Absenteeism during Menstruation among Nursing Students in Spain

Absenteeism can clearly have a negative impact on academic performance among university students. Certain experiences or symptoms such as menstrual pain are very common in women and can lead to absenteeism. The current study was aimed at examining the presence of menstrual experiences or symptoms and their impact upon absenteeism among healthy (illness-free) female university nursing students in Spain. A total of 299 students participated in this research, which was a descriptive cross-sectional, observational study. An ad hoc online questionnaire was used based on sociodemographic and gynecological data, together with the noted menstrual experiences; the most prevalent of which were bloating, which affected 87.3% of students; dysmenorrhea and irritability, which affected 76.3%; and fatigue, which affected 70.6%. Students with dysmenorrhea had a 6.95 higher (odds ratio (OR) 6.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.39–14.25) odds of absenteeism; in those who reported dizziness, the odds of absenteeism was 4.82 times higher (OR 4.82; 1.76–13.23); in those who manifested nausea and vomiting, the percentage of absenteeism was 3.51 higher (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.51–8.15); in those who presented sleep alterations, the odds were 2.95 higher (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.39–6.25); and for those who felt depressed the odds were 2.18 times higher (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.21–3.94) Absenteeism was found to be more likely in women with dysmenorrhea. However, in addition, higher odds of absenteeism were also found in women with nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sleep disorders, and those who feel depressed. These menstrual experiences can be considered a relevant problem among young women, leading to absenteeism, and a negative influence on academic performance. It is essential to raise awareness of the socioeconomic impact of absenteeism and establish new strategies for improving menstrual experiences.El ausentismo claramente puede tener un impacto negativo en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes universitarios. Ciertas experiencias o síntomas como el dolor menstrual son muy comunes en las mujeres y pueden derivar en ausentismo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar la presencia de experiencias o síntomas menstruales y su impacto en el ausentismo entre estudiantes universitarias de enfermería sanas (libres de enfermedades) en España. En esta investigación participaron un total de 299 estudiantes, la cual fue un estudio observacional transversal descriptivo. Se utilizó un cuestionario online ad hoc basado en datos sociodemográficos y ginecológicos, junto con las experiencias menstruales anotadas; los más prevalentes fueron la distensión abdominal, que afectó al 87,3% de los estudiantes; dismenorrea e irritabilidad, que afectó al 76,3%; y fatiga, que afectó al 70,6%. Los estudiantes con dismenorrea tenían una probabilidad de ausentismo 6,95 mayor (odds ratio (OR) 6,95; intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 % 3,39–14,25); en los que refirieron mareos, la probabilidad de ausentismo fue 4,82 veces mayor (OR 4,82; 1,76-13,23); en los que manifestaron náuseas y vómitos el porcentaje de ausentismo fue 3,51 mayor (OR 3,51; IC 95% 1,51-8,15); en los que presentaban alteraciones del sueño, las probabilidades eran 2,95 mayores (OR 2,95; IC 95% 1,39-6,25); y para aquellas que se sentían deprimidas, las probabilidades eran 2,18 veces mayores (OR 2,18; IC del 95 %: 1,21–3,94). Se encontró que el ausentismo era más probable en mujeres con dismenorrea. Sin embargo, además, también se encontraron mayores probabilidades de ausentismo en mujeres con náuseas y vómitos, mareos, trastornos del sueño y aquellas que se sienten deprimidas. Estas experiencias menstruales pueden considerarse un problema relevante entre las mujeres jóvenes, que conduce al ausentismo, y una influencia negativa en el rendimiento académico. Es fundamental concienciar sobre el impacto socioeconómico del absentismo y establecer nuevas estrategias para mejorar las experiencias menstruales

Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle in University Students: Changes during Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Regular physical activity is related to many factors in a university student’s environment. The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown have restricted many elements of our environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate students’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour at two points in time: before and during the coronavirus lockdown. As a secondary aim, we also wanted to look at changes resulting from other factors (alcohol, tobacco, diet, stages of change, symptoms of anxiety/depression and sociodemographic characteristics). We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, pre-post study with two cut-off points. Two hundred and thirteen students took part in the study. The main dependent variables were physical activity and sitting time, measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used for paired and unpaired data, as well as group-stratified analysis. During lockdown, both weekly physical activity (MD: −159.87; CI: −100.44, −219.31) and weekly sitting time increased (MD: −106.76; CI: −71.85, −141.67). In the group analysis, differences were observed in relation to gender, year of study, BMI, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, symptoms of anxiety/depression, Mediterranean diet, living situation and stage of change. The results showed an increase in both physical activity and sitting time globally and by group.La actividad física regular está relacionada con muchos factores en el entorno del estudiante universitario. La pandemia de coronavirus y el confinamiento resultante han restringido muchos elementos de nuestro entorno. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad física y el comportamiento sedentario de los estudiantes en dos momentos: antes y durante el confinamiento por el coronavirus. Como objetivo secundario, también queríamos observar los cambios resultantes de otros factores (alcohol, tabaco, dieta, etapas de cambio, síntomas de ansiedad/depresión y características sociodemográficas). Realizamos un estudio observacional, transversal, pre-post con dos puntos de corte. Doscientos trece estudiantes participaron en el estudio. Las principales variables dependientes fueron la actividad física y el tiempo sentado, medidos mediante el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física—Forma Corta (IPAQ-SF). Se utilizaron pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas para datos apareados y no apareados, así como análisis estratificado por grupos. Durante el confinamiento aumentó tanto la actividad física semanal (DM: −159,87; IC: −100,44, −219,31) como el tiempo de sedestación semanal (DM: −106,76; IC: −71,85, −141,67). En el análisis de grupos se observaron diferencias en relación al sexo, año de estudio, IMC, consumo de alcohol, tabaquismo, síntomas de ansiedad/depresión, dieta mediterránea, situación de vida y etapa de cambio. Los resultados mostraron un aumento tanto en la actividad física como en el tiempo sentado a nivel mundial y por grupo. En el análisis de grupos se observaron diferencias en relación al sexo, año de estudio, IMC, consumo de alcohol, tabaquismo, síntomas de ansiedad/depresión, dieta mediterránea, situación de vida y etapa de cambio. Los resultados mostraron un aumento tanto en la actividad física como en el tiempo sentado a nivel mundial y por grupo. En el análisis de grupos se observaron diferencias en relación al sexo, año de estudio, IMC, consumo de alcohol, tabaquismo, síntomas de ansiedad/depresión, dieta mediterránea, situación de vida y etapa de cambio. Los resultados mostraron un aumento tanto en la actividad física como en el tiempo sentado a nivel mundial y por grupo

A consensus document on definition and diagnostic criteria for orthorexia nervosa

Purpose: Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (ὀρθός, right and ὄρεξις, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with “correct” eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included. Methods: 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A–Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B–Consequences; C–Onset; D–Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants. Results: 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON. Conclusions: This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel. Level of evidence_ Level V: opinions of expert committee

Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Version of Kogan’s Attitude toward Older People Scale (KAOP)

It is essential to understand the behavior and attitudes of nurses towards older people to improve clinical practice and quality of care in the gerontological sector. A clearer understanding of the attitudes that drive nurses toward the desire to work with older people would be a good starting point to encourage the development of positive and nurturing attitudes. A cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling and a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 381 nursing students of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Castilla La-Mancha to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish Version of the Kogan’s Attitudes Towards Older People Scale (KAOP-S). Construct validity, internal consistency, and reliability were assessed. In total, 298 females and 83 males completed the questionnaires. Their mean age was 20.42 years. The results revealed a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.75 for the scale, which is comparable with other published versions of the KAOP Scale. The results of the exploratory factor analysis established that the scale has a two-factor solution and an explained variance of 25% in the sample. The KAOP-S was found to be a reliable and valid tool with good content and construct validity for assessing nursing students’ attitudes towards older people

Anxiety, perceived stress and coping strategies in nursing students: a crosssectional, correlational, descriptive study

Background For many nursing students, clinical training represents a stressful experience. The levels of stress and anxiety may vary during students’ educational training, depending on their ability to adopt behavioral strategies for coping with stress, and other factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety, perceived stress, and the coping strategies used by nursing students during their clinical training. Methods A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. The sample consisted of 190 nursing students enrolled in the Nursing Faculty of Ciudad Real University in Spain. Participants provided data on background characteristics and completed the following instruments: the Perceived Stress Scale; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Coping Behavior Inventory. Relationships between scores were examined using Spearman’s rho. Results The mean age of participants was 20.71 ± 3.89 years (range 18–46 years). Approximately half of the students (47.92%) indicated a moderate level of stress with a mean Perceived Stress Scale score of 22.78 (±8.54). Senior nursing students perceived higher levels of stress than novice students. The results showed a significant correlation for perceived stress and state anxiety (r = 0.463, p < .000) and also for trait anxiety (r = 0.718, p < .000). There was also a significant relationship between the total amount of perceived stress and the following domains of the coping behavior inventory: problem solving (r = −.452, p < .01), self-criticism (r = .408 p < .01), wishful thinking (r = .459, p < .01), social support(r = −.220, p < .01), cognitive restructuring (r = −.375, p < .01), and social withdrawal (r = .388, p < .01). In the current study, the coping strategy most frequently used by students was problem-solving, followed by social support and cognitive restructuring. Conclusions Nursing students in our study presented a moderate level of stress, in addition there was a significant correlation with anxiety. Nursing teachers and clinical preceptors/mentors should be encouraged to develop programs to help prepare nursing students to cope with the challenges they are about to face during their clinical placements.Fondo Para muchos estudiantes de enfermería, la formación clínica representa una experiencia estresante. Los niveles de estrés y ansiedad pueden variar durante la formación educativa de los alumnos, en función de su capacidad para adoptar estrategias conductuales de afrontamiento del estrés, y otros factores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la relación entre la ansiedad, el estrés percibido y las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por estudiantes de enfermería durante su formación clínica. Métodos Estudio descriptivo correlacional transversal. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 190 estudiantes de enfermería matriculados en la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad de Ciudad Real en España. Los participantes proporcionaron datos sobre las características de fondo y completaron los siguientes instrumentos: la Escala de Estrés Percibido; el Inventario de Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo y el Inventario de Conducta de Afrontamiento. Las relaciones entre las puntuaciones se examinaron mediante la rho de Spearman. Resultados La edad media de los participantes fue de 20,71 ± 3,89 años (rango 18-46 años). Aproximadamente la mitad de los estudiantes (47,92%) indicaron un nivel de estrés moderado con una puntuación media en la Escala de Estrés Percibido de 22,78 (±8,54). Los estudiantes de último año de enfermería percibieron mayores niveles de estrés que los estudiantes principiantes. Los resultados mostraron una correlación significativa para el estrés percibido y la ansiedad estado ( r  = 0,463, p  < ,000) y también para la ansiedad rasgo ( r  = 0,718, p  < ,000). También hubo una relación significativa entre la cantidad total de estrés percibido y los siguientes dominios del inventario de conductas de afrontamiento: resolución de problemas ( r  = −.452, p  < .01), autocrítica ( r  = .408p  < .01), ilusiones ( r  = .459, p  < .01), apoyo social ( r  = −.220, p  < .01), reestructuración cognitiva ( r  = −.375, p  < .01), y retraimiento social ( r  = .388, p  < .01). En el presente estudio, la estrategia de afrontamiento más utilizada por los estudiantes fue la resolución de problemas, seguida del apoyo social y la reestructuración cognitiva. Conclusiones Los estudiantes de enfermería de nuestro estudio presentaron un nivel moderado de estrés, además hubo una correlación significativa con la ansiedad. Se debe alentar a los profesores de enfermería y preceptores/mentores clínicos a desarrollar programas para ayudar a preparar a los estudiantes de enfermería para hacer frente a los desafíos que están a punto de enfrentar durante sus prácticas clínicas

Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire for the diagnosis of orthorexia nervosa

<div><p>The aim of this study was the validation and analysis of the psychometric properties of a Spanish translation of the ORTO-15 questionnaire; an instrument designed to assess orthorexia nervosa behavior. Four hundred and fifty-four Spanish university students (65% women) aged between 18 and 51 years (M = 21.48 ± 0.31) completed the Spanish version of ORTO-15 and the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The Principal Component Analysis suggested a three-factor structure for the abbreviated 11-item version of the instrument. The internal consistency of the measurement was adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). The proposed test demonstrated a good predictive capacity at a threshold value of <25 (efficiency 84%, sensitivity 75% and specificity 84%). Our results support the psychometric properties of the proposed Spanish shortened-version of the ORTO-15 as being a reliable tool for assessing orthorexia nervosa. Its use is expected to greatly contribute to a better understanding of the impact of this disorder in Spain.</p></div

Repeatability analysis for the ORTO-15 survey.

<p>Repeatability analysis for the ORTO-15 survey.</p

Translation ORTO-15 (version) into Spanish.

<p>Translation ORTO-15 (version) into Spanish.</p

Reliability analysis of the Spanish ORTO-15 survey.

<p>Reliability analysis of the Spanish ORTO-15 survey.</p

Repeatability analysis for the ORTO-15 survey.

<p>Repeatability analysis for the ORTO-15 survey.</p