Health Behavior Inventory Research Articles

Health behaviours and work-related musculoskeletal pain among polish physiotherapists and nurses.

Physiotherapists and nurses play crucial roles in healthcare, often requiring them to adopt physically demanding positions. However, these positions can lead to joint stress and an increased risk of injury, as well as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). These disorders can significantly impact the performance of their duties, which can negatively affect patient recovery. This study assessed and compared health behaviour and work-related musculoskeletal pain among Polish physiotherapists and nurses. The study encompassed a group of 304 participants. The methodology consisted of a survey addressing pain-related questions and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The HBI evaluates health behaviour in four categories. The average HBI score was 5.05 (±1.96) points for physiotherapists and 4.50 (±1.86) points for nurses (P = .01). When analysing the HBI components, a statistically significant difference was observed in positive mental attitude and health practices (P < .05). Regarding work-related musculoskeletal pain, 92% of nurses and 79% of physiotherapists reported experiencing pain while working (P < .01). Pain intensity, measured with the VAS, was 3.77 (±2.37) for physiotherapists and 4.73 (SD 2.04) for nurses (P < .01). Physiotherapists more often suffered from upper limb pain (57% vs 49%), while nurses experienced middle/lower back pain (82% vs 63%) and lower extremity pain (38% vs 23%) more frequently. Both professional groups experience WRMSDs, with nurses suffering more regularly and severely. In contrast, physiotherapists exhibit superior health behaviour practices, potentially mitigating musculoskeletal pain. Nonetheless, the prevalence of pain related to WRMSDs remains alarmingly high in both professions.

Health behavior inventory – short form: a Chinese validation study using classical test theory and item response theory

BackgroundIt is imperative to use a validated tool to measure and understand health behavior as it greatly impacts health status. It has been demonstrated that the Health Behavior Inventory - Short Form (HBI-SF) is valid in several countries. The purpose of this study was to translate the HBI-SF into Chinese and test its psychometric properties.MethodsThis study employed a two-phase methodology. The phase one entailed the cross-cultural adaptation of the HBI-SF, while the subsequent phase evaluated the psychometric properties of the scale. This evaluation encompassed classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) tests to assess reliability and validity. It involved 1058 participants, of whom 1036 completed the questionnaire successfully. Out of these, 518 were analyzed for CTT, along with 518 for IRT.ResultsThe S-CVI was found to be 0.935, while the I‐CVI ranged from 0.889 to 1.000. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the goodness-of-fit indices for the four-factor model was acceptable. Regarding the subscales, the average variance extracted (AVE) and Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio of Correlations (HTMT) matrix also met the cutoff values (AVE > 0.5 and HTMI < 0.85). Furthermore, the internal consistency and composite reliability indices of all factors were greater than 0.7. Infit and/or outfit values indicated that all items fitted the Rasch model. The Wright map revealed that the average person measures for the participants (mean = − 0.994, SD = 0.430) were comparatively lower than the average item measures (mean = 0.000, SD = 0.257). The person separation reliability values for the four factors ranged from 0.600 to 0.746, indicating an acceptable level of reliability. Two items showed differential item functioning.ConclusionsThe findings derived from both CTT and IRT analyses demonstrate favorable levels of reliability and validity for the Chinese version of the HBI-SF.

Health Behaviours and the Quality of Life of Students of Medical Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life of individuals affected by the restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify the role of health behaviours in the perception of the quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This study was conducted among 796 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in the first quarter of 2022. Subgroup 1 consisted of students at the Public Health School (n = 428; 53.8%) and subgroup 2 consisted of students belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (n = 368; 46.2%). The diagnostic survey method was applied, and an original survey questionnaire, the Health Behaviour Inventory and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref version) were used. (3) Results: The largest contribution to the prediction of quality of life of students in subgroup 1 was made by a positive mental attitude related to avoiding too strong emotions, which explained 19% of the result variability in the somatic domain (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.21), 20% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.36; R2 = 0.20), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.52; R2 = 0.17) and 17% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.19; R2 = 0.19). Moreover, in subgroup 2, a predominantly positive mental attitude significantly predicted quality of life in the somatic domain, explaining 23% of the result variability (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.26), while it explained 25% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.47; R2 = 0.25), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.46; R2 = 0.17) and 21% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.38; R2 = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: Positive correlations between health behaviours and the quality of life among the study participants were determined. Health-promoting behaviours had a beneficial impact on the respondents' quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The category of health behaviours described as a positive mental attitude was an important predictor for the participants' quality of life.

Assessment of nutritional status and health behaviors in yoga-trained women versus exercisers.

Recreational physical activity is becoming more popular due to the increased public awareness about the beneficial effects on health status and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and health behaviors of women who regularly practice yoga as a form of physical recreation and to compare them with those who had not practiced before and had just signed up for yoga classes. A total of 143 women took part in this study. The nutritional status was assessed based on the obtained anthropometric measurements. The following indicators were calculated: Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), determining the visceral accumulation of fat tissue. Health behaviors were assessed using a standardized five-point scale Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). There were significant differences in the value of the general health behavior index, the sten scale, and the subscale regarding proper eating habits in the study groups compared to women who had not practiced yoga before (control group). Health behaviors indicators, particularly proper eating habits, are significantly higher in women participating regularly in yoga exercises, indicating a higher awareness among yoga practitioners. It can be suggested that yoga participation as a recreational physical activity can be an appropriate option for pursuing healthy habits.

Personal Resources and Expectations and Health Behaviors Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients—A Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe long-term success of organ transplantation (Tx) depends on the transplant recipient's ability to self-manage symptoms, treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial consequences. Health behavior (HB) determinants include personality traits such as optimism, self-efficacy, and health locus of control. PurposeAssessing the relationship between personal resources and expectations and health behaviors of organ transplant recipients. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 01/04/2018 and 30/10/2019 at 3 transplant centers in Poland. The study group consisted of 243 Tx recipients of kidney, heart, liver, and lung. The Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dispositional Optimism Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to collect data. FindingsThe study group had medium levels of dispositional optimism (mean 15) and high levels of self-efficacy (mean 30.18). The MHLC scale was dominated by a belief in the influence of others and an internal locus of control over one's health. The respondents presented a high level of HB (mean 92.09). A positive relationship was found between personal resources (self-efficacy and optimism), MHLC and HB. The presence of depression and anxiety negatively affected personal resources and internal locus of health control and HB in terms of a positive mental attitude. Type of Tx differentiated internal locus of health control and HB. Predictors of HB were dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, influence of others with health locus of control, symptoms of depression, age and time since transplantation-explaining between 6.1% and 14.5% of health behavior categories. ConclusionsTo improve health practices among organ recipients, strengthening their personal resources is recommended. It is necessary to form an internal locus of control for adherence to positive HB.

Exploring the connection between ego-resiliency and health behaviors: a cross-sectional study of Polish health sciences students.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-resiliency and the intensity of health behaviors among Polish health sciences students. The study involved 483 students from health-related faculties in southern Poland, consisting of 314 women (63.7%) and 179 men (36.3%). The average age of the participants was 21.7 ± 2.5 years. To assess resiliency (ER), the Ego-Resiliency Scale (ER89-R12) by Block and Kremen was used in its Polish adaptation. The intensity of health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Z. Juczyński. The results revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of health behaviors and ER (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), both for the general factor and its categories (positive mental attitude, proper eating habits, preventive actions, and prohealth activities). Students with a high level of health behaviors exhibited significantly higher ER (M = 38.95, SD = 5.15) compared to those with average (M = 35.93, SD = 5.03) and low (M = 32.97, SD = 5.12) HBI levels. Among the HBI categories, Positive Mental Attitude showed the strongest correlation with both general ER and its factors: optimal regulation (OR) and openness to life experiences (OL). Furthermore, the correlation was found to be stronger with the OR and weaker with OL. Higher ER in students is correlated with a greater frequency of health behaviors. Nurturing the development of ER may contribute to the maintenance of prohealth practices despite life difficulties and temporary loss of motivation. This, in turn, promotes the regularity of health behaviors, which is crucial for their positive impact on overall health.

Longitudinal Brain Perfusion and Symptom Presentation Following Pediatric Concussion: A Pediatric Concussion Assessment of Rest and Exertion+MRI (PedCARE+MRI) Substudy.

Emerging evidence suggests that advanced neuroimaging modalities such as arterial spin labelling (ASL) might have prognostic utility for pediatric concussion. This study aimed to: 1) examine group differences in global and regional brain perfusion in youth with concussion or orthopedic injury (OI) at 72 h and 4 weeks post-injury; 2) examine patterns of abnormal brain perfusion within both groups and their recovery; 3) investigate the association between perfusion and symptom burden within concussed and OI youths at both time-points; and 4) explore perfusion between symptomatic and asymptomatic concussed and OI youths. Youths ages 10.00-17.99 years presenting to the emergency department with an acute concussion or OI were enrolled. ASL-magnetic resonance imaging scans were conducted at 72 h and 4 weeks post-injury to measure brain perfusion, along with completion of the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) to measure symptoms. Abnormal perfusion clusters were identified using voxel-based z-score analysis at each visit. First, mixed analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) investigated the Group*Time interaction on global and regional perfusion. Post hoc region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed on significant regions. Second, within-group generalized estimating equations investigated the recovery of abnormal perfusion at an individual level. Third, multiple regressions at each time-point examined the association between HBI and regional perfusion, and between HBI and abnormal perfusion volumes within the concussion group. Fourth, whole-brain one-way ANCOVAs explored differences in regional and abnormal perfusion based on symptomatic status (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) and OIs at each time-point. A total of 70 youths with a concussion [median age (interquartile range; IQR) = 12.70 (11.67-14.35), 47.1% female] and 29 with an OI [median age (IQR) = 12.05 (11.18-13.89), 41.4% female] were included. Although no Group effect was found in global perfusion, the concussion group showed greater adjusted perfusion within the anterior cingulate cortex/middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and right MFG compared with the OI group across time-points (ps ≤ 0.004). The concussion group showed lower perfusion within the right superior temporal gyrus at both time-points and bilateral occipital gyrus at 4 weeks, (ps ≤ 0.006). The number of hypoperfused clusters was increased at 72 h compared with 4 weeks in the concussion youths (p < 0.001), but not in the OIs. Moreover, Group moderated the HBI-perfusion association within the left precuneus and superior frontal gyrus at both time-points, (ps ≤ 0.001). No association was found between HBI and abnormal perfusion volume within the concussion group at any visits. At 4 weeks, the symptomatic sub-group (n = 10) showed lower adjusted perfusion within the right cerebellum and lingual gyrus, while the asymptomatic sub-group (n = 59) showed lower adjusted perfusion within the left calcarine, but greater perfusion within the left medial orbitofrontal cortex, right middle frontal gyrus, and bilateral caudate compared with OIs. Yet, no group differences were observed in the number of abnormal perfusion clusters or volumes at any visit. The present study suggests that symptoms may be associated with changes in regional perfusion, but not abnormal perfusion levels.

Assessment of the risk of depression with correlation selected aspects of sex in men

Introduction: Male depression continues to beunderrated in terms of commonness and gravity. Thismay be substantially linked to the fact that men havetrouble admitting that they suffer from depression.Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the riskof depression in males in relation to health behaviours,loneliness, satisfaction with life, potential sleep disorders, the ability to cope with stress, and the relationships between risky activities, unprotected sex, engaging in casual sexual contacts and problems with erection/impotenceMaterials and methods: The study was based on anoriginal questionnaire, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale, theBeck's Depression Inventory, the Gotland MaleDepression Scale, the Health Behaviour Inventory, theSatisfaction With Life Scale, the Rosenberg SelfEsteem Scale, General Anxiety Disorder GAD-7 andthe Athens Insomnia Scale. The respondents were 616randomly selected men aged 20 to 64, currently healthyand not addicted to alcohol.Results: The average score of the respondents in theBeck's Depression Inventory was 30.8, and 97.4% ofthem suggested mild or moderate depression. Theaverage score according to the Gotland MaleDepression Scale was 23.0, and for 95.5% of therespondents, it suggested possible or highly probabledepression. On the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale,the average values were 33.4 points (quite severeloneliness). On the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale bySchwarzer et al, the average score of the respondents was 33.4 points (a quite high average self-efficacy).The average score of the men according to the HealthBehaviour Inventory was 66.9 points (low level ofhealth behaviours), according to the Satisfaction WithLife Scale, 18.6 points (average satisfaction with life),according to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale 30.4points (relatively good self-esteem), of the GeneralAnxiety Disorder - 15.7 points (possibility of exacerbation of the symptoms of generalized anxietydisorder) and according to the Athens Insomnia Scale7.0 points (borderline normal).Conclusions: Most respondents were at risk ofdepression. Significant factors contributing to the riskof depression include age, marital status, place ofliving, flatmates, education, financial standing, level ofloneliness, generalised anxiety, satisfaction with life,preferred health behaviours, sleeping problems, level ofself-esteem and anxiety, and self-efficacy. Significantcorrelations were found between early diagnosis ofdepression/anxiety disorders and identification of therisk of depression. There was no effect of previouslydiagnosed depression and anxiety disorders ondeclaring taking risky activities, including practicingunprotected sex, making casual sexual contacts, andhaving problems with erection/impotence. The currentstudy confirmed the influence of depressive disorderson declaring taking risky actions, including unprotectedsex, and problems with erection/impotence, documented in the literature

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type of food consumed; preventive behaviours in terms of compliance with health recommendations and obtaining information on health and disease; healthy practices-daily habits in terms of sleep, rest and physical activity; as well as positive mental attitudes-avoiding strong emotions, stress, and depressing situations, determined by the frequency of each behaviour reported by the respondents). The study included women at different stages of pregnancy and women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 women participated in the study. The study used a proprietary questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The overall health behaviour score during the pandemic was higher (85.87) than the pre-pandemic score (82.16). There was a statistically significant difference between the total pre-pandemic and during-pandemic HBI scores. Additionally, there was an increase in the total score in each of the health behaviour domains during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women presented a statistically significantly higher rate of health behaviours, as measured with the HBI, indicating that respondents were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The study has shown a positive change in pregnant women's eating habits, which can potentially affect the health of the population in the future.

The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between religious struggles and health behaviours in a group of polish young adults

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine more thoroughly the relationship between religious struggles and health behaviours. In this study were examined the role of resilience as a potential mediator in the relationship between these variables of interest and it was focused on the polish young adult generation. Participants were 616 people aged 18–33 years (M = 25.33; SD = 7.27). The respondents indicated their gender and age, and then completed The Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale (RSSS), The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). In all models, resilience was evaluated as a potential mediator between types of religious struggle and health behaviour. The mediation analysis showed that including resilience as part of the overall model weakened the negative association between the dimensions of religious struggle – divine, ultimate meaning, and doubt ¬– and health behaviour. The presented negative impact of religious struggles on health behaviour points to the need to build or strengthen resilience among individuals, with resilience as a potential buffer to both reduce the negative effect of R/S struggles and strengthen pro-health behaviour.

Health behaviors and problems in Polish homeless men.

Homelessness is considered to be a global problem, independent of the material situation of a given country and occurring in most societies around the world. Assessment of the preferred health behaviors of homeless people. The study covered 153 men who are homeless and 312 men who are not homeless. The original questionnaire of homeless, and validated the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale were used. The research covered fully completed questionnaires from 153 homeless men staying in Białystok and Gdańsk homelss centers. On average, the homeless men assessed their health at 6.0 ± 2.7 points, and the non-homeless at 7.8 ± 2.2 points (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between people experiencing a homelessness crisis and the control group in selected aspects concerning the everyday life hygiene of the respondents, health self-assessment, declarations of visits to a specialist and carrying out check-ups, level of satisfaction with life, coping with difficult situations, preferred pro-health behaviors and dimensions of health control. In the used scales, SWLS, HBI, GES, and MHCL, the majority of homeless men obtained average scores. They were rather dissatisfied with their lives, with a low level of effectiveness in coping with difficult situations and obstacles, a low level of health behaviors, and in the scope of health, control increasing the impact of chance. The level of the presented health behaviors showed statistically significant diversification with all dimensions of the health locus of control, and its internal dimension with age, homelessness phase, the respondents' criminal history, being under constant medical care, and self-assessment of health.

Perception of the activity-based working concept by bank's employees as a working condition.

The aim of the research was to explore the potential of the concept of work in the activity-based working (ABW) environment, including its impact on stress, back pain and psychomedical parameters of employees subjected to and not subject to relocation. The data of 396 employees of both sexes were analyzed. The study used standardized psychological questionnaires to measure the level of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), the level of readiness for change (Readiness for Change Questionnaire), the severity of health behaviors (Health Behavior Inventory) and the level of general self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale). The set included questionnaires measuring the level of knowledge of occupational health and safety rules and the frequency of back pain. In the group of people whose workplace was moved to another building (in accordance with the concept), the relationship between the level of stress and selected variables: age, sense of generalized self-efficacy was checked. A significant negative correlation between the level of stress and age was confirmed (ρ = -0.16, p = 0.023), meaning a decrease in the level of stress with age. The level of stress correlated positively with the sense of efficacy (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.003), which means, the higher the sense of effectiveness, the higher the level of stress. In addition, it was confirmed that the level of stress in the group of people changing their location differed significantly from the general population. Work in the ABW concept can contribute to the improvement of interpersonal communication and facilitate the social integration of employees and better evaluation of work in this model. Work in concept has not been shown to be a protective factor against back pain in people with obesity. It was confirmed that in people relocated from traditional office to office in the concept, relocation was associated with stress, but also with a greater sense of self-efficacy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(4):526-40.

Health behaviors of nursing staff in the use of preventive programs, coping with stress and the impact of additional workload

Introduction Health behaviors play an important role in preserving, maintaining and improving health. These are actions and behaviors selected by humans, which, based on specific knowledge, remain in a significant relationship with health. Nursing staff, due to their knowledge, skills and duties enshrined in the Act on the Professions of Nurses and Midwives, through their own model of behavior and actions, should encourage appropriate health attitudes. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to learn about selected health behaviors in the use of preventive programs, coping with stress and the impact of additional workload among the nursing staff employed at the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice. Material and methods: The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and a standardized scale - Juczyński's Health Behavior Inventory on a group of 100 nurses. Results: The group of surveyed nurses was characterized by the highest health behaviors in terms of positive mental attitude and proper eating habits, lower in terms of preventive behaviors and health practices. Only 63% of the respondents used prevention programmes. In addition, it was observed that abnormal health behaviors were more common among nurses working additionally in another health care facility. Conclusions: The surveyed nurses used preventive programs on average and manifested health practices at an average level, which was influenced by the burden of additional work. They chose various ways of coping with stress, which were not always pro-health, therefore postgraduate education should emphasize the development of these skills, and nurses should be able to use psychologists employed in hospitals.

Health behaviours of patients with affective disorders: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSevere mental disorders, including affective disorders (AD), are associated with high rates of physical illnesses that lead to premature patient death. Excess somatic comorbidity may be partially explained by lifestyle factors. This study aimed to investigate the health behaviours (HBs) of patients with AD in comparison to the HBs of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy controls (HCs) and to examine associations among HBs and sociodemographic and clinical factors, subjective quality of life and health status, and health locus of control.MethodsThe sample consisted of 108 patients with AD, including 60 with bipolar disorder (BP) and 48 with unipolar disorder (UAD). Analyses included comparisons with a subgroup of AD individuals, patients with T2D and HCs matched in age and sex. The Health Behaviour Inventory was used to evaluate the overall levels of HBs and 4 HB categories. To identify independent determinants of health behaviours, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with factors identified as significant in bivariate analyses.ResultsMost AD patients had a low level of HBs (40%), followed by moderate (35%) and high levels (25%), and there were no significant differences in HBs between the BP and UAD groups. Compared with the T2D and HC groups, the AD group had a significantly lower level of overall HBs and lower levels of HBs in one of the categories. Independent predictors of overall HBs were quality of life (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), age (β = 0.27, p = 0.002), and depressive symptoms (β = 0.23, p = 0.008). A total of 30% of the variance in HBs was explained.ConclusionsThese findings emphasise the need for a systematic assessment of single and multiple health behaviours to provide better care for patients with AD and reduce the potential adverse effects of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Health behaviors of nurses in terms of nutrition and physical activity

Introduction An important direct factor determining human health are health behaviors that are part of the lifestyle. Health behaviors are conscious actions taken to strengthen and increase the potential of one's own health. Nurses, due to their education and interdisciplinary competences, should be characterized by a high level of health awareness and motivation. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to analyze selected health behaviors among the nursing staff employed at the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice in terms of assessing the possibility of increasing preventive measures. Material and methods: The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and a standardized scale - Juczyński's Health Behavior Inventory on a group of 100 nurses. Results: The group of surveyed nurses was characterized by the highest health behaviors in terms of positive mental attitude and proper eating habits, lower in terms of preventive behaviors and health practices. There were also many anti-health behaviors, such as: non-compliance with the principles of healthy eating, insufficient physical activity. Conclusions: Measures should be taken to prevent and promote health among nurses.

Un estudio comparativo sobre el impacto de la Covid-19 en estudiantes universitarios latinoamericanos

COVID-19 has changed educational opportunities for students around the world, and, in the process, affected their lifestyle, happiness, and engagement. The present research is part of a project from six universities in different countries across Latin America to examine the impact of COVID-19 on university students.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19on lifestyle changes, orientations to happiness, and student engagement among a sample of college students in Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the US.Methods: Participants were1764 students from the six previously identified countries. Data were collected using the Student Health Behavior Inventory, the Orientations to Ha-ppiness Scale, and the University Student Engagement Inventory.Results: Student respondents were mostly female, with a median age of 22. Most reported no changes in academic performance and statistically significant changes in some lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition and physical activity. Conclusions: The global pandemic led to behavioral changes among college students in La-tin America, and it affected their orientations to happiness and engagement. Institutions of higher learning are called to create opportunities for their students to reintegrate into an in-person learning environment to facilitate positive lifestyle changes for their students.

Positive orientation and health behaviors in older patients with atherosclerosis.

Human health is determined by a number of physical, social and psychological factors, including the often considered health behaviors. They are an indispensable part of the health recovery process and are also the basis of prevention in the development of such disorders as atherosclerosis. Health behaviors are reinforced by an individual's resources such as positive orientation, which is composed of optimism, high self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The main objective of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between positive orientation and health behavior, in a group of people with atherosclerosis. Sixty-one patients, both male and female, in late adulthood were surveyed (M = 69.41, SD = 5.44). A researcher-designed questionnaire, the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ) and the Positive Orientation Scale (P-Scale) were used in the measurement. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the 2013 Declaration of Helsinki. The results showed that patients with a more positive attitude toward life are more likely to use health-promoting behaviors. There is a positive relationship between positive orientation and health behaviors. Positive orientation can be enhanced through appropriate psychoeducation and psychological support to prevent ill health and improve treatment of patients with atherosclerosis.

Health promotion interventions in informal caregivers and their impact on health promoting behaviors in patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Health behaviors are considered a key element in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Less than optimal self-care for cardiovascular disease is associated with adverse health outcomes and lower quality of life. Support from an informal caregiver is important for patients with cardiovascular disease. The caregiver, as the person who directly cares for the chronically ill patient, has the greatest influence on the development of the patient's attitude toward health. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the intensity of health behaviors among informal caregivers of patients with cardiovascular disease and to evaluate the effects of health-promoting interventions among caregivers on the health behaviors of their charges. Methods The study was conducted with 193 patients with chronic cardiovascular disease and their 161 informal caregivers. The author interviewed them using a questionnaire and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test and logistic regression were used for the analyzes. Results The strongest predictors influencing lower health behavior expression in informal caregivers were male gender (p &amp;lt; 0.001), level of relationship with patient (p = 0.016), professional activity (p = 0.028), lack of expectations of the PHC physician (p = 0.028), family nurse practitioner (p = 0.003), and social worker (p = 0.008), and lower client health care efficiency (p = 0.036). Higher severity of caregiver health behaviors was associated with higher odds of better client health care efficiency (odds ratio (OR) 1.60 (1.06;2.56). Conclusions Comprehensive caregiver education using modern technologies (Internet) and advanced ICT systems to promote health behaviors and specifically for the above caregivers could provide innovative solutions to promote and sustain health behavior change in patients with cardiovascular disease. A breakthrough is now needed in health and social care, where digital health solutions show promise but have not yet been fully implemented.

Variables determining higher health care effectiveness in patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The projected incidence of cardiovascular disease and the aging population (deaths from cardiovascular disease increase after age 50) are expected to increase in the coming years. It is therefore imperative to improve health care for patients with CVD in primary care. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the variables that influence the efficiency of health care delivery, which is synonymous with high quality of life, intensification of health behaviors, and high satisfaction of needs in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease. Methods The study was conducted on 157 patients with chronic cardiovascular disease who came to a follow-up appointment with a general practitioner. The WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Health Behavior Inventory Questionnaire (HBI), the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Modified Version (HADS-M) were used for the study. The Wilcoxon test and Fisher's exact test, as well as Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and logistic regression, were used for the analyzes. Results Analysis of patients revealed an association between home care effectiveness and the following variables (OR per unit): age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99), educational level (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.13-1.91), financial status (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.20-0.89), assessment of physical well-being (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.29-5.65), improvement in psychological well-being after a nurse visit (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.00-0.17), and medication irregularity (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.09-0.86). There was no association between effectiveness of care and duration of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.149), number of visits to a cardiology clinic (p = 0.414), number of visits to a PHC (p = 0.223), interventions by a family nurse practitioner (p = 0.075), and health care services provided by a physician such as ae.g., medical interview (p = 0.064), physical examination (p = 0.731), blood pressure measurement (p = 0.558). Conclusions Patients with CVD characterized by lower educational status, poorer financial status, poorer self-perception of physical well-being, expectation that the GP will provide information about disease progression, expectation that a social worker will provide information about the possibility of receiving social services, and the expectation that the family nurse would be more accessible when needed, as well as being characterized by irregular medication adherence and nonadherence to good eating habits, were much more likely to receive worse health care. Patients with cardiovascular disease can be well supported in primary care settings as long as the model of care is tailored to their specific needs. This includes care coordination within the health care team, home care, and support from general practice.

Health behaviors of patients with arterial hypertension aged 60-70 treated in the cardiology department

Introduction and purpose of the study: Arterial hypertension is currently the biggest economic problem among cardiovascular diseases. It concerns the population of the elderly, in whom health behaviors are necessary, but difficult to implement. Hospitalization of such patients creates an opportunity for education and preventive actions in the field of proper health behavior.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study used the diagnostic survey method and the self-questionnaire was used in conjunction with the standardized questionnaire of the Health Behavior Inventory. The research was conducted in the Cardiology Department, among 100 patients hospitalized in the period from August to October 2019. The study was approved by the management of the Provincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała.&#x0D; Research results: In the study group of patients with arterial hypertension, the highest score among health behaviors was given to health practices and positive mental attitude, and the lowest score was given to preventive behaviors.&#x0D; Conclusions: Declared health behaviors among patients with arterial hypertension were statistically significantly higher among women, people who do not work, eat a healthy diet, avoid stress, maintain physical activity, regularly take medications, regularly cooperate with a family doctor and use an adequate amount of sleep and rest.