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E-cigarette use is a growing public health concern, especially because of the potential health risks it poses. This study focuses on assessing e-cigarette dependence and the factors associated with it among Palestinian young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2023 among university students in the West Bank. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, knowledge, and attitudes regarding e-cigarettes. E-cigarette dependence was assessed using the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index. The study included 386 university students who used e-cigarettes. Many of them started using e-cigarettes at a young age, and 54.7% were dual users of e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco. High levels of dependence were reported in 11.4% of participants, and moderate dependence in 28.8%. Several factors were identified through multivariate linear regression as significantly associated with e-cigarette dependence: a higher monthly allowance (β = 0.116, 95% CI: 0.128- 1.124, p =.014), having a father who uses tobacco (β = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.030- 1.638, p =.042), having a close friend who smokes traditional cigarettes (β = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.019- 1.667, p =.045), using e-cigarettes in areas where traditional smoking is prohibited (β = 0.175, 95% CI: 0.689–2.330, p <.001), using e-cigarettes to quit other forms of tobacco (β = 0.134, 95% CI: 0.434–2.314, p =.004), and a more negative attitude score (β = − 0.210, 95% CI: − 0.285- − 0.112, p <.001). The study revealed high levels of e-cigarettes dependence among the participants among young adults, with associated variables such as monthly allowance, attitudes, and age of e-cigarette initiation. Policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals should collaborate to address e-cigarette dependence among young adults, taking into consideration social, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental morbidities have been widely investigated at Primary Health Care (PHC) worldwide, but no data available in Palestine have discussed these diseases' burden. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological morbidity among primary health care attendees and related factors. A cross-sectional design was adopted in this research. We collected data from primary healthcare center attendees from Sept 2019 to Jan 2020, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire called the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire. It is a valid tool that can be used in a primary healthcare setting. The Chi-square test explored psychological morbidity risk factors, and the multivariable logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounders. The study included four hundred clients >18 years of age; 287 (71.8%) were females, and 209 (52.3%) were > 50 years of age. The prevalence for high psychological morbidity of any type was 63.9% (95% CI: 58.8%–68.7%), while 24.9% (99 clients) reported very high psychological morbidity. Very high psychological morbidity was significantly higher among unmarried [adjusted OR = 2.7 (95%CI = 1.4–5.4)], lower educational level (less than 12 years schooling) [adjusted OR = 4.0, 95%CI (1.8–4.8)], and clients with high distress [adjusted OR = 15.6, 95%CI (7.9–30.9)]. In conclusion, the high prevalence of psychological morbidity identified in this study highlights the importance of early detection and management, especially among unmarried, less educated, and distressed primary health care attendants. Early interventions are of high value to reduce patient suffering, decrease the financial strain on the health system, and improve the quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess weight control behaviors and their relationship with body weight and image perceptions among female university students. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female students. The study included 420 female students aged 17–27 years using a convenient sample. Students were invited from all faculties. The data collection tools included a questionnaire, body image perceptions scale, and measurement scale for weight and height. Results: Of the participants, 154 (36.9%) female students (95% CI 32–41%) had risky eating behaviors and reported a significant level of concern about diet and weight. In general, most of the study sample were dissatisfied with their bodies; in particular, 55.7% of participants were suffering from negative body image, while 24.5% showed a positive body image. Approximately one-third (31.8%) of underweight university students participated in risky eating behavior compared to 36.3% and 44.4% in normal weight and overweight and obese groups, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that weight control behaviors were mainly associated with the perception of body image. Conclusion: The results showed a high level of concern about food and weight by the female students. Additionally, it showed that they are prone to risky eating behaviors. Therefore, interventions are needed to promote healthy eating behaviors and body image among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]