Adoption Of Health-promoting Behaviors Research Articles

Understanding Health-Promoting Behaviors and Influential Factors in Schizophrenia Patients.

(1) Background: People who are diagnosed with schizophrenia experience a reduced average lifespan compared to the general population. Also, approximately 85% of individuals with schizophrenia have chronic physical illnesses. Moreover, 60% of premature deaths in this population could be prevented through the adoption of health-promoting behaviors. (2) Methods: This study involved the recruitment of 220 participants from an outpatient clinic in Seoul, South Korea. Inclusion criteria comprised adults aged 19 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia. Data collection occurred between 25 May 2021 and 2 August 2021, utilizing self-report questionnaires. A total of 202 responses were subjected to analysis using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. (3) Results: The findings indicate that the final model is characterized by the following values: Normed x2 = 2.240, RMSEA = 0.079, TLI = 0.926, x2 = 562.2 (p < 0.001), AGFI = 0.830, GFI = 0.814, and CFI = 0.938. Notably, health knowledge did not exhibit a significant direct or overall impact on health-promoting behaviors. Conversely, social support and psychiatric symptoms demonstrated direct, indirect, and total effects on health promotion through an intervening variable. This study underscores the pivotal role of self-efficacy as the most influential factor affecting health-promoting behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia. (4) Conclusions: enhancing self-efficacy emerges as a crucial element in the design and implementation of intervention programs aimed at improving health-promoting behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia.

Perceptions and experiences of adult caregivers receiving mindfulness-based behavioural education: A qualitative study.

Adult caregivers (ACGs) are largely responsible for caring for their family members, which can increase their stress levels. This increased stress makes them more susceptible to chronic illnesses. The adoption of health-promoting behaviours, particularly through mindfulness-based behavioural education (MBBE), can significantly impact the daily habits of ACGs. However, there is limited research on this topic in the context of Thailand. Thus, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of ACGs receiving MBBE, focusing on physical, mental, social and other influential factors. A qualitative study was conducted among 19 ACGs living in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and observations were conducted. The FGDs were digitally recorded, and their contents were analysed. The ACGs were found to perceive and experience improvements in their mental stability and habitual behaviour. These improvements manifested as increased calmness, relaxation, clear communication, empathy, reduced risky behaviour, decreased desire for excessive consumption and travel and reduced pain. Furthermore, mindful behaviour was influenced by both internal and external personal factors as well as the specific situational environment. MBBE could lead to an increase in promotional behaviour, especially when combined with awareness, self-recollection and a self-efficacy approach. This finding encourages health personnel to consider incorporating regular skill practice as a complement to health education.

The Contribution of Empowerment to Bioethics in the Obstetric Care Context

Empowerment in healthcare is becoming increasingly popular, including in obstetrics, because of its benefits for both individual health and health promotion. Many authors and organizations, such as the World Health Organization, advocate it as a means of engaging communities in the adoption of health-promoting behaviors and fostering patient-centered care. It aims to enable patients to assert their decisions and choices while respecting their personal values. This desire to respect the uniqueness and autonomy of each individual echoes a number of ethical principles and theories. In this article, the authors aim to answer the question, How can the concept of empowerment in healthcare contribute to bioethics? They argue that it has important links with feminist bioethics, notably the theory of relational autonomy, as well as with the capability theory of economist and philosopher Amartya Sen.

Therapeutic impact of an intervention associating pharmacist counseling and the use of a mobile health application for type 2 diabetes patients

Background and objectives: Diabetes represents a real public health problem, due to its constantly increasing prevalence and many complications. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high in Belgium (estimated at over 8%, 1 patient out of 3 being unaware of their diagnosis). Management based on a change of lifestyle and the adoption of health-promoting behaviors, complemented if necessary by drug treatment, prevents complications, improves the patient's quality of life, and reduces mortality. It is essential to implement multidisciplinary patient support, in which the pharmacist can participate through pharmaceutical care, but also through the implementation of educational sessions promoting the involvement of the diabetic patient in the management of his or her health. Research suggests that the use of mobile technologies combined with health coaching can help patients with their daily life and disease management. This study, a collaboration between ULiège, Multipharma and Comunicare, aims at exploring the benefits of the use of mobile technologies combined with health coaching by the community pharmacist for type 2 diabetes patients. The intervention aimed to reinforce the patient's willingness to actively participate in the management of their disease and to adopt favorable health behaviors, in order to increase their level of therapeutic adherence.&#x0D; Intervention and methods: This interventional study combined educational intervention and coaching sessions by the community pharmacist with the daily use of a mobile health application provided by Comunicare. This was a quantitative study established over a period of six months with three data collection periods (before, during and after the intervention). Primary outcomes (HbA1c and MARS-5 score), related to the level of medication adherence, and secondary outcomes (HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference), considered as cardiovascular risk factors, were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: The baseline sample consisted of 66 patients, 50 of whom completed the study. Statistical analyses did not show an improvement in the level of medication adherence. However, significant results were observed for systolic blood pressure and waist circumference (both improving). All the other outcomes, including HbA1c, changed positively or stabilized between the beginning and end of the study.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that counseling by the community pharmacist, combined with the use of a mobile health application, can achieve the therapeutic intent of physician-initiated therapy and have a positive impact on the management of the type 2 diabetic patients as well as on outcomes considered as cardiovascular risk factors.

Evaluation of community pharmacist follow-up supported by the use of healthcare technology for type 2 diabetes patients

BackgroundPrevalence of type 2 diabetes is high in Belgium (estimated at over 10%, 1 patient out of 3 being unaware of their diagnosis). Management based on a change of lifestyle and the adoption of health-promoting behaviors, supplemented when needed with drug treatment, prevents complications, improves the patient's quality of life and reduces mortality. Multidisciplinary patient support is essential. In this, pharmacists have a key role, e.g. through therapeutic patient education activities, in which they are increasingly involved. Moreover, research suggests that the use of mobile technologies can be a useful tool for helping patients with their daily life and disease management. ObjectivesThis study aims at exploring the benefits of community pharmacist follow-up supported by the use of mobile technologies in the monitoring of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The presented intervention aimed to reinforce the patients' willingness to actively participate in the management of their disease and to adopt favorable health behaviors, in order to increase their level of medication adherence. MethodsA quantitative quasi-experimental study was conducted in community pharmacies throughout Belgium over a 6-month period with 3 data collection periods (before, during and after the intervention). Primary outcomes, related to the level of medication adherence, and secondary outcomes, considered as markers of the patient's overall health, were analyzed. In addition, qualitative data concerning participants' opinions on their experience were collected. Results66 patients participated in the study, with 50 remaining after 3 months and 46 completing the entire study. Statistical analyses did not show an improvement in the level of medication adherence. This parameter was high from the beginning, reflecting patients with controlled diabetes. However, statistically significant results were observed for systolic blood pressure and waist circumference (both improved), while other outcomes showed a positive trend or remained stable. Patient follow-up by the pharmacist was a positive experience for both parties which noted their interest and satisfaction for the project. ConclusionsAlthough clinical results are not conclusive, patients were motivated and the attrition rate was low. Participants showed their interest in participating in this kind of project, opening up opportunities for further studies in the community pharmacy setting. As front-line health professionals, community pharmacists certainly have a key-role to play in therapeutic patient education and mobile technologies could be additional tools in this process.

Health Promotion Behaviors and Psychosocial Factors Among Middle-Aged Women in Saudi Arabia.

Middle-aged women experience several changes that can affect their biological and psychosocial health. A healthy lifestyle is a fundamental requirement for achieving optimal health. To examine the impact of psychosocial factors on health promotion behaviors among middle-aged women in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study design was used. One hundred and eighteen middle-aged women completed the demographic questionnaire, Stunkard Figure Rating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II from September 2, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Multiple regression analysis was performed to estimate the impact of psychosocial factors on health promotion behaviors. Participants "sometimes" engaged in health promotion behaviors. Spiritual growth scored the highest, whereas physical exercise scored the lowest. Most of the participants were dissatisfied with their body image and reported moderate levels of perceived stress. The participants were more likely to report a preferred body image that was smaller than their perceived body image. Perceived stress and body image were significantly correlated with the total score for health promotion behaviors. Perceived stress level, age, and menopause status were significant predictors of health promotion behaviors. The model significantly predicted all the health promotion behavior subscales, excluding nutrition. There were relationships between certain psychosocial predictors and health-promoting behaviors. This study can guide healthcare professionals in promoting middle adult women's adoption of health-promoting behaviors. More research can be conducted in Saudi Arabia to understand the health promotion behaviors of middle-aged women.

Impact of health literacy and self-care behaviors on health-related quality of life in Iranians with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRegarding the importance of health literacy as a key factor in self-care, appropriate understanding of health information by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is fundamental for better management of risk factors, which can also benefit their quality of life. This study aimed to describe the relationship between health literacy (HL), and self-care behaviors with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with T2DM.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was done in Iran in 2019. Patients were recruited randomly from health centers by medical records (n = 192, 55.2% male, mean age 58.12 years). The data collection included demographic form, health literacy questionnaire, diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire, and world health organization’s Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analyses were adjusted for confounders using hierarchical regression analysis.ResultsHL as predictor variables explained 47.5% of variance in overall HRQL (p value < 0.001), reading health information was the strongest HL dimension (β = 0.478). Self-care behaviors explained an additional 13.6% of the HRQL variance. In total, 65.5% of the variation in the HRQL is explained by the HL, self-care behavior, and the demographic variables.ConclusionWe found that more almost two-third of the HRQL explained by the HL and self-care behaviors. Given the importance of health literacy and self-care behaviors in the quality of life in patients with T2DM, adoption of health-promoting behaviors and increasing health literacy can be beneficial for promoting quality of life among these patients.

Explaining the relationship between religiosity and increased wellbeing avoidance of identity threat as a key factor

ABSTRACT Previous research outlines a relationship between religiosity and increased mental and physical wellbeing. However, to date findings from quantitative and qualitative research do not offer an unambiguous explanation for this relationship. The study addresses this gap in knowledge by examining underlying identity construction processes in relation to religiosity and wellbeing in the light of Identity Process Theory. Eight Christian converts from different deep-faith groups were recruited via purposive and modified snowball sampling. Detailed descriptions of first-hand experiences were collected by biographic-narrative interviews and analysed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings suggest that religious elements are integrated into identity content as these respond to a set of motivational principles of identity construction. In doing so, religious elements in identity content contribute to the avoidance of identity threat and to the maintenance of a positive identity structure. The adoption of health-promoting behaviours that relate to the application of beliefs (i.e. practice forgiveness, love oneself and the other, stopping excessive drinking) are consequences thereof and improve mental and physical wellbeing. In conclusion, the relationship between religiosity and wellbeing may be explained by the way in that religious elements in identity impact on identity maintenance process.

SmartMom Text Messaging for Prenatal Education: A Qualitative Focus Group Study to Explore Canadian Women’s Perceptions

BackgroundWe engaged Canadian women in the development of a prenatal education program delivered via one-way text messaging called SmartMom. SmartMom is the first peer-reviewed, evidence-based mHealth program for prenatal education in Canada and the first to be endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.ObjectiveTo explore women’s preferences for a prenatal education program by text messaging.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative focus group study in three Canadian communities in the Northern Health Authority. Women completed a demographic questionnaire, participated in a guided discussion about their pregnancy information-seeking behavior, reviewed a printed copy of the SmartMom text messages, and then engaged in a moderated discussion about their perceptions of the usability of the SmartMom program. Open-ended questions explored women’s perceptions regarding the message content, acceptability of receiving information by text message, positive health behaviors they might engage in after receiving a message, modifiable program factors, and intention to use the program. Thematic analysis of transcribed audio recordings was undertaken and modifications were made to the SmartMom program based on these findings.ResultsA total of 40 women participated in seven focus groups in three rural northern communities. The vast majority had a mobile phone (39/40, 98%), used text messages “all the time” (28/40, 70%), and surfed the Internet on their phone (37/40, 93%). Participants perceived SmartMom to be highly acceptable and relevant. The text message modality reflected how participants currently sought pregnancy-related information and provided them with local information tailored to their gestational age, which they had not received through other pregnancy resources. Women recommended adding the opportunity to receive supplemental streams of messages tailored to their individual needs, for example, depression, pregnancy after previous cesarean, >35 years of age, new immigrants, and harm reduction for smoking and alcohol.ConclusionsThis formative qualitative evaluation provides evidence that a prenatal education program by text messaging, SmartMom, is acceptable to the end users. These findings support the usability of the SmartMom program at a population level and the development of an evaluation program exploring the effects of the text messages on adoption of health-promoting behaviors and maternal-child health outcomes.

Improving Health and Reducing Comorbidity Associated with HIV: The Development ofTAVIE en santé, a Web-Based Tailored Intervention to Support the Adoption of Health Promoting Behaviors among People Living with HIV

Background. In the domain of health behavior change, the deployment and utilization of information and communications technologies as a way to deliver interventions appear to be promising. This article describes the development of a web-based tailored intervention, TAVIE en santé, to support people living with HIV in the adoption of healthy behaviors. Methods. This intervention was developed through an Intervention Mapping (IM) framework and is based on the theory of planned behavior. Results. Crucial steps of IM are the selection of key determinants of behavior and the selection of useful theory-based intervention methods to change the targeted determinants (active ingredients). The content and the sequence of the intervention are then created based on these parameters. TAVIE en santé is composed of 7 interactive web sessions hosted by a virtual nurse. It aims to develop and strengthen skills required for behavior change. Based on an algorithm using individual cognitive data (attitude, perceived behavioral control, and intention), the number of sessions, theory-based intervention methods, and messages contents are tailored to each user. Conclusion. TAVIE en santé is currently being evaluated. The use of IM allows developing intervention with a systematic approach based on theory, empirical evidence, and clinical and experiential knowledge.

Effectiveness analysis of an internet-based intervention for overweight adolescents: next steps for researchers and clinicians.

BackgroundsThe development of effective strategies for the management of overweight in adolescence is a well recognized need. The current study investigates the effectiveness of an e-therapeutic platform (Next.Step) which aims to promote weight management skills and the adoption of health-promoting behaviours among overweight adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a randomized clinical trial with a sample of 80 adolescents. The control group followed the standard intervention. The experimental group was invited to access the platform during 12 weeks in addition to the standard intervention.ResultsAlthough there was no change in the primary outcomes (body mass index and percentage of fat mass), the results suggest that the program is associated with an improvement in the ‘positive perspective of life’ and ‘benefits perceived from the intervention’, which have been identified as relevant factors for an effective weight management.ConclusionsOur findings provide little support for the effectiveness of internet-based weight management programs as an add-on to the standard intervention.Trial registrationNCT01904474

Estilos de vida e percepção do estado de saúde em idosos Portugueses de zonas rural e urbana.

The perception of health status is essential for better planning in health, not only due to its role as a determinant of health, but also because it is related with the adoption of health-promoting behaviours. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between lifestyles and self-rated health, in Portuguese elderly, according to their residence in rural or urban areas. We evaluated 80 individuals from Rebordelo, Trás-os-Montes (rural area) and 383 from Porto (urban area), with 60 or more years and with four or less years of education. Data were collected by trained interviewers, through a structured questionnaire, to evaluate social, demographic, health and behavioural characteristics. Anthropometric measures were also obtained. Leisure-time physical activity, tobacco, alcohol and fruit and vegetable consumption were the lifestyles evaluated. To evaluate self-rated health, each person rated their health status, according to five options (excellent, very good, good, reasonable or poor), later grouped into two: poor versus the others. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression, after adjustment for sex and education. About 41% of the elderly from the rural area and 32% from the urban area rated their health status as poor. In multivariate analysis, in the rural area, poor self-rated health was inversely associated with the practice of leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.22, 95%CI 0.06-0.80). In urban area, alcohol consumption was associated with a lower probability of self-rating health as poor (considering not drinking as reference, >0-15 g alcohol/day: OR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.24-0.72; >15 g alcohol/day: OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.32-1.11). In the rural area, a positive association between fruit and vegetable consumption and poor self-rated health was found (≥ 5 vs. <5 portions/day: OR = 5.21, 95%CI 1.14-23.83), while in the urban area there was an inverse association (OR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.45-1.25). Poor Self-rated health was inversely associated with leisure-time physical activity in the rural area, and with the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the urban area. The consumption of fruit and vegetables was associated with self-rated health in both populations, but while in the rural area the consumption of 5 or more servings per day was associated with a poor perception of health, in the urban area this association was in the inverse direction.

The Illness Perceptions of Women Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: Implications for Behaviour Change and Attendance at Cardiac Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been socially constructed as a gender-specific disease, with women seen not to be at risk (Lockyer, 2002). This is despite CHD being the leading cause of mortality in both men and women in the Western world (DH, 2004). The aim of this research was to explore the illness perceptions of a sample of women following acute myocardial infarction (MI). Relationships between illness perceptions and adoption of health-promoting behaviours, and attendance at a programme of cardiac rehabilitation were explored. The influence of age was also considered. Leventhal and Nerenz' Self-Regulatory Model of Illness Behaviour (1985) was used as the theoretical framework. This model consists of three stages: interpretation of symptoms, coping and appraisal. A qualitative research design was used. A purposeful sample of 10 women was selected on the basis of age and decision to attend cardiac rehabilitation. Data were collected by semi-structured interview, 3 months following the acute infarct, and analysed thematically. Stress was considered to be the cause of the MI, and although lifestyle factors were recognized, their significance was uncertain; perhaps as a result, lifestyle changes were limited. Overall, women had a perceived lack of control over the illness. The decision to attend a cardiac rehabilitation programme was influenced by beliefs relating to the identification of a known cause and level of perceived control of the illness. A belief that the illness was inevitable seemed to be more prevalent in older aged women. These findings have implications for health service providers in that they suggest that illness perceptions need to be explored and addressed before the decision to attend a programme of cardiac rehabilitation is made and health-promoting behaviours adopted.