Sleep duration and quality have been increasingly recognized as critical determinants of childhood obesity risk, with insufficient sleep linked to disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones and unhealthy weight gain trajectories. Emotional intelligence, which involves recognizing, understanding, and managing one's own emotions as well as those of others, has garnered attention for its potential impact on VARIOUS aspects of health and well-being, including weight management. Moreover, childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with multifaceted factors contributing to its prevalence and persistence. Research is starting to reveal how sleep patterns and emotional intelligence (ΕΙ) influence children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the relationship between childhood sleep patterns, EI, and body mass index (BMI) in school-aged children. Utilizing a sample of 614 children, aged 8-12 years (mean age 10.0 y), data on emotional intelligence scores, sleep duration and quality, and BMI measurements were collected and analyzed. The results reveal significant correlations among these variables, indicating that emotional intelligence may play a crucial role in both sleep patterns and BMI outcomes in children (Mean = 3.53, SD = 0.51 in total sample; Mean = 3.53, SD = 0.51 in overweight/obese). Specifically, higher emotional intelligence scores are associated with better sleep quality and duration, as well as healthier BMI levels (p ≤ 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of considering emotional well-being and sleep hygiene in the context of childhood obesity prevention and intervention efforts. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these relationships and to develop targeted strategies for promoting emotional intelligence and healthy sleep habits in school-aged children.

Nowadays, the consumption of energy drinks (ED) is increasing exponentially in Western society. This has been widely associated with physical (arrhythmias, headaches, etc.), psychological (anxiety, depression, etc.), and social issues (risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, etc.). The present study aimed to investigate the consumption habits of energy drinks (ED) among adolescents and young adults in the Spanish population and their attitudes toward these drinks, as well as the factors influencing their consumption. A cross-sectional descriptive study based on a voluntary online questionnaire was conducted with a sample of 387 participants. Amongst participants, 38.8% consumed ED, and the youngest (14-18 years old) in this group were the most likely to mix them with alcohol and the least likely to consider them harmful (32.1%, p < 0.001; and 8.9%, p < 0.002, respectively). Male respondents and people who vaped were more likely to consume ED (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.76-4.93, p < 0.001; and OR = 3.18, CI = 1.91-8.00, p < 0.001, respectively). Social and healthcare policies should be proposed in order to reduce the consumption of ED, particularly among young people, provided that it is associated with other risky behaviors and the occurrence of adverse events.

BackgroundAs an effort in aligning with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, this paper reflects the methods and population characteristics from a comprehensive health and nutrition study among older Filipino adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults aged ≥60 years (n = 562) across the country. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests were performed by sex and age.ResultsThe overall mean age was (69.4 ± 6.3) years. The Body Mass Index was significantly higher among those 60–69 years old compared to those >70. The lifestyle and health information varied in terms of significance between the sex and age groups.DiscussionThis comprehensive study presented the profile of participants and a detailed methodology. Utilizing the data is highly encouraged to develop evidence-based policies relevant to the country driven by the demographic shift.

BackgroundThis study presents a novel mathematical framework to quantify the societal and economic impacts of delays in the reimbursement and distribution of innovative medicines.MethodsUtilizing the concept of years of life lost (YLL) as a measure of premature mortality, the framework calculated the impact of delay on YLL, years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL), and cost of productivity loss (CPL). The proposed model incorporated mortality probabilities through the Heligman-Pollard (HP) model, examining how delays influence health outcomes, particularly for patients awaiting treatments like Icosapent ethyl.ResultsThe findings reveal that extended delays significantly increase mortality and economic losses, emphasizing the need for timely access to high-value therapies. This mathematical framework not only emphasizes the adverse effects of delayed reimbursement on populations but also highlights the importance of high-quality data in accurately assessing these effects. By ensuring completeness, consistency, and reliability in healthcare data, the framework advocates for evidence-based policy decisions that promote equitable healthcare access and minimize disparities.ConclusionsThe present study underscores the importance of efficient pharmaceutical policymaking in maximizing the societal benefits of innovative treatments, ensuring that both health outcomes and economic sustainability are prioritized in healthcare systems.

Prevention of acute cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) requires promoting health-protective behaviors (e.g., physical activity) and reducing health-compromising behaviors (e.g., sitting). Digital interventions addressing health behavior offer great potential. Based on a multiple behavior change theory, an intervention in the form of a digital health application (app) was evaluated in a pilot trial, testing the following hypotheses (H): H1: Health behaviors (physical activity, sitting) and disease self-management (self-care maintenance, self-care confidence) are closely related; H2: changes in health behaviors and disease self-management indicators over time (T0 to T1) are more pronounced in the intervention group (IG, app users) than in the control group (CG); H3: within the IG, changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure indicate a positive trajectory. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with two measurement points. The IG received an app addressing self-management and health behavior change. A total of N = 40 CVD patients were randomized equally to the CG (45% women; mean age = 60.6 years) and the IG (35% women; mean age = 61.5 years). Findings support H1 with correlations between behaviors (r = -0.66-0.79) and disease self-management (r = -0.06-0.70). H2 was also partially supported, with significant improvements over time in self-management indicators, especially self-care maintenance, in the IG (Eta² = 0.35; p < 0.001). H3 could not be confirmed as no significant changes were found. This study provides evidence that an app addressing different behavior change techniques (BCTs) can help to manage CVD by promoting health-protective behaviors and preventing health-compromising behaviors. Taking different behaviors into account may increase the effectiveness of behavioral intervention, thereby improving individual and public health. Replications with larger samples and more objective measures are needed.

BackgroundThis global cross-sectional study analyzed data from 266 “countries” and territories to evaluate the relationship between the nursing and midwifery workforce size (NMWS) and maternal mortality ratios (MMR). Drawing from five major United Nations and World Bank databases, the study offers robust and generalizable insights across diverse health systems and economic settings.MethodsThe study examined the association between the NMWS and MMR using scatterplots, bivariate and partial Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple and stepwise linear regression models. Key confounding variables, including economic affluence measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity, total fertility rate, and urbanization, were included to isolate the independent contribution of the NMWS to maternal health outcomes at the global and regional levels.ResultsThe NMWS accounted for 49.13 percent of the global variation in maternal mortality ratios, which indicates a strong inverse relationship. After adjusting for economic and demographic variables, the NMWS remained a significant independent predictor and explained 11.09 percent of the variance. A stepwise regression identified the NMWS as the second most influential predictor of maternal mortality after economic affluence and the fertility rate. The association was strongest in low- and middle-income countries, where workforce shortages and the maternal mortality rates are highest.ConclusionsThis study identifies the NMWS as a critical and measurable factor in reducing maternal mortality worldwide. This study's findings provide compelling evidence for a strategic investment in the nursing and midwifery workforce. Expanding this workforce is essential to improve the maternal health outcomes, especially in countries with limited resources, and should be prioritized in global maternal health and workforce planning strategies.

Burnout among oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) poses significant challenges to both personal well-being and patient care quality. To inform targeted interventions, this study assessed burnout prevalence and its predictors among HCPs in a tertiary cancer center in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 10, 2023, to April 14, 2024, using an online questionnaire available in both English and Arabic. The survey, distributed via email and social media, included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and sociodemographic items. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic, and group comparisons analyzed the relationships between demographic/work characteristics, depression, and burnout. Of 996 respondents, 692 (69.4%) completed the survey. Most participants were male (54.6%) and Muslim (98.3%), with 41.6% aged under 30. Respondents included physicians (17.1%), nurses (28.0%), and other healthcare roles (54.9%). Burnout levels were high, with 75.7% reporting high emotional exhaustion (EE), 35.3% experiencing high depersonalization (DP), and 27.2% showing low personal accomplishment (PA). Binary logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of high EE, including lower income (<500 JD ≈ 705 USD, p = 0.004), thoughts of quitting (p = 0.000), and lack of burnout training (p = 0.007). High DP was associated with a lack of hobbies (p = 0.003) and thoughts of quitting (p = 0.000), while low PA was linked to a higher patient caseload (p = 0.000). Elevated PHQ-9 scores, indicative of depression, were significantly correlated with increased burnout across all dimensions (p < 0.001). In conclusion, burnout is highly prevalent among oncology HCPs in Jordan, with strong associations between burnout and specific demographic and work-related factors. Targeted interventions emphasizing stress management, organizational support, and effective coping mechanisms are crucial to mitigate burnout and enhance job satisfaction among oncology staff.

BackgroundEmotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial skill in the healthcare industry, closely related to empathy, communication, and stress tolerance. Although EI has been well researched among healthcare workers, there is little information comparing organizational structures.ObjectiveOur purpose of this study was to examine the EI of medical staff employed by the Armed Forces (military) and National Health System (NHS) hospitals in Athens, Greece, and investigate the connection between EI and professional or demographic traits.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 involving 1108 healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians) recruited through convenience sampling. Participants worked in ICUs, surgical, and medical departments of four military and three NHS hospitals in Attica EI was measured using the Greek-validated Wong and Law EI Scale (WLEIS). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out. Analyses of bivariate and multivariable linear regression were performed.ResultsHealthcare professionals in NHS hospitals demonstrated significantly higher EI scores across all dimensions compared to those in military hospitals (p < 0.001). Contrary to several earlier findings, male professionals showed higher values in emotional regulation and overall, EI. Higher EI is related to greater professional experience and permanent work status. Healthcare professionals who were working on rotated shifts reported higher scores for EI compared with those who were working morning shifts.ConclusionsThe EI of medical and nursing staff is influenced by work experience, employment stability, and organizational structure. Military hospitals and the hierarchical structures of such hospitals may pose an obstacle to emotional growth and expression. This underscores the necessity of specialized EI training in these settings. Finally, these results highlight the necessity of the development of EI to enhance patient care and teamwork.

BackgroundAir pollution is a leading cause of premature deaths in developing countries compared to developed countries. We aimed to analyze and compare the economic loss due to premature deaths caused by air pollution in the USA and India.MethodsData on household and ambient air pollution, mortality, population, and GDP were collected from the WHO Global Health Observatory, the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, and World Development Indicators. The economic loss of premature deaths caused by air pollution were assessed for 2019 in India and the USA by calculating the adjusted labor output per worker, factoring in the likelihood of a person being employed. However, reported mortality cases of air pollution can be less than the actual cases, so the actual loss can be greater than that calculated in this study.ResultsThe findings showed that in 2019, the total economic loss due to premature deaths caused by air pollution was $34.85 billion and $24.76 billion in India and the USA, respectively. In 2019, India and the USA lost around 1.67 million and 100,000 lives because of air pollution, respectively. However, the per capita loss amounted to $20,868 for India and $247,600 for the USA, highlighting the stark disparity in the per capita income. Despite significant socioeconomic variations, ambient air pollution is the leading cause of total premature deaths from air pollution, accounting for 58% and 80% in India and the USA, respectively.ConclusionsAir pollution is rising in India and decreasing in the USA. The United States has implemented stringent laws and regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, to control air pollution, and India should benefit from this example. Moreover, monitoring the ground-level situation is important to reduce air pollution and associated fatalities.