Enhance Health Education Research Articles

Lung cancer incidence and mortality in trend and prediction between 2012-2030 in Shandong Province, using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Shandong Province, China. Projecting future cancer trend is crucial for planning cancer control. We aimed to examine the trend of lung cancer incidence and mortality from 2012 to 2023, and predict the lung cancer burden to 2030 in Shandong. Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality from 2012 to 2023 were obtained from the Shandong Cancer Registries. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to quantify the trend of the lung cancer age-standardised rate using Joinpoint software. Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict lung cancer incidence and mortality from 2024 to 2030. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) remained stable from 2012 to 2023. The ASIR in males decreased with an AAPC of -1.350%, while the ASIR in females increased with an AAPC of 2.429%. The age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) decreased with an AAPC of -2.911%. This trend was also observed in males (AAPC=-2.513%), females (AAPC=-3.632%), urban areas (AAPC=-3.267%) and rural areas (AAPC=-2.603%). For our predictions, the ASIR will increase to 49.21 per 100,000 until 2030, with an AAPC of 1.873%. This upward trend is expected for females and urban areas, with an AAPC of 4.496% and 4.176%, while it is not observed for males and rural areas. The ASMR is expected to remain stable up to 2030, and this trend will maintain both in males and females. The ASMR will exhibit an upward trend (AAPC=1.100%) in urban areas and a downward trend (AAPC=-0.915%) in rural areas. The ASIR of lung cancer will increase until 2030, while the ASMR of lung cancer is expected to remain stable in Shandong. It is necessary to take further preventive measures such as strengthening tobacco control, enhancing health education and expanding screening efforts.

Impact of family doctor contracted services on the health of migrants: a cross-sectional study in China

This study investigates the impact of the family doctor contracted service system on the health of migrants in China, utilizing data from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). The study employs a double machine learning model to estimate the effect of family doctor contracted services (FDCS) on migrants’ self-rated health (MSRH). The sample consists of 137,851 migrants, with family doctor service contract status, health education, and health records as key variables. To address potential endogeneity issues, an instrumental variable approach using the regional family doctor contracting rate was implemented. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the roles of health education and health records in this relationship. The findings indicate that FDCS significantly improve MSRH. This positive effect is robust across various machine learning models, including Lassocv, Random Forest, and Gradient Boost. The instrumental variable approach confirms the validity of these results, mitigating concerns about endogeneity. Mediation analysis reveals that the positive impact of FDCS on MSRH is fully mediated by health education and health records, highlighting their critical roles in enhancing health outcomes. The FDCS play a crucial role in improving the health of migrants by providing continuous and comprehensive care. Enhanced health education and effective health records management are significant pathways through which these services exert their positive effects. Policy recommendations include expanding access to family doctor services, enhancing health education programs, and improving health records management to optimize healthcare delivery for migrants. Future research should consider longitudinal studies to further validate these findings and explore their applicability to specific subgroups or regions.

The global, regional, and national patterns of change in the burden of congenital birth defects, 1990–2021: an analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021 and forecast to 2040

Congenital birth defects (CBDs) present enormous challenges to global healthcare systems. These conditions severely impact patients' health and underscore issues related to socioeconomic development and healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Previous studies have been geographically limited and lacked comprehensive global analysis. This study provides global, regional, and national disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) data for four major congenital birth defects-congenital heart defects (CHD), neural tube defects (NTDs), digestive congenital anomalies (DCAs), and Down syndrome (DS) from 1990 to 2021, emphasizing health inequalities. The goal is to offer scientific evidence for optimizing resource allocation, focusing on high-burden populations, and reducing disease burden. This study systematically evaluated the global, regional, and national burden of CBDs and their changes from 1990 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. To conduct a more focused analysis, four specific CBDs were selected: CHD, NTDs, DCAs, and DS. DALYs were used as the metric, combined with the sociodemographic index (SDI). Analyses included the slope index of inequality and concentration index to measure health inequalities, frontier analysis to estimate achievable outcomes based on development levels, decomposition analysis to identify drivers of disease burden changes, Joinpoint regression analysis to assess temporal trends, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model to predict future disease burden trends. Compared to 1990, the global burden of the CBDs in 2021 showed a downward trend. Males had a higher burden than females, with the highest burden observed in low-SDI regions. When examining CHD, NTDs, DCAs, and DS specifically, trends in burden changes varied across different CBDs at the global, regional, and national levels. Frontier analysis revealed potential for burden improvement in various countries and territories. Decomposition analysis highlighted differences in disease burden drivers across SDI regions, showing the greatest improvement observed in low-SDI regions. Joinpoint regression analysis indicated a downward trend in DALYs burden across SDI regions, and BAPC model predictions suggested that the burden of CBDs will continue to decline in the future. CBDs pose a major challenge to global public health. Despite an overall decline in disease burden, health inequalities remain prominent, particularly in countries and territories with lower levels of development. Future public health interventions should focus on countries and territories with low levels of development by optimizing healthcare resource allocation, improving basic health infrastructure, enhancing health education, and reducing disease burden inequalities. Global collaboration and data sharing are essential to promote a lifecycle management model for CBDs research and treatment, advancing global health development. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82270310) and the Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program (No. BE2023662).

Factors associated with hygiene practices among primary school children in southern Ethiopia.

Eight years into the Sustainable Development Goal period, Ethiopia is not on track to achieve good hygiene practices among school children. Ensuring good hygiene practices among primary school children to prevent the spread of communicable diseases remains a challenge in most primary schools in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with hygiene practices among primary school children in southern Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 3 to July 28, 2022, in five primary schools. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the school. Subsequently, 640 students were selected from the proportionally allocated sample size. Pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists were utilized to collect data. The data was then entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a p ≤ 0.25 at bivariate analysis were used to develop a multivariable logistic model to identify factors associated with hygiene practices. P < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. The magnitude of overall good hygiene practices was 29.2% (95% CI: 25.81-32.59). Urban residence (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.1-5.55), knowledge of handwashing (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI 2.8-7.36), being a member of a hygiene and sanitation club (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.4-6.86), and experience of visiting a model school (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-5.55) were found to be significantly associated with hygiene practices. The overall level of good hygiene practices in Kedida district was low. Therefore, it is essential to enhance health education on handwashing, establish sanitation and hygiene clubs, and conduct visits to district model elementary schools.

Education of the "SusCatinTing" application on changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of brides-to-be.

The "SusCatinTing" application is a digital health intervention designed to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of brides-to-be regarding stunting prevention during the critical first 1000 days of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this application in improving stunting prevention efforts among brides-to-be in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. The application provides educational content on healthy pregnancy, maternal nutrition, and stunting prevention strategies, incorporating both text and audio explanations to ensure accessibility for illiterate and visually impaired users. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a single-group pretest-posttest approach involving 50 pairs of brides-to-be with internet-connected Android smartphones. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires administered by trained enumerators, focusing on KAP related to stunting prevention. The results indicated a significant improvement in KAP scores post-intervention (knowledge score increase: 42.59, p < 0.001). The application's unique features, including interactive quizzes and a certification process for marriage registration at the Office of Religious Affairs, contributed to its effectiveness. The study concludes that the "SusCatinTing" application is a promising tool for enhancing health education and promoting preventive behaviors among brides-to-be. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of such digital interventions on stunting rates and maternal-child health outcomes.

Knowledge, Behavior, and Influencing Factors of Coarse Grain Consumption among Chinese Adults: A Focus Group Study in Xi’an

BackgroundCoarse grains are rich in fiber, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients but are consumed at low levels in modern populations. The factors that influence coarse grain consumption in current living and dietary environments are not fully understood. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the knowledge and behavior related to coarse grain consumption and identify the influencing factors among Chinese citizens. MethodsSix focus group discussions were conducted with 39 participants aged 18–65 years from diverse social backgrounds in Xi'an, China. All discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. ResultsThe majority of participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge about coarse grains, including their definitions, health benefits, and recommended intake. A small number of the participants reported regular consumption. The barriers to coarse grain consumption were poor sensory properties, insufficient cooking skills and time, limited availability of ready-to-eat foods, established dietary habits, and high prices. Additionally, new barriers included psychological burden, concerns about food safety, the impact of processing methods on health benefits, and special health conditions. Health benefits and family influence emerged as the 2 primary factors motivating coarse grain consumption. Most participants expressed a positive attitude toward partially replacing staple foods with coarse grains. Enhancing health education, innovating food processing methods, improving labeling systems, and strengthening safety supervision have been recommended for increasing coarse grain consumption. ConclusionsA gap exists between health awareness and healthy behaviors regarding coarse grain consumption; thus, collaborative efforts among government agencies, educational institutions, nutrition societies, the food industry, policymakers, and health professionals are essential to overcome these challenges.

Evaluation of the Effect of a Mobile Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Protocol of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Digital educational technologies in health have been an important instrument for promoting learning, self-care, self-esteem, and security regarding prevention and health promotion actions that lead to changes in behavior, mainly for non-communicable disease patients, such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2). This study aimed to describe a protocol for evaluating the effect of an app for cell phones and tablets on the blood glucose of older adults with DM 2. The protocol will be used to compare the effectiveness of an application for mobile devices concerning the educational booklet in reducing Glycated Hemoglobin in older adults with DM 2 in Primary Health Care. This protocol is part of a Randomized Clinical Trial project entitled Effectiveness of a Mobile Device Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Clinical Trial. The protocol was structured in the following phases: (i) sample calculation, (ii) invitation to participate in the study according to the eligibility criteria; (iii) participant registration; (iv) randomization and allocation of participants into groups (double blinding); (v) application of the intervention; (vi) post-intervention procedures (post-test); (vii) data analysis. It is expected that encouraging studies on the impact of a mobile application will improve and enhance health education focused on self-care for older adults with DM 2, potentially influencing the local health system by reducing hospitalizations due to conditions that are sensitive to primary care, since health promotion and prevention of DM-related illnesses will be the main focus of the application and booklet developed.

Knowledge Perception and Utilisation of Labour Analgesia Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in a Tertiary Centre in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract Background: Labour pain management forms an integral part of modern obstetric practice. Despite the availability of various forms of obstetric analgesia in Nigeria, reports indicate poor knowledge, awareness, and utilisation of labour analgesia among the obstetric population. Objective: To determine the knowledge, perception, utilisation, and factors affecting utilisation of labour analgesia among antenatal clinic attendees at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 421 consecutively consenting antenatal patients in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the FMC, Makurdi, between March 1 to July 31, 2023. Data were collected using an interviewer-guided questionnaire, analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and results were presented in textual form and tables. Results: About 47% (199) of the study participants perceived labour pain as the worst possible pain. Only 18.3% (77) of the study participants were knowledgeable about labour analgesia, while just 6.4% (27) of the study participants had ever used it. On multiple logistics regression, the knowledge of labour pain relief (adjusted odd’s ratio [aOR] 0.090, CI = 0.038−0.215, P &lt; 0.001) and mode of previous delivery (aOR 0.292, CI = 0.114−0.750, P &lt; 0.011) were the factors affecting the utilisation of labour analgesia among study participants. Conclusion: There is poor knowledge and utilisation of labour analgesia among antenatal patients. Incorporation of labour analgesia into existing protocols and enhancing health education on labour analgesia as part of antenatal health talks can create awareness of labour analgesia among antenatal patients.

Investigation of Malaria Outbreak in Sagambe Area, Mutasa District, Zimbabwe

The burden of Malaria remains a global concern, killing millions of people annually, yet it is a preventable and curable disease.. Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, leads to fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and can be fatal if untreated. In Zimbabwe, the malaria incidence rate decreased from 39 cases per 1,000 people in 2014 to 25 per 1,000 in 2015, a 36% reduction. A study in Sagambe, Mutasa District aimed to identify risk factors for contracting malaria. Using a 1:1 unmatched case-control study, 88 cases and 88 controls were examined. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires for cases and controls, and self-administered questionnaires for key informants. Evening outdoor activity significantly increased the risk of malaria (AOR = 9.71, 95% CI 1.97-47.85). Other risk factors included sex (p = 0.023), not owning a mosquito net (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.49), not sleeping under a net the previous night (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.07-0.35), not closing windows after sunset (OR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.79-11.11), and not wearing long sleeves outdoors (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.56). The outbreak was linked to evening outdoor activities. Participants had high knowledge of malaria transmission but limited awareness of symptoms beyond headache and general body weakness. The study suggests enhancing health education campaigns in Sagambe.

The Role of Health Education in Preventing Chronic Diseases

Health education is a critical element in the preventive medicine toolkit, particularly for chronic diseases, which pose a significant burden globally. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, significantly impacting public health and healthcare costs. This paper reviews the impact of health education programs on preventing chronic diseases and discusses the effectiveness of various educational strategies. The review will focus on the role of technology in enhancing health education, examine implementation obstacles, and highlight successful interventions based on recent studies. Additionally, the review will identify gaps in current research and provide recommendations for future studies, emphasising the need for culturally tailored and sustainable health education programs.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among first time visitors at STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China: Assessing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study assesses the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in first time visitors to the STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China, considering different genders, ages and symptoms. And also explores howthe COVID-19 pandemic has affected on STIs. From 2019 to 2023, 27,283 first time visitors were tested for nine distinct STIs, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and vaginal Candida. Symptomatic male and female visitors showed overall STI-positive rates of 39.27% and 59.20%, respectively(p < .001). The top three pathogens in both genders were HPV (47.56% and 56.71%), UU (29.21% and 56.47%), and HSV-2 (22.41% and 52.94%). Among asymptomatic visitors, the total STI-positive rate was 36.63% in males and 52.03% in females. Age-stratified analysis revealed higher STI rates in visitors ≤ 20 or >50 years, regardless of gender and symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, symptomatic visitors showed lower positive rates for HPV, HIV, syphilis, and HSV-2, while Candida, UU, CT, NG, and multiple infections increased. Among asymptomatic visitors, HPV had the lowest positive rate, while NG and multiple infections increased during the pandemic. STI prevalence is notably high, particularly in those aged ≤ 20 and >50 years. It emphasizes the need for enhanced health education, condom use, and vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic impacting STIs through varied factors, such as reduced sexual activity and clinical service interruption.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Parents Regarding Neonatal Jaundice in Abia State Children's Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Neonatal jaundice, characterized by the yellow discoloration of an infant's skin and eyes, is a common condition that affectsnewborns. It results from an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood and,when severe, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, which can cause permanent neurological damage or even death. In low-resource settings like Nigeria, delayed recognition and inadequate management of neonatal jaundice are significant contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Parental knowledge and attitudes play a critical role in the early identification and timely intervention of neonatal jaundice. However, there is limited data on the awareness, understanding, and practices of parents regarding this condition in many regions, including Abia State, Nigeria. Aim This study sought to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents at Abia State Children's Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, Nigeria, to inform strategies for improving early detection and management of neonatal jaundice. Research methodology This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Abia State Children's Specialist Hospital. The study population included 385 parents (fathers and mothers) of neonates attending the pediatric and neonatal units. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25, (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The study revealed that 226 (58.70%) of parents had heard about neonatal jaundice, with the main perceived cause being an immature liver (148, 38.44%). While 216 (56.10%) of the parents recognized neonatal jaundice as a serious condition when severe, only 72 (18.70%) were very confident in identifying its signs. Most parents (369, 95.84%) would seek medical help if they suspected jaundice in their baby, yet 288 (74.81%) believed in the effectiveness of traditional remedies. Educational level and gender were significantly associated with knowledge about neonatal jaundice (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion The findings highlight a moderate level of awareness but varying confidence in identifying neonatal jaundice among parents. The reliance on traditional remedies suggests a need for enhanced health education to improve knowledge of and attitudes toward neonatal jaundice management.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of toxocariasis in Khmer adult people in Tra Vinh province, 2023

Toxocariasis remains a public health concern in communities, especially in tropical and developing countries. A cross - sectional study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of toxocariasis among the Khmer adult population. The study was conducted with a total of 760 participants across 30 communes in eight districts and cities of Tra Vinh Province in 2023 using a 30-cluster random sampling method. Fluorescent antibody technique was applied to detect IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. The results indicated a seropositivity rate of 73%. The rate of toxocariasis was 48% (individuals exhibiting both clinical symptoms and seropositivity). The most common clinical manifestations were integumentary and mucosal, followed by neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms. The symptoms with the highest prevalence were pruritus and skin eruptions, headaches, and dizziness, with rates of 57.5%, 46.6%, and 43.6% respectively. Factors associated with a higher risk of toxocariasis infection identified included older age, female gender, lower educational level, occupations such as farming or being unemployed or having no stable job, poverty or near-poverty status, not owning dogs or cats, and living in rural areas. The prevalence toxocariasis among the Khmer adult people in Tra Vinh province is alarmingly high. It is related to the socioeconomic conditions of the people, thereby highlighting the need for enhanced health education and communication efforts within the community.

Aboriginal young people's experiences of type 2 diabetes diagnosis, management and support: A qualitative study in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in remote settings are most-affected by young onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is necessary to understand young people's experiences, including factors impacting on self-management, to improve models of care. A phenomenological methodology underpinned this qualitative study in Western Australia's Kimberley region. Two Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services supported recruitment of seven Aboriginal young people aged 12-24 with T2D, who participated in interviews. A carer and health professional of one young person in each site were also interviewed and relevant medical record data reviewed to assist with triangulation of data. De-identified transcripts were inductively coded and a coding structure developed with oversight by a Kimberley Aboriginal researcher. Young people reported varied experiences and emotions relating to a T2D diagnosis. Most recounted this was upsetting and some reported current negative impact on emotional wellbeing. Challenges with understanding and managing diabetes were highlighted, particularly regarding healthy eating, physical activity and medication. Family are a prominent source of self-management support, with the intergenerational impact of diabetes being evident for each participant. Positive relationships with health professionals, entailing continuity of care, were valued. There are significant emotional and medical challenges for young people with T2D and their families. Recommendations from this work will contribute to the development of local resources and initiatives to improve diabetes-related support. SO WHAT?: Alongside broader efforts to support good health at the societal level, enhanced health education and family-oriented support structures including Aboriginal clinical staff for young people with T2D are needed.

Analysis of residents’ health and willingness to pay for environmental protection in China

Health and environmental issues have become pressing global problems that affect human society's sustainable development. Residents are not only practitioners but also direct beneficiaries of ecological protection and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological and environmental health. Health, as the basis of residents' behavioral choices, influences residents' behavior toward ecological and environmental protection. This study aims to investigate how health factors profoundly affect residents' willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental protection and reveal the intrinsic connection between health and environmental protection behavior. The 2017 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data and the ordered probit model were used to determine that improving residents' health greatly increases their willingness to protect the environment and passes a number of tough tests. In addition, the promotion effect of health on residents' WTP for ecological protection is markedly heterogeneous, especially in younger residents who do not have children. Therefore, we suggest to policymakers and national governments a range of countermeasures and suggestions to enhance health education, safeguard public health, and promote ecological protection education.

Gambaran Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Tindakan Ibu dalam Upaya Pencegahan Acute Kidney Injury (Gagal Ginjal Akut) Pada Anak di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mokoau Tahun 2023

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children is a global concern, with cases reported in Panama, India, Haiti, and Nigeria. In Indonesia, the incidence significantly increased in 2022, raising concerns about the importance of prevention. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of mothers in preventing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children in the working area of Mokoau Health Center in 2023. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through interviews with five mothers of children aged 0-5 years and one general practitioner at Mokoau Health Center. The findings indicate that mothers' knowledge of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is still limited, and their attitudes are generally concerned but not very proactive. Preventive actions taken are still suboptimal, with mothers often relying on self-care before seeking medical help when the condition worsens. This is due to the lack of available information and insufficient access to adequate health education. These findings highlight the need for enhanced health education to improve awareness and the effectiveness of preventive measures among mothers.

Evaluation of Problem-Based Learning Experiences Addressing Health Promotion in the Fourth Grade of Primary School.

The global issues of overweight and sedentary lifestyles require comprehensive responses from health systems. Despite this, health education remains fragmented and sporadic. This study aims to target primary school children to instil healthy habits using active learning strategies, with a specific focus on promoting a healthy diet and physical activity. This study employed problem-based learning (PBL) projects with fourth-grade primary students to encourage the acquisition of healthy habits. Conducted over four consecutive years at a two-line school, the study utilised an opportunity sample, evaluating intervention and control groups by comparing their corresponding scores. The control groups consisted of 54 students, while the intervention group included 159 students. Data collection involved pre-test and post-test questionnaires to measure outcomes. Differential evaluation scores revealed significantly higher results in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, with an average score increase of 3.62 points in control groups and 6.94 points in intervention groups, particularly in attitudinal competencies. The strategies employed facilitated the development of crucial skills such as information search, synthesis, representation, analysis, decision making, teamwork, and intrapersonal awareness. Additionally, they significantly broadened the knowledge acquired regarding healthy habits. The problem-based learning approach proved effective in helping children understand the importance of making healthy choices and encouraged the integration of such habits into their daily lives. These findings suggest that active learning strategies can significantly enhance health education and promote long-term healthy behaviours among primary school children.

Health Belief and Behavioral Analysis of Fad Diets: A Perspective from Younger Generations in a Developing Country.

The surge in popularity of fad diets has raised concerns about compromised health among individuals due to their beliefs and intentions regarding consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of fad dieting among persons who are dieting and to determine the different factors influencing the inclination to adopt fad diets. Specifically, this study explored the ways in which individual openness to following fad diets, participation in diet trends, and characteristics may influence attitudes towards fad diet adoption. Data from 407 participants aged 18-34, collected via Google Forms, were analyzed using a high-ordered construct approach between the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and health belief model (HBM). Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling, significant results were obtained. The key findings revealed that knowledge about dieting, perceived benefits, and health motivation significantly influenced individuals' intentions to adopt fad diets. Additionally, the study demonstrated significant impacts of health motivation on attitude and perceived behavioral control, subsequently affecting individuals' intention to adopt dietary practices. Practical implications include the development of tailored health communication strategies for government agencies and informed decision-making support for individuals considering adopting fad diets. This research contributes valuable insights into the perception and psychological and social factors shaping dietary decisions, laying the groundwork for enhanced health education and intervention strategies. Furthermore, the study's theoretical framework offers potential for extension and application to health-related food consumption behaviors across diverse cultural contexts.

Perspectives of pharmacy staff on provision of self-care and minor ailment education in primary schools: a qualitative study

BackgroundPharmacy professionals, given their health expertise, can play a role in enhancing health education within their communities and among patients. The potential of the pharmacy workforce to enhance health education among primary school children is underexplored.AimThis study aimed to investigate the perspectives of pharmacy staff on the provision of education regarding self-care and treatment of minor ailments to primary school-aged children and to identify roles that pharmacists could play in this regard.MethodQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted online with frontline pharmacy staff in the UK who had patient facing roles with primary school-aged children and parents. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic data analysis was applied to the transcripts.ResultsA total of 17 participants were recruited. Participants included 12 pharmacists, two pharmacy technicians and three pharmacy dispensers. All participants worked within community, hospital or primary care facilities.Five themes emerged from the data analysis: sources of health knowledge accessed by children and parents; a perceived lack of knowledge regarding self-care and treatments for minor ailments among children and parents; a perceived positive impact of education on self-care; barriers to health education; and the potential role of pharmacy staff in self-care education in schools.ConclusionPharmacy staff recognise the value of integrating health education into primary school curricula. A collaborative approach with educational institutions could bridge the gap in knowledge regarding self-care and treatment of minor ailments, and could empower children and reduce unnecessary use of healthcare resources.

Sleep disruptions and associated risk factors among Iranians during Ramadan amid COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily routines and heightened stress levels worldwide, impacting various aspects of health, including sleep. This cross-sectional study conducted in Iran aimed to investigate the impact of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) during the pandemic on sleep disturbances and associated risk factors in adults aged ≥ 18 years. Data was collected from Iranian participants observing RIF. A structured electronic questionnaire, translated into Persian, gathered information on sociodemographics, dietary habits, sleep parameters, physical activity, and more. The study assessed sleep quality, duration, and disturbances and conducted a thorough analysis to identify risk factors associated with sleep disruptions. The study revealed that 48% of the participants experienced sleep disturbances during RIF, with 21% reporting poor sleep quality and 46% having unusual sleep duration. Various factors were associated with an elevated risk of sleep disruptions, including body mass index, place of residence, income levels, cohabitation status, family history of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, personal history of obesity, weight fluctuations, Shisha smoking, and unemployment. The results highlight the critical importance of health promotion strategies tailored to cultural contexts. This study advocates for enhanced health education initiatives focusing on sleep hygiene and stress management, especially during periods of significant lifestyle alterations like Ramadan amid a global pandemic. Such initiatives are vital in mitigating sleep disturbances and promoting overall well-being in populations facing unique health challenges.