Health Education Intervention Research Articles

Biomechanics of physical exercise: A data-driven approach to enhancing mental health in college students

With growing awareness of the importance of mental health, the biomechanical mechanisms of physical exercise have gained attention as an effective intervention for improving mental well-being, particularly among college students. Physical activity not only enhances physical fitness and disease resistance but also contributes to cognitive and emotional health through specific biomechanical pathways. This study explores the interplay between exercise biomechanics and mental health by investigating the psychological challenges faced by college students. Utilizing advanced data analysis and correlation techniques, we refine the Apriori algorithm through a novel database partitioning strategy, achieving a 23.68% improvement in accuracy and a 10.17% reduction in runtime compared to the baseline. Additionally, this study examines how biomechanical factors, such as joint movement and muscle activity, influence brain function and mental health outcomes. The findings offer innovative perspectives for integrating biomechanical insights into mental health education and exercise-based interventions for college students.

Factors influencing pregnant women's intention toward bed-sharing with infant in China: a cross-sectional study.

Bed-sharing can have a negative impact on infant sleep safety. In order to reduce the occurrence of bed-sharing with infants, it's necessary to shift the research lens from newborn parents to the antenatal stage before infant birth. Our study aimed to assess the attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions of pregnant women about bed-sharing based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). This cross-sectional study was conducted with 512 pregnant women in the obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital in China using convenience sampling. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, consisting of demographic characteristics and a questionnaire for pregnant women on infant sleep safety based on TPB (12 items). Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0. Structural equation modeling was carried out to verify the hypothetical model based on TPB. The results showed the average behavior intention score was 9.90 ± 5.14, indicating low intent for bed-sharing among pregnant women post-delivery. The Theory of Planned Behavior model explained 38.7% of the variance in bed-sharing intention, with attitude as the strongest predictor (β = 0.343, p < 0.001), followed by subjective norm (β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (β = -0.210, p < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of antenatal health education and behavioral intervention early in pregnancy based on TPB theory to enhance infant sleep safety and encourage changes in bed-sharing behavior.

The global, regional, and national burden of urolithiasis in 204 countries and territories, 2000–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Urolithiasis is a common urological problem that is associated with high morbidity. A comprehensive assessment of the non-fatal and fatal health trends of urolithiasis by age, sex, and geography over time is necessary to inform policy to control this surgically managed non-communicable disease. This study was conducted using the standard GBD methodology and analytic tools. Cause-specific mortality rate (CSMR) was estimated using vital registration and verbal autopsy data and the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) modelling tool. CSMR estimates and incidence data from medical insurance claims and hospital discharges were analysed using a Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, to estimate age-, sex-, and location-specific incidence of urolithiasis between 2000 and 2021. Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were the sum of years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs due to urolithiasis were calculated by multiplying the estimated number of deaths by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. YLDs were estimated by multiplying the disability weight by the symptomatic proportion of urolithiasis cases. The Global Burden of Diseases study used de-identified data, approved by the University of Washington IRB (Study Number 9060). There were 106 million (95% UI 88.3-129.0) incident cases of urolithiasis in 2021, of which 67% were in men (71.1 million [59.4-86.2)]). The global number of incident cases, deaths, and DALYs increased by 26.7% (23.8-29.8), 60.3% (41.5-84.7), and 34.5% (24.6-47.3), respectively, between 2000 and 2021. The global age-standardised incidence rate of urolithiasis experienced a significant decrease of 17.5% (14.7-20.0), while the age-standardised DALYs rate saw a reduction of 15.1% (6.8-21.3). Twelve GBD regions showed declining trends in the age-standardised incidence rate of urolithiasis between 2000 and 2021, and the remaining nine GBD regions had an increasing trend of age-standardised rates of urolithiasis. A significant increase in the age-standardised incidence rate of urolithiasis was observed in Central America, Tropical Latin America, and the Caribbean regions, whereas notable decline was observed in east Asia, eastern Europe, central Europe, and high-income North America. It was observed that the global age-standardised death rate was less than 0.5 per 100,000 across all GBD regions and less than 1 per 100,000 across all SDI quintiles, with fairly stable global age-standardised death rates of urolithiasis between 2000 and 2021. The age-standardised incidence rate of urolithiasis was 837 (688-1034) in low SDI regions and 1443 (12,108-1734) in high-middle SDI regions. Furthermore, the age-standardised DALY rate showed a decreasing trend across all SDI quintiles over the same period: high-middle SDI (-28.9% [-34.4 to-23.0]), middle SDI (-22.6% [-30.5 to-10.9]), and low-middle SDI (-2.9% [-15.8 to 12.9]). Global urolithiasis incidence and DALY rates have decreased, while the death rate has stabilised worldwide, showing significant variability among regions, SDI levels, and countries. This could be due to effective preventive measures c on urolithiasis risk factors, effective public health education, lifestyle changes, and early interventions and improved health care access at the global level. This analysis offers relevant insights into global, regional, and country-specific urolithiasis trends. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Effect of community health education on mothers' knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness and complication readiness practices in southern Ethiopia: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Increasing knowledge of obstetric danger signs (ODS) and encouraging birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) practices are strategies to increase skilled maternal health service utilization in low-income countries. One of the methods to increase mothers' knowledge about ODS and promote BPCR practice is through health education intervention (HEI). However, the effect of context-specific community-based health education led by women's groups on these outcomes has yet to be comprehensively studied, and the existing evidence is inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a context-specific community-based HEI led by women's groups on mothers' knowledge regarding ODS and BPCR practices in southern Ethiopia. An open-label, two-arm parallel group cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to August 2023 on pregnant women from 24 clusters (kebeles) (12 interventions and 12 controls) in the northern zone of the Sidama region. The Open Data Kit smartphone application was utilized to collect data. The intention-to-treat analysis was used to compare outcomes between groups. We fitted multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust standard error to account for between and within cluster effects. One thousand and seventy pregnant women (540 in the intervention and 530 in the control clusters) responded to this study, making the overall response rate 95.02%. Excessive vaginal bleeding (94.3% in the interventional group vs. 88.7% in the control group) was the commonest ODS mentioned during childbirth. Overall, 68.7% of women in the intervention group and 36.2% of mothers in the control group had good knowledge of ODS (P-value < 0.001). Saving money and materials (97.1% in the interventional group vs. 92.7% in the control group) was the most frequently practiced BPCR plan. Overall, 64.3% of women in the intervention group and 38.9% of mothers in the control group practiced BPCR (P-value < 0.001). HEI significantly increased overall knowledge of ODS (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 1.71; 99% CI: 1.14-2.57) and improved overall BPCR practice (ARR: 1.55; 99% CI: 1.02-2.39). A community-based HEI led by women's groups improved mothers' knowledge regarding ODS and BPCR practices in a rural setting in southern Ethiopia. Interventions designed to increase women's knowledge of ODS and improve BPCR practice must implement context-specific, community-based HEI that aligns with World Health Organization recommendations. NCT05865873.

Menopause knowledge, attitudes and experiences of women in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

BackgroundMenopause can be seen as a complex phenomenon influenced by an individual’s cultural norms, belief systems, and lifestyle choices. In conservative societies such as Saudi Arabia, some women silently struggle with menopause due to cultural taboos and social stigma, making their experiences invisible and lowering their quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of middle-aged Saudi women with menopause.MethodsThe study employed qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews with middle-aged women undergoing menopause in Saudi Arabia from February to May 2023. The interviews were conducted online in Arabic, recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of twenty-nine women, aged 40–64 years, were interviewed. Three key themes were identified: mixed emotions towards menopause; experiencing biopsychosocial changes; and adapting to the transition. Overall, most participants had mixed perspectives on menopause. Negative aspects included feelings of uncertainty and the loss of fertility while positive aspects included a sense of relief from menstruation and the newfound freedom to engage in religious activities at any time. Notably, during the interviews, many participants reconsidered their initial negative views and voiced predominantly positive perspectives. Several women reported inconvenient menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, and fatigue. Concerns about being perceived as less attractive led many to keep their symptoms private, and societal expectations played a significant role in influencing how women managed these symptoms and sought help. Many women opted to seek information discreetly online rather than seeking support from others. Self-care practices were favoured for managing menopause, with medical care being undervalued or at times deemed unsatisfactory.ConclusionIn Saudi Arabia, menopause is generally seen as a natural phase of life. Many women appreciate the positive aspects it brings, such as relief from menstrual pain and an enhanced ability to participate in religious practices. However, they also encounter challenges, including hot flashes and concerns about perceived decreases in attractiveness. A notable trend is the preference for self-care strategies over medical interventions or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is a need to raise awareness about menopausal symptoms to reduce negative perceptions and experiences and to develop health promotion and educational interventions to support and empower women during this transition. Future research with healthcare professionals would extend these findings.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteoarthritis in patients at a public hospital in Limpopo province.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a public health concern affecting millions globally. Osteoarthritis has been ranked as the 12th leading cause of disability among the ageing population globally. In addition, OA can lead to disability, which can affect the quality of life and physical and emotional well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilised. Logistic regression was used to identify OA-related factors in the univariable and multivariable models. Ap-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 210 participants responded to the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of OA at the public hospital was 55.7% in adults over 18 years willing to participate. Among the study participants, females, individuals over the age of 50 years, and obese patients reported a high prevalence of OA. Family history and knee and hip pain were significantly associated with OA (p 0.05). Participants with a family history of OA were 6.9 times more likely to have OA, those with knee pain were 22.8 times more likely and those with hip pain were 5.5 times more likely after adjusting for the other variables. A high proportion of patients reported to have OA. Family history, knee pain and hip pain were strongly associated with OA. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with OA is crucial for developing targeted interventions for prevention and management.Contribution:Targeted health promotion and education interventions are needed for prevention and early management.

The Role of Health Education: Changing Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescents in Providing Reproductive Health

Adolescence is a transitional phase towards adulthood, marked by sexual maturation and identity exploration. Reproductive health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Sexual education, provided by both parents and schools, is crucial for preventing unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study examines the impact of sexual education on adolescents' knowledge and attitudes about reproductive health, focusing on high school students in Jakarta, Bekasi, and Pekalongan. Using an experimental method (one group pretest-posttest design) over three months (April-June 2024), the study involved 120 respondents who completed questionnaires. Data analysis included univariate health promotion analysis and bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed a significant influence of sexual education on changes in knowledge and attitudes, with a p-value of 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that health education interventions effectively enhance students' understanding and attitudes, providing valuable insights for schools in preventing unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and STIs.

Effect of health education on knowledge, perception, and intended contraceptive use for family planning among university students in Pakistan

Approximately one billion women require family planning services worldwide, 842 million women are currently using modern contraceptives, and 80 million are using traditional contraceptive methods for family planning (FP). Health literacy (HL) can significantly make women aware of contraceptives for family planning. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of health education in determining perceptions and intended contraceptive use among university students in Pakistan. A pre-and post-approach with cross-sectional study design was conducted in the public sector University of Islamabad from July to December 2022. A self-administered and structured questionnaire comprising variables on knowledge level and intended contraceptive use was conducted among randomly selected students (n = 396). Survey respondents were given Health Education Intervention (HEI), which included a lecture regarding contraception use for family planning, and a posttest assessment was conducted on the same group of students. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24 was used for statistical data analysis. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Health Services Academy (HSA) approved this study. A majority, 217 (55%), were female respondents. There was a significant difference in the overall mean score between pretest and posttest assessments after the intervention. Hence, the findings proved that this intervention successfully improved the knowledge and intention of the participants to use FP. Moreover, after the HEI, 99% of respondents had improved knowledge about family planning methods and the benefits of contraceptive use. Knowledge, perceived benefits, and intended use of contraceptives for FP were significantly improved after the HEI (P < 0.05). In the posttest, the most learned methods were intrauterine devices, injections, implants, and withdrawal. Most of the participants were already well aware of condoms and oral pills. The study concludes that health education is an effective intervention to improve the knowledge, perception, and intended contraceptive use among undergraduate university students regarding family planning.

Intimate partner violence in the context of infertility: voices from women seeking assisted reproductive technology treatment and clinicians' perspectives.

The interplay between infertility and intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pressing global health issue, yet qualitative evidence on this phenomenon is limited. In order to measure and prevent IPV, it is pivotal to explore and integrate perceptions and experiences from those women with infertility themselves on IPV definition and its phenomenal manifestations in the context of infertility. This study is undertaken as part of a year-long ethnographic research based ata reproductive medicine center in Beijing, China from July 2022 to July 2023. Individual interviews with women attending ART outpatient clinics and with clinicians involved in infertility treatment were conducted. Grounded Theory methodology was used to guide data analysis, which entailed a three-step analytical approach. A total of 37 women and five clinicians were interviewed. Incomplete conceptualization of IPV and high mental stress among patients were evident. IPV against women with infertility has been shown to be a specific and severe form of IPV. The phenomenal manifestation of IPV in the context of infertility often takes the form of psychological abuse, including stonewalling, threats of divorce, and non-compliance with ART treatment. The study revealed that the burden of fertility disproportionately falls on women, often intensified by the involvement of other family and cultural norms, exacerbating gender inequalities and IPV risks. Findings from this study calls for an immediate and comprehensive response in healthcare practice. IPV screening, health education, and structural interventions should be introduced to prevent and mitigate this issue.

Effects of internet-based health education on patients with acute intermittent porphyria

BackgroundAcute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by acute attacks of neurovisceral symptoms. This disease not only poses a threat to patients’ physical and mental well-being, but its frequent acute attacks also have a profound impact on patients’ mental state and overall quality of life (QoL).ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the impact of internet-based health education on the acute attacks, mental health, and QoL of patients with AIP.MethodsThis study employed a pre-post comparison design, recruiting 52 patients diagnosed with AIP and treated at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between September 2021 and May 2023 as the subjects of investigation. All participants underwent a 12-month internet-based health education intervention. Quantitative assessments of the intervention’s efficacy in reducing acute attacks, enhancing mental health status, and improving QoL among AIP patients were conducted using various instruments, including measures of acute episode frequency and severity, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Data were collected at two distinct time points: pre- and post-health education interventions, which were then subjected to comparative analysis.ResultsCompared to pre-health education, the frequency of acute attacks among patients with AIP significantly decreased post-health education intervention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, notable improvements were observed in the severity of acute attacks, PANAS scores, DASS-21 scores, and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study validated that health education effectively reduced the frequency and severity of acute attacks in AIP patients while enhancing their mental health status and quality of life. Internet-based health education emerges as a practical and productive strategy for AIP patients.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Targeted to Parents for Improving the Oral Health of Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds.

A high prevalence of dental caries is a significant health problem, especially in the pediatric population. Low-income minority groups, including the refugee and immigrant populations, are at higher risk of compromised oral health. It has been suggested that migrant parents do not have enough understanding of oral health, risk factors associated with dental caries, or the progress of dental decay. This systematic review aims to study quantitative literature on oral health interventions, health promotion programs, or behaviour change interventions targeting the parents/ caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children. A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and PROQUEST, was conducted until August 2023. Randomised (RCT) or non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analysis was performed as appropriate. The initial search from the databases retrieved 2073 articles. After the removal of duplicates, 1683 articles remained. Finally, 69 articles were reviewed in full text, and 15 articles were considered eligible in this review. The RoB assessment for RCTs rated three as low-risk and three as high-risk. The serious RoB in these NRCTs mostly pertained to measurement bias based on self-reporting oral health behaviours. The meta-analysis pooling of results (for RCTs and NRCTs) favoured interventions for CALD parents' oral health knowledge [0.73 (95% CI, 0.08 to 1.38) for RCTs, 1.73 (95% CI; 1.45 to 2.02) for NRCTs] and attitudes [0.86 (95% CI, 0.31 to 1.42)]. Relatively high heterogeneity was observed. Oral health educational interventions can be effective in improving the oral health literacy of CALD parents' oral health knowledge and attitudes, especially when facilitated by lay health advisors. However, the low quality of evidence due to high heterogeneity and high RoB further highlighted the need for well-designed RCTs targeting CALD parents.

Development and pilot of an interdisciplinary health education program to address health disparities for gender-diverse persons at the U.S./Mexico border

Purpose: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face substantial barriers to health equity, which are magnified for TGD persons of color and those living in medically underserved areas. This article presents the development and pilot of an interdisciplinary health education program for TGD individuals in an underserved U.S./Mexico border community. Feasibility of the initiative and challenges of implementing such a program are discussed. Method: A health education program was developed and piloted through a collaboration between The University of Texas at El Paso and a community partner, Borderland Rainbow Center. The program trained graduate students from various health sciences to educate TGD community members, along with their friends, families, and allies, on gender-affirming care and resources. The program took place in El Paso, TX and southern NM, USA between March and October, 2023. Results: Examples of quantitative and qualitative data that were collected from this pilot program are provided. We present descriptive statistics of pre- versus post-survey data as a demonstration of feasibility and as an example of how such data may be structured in future studies that aim to incorporate more robust statistical analysis. Conclusion: The details of the program’s conceptualization and implementation can serve as a model for developing targeted health education interventions for TGD populations in diverse geographic and sociocultural settings. These interventions are critical as they address both community needs and student education to combat health inequities faced by underrepresented or marginalized groups.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CHRONIC DISEASES IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in vulnerable populations, who often face difficulties in accessing adequate medical care. Primary care, especially family medicine, plays a central role in the prevention and control of these diseases, as it offers continuous, comprehensive and personalized care, focused on health promotion and the prevention of complications. This model of care is especially effective in communities that face economic, social and cultural barriers, allowing for early intervention and appropriate management of chronic conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze strategies for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in vulnerable populations, with a focus on family medicine. The aim is to identify effective approaches that can be used to improve the quality of life of these populations and reduce the incidence and progression of chronic diseases. The research was carried out through a qualitative literature review, focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2022. The aim was to explore the advances and challenges in the management of chronic diseases, with an emphasis on primary health practices, the impact of social determinants of health, and the role of technologies such as telemedicine in the management of these conditions. By providing continuous and comprehensive care, family medicine uses various strategies to prevent and control chronic diseases. These include regular patient follow-up, early screening for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and health education, which guides individuals on healthy behaviors and self-care. In addition, disease monitoring programs and interventions such as modifying eating habits and promoting physical activity have shown positive results in the management of chronic diseases. However, there are still significant challenges, such as the scarcity of resources and the lack of qualified professionals, which limit the effectiveness of these approaches in certain regions and social groups. Overcoming these barriers requires a joint effort between health professionals, managers and public policies. It is concluded that family medicine is a fundamental approach to the control and prevention of chronic diseases, especially in vulnerable populations. The strategies adopted in this model of care, such as continuous monitoring, health education and early intervention, have shown significant results in improving quality of life and reducing complications associated with chronic diseases. However, in order to optimize the results, it is necessary to overcome challenges related to access and the training of professionals, as well as ensuring adequate support for the implementation of public health programs that favour the population in situations of vulnerability. Implementing efficient public policies and expanding access to primary health care are essential to achieving effective control of chronic diseases.

Combating HIV among youths in Sub-Saharan Africa through inclusive health education

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youths in Sub-Saharan Africa underscores the exigency for effective prevention education programs tailored to their needs. This article examines barriers hindering HIV prevention efforts for youths in the region and proposes strategies for developing more inclusive and impactful health education interventions. Despite the challenges faced by HIV-positive adolescents, comprehensive youth-friendly services remain limited. Impediments such as stigma, poverty, and lack of health-care infrastructure obstruct HIV prevention. Access to information and services, negative attitudes of service providers, and scarcity of youth programs present challenges. The article discusses approaches such as involving youth in program design, establishing community advisory boards, mobilizing community health workers, integrating services, engaging schools, employing gender-sensitive methods, and advocating supportive policies. These strategies aim to enhance cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and accessibility of education for all youths. Sustained commitment through ongoing funding, monitoring, capacity building, and multisectoral collaboration can empower youths with the knowledge and support needed to curb their long-term risk of HIV.

Relationships Among eHealth Literacy, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity in Chinese University Students: Cross-Sectional Study.

eHealth literacy is critical for evaluating abilities in locating, accessing, and applying digital health information to enhance one's understanding, skills, and attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle. Prior research indicates that enhancing eHealth literacy can improve health behaviors such as physical activity (PA). Physical literacy (PL) refers to the ability to develop sustainable PA habits, taking into account various aspects of an individual. Notably, university students have shown a decline in PA and possess low PL levels. However, the connection between eHealth literacy and PL in this demographic has not been extensively studied, and it remains uncertain whether PA acts as a mediator between eHealth literacy and PL. This study examines the extent to which PA mediates the link between eHealth literacy and PL in Chinese university students and explores gender differences in these variables. In February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 1210 students across 3 universities in China. The instruments used were the Perceived PL Instrument, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Correlations between eHealth literacy, PA, and PL were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression, while mediation models helped elucidate the interactions among the 3 variables. The response rate for the study was 92.9% (1124/1210). In the mediation analysis, eHealth literacy showed a significant direct effect on PL, with a coefficient of 0.78 (β .75, SE 0.02; P<.001). Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accounted for 2.16% of the total effect, suggesting that MVPA partially mediates the relationship between eHealth literacy and PL. Additionally, male students outperformed female students in terms of MVPA (t636=4.94; P<.001) and PL (t636=3.18; P<.001), but no significant differences were found in eHealth literacy (t636=1.23; P=.22). The findings indicate that MVPA serves as a mediator in the link between eHealth literacy and PL among university students. Students with low eHealth literacy or limited PA are less likely to be physically literate. Thus, eHealth literacy plays a crucial role in enhancing PL and PA, especially when interventions targeting PL are implemented. Our results also suggest a need for targeted health education interventions aimed at improving MVPA and PL among female students, while also recognizing that eHealth literacy is comparable across genders at universities.

The effect of health education on symptom severity in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain as the primary symptom. To evaluate the effect of health education on the severity of various symptoms in patients with FM, seven databases were searched from inception to August 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of health education for FM. The primary outcome was overall symptom severity, and the secondary outcomes were pain, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, fatigue, physical function and self-efficacy. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations were used to assess the quality of the included studies and the certainty of evidence, respectively. Treatment effects were estimated by calculating Hedges' g and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analysis included a total of 13 trials. The results revealed that health education significantly reduced overall symptom severity, depression and anxiety and increased sleep quality and physical function among patients with FM (all P values < 0.05). However, no significant effects were observed on pain, fatigue and self-efficacy. Health education may be a beneficial intervention for FM patients, particularly for mitigating symptom severity. Health-care providers should implement health education interventions to empower patients to effectively manage their symptoms.

Effectiveness of health education on insulin injection technique in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A quasi-experimental Pre-test post-test research

ABSTRACT Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients often exhibit gaps in knowledge and improper practices regarding insulin injection techniques. This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of tailored health education in bridging these gaps and improving insulin injection practices among T2DM patients. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate baseline knowledge and practices related to insulin injection techniques among T2DM patients, implement a tailored health education intervention, and assess the impact of this intervention on knowledge and practices. Methodology: Participants included T2DM patients attending rural health centers. A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess baseline knowledge and practices. Tailored health education sessions were then conducted, incorporating video-based teaching, mock demonstrations, and handouts in the local language. Post-intervention assessments were performed using the same questionnaire. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: At baseline, a significant knowledge gap and improper insulin injection practices were identified among participants. Following the tailored health education intervention, a substantial improvement in participants’ knowledge of insulin storage, handling, and administration was observed. The intervention also positively impacted insulin injection practices, emphasizing key areas such as handwashing, site cleansing, and needle disposal. Conclusion: This quasi-experimental study highlights the effectiveness of tailored health education in enhancing insulin injection practices among T2DM patients. The findings emphasize the potential for structured health education programs to address knowledge gaps, improve healthcare standards, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with T2DM. The study underscores the importance of individualized educational approaches to meet patient needs better.

Prevalence of Health Issues in Durres Children: Refractive Errors, Caries, and Scoliosis

This study evaluates the prevalence of three common health conditions refractive errors, dental caries, and scoliosis-among children aged 6-14 in Durrës, Albania. Recognizing that children’s health issues can have profound effects on their overall well-being and educational performance, this research aims to provide insights into the health needs of the pediatric population in this region. A total of 370 students from five different schools were assessed through a series of clinical screenings, dental evaluations using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and postural examinations. The findings indicate significant variations in the prevalence of these conditions across different schools and between genders. Specifically, refractive errors were found to be more prevalent in boys, particularly myopia, which was observed more frequently at Vincenc Prendushi and Nënë Tereza schools. In contrast, hypermetropia and astigmatism demonstrated similar trends across both genders, highlighting the need for targeted vision screenings and interventions to mitigate these issues. The prevalence of dental caries was notably high at 42%, underscoring the urgent need for improved oral hygiene support, particularly among girls, who exhibited higher rates in some schools. Furthermore, scoliosis was identified in 12% of the assessed children, with a greater incidence among boys. Certain schools had notably higher prevalence rates, suggesting potential links to environmental factors such as classroom ergonomics and physical activity levels. This study emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings and educational interventions to address these prevalent conditions effectively. Additionally, the findings advocate for the development of targeted health policies aimed at improving children’s health outcomes, thereby promoting overall well-being and academic performance. By focusing on preventive measures and raising awareness about these common health issues, this research contributes valuable information to policymakers, educators, and health professionals working to enhance child health in Albania.

The Thoughtful program: a randomized controlled study of a mentalization-based mental health education intervention in a psychiatric outpatient population

Background P-factor and mentalizing theory and research set perspectives for transdiagnostic psychiatric treatments. Aims To test the effects of a low-cost mentalization-based health education program (the Thoughtful program) in an unselected waiting list population, from a psychiatric outpatient clinic in North Norway. Methods Waiting list patients were randomized (1:1 allocation): 79 patients in the control group were offered standard individual assessment and treatment. Seventy-nine patients in the intervention group were offered a one-day (six-hour) group-based Thoughtful course, plus individual assessment, and treatment. Results During a 6-month follow-up period, the number of patients in active assessment and treatment was 66% higher in the control group than in the intervention group. Self-reported patient questionnaire scores on mentalizing, well-being and suicidal ideation scores showed no significant changes in the control group. In the intervention group, significant changes were reported: Mentalizing scores improved by 72% and well-being scores improved by 55%. Suicidal ideation scores were not significantly changed. No adverse effects were registered. Limitations The results from this study should be interpreted with caution because of a small population size and low questionnaire response rate. The follow up period was limited to 6 months. Transfer of program information from intervention group patients to control group patients could not be guaranteed. It may be considered a limitation that diagnostic pattern analysis was not included in the study. Conclusions A low-cost transdiagnostic mentalization-based educational program in an outpatient psychiatry clinic may improve patient mentalizing and wellbeing without adverse effects and reduce the use of hospital services.

The Effects of Health Education Model Based on Goal-setting Theory on lifestyle, Diet and Nutrition, and Psychological Regulation of Thyroid Cancer Patients after Surgery

Objective: The effects of a health education model based on goal-setting theory on lifestyle, diet and nutrition, and psychological regulation of thyroid cancer patients after surgery. Methods: A total of 60 thyroid cancer patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2020 ~ December 31, 2023 were selected and grouped.They were divided into 30 observation groups and 30 control groups based on the principle that baseline data between groups could be compared. Patients in both groups were given routine postoperative care for thyroid cancer, and on this basis, the control group was given routine health education intervention, and the observation group was given health education intervention based on goal-setting theory. Both groups were intervened until discharge, and both groups were followed up for 1 month after discharge. Before the intervention and one week after the intervention, the self-made disease knowledge questionnaire and the self-management assessment scale of cancer patients were used to evaluate the disease knowledge, self-management ability and quality of life of the two groups. The compliance of patients with rehabilitation exercises, hoarseness, tetany and quality of life before intervention and at the end of follow-up were observed. Results: After 1 month of intervention, there were significant differences between the observation group and the normal control group in terms of disease knowledge knowledge score, self-efficacy, control of daily living habits, treatment of disease symptoms, and management of psychological adjustment (P&lt;0.05). In the process of intervention, the compliance of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and there was a significant difference, (P&lt;0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the symptoms of hoarseness, tetany and dyspnea in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Finally, the two groups were significantly better than the control group in terms of physiological, psychological, functional exercise and special scores (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Health education based on goal-setting theory has high application value in thyroid cancer surgery patients, which can improve patients' awareness of the disease, improve patients' rehabilitation compliance and self-management ability, and promote the recovery and improvement of postoperative living standards.