Adult Health Behaviors Research Articles

Relationships between problematic ICT use, anxiety, psychological, and behavioral aspects

Abstract Background Anxiety is a substantial and developing health issue with significant consequences for psychosocial functioning and quality of life. The onset and severity of mental health problems have been linked to a number of biological, psychological, and behavioral factors. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the degree of anxiety, problematic information and communications technology (ICT) use, and certain related personal characteristics and adult health behavior. It also investigates the impact of personal characteristics in the moderating role of the association between problematic ICT use and anxiety. Patients and Methods Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate, and moderation analyzes of data from 391 participants of 35-74 years old in primary healthcare centers located in Aragón, in northern Spain were performed between July 2021 and July 2022. The primary outcome was the severity of anxious symptoms as continuous variable (GAD-7). Results Low self-esteem (β = −0.120; p= 0.012), low self-efficacy (β = −0.092; p=0.004), and high problematic use of ICT (β = 0.169; p = 0.001), are predictors of having more severe anxious symptoms. Moderation analyzes were significant in the effect of self-efficacy (b = −0.040, p = 0.001) and resilience (b = −0.024, p = 0.033) on the relationship between problematic ICT use and anxiety. Conclusions The problematic use of ICT and personal factors are related to anxious symptomatology. Adults with low resilience and self-efficacy have worse severity of anxiety associated with the problematic use of ICTs. These findings allow for a new approach to preventive identification and early care measures among people at risk and their families. Key messages • Abuse of information and communication technologies happens at all ages and in a wide range of cultural situations, and it is a growing health issue. • Knowing the psychological factors that lead to this harmful use of ICTs should be essential for early detection and intervention among those at risk and their families.

The Association between Birthweight and Use of Cardiovascular Medications: The Role of Health Behaviors.

There is limited evidence on the effect of low birthweight on the use of cardiovascular medications and the role of health behaviors. This study aims to determine the independent effect of low birthweight and its combination with adult health behaviors on the number of dispensed cardiovascular medications. We included 15618 participants with information on birthweight and self-reported health behaviors. Dispensed cardiovascular medications were identified from the Prescribed Drug Register based on a three-digit level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification code (C01 to C10 and B01) and categorized into 0, 1, and ≥2 different types of medications. We applied multinomial logistic regression models estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Participants with low birthweight had a higher estimated OR of using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.01). Further, an increased risk for using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications was found in participants with poor health behaviors for normal (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.80, 2.62) and high (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.29, 2.62) birthweight. The strongest effect on using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications was found for low birthweight and poor health behaviors (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.80, 5.50). This cohort study provides evidence that low birthweight increases the risk of using more types of cardiovascular medications in adulthood. This study also suggests that ideal health behaviors reduce this risk.

Impact of smartphone application ‘Dent-O-Xpert’ on oral health related knowledge, attitude and behavior of young adults – A randomized control trial

BackgroundMaintaining optimal oral health requires a combination of knowledge, awareness, and consistent behavioral practices. Smartphone technology has revolutionized various aspects of modern life, including healthcare. The widespread smartphone usage in India offers an opportunity to study its positive influence on oral health behaviors. Aimto assess the impact of smartphone application “Dent-O-Xpert” on oral health-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior among young adults. MethodsThe randomized double-blind controlled trial involved 168 young adults aged 18–25 from professional institutions in Indore, India. The intervention group received oral health education through “Dent-O-Xpert” smartphone application with educational content, interactive modules, reminders and personalized recommendations, while the control group received traditional oral health sessions. Primary outcome measure including knowledge, attitude, behavior, and oral hygiene were evaluated through validated questionnaires and clinical examinations at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months. The data were analyzed using SPSS-23. ResultsThe Dent-O-Xpert group showed significantly improved oral health knowledge scores at both follow-ups. By second follow-up visit, both plaque and oral hygiene scores were significantly reduced in Dent-O-Xpert group (0.25 ± 0.4) compared to control group (0.71 ± 0.48). Tooth-brushing frequency (96.4 %), brushing techniques (59.5 %), timely toothbrush changes (97.6 %), and use of supplementary oral hygiene aids (31–35.7 %) improved in the Dent-O-Xpert group. Attitudes toward oral health care were also more positive in this group. No significant changes in oral health behavior and attitude were observed in the control group. Conclusionthe study findings indicate that Dent-O-Xpert smartphone application is effective in improving the oral health related knowledge, attitude and behavior.

Apathy as a determinant of health behaviors in older adults: Implications for dementia risk reduction.

Long-term improvements in physical inactivity and other behavioral risk factors are integral to dementia risk reduction; however, sustained behavior change is challenging. Apathy, depression, and fatigue may impact engagement in health behaviors, but their presentation overlaps. This study investigates whether these symptoms are differentially associated with multiple health behaviors. In 1037 community-dwelling older adults without dementia (aged 70-90, 55% women), regression analyses examined apathy, depression, and fatigue as predictors of health behaviors (physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking) and a behavioral risk index. Apathy was associated with reduced physical activity and alcohol use, and one or multiple behavioral risk factors. No or inconsistent relations were found between depression or fatigue and health behaviors. Apathy is relevant to multiple health behaviors and should be considered when designing health promotion for older adults, including interventions for dementia risk reduction. Findings highlight the importance of distinguishing apathy from comorbid symptoms. Novel theory-based perspective on behavioural risk factors for dementia.Higher apathy predicted less physical activity and alcohol use, and increased odds of lifestyle risk factors.Depressive symptoms were not associated with any health behavior.Apathy may be a determinant of multiple health behaviors in older adults, distinct from depression and fatigue.Considering apathy in precision prevention of dementia appears warranted.

Cocreators’ experiences and effectiveness of cocreated interventions in improving health behaviours of adults with non-communicable diseases: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionImproved health behaviours and help-seeking behaviour reduce morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Compliance with the recommendations of lifestyle changes for the management of NCDs has been challenging, as...

Self-efficacy, Optimism and Social Support as Predictors of Health Behaviors in Young Adults

Self-efficacy, Optimism and Social Support as Predictors of Health Behaviors in Young Adults

Health Education Intervention Programs in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Review

Adult health behavior is established and formed in childhood, in which, besides the primacy of the family, institutional education plays a significant role. The aim of our systematic review is to analyze health interventions implemented in an institutional environment for children aged 3–6 years. Our research was carried out according to the PRISMA 2020 protocol. The sample of research was determined by using the keywords “health education” or “health promotion” and “preschool” or “kindergarten” in Scopus, ERIC and WOS databases published between 2013 and 2022. Out of a total of 1535 results, 14 proved to be relevant to the eligibility criteria of the study topic. Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria were used for critical appraisal and to limit bias. The majority of the analyzed studies focused on physical activity and nutrition, including the issues of sedentary time, obesity and sustainability. The holistic approach is less typical in the interventions reviewed, with a marginal occurrence of topics related to mental and social health, as well as risk behavior. The interventions proved to be more effective when parents were involved, and the varied, age-appropriate game-based activities also contributed to the formation of health-supporting habits.

Cardiovascular Health Behavior Prediction Model in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

To prevent cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes, it is necessary to identify the factors that affect cardiovascular health behavior. The aim of this study was to verify the causal relationship between illness perception and diabetes knowledge as cognitive representations, depression as emotional representations, self-efficacy as cognitive coping, and oral health and cardiovascular health behaviors as behavioral coping strategies. A hypothetical model was established based on a literature review and the self-regulation model. In this study, a cross-sectional survey design was used, and the participants were adults 30 years or older who had been given a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for more than 6 months and were recruited from South Korea. Data from 272 participants were collected through face-to-face interviews or Google surveys in 2021, and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 22.0. Oral health behavior (β = 0.26, P < .001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.16, P = .048) had a direct effect on cardiovascular health behavior, and illness perception (β = 0.24, P = .018) and depression (β = -0.25, P < .001) had an indirect effect through self-efficacy (β = 0.24, P = .016), with a total explanatory power of 19.1%. Oral health behavior was directly affected by illness perception and self-efficacy, and self-efficacy was directly affected by illness perception, diabetes knowledge, and depression (P < .05). To practice cardiovascular health behaviors in adults with diabetes, self-efficacy for diabetes management should be enhanced. To this end, it is necessary to increase illness perception and knowledge, and reduce depression through cardiovascular disease prevention education for them, and the importance of oral health behaviors should also be emphasized.

Determinants of COVID-19 preventive health behaviors in Iranian adults based on extended parallel process model

Performing preventive behaviors by individuals has been recognized as one of the important strategies for the prevention and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to assess the determinants of adopting preventive behaviors of COVID-19 in a sample of Iranian adults based on Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) variables. In this cross-sectional study, 300 adults from Tehran, Iran were selected using cluster sampling method from five areas of the city: north, south, west, east, and center. The participants completed a study instrument developed to assess demographic information and EPPM variables. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The mean age of the participants was 40.11 (± 15.158) years. The results showed that 88.3% (n = 265) of the participants were in the process of danger control. Perceived self-efficacy, attitude, response efficiency, behavioral intention, and the number of hours of activity outside home were determinants of performing COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the participants. These predictors might be used to develop theory-based educational efforts based on EPPM variables due to encouraging people to adopt COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Our results suggest that because many participants were engaged in danger control, health professionals should focus on increasing perceived efficacy.

Preliminary Efficacy of a Multi-Behavioral Zoom-Based Peer Health Coaching Intervention in Young Adults: A Stepped Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a Zoom-based peer coaching intervention on health and risk behaviors in young adults. A convenience sample of young adults was recruited from one U.S. university (N = 89; 73.0 percent female). Participants were randomized to one of two coaching session sequences within the framework of a stepped wedge randomized controlled trial. One experimental sequence received a control condition and a single coaching session, and the second sequence received two sessions. The intervention was a 1-hour program delivered by peer health coaches in a one-on-one setting on Zoom. The program consisted of a behavior image screen, a consultation, and goal planning. Behavioral assessments were completed after each condition. Mixed-effects models were employed to test for behavior differences after coaching sessions compared with the control condition (no coaching session) adjusting for baseline scores. Participants reported significantly higher levels of vigorous physical activity (b = 750 metabolic equivalent of task minutes, p < 0.001), a lower frequency of e-cigarette use (b = -2.1 days; p < 0.001), and a lower risk of e-cigarette susceptibility after two sessions (relative risk = 0.04, p = 0.05), and higher odds of using stress reduction techniques after one session (odds ratio = 1.4, p = 0.04). A nonsignificant trend was observed for longer weekday sleep (b = 0.4 h/night, p = 0.11) after two coaching sessions. The Zoom-based peer health coaching intervention may be an efficient way to improve vigorous physical activity, lower e-cigarette use and susceptibility, and facilitate the use of stress reduction techniques in young adults. The results observed from this preliminary study warrants further investigation using powered effectiveness trials.

Association Between Age of Anal Sex Debut and Adult Health Behaviors Among Sexual Minoritized Men Living with HIV.

Earlier age of anal sex debut (ASD) has been linked with contemporary and long-term health outcomes, including vulnerability to HIV acquisition. The goal of this study was to utilize a life course approach to examine associations between earlier ASD and recent health behaviors among sexual minoritized men (SMM) living with HIV. A total of 1156 U.S. SMM living with HIV recruited from social and sexual networking apps and websites completed online surveys as part of a longitudinal eHealth intervention. Data from baseline surveys were analyzed to determine associations between age of ASD and adult health outcomes, including mental health, HIV viral load, and substance use. The median age of ASD among these participants was 17years old, consistent with other work. Earlier ASD was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of past 2-week anxiety (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.97) and past 3-month opioid use (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.13-2.26); no significant associations were found for recent depression, HIV viral load, or stimulant use. Earlier ASD may function as an important proxy measure for deleterious health outcomes in adulthood, particularly recent anxiety and opioid use. Expansion of comprehensive and affirming sexual health education is critical to early engagement of individuals with a higher risk of HIV acquisition, with plausible downstream health benefits lasting into adulthood among SMM living with HIV.

Impact of COVID-19 on Lifestyle: A Sample of Iranian Older Adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged quarantine affect the health behaviors of older adults. We investigated the changes in older adults' lifestyles during the pandemic in a sample of 1020 people aged 60years old and over in Tehran. The results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on nutritional behaviors and social support while having a negative impact on physical activity and anxiety in older adults. Due to the greater deterioration of health behaviors among unmarried older adults, low socio-economic status, and COVID-19 inpatients, policymakers must pay attention to interventions to promote healthy lifestyles.

Examining the Relationship Between Health Behaviors of Adults and Preschool Children.

Children aged two to five years old are influenced by the behaviors of their guardians and Early Care Education (ECE) teachers. This study aims to determine the relationship between adults' and children's health behaviors in home and ECE settings. This study is novel in examining this correlation between multiple environments. Surveys were conducted across 32 ECE centers. Guardians and teachers reported on their and their children's health behaviors within the home and ECE. Matched child-adult responses (n = 1,140) were analyzed from a representative sample of 32 ECE centers throughout Georgia. Frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water, as well as frequency of physical activity were measured. Spearman rho correlations were analyzed using SPSS software, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. Spearman rho correlations indicated significant positive correlations between guardian and child behavior (rho = 0.49 to 0.70, p < 0.001) for all data. Teacher and child correlations were inconsistently significant across categories (rho = -0.11 to 0.17, p < 0.001). The influence of guardian behavior modeling on child health outcomes is critical for improving ECE programming and child obesity outcomes. This research can be used to inform future health interventions for young children.

The moderating role of mental health on the association between COVID-related stress, isolation, and economic hardship and using substances to cope

Since young adulthood is a vulnerable period for adverse mental health experiences and high-risk substance use, it is critical to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult mental health and substance use behaviors. Therefore, we determined whether the relationship between COVID-related stressors and using substances to cope with COVID-related social distancing and isolation was moderated by depression and anxiety among young adults. Data were from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) Vaping Supplement (total N = 1244). Logistic regressions assessed the relations between COVID-related stressors, depression, anxiety, demographic characteristics, and interactions between depression/anxiety and COVID-related stressors with vaping more, drinking more, and using marijuana to cope with COVID-related social distancing and isolation. Greater COVID-related stress due to social distancing was associated with vaping more to cope among those with more depression symptoms and drinking more to cope among those with more symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, COVID-related economic hardships were associated with using marijuana to cope among those with more symptoms of depression. However, feeling less COVID-related isolation and social distancing stress was linked to vaping and drinking more to cope, respectively, among those with more symptoms of depression. These findings suggest that the most vulnerable young adults are seeking substances to cope with the pandemic, while potentially experiencing co-occurring depression and anxiety along with COVID-related stressors. Therefore, intervention programs to support young adults who are struggling with their mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic as they transition into adulthood are critical.

Adapted motivational interviewing for brief healthcare consultations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment fidelity in real-world evaluations of behaviour change counselling.

Behaviour change counselling (BCC) is an adaptation of motivational interviewing (MI) designed to maximize the effectiveness of time-limited health behaviour change consultations. To improve intervention quality and understanding of treatment effects, it is recommended that evaluations of health behaviour change interventions incorporate existing fidelity frameworks (e.g. The National Institutes of Health [NIH] Behaviour Change Consortium) and ensure that treatment fidelity is assessed and reported. This systematic review was designed to examine (a) adherence to NIH fidelity recommendations, (b) provider fidelity to BCC and (c) impact of these variables on the real-world effectiveness of BCC for adult health behaviours and outcomes. Searches of 10 electronic databases yielded 110 eligible publications describing 58 unique studies examining BCC delivered within real-world healthcare settings by existing providers. Mean study adherence to NIH fidelity recommendations was 63.31% (Range 26.83%-96.23%). Pooled effect size (Hedges g) for short-term and long-term outcomes was .19 (95% CI [.11, .27]) and .09 (95% CI [.04, .13]), respectively. In separate, random-effects meta-regressions, neither short-term nor long-term effect sizes were significantly modified by adherence to NIH fidelity recommendations. For the subgroup of short-term alcohol studies (n = 10), a significant inverse relationship was detected (Coefficient = -.0114, 95% CI [-.0187, -.0041], p = .0021). Inadequate and inconsistent reporting within the included studies precluded planned meta-regression between provider fidelity and BCC effect size. Further evidence is needed to clarify whether adherence to fidelity recommendations modifies intervention effects. Efforts to promote transparent consideration, evaluation and reporting of fidelity are urgently needed. Research and clinical implications are discussed.

Health behaviors of adults living in Turkey during the covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Objective: It is thought that the restrictions that significantly disrupt the routine life of individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic process pose a potential threat to their health behaviors. This research was conducted to identify adults’ health behaviors during the process of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 508 adults residing in Turkey, who were not diagnosed with Covid-19, between October and December 2020. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Results: The mean of adults’ Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II scores was found as 123.96±23.75 points, and adults obtained the lowest and highest mean scores successively from the Physical Activity Sub-scale and the Spiritual Growth Sub-scale of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Besides, it was identified that, first, adults with incomes below expenses obtained a lower mean Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II score than those with incomes equaling expenses and those with incomes above expenses, second, adults residing in the district obtained a lower mean Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II score than those residing in the province center, and third, adults perceiving their health as good obtained a lower mean Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II score than those perceiving their health as satisfactory were statistically significant. Conclusion: It was discerned that adults performed health behaviors inadequately during the process of the Covid-19 pandemic, and income level, place of residence, and health perception affected adults’ health behaviors.

Effects of Exercise Behavior, Social Cohesion, and Social Support on Health Behaviors in Older Adults: Intervention in a Multi-Component Exercise Program

Effects of Exercise Behavior, Social Cohesion, and Social Support on Health Behaviors in Older Adults: Intervention in a Multi-Component Exercise Program

Hope and healthy lifestyle behaviors in older adulthood

Objectives Hope has been associated with better health and social well-being outcomes, including emotional adjustment, positive affect, life satisfaction, reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and increased physical activity, yet how hope as a construct impacts these health benefits in older adults is not very well-understood. This study examined: (1) the relationship between hope and health behaviors in older adults; (2) how this relationship may differ across different socio-demographic groups; and (3) how hope relates to perceived future selves among older adults. Methods The study used cross-sectional data from 711 community-dwelling adults aged ≥55 years (280 men, 431 women). Survey measures included the Snyder Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS) and the Herth Hope Index (HHI), a health behaviors checklist, self-reported health, and a future self-scale. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multiple regressions. Results Hope was positively associated with healthy behaviors in older adults. Participants with higher levels of hope also reported more positive future selves and better health. The associations were similar across different racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions This study fills an important gap in our understanding of hope and its association with health behaviors in community-dwelling older adults. These findings highlight a need to promote hope in older adults in order to enhance their sense of well-being.

Using Integrated Intervention Strategies for Improvement of Health Behavior: A Case Study Across Community Health Service in Indonesia

Health behaviour in hypertension sufferers, a non-communicable disease (NCDs), becomes a serious health problem if it is not followed by good knowledge and treatment skills. Improvement of this condition requires several interventions that must be integrated but require scientific evidence. This research aims to prove scientifically and provide solutions to improve health behaviour problems at risk in society. We used some interventions that were applied and integrated with community health service based on a mutual agreement: health education, group therapy, and the promotion of physical exercise. The number of research subjects was 53 adults at risk of hypertension in Wedomartani Village, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Data collection was carried out in June-July 2022 and used interview and observation techniques using outcome indicators, knowledge level and health maintenance skills. The results showed an increase of 32.0% in knowledge and health maintenance of 36.0% for non-communicable disease prevention behaviour by making warm water therapy combined with basil leaf infusion to lower blood pressure. There is an increased understanding of the processing of meat ingredients and the calculation of healthy eating portions. Likewise, there was an increase in the subjects’ activity to participate in physical exercise activities for hypertension exercise. The result was a decreasing prevalence of hypertension -24.5%. This study concluded that the combination of the three intervention strategies that have been given could be a choice of solution to the problem of health behaviour in adults with a risk of hypertension.

Can healthcare apps and smart speakers improve the health behavior and depression of older adults? A quasi-experimental study.

This study identified the effects of applying information and communication technologies (ICT) to the health management of older adults aged 65 or older. Older adults registered at public health centers were provided with the health management app "Health Today" and a smart speaker for 6 months to perform assigned healthcare missions. The program was conducted for 6 months by dividing participants into two groups: one that received both the health management app and the smart speaker, and another that used only the health management app. Depression, self-efficacy, number of days of moderate-intensity exercise, relative grip strength, balance tests, and five-times-sit-to-stand tests were measured during the pre- and post-evaluation. Both groups showed a positive health status and behavioral changes at post-evaluation. However, no reduced depression was observed due to communication and music listening functions in the group that was additionally provided smart speakers. ICT use in healthcare can be beneficial for older adults. However, whether these devices meet the purpose of the national health project must be determined, and an effect evaluation must be undertaken prior to providing these ICT devices for the health management of older adults in the public domain.