Adoption Of Healthy Lifestyle Habits Research Articles

Paternal peri-conceptional physical activity and the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring: A case-control study.

Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to the development of congenital heart disease (CHD). To date, the focus of scientific articles has primarily centered on genetics and maternal environmental factors, with comparatively less attention given to paternal risk factors. This study aims to investigate the potential association between paternal pre-conceptional physical activity levels (PA), along with paternal peri-conceptional smoking and alcohol consumption, and the risk of CHD in offspring. An observational case-control study was conducted in Lebanon, with 279 participants, aiming to investigate potential risk factors for CHD. We included children with confirmed CHD, born between 2012 and 2022. Controls born in the same timeframe were selected randomly from the general population using online questionnaire forms. Mean age of children included was 6 years old (0-10). The pre-conceptional PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire validated in Arabic. In addition, paternal smoking, alcohol consumption, and maternal risk factors were collected. The study included 128 CHD cases (45.9%) and their parents, as well as 151 healthy infants (54.1%) and their parents. There were no statistically significant variations in the alcohol consumption noted between the fathers in the case and control groups (p=0.18). The paternal involvement in recreational-related PA during the peri-conception period was associated with a reduced risk of the CHD development in offspring by 46.9% (OR=0.531, 95% CI: 0.301-0.936, p=0.029). Additionally, increasing paternal total sitting time by 1 h above the average, which was approximately 260 min (4h), increased the risk of CHD in offspring by 0.4% (p=0.001). Moreover, paternal smoking exhibited an apparent association with a 56% increased risk of offspring developing CHD, notwithstanding that the confidence intervals included the null (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 0.86-2.8, p=0.136). This observational study is the first to report a potential association between paternal PA, and CHD in offspring. This study aligns with previous reports, advocating for the paternal engagement in PA and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, especially during the critical stages of conception. Such practices are strongly recommended to enhance fertility and promote optimal health for offspring. However, due to the subjectivity in reporting PA and lack of molecular proof, additional prospective and molecular studies are required to validate these findings.

S-23-3: EFFECT OF A WORKPLACE-BASED PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTION FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ON INCIDENCE OF HYPERTENSION - A CLUSTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: A workplace-based primary prevention intervention for cardiovascular disease could be an effective approach to encourage employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle and control the occurrence of hypertension. Our objective is to assess the effect of a workplace-based, multicomponent primary intervention strategy for cardiovascular disease on controlling the incidence of hypertension. Methods: A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted from January 2013 to December 2014 in 60 workplaces across 20 urban regions in China. Workplaces were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 40) or control group (n = 20). All employee participants in each workplace were asked to complete standard questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. Employees in the intervention group were given a two-year workplace wellness intervention program, while those in the control group only maintained the existing health management measures in the workplace and did not receive additional intervention. The incidence of hypertension in baseline non-hypertensive patients in the intervention and control groups, as well as changes in blood pressure levels and lifestyle factors were assessed at the end of the trial. Results: Overall, 21,667 participants (16,488 in the intervention group and 5,179 in the control group) were included (mean [SD] age, 39.2 [9.0] years; 13,207 men [61.0%]). After 24 months of the intervention, the incidence of hypertension in baseline non-hypertensive patients was 7.2% in the intervention group and 8.2% in the control group (RR = 0.88, 95% CI,0.79 to 0.98, P = 0.012). The intervention effect was significant on systolic BP level (beta = -0.42, 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.05; P = 0.027) and on diastolic BP level (beta = -0.37, 95% CI, -0.67 to -0.07; P = 0.014). Moreover, greater improvement was reported in healthy lifestyle, such as the rates of smoking (-1.6%; 95% CI, -2.5% to -0.6%; P < 0.001), drinking (-3.1%; 95% CI, -4.0% to -2.2%; P < 0.001), regular exercise (10.9%; 95% CI, 9.8% to 11.9%; P < 0.001), perceived stress (-5.7%; 95% CI, -6.6% to -4.7%; P = 0.025), fatty food intake (-9.0%; 95% CI, -10.1% to -7.9%; P < 0.001) and excessive use of salt (-5.5%; 95% CI, -6.3% to -4.6%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: This trial found that workplace-based primary prevention interventions for cardiovascular disease appeared to be effective in reducing the prevalence of hypertension, leading to measurable benefits such as lower blood pressure and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. The intervention can therefore be considered for large-scale use or inclusion in workplaces health promotion programs in China and other countries.

Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Adults in Weight Control: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Information and communication technologies are part of our day-to-day life in the execution of all activities, including health care. However, it is not known how much the use of technologies can contribute to the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze whether the use of information and communication technologies contributes to weight control among adults when compared to the traditional approach method. The search was performed in November 2021 in eight electronic databases in addition to gray literature bases. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The standardized mean difference was used for the meta-analytic measurement using the random effects model using the Dersimonian-Laid method in the Stata statistical package version 17. The body mass index of the intervention group decreased by an average of 0.56 (95% CI: -0.83; -0.30) when compared to the control group. When comparing the before and after groups, the intervention group also had a greater reduction in BMI (summarized mean: -0.83; 95% CI: -1.40; -0.26). Information and communication technologies contribute to the reduction of the body mass index in the adult population when compared to the traditional model of monitoring. Prospero registration: number 42020186340.

The Perception of Teaching, Learning Styles and Commitment to Learning and Their Influence on the Practice of Physical Activity and Eating Habits Related to the Mediterranean Diet in Physical Education Students.

Childhood obesity, linked to a sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet, is one of the main problems in today’s Western societies. In this sense, the aim of the study was to analyze students’ perceived satisfaction in physical education classes with learning strategies and engagement in learning and critical thinking as determinants of healthy lifestyle habits. The study involved 2,439 high school students aged 12–18 years (M = 14.66, SD = 1.78). Structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the predictive relationships between the study variables. The results showed that teaching, teaching mastery, and cognitive development are precursors to deep thinking on the part of students, indicators of the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. These results reflect the importance of the methodology adopted by the teacher in order to positively influence the students’ habits.

EFFECT OF A WEB-BASED MANAGEMENT PLATFORM ON HYPERTENSION CONTROL IN COMMUNITY: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Objective: To assess the effect of multi-component intervention delivered by a web-based platform on improving blood pressure control rate. Design and method: A cluster andomised clinical trial of a hypertension management program was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2018 in 66 communities. Communities were andomised to either the intervention group (usual care combined with multi-component intervention delivered by a web-based platform) or control group (usual care only). The intervention included health education, lifestyle modification, self-monitoring and treatment. In order to support the implementation of intervention program, a web based-platform was established. Automated classification and personalized follow-up schedule would be generated by prespecified algorithm according to the patients’ information. The primary outcome was the change in blood pressure control rate from baseline to 12 months among hypertension patients in the intervention and control group. The secondary outcomes were the changes in blood pressure and lifestyle factors. Results: A total of 3,872 participants (2,994 in the intervention group and 878 in control group) were included in the analysis. Blood pressure control rate at baseline was 31.4% in the intervention group and 30.2% in the control group. After 12 months of the intervention, the blood pressure control rate for the intervention group compared with the control group was significantly higher (65.9% vs 42.0%; odds ratio, 1.25; 95%CI,1.19–1.32; P < 0.001). The intervention effect on systolic blood pressure was -8.0 mmHg (95%CI, -9.8 to -6.2 mmHg; P < 0.001) and on diastolic blood pressure was -1.7 mmHg (95%CI, -2.8 to -0.6 mmHg, P = 0.003). The blood pressure control rate showed a gradual increment throughout the whole intervention duration. What's more, greater improvement was observed in the proportion of regular exercise (17.8%; 95%CI, 15.3%-20.3%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: This trial found that a multi-component intervention delivered by a web-based platform appeared to be more effective than usual care, leading to measurable benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved hypertension control, and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Telemedicine may be a better way to manage hypertension patients in community.

Creatine Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common form of diabetes. The initial treatment of type 2 DM consists of the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits together with several classes of hypoglycemic agents. However, these medications are not always able to reduce the blood glucose levels in all patients. Therefore, creatine supplementation has emerged as a new putative candidate for type 2 DM treatment. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects (benefits and harms) of creatine supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes through a systematic review. The studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases, without date or language restrictions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias table. The certainty of the evidence was classified using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included (87 participants). Overall, the methodological quality was classified as unclear to a high risk of bias. Each trial compared creatine supplementation with a different control group (placebo, metformin, and glibenclamide). Creatine supplementation seems to be effective in decreasing glycemic levels and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations compared to placebo. No difference was observed compared to metformin or glibenclamide with creatine, and all treatments were able to reduce blood glucose levels. No major adverse effects were observed. Based on the low certainty of evidence, creatine supplementation was shown to be a hypoglycemic intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes, without major adverse events reported. However, well- designed RCTs with larger sample sizes and long-term outcomes are needed to support this evidence.

Winning Conditions for the Adoption and Maintenance of Long-Term Healthy Lifestyles According to Physical Activity Students.

The literature has not yet well documented the relative elements of the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits (HLHs) over the long term. More especially, researchers are calling to complete the corpus with qualitative or mixed estimates that would allow them to better explain the conditions necessary for the adoption or maintenance of HLHs over the long term. The present study seeks to understand the winning conditions for the adoption and maintenance of HLHs. Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with three groups of university students (two in Bachelor’s degree in physical education (PE) and one in Master’s degree in physical activity science), all in favor with HLHs. The results identify some dominant winning conditions in the adoption and maintenance of HLHs, such as the role of the family environment, the role of diversity and choice in physical activities during youth, the physical and social environment, autonomy and also mental health, which is closely linked with physical health. Results were modelled in the form of an ideal pathway, which traces the impact of winning conditions from childhood to adulthood. The originality of this study stands out, among other things, because of its innovative methodology; therefore, this study opens the door to future qualitative research in the field. Investigating pathways, considering the different phases of development of children and adolescents to identify factors of change and maintenance of HLHs now seems to be an interesting and necessary avenue for research in the field.

Gender as a determinant of lifestyle in young university students

Abstract Introduction Lifestyles is part of the subject's personal decisions, resulting from the exposure and interaction of factors such as living conditions, behavior patterns, socio-cultural elements, a set of norms, habits, and routines, which affect negatively or positively the health, but since it is a personal decision, it is detached from determinants such as gender. Therefore, the objective of the study was to identify the differences in the lifestyle of university students according to gender. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was applied to 187 students with an average age of 20.5 years from the Santo Tomás University in Bogotá and Bucaramanga, Colombia. A chi-square test was performed for each qualitative question and an ANOVA for the quantitative data resulting from each factor, taking gender as the basis of analysis. Statistical analyzes were processed in SPSS 25.0, at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results It was found that women walk daily for more than 30 minutes (p = 0.00; 95% OR: +4.0 women); men are more likely to smoke (p = 0.001; 95% OR: +2.6 men) and drive after drinking alcohol (p = 0.012; 95% OR: +2.5 men); performance of periodic medical check-ups (p = 0.007; 95% OR: +2.0 men) and compliance with traffic orders (p = 0.004: 95% OR: +2.9 men) and seat belt use (p = 0.006; 95% OR: +1.0 men) is higher in men. Significant differences were found between tobacco consumption (p = 0.001), and alcohol (p = 0.013), physical activity (p = 0.011) and other behaviors (p = 0.001). Conclusions Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption and less physical activity; therefore, gender is a determining factor for the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Key messages The lifestyle of the university population is influenced by gender, which is why promotion and prevention campaigns must be differential between men and women. Sex is a determining factor for a healthy lifestyle.

Nominal Groups to Develop a Mobile Application on Healthy Habits.

The new pandemic-lockdown situation has caused empowerment of new technologies; mobile phones and computers have gained further importance. Homes have become the new educators of health since health education has decreased or stopped during the pandemic. The lack of knowledge in the child and adolescent population about how to incorporate healthy habits in their daily lives, along with the rise of health devices and the introduction of healthcare in the syllabus, has led to the realization of the present study. The aim of this study was to identify the relevant health topics in a sample of adolescents for the later development of a mobile application (Healthy Jeart) that promotes the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits in adolescence. The information was gathered through the technique of nominal groups. The sample was recruited by nonprobability purposive sampling, with a total of 92 students from 4 educational centers of the province of Huelva (Spain). According to the obtained results, the most relevant categories were physical wellbeing (40.81%), psychological wellbeing (22.13%), interpersonal relationships and social skills (21.58%), toxic substances and addictions (10.35%) and sex habits (1.83%). This technique allowed identifying and selecting the most relevant content areas of the “Healthy Jeart” application.

Effect of a Workplace-Based Multicomponent Intervention on Hypertension Control

A workplace-based intervention could be an effective approach to managing high blood pressure (BP). However, few studies to date have addressed hypertension control among the Chinese working population. To assess the effect of a workplace-based, multicomponent intervention strategy on improving BP control. A cluster randomized clinical trial of a hypertension management program was conducted from January 2013 to December 2014 in 60 workplaces across 20 urban regions in China. Workplaces were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 40) or control group (n = 20). Employee participants in each workplace were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. Data analysis on an evaluable population was conducted from January 2016 to January 2017. The 2-year intervention included 2 components: (1) a workplace wellness program for improving employees' cardiovascular health and (2) a guidelines-oriented hypertension management protocol with a community health center intervention accompanied by monthly visits for achieving BP control over a period of 24 months. The primary outcome was the change in BP control rate from baseline to 24 months among employees with hypertension in the intervention and control groups. The secondary outcomes were the changes in BP level and lifestyle factors by the end of the trial. Overall, 4166 participants (3178 in the intervention group and 988 in the control group) were included (mean [SD] age, 46.3 [7.6] years; 3451 men [82.8%]). Blood pressure control rate at baseline was 19.5% in the intervention group and 20.1% in the control group. After 24 months of the intervention, the BP control rate for the intervention group compared with the control group was significantly higher (66.2% vs 44.0%; odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.58-2.00; P < .001). The intervention effect on systolic BP level was -5.8 mm Hg (95% CI, -6.8 to -4.9 mm Hg; P < .001) and on diastolic BP level was -3.6 mm Hg (95% CI, -4.4 to -2.9 mm Hg; P < .001). The BP control rate showed a gradual increment throughout the whole duration in the intervention group. Moreover, greater reduction was reported in the rates of drinking (-18.4%; 95% CI, -20.6% to -16.2%; P < .001), perceived stress (-22.9%; 95% CI, -24.8% to -21.1%; P < .001), and excessive use of salt (-32.0%; 95% CI, -33.7% to -30.4%; P < .001). This trial found that a workplace-based, multicomponent intervention appeared to be more effective than usual care, leading to measurable benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved hypertension control, and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. The intervention can therefore be considered for large-scale use or inclusion in hypertension control programs in workplaces in China and other countries. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR-ECS-14004641.

Influence of Teaching Style on Physical Education Adolescents' Motivation and Health-Related Lifestyle.

According to various WHO reports in 2018, a large number of adolescents worldwide are either overweight or obese. This situation is the result of not following a healthy and balanced diet, combined with a lack of practice of physical activity. In this sense, Physical Education classes could help to solve the problem. The present study seeks to analyze the relationship between the role of the teacher in relation to the structural dimensions of the PE teaching environment and the basic psychological needs and self-motivation of adolescents as determinants of their behaviors related to eating habits and the practice of physical activity. A total of 1127 secondary school adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 participated in this study. Questionnaires were used: Perceived Autonomy Support Scale, Psychologically Controlling Teaching Scale, Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education, Frustration of Psychological Needs in PE context, Physical Activity Class Satisfaction Questionnaire, Perceived Locus of Causality Revised, and WHO’s Global school-based student health survey. A structural equations model was elaborated to explain the causal relationships between the variables. The results showed that autonomy support positively predicted the three structural dimensions of PE classes, while, in contrast, they were negatively predicted by psychological control. The three structural dimensions positively predicted the satisfaction of psychological needs and negatively predicted the thwarting of psychological needs. Self-determined motivation was positively predicted by the satisfaction of psychological needs and negatively predicted by the thwarting of psychological needs. Finally, self-determined motivation positively predicted healthy eating habits and the practice of physical activity and negatively predicted unhealthy eating habits. Certainly, the results obtained in this study support the postulates of the self-determination theory, demonstrating the predictability of PE class context towards the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, such as a proper diet and the regular practice of physical activity.

Prevalence and co-occurrence of modifiable risk factors in adults and older people.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To estimate the co-occurrence of the major risk factors for chronic diseases in adults (18-59 years old) and older people (≥ 60 years old) living in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District.METHODS Cross-sectional study with population-based data from 35,448 adults and 18,726 older people collected in the Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (System of Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey – Vigitel) in 2015. The prevalence of each of the five risk factors (smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, alcohol and unhealthy diet) was estimated, as well as their co-occurrence for the different possible combinations, according to socioeconomic and health self-assessment variables. The independent associations were verified via multinomial logistic regression to obtain the estimates of the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.RESULTS At least two risk factors were present in 38.5% of the adults and 37.0% of the older participants. The male adults and older participants who did not have private health insurance and classified their health as average or poor/very poor were more likely to have two or more concurrent risk behaviors. The greater chance of co-occurrence of smoking and alcohol abuse in adults (adjusted OR = 3.52) and older people (adjusted OR = 2.94) stands out.CONCLUSIONS The subgroups with increased risk of developing multiple unhealthy behaviors and the most prevalent behaviors were identified. These findings are expected to contribute to the better targeting of health promotion and preventive care. It is worth noting that, for the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, macro-social and inter-sectoral policies are more effective.

Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Motivation and Resilience on Academic Performance and the Adoption of Healthy Lifestyle Habits among Adolescents.

Included among the basic objectives of Physical Education (PE) classes is the consolidation of habits of a healthy lifestyle among adolescents. However, the main studies in this field have focused on cognitive aspects related to students during these classes, yet they ignore the role that emotions can play in the adoption of future habits. Objectives: To analyze how emotions (emotional intelligence and emotional state) can influence the resilience and motivation of adolescents, as well as academic performance and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Methodology: 615 secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 19 participated (M = 16.02; SD = 1.57) in the study. A structural equations model was developed using the main variables and by applying some of the principles of Self-Determination Theory. The results show that emotional intelligence is positively related to positive emotions and negatively related to negative emotions. Positive emotions positively predict both self-motivation towards physical education classes and resilience. Resilience positively predicts self-motivation. Finally, self-motivation acts as a predictor of both academic performance and regular participation in physical activity. Conclusions: This study successfully shows the importance of focusing on emotions in PE classes inasmuch as emotion increases the tendency to get good grades and maintain active lifestyle habits. In this sense, focusing on the emotions of students in PE could prove quite beneficial.

Split-week Programming for Secondary Physical Education: Inducing Behavioral Change for Lifetime Fitness

There is an imperative need for secondary physical education programming to prepare students for lifetime fitness and health. Physical activity levels in adolescents and adults are dismal, and the negative health outcomes associated with sedentary behaviors are catastrophic. Secondary physical education programs have the opportunity to implement a curriculum that can enable students to create and execute their own health-enhancing fitness plan. The current focus in most programs is on a sport and game model that has had limited results in influencing the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. The purpose of this article is to provide practitioners with a practical and feasible split-week program model that is designed to potentially induce behavioral change in students for lifelong physical activity and fitness. The split-week program holds health-related fitness education at the core while also teaching outdoor recreation, sport and rhythmic activities.

Online platform for healthy weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity - the \u201cPOEmaS\u201d project: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundObesity is a major health problem in Brazil affecting 19% of Brazilian adults with a rising incidence over the last 10 years. Moreover, low fruit/vegetables consumption and high sweetened beverage intake are major issues. Facing the challenge of universal healthcare access, internet-based programs have the potential to reach a large number of inhabitants, be widely accessible and cost effective. Our aim is to to assess the efficacy of a web-based platform to promote weight loss and diet and physical activity habits change in a Brazilian adult population.MethodsWe designed a three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial including 18–60 years university students or employees with 25 kg/m2 minimum body mass index (BMI). Pregnancy, conditions with specific dietary requirements and participation in other weight loss programs are exclusion criteria. Participants are allocated to one of three groups: (1) waitlist with minimal intervention, (2) web-based platform, (3) web-based platform plus online dietician assistance. Assessors are blinded. Weight and BMI loss are the primary outcomes. Diet and physical activity behaviours, health perception and online activity features are secondary outcomes. The intervention comprises recommendations of diet and physical activity habits tailored to the Brazilian population and principles of behaviour change. The web-based platform has online social network and gamification features. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis at 12 and 24 weeks after baseline. Differences in weight loss between groups will be performed by analysis of covariate. Linear regression will be used to assess whether treatment group allocation is an independent predictor of weight loss. The study was approved by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) Ethics Research Committee. All participants signed an informed consent form prior to recruitment.DiscussionWe present the study protocol of a three arm parallel randomized controlled trial which aims to test the efficacy of an online platform to promote weight loss for adults with overweight and obesity. We anticipate that the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and weight loss will be more important in participants randomized to the online platform group.Trial registrationNCT03435445 on February 16th, 2018.

Impacto do estilo de vida na adaptação individual e relacional e nos resultados obstétricos de mulheres adultas após o parto

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e comparar retrospetivamente o estilo de vida (EV) de mulheres antes e durante a gravidez; descrever a adaptação individual e relacional na transição para a maternidade e os resultados obstétricos; e avaliar a associação entre hábitos de EV e estes indicadores. A amostra foi composta por 98 mães, a maioria casadas ou em união de facto, com ensino secundário ou superior, nulíparas e que planearam a gravidez. A bateria de avaliação incluiu um questionário sociodemográfico, a Escala de Avaliação das Emoções, o Inventário de Sintomas Psicopatológicos e escalas de adjetivos para avaliar os domínios conjugal e parental. Os resultados mostraram uma mudança positiva no EV durante a gravidez em comparação ao período precedente. Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre a adoção de hábitos de vida saudáveis e menor sintomatologia psicopatológica e maior reatividade emocional positiva. Estes resultados salientam a importância da avaliação de diferentes componentes do EV e a sua associação com diversos indicadores individuais e relacionais para uma melhor compreensão da adaptação das mulheres na transição para a maternidade.

Lifestyle and Neurocognition in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cognitive Impairment.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of lifestyle factors and neurocognitive functioning in older adults with vascular risk factors and cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND). One hundred sixty adults (M [SD] = 65.4 [6.8] years) with CIND completed neurocognitive assessments of executive function, processing speed, and memory. Objective measures of physical activity using accelerometry, aerobic capacity determined by exercise testing, and dietary habits quantified by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and 4-Day Food Diary to assess adherence to the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets were obtained to assess direct effects with neurocognition. Potential indirect associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile also were examined. Greater aerobic capacity (β = 0.24) and daily physical activity (β = 0.15) were associated with better executive functioning/processing speed and verbal memory (βs = 0.24; 0.16). Adherence to the DASH diet was associated with better verbal memory (β = 0.17). Greater high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (βs = -0.14; -0.21) and Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (β = -0.18; -0.18) were associated with poorer executive functioning/processing speed and verbal memory. Greater stroke risk partially mediated the association of aerobic capacity with executive functioning/processing speed, and verbal memory and greater inflammation partially mediated the association of physical activity and aerobic fitness, with verbal memory. Higher levels of physical activity, aerobic fitness, and adherence to the DASH diet are associated with better neurocognitive performance in adults with CIND. These findings suggest that the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits could reduce the risk of neurocognitive decline in vulnerable older adults. NCT01573546.

Occupational burnout and empathy influence blood pressure control in primary care physicians

BackgroundGood physician-patient communication can favor the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, which is essential in high blood pressure (BP) management. More empathic physicians tend to have lower burnout and better communication skills. We analyzed the association between burnout and empathy among primary care physicians and nurses and investigated the influence on BP control performance.MethodsDescriptive study conducted in 2014 investigating burnout and empathy levels in 267 primary care physicians and nurses and BP control data for 301,657 patients under their care. We administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy and defined good BP control as a systolic BP <130 mmHg.ResultsLow burnout and high empathy were observed in 58.8% and 33.7% of practitioners, respectively. Burnout and empathy were significantly negatively associated (p < 0.009). Practitioners with high empathy and low burnout had significantly better BP control and performance than those with low empathy and high burnout (p < 0.05).ConclusionsLow burnout and high empathy were significantly associated with improved BP control and performance, possibly in relation to better physician/nurse-patient communication.

Barriers to Recruiting Men Into Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programs in Rural Areas

Chronic disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada. Many of these diseases could be prevented by adoption of healthy lifestyle habits including physical activity and healthy eating. Men, especially those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by chronic disease. However, men are often underrepresented in community-based chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) programs, including those that focus on physical activity and/or healthy eating. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of program delivery staff regarding the challenges in recruitment and participation of men in physical activity and healthy eating programs in rural communities, and suggestions for improvement. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone with 10 CDPM program delivery staff from rural communities in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Time and travel constraints, relying on spouses, and lack of male program leaders were cited as barriers that contributed to low participation levels by men in CDPM programs. Hiring qualified male instructors and engaging spouses were offered as strategies to increase men's participation. The results of this study highlight many of the current issues faced by rural health organizations when offering CDPM programming to men. Health care organizations and program delivery staff can use the recommendations in this report to improve male participation levels.

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification in type 2 diabetic patients.

BackgroundThe number of persons suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to rise worldwide and causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. Behaviour change and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits help to prevent or slow down the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the knowledge and practice of healthy lifestyles in many diabetic patients have been inadequate.AimThis study sought to establish the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification amongst type 2 diabetic patients.SettingThe diabetic clinic of Mamelodi hospital, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done using a structured questionnaire amongst 217 type 2 diabetic patients seen at the diabetic clinic of Mamelodi hospital. Baseline characteristics of the participants were obtained and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification were assessed.ResultsOf the 217 participants, 154 (71%) were obese and 15 (7%) were morbidly obese. The majority of respondents (92.2%) had poor knowledge of the benefits of exercise, weight loss and a healthy diet. What is interesting is that the majority (97.7%) demonstrated bad practices in relation to lifestyle modifications, although over four-fifths (84.3%) had a positive attitude toward healthy lifestyle modifications.ConclusionDespite the positive attitudes of respondents toward healthy lifestyle modifications, the knowledge and practice regarding lifestyle modifications amongst type 2 diabetes mellitus participants seen at Mamelodi hospital were generally poor.