Lifestyle Assessment Research Articles

Lifestyle Assessment and Motivations of Vegan Population in Chandigarh Tricity: Insights from a Comprehensive Survey

This study examines the status of veganism in the Chandigarh Tricity area through a comprehensive analysis of survey data and supporting literature. The findings reveal a growing awareness and interest in veganism among residents, with a majority demonstrating familiarity with its principles. Motivations for adopting a vegan lifestyle vary, encompassing health, ethical, and familial influences. While familial acceptance significantly impacts individuals' ability to maintain a vegan lifestyle, challenges such as limited food options in local stores exist. The study underscores the importance of community support networks and educational initiatives to promote veganism and sustainability in the region. Efforts to increase the availability of vegan-friendly options and foster a supportive social environment can facilitate the transition to and maintenance of a vegan lifestyle in Chandigarh Tricity.

Association of abdominal endurance with body adiposity, physical activity and sitting time in adolescents

Objective: Identify possible associations of muscular endurance with body adiposity, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1773 adolescents (795 boys and 978 girls) aged 14 to 19 years from Florianopolis, Brazil. Abdominal endurance by the sit-up test proposed by the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Assessment Approach. Body adiposity was estimated by the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses. Daily physical activity was estimated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. Sedentary behavior was investigated using a self-report questionnaire, taking into account the time spent sitting on a weekday and a weekend day. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of abdominal endurance. Results: Boys (16,43 years) were more active (94.85 min/day vs 84.30 min/day, p < 0.001) and had higher abdominal endurance (23.67 repetitions vs 21.31 repetitions, p < 0.001) than girls. Girls (16,27 years) had a longer sitting time (414.89 min/day vs 376.12 min/day, p < 0.001) and higher body adiposity (31.69 mm vs 21.44 mm, p < 0.001) than boys. As for predictors, body adiposity (β = −0.207) was the only variable associated with abdominal endurance in boys, whereas body adiposity (β = −0.127) and physical activity (β = 0.099) were associated with abdominal endurance in girls. Conclusion: In both sexes, high levels of body adiposity negatively affect abdominal endurance. On the other hand, in girls, high levels of physical activity have a positive influence on abdominal endurance.

Association between lifestyle risk factors and mortality in the Mexico City prospective study

Unhealthy lifestyles risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diet, and obesity, have been associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. However, composite score of these unhealthy behaviours has not been considered, particularly in Latin American populations. Herein, we examined the association of lifestyle risk factors score with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Mexican adults. A total of 159,517 adults from the Mexico City Prospective Study (MCPS) were included. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle risk factors and medical histories was collected through a self-reported baseline questionnaire in a census-style door-to-door interviews. Lifestyle risk factors assessment was based on five modifiable lifestyle risk factors and their respective cut-off points according to current health recommendations, including obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco, alcohol consumption and fruits and vegetables intake. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations of lifestyle risk factor score (ranging from 0 to 5) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular disease, renal or hepatobiliary diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer and all-cause mortality). We excluded the first 2, 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up to account for reverse causation bias. We found a high prevalence (77%) of Mexican adults, with two or more lifestyle risk factors. Hazard ratio for respiratory diseases and renal or hepatobiliary diseases were 1.86 (95%CI: 1.45–2.39) and 2.00 (95%CI: 1.60–2.52) comparing participants with 4–5 lifestyle risk factors vs. those with none. For all-cause mortality, participants with 4–5 lifestyle risk factors had a 49% (HR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.03–2.16) higher risk as compared to participants with none. The magnitude of the associations increased as the exclusion of follow-up time increased after 2, 5, 10 and 15 years. There was a positive association between the number of lifestyle risk factors and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, showing the highest rate of respiratory, renal or hepatobiliary and all-cause mortality among participants with 4–5 lifestyle risk factors. After accounting for reverse causation, associations were stronger.

The everyday function intervention trial (EFIT) protocol: A randomized clinical trial.

Preserving cognition and everyday function is essential for maintaining independence and reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Useful Field of View training (UFOVt) is a computerized cognitive training program that achieves these goals; however, the mechanisms underlying UFOVt are unclear. The Everyday Function Intervention Trial (EFIT) is a double-blind randomized clinical controlled trial designed to assess potential cognitive, psychosocial, biological, and lifestyle mechanisms underlying UFOVt. In the current paper, we outline the protocol employed in EFIT. ommunity-dwelling older adults (N = 96) completed cognitive, psychosocial, health, and lifestyle assessments on a study-provided laptop at baseline, post-test, and three-month follow-up, along with additional daily cognitive, psychosocial, health, and lifestyle assessments on a study-provided smartphone throughout the study period. Following baseline, participants were randomized into the cognitive training or active control group completing twenty hours of brain games across ten weeks. A subsample (n = 38) completed additional activities: wearing a FitBit, undergoing MRI scans, and using at-home sleep monitors across two nights at baseline and post-test. Aside from MRI sessions, participants completed study activities remotely. EFIT's design included several novel features: ecological momentary assessment; remote data collection; evaluation of mediators before, during, and after training; training tasks targeting one cognitive domain at a time; performance-based and self-reported everyday function and instrumental activities of daily living measures; use of an active control group; and an exploratory multilevel modeling analytic approach. These features will provide an in-depth understanding of intervention transfer effects and guide the design of future cognitive interventions.

Habit of physical-sports practice and the healthy lifestyle among Spanish adults from 22 to 72 years of age.

Physical-sports habits in adulthood constitute one of the predictors of physical, psychological and social health within healthy lifestyles. The Acquired Healthy Lifestyle Assessment Scale was applied to a sample of 788 subjects between the ages of 22 and 72 and the dimension that makes up physical-sports practice habits was analyzed. 74.4% of adults have habits of physical-sports practice that are not healthy or unhealthy, 18.8% tend towards health and only 6.9% are healthy. Pearson's 2 tests show a significant association between men and healthy habits, without observing changes associated with the age variable. The t-Student and one-factor ANOVA tests confirm the relationship between the level of health and physical-sports practice habits depending on sex and age. It is necessary to promote preventive programs to increase participation in the practice of physical and sports exercise in the adult population that has unhealthy or unhealthy levels of lifestyle.

FACTORS IN ABDOMINAL OBESITY, SARCOPENIA, AND SARCOPENIC OBESITY AMONG KOREAN ELDERLY: KNHANES 2022

Abstract Background Abdominal obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity are prevalent among the elderly, contributing to significant health risks. Understanding the nutritional, lifestyle, and biomarker profiles associated with these conditions is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Purpose This study explores the associations between nutritional intake, lifestyle factors, and biomarkers with abdominal obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity among Korean elderly individuals, using data from the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods The analysis included 845 participants (293 normal, 360 with abdominal obesity, 160 with sarcopenia, and 32 with sarcopenic obesity). Variables analyzed included hand grip strength, body composition, dietary habits (e.g., caloric intake, protein intake, supplement use), lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behavior, smoking), psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress), and biomarkers (e.g., hsCRP, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 29.0, applying descriptive statistics and logistic regression within a complex sampling design. Results The prevalence of abdominal obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity was 34.7%, 43.6%, 18.0%, and 3.8%, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent among males, those aged 75 and older, and those living alone. Abdominal obesity was more common among those with hypertension or diabetes. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with living alone, high hsCRP, stress, and low physical activity. Conclusion Comprehensive nutritional and lifestyle assessments are essential in managing abdominal obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity among the elderly. Public health strategies that improve diet quality and promote physical activity may mitigate these conditions.

Health-Promoting Behaviors in Male Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Health-promoting lifestyle and behaviors play a crucial role in the prognosis of an illness as well as in healing. With the significant global burden of unhealthy lifestyle choices, their impact on individuals with substance use disorders can be particularly burdensome, hampering overall well-being. This study assesses health-promoting lifestyle and behavior and dietary habits among treatment-seeking male patients with opioid use disorders. This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 179 male patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder in a treatment center dedicated to addiction services. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), the Maudsley Addiction Profile, and a food frequency questionnaire adapted for the north Indian diet. The mean age of the sample was 31.5 years, and almost half of the participants were underweight (n = 86, 48.0%). Participants often engaged in some health-promoting behaviors, such as nutrition, stress management, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relations; and generally neglected aspects of physical activity and health responsibility. Over half of the participants consumed less energy than recommended, while about a fourth failed to meet daily protein intake recommendations. The study underscores the need to incorporate lifestyle and dietary assessment and modification alongside psycho-pharmacological treatment for patients with opioid use disorders.

Fertility healthy lifestyle assessment scale: development and psychometric study in Turkish women and men

Fertility healthy lifestyle assessment scale: development and psychometric study in Turkish women and men

Added sugar intake and its associations with incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women

IntroductionThe adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverage intake are well-established, but the implications of overall added sugar intake remain unclear. We investigated the associations between intake of added sugar and various sugar-sweetened foods and beverages and risk of 7 cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 participants aged 45–83 years (47.2% female) from the Swedish Mammography cohort and Cohort of Swedish men.MethodsQuestionnaire-based diet and lifestyle assessments were administered in 1997 and 2009. National registers were used for ascertainment of ischemic stroke (n = 6,912), hemorrhagic stroke (n = 1,664), myocardial infarction (n = 6,635), heart failure (n = 10,090), aortic stenosis (n = 1,872), atrial fibrillation (n = 13,167), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 1,575) until December 31st, 2019. The associations were studied using Cox regression with time-updated exposure and covariate data.ResultsAdded sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, although the highest risks of most outcomes were found in the lowest intake category. Positive linear associations were found between toppings intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Negative linear associations were found between treats intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, and sweets) and all outcomes, and between toppings intake (table sugar, honey, jams, and marmalades) and heart failure and aortic stenosis.DiscussionThe findings suggest that the associations between added sugar intake and cardiovascular diseases vary by disease and source of added sugar. The findings emphasize the adverse health effects of sweetened beverage consumption and indicate higher cardiovascular diseases risks with lower treats intake, which warrants further investigation.

Optimizing glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: the impact of the GLIDE program's personalized digital health intervention.

The integration of digital health applications into type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management presents promising opportunities for optimizing glycemic control, enhancing adherence, and improving health outcomes. MyTatva's Glycemic Lifestyle Intervention in Diabetes Empowerment (GLIDE) program, which integrates dietary and exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, potentiates this approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the GLIDE program's personalized, comprehensive approach in improving glycemic control over 90 days among T2DM patients. During the study period, 30 diabetic patients completed their GLIDE journey with expert dieticians, physiotherapists, and behavior therapists. Each patient received a personalized root cause analysis based on lifestyle assessment and disease-specific parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using a paired t-test on the deidentified HbA1c, FBS, and PPBS data at baseline and post-intervention. Throughout the study, 27 patients actively adhered to the GLIDE program. All the parameters showed statistically significant (p<0.05) changes post-intervention. HbA1c decreased by 11.79% from 8.43% ± 1.32 to 7.44% ± 0.64. Significant reductions were observed in PPBS (47.7%), decreasing from 260.89 mg/dL ± 36.31 to 136.27 mg/dL± 6.36, compared to FBS (31.1%), which decreased from 8.43 mg/dL± 1.32 to 7.44 mg/dL± 0.64. The effectiveness of the GLIDE program is based on a comprehensive root cause analysis approach. The detailed analysis of the patient's clinical journey by health experts at regular intervals enables precise goal management, resulting in expected outcomes for better glycemic control. Therefore, personalized digital health plans are vital for achieving clinically significant changes.

A Novel and Comprehensive Wellness Assessment for Lifestyle-Based Interventions.

While weight status and clinical laboratory measures are important in assessing obesity-related disease severity and chronic disease risk, including a broader range of emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral factors would provide greater context of an individual's overall state of wellness and could be used to better guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this research was to develop a comprehensive Lifestyle Wellness assessment for use in lifestyle-based wellness interventions and programs. A cross-sectional exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using baseline data from N=138 adults participating in behavioral weight loss trials. An unweighted least squares extraction method with oblique rotation was used. Twenty-one putative measures spanning constructs related to metabolic health, emotional health/wellbeing, body weight and composition, diet quality, and fitness were analyzed for retention. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 38.0±6.6kg/m2, mean age was 57.3±11.1years, and 77.5% of participants were female. The EFA produced a five-factor model with 13 items that explained 80.3% of the variance. The retained factors included: (1) Psychosocial State: mindfulness, resilience, quality of life, and happiness; (2) Blood Pressure State: systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (3) Lipid State: total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; (4) Fitness State: grip strength, jump height, and percent body fat; and (5) Body State: BMI and waist circumference. Lifestyle Wellness is a comprehensive assessment that enables innovative wellness-related research such as metabolically healthy obese phenotypes and weight-neutral interventions. Future research should include investigations in additional populations with greater age, sex/gender, and body size diversity.

Assessment of body mass index, lifestyle and health perception among female university students in Morocco.

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary habits, physical activity, and health perception among female university students in Morocco. The study was conducted at a Moroccan university among female students from the Faculty of Sciences Ain-Chock in Casablanca. Participants were given a self-administered questionnaire that evaluated sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, food group consumption, physical activity, and self-assessed health status. Data collection took place from February 2023 through the end of April 2023. A total of 335 students aged 18 to 29 years participated in the survey. The study revealed that 72.5% of the participants were within the normal weight range (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), while 15.9% were classified as overweight and 3.9% as obese. Additionally, 47.9% of the participants engaged in physical activity, with 30.2% dedicating more than 45 minutes to their activities. The health perception was found to be related to weight classification, with poor health perception most commonly associated with the "18.5-25" BMI range (57.8%). The study sheds light on the intricate interaction between weight, health, and lifestyle in Morocco. The frequency of normal-weight persons and active participation indicates university students' health awareness. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, on the other hand, need ongoing health measures. These findings help to build focused methods for promoting healthier lives in Morocco, utilizing educational institutions as health promotion platforms.

Effectiveness of joint mobilization on heel fat pad syndrome among obese patient in geriatric population

Objective. To determine the effect of joint mobilization on Heel Fat Pad Syndrome among obese geriatrics. Methods. The randomized controlled study was performed at the Saveetha Physiotherapy OPD, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. 202 samples aged above 60 years were collected based on the criterion for inclusion and exclusion. Interventions. The experimental Group (101Subjects) was treated with Ultrasound and Joint Mobilization. The Control Group (101 Subjects) was treated with Ultrasound and conventional Exercises. The lifestyle and Balance Assessment used the Foot Function Index and Berg balance scale. A numeric Pain Rating Scale was used to measure Pain. Results. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) in the experimental Group between the pre-test and post-test values of NPRS, FFI, and BBS. Similarly, the Control Group showed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) in the pre-test and post-test values of NPRS, FFI, and BBS. The comparison of post-test scores between the Experimental Group and the Control Group also showed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001), indicating significant improvements in the experimental group. As a result, the effects of Joint Mobilization on Heel Pad Syndrome minimize the symptoms of heel fat pad syndrome, Improve Foot Function and balance and reduce pain. Conclusion. The study provided evidence that ultrasound and joint mobilization used in this study show a significant reduction in pain and balance with non-specific heel pain.

Impact of Shift Work and Job Category on Lifestyle Factors and Readiness to Change Among Hospital Workers: A Case-Control Study.

Shift work is essential in health care because of the need for 24-hour services but it is associated with adverse health outcomes, including disrupted circadian rhythms, poor sleep, unhealthy dietary habits, and increased stress. These effects may differ across job categories, such as nursing officers and hospital support staff, owing to varying physical and psychological demands. Limited research exists on how shift work impacts these groups differently, particularly regarding readiness to change unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This study aims to assess and compare lifestyle factors across six domains - nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, social relationships, and addictions - between hospital support staff and nursing officers with rotating shifts versus fixed daytime duties. It also aims to evaluate the association between readiness to change lifestyle patterns and work type and determine the influence of job category and shift type on lifestyle parameters after adjusting for confounders such as demographics and body composition. A case-control study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur from December 2023 to June 2024. The study involved 327 participants (165 cases and 162 controls) comprising nurses and hospital support staff, aged 21-45 years. The case group included 83 nurses and 84 hospital support staff working rotating shifts for at least three years, while the control group consisted of 81 nurses and 81 staff members with fixed daytime schedules. General assessments, including demographics, body composition (InBody 770), and lifestyle assessments across nutrition, physical activity, sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI), stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS-10), social connectivity (Social Support Questionnaire), and alcohol use (a modified version of the 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C)) were performed. Readiness to change lifestyle behaviors was assessed using the stages of the change model. Shift workers had a significantly higher body weight (p = 0.030), larger waist circumference (p = 0.029), and higher calorie intake (p = 0.043) than non-shift workers. They also exhibited lower cardiovascular fitness (p = 0.021) and reduced water intake (p = 0.043). Among the nursing officers, shift workers had significantly poorer sleep quality (p = 0.003) and higher calorie intake (p = 0.046). Stress levels were paradoxically lower among shift nurses (p = 0.025) but not among support staff. Readiness to change lifestyle behaviors did not differ significantly between shift and non-shift workers across all domains. Logistic regression showed that sleep quality was significantly associated with shift work among nursing officers (odds ratio (OR): 6.503, p = 0.038), while no significant associations were found for other lifestyle parameters. This study highlights the adverse effects of shift work on body composition, calorie intake, cardiovascular fitness, and sleep quality among hospital workers, particularly nursing officers. Despite these health risks, readiness to change lifestyle behaviors was similar between shift and non-shift workers, suggesting that shift work may not directly influence the motivation for lifestyle changes. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions targeting specific health challenges of shift workers to improve their overall well-being and productivity.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-associated fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), particularly in the presence of liver fibrosis, increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the nature of the cardio-hepatic interaction in the context type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not fully understood. To evaluate the changes in cardiac morphology and function in patients with T2DM and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis. T2DM patients with MASLD underwent a medical evaluation that included an assessment of lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, an extensive laboratory panel, and a standard echocardiography. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using two scores [Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-Fibrosis Score (NFS)], and subjects were classified as having advanced fibrosis, no fibrosis, or an indeterminate risk. The correlations between structural and functional cardiac parameters and markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated through bivariate and multiple regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Data from 267 T2DM-MASLD subjects with complete assessment was analyzed. Patients with scores indicating advanced fibrosis exhibited higher interventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall thickness, atrial diameters, LV end-systolic volume, LV mass index (LVMi), and epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT). Their mean ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower (49.19% ± 5.62% vs 50.87% ± 5.14% vs 52.00% ± 3.25%; P = 0.003), and a smaller proportion had an EF ≥ 50% (49.40% vs 68.90% vs 84.21%; P = 0.0017). Their total and mid LV wall motion score indexes were higher (P < 0.05). Additionally, they had markers of diastolic dysfunction, with a higher E/e' ratio [9.64 ± 4.10 vs 8.44 (2.43-26.33) vs 7.35 ± 2.62; P = 0.026], and over 70% had lateral e' values < 10 cm/second, though without significant differences between groups. In multiple regression analyses, FIB4 correlated with left atrium diameter (LAD; β = 0.044; P < 0.05), and NFS with both LAD (β = 0.039; P < 0.05) and right atrium diameter (β = 0.041; P < 0.01), Moreover, LVMi correlated positively with age and EATT (β = 1.997; P = 0.0008), and negatively with serum sex-hormone binding protein (SHBP) concentrations (β = -0.280; P = 0.004). SHBP also correlated negatively with LAD (β = -0.036; P < 0.05). T2DM patients with markers of MASLD-related liver fibrosis exhibit lower EF and present indicators of diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, LVMi and LAD correlated negatively with serum SHBP concentrations.

Nutritional Discrepancies Among Inpatients and Outpatients Diagnosed with Hypertension.

Objectives: Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most common disorders affecting the human population. The diet of patients with AH can influence the course of the disease and prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in nutrition in hospitalised and non-hospitalised hypertensive patients, compared to control groups of non-hypertensive patients from the same medical centres. Methods: Patients from nine centres-six hospitals and three ambulatory care centres-were surveyed. The Questionnaire for the Assessment of Dietary Habits, Lifestyle, and Nutrition Knowledge (KomPAN) was administered by interviewers. Results: Complete results were obtained from 172 hospitalised and 63 non-hospitalised patients. A significantly higher mean body mass index was found for the hypertensive patients (p < 0.001), and a higher unhealthy diet index score was also shown for the hypertensive patients (p = 0.003). Over and above this, a lower mean health-promoting diet index score was found in the hospitalised group (who were on a hospital diet) for the hypertensive patients (p = 0.018). Summary: The study highlights a strong positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and arterial hypertension (AH), with patients exhibiting higher BMI levels compared to a control group. A BMI of over 25 significantly increases the likelihood of developing AH, and obesity is associated with a higher risk in both men and women. Conclusions: The study indicates that a hospital diet may not be suitable for people with AH. Further research should be conducted to obtain reliable results. Clinical implications: The study showed which factors should be considered when composing a diet for people with hypertension, the relevance of which was demonstrated in the discussion. The study shows that the problem that clinicians have been struggling with for years is still present and inadequately remedied.

Parent–child microbiota relationships involved in childhood obesity: A CORALS ancillary study

Parent–child microbiota relationships involved in childhood obesity: A CORALS ancillary study

Healthy Aging: Interaction of Cognition, Lifestyle, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Background: The increasing elderly population highlights the importance of comprehending healthy aging by examining the interactions among cognition, daily activities, and lifestyle. This study aims to address this by investigating these relationships within the World Health Organization's Healthy Aging Model. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 older adults from southern Iran, representing various cognitive levels. Participants underwent assessments to measure cognitive functions, lifestyle preferences, and independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire for the Iranian Elderly, and the Lawton IADL Scale. Findings: The relationships between the studied variables were identified. Lower cognitive function was found to be associated with decreased engagement in IADL and less-favorable lifestyle choices. Conclusion: Integrating cognition, IADL, and lifestyle into assessments and interventions align with both the domain and process of occupational therapy, thereby enhancing well-being and promoting healthy aging in older adults.

Digital health literacy among undergraduate nursing students in China: associations with health lifestyles and psychological resilience

BackgroundDigital health literacy (DHL) is pivotal for individuals to access trustworthy health information and make informed decisions, closely intertwined with health behaviors and psychological resilience—these factors collectively shape an individual’s approach to health management. Despite extensive research on digital health literacy in broader populations, the specific dynamics of digital health literacy in relation to health behaviors and psychological resilience among undergraduate nursing students in China remain understudied, highlighting a gap that this research endeavors to address. This study aims to assess the levels of digital health literacy among undergraduate nursing students in China, and to explore its association with health lifestyles and psychological resilience, which are considered influential factors.MethodsEmploying a descriptive cross-sectional research design, eligible Chinese nursing undergraduates were surveyed from June to October 2023. This study recruited a total of 418 undergraduate nursing students. After excluding 11 students on leave, 407 students participated in questionnaire completion and submission. The College Students’ Digital Health Literacy Scale, Healthy Lifestyle Assessment Scale and The Psychological Resilience Scale were used in this study.ResultsThe mean scores for digital health literacy, health lifestyles, and psychological resilience were 74.78 ± 8.44, 127.14 ± 11.22, and 79.21 ± 11.02, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis results indicated that the correlations between digital health literacy and both health lifestyles (r = 0.707, P < 0.01) and psychological resilience (r = 0.638, P < 0.01) were statistically significant and positive. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that volunteer activity experience, academic performance, physical fitness, psychological traits, health lifestyle, and psychological resilience significantly predicted digital health literacy (F = 58.091, P < 0.001, R² = 0.678, adjusted R² = 0.666). Specifically, excellent academic performance (β = 0.210, P < 0.001) and good physical fitness (β = 0.188, P = 0.002) were the strongest predictors of higher digital health literacy.ConclusionsThere is a correlation between the digital health literacy of nursing undergraduates and their health lifestyles and psychological resilience. Future research should consider interventions in digital health literacy for undergraduate nursing students in China from the perspectives of health lifestyles and psychological resilience.

Assessing Psychological Health in School-Going Adolescents: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in North India

Introduction: - Adolescence is a critical phase marked by significant physical and psychological transformations. Research has shown a strong link between lifestyle-related diseases and unhealthy habits developed during this period, which often persist into adulthood. Early assessment of adolescents' psychological health and lifestyles can play a crucial role in preventing the progression of these behaviors into more serious health conditions. Methods: - This cross-sectional study involved 600 adolescents from 9th to 12th grades in selected schools in Rohtak, Haryana, India. The psychological health of adolescents was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Ethical approval was secured from the relevant authorities prior to the study. Results: - The average age of the participants was 15.9 years (SD = 1.4), with the majority being male (61%). Over half of the participants (52.7%) had a BMI between 18 and 25 kg/m², and 39.8% were from a lower-middle socio-economic background. In most of the items on the PHQ-4, the majority of participants reported experiencing psychological distress. Approximately one-fifth of the participants reported negative emotions, such as sadness (25.5%) and anxiety (18.8%), occurring at least once a week. Around 62% of the participants reported experiencing anxiety, while 67% reported symptoms of depression. Overall, 86.3% of the participants exhibited psychological distress in the form of either anxiety or depression. None of the sociodemographic variables showed a statistically significant association with the psychological impacts observed in the study. Conclusion: - The study highlights the presence of anxiety and depression among school children in this setting. It offers preliminary data for policymakers to consider when revising existing policies and interventions to better address the needs of adolescents.