Health Assessment Tool Research Articles

A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of Real-Time Teledentistry in Residential Aged Care Facilities.

Unmet oral health needs of residents in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) arise due to the unique challenges of assessing oral health statuses and maintaining oral healthcare in RACFs. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using real-time teledentistry under the guidance of a dentist to train RACF staff to undertake an oral health assessment. An oral health assessment of residents was first conducted by RACF staff at two Queensland, Australia RACFs using the Oral Health Assessment Tool, with an intra-oral camera connected to a laptop, through videoconferencing, under the guidance of a dentist. A survey recorded the views of RACF staff on the acceptability of the teledentistry method. The quality of the images obtained through the camera was assessed by the dentist. Finally, cost-effectiveness was calculated between teledentistry and traditional face-to-face assessments. Sixteen residents (mean age 79.3 ± 8.68 years) and eight staff (mean age 33.3 ± 6.16 years) participated in this study. Both RACF staff and residents found that the real-time teledentistry set-up was user-friendly, while the dentist rated the quality of the images as acceptable for diagnostic purposes. Real-time teledentistry was more cost-effective than bringing a dentist on-site, while taking the RACF residents to an off-site dental office for examination was the most expensive approach. Real-time teledentistry is feasible and cost-effective, and it is an acceptable alternative to a face-to-face clinical exam for oral health assessment in RACFs. This approach could be used in RACFs where wireless internet connectivity is available.

Systematic Review: Mental Health Screening Tools for Collegiate Athletes

The mental health of college athletes has become a priority for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and for athletic departments across numerous Colleges and Universities. Sport social work has limited research exploring empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of specific mental health assessments for the population of college athletes. College athletes experience a plethora of stressors and mental health concerns that will require the use of mental health assessments to determine the appropriate level of care. A systematic review was conducted utilizing the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews for Interventions. An initial search of sport social work literature yielded 1,199 articles. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, five articles remained that met the full criteria for inclusion. Results indicate there are mental health assessment tools that have empirical data supporting their use with college athletes. Although appropriate mental health screening tools were identified, future research is necessary to expand the breadth of empirical data that supports additional mental health assessment tools for specific use with the population of college athletes. These tools should include a positive psychology component to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care in the college athlete population and increase their likeliness to engage in mental health services.

Sex differences in the impact of lower respiratory tract infections on older adults’ health trajectories: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundLower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major global health concern, particularly among older adults, who have an increased risk of poorer health outcomes that persist beyond the acute infectious episode. We aimed to investigate the mid-term (up to 7 years) and long-term (up to 12 years) effects of LRTIs on the objective health status trajectories of older adults, while also considering potential sex differences.MethodsCohort data of adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) collected between 2001 and 2016 was analyzed. Information on LRTIs was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register, and objective health status was assessed using the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) which incorporates indicators of mild and severe disability, cognitive and physical functioning, and multimorbidity. The LRTI-exposed and -unexposed participants were matched using propensity score matching based on an expansive list of potential confounders. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association between LRTIs and changes in HAT scores.ResultsThe study included 2796 participants, 567 of whom were diagnosed with a LRTI. LRTIs were independently associated with an excess annual decline of 0.060 (95% CI: -0.107, -0.013) in the HAT score over a 7-year period. The associations were stronger among males, who experienced an excess annual decline of 0.108 (95% CI: -0.177, -0.039) in up to 7-years follow-up, and 0.097 (95% CI: -0.173, -0.021) in up to 12-years follow-up. The associations were not statistically significant among females in either follow-up period.ConclusionLRTIs, even years after the acute infectious period, seem to have a prolonged negative effect on the health of older adults, particularly among males. Preventative public health measures aimed at decreasing LRTI cases among older adults could help in preserving good health and functioning in old age.

Cross-sectional study assessing the oral status of oncogeriatric patients using the Ohat score

Oral hygiene is essential for a healthy quality of life. The main aim of the study carried out in oncogeriatrics at Amiens University Hospital was to test the Oral Health Assessment Tool (Ohat) score as a means of assessing patients' oral health status, in order to optimize referral criteria for odontological care. Significant correlations were found between the Ohat score and the frailty scales specific to geriatric assessment.

Development of a new digital sexual health assessment tool to help patients better understand the factors involved in their sexual disorders – “The Sexual Dysfunction Evaluation Tool” (SEXDET)

IntroductionA visual digital tool called SEXual Dysfunction Evaluation Tool (SEX-DET) was created for assessing the causes of sexual dysfunction, based on a biopsychosocialsexual and relational schema, to assist patients in understanding the relative influence of the various factors contributing to their sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction of this tool in sexual dysfunction patients and practitioners. MethodsA satisfaction study of the SEX-DET was performed in 50 patients (20 F, 30 M) consulting for a sexual trouble and 3 practitioners. The main reasons for consultation were erectile dysfunction (36%) and desire disorder (30%). ResultsAll the participants agreed that the SEX-DET helped them to understand the origin their trouble (46% strongly, 42% moderately, 12% somewhat), the various factors involved (56% strongly, 22% moderately and 18% somewhat) and the management of their trouble (6% strongly, 47% moderately, 33% somewhat). Overall, 94% of participants found that the SEX-DET was easy to use (58% strongly, 16% moderately and 20% somewhat). Practitioners acknowledged the user-friendly interface, its critical role in improving patients’ understanding and providing a comprehensive visualization of the dimensions associated with sexual dysfunction, even if one practitioner threatened the tool's intrinsic inclination to oversimplify complex data. ConclusionSEX-DET enabled to improve patients’ understanding of their trouble and helped practitioners in structuring better communication during consultations communication regarding sexual dysfunction. The shortcomings of this study was its focus on short-term outcomes, self-reported data, and the absence of control group.

Oral Care Performed with Breast Milk in Preterm Newborns Fed by Tube: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: This study examined the effect of breast milk on oral care practices in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: This study involved 64 preterm infants (intervention/breast milk: 32, control/distilled water: 32) and was carried out with a prospective, parallel, randomized controlled design. The "Newborn Oral Health Assessment Tool (NOHAT)" was used to assess oral care. The Mann-Whitney U test, continuity correction test, Fisher's exact test, independent-samples T test, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test were used to analyze the data. Results: Examining the oral care performed using breast milk and distilled water with NOHAT scores, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It is recommended to use breast milk for oral care.

Diagnostic effectiveness of the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 supplemented with a brief clinical intake interview in a cohort of Polish elite Olympic athletes

ObjectiveSeveral studies have used the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 (SMHAT-1) among athletes but none have combined SMHAT-1 with a subsequent clinical intake interview. The aim of this study...

Advancing Digital Education Technologies by Empowering Nurses With Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Bedside ultrasonography, also known as point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS), is a promising technological tool that enhances clinical assessment, enriching diagnostic capabilities and clinical reasoning. Its use in nursing spans various patient populations and health care settings, providing nurses with a valuable health assessment tool to improve care quality and patient safety. Despite its growing integration into clinical practice, PoCUS training has mainly focused on physicians, leaving a gap for trained nurses who demonstrate similar proficiency in conducting scans and interpreting images. Previous research highlights the value of digital tools in PoCUS training, showing their role in improving professionals' and students' knowledge, image interpretation skills, and clinical acumen. This study aimed to (1) establish an assessment instrument gauging nurses' competency milestones in PoCUS and evaluate its content and appearance validity, (2) develop a series of 5 educational videos focused on PoCUS and assess their content and appearance validity, and (3) construct an online learning environment tailored to nurses' PoCUS training needs and evaluate its content and appearance validity. We will conduct a methodological study of technological production guided by Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory. Subproject 1 will design and validate a comprehensive assessment tool for evaluating nurses' competency milestones in PoCUS use. For this purpose, a scoping review will be conducted. The review will be based on JBI Collaboration guidelines and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extended for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Subproject 2 involves an evaluation of content and appearance validity for a series of 5 educational videos on PoCUS, designed specifically for nurses about applying peripherally inserted central catheter lines, inserting nasogastric feeding tubes, assessing gastric residual volume, assessing pressure injuries and soft tissue conditions, and assessing muscle mass to monitor patient nutritional status. In subproject 3, a comprehensive online learning environment dedicated to PoCUS training for nurses will be developed and validated. The launch of an online learning environment represents a cornerstone of our dissemination strategy, scheduled to coincide with the inaugural Brazilian PoCUS symposium for nurses, an event organized by the project members. This platform will serve as a pivotal resource for continuous learning and professional development. Subproject 1 will start in the second half of 2024 and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Subproject 2 is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed in early 2026. Subproject 3 is set to begin in early 2025 and is planned to be completed by 2026. Through these concerted efforts, the project aims to bridge the existing gap in PoCUS training for nurses, thereby fostering their proficiency and enhancing patient care outcomes. PRR1-10.2196/58030.

Insights on the Characteristics and Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes for Mitigation of Alzheimer's Disease's Pathogenicity: A Systematic Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Treatment of AD relies on administering drugs that only subside the symptoms. In recent studies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-exosomes have been marked to possess therapeutic potential for treating AD. This study aims to systematically review and analyse findings that focus on the isolation, characterisation, and sources of MSC-derived exosomes used to unravel the therapeutic potential of these exosomes targeting AD using in vitro and in vivo models. It is hypothesised that MSC-exosomes exhibit high therapeutic potential for AD treatment by exerting various modes of action. PubMed, Scopus, and Medline were used to find relevant published works from January 2016 until December 2020, using assigned keywords including "Alzheimer's disease", "secretome", and "exosomes". Only research articles meeting the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected and analysed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation tool (OHAT). A total of 17 eligible in vivo and in vitro studies were included in this review. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) were the most used source for exosome isolation, even though studies on exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and human umbilical cord stem cells (HUCSCs) provide more information on the characteristics. When the risk of bias was assessed, the studies presented various levels of biases. Notably, the in vitro and in vivo studies revealed neuroprotective properties of MSC-exosomes through different modes of action to alleviate AD pathology. Our review discovered that most MSC exosomes could degrade Aβ plaques, enhance neurogenesis, extenuate neuroinflammatory response through microglial activation, regulate apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress. Delivery of exosomal micro-RNAs was also found to reduce neuroinflammation. Findings from this review provided convincing systematic evidence highlighting the therapeutic properties of MSC-derived exosomes as a prospective source for cell-free (acellular) therapy in treating AD.

Oral Health Assessment for Older Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities Using Video Recording by a Mobile Electronic Device.

Many older adults who require long-term care need oral health management. However, access to dental care is limited, and connecting older patients with dental professionals is a future challenge. Therefore, the development of a remote oral health assessment system is required. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of video-based oral health assessments in older adults residing in facilities. This study comprised 60 older adults residing in facilities who consented to dental home visit treatment by the Department of Oral Function Management at Showa University Dental Hospital between July 2021 and December 2022. The Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) was used to evaluate the oral health status at the facilities by one dentist. The concordance of the oral health assessments conducted by this dentist at the facilities (OHAT-B) was compared with those conducted by the same dentist (OHAT-V1) and two other dentists (OHAT-V2 and V3) using approximately 1 min video recordings of the oral cavity taken with a mobile electronic device. On the OHAT total score, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [1.1]) for OHAT-B and V1 was 0.931; the ICC (2.1) was 0.889 when compared with V2 and 0.788 when compared with V3. Moreover, the comparison between V2 and V3 showed high agreement, with an ICC (2.1) of 0.750. This study revealed that the oral health assessment of older adults residing in facilities using video recordings of the oral cavity taken with a mobile electronic device may be possible, suggesting the possibility of remote oral health assessment.

Sex Education Training as Capacity Building Tool for Mothers and their Children with Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study

Sex is a biological need of human beings and the aspects of sexuality and sexual development are less discussed in people with intellectual disability (ID). Sex education training (SET) for persons with ID and their parents is pivotal in mitigating challenges and creating a safe and healthy space for expressing their sexual needs. The aim was (a) to see the effects of SET in the enhancement of knowledge and skills about sexual health among adults with ID, (b) To see the effect of mothers as an observer during SET on their perception, attitude and practice on sexual health for their children with ID. The sample consisted of 11 mothers and their children who were above 18 years with ID. Awareness of sexual health education for parents of intellectually challenged children and family life and sexual health assessment tools were used. A qualitative/descriptive analysis was done. SET was started for the period of three months, two sessions in a week, each session lasting one and half hours. It was done in a playful manner on self and social awareness, safe/unsafe touch, relationships, personal safety rules and sexual harassment of women at workplace (POSH). SET shows not only enhancement in the level of awareness, knowledge on sexual health but also improved communication skills and decision-making skills among adults with ID and their mothers. Mothers feel more confident and comfortable to have open discussions with their children on sexual health.

Temporal Changes in Depressive Symptoms Among Goodville Farm Game Players: A 6-Week Observational Study.

Aim of the Study: The primary objective was to evaluate the potential impact of the Goodville farm game on depressive symptoms. Methods: The Goodville game, characterized by its unique farming features, incorporates elements of emotional well-being and various mental health assessment tools, enabling players to monitor and improve their emotional state. Using self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) data from 1717 US and UK players, changes were monitored weekly over a 6-week period. The study focused on the game's ability to integrate emotional well-being elements and various mental health assessments to facilitate self-monitoring and improvement of players' emotional states. Results: There was a significant overall time effect (F = 154.498, df = 1711, P < 0.001), indicating a moderate-to-large effect size, with progressive decreases in PHQ-8 scores throughout the period. About 60% of players reported reduced depressive symptom severity, with around 35% experiencing complete symptom relief. More significant improvements were observed in players with higher initial severity. No correlations were found between symptom changes and demographic data or the number of active playing days. Conclusion: Goodville demonstrates potential as a digital mental health intervention in reducing depressive symptoms through its specific characteristics designed to improve emotional well-being. The study emphasizes the need to consider baseline severity and highlights the therapeutic promise of authentic farming game features. Despite the absence of a control group, the findings contribute meaningful insights into digital interventions for mental health care and set a direction for future studies to validate and expand upon these results.

The Power of Commitment: Creating an Award-Winning Culture of Health and Well-Being at DTE Energy.

The evidence that a healthy and safe workforce provides a competitive business advantage is increasingly clear. However, how to obtain this may be unclear to many. This article presents a case study showcasing how one large employer worked toward improving its culture of health and well-being. Measuring progress using an established corporate health assessment tool, results improved 75% over a 5-year period. In addition, site scan culture checks showed annual improvement, exceeding best-in-class scores by the fifth year. Building a culture of health and well-being often requires a few years to implement fully and involves a commitment to plan, deploy, improve, and manage over time. Ultimately, by following approaches taken by best-in-class employers, this can be accomplished with some ease and without missteps along the way.

Modified Oral Health Assessment Tool (M-OHAT) for Residential Aged Care: A Co-Design Protocol

Background: Older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) experience disproportionate levels of poor oral health relative to other groups in the general population, affecting their physical and mental wellbeing. The Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) is a validated and widely used dental assessment tool; however, recent systematic reviews have identified shortcomings with respect to its measurement properties. Objective: The objective of this protocol is to provide a detailed overview of a multidisciplinary qualitative study that aims to (a) co-design and develop a modified OHAT for RACFs and (b) inform the development of an OHAT training package and implementation strategies. Methods: This study will utilize a co-design methodology with aged care residents, caregivers, staff members, and health professionals. The co-design workshops will: (1) investigate the barriers to and enablers of optimal oral healthcare in RACFs; and (2) co-design a modified version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool and a referral to treatment pathway that is appropriate for use in RACFs. The co-design workshops will facilitate group discussion and involve interactive activities using, for example, mind mapping and Sticky Notes. Qualitative data (transcripts and artefacts from co-design activities) will be analyzed in NVivo using an inductive codebook thematic analysis, specifically a template analysis. Conclusion: The findings of this study will inform a modified OHAT (M-OHAT), as well as future study phases regarding training and implementation strategies. It is expected that the M-OHAT will have enhanced usability and relevance to RACFs, facilitating the identification of poor oral health and timely referral to dental treatment.

Mental Health Assessment in Hospitalised Patients In The Department Of General Surgery

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. The goal of the study was to describe the mental health status in hospitalized patients in general surgery department. An educational observational study was carried out among 50 samples in the Department of General surgery, ESI PGIMSR, and Rajajinagar The data was collected by using global mental health assessment tool questionnaire (GMHAT). All information’s were processed and analyzed by using Microsoft excel. From the department of general surgery, the number of patients included from the male ward was 30; the majority of patients were from the age group of 46-55 (33.33%), with a mean age of 47.63 ± 12.18 years. In the female ward, the number of patients included was 20; the majority of patients were from the age group of 46-55 (30%), with a mean age of 51.75 ± 13.36 years. Based on the gender, the majority of patients were male, with 30 (60%) and the minority of them were females, 20 (40%). Compared to all the mental health diseases majority of the people said that thought disorders and psychotic symptoms as none and majority of the people said that do not have any severity. In this study, mental health almost all of the patients had responded as mild to moderate and for the severity they have responded very low. Out of 50 patients using Mann-Whitney U test, the p-value was found to be less than significant level. So, there is a significant difference in between gender and anxiety levels. And also, there was a significant difference in between the gender and panic attack levels using same statistical analysis.

Depression Detection with Novel Large Language Model Methods

Recent advancements in machine learning and natural language processing have shown significant potential in aiding mental health diagnostics. In this paper, we specifically provide novel approaches to depression identification using large language models (LLMs). First, we employ the LLM2Vec architecture for text-only classification. Additionally, we explore the potential of multimodal LLMs by incorporating text, audio, and visual inputs, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy through a more comprehensive analysis of multimodal data. Our results demonstrate that text-only models perform well above baseline performances, while multimodal data shows promise for achieving a more nuanced understanding of a patient’s mental state. This work lays the groundwork for future research in developing more robust and effective tools for mental health assessment using LLMs.

The current status and influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients based on the Andersen Oral Health Outcome Model

ObjectivesTo analyse the elements that influence oral frailty in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients and to comprehend the present state of this condition.MethodsA survey of 325 elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients from three hospitals in Huzhou City was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Oral Health Assessment Tool, the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Oral Health Questionnaire, the Social Frailty, the Frail Scale, and the Oral Frailty Index.ResultsIn elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients, the prevalence of oral frailty was 45.2%. Factors influencing it include the Oral Health Knowledge Score (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98), Oral Health Behavior Score (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98), insufficient dialysis (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.14–0.63), social frailty (OR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.57–8.83), physical frailty (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.55–6.30), number of missing teeth (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15), swallowing abnormalities (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.26–6.38), and oral health scores (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57) (P < 0.05).ConclusionPatients on elderly maintenance hemodialysis are more susceptible to oral frailty. Nursing staff should develop scientifically sound, effective, and targeted oral management strategies for these patients.

Non-lethal biomarkers as promising tools for fish health assessment: In situ exposure to bifenthrin as a case study

Non-lethal biomonitoring should provide an innovative approach to establish bioethical protocols for the management of both aquaculture and wild fisheries resources. We aimed to assess non-lethal biomarkers in Piaractus mesopotamicus caged in a rice field during a bifenthrin (BF) application. We analyzed parameters related to the immune system, energy metabolism and oxidative stress in fish skin mucus and blood plasma. Fish exposed to BF showed a significant increase in skin mucus glucose levels and the enzymatic activities of protease, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase. Regarding plasmatic parameters, BF increased the levels of glucose, total protein and albumin, but decreased triglycerides. In addition, increased activities of lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase were found in the blood plasma of exposed fish. Our results indicated an increased energy demand, altered immune function and a mild oxidative stress response in fish exposed in situ to BF. We have shown that skin mucus and blood plasma are very promising matrices for the development of non-lethal biomarkers to assess fish health in a stressed environment.

Oral Health and Quality of Life in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between oral health, quality of life, and behavioral characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Background/Objectives: Autism has been associated with various challenges, and this study seeks to elucidate the impact of ASD on oral health outcomes and overall well-being. The research focuses on assessing overall oral health by evaluating various parameters, such as the condition of lips, tongue, gums and tissues, natural teeth, dentures, oral hygiene, and dental pain in individuals with ASD. Additionally, the study explores the influence of age, sex, and certain variables, like basic daily living skills on oral health practices, aiming to identify potential correlations between these factors and oral health outcomes. Methods: We employed standardized instruments to quantitatively measure and analyze the impact of oral health status on the overall quality of life experienced by individuals with ASD. Results: The study found a statistically significant positive association between oral health, measured by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and quality of life, as indicated by EuroQol 5-Dimensions Youth version (EQ-5D-Y) total scores (β = 0.13045, p = 0.00271). This suggests that better oral health is linked to higher quality of life. When adjusting for age and sex in a multiple linear regression model, the association remained significant but with a slightly reduced effect size (β = 0.10536, p = 0.0167). Age also showed a marginally significant positive association with quality-of-life scores. ANOVA results indicated that participants with advanced oral health status reported significantly higher quality-of-life scores than those with poorer oral health (p = 0.00246). The study also found that intelligence quotient (IQ) does not substantially influence dental health status, while the "Autonomy" subscale of the EQ-5D-Y is positively related to the OHAT. Conclusions: Unhealthy oral conditions significantly impact the overall quality of life in individuals with ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to include regular dental assessments and treatments in therapeutic protocols for patients with ASD.

Cardiovascular health of Brazilian adolescents within the framework of Life's Essential 8: Findings from the ERICA study

The Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is an official cardiovascular health (CVH) assessment tool, however, its use remains limited within the adolescent population. We aim to describe the prevalence of CVH in Brazilian adolescents using the LE8 framework and to analyze its distribution considering sociodemographic factors. The sample comprised 36,956 adolescents aged 12 to 17years, who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents, a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study. CVH was assessed by the LE8 score (0-100 points), comprising eight metrics categorized into two domains: health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and health factors (body mass index, non-HDL cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Sociodemographic factors were sex, age, type of school, skin color, and region of residence. The results were expressed as means with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The overall average score was 75.8 points (95% CI: 75.3-76.3), classified as moderate CVH. The general score was higher among males (76.8; 95% CI: 76.6-77.7) and younger adolescents (12-14years old) (78.5; 95% CI: 77.7-79.4). The health factors had a higher mean than behavioral factors (87.6, 95% CI: 87.3-87.9 vs. 64.0, 95% CI: 63.3-64.7). The best score was blood glucose (94.7; 95% CI: 94.2-95.2), while the diet score was the lowest (48.5; 95% CI: 46.3-50.6). The CVH of Brazilian adolescents is classified as moderate and varied according to sociodemographic characteristics. Intervention actions should prioritize behavioral factors to improve the LE8 score and consequently prevent cardiovascular events in adulthood.