Methods Implementation of the 10 steps across all public (N = 5) and 29 (of 35) private maternity... more Methods Implementation of the 10 steps across all public (N = 5) and 29 (of 35) private maternity clinics was assessed based on the selfreported experience of a consecutive stratified sample of 568 mothers (response 70.8%) using the WHO/UNICEF BFH Initiative's self-assessment questionnaire. Odds ratio for breastfeeding (BF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) while at the clinic and subsequently at the 1st, 4th and 6th month according to mothers' experience of the 10 steps were estimated in logistic regression models. Results Predictors of BF in stepwise models were holding the baby within one hour (reported by 71% of participating mothers), practical assistance (reported by 85%), implementation of the marketing code (reported by 82%), no use of pacifiers (reported by 42%) and guidance for community support (reported by 25%). For EBF, the strongest predictors were holding the baby within one hour, no use of pacifiers as well as skin-to-skin (26%), rooming-in (34%) and prenatal information (35%). Mothers who practiced skin-to-skin and did not use pacifiers were 3-4 times more likely to EBF in the long term. In contrast to the use of pacifiers, associations with skin-to-skin did not attenuate after adjustment for mode of birth, parity, education, income and employment status. Conclusions The experience of BF-friendly practices may to some extent be attributed to the intention of mothers to exclusively breastfeed. Against a backdrop of fragmented practices, the association of EBF with some of the least practiced steps in Cypriot clinics highlight the need for a national breastfeeding strategy, including clinic as well as population level measures to reverse the currently low BF rates in Cyprus.
Background Sleep contributes to physical, cognitive and emotional restoration. Sleep problems may... more Background Sleep contributes to physical, cognitive and emotional restoration. Sleep problems may eventually cause physical and mental dysfunctions. Insomnia symptoms are the most common, leading to insufficient sleep. Unguided online interventions for insomnia merit further study, because of their potential for care avoiders and their potential cost-efficiency in General Practice settings. The research question is which factors contribute to its' effectiveness and intention to use. Methods A mixed method approach was implemented with patients with insomnia symptoms of a General Practice in Amsterdam. Semi- structured in-depth interviews were administered after completion of an online CBTI of five sessions (N = 7 females; age from 30 to 54) A questionnaire was administered (N = 118; female: 68%; [Mean age = 24.5, sd = 7.8]) Severity of insomnia was measured with the ISI. Regression analysis was deployed in a prediction model to predict intention to use unguided online CBTI based...
Background Combining smoking with contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk a... more Background Combining smoking with contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk at several health issues, such as thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary embolism, especially when women are 35 years or older. It is important to inform women at an early stage and encourage them to quit smoking or change their contraceptive. The aim of this study is twofold. 1) using the Protection Motivation theory, we examine the predictors of the intention to quit smoking or change the currently used contraceptive method. 2) we provide insight into women's preferred ways to be informed and possible facilitators to change their behavior. Methods 68 Women, between 25 and 60 (mean age 30.6, sd 6.6; academic degree 78%), using the combination of smoking and ethinylestradiol containing contraceptives of a General Practice in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, filled in a questionnaire. Predictors were cigarette dependence (cds-5), perceived severity, vulnerability, response effica...
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, Jan 11, 1993
In two patients, women, aged 32 and 30 years respectively, acute urinary retention after a viral ... more In two patients, women, aged 32 and 30 years respectively, acute urinary retention after a viral infection was diagnosed. This is known as the Elsberg syndrome: urinary retention as a result of sacral myeloradiculitis. One of the patients had a blank history, the other suffered from a genital herpes infection. They were catheterised and instructed to perform catheterisation themselves. One was given an indwelling catheter. In the literature the Elsberg syndrome is mentioned relatively often after a genital herpetic infection. The treatment consists in (self)catheterisation. There may be hypesthesia in the sacral dermatomes. There is a strong tendency to recovering of spontaneous micturition in four to ten days.
International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 2021
The COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. ... more The COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. Yet, prospective studies examining protective factors are limited.
Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often emerge in college students during ... more Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often emerge in college students during the transition into early adulthood. Mental health problems can seriously impact students' functioning, interpersonal relationships, and academic achievement. Actively reaching out to college students with mental health problems and offering them internet-based interventions may be a promising way of providing low-threshold access to evidence-based treatment in colleges. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a guided web-based transdiagnostic individually tailored Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) in treating college students with depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Through an online survey that screened college students' mental health, we recruited 100 college students aged ≥18 years who reported mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety symptoms and were attending colleges in the Netherlands. Participants were randomly allocated to guided iCBT (n = 48) or treatment as usual (TAU) control (n = 52). Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety measured at post-treatment (7 weeks post-randomization). We also measured all outcomes at 6- and 12-months post-randomization. All analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle and were repeated using the complete-case sample. We found no evidence of a difference between the effects of guided iCBT and TAU in any of the examined outcomes (i.e., symptoms of depression and anxiety, quality of life, educational achievement, and college dropout) across all time points (p > .05). There was no evidence that effects of iCBT were associated with treatment satisfaction and adherence. More research into transdiagnostic individually tailored iCBT is necessary. Further, future studies should recruit larger samples to investigate possible smaller but clinically relevant effects of internet-based interventions for college students with depression and/or anxiety.
Abstract Insecure attachment is a transdiagnostic personality factor which may confer risk for me... more Abstract Insecure attachment is a transdiagnostic personality factor which may confer risk for mental health issues. The mechanisms underlying this association may be partly explained by loneliness. Loneliness, which is common in young adulthood, also concerns social relationships and is similarly associated with negative mental health outcomes. This study investigates whether insecure attachment styles are associated with an increase in mental health issues, specifically depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use, and whether this link is mediated by loneliness. Students at a Dutch university (n = 265) aged 17 to 43 completed an online survey assessing attachment (ECR-SF), loneliness (DJGLS-11), social connectedness (LSNS-6), depression (PHQ-9) and alcohol use (AUDIT-C). Results showed that in individuals with mixed attachment styles (scoring high on both the anxious and avoidant dimensions), loneliness mediated the positive association between attachment style and depressive symptoms. Exploratory moderated mediation, with social connectedness as a moderator, showed that loneliness mediated the attachment-depression relationship in socially connected, anxiously attached young adults. Similar results were found for alcohol use although the direction differed, with lonelier students drinking less. These findings' implications are discussed considering future research and the potential of interventions targeting loneliness from an attachment perspective.
Background A lot of research has been done on women and contraception. How men perceive their rol... more Background A lot of research has been done on women and contraception. How men perceive their role regarding contraception is largely unknown. Previous research shows that factors like intentions, communication and knowledge are of importance. The aim of this study is to get more insight that could provide us with more starting points for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Methods Eight semi-structured interviews with male students from Amsterdam, The Netherlands (aged 18-25, different study programs) were conducted based on a, previously developed, topic list. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents. The interviews were processed with thematic content analysis. Open, axial, and selective coding was used to analyze the interviews. Results Four themes emerged from the data: openness of parents, making an informed decision, prevention of pregnancy and STDs and durance of relationship. Men do not have a clear view on their role in contraception regarding responsibili...
Background Many epidemiologic studies examining association between obesity and psychological wel... more Background Many epidemiologic studies examining association between obesity and psychological well-being have focused on assessing body mass index (BMI) at one point in time, ignoring dynamic changes of BMI over time and diversity in patterns during childhood. We aimed to identify trajectories of BMI in childhood and to examine whether BMI trajectories are associated with psychological well-being and physical health at 13-years of age. Methods A total of 615 adolescents (351 females,13.5AE0.4 years) participated in the study. We used questionnaires to measure family socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity, stress, and psychosomatic problems. We measured resting blood pressure (BP) and the number of circulating leukocytes. We collected growth charts from the database of child-and school-health care. We applied group-based trajectory modeling (PROC TRAJ) to identify BMI trajectories by using 11 repeated measurements of BMI between ages of 6 months and 13 years. Differences among groups were tested by ANOVA and a Bonferroni corrected-p 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Three BMI trajectories were identified: 59.6% had nonoverweight BMIs (Low), 34.1% had moderate increasing BMIs (Moderate) and 6.4% had high increasing BMIs (High). Of the adolescents classified into the ''High''-group, 50% were overweight and 50% were obese. In the ''Moderate''-group, these values were 25.6% and 0%, respectively. Adolescents in the ''High''-group experienced higher level of stress and psychosomatic problems, reported lower level of family SES and physical activity, and had higher level of systolic BP and circulating lymphocytes and neutrophils when compared to adolescents in the ''Moderate''-or ''Low''-group. Conclusions Having a childhood BMI trajectory in overweight/obese range was associated with reduced psychological well-being, low family SES, moderately increased BP and signs of subclinical inflammation, probably consequences of increased stress at 13years of age.
Dit factsheet beschrijft de kenmerken van mantelzorgende studenten. Er wordt een vergelijking gem... more Dit factsheet beschrijft de kenmerken van mantelzorgende studenten. Er wordt een vergelijking gemaakt tussen studenten met en zonder een mantelzorgtaak, waarbij specifieke aandacht is voor verschillen in demografischeen persoonskenmerken en de gevolgen die een mantelzorgtaak kan hebben voor hun gezondheid en studie. Dit onderzoek is uitgevoerd in het kader van het project ‘Expertiselab Jonge Mantelzorgers’ dat deel uitmaakt van de Startimpuls JOIN (Jongeren in een veerkrachtige samenleving. Naar nieuwe arrangementen voor inclusiviteit en participatie).
IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a phase in life that is associated with an increased risk to de... more IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a phase in life that is associated with an increased risk to develop a variety of mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. However, less than 25% of university students receive professional help for their mental health reports. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) may entail useful interventions in a format that is attractive for university students. The aim of this study protocol is to test the effectiveness of a therapist-guided versus a computer-guided transdiagnostic iCBT programme with a main focus on anxiety and depression.Methods and analysisUniversity students with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms will be randomised to a (1) 7-week iCBT programme (excluding booster session) with therapist feedback, (2) the identical iCBT programme with computer feedback only or (3) care as usual. Participants in the care as usual condition are informed and referred to conventional care services and encouraged to seek the hel...
E-consulten hebben een toegevoegde waarde, zo blijkt uit onderzoek bij een grote huisartsenprakti... more E-consulten hebben een toegevoegde waarde, zo blijkt uit onderzoek bij een grote huisartsenpraktijk in Amsterdam. Patienten weten wanneer en waarvoor ze het kunnen gebruiken en zijn tevreden over deze service.
Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and distance learning have been imp... more Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and distance learning have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having inadequate COVID-19 related knowledge can lead to excessive worrying as well as negative COVID-19 outcomes. Our study aimed to assess COVID-19 related knowledge and its association with worries among higher education (HE) students during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods A cross sectional survey, COVID-19 International Students Well-being Study (C-19 ISWS) was conducted in 133 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in 26 countries between April 27 and July 7, 2020. A stratified convenience sampling technique was used. Descriptive, bivariate, mixed effect logistic regression analysis were conducted using R software. Results Out of 127,362 respondents, 72.1 % were female, and 76.5% did not report a previous history of confirmed COVID-19. Majority of those without the previous infection 81,645 (83.7%) were from 21 European countries while the re...
Background 20 to 30% of university students consistently report attention-related health problems... more Background 20 to 30% of university students consistently report attention-related health problems (studenthealthcheck), such as depression, a less healthy lifestyle (e.g. alcohol/ drugs, sleep, etc.) or adhd. Students are healthcare avoiders and as such ideal candidates for eHealth. To sort out their attention problems, increase their knowledge and guide them to solutions, howtostayfocused.org/ has to be scientifically evaluated. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in 2019 at the Student Health Service of the UvA. A prototype eTool and interview guide were developed in accordance with CeHRes, contextual background and value specifications for attention-related issues. Semi-structured cognitive interviews were administered to students before, during and after completion of the Etool (i.e. think aloud method) (N = 9; 5 female; mean age 23.5) concerning its' system, content and service quality. (audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed). Results They wer...
Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These co... more Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These complaints can lead to dropping out and societal costs. Various bottlenecks that students may face during the PhD process can undermine mental health. We aim to test what bottlenecks are predictive of mental health problems. Furthermore, we aim to address the responsibility of the University. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design (N = 427), both mental health status, and possible bottlenecks of the PhD trajectory were studied amongst PhD students at the University of Amsterdam. Mean age was 29 years; 29% was male; 71% female. Participants were recruited through emails and newsletters (response rate 14%). Regression analysis’ were performed with depression and anxiety as dependents (k6, ek10). We controlled for gender, age, international PhD student yes/no. Results PhD students that score higher on anxiety, are more often international students (β=.09; p<.05), score significantly hi...
Background Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the ... more Background Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the university experience. The aim of the study is to identify the trend of tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students (US) of Belgium, France and the Netherlands over a 9 years period. Methods Three repeated cross-sectional studies in US were performed in 2009-10, 2012-13 and 2016-17 in university of Antwerp (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Rouen (France). US between 18 and 25 voluntarily filled out a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, curriculum, job and accommodation) of the US were collected. Tobacco smoking and binge drinking in the previous 12 months were also collected. The trend test of Cochran-Armitage was used for comparisons. Results In 2010, 1388 US were included in Antwerp, 1907 in Amsterdam, and 1137 in Rouen. In 2013, 1665 US were included in Antwerp, 3590 in Amsterdam, and 1488 in Rouen. I...
Methods Implementation of the 10 steps across all public (N = 5) and 29 (of 35) private maternity... more Methods Implementation of the 10 steps across all public (N = 5) and 29 (of 35) private maternity clinics was assessed based on the selfreported experience of a consecutive stratified sample of 568 mothers (response 70.8%) using the WHO/UNICEF BFH Initiative's self-assessment questionnaire. Odds ratio for breastfeeding (BF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) while at the clinic and subsequently at the 1st, 4th and 6th month according to mothers' experience of the 10 steps were estimated in logistic regression models. Results Predictors of BF in stepwise models were holding the baby within one hour (reported by 71% of participating mothers), practical assistance (reported by 85%), implementation of the marketing code (reported by 82%), no use of pacifiers (reported by 42%) and guidance for community support (reported by 25%). For EBF, the strongest predictors were holding the baby within one hour, no use of pacifiers as well as skin-to-skin (26%), rooming-in (34%) and prenatal information (35%). Mothers who practiced skin-to-skin and did not use pacifiers were 3-4 times more likely to EBF in the long term. In contrast to the use of pacifiers, associations with skin-to-skin did not attenuate after adjustment for mode of birth, parity, education, income and employment status. Conclusions The experience of BF-friendly practices may to some extent be attributed to the intention of mothers to exclusively breastfeed. Against a backdrop of fragmented practices, the association of EBF with some of the least practiced steps in Cypriot clinics highlight the need for a national breastfeeding strategy, including clinic as well as population level measures to reverse the currently low BF rates in Cyprus.
Background Sleep contributes to physical, cognitive and emotional restoration. Sleep problems may... more Background Sleep contributes to physical, cognitive and emotional restoration. Sleep problems may eventually cause physical and mental dysfunctions. Insomnia symptoms are the most common, leading to insufficient sleep. Unguided online interventions for insomnia merit further study, because of their potential for care avoiders and their potential cost-efficiency in General Practice settings. The research question is which factors contribute to its' effectiveness and intention to use. Methods A mixed method approach was implemented with patients with insomnia symptoms of a General Practice in Amsterdam. Semi- structured in-depth interviews were administered after completion of an online CBTI of five sessions (N = 7 females; age from 30 to 54) A questionnaire was administered (N = 118; female: 68%; [Mean age = 24.5, sd = 7.8]) Severity of insomnia was measured with the ISI. Regression analysis was deployed in a prediction model to predict intention to use unguided online CBTI based...
Background Combining smoking with contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk a... more Background Combining smoking with contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk at several health issues, such as thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary embolism, especially when women are 35 years or older. It is important to inform women at an early stage and encourage them to quit smoking or change their contraceptive. The aim of this study is twofold. 1) using the Protection Motivation theory, we examine the predictors of the intention to quit smoking or change the currently used contraceptive method. 2) we provide insight into women's preferred ways to be informed and possible facilitators to change their behavior. Methods 68 Women, between 25 and 60 (mean age 30.6, sd 6.6; academic degree 78%), using the combination of smoking and ethinylestradiol containing contraceptives of a General Practice in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, filled in a questionnaire. Predictors were cigarette dependence (cds-5), perceived severity, vulnerability, response effica...
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, Jan 11, 1993
In two patients, women, aged 32 and 30 years respectively, acute urinary retention after a viral ... more In two patients, women, aged 32 and 30 years respectively, acute urinary retention after a viral infection was diagnosed. This is known as the Elsberg syndrome: urinary retention as a result of sacral myeloradiculitis. One of the patients had a blank history, the other suffered from a genital herpes infection. They were catheterised and instructed to perform catheterisation themselves. One was given an indwelling catheter. In the literature the Elsberg syndrome is mentioned relatively often after a genital herpetic infection. The treatment consists in (self)catheterisation. There may be hypesthesia in the sacral dermatomes. There is a strong tendency to recovering of spontaneous micturition in four to ten days.
International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 2021
The COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. ... more The COVID‐19 pandemic has confronted young adults with an unprecedented mental health challenge. Yet, prospective studies examining protective factors are limited.
Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often emerge in college students during ... more Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often emerge in college students during the transition into early adulthood. Mental health problems can seriously impact students' functioning, interpersonal relationships, and academic achievement. Actively reaching out to college students with mental health problems and offering them internet-based interventions may be a promising way of providing low-threshold access to evidence-based treatment in colleges. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a guided web-based transdiagnostic individually tailored Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) in treating college students with depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Through an online survey that screened college students' mental health, we recruited 100 college students aged ≥18 years who reported mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety symptoms and were attending colleges in the Netherlands. Participants were randomly allocated to guided iCBT (n = 48) or treatment as usual (TAU) control (n = 52). Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety measured at post-treatment (7 weeks post-randomization). We also measured all outcomes at 6- and 12-months post-randomization. All analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle and were repeated using the complete-case sample. We found no evidence of a difference between the effects of guided iCBT and TAU in any of the examined outcomes (i.e., symptoms of depression and anxiety, quality of life, educational achievement, and college dropout) across all time points (p > .05). There was no evidence that effects of iCBT were associated with treatment satisfaction and adherence. More research into transdiagnostic individually tailored iCBT is necessary. Further, future studies should recruit larger samples to investigate possible smaller but clinically relevant effects of internet-based interventions for college students with depression and/or anxiety.
Abstract Insecure attachment is a transdiagnostic personality factor which may confer risk for me... more Abstract Insecure attachment is a transdiagnostic personality factor which may confer risk for mental health issues. The mechanisms underlying this association may be partly explained by loneliness. Loneliness, which is common in young adulthood, also concerns social relationships and is similarly associated with negative mental health outcomes. This study investigates whether insecure attachment styles are associated with an increase in mental health issues, specifically depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use, and whether this link is mediated by loneliness. Students at a Dutch university (n = 265) aged 17 to 43 completed an online survey assessing attachment (ECR-SF), loneliness (DJGLS-11), social connectedness (LSNS-6), depression (PHQ-9) and alcohol use (AUDIT-C). Results showed that in individuals with mixed attachment styles (scoring high on both the anxious and avoidant dimensions), loneliness mediated the positive association between attachment style and depressive symptoms. Exploratory moderated mediation, with social connectedness as a moderator, showed that loneliness mediated the attachment-depression relationship in socially connected, anxiously attached young adults. Similar results were found for alcohol use although the direction differed, with lonelier students drinking less. These findings' implications are discussed considering future research and the potential of interventions targeting loneliness from an attachment perspective.
Background A lot of research has been done on women and contraception. How men perceive their rol... more Background A lot of research has been done on women and contraception. How men perceive their role regarding contraception is largely unknown. Previous research shows that factors like intentions, communication and knowledge are of importance. The aim of this study is to get more insight that could provide us with more starting points for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Methods Eight semi-structured interviews with male students from Amsterdam, The Netherlands (aged 18-25, different study programs) were conducted based on a, previously developed, topic list. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents. The interviews were processed with thematic content analysis. Open, axial, and selective coding was used to analyze the interviews. Results Four themes emerged from the data: openness of parents, making an informed decision, prevention of pregnancy and STDs and durance of relationship. Men do not have a clear view on their role in contraception regarding responsibili...
Background Many epidemiologic studies examining association between obesity and psychological wel... more Background Many epidemiologic studies examining association between obesity and psychological well-being have focused on assessing body mass index (BMI) at one point in time, ignoring dynamic changes of BMI over time and diversity in patterns during childhood. We aimed to identify trajectories of BMI in childhood and to examine whether BMI trajectories are associated with psychological well-being and physical health at 13-years of age. Methods A total of 615 adolescents (351 females,13.5AE0.4 years) participated in the study. We used questionnaires to measure family socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity, stress, and psychosomatic problems. We measured resting blood pressure (BP) and the number of circulating leukocytes. We collected growth charts from the database of child-and school-health care. We applied group-based trajectory modeling (PROC TRAJ) to identify BMI trajectories by using 11 repeated measurements of BMI between ages of 6 months and 13 years. Differences among groups were tested by ANOVA and a Bonferroni corrected-p 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Three BMI trajectories were identified: 59.6% had nonoverweight BMIs (Low), 34.1% had moderate increasing BMIs (Moderate) and 6.4% had high increasing BMIs (High). Of the adolescents classified into the ''High''-group, 50% were overweight and 50% were obese. In the ''Moderate''-group, these values were 25.6% and 0%, respectively. Adolescents in the ''High''-group experienced higher level of stress and psychosomatic problems, reported lower level of family SES and physical activity, and had higher level of systolic BP and circulating lymphocytes and neutrophils when compared to adolescents in the ''Moderate''-or ''Low''-group. Conclusions Having a childhood BMI trajectory in overweight/obese range was associated with reduced psychological well-being, low family SES, moderately increased BP and signs of subclinical inflammation, probably consequences of increased stress at 13years of age.
Dit factsheet beschrijft de kenmerken van mantelzorgende studenten. Er wordt een vergelijking gem... more Dit factsheet beschrijft de kenmerken van mantelzorgende studenten. Er wordt een vergelijking gemaakt tussen studenten met en zonder een mantelzorgtaak, waarbij specifieke aandacht is voor verschillen in demografischeen persoonskenmerken en de gevolgen die een mantelzorgtaak kan hebben voor hun gezondheid en studie. Dit onderzoek is uitgevoerd in het kader van het project ‘Expertiselab Jonge Mantelzorgers’ dat deel uitmaakt van de Startimpuls JOIN (Jongeren in een veerkrachtige samenleving. Naar nieuwe arrangementen voor inclusiviteit en participatie).
IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a phase in life that is associated with an increased risk to de... more IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a phase in life that is associated with an increased risk to develop a variety of mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. However, less than 25% of university students receive professional help for their mental health reports. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) may entail useful interventions in a format that is attractive for university students. The aim of this study protocol is to test the effectiveness of a therapist-guided versus a computer-guided transdiagnostic iCBT programme with a main focus on anxiety and depression.Methods and analysisUniversity students with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms will be randomised to a (1) 7-week iCBT programme (excluding booster session) with therapist feedback, (2) the identical iCBT programme with computer feedback only or (3) care as usual. Participants in the care as usual condition are informed and referred to conventional care services and encouraged to seek the hel...
E-consulten hebben een toegevoegde waarde, zo blijkt uit onderzoek bij een grote huisartsenprakti... more E-consulten hebben een toegevoegde waarde, zo blijkt uit onderzoek bij een grote huisartsenpraktijk in Amsterdam. Patienten weten wanneer en waarvoor ze het kunnen gebruiken en zijn tevreden over deze service.
Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and distance learning have been imp... more Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and distance learning have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having inadequate COVID-19 related knowledge can lead to excessive worrying as well as negative COVID-19 outcomes. Our study aimed to assess COVID-19 related knowledge and its association with worries among higher education (HE) students during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods A cross sectional survey, COVID-19 International Students Well-being Study (C-19 ISWS) was conducted in 133 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in 26 countries between April 27 and July 7, 2020. A stratified convenience sampling technique was used. Descriptive, bivariate, mixed effect logistic regression analysis were conducted using R software. Results Out of 127,362 respondents, 72.1 % were female, and 76.5% did not report a previous history of confirmed COVID-19. Majority of those without the previous infection 81,645 (83.7%) were from 21 European countries while the re...
Background 20 to 30% of university students consistently report attention-related health problems... more Background 20 to 30% of university students consistently report attention-related health problems (studenthealthcheck), such as depression, a less healthy lifestyle (e.g. alcohol/ drugs, sleep, etc.) or adhd. Students are healthcare avoiders and as such ideal candidates for eHealth. To sort out their attention problems, increase their knowledge and guide them to solutions, howtostayfocused.org/ has to be scientifically evaluated. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in 2019 at the Student Health Service of the UvA. A prototype eTool and interview guide were developed in accordance with CeHRes, contextual background and value specifications for attention-related issues. Semi-structured cognitive interviews were administered to students before, during and after completion of the Etool (i.e. think aloud method) (N = 9; 5 female; mean age 23.5) concerning its' system, content and service quality. (audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed). Results They wer...
Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These co... more Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These complaints can lead to dropping out and societal costs. Various bottlenecks that students may face during the PhD process can undermine mental health. We aim to test what bottlenecks are predictive of mental health problems. Furthermore, we aim to address the responsibility of the University. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design (N = 427), both mental health status, and possible bottlenecks of the PhD trajectory were studied amongst PhD students at the University of Amsterdam. Mean age was 29 years; 29% was male; 71% female. Participants were recruited through emails and newsletters (response rate 14%). Regression analysis’ were performed with depression and anxiety as dependents (k6, ek10). We controlled for gender, age, international PhD student yes/no. Results PhD students that score higher on anxiety, are more often international students (β=.09; p<.05), score significantly hi...
Background Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the ... more Background Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the university experience. The aim of the study is to identify the trend of tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students (US) of Belgium, France and the Netherlands over a 9 years period. Methods Three repeated cross-sectional studies in US were performed in 2009-10, 2012-13 and 2016-17 in university of Antwerp (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Rouen (France). US between 18 and 25 voluntarily filled out a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, curriculum, job and accommodation) of the US were collected. Tobacco smoking and binge drinking in the previous 12 months were also collected. The trend test of Cochran-Armitage was used for comparisons. Results In 2010, 1388 US were included in Antwerp, 1907 in Amsterdam, and 1137 in Rouen. In 2013, 1665 US were included in Antwerp, 3590 in Amsterdam, and 1488 in Rouen. I...
Uploads
Papers by P. Vonk