Excellent Health Research Articles

Measures of mental, physical, and social wellbeing and their association with death by suicide and self-harm in a cohort of 266,324 persons aged 45years and over.

The aim of this study was to examine the relation of mental, physical, and social wellbeing measures to death by suicide and self-harm (SH). Using a cohort design, questionnaire data on 266,324 responders aged ≥ 45years, living in NSW, Australia were linked to hospital and death databases during 2006-2017. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. Overall, 212 suicides and 723 SH episodes were observed. A dose-response relationship with suicidal behaviour was found for Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale; IRRs of 4.5 (95% CI 2.4-8.3) for suicide and 8.3 (95% CI 6.5-10.7) for SH were observed for scores of high versus low distress. Elevated rates were also observed for those reporting poor versus good or excellent health (suicide, IRR: 3.8, 95% CI 2.2-6.9; SH, IRR: 4.5 95% CI 3.4-6.1); being dependent versus not dependent on help with daily tasks (suicide, IRR: 2.4 95% CI 1.5-3.7; SH, IRR: 2.6 95% CI 2.0-3.3); being a current smoker (suicide, IRR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9; SH, IRR: 2.9 95% CI 2.3-3.5) having versus not having male erectile problems (SH, IRR: 1.9 95% CI 1.4-2.5). Participants with ≥ 5 people versus one person to depend on had reduced suicidal behaviour (suicide, IRR: 0.5 95% CI 0.3-0.7, SH, IRR: 0.5 95% CI 0.4-0.6). An active social network was linked to lower rates of suicide and self-harm. Adverse health, dependence on help, psychological distress were associated with higher rates of suicide and self-harm, while erectile problems were linked to an elevated rate of self-harm.

Retention of volunteers and factors influencing program performance of the Senior Care Volunteers Training Program in Jiangsu, China.

As the country with the largest aging population, China faces an enormous challenge with its elderly support and care. One of the proposed solutions is the development of volunteerism for elderly care. The Senior Care Volunteers Training Program (SCVTP) was initiated by the Red Cross Society of China with the purpose of training volunteers to care for community seniors. As one of the four pilot provinces, Jiangsu Province launched the program since 2017. The present study was conducted to investigate the dropout rate of trained volunteer group leaders, the characteristics of the retained trained volunteer group leaders and the activities that their groups conducted. Additionally, the exploration of the factors influencing the SCVTP's performance was listed as another aim. A cross-sectional study was designed. The study used purposive sampling to select participants who meet the criteria from all the trained volunteer group leaders (n = 623). Demographic questionnaire, volunteer role identity (VRI) scale, attitude toward helping others (AHO) scale, team climate and atmosphere (TCA) scale, and volunteer program performance evaluation (VPPE) questionnaire were used to collect the data online. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the dropout rate and general characteristics of the retained volunteers and the activities. A multiple linear regression equation was developed to study the factors that influence program performance. In total, 307 questionnaires were valid in the study. About 67.9%, 53.7%, and 30.0% of the trained volunteer group leaders dropped out of the program in the year of 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The retained trained volunteer group leaders were more likely to be females (84.7%), those in excellent health (75.2%) and with a bachelor's degree or above (87.6%). Less attention has been paid to frailty care (n = 76) than other volunteer caring activities (e.g., safe care: n = 277, diet care: n = 250, drug management care: n = 226). VRI (β = 0.118, p = 0.017), AHO (β = 0.134, p = 0.021), TCA (β = 0.459, p<0.001), and financial sustainability (β = 0.179, p<0.001) affected the SCVTP's performance significantly (adjusted R2 = 0.356). High rate of trained volunteer group leaders' dropout should be brought to the policymaker's attention. The characteristics of the retained trained volunteer group leaders provide a useful reference for the recruitment of trainees in the future. Frailty care may need more training by the volunteer service provider. In order to enhance program performance, a better team climate and atmosphere, financial sustainability, and volunteers with appropriate attitude and role identity are also necessary for the volunteer program.

Initial Sequencing and Characterization of the Gastrointestinal and Oral Microbiota in Urban Pakistani Adults.

We report the initial characterization of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and oral microbiota (bacteria) in 32 urban Pakistani adults. Study participants were between ages 18 and 40, had body mass index between 18 and 25 Kg/m2, and were students or early-career professionals. These individuals donated a total of 61 samples (32 gut and 29 oral) that were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Microbiome composition of Pakistani individuals was compared against the uBiome database of selected individuals who self-reported to be in excellent health. We observed strong gender-based differences in the gut microbiome of Pakistani individuals, a skewness toward Firmicutes, and unusually high levels of Proteobacteria in the Pakistani men. These observations may indicate microbiota dysbiosis, though 16S data alone can neither establish cause nor effect to human health. Albeit conducted on a smaller scale, our report provides a first snapshot about the composition and diversity of gut and oral microbiota communities in Pakistani individuals.

Patient-Reported Cognitive and Functional Impairments Among Older Canadians With Cancer: a Population-Based Study

ContextCancer is estimated to affect one out of two Canadians throughout their lifetime and to be the cause of death of one out of four Canadians. Although it can affect virtually patients of any age, it disproportionately affects older adults. ObjectivesThe objective of the present study is to assess the prevalence of self-reported cognitive and functional impairments among older adults with cancer vs. older adults without cancer; and to evaluate the factors associated with self-reported cognitive impairment among older adults with cancer. MethodsCanadian Community Health Survey data sets (2007–2016) were accessed, and participants 65 years wand older who answered the question Do you have cancer? and who have complete information about participant-reported cognitive function (assessed through health utilities index) were included. Differences in participant-reported functional status (including cognition, vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, and emotion) between older adults with or without cancer were evaluated through Chi-squared testing. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with participant-reported cognitive impairment among older adults with cancer. ResultsA total of 73,110 participants 65 years and older were included: 4342 participants with an active cancer diagnosis and 68,768 participants without an active cancer diagnosis (at the time of survey completion). Participants with cancer were more likely to report impairment in cognition (participants with cancer who can remember and think: 62.3%, whereas participants without cancer who can remember and think: 67.3%; P < 0.001), hearing (participants with cancer who can hear well: 82.2%, whereas participants without cancer who can hear well: 86.7%; P < 0.001), and mobility (participants with cancer who can walk without difficulty: 77.3%, whereas participants without cancer who can walk without difficulty: 84%; P < 0.001). The following factors were associated with participant-reported cognitive impairment among older adults with cancer: older age (odds ratio [OR] for age 65–69 years vs. age 80 years and older: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35–0.84), lower income (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14–3.92), poor self-perceived health (OR for excellent vs. poor health: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.81), poor self-perceived mental health (OR for excellent vs. poor health: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02–0.28), and illicit drug use (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.31–3.18). ConclusionOlder adults with an active cancer diagnosis are more likely to report impaired cognitive and functional status compared with older adults without an active cancer diagnosis. More efforts are needed to ensure the integration of validated geriatric assessment tools (incorporating patient-reported elements) in the care of older adults with cancer.

Body Fat Mediates Association between Active Living and Health among Adolescents.

The aim of this study was to explore the association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and organized leisure-time activities with self-rated health among adolescents and whether these associations are mediated by body fat percentage. We used data on 888 adolescents (mean age 12.97, SD 1.20, 56.0% boys) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2018 in Slovakia. We used logistic regression models to examine associations within self-reported data (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and organized leisure-time activities with self-rated health) and their mediation by anthropometric data (body fat percentage). The adolescents who were sufficiently physically active and with normal body fat were more likely to report good or excellent health (odds ratios—OR/95% confidence intervals—95% CI: 3.52/1.50–8.27 and 3.66/2.37–5.68). Similarly, the adolescents who were engaged in individual/team sport and with normal body fat were more likely to report good or excellent health (OR/95% CI: 2.04/1.31–3.17 and 3.66/2.37–5.68). Adjustment for body fat percentage reduced the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and self-rated health by 27.6% and the association between leisure-time activities and self-rated health by 30.7%. Active living and normal body fat might contribute to better health in adolescence. Programs and efforts to increase physical activity and leisure-time activities in childhood and adolescence need to identify which aspects of these activities are important, effective, and crucial for the population of adolescents.

Phytochemical Profiles and Bioactivities of Cake Tea Leaves Obtained From the Same Cultivar: A Comparative Analysis

Cake tea, a traditional beverage of China, has excellent health benefits. Our study investigated the phytochemical profiles, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of cake tea leaves, which were obtained from the same cultivar and processed at different intervals. The effects of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of 4 cake tea varieties on a human lung cancer cell line (A549 cells) were systematically examined. The content of total polyphenol, an active ingredient of tea, was significantly higher in green cake teas (14.0% ± 0.4a) than their black (4.8 ± 0.3c), yellow (10.0 ± 0.6b), and white (8.8 ± 0.5b) counterparts. Likewise, the content of total free amino acids in green cake tea (3.6% ± 0.5a) was significantly higher than the other tea varieties. Our results indicated that the extent of fermentation of tea leaves could decrease the antioxidant activities of cake tea leaves. Furthermore, the white tea cake variety demonstrated the maximum antiproliferative activity on A549 cells as opposed to other types of cake tea leaves. Such an observation allows future researchers to narrow down their focus on using specific cake tea types (sourced from the same cultivar) that provide the maximum health benefits.

Health-related and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the muscle strengthening exercise recommendations in middle-aged and older adults with and without disabilities

PurposeTo identify sociodemographic and health correlates of meeting the muscle strengthening (MS) exercise recommendations in middle-aged and older adults by disability status.MethodsRespondents from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were stratified by disability status (with disability, without disability), age [ages 45–64 (middle-aged), 65 + years of age (older adults)] and whether they met MS recommendations (yes, no). Two logistic regression models were run to evaluate whether perceived health status and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with meeting the MS recommendations by disability status.ResultsThe sample included 477,662. Middle-aged persons were 20% more likely than older adults to meet the MS recommendations. Persons with a disability were less likely to meet muscle strengthening recommendations compared with those without. Persons with a disability who reported having poor health were ~ 65% less likely to meet the MS recommendation than those reporting excellent health. Furthermore, those with a disability and with one or more chronic diseases were nearly 40% less likely to meet the MS recommendation than no disability. Among respondents without disability, being Black and being a healthy weight or underweight increased the odds of meeting the MS recommendations.ConclusionSeveral health and sociodemographic factors were associated with not meeting MS recommendations. Persons with disability and poor health, had the lowest likelihood of participation. Studies are needed to understand whether improving MS exercise behavior may attenuate functional limitations associated with chronic diseases and aging.

Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth.

Surgical techniques for the removal of mandibular wisdom teeth.

The Effect of Celery Therapy and Abdominal Stretching Exercise on Pain Intensity in Adolescent with Dysmenorrhea at the Soppeng High School

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health is an important issue and needs to get more attention, especially among adolescents because adolescents are the nation’s next generation so adolescents should have excellent reproductive health because adolescents will later marry and become parents, so the quality of life of adolescents must improve to better direction.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of celery therapy and abdominal stretching exercise on pain intensity in adolescents with dysmenorrhea in Soppeng District High School.&#x0D; METHODS: This research uses quasi-experimental. A sample of 30 was selected by consecutive sampling that met the inclusion criteria. Samples taken are non-randomized pre-posttest one-group design with accidental sampling method. Data collection using numeric rating scale measurement tools. Data were not normally distributed by analyzing the Wilcoxon test.&#x0D; RESULTS: The results showed that the characteristics of respondents for age were 14–15 years as many as 16 (53.3%). Based on grade level, the average respondent in class one also had details of 16 (53.3%). The average pain intensity before and after intervention, where the mean value + SD is 0.67 + 0.479–0.27 + 0.450 with p value (P = 0.001 &lt;0.05) which means that there is a difference in the average pain intensity significant before and after therapeutic interventions were given. Celery therapy and abdominal stretching exercise need to be recommended to be used as therapy to treat primary dysmenorrhea in young women at SMAN 1 Watan Soppeng.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Based on the results of research and hypotheses, it can be concluded that there are significant differences after therapy which means that the administration of celery therapy and abdominal stretching exercise 3 times before menstruation is more effective in reducing pain.

Health Factors, Sociability, and Academic Outcomes of Typically Developing Youth and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Latent Class Analysis Approach

To identify profiles of both typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on health indicators, and academic/social engagement. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify profiles of children from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, based on physical activity, screen time, sleep, and academic/social engagement. A three-profile solution was the best fitting model, with children in profile 3 characterized as having excellent health, and academic/social outcomes, compared to profiles 1 and 2. Compared to TD youth, a greater percentage of youth with ASD fit into the poorer health profiles. Studies should examine whether health interventions for youth with ASD can improve factors, such as academic engagement and social interaction.

Exercise and screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of this paper is to describe the exercise and changes in screen time habits, and their relationship with health, among participants of the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS). Between March 29th and April 3rd 2020, CPSS participants (n = 4,524) reported whether they were exercising outdoors or indoors and whether they increased, decreased or maintained their TV, Internet and video game use. Participants also reported their self-perceived general and mental health. More women reported very good or excellent mental health if they were exercising outdoors (54%) compared with those who were not (41%). More women reported very good or excellent general health if they were exercising outdoors (75%) compared with those who were not (49%), with the same trend evident for those exercising indoors (69%) compared to those who were not (62%). More men (65%) and women (62%) rated their mental and general health as very good or excellent if they maintained or decreased TV time compared with those who increased TV time (57% and 43%, respectively), with the same evident for Internet use in women only (maintained/decreased: 61% versus increased: 44%). More men (63%) and women (52%) rated their mental health as very good or excellent if they maintained or decreased video game time compared with those who increased video game time (48% and 29%, respectively). More men and women reported very good or excellent mental and general health if they increased none or one type of screen and/or were exercising outdoors compared with those who increased 2 or 3 types of screens and who were not exercising outdoors, with the exception of general health among men. Maintaining opportunities for outdoor exercise and limiting screen time may promote better mental and general health during periods of confinement.

Implications of Stress and Study Habits on Academic Outcome of Undergraduate Nursing Students in Selected Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Introduction: Stress is a physical and emotional reaction that individuals exhibit as a result of the threat from demanding circumstance(s). Excessive exposure to stress may result in mental and physical problems which may diminish a student's sense of worth and might affect his or her academic outcome. This high level of stress has been widely reported among undergraduate nursing students throughout their academic program.&#x0D; Aims: This study determined the implications of stress and study habit on the academic outcome of undergraduate nursing students.&#x0D; Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nursing, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo Osun State and Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo Ogun State between April, 2018 and May, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: A convenient sampling technique was used to select 156 participants from a target population of 762 undergraduate students (200 – 500 Level) in the selected institutions. Data were obtained using a self-developed questionnaire which consists of three sections that address the objectives of this study. Hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance.&#x0D; Results: Findings from the study show that 20.1% of the respondents usually experience tiredness when they are about to study, 22% reported using stimulants to help them read for a longer period. Furthermore, 42.0% of the student engaged in personal studies and 41.4% used group discussions. 23.7% of the students claimed that proper preparation for tests and examinations improved their academic outcome. Overall, 57.7% of the respondents go through moderate level of stress while 9.6% go through high level stress. The findings from the study show that there is no significant association between studying habits and academic outcome of the undergraduate nursing students (p. Value &gt; 0.005).&#x0D; Conclusion: Nursing students (who are the future nurses), face considerable levels of physical, psychological and mental stress during the course of their training, which in turn affects their academic performance. There is also no significant association between studying habits and academic outcome of the undergraduate nursing students (p. Value &gt; 0.005). It is therefore important to identify stressors among such students and equip them with and/or provide appropriate coping mechanisms that can help the students adjust to stressful situations, and in turn emerge as excellent health care professionals.

Wellness foods based on the health benefits of fruit: Gold kiwifruit for immune support and reducing symptoms of colds and influenza

Fruits are excellent health foods and ingredients for functional foods. Plant & Food Research is developing new fresh and processed foods to promote gut health and immunity and protect from oxidative stress. The research involves testing using cell-based assays and animal models and validating health benefits in human trials. Using ZESPRI® GOLD Kiwifruit as an example, extracts stimulated human innate and adaptive immunity in vitro and a puree, but not a juice, enhanced a weak gut-associated immune response in mice. To validate an associated health benefit, a human trial determined the effects of gold kiwifruit consumption on symptoms of colds and influenza in older adults (≥ 65 years). Gold kiwifruit consumption significantly reduced head congestion and sore throat symptoms as well as plasma lipid peroxidation and significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and red cell folate concentrations. In a subsequent trial, regular consumption of gold kiwifruit by pre-school children (2-5 years) resulted in an overall reduction in the incidence of cold and influenza-like illnesses as well as a reduction in their symptoms. The results suggest that gold kiwifruit can modulate the immune system in a positive way and that consumption can improve health by reducing symptoms and incidences of colds and influenza, in groups whose immune status may result in a greater risk of contracting these types of infections.

Factors associated with access to HIV testing among international students in Japanese language schools in Tokyo.

Japan has been recognized for its excellent universal health coverage system. However, the migrant population faces many barriers in accessing health services in Japan. Japan hosts around 260,000 international students, mostly from developing countries. Among them, language school students tripled from 2011 to 2017, against the backdrop of labor shortage in Japan. Most of these students are also engaged as cheap laborers and are vulnerable populations with poor access to health services. Several socio-economic and behavioral factors may increase their vulnerability to HIV and prevent them from accessing HIV testing in Japan. We examined the factors associated with access to HIV testing among international students in language schools in Tokyo. We conducted a cross-sectional study among international students studying in Japanese language schools in Tokyo. We collected data from 769 Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepalese students using a self-administered questionnaire. We measured their access to HIV testing through questions on their knowledge of where to receive HIV testing and utilization of HIV testing. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Nepalese students were less likely to know where to receive HIV testing in Japan than Chinese students (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.01–0.96). Students who did not need Japanese language interpreters during visits to health facilities were more likely to know where to receive HIV testing (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.14–3.25). Students who did not have knowledge of free and anonymous HIV testing in Japan were also less likely to know where to receive HIV testing in Japan (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.08–0.42). Students who did not have knowledge of free and anonymous HIV testing (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02–0.10) and who had not utilized HIV testing in their home country (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.27) were less likely to utilize HIV testing in Japan. Factors associated with access to HIV testing among Japanese language school students in Tokyo are nationality, need for Japanese language interpreters, perceived access to doctors/health workers, utilization of HIV testing in the home country, and knowledge of free and anonymous HIV testing. These findings may help to design interventions for improving access to HIV testing among international students in Japan.

P78 Low-Income Adults Enrolled in a Cost-Offset, Community-Supported Agriculture Intervention are not Nationally Representative

<h3>Background</h3> Cost-offset, Community-supported Agriculture (CO-CSA) is a model in which low-income households receive subsidized shares of a local farm's harvest. The goal is to address diet and health disparities among a population with historically poor access to and consumption of healthy foods. The appeal of such an intervention, and thus its reach, is limited to a self-selected sub-sample of the low-income population that may be non-representative. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare characteristics of CO-CSA enrolled adults from low-income households with those of a nationally-representative sample of low-income adults. We hypothesized that CO-CSA enrollees would be less demographically diverse, have greater nutrition-related knowledge, and report better health than the national sample. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> CO-CSA enrollee data were drawn from the baseline survey of a multi-state randomized controlled trial testing the CO-CSA model in conjunction with nutrition education among low-income households with children in Vermont, New York, North Carolina, and Washington (n=305). Those data were compared to a nationally-representative sample of low-income adults from households with children evaluated via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2010). <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Descriptive statistics for demographic, food security, nutrition knowledge, and self-reported health status data were generated using SPSS for both samples. <h3>Results</h3> Compared to the national sample, a greater proportion of CO-CSA enrollees were female (97% vs 57%), white (76% vs 45%), highly educated (49% vs 7% college graduates), and food insecure (57% vs 49%); a smaller proportion were Hispanic (6% vs 34%). A greater proportion of CO-CSA enrollees knew the daily recommendation for fruits and vegetables (3-5 cups; 61% vs 16%) and reported being in good or excellent health (34% vs 25%). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Differences between the CO-CSA and NHANES samples may be related to the CO-CSA study sampling frame (English-speaking households in certain regions of the U.S.). Results support continued exploration into whether CO-CSA and other local food system interventions have the potential to reach beyond female, white, educated, and nutritionally-knowledgeable segments of the target population.

Health Literacy and Its Related Factors in Non-Medical College Students

Abstract Introduction: Health literacy plays a vital role in health education and health promotion and has received increasing attention as a means to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequality. The students’ awareness of health literacy and their weaknesses in this area are essential for educational planning. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the health literacy of non-medical college students and it’s affecting factors. Materials and Methods: This is a correlational study conducted on 250 non-medical students at the Islamic Azad University of Rasht branch, Rasht City, Iran in the academic year 2018-2019. They were selected using a random sampling method. The data collection tool was the Health Literacy For Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the descriptive and analytical statistics (t-test, the Pearson correlation test, and the Chi-square test). Results: The Mean±SD of the HELIA score was 68.44±12.72 (out of 100). About 6.8% of students had inadequate health literacy, 29.6% problematic health literacy, 54.4% adequate health literacy, and 9.2% excellent health literacy. Students had the highest score in the dimensions of understanding Mean±SD (77.11±15.82) and access Mean±SD (72.35±16.73), while in decision-making and applying health information Mean±SD (55.62±15.01) they had the lowest score. There was no statistically significant correlation between students’ age and health literacy scores, but a statistically significant relationship was reported between their gender and health literacy levels (P=0.049). The Internet (54.8%) and physicians and health workers (27.2%) were the most important sources of information about health for students. Conclusion: Many students lacked sufficient health literacy. Since most of them received information about health issues through the Internet, educational health programs and contents can be provided to them through the Internet and social networks.

The association of ideal cardiovascular health with self-reported health, diabetes, and adiposity in African American males.

African American (AA) men have the highest age-adjusted all-cause mortality rate in the United States of America (US) and a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The African American Male Wellness Walk (AAMWW) seeks to reduce such health disparities among AA males. The association of a combination of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) metrics (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking) with self-reported health, diabetes, and body fat percentage was examined among 729 AA male participants from the 2017 and 2018 AAMWWs. Six metrics of ICH were categorized into a three-tiered ICH score 0-2, 3-4, 5-6. Linear and logistic regression modeling was performed with adjustment for age and insurance. Seven percent of men attained 5-6 ICH metrics at baseline. Participants with 5-6 ICH metrics versus 0-2 had 256% higher odds of excellent self-reported health compared to good, fair or poor (p<0.0001). After exclusion of glucose from the ideal cardiovascular health score, participants with 3-4 versus 0-2 ICH metrics had a 48% lower odds of diabetes (p<0.0031). After exclusion of BMI from the ICH score, participants with 5 ICH metrics had a 14.1% lower body fat percentage versus participants with 0-2 ICH metrics (p=0.0057). Attainment of higher ideal cardiovascular health scores is associated with higher odds of self-reported health, lower odds of diabetes and lower body fat percentage among AA men. Future strategies leading to greater attainment of cardiovascular health in AA males will be important to advance health equity.

Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Sağlık Okuryazarlık Düzeylerini Belirleme, Bilgi, Tutum, Davranış Değişikliği ve Eğitim İhtiyacını Saptama Çalışması

Nowadays, individuals are expected to be able to recognize their own diseases, manage their chronic diseases, and make decisions that they think are good for them during the prevention and treatment process. The effectiveness, effectiveness and quality of health services also depend on the decisions of individuals receiving health care on their own health. Health Literacy; It is extremely important in terms of increasing the year and quality of healthy life in health services and eliminating health inequalities. Method: The population of this research, which was planned descriptively and cross- sectionally, was analyzed using TSOY-32 Health Literacy Scale by classroom teachers working in Sancaktepe district of Istanbul to 306 classroom teachers determined by randomization method between 15.05.2019 15.06.2019. There were 255 valid survey returns. Results: 35% of the participants had Problem-Limited Health Literacy, 17% had poor Health Literacy, 27% had Adequate, 21% had Excellent Health Literacy. 52.2% were in the 22-34 age range, 69.8% were married, 71.4% were women, 93.7% were bachelor’s degree; 11.4% have chronic disease. Discussion: Behavioral changes that may occur with the development of Health Literacy should be gained to people at an early age. Primary school age is an important opportunity for this. In this respect, class teachers are the ones who play the most important role. As a result of this study, it was found that the health literacy levels of classroom teachers were limited and problematic. Efforts should be made to increase the health literacy levels of classroom teachers.

Trends in the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the Sverdlovsk region

Background. Prevalence of excess body weight and obesity among children and adolescents has been gradually and significantly increasing over the last decades. The obesity detection rate is markedly affected by both low awareness of primary care physicians and the attitude of parents who pay no attention to the child’s excess weight for a long time considering it the manifestation of excellent health and normal development.Objective. The study aimed at comparative evaluation of the prevalence of obesity among children in the Sverdlovsk region.Methods. A comparative analysis of the prevalence of obesity was carried out, based on official statistical information and results of prophylactic medical examinations over the 2005–2019 period. The gender- and age-related particulars of pathologic obesity among children have been analyzed across the following age groups: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 and 15–17 years.Results. Based on the incidence of office visits, a two-fold increase of morbid obesity was found in children 0–14 years of age (from 8.3‰ in 2005 to 16.3‰ in 2019 ), and a three-fold increase in adolescents 15–17 years of age (from 11.8‰ to 35.5‰, respectively; р &lt; 0.001). The obesity rate registered during prophylactic medical examinations is two-fold higher than that during the office visits. Over 50% of obesity cases fall on the 10–14 age group, whereas the maximum rates of increase were found in children 5–9 years of age. In the age group of 15–17 years obesity is registered more often in boys than in girls.Conclusion. Significant differences in obesity prevalence rates, according to the office visits and prophylactic medical examinations’ data, attest to delayed diagnosis of excess body weight and insufficient effectiveness of pediatricians dealing with obese children at the stage of pediatric primary care. Cons idering the age-related particulars of obesity prevalence, health professionals working in educational institutions should play a leading role in the diagnosis of excess body weight and provision the follow-up care for children who are at risk for obesity.

Trends in the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the Sverdlovsk region

Background. Prevalence of excess body weight and obesity among children and adolescents has been gradually and significantly increasing over the last decades. The obesity detection rate is markedly affected by both low awareness of primary care physicians and the attitude of parents who pay no attention to the child’s excess weight for a long time considering it the manifestation of excellent health and normal development.Objective. The study aimed at comparative evaluation of the prevalence of obesity among children in the Sverdlovsk region.Methods. A comparative analysis of the prevalence of obesity was carried out, based on official statistical information and results of prophylactic medical examinations over the 2005–2019 period. The gender- and age-related particulars of pathologic obesity among children have been analyzed across the following age groups: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 and 15–17 years.Results. Based on the incidence of office visits, a two-fold increase of morbid obesity was found in children 0–14 years of age (from 8.3‰ in 2005 to 16.3‰ in 2019 ), and a three-fold increase in adolescents 15–17 years of age (from 11.8‰ to 35.5‰, respectively; р &lt; 0.001). The obesity rate registered during prophylactic medical examinations is two-fold higher than that during the office visits. Over 50% of obesity cases fall on the 10–14 age group, whereas the maximum rates of increase were found in children 5–9 years of age. In the age group of 15–17 years obesity is registered more often in boys than in girls.Conclusion. Significant differences in obesity prevalence rates, according to the office visits and prophylactic medical examinations’ data, attest to delayed diagnosis of excess body weight and insufficient effectiveness of pediatricians dealing with obese children at the stage of pediatric primary care. Cons idering the age-related particulars of obesity prevalence, health professionals working in educational institutions should play a leading role in the diagnosis of excess body weight and provision the follow-up care for children who are at risk for obesity.