Infection with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) species is increasing in prevalence in both endemic and non-endemic areas. 1 Clinically, NTM infections most commonly present as skin and soft tissue infection, pulmonary disease, lymphadenitis or disseminated disease 2 but may less likely present in locations such as the eyes, musculoskeletal system or central nervous system (CNS). 3 When the skin and soft tissues are involved, infection may appear as papules, pustules, plaques, nodules, abscesses, panniculitis, folliculitis, or lymphangitis. Although frequently initially indolent, lesions may ulcerate, and may exhibit proximal lymphangitic spread. 4,5 Such varied presentations elicit a broad differential of chronic infectious and non-infectious diagnoses. 5 Chronic, untreated sequelae of cutaneous NTM may be as mild as pigmentary changes or as severe as nerve palsies, permanent disfigurement and bacteremia, depending on the integrity of the host's immune system. 6,7 Accurate diagnosis of NTM is important to ensure appropriate antibiotic selection.

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With high numbers of Chinese international tertiary students worldwide, it is important that institutions understand how best to establish environments that support positive mental health in this student group. This study used a mixed methods approach via an online survey to explore levels of psychological distress, help-seeking preferences, and engagement with counselling among Chinese international students at a New Zealand university. Findings support existing literature showing that Chinese international tertiary students experience high levels of distress and under-utilise counselling and other campus services, while the relationship between students and family is an important consideration to assist in mitigating psychological distress. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to improve the wellbeing, and aid the integration, of Chinese students to their host country and educational environment.

<p>Chinese international students have become an increasingly significant presence on tertiary campuses worldwide, with over 928,000 enrolled globally in higher education in 2017. The mental health of tertiary students has been recognised as a significant public health concern and the unique challenges faced by Chinese international students place them at higher risk of mental distress than domestic or other international students. However, there is a scarcity of literature focussing on the mental health of Chinese international students both internationally and in a New Zealand context. This study was undertaken to gather preliminary data on the existence and prevalence of psychological distress among Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington. It also investigated the help-seeking preferences of Chinese international students, their engagement with counselling services or barriers preventing engagement with counselling support, and their knowledge and use of additional university support services. Participants’ views on managing stress and their advice for newly arrived Chinese students were also explored. A mixed methods approach was utilised to gather both quantitative and qualitative data via an online survey, utilising the Kessler-10 to measure psychological distress in conjunction with a variety of categorical and free-text response questions to gather other information. The survey was sent to all Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. A total of 205 Chinese international students responded to the survey, from 836 enrolled students (response rate 24.5%). Results indicate that the majority of the Chinese international student population at Victoria suffer from high levels of psychological distress (K10=23.33, SD=6.97). These results are comparable with studies of Chinese students who study abroad, or in their home country. Consistent with international research, participants preferred to use informal sources of support, most notably their parents and friends when stressed. They rated academic staff and student services as the supports they would be least likely to turn to when stressed. Despite the high levels of psychological distress reported, very few participants had sought formal mental health support, with only 12.3% of the sample accessing Student Counselling while studying at Victoria. Cultural and practical barriers impacted their decision to utilise the service and they provided recommendations to make the service better known amongst the student group to improve uptake. Participants’ advice to new Chinese students included getting involved, developing friendships with fellow students, improving English proficiency, and asking for help when needed. The findings from this study support the growing body of literature that Chinese international tertiary students are in need of additional culturally appropriate interventions throughout their university journey to improve their wellbeing, their awareness and use of support services, and to aid their integration to both their host country and education environment.</p>

<p>Chinese international students have become an increasingly significant presence on tertiary campuses worldwide, with over 928,000 enrolled globally in higher education in 2017. The mental health of tertiary students has been recognised as a significant public health concern and the unique challenges faced by Chinese international students place them at higher risk of mental distress than domestic or other international students. However, there is a scarcity of literature focussing on the mental health of Chinese international students both internationally and in a New Zealand context. This study was undertaken to gather preliminary data on the existence and prevalence of psychological distress among Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington. It also investigated the help-seeking preferences of Chinese international students, their engagement with counselling services or barriers preventing engagement with counselling support, and their knowledge and use of additional university support services. Participants’ views on managing stress and their advice for newly arrived Chinese students were also explored. A mixed methods approach was utilised to gather both quantitative and qualitative data via an online survey, utilising the Kessler-10 to measure psychological distress in conjunction with a variety of categorical and free-text response questions to gather other information. The survey was sent to all Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. A total of 205 Chinese international students responded to the survey, from 836 enrolled students (response rate 24.5%). Results indicate that the majority of the Chinese international student population at Victoria suffer from high levels of psychological distress (K10=23.33, SD=6.97). These results are comparable with studies of Chinese students who study abroad, or in their home country. Consistent with international research, participants preferred to use informal sources of support, most notably their parents and friends when stressed. They rated academic staff and student services as the supports they would be least likely to turn to when stressed. Despite the high levels of psychological distress reported, very few participants had sought formal mental health support, with only 12.3% of the sample accessing Student Counselling while studying at Victoria. Cultural and practical barriers impacted their decision to utilise the service and they provided recommendations to make the service better known amongst the student group to improve uptake. Participants’ advice to new Chinese students included getting involved, developing friendships with fellow students, improving English proficiency, and asking for help when needed. The findings from this study support the growing body of literature that Chinese international tertiary students are in need of additional culturally appropriate interventions throughout their university journey to improve their wellbeing, their awareness and use of support services, and to aid their integration to both their host country and education environment.</p>

Objective Universal newborn hearing screening (NBHS) has been widely implemented as a part of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs worldwide. Even with excellent provider knowledge and screening rates, many infants do not receive definitive hearing testing or intervention after initial screening. The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic factors contributing to loss of follow‐up. Data Sources PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Review Methods Per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, the databases were searched from the date of inception through December 28, 2021. Studies containing sociodemographic information on patients who were referred to NBHS were included. Meta‐analysis of odds ratios (ORs) was performed comparing rates of sociodemographic variables between patients adherent and nonadherent to follow‐up. Results A total of 169,238 infants from 19 studies were included. Low birth weight (OR 1.6 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.2‐2.2, p < .001), racial minority (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2‐1.6], p < .001), rural residence (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1‐1.9], p = .005), lack of insurance (OR 1 [95% CI 1.4‐2.5], p < .001), and public or state insurance (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.2‐4.2], p = .008) were associated with missed follow‐up after referred NBHS. Associated maternal factors included low maternal education (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.6‐2.0], p < .001), young maternal age (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.5‐1.6], p < .001), unmarried maternal status (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1‐1.9], p = .003), and current or former maternal smoking status (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.4‐2.2], p < .001). Conclusion Both infant and maternal sociodemographic factors influence follow‐up compliance after referred NBHS. Focused efforts should be made by medical providers and policymakers to address these factors to ensure appropriate newborn hearing care and interventions are achieved.