Background: University students face multiple stressors that negatively impact their mental well-being. Effective emotional regulation and physical activity are crucial for mood management and overall health. This study explored the connection between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in Jordanian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey involved 416 students (146 male and 270 female) from Jordanian universities. The survey covered demographics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), emotional regulation strategies (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and mental health symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Pearson’s correlations examined relationships, and ANOVA compared differences in ‘low’, ‘medium’, and ‘high’ physical activity groups. Results: Greater use of expressive suppression was correlated with increased anxiety symptom severity (p = 0.029). Although physical activity levels were not significantly related to emotional regulation, the ‘high’ physical activity group reported lower depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety symptom severity (p < 0.001) than the ‘low’ and ‘medium’ groups. Conclusions: Increased physical activity and emotional expression suppression are independently associated with improved mental well-being in Jordanian university students. This study underscores the importance of integrating physical activity and emotional expression strategies to support student well-being.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant problem for nurses. It is thus important to investigate nurses’ WMSDs prevalence and comprehensive predictors including motor, mental, and lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of lower quadrant WMSDs among Jordanian nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design, using self-administered questionnaires, was utilized. Outcome measures included Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sociodemographic data, and self-reported work ergonomics. Descriptive analyses were used to determine lower quadrant WMSDs prevalence and regression analyses were used to assess their predictors. RESULTS: A total of 597 nurses participated in the study. Twelve-month prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs were 77.4% in lower back, 22.3% in hips, 37.5% in knees, and 28.5% in ankles and feet. Older age, longer years of experience, high workload, poor work habits and ergonomics, high physical activity level, availability of patient handling equipment, handling policies, stress, and anxiety were significant predictors ( 0.05) of lower quadrant WMSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Jordanian nurses have a high prevalence of lower quadrant WMSDs. Many modifiable risk factors of WMSDs were identified. Future studies need to design effective treatment and preventive strategies for nurses’ WMSDs to improve their work efficiency and wellbeing.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is highly prevalent among patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed MetS prevalence in COPD patients, focusing on variations by gender, diagnostic criteria, and disease severity. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized form, and study quality was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Prevalence rates, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses by sex, COPD severity, and MetS components were conducted. Results: Forty-two studies, including 54,278 COPD patients, were analyzed. Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 37% (95% CI: 30.6–43.8%; I ² = 99.03%, p < 0.001). Prevalence was 48% (95% CI 38.1 to 57.5) in males and 43% (95% CI 38.3 to 48.8) in females. Among studies using the Alberti definition, the pooled prevalence was 46% (95% CI 35.6 to 56.3). Patients with GOLD stage II showed a prevalence of 44% (95% CI 37.3 to 50.4). The most common MetS components were Hypertension 58% (95% CI 47.2 to 68.0) and increased waist circumference 51% (95% CI 37.1 to 64.6). Conclusion: MetS is highly prevalent among COPD patients. Standardized diagnostic criteria are needed, and early detection with integrated care is recommended.

Background: Physical activity is essential for preventing chronic disease and maintaining overall health. However, hospital nurses may face challenges maintaining adequate physical activity due to demanding work schedules and occupational stressors. Objective: To examine the levels of physical activity among hospital nurses in Jordan and to identify demographic, occupational, and health-related factors associated with physical activity. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 750 nurses across Jordanian hospitals, with 597 respondents (80% response rate). Validated self-administered questionnaires were used to assess demographic, work characteristics, psychological well-being, sleep quality, musculoskeletal pain, and physical activity. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and multiple linear regression was performed to identify independent associations with physical activity levels. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.1 years, and average work hours were 43.4 h per week. Approximately 31% of nurses report moderate physical activity levels, while 40% reported high physical activity levels. Higher physical activity levels were independently associated with longer work hours (β = 46.1; 95% CI: 1.9 to 90.2), more frequent night shifts (β = 163.8; 95% CI: 11.8 to 315.7), and more musculoskeletal pain sites (β = 254.9; 95% CI: 171.3 to 338.7). Having a chronic disease was significantly associated with lower physical activity (β = -1384.1; 95% CI: −2443.5 to −324.1). Conclusion: Most nurses met recommended physical activity levels, and their engagement in physical activity was influenced by work demands and health status. Workplace health promotion initiatives should consider these factors to effectively support and sustain physical activity among hospital nurses.

Balance impairment is common in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), increasing fall risk and reducing functional independence. This study investigated functional, clinical, and demographic determinants of balance performance in individuals with COPD. This secondary analysis included participants from a randomized controlled trial involving pulmonary rehabilitation centers. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). Functional assessments comprised the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30s CST) and Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). Clinical variables included lung function, dyspnea, comorbidities, medications, fall history, supplemental oxygen, and gait aid use. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between balance, functional, clinical, and demographic factors. Of the 244 participants (mean age: 71 ± 9 years; 57% male), 87% reported balance deficits and 50% had at least one fall in the past year. Functional capacity was strongly correlated with balance scores (r > 0.5, p < 0.001). Clinical factors, including dyspnea, comorbidities, gait aid, and supplemental oxygen use, were also significant. The full regression model explained 58% of the variance in BESTest scores and 51% in BBS scores. Each additional 30s CST repetition predicted a 1.22-point increase in BESTest scores and a 0.59-point increase in BBS scores. Less severe dyspnea was associated with higher scores on both balance measures. Balance performance in individuals with COPD is influenced by both clinical and functional parameters. Identification of these factors supports the development of targeted interventions to address balance impairment and improve patient outcomes in this population.

Background: Sleep disturbance, chronic pain and mental health symptoms frequently co-occur in older adults, but data from the Middle East remain limited. Aims: This study aimed to examine sleep quality and its associations with pain and mental health symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Jordan. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥60 years recruited from geriatric clinics and rehabilitation centres. Sleep quality (primary outcome) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLS), daytime sleepiness via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Brief Pain Inventory were measured. Correlation and multiple linear regression models by domain (demographic, lifestyle/health, sleep-specific, mental health and pain), followed by a fully adjusted model, were performed. Results: A total of 121 participants (mean age 67.9 ± 7.5 years, 44.6% female) were included. Mean PSQI score was 13.5 ± 3.2, indicating poor sleep quality. In bivariate analysis, higher ISI, IRLS, ESS, DASS-21 and pain severity/interference were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality (all p < 0.01). Domain-specific models identified insomnia severity, depressive and anxiety symptoms and pain variables as significant predictors. In the fully adjusted model (adjusted R ² = 0.268), only insomnia severity remained as an independent predictor of poorer sleep quality, with retirement showing a borderline association. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults in Jordan and is driven primarily by insomnia severity rather than demographic or health factors. Targeting insomnia may yield the greatest improvements in sleep quality in this population.