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The aim was to examine social, university, health-related differences among heterosexual and Sexual Minority Medical students (SM-Meds), and explore predictors of help-seeking behavior (i.e., current psychological support and hypothetical university counseling use). A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in Italy (2018). Questionnaires included socio-demographic items and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Chi-squared tests and multivariable regressions adjusted for BDI-II score were performed (sample size = 2513). SM-Meds were 13.9%. SM-Meds with depressive symptoms were 40.5%. Both considering overall and non-depressed students, SM-Meds exercised less and had worst relationships with family and classmates. Psychological support was reported by 6.1% (SM-Meds: 12.8%) and hypothetical counseling use by 42.7% (SM-Meds: 47.1%). Multivariable models showed SM-Meds had significant higher likelihood of psychological support. Therefore, SM-Meds reported higher help-seeking behavior, lower physical activity and social support. Universities should promote more inclusive learning climate and activities to increase exercise, especially among SM-Meds., Author(s): Giuseppina Lo Moro [sup.1] , Paolo Leombruni [sup.2] , Fabrizio Bert [sup.1] [sup.3] , Roberta Siliquini [sup.1] [sup.3] , Alessio Corradi [sup.1] [sup.1] , Maria Rosaria Gualano [sup.1] , [...]

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms in Italian medical students and to identify the associated factors. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to second-sixth year medical students of the University of Torino, collecting data on the students' sociodemographics, COVID-19 exposure, anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Three hierarchical regressions adjusted for age, gender and year of study were executed. Results: The sample size was 1359. The prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms, moderate perceived stress and severe perceived stress was 47.8%, 52.1%, 56.2% and 28.4%, respectively. The factors associated with mental health symptoms were: being a woman, a family history of psychiatric disorders, living off-site, competitive/hostile climates and unsatisfying friendships among classmates, poor relationships with cohabitants, negative judgment of medical school choice, fear of COVID-19 infection, feelings of loneliness, distressing existential reflections, and a worsening psychological condition related to the pandemic. Being in the fourth or sixth year constituted a protective factor for depression symptoms. Conclusions: Mental health in medical students was associated with both COVID-independent and COVID-related factors. Accessibility to effective interventions must be increased to counteract these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study is aimed to explore severe mental illness (SMI), mental well-being (MWB), and Mediterranean Diet adherence (MedDiet) among university students. Participants: University students in Northern Italy (sample size = 502) Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019. The questionnaires included Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale for MWB, K6 for SMI, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener for MedDiet. Multivariable regressions were mainly performed (p < .05 as significant). Results: MWB was high in 3.93% of the participants and low in 23.97%. SMI was probable in 21.87%. MedDiet adherence was high in 2.19% and low in 35.06%. Mainly, poor/very poor perceived health, Economics/Legal/Strategic Sciences courses, and not being on time with exams showed associations with both lower MWB and probable SMI. Gender and some lifestyle, dietary, and university factors predicted MedDiet. MWB and MedDiet were positively associated. Conclusions: This study found high levels of mental issues and low MedDiet. Modifiable factors at university level should be investigated to design preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vaccine hesitancy is relevant for healthcare professionals (HCPs) who face challenges in building trusting relationships with patients. Accordingly, the VAX-TRUST project has been developed to improve experiences of HCPs and patients dealing with vaccinations. To support VAX-TRUST, this work aimed to identify latest interventions targeted at HCPs to address hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA by searching PubMed, Scopus and Embase. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Articles were eligible if evaluated interventions directly targeted at HCPs/healthcare students. The search was run on 26 January 2022. Articles published in 2016 or after were included. Results A total of 17 492 records were identified; 139 articles were selected. Most articles were set in USA (n  = 110). Over half had a pre–post design without a control group (n  = 78). A total of 41 articles focused on single-component interventions, 60 on multi-component interventions involving only HCPs and/or students and 38 on multi-component interventions involving also other professionals. Main components were in-person education (n  = 76), synchronous (n  = 10) and asynchronous (n  = 23) online learning, educational materials (n  = 26), performance assessment and feedback (n  = 33), electronic record changes (n  = 30), role play/simulation (n  = 21) and online games/apps (n  = 5). Educational sessions were mainly about scientific update or communication. Outcomes of interventions were grouped in: vaccination rates (n  = 69), knowledge (n  = 32), attitudes (n  = 26), confidence in counselling (n  = 30) and acceptability (n  = 16). Conclusions Apps, gaming, role play/simulations could represent innovative interventions. This review highlighted the need of delving into communication strategies and using more robust evaluations, longer follow-up and standardized measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]