<?0.0001), glucose (r: ?0.11, p?=?0.005) and MS score (r: ?0.23, p?<?0.0001).

Conclusions: Our results show that in men older than 45 years, as long as testosterone levels decline, the prevalence of MS increases, independently of age. The correlations found between testosterone and four of the five components of MS, as well as with BMI and TG/HDL-chol ratio, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, suggest considering male hypogonadism as a determinant of developmental abnormalities typical of MS.     

The Effect of Religiosity and Campus Alcohol Culture on Collegiate Alcohol Consumption

Abstract

Religiosity and campus culture were examined in relationship to alcohol consumption among college students using reference group theory. Participants and Methods: College students (N = 530) at a religious college and at a state university complete questionnaires on alcohol use and religiosity. Statistical tests and logistic regression were utilized to examine alcohol use, religiosity, and campus environment. Results: Alcohol consumption was significantly higher among students at the university (M = 26.9 drinks) versus students at the religious college (M = 11.9 drinks). University students also had lower religiosity scores (M = 23.8) than students at the religious college (M = 26.5). Students who attend a secular university are 4 times more likely to be moderate or heavy drinkers compared to students attending a religiously affiliated college. Students with the least religiosity were 27 times more likely to be a heavy alcohol user and 9 times more likely to be a moderate alcohol user compared to students with greater religiosity.     

The Relationship Between Pathological Gambling and Sensation Seeking: The Role of Subscale Scores

Research investigating the relationship between gambling and sensation seeking has yet to establish conclusively whether pathological gamblers (PGs) are more or less sensation seeking than nonpathological gamblers (NPGs). Sensation seeking is usually measured with the Zuckerman et al. (J Consult Clin Psychol 46:139–149, 1978) SS Scale form V (SSS-V). Whereas previous studies relied on the SSS-V total score, the current study uses two samples to demonstrate the importance of the SSS-V subscales, which include Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TA), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (DS), and Boredom Susceptibility (BS). In two samples, strong intrascale correlations between DS and BS, and between TA and ES, suggest that certain subscales reflect similar underlying characteristics. In both samples PGs displayed higher scores than NPGs on the DS and BS subscales, with mean differences in Sample 2 reaching significant levels for both DS and BS. Results support the notion that the SSS-V can be divided into concepts reflecting actual behavior, based on the DS and BS subscales, and hypothetical behavior, based on the TA and ES subscales. Furthermore, PGs appear to have a preference for the more behavioral subscales while NPGs show a preference for the more hypothetical subscales. Reasons for the subscale divisions and preferences are discussed.     

Caffeine intake is not associated with serum testosterone levels in adult men: cross-sectional findings from the NHANES 1999–2004 and 2011–2012

Objective: The association of caffeine intake with testosterone remains unclear. We evaluated the association of caffeine intake with serum testosterone among American men and determined whether this association varied by race/ethnicity and measurements of adiposity.

Methods: Data were analyzed for 2581 men (≥20?years old) who participated in the cycles of the NHANES 1999–2004 and 2011–2012, a cross-sectional study. Testosterone (ng/mL) was measured by immunoassay among men who participated in the morning examination session. We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data to estimate caffeine intake (mg/day). Multivariable weighted linear regression models were conducted.

Results: We identified no linear relationship between caffeine intake and testosterone levels in the total population, but there was a non-linear association (p_nonlinearity?p_nonlinearity?≤?.03 both) and only among men with waist circumference <102?cm and body mass index <25?kg/m² (p_nonlinearity?Conclusion: No linear association was identified between levels of caffeine intake and testosterone in US men, but we observed a non-linear association, including among racial/ethnic groups and measurements of adiposity in this cross-sectional study. These associations are warranted to be investigated in larger prospective studies.     

Risk in childhood family environments and loneliness in college students: Implications for health

Abstract

Objective: To investigate associations between risk in family environments and health-relevant outcomes in college and the role of loneliness. Participants: College students at a state university (N?=?360). Methods: We utilized linear regression to examine relationships between risk in family environments and loneliness, perceived stress, affect, and self-rated health. We tested for indirect effects of risk in family environments on outcomes through loneliness Results: Analyses showed that risk in family environments associated with loneliness (β?=?0.12 t[358]?=?2.22, p = .03, R² change = .02), perceived social stress (β?=?0.20, t[357]?=?3.88, p?<?0.001, R² change = .04), negative and positive affect (β?=?2.44, t[357]?=?3.95, p < .001, R² change = .04), and (β = –0.18 t[357]= –3.44, p = .001, R² change = .03 respectively), and self-rated health (β?=?0.19, t[359]?=?4.57, p < .001, R² change = .10). Significant indirect effects were observed for risk in early family on all outcomes through loneliness. Conclusion: These findings provide initial evidence that risk in childhood family environments may negatively affect health by increasing loneliness in college students.     

Evaluation of sex hormone levels and some metabolic factors in men with coronary atherosclerosis

Background Because of the great controversy over the role of androgens in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we investigated the relationship between serum sex hormone levels and angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease in men.

Material and methods We investigated 86 men aged 40–60 years, 56 with coronary artery disease and 30 healthy men, matched by age, as a control group. Body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated and total body fat mass and percentage of abdominal deposit were investigated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Dpx (?+?) Lunar, USA). The serum levels of sex hormones and insulin were measured using commercial radioimmunoassay and IRMA (by SHBG) kits (DPC, USA). The serum levels of lipids and glucose were assessed by means of enzymatic methods.

Results Men with coronary artery disease had lower total testosterone levels (17.01?±?6.42 vs. 19.37?±?6.58?nmol/l; p?<?0.05), testosterone/estradiol ratio (228.5?±?88.5 vs. 289.8?±?120.1; p?<?0.05) and free androgen index (FAI) (59.49?±?14.79 vs. 83.03?±?25.81; p?<?0.0001), and higher levels of estrone (49.5?±?27.7 vs. 36.6?±?12.7?pg/ml) than men in the control group. Moreover, men with coronary artery disease were more insulin-resistant than controls and had an atherogenic lipid profile. There was an inverse correlation (p?<?0.05) between testosterone level and serum level of glucose (r?=??0.29), triglycerides (r?=??0.37), body mass index (r?=??0.55), waist (r?=??0.43), total body fat mass (r?=??0.3) and fasting insulin resistance index. A significant positive association (p?<?0.05) was found between testosterone and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum (r?=?0.26).

Conclusions Low levels of total testosterone, testosterone/estradiol ratio and free androgen index and higher levels of estrone in men with coronary artery disease appear together with many features of metabolic syndrome and may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Predictors of low bone mineral density in elderly males with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the role of body mass index

Objective.?The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between nutritional indices (Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin), sarcopenia, bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of their pulmonary obstruction in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods.?The method involved was a prospective transversal study; 82 males >65 years old, 41 stable patients with COPD and 41 healthy elderly individuals (controls). All subjects underwent spirometry, biochemical analyses and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The significance of the differences between mean values and prevalence rates was tested. The relationships between BMD and independent predictors were analysed by multiple linear regressions. Logistic regression models were applied on dichotomised variables.

Results.?In patients with COPD, the prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in subjects with sarcopenia (46% vs. 0%; p?<?0.05) and with BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² (58% vs. 15%; p?<?0.02). Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), albumin, and forced expiration volume after 1?s (FEV1) explained the 70% of BMD variability at the hip and 56% at the spine. Logistic regression showed that a BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² was independently associated with osteoporosis risk (OR?=?10.0; 95%CI 1.3–76); no independent effect emerged for FEV1% (<and ?50%).

Conclusion.?In elderly males with COPD, the BMI values?≤25?kg/m² are more strongly related to low BMD levels than albumin values. Among those patients, BMI values within the normal range for younger adults might point out a higher risk of osteoporosis.     

Effects of testosterone treatment on body composition in males with testosterone deficiency syndrome

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the safety of testosterone treatment and its efficacy on body composition in males with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) over 24 months.

Methods: 50 males aged 50–65 years with TDS (Aging Males Symptoms Scale [AMS]?>?26 and calculated free testosterone [cFT] 250?pmol/l) were administered 50?mg testosterone gel daily for one year. During the second year, patients received 1000?mg of testosterone undecanoate every 2–3 months. Outcome measures were clinical chemistry values and total testosterone; sex hormone-binding globulin and cFT, changes in AMS and International Prostate Symptom Score; and changes in body composition measured by dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry.

Results: There were no clinically significant changes in clinical chemistry safety parameters. There were significant improvements in both total and cFT and in AMS scores after three months (p?<?0.001). Lean mass increased 2.35% at 12 months and 4.5% at 24 months, but proportionally more muscle mass was gained in arms and legs than in the trunk. Fat mass decreased 4.2% at 12 months and 9.1% at 24 months.

Conclusions: Testosterone treatment in males with TDS leads to body changes affecting lean and fat mass with significant improvement in AMS scores, and has an excellent safety profile.     

The role of age and setting in adolescents’ first drinking experience for predicting college problem drinking

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of longitudinally reporting age at first drink (AFD), and to test AFD and setting of first drink (SFD) as predictors of collegiate problem drinking. Participants: 338 first-year college students were interviewed multiple times during their first academic year, from May 2011 through August 2012. Methods: AFD, SFD, and problem drinking were measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) during the first year of college. Bivariate analysis and parsimonious multivariate linear regression model were conducted. Results: 62% of respondents were inconsistent in reporting AFD over time. Social SFD was the strongest independent predictor for higher AUDIT scores (b = 4.74, 95% confidence interval; 1.91, 7.57; p = .002). Conclusions: Findings suggest caution should be used in relying upon using AFD as a sole predictor of problem drinking. SFD may be a complementary measure to identify students at high risk of collegiate problem drinking.     

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy elderly men. The relationship to physical activity

The purpose of the present study was to examine the serum levels of bone turnover markers and interleukin 1β in healthy elderly men with different levels of habitual physical activity. The study was conducted on 40 healthy men aged between 65 and 85 years (mean 74.0?±?7.55 years). The study population was divided into two groups with respect to the level of physical activity: 22 less active subjects (energy expenditure related to physical activity below 1600?kcal per week) and 18 more active subjects (above 1600?kcal per week). To estimate the physical activity of the study population, weekly energy expenditure was measured in each subject with use of Caltrac accelerometer. In the blood serum levels of bone formation marker – osteocalcin and resorption marker – the C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (ICTP), and interleukin-1β were determined. Concentrations of osteocalcin and ICTP in less active subjects were significantly higher (by 3.62?ng/ml and by 1.21?μg/l respectively, p?<?0.05), reflecting the higher bone turnover in comparison to values determined in more active subjects. Positive correlations between ICTP and osteocalcin levels (r?=?0.5814 and r?=?0.6526; p?<?0.05), and between ICTP and IL-1β (r?=?0.5823 and r =?0.6040; p?<?0.05) in less and more active men were found. On the ground of the presented study it can be concluded that the decreased bone turnover occurred in men with higher level of habitual physical activity. This study showed the relationship between serum level of IL-1β and bone resorption but the habitual physical activity has no effect on this cytokine activity.     

The impact of atherosclerosis on lower urinary tract function

Abstract

Objective: The current study was carried out to investigate the impact of atherosclerosis on lower urinary tract function in the male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Patients and methods: This prospective study evaluated 110 male patients aged 55–75 years who were presented with LUTS. All patients underwent general and local investigations. The atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound examination of the carotid artery. Patients then were divided into two groups: non-atherosclerosis group (Group 1) and atherosclerosis group (Group 2). The two groups were compared regarding voiding and storage parameters.

Results: Mean patient age were 67.9?±?5.9 years. The average age and number of Group 1 was 65.7?±?4.3, n?=?51. The average age and number of Group 2 was 68.7?±?5.3, n?=?59. There were no significant differences in age, prostate volume, blood pressure, International Prostate Symptom Score, Voiding symptom score and Storage symptom score between the two groups. Blood serum triglycerides were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 while HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 0.97?±?0.5 and 1.43?±?0.2?mmol/L, versus 1.46?±?0.7 and 1.28?±?0.3?mmol/L, respectively. Qmax denotes significant decrease in Group 2 compared with Group 1 12.5?±?6.3 versus 17.6?±?6.5, respectively (p?<?0.01). While in post-voiding residual urine, there was a significant increase in Group 2 compared with Group 1 82.2?±?15.4 versus 51.4?±?12.7, respectively (p?<?0.01). Daytime voided urine denotes a significant decrease in Group 2 176?±?48, compared with Group 1 221.2?±?79 (p?<?0.01). Daytime frequency and nocturia, were significantly higher in Group 2, compared with Group 1 8.90?±?2.8 versus 7.16?±?3.11, respectively, and 3.1?±?1.2 versus 1.92?±?1.12, respectively (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: The atherosclerosis disease play a significant role in the impairments of both voiding and storage function in male patients with LUTS irrelevant to the age.     

Energy Expenditure During Physically Interactive Video Game Playing in Male College Students With Different Playing Experience

Objective: Researchers have yet to explore the effect of physically interactive video game playing on energy expenditure, despite its potential for meeting current minimal daily activity and energy expenditure recommendations. Participants and Methods: Nineteen male college students-12 experienced Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) players and 7 inexperienced players- completed maximal oxygen uptake assessments and a 30-minute DDR gaming session. The authors recorded heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), respiratory exchange rate (RER), oxygen consumption (VO₂), and total steps (TS₃₀). Results: Experienced participants showed higher exercise HR, RPE, RER, VO₂, total and relative energy expenditure, exercise intensity, TS₃₀, and average steps per minute, and less time and steps to expend 150 kilocalories (p < .05). Conclusions: Participants with greater playing experience can work at higher intensities, promoting greater energy expenditure.     

Eating disorders and academic performance among college students

Abstract

Objective: There is a paucity of research exploring eating disorders (EDs) and academic performance (AP). This study aimed to understand the effect of ED treatment on AP, hypothesizing that students receiving treatment for EDs would have a higher GPA. Participants: The Spring 2010 – Spring 2011 National College Health Assessment data (N?=?231,586) was utilized. Methods: Ordinal logistic regressions, controlling for key confounders, analyzed the association between those diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia and GPA. Results: Students diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia and treated with medication and psychotherapy were respectively 1.49 (1.24, 1.80; p?<?.0001) or 1.35 (1.13, 1.61; p?=?.0009) times more likely to have a higher GPA (p?<?.0001) compared to students without EDs. Conclusion: Findings expand the literature on EDs and AP among college students. Additional research is needed to determine whether the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective way to improve AP among students with EDs.     

Variability in measures of health and health behavior among emerging adults 1 year after high school according to college status

Objective: To examine changes in health behaviors among US emerging adults 1 year after high school. Participants: The national sample of participants (N = 1,927), including those attending 4-year college/university (n = 884), 2-year colleges/technical schools (n = 588), and no college (n = 455), participated in annual spring surveys 2013–2014. Methods: Health behaviors were assessed the last year of high school and first year of college; differences by college status controlling for previous-year values were estimated using regression analyses. Results: Relative to 4-year college attendees, those attending technical school/community college were less likely to binge drink (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, confidence interval [CI] = 0.38–0.86) but more likely to speed (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.0–2.84), consume sodas (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.0–2.47), and report lower family satisfaction (p < .01), with marginally more physical and depressive symptoms. College nonattendees reported more DWI (driving while intoxicated; OR = 1.60, CI = 1.05–2.47), soda drinking (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.76–3.59), oversleeping (OR = 4.78, CI = 3.65–8.63), and less family satisfaction (p < .04). Conclusions: Health risk behaviors among emerging adults varied by college status.