Health-oriented Behavior Research Articles

Self-management in Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs): A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: The growing population of older adults and the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) among them present significant challenges in care and treatment. Self-management is an effective approach to managing the consequences of MCCs. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the psychosocial and biological factors related to self-management among older adults with MCCs. Methods: This qualitative study employed a content analysis approach from June to April 2023 in hospitals and universities in Tehran. The sample consisted of 26 participants, including older adults with MCCs, family caregivers, and specialists. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Purposeful sampling was used, and continued until data saturation was achieved. The rigor of the study was evaluated using the Lincoln and Guba criteria, and analysis was conducted simultaneously with data collection using the Elo and Kyngäs methods. Results: The final analysis identified several factors affecting self-management. A total of 697 semantic units and 336 codes were categorized into 13 subcategories and 4 main categories. These categories included: Individual factors (biological factors, cognitive factors, coexisting diseases, mental health, economic status, health-oriented behaviors), interpersonal factors (interaction with the medical care team, family relationships), factors related to the health system (facilities of medical centers, staff empowerment, health policymaking), and extra-organizational factors (cultural factors, social factors). Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the factors related to self-management in older adults with MCCs, which can be utilized in the design of self-management programs.

Big five personality traits and resilience as predictors for self-isolation adherence during COVID-19 pandemic

Background & Aim: Results of previous studies on the role of personality traits and resilience in explaining health-oriented behaviors such as social/physical distance and self-isolation were inconsistent. The present study was conducted to determine the role of the five big personality traits and resilience in adherence to self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods & Materials: A prospective longitudinal cohort study tracked 112 healthcare providers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Using GPS data from their cell phones, researchers assessed self-isolation adherence over 14 days. Participants completed NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) questionnaires. Results: Sixty-one (58.7%) of the subjects violated their self-isolation, and 43 (41.3%) did not violate it during the 14 days after PCR positivity for COVID-19. After adjustment for potential confounders, results showed that only two of the five big personality traits included, conscientiousness (AOR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.15–1.63) and neuroticism (AOR=0.85; 95%CI: 0.74–0.98), were significantly related to the self-isolation adherence. This means a one-unit increase in conscientiousness is associated with 37% higher odds of self-isolation adherence, while a one-unit increase in neuroticism reduces self-isolation adherence by 15%. Resilience was the main predictor for self-isolation adherence in which a one-unit increase in resilience score, the odds of adherence to self-isolation significantly increased by 18% (AOR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.07–1.30) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study suggests that fostering conscientiousness and resilience among individuals may enhance self-isolation commitment during pandemics. Further research is needed to explore the influence of agreeableness, extraversion, and openness to experience on self-isolation adherence.

Relationship Between Health Literacy Level and the Adoption of Preventive Behaviors Against Coronavirus Disease

Background: Health literacy skills play a pivotal role in adopting preventive behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed emphasis on health-oriented behaviors, and health literacy is considered one of the most influential indicators affecting health-centric behaviors. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the level of health literacy and the adoption of preventive behaviors against COVID-19 among students at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz. Methods: In this study, the research population comprised 223 newly enrolled students from seven main faculties at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz in the year 2022. Participants were randomly selected, and data collection instruments included a COVID-19 prevention questionnaire and a health literacy questionnaire for adults. The questionnaire links and study participation consent forms were sent to the participants. Inclusion criteria consisted of willingness and consent to participate in the study, and enrollment in the first year of study (either the first or second semester) in various academic levels at Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. The exit criteria were defined as failure to respond to more than 5% of the questions. After data collection, descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient tests, and regression analysis were employed using SPSS software for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that women, married individuals, employed participants, and those with underlying health conditions obtained higher scores in preventive behaviors against COVID-19 and health literacy. Regression coefficients indicated that a one-unit increase in health literacy scores could lead to a 0.439-unit increase in preventive behaviors against COVID-19. According to correlation analysis, a positive, direct, and significant correlation existed among all dimensions of health literacy and preventive behaviors against COVID-19 (P < 0.05), with the behavioral dimension being the only significant predictor of preventive behaviors. Specifically, a one-unit increase in the behavioral dimension score could result in a 0.373-unit increase in preventive behaviors against COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that health literacy is directly related to COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Therefore, to promote preventive behaviors against infectious diseases, special attention should be paid to health literacy and its influential dimensions. Recognizing the importance of advancing health literacy across various dimensions can significantly contribute to the control and prevention of communicable diseases.

Behavioral responses resulting from e-health services and the role of user satisfaction: the case of the online diabetes test

PurposeThe advancement of technologies has made it possible for health-care organizations to provide convenient online services that enable people to manage their health conditions. Although many studies have investigated the adoption and benefits of e-health services, there has been little focus on health-oriented behaviors after adoption, particularly in relation to service quality and user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the SOR model and service quality theories to investigate behavioral responses, including word-of-mouth, intention to use and intention to act. The authors use a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis with 194 participants and the diabetes risk test survey in Finland.FindingsThe results show that people are willing to engage in health self-management behaviors if they intend to use the e-health service and are satisfied with it. User satisfaction can be enhanced by improving the visual appeal of the website presentation, the quality of the presented information, as well as the usability of the website, all as components of e-health services.Originality/valueThe authors contribute by creating a construct “intention to act,” referring to health-oriented behaviors resulting from e-health service use. In addition, this study is among the first to apply the SOR model to investigate how user satisfaction leads to intention to use, intention to act and word-of-mouth.

Engaging the sacred: Considering spirituality in integrated care.

In this brief essay, the author hopes to invite integrated care practitioners in all settings to consider addressing spiritual needs as a routine component of their patient care. Inclusion of spirituality as a routine component for all patients, regardless of severity of their health concerns can provide meaningful ways to engage patients in health-oriented behaviors (Isaac et al., 2016). After a brief discussion on defining spirituality, the author will provide practical pivots for spiritual conversations with patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Modeling health-oriented behavior patterns based on abnormal personality traits with mediating role of health beliefs in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background. Paying attention to the spread of Corona in the last few years and the problems related to the health of hospital employees is very important. This research was conducted with the aim of modeling health-oriented behavior patterns based on abnormal personality traits with mediating role of health beliefs in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The research method of this study was descriptive-correlation and structural equation modeling. The statistical population included the personnel of Al-Zahra State Hospital in Isfahan, of which 385 people were selected based on a convenience sampling method. The research tools included the personality abnormal dimensions questionnaire (PID-5), the health belief scale and health-oriented behavioral patterns. Pearson's correlation coefficient (with SPSS.23 software) and structural equation modeling (SMART PLS.3) were used for data analysis. Results. There was a relationship between abnormal personality traits and health-oriented behavior patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic period (β=0.47 and P<0.01). There was a relationship between health beliefs and health-oriented behavioral patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic period (β=0.223 and P<0.01). However, the mediating role of health beliefs in the relationship between abnormal personality traits and health-oriented behavioral patterns was not significant (β=0.026 and P<0.05). Conclusion. Abnormal personality traits had a direct effect on health-oriented behavioral patterns. Practical Implications. Paying attention to the destructive role of the corona virus in all aspects of people's lives, especially the medical staff and the role of medical staff in caring for and improving the physical and mental condition of patients can show its importance in the results of this research.

Improving family health climate, effect of role modeling and maternal support in female students

IntroductionGirls can use their mother’s emotional, informational and behavioral support to perform healthy behaviors due to their constant access to their mothers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of role modeling and maternal support in the family to improve healthy behaviors and perceived Family Health Climate (FHC) in female students.MethodsIn this educational quasi-experimental study, 261 female students (133 in the intervention group and 128 in the control group) and 223 mothers (109 intervention and 114 control) were selected using the cluster multi-stages sampling method and entered the study. Participants (intervention and control groups) completed the FHC scale at three stages (before intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months after intervention). A training program that comprised 12 sessions for students and six sessions for their mothers using collaborative learning techniques and printed materials was conducted with the experimental group. Also after completing the questionnaire in the follow-up phase, pamphlets and educational videos were given to the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS20 via a chi-square test, independent t-test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsBefore the intervention, there was no significant difference between demographic variables and the score of the FHC scale in both groups (p < 0.05). Immediately and 2 months after the intervention, the experimental group (female students and their mothers) showed a significant increase in dimensions of FHC, including FHC-NU (Family Health Climate-Nutrition) and FHC-PA (Family Health Climate-Physical Activity), compared to the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsEducating and informing mothers about the impact of their role modeling on their children, especially girls, can make them more aware of health-oriented behaviors towards their children. Such findings reinforced the importance of focusing on actions to encourage a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet and physical activity) in students with a focus on role modeling and parental support, especially mothers.

Organizational Structure for the Establishment of Health Oriented Behavior Among Employees of the Organization

This article describes the organizational structure of the formation of health-oriented behavior among employees of the Organization, in particular, having Health care a set of scientific–theoretical views, ideas, knowledge, character, behavior and moral norms, lifestyle, actions, efforts, and activities about maintaining health. It is thought that the economic, social, and labor relations with the environment in a person’s lifestyle are implemented in a mutually coordinated, non–harmful, and protected manner.

“Hypochondriac” discourse in the modern society: a way to self-care about health or health anxiety?

IntroductionModern social discourse emphasizes an importance of health either as a limiting resource that needs to be “saved” and “restored”, or as a vulnerability that should be protected, or as a “natural gift” that needs support and recovery by natural methods including alternative medicine. Advertisement adds to the social discourse a meaning of health as a sign of success. Research demonstrated that beliefs in any of these meanings is associated with higher adherence to medical recommendations but also higher catastrophizing of bodily sensations, somatosensory amplification and belief in bodily weakness (Rasskazova et al., 2017).ObjectivesTo reveal relationships of beliefs and thoughts in “hypochondriac discourse” with subjective importance of health self-care and health-oriented behavior.Methods340 participants 17-77 years old filled “Hypochondriac” Discourse Questionnaire (Rasskazova et al., 2016) that includes four scales measuring beliefs and four scales measuring frequency of thoughts about each health meaning, and Health Self-Care Scale (Rasskazova et al., 2021) that differentiates subjective importance of different ways of self-care and activities (Cronbach’s alphas .66-.80).ResultsAll beliefs in “hypochondriac discourse” except importance of alternative medicine are related to medical health monitoring and active styles of life (r=.23-.43) but unrelated to reported activities. Frequency of thoughts about “hypochondriac discourse” are related to adherence to health behavior (r=.31-.49).ConclusionsFrequent thoughts about “hypochondriac discourse” could be protective factor helping to support active life styles but also could lead to over-protection in healthy people. Research is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project No. 22-28-01643DisclosureResearch is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project No. 22-28-01643

Prewencyjne zachowania prozdrowotne w czasie pandemii COVID-19 młodzieży uczącej się w Polsce w różnych typach szkół średnich

In the text, we assumed that the type of secondary school students may differentiate preventive health-oriented behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the text is to analyze the differences and to adopt recommendations for different types of secondary schools. The results of the study on a sample of 746 people aged 14 to 22 show that students of general secondary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic engage in more health prevention behaviors and have a more positive attitude towards them than students from technical secondary schools and from sectoral vocational schools. We design recommendations for educational practice within the framework of the Health Beliefs Model.

Transkulturalno sestrinstvo u Srbiji - važan faktor jednakosti u zdravlju

Awareness of culture and transculturally oriented care is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes closer, more complex and multicultural, so there is a need to bring into focus the interests and practical application of all health professionals. In order to improve the health-oriented behavior of members of different cultural groups, and thus prevent the occurrence of negative conflicts and destructive behavior there is a need to develop transcultural nursing around the world and also in Serbia. Global trends in terms of migratory change, imply the need to change the current practice in education and application of transcultural nursing among nurses in order to improve the quality of health care in Serbia and thus achieve equality in the provision of culturally congruent health care.

Health locus of control among patients operated on for colorectal cancer.

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; An important factor determining health-oriented behavior is the health locus of control (HLC). Patients with cancer differ in health practices and perception of the disease. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; Assessment of the influence of demographic factors and somatic symptoms of the disease on HLC in patients treated for colorectal cancer. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Materials and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study included 160 people divided into patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and healthy people. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale was used in the adaptation of Z. Juczyński. The scale includes three dimensions of health perception, which depends on internal control, impact of others and random. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt; Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study group consisted of 80 patients with CRC (51.2% women), and the control group 80 healthy people (57.7% women). In our analysis, we found that people with CRC were significantly more dependent on their own health control on the influence of external factors, such as doctors and nurses, than healthy people (27.11±5.43 vs. 19.64±7.77; p=&lt;0.001). Similarly, patients with CRC significantly more than healthy people considered random as a dimension responsible for HLC (23.05±5.95 vs 20.36±7.45; p=0.012). Men with CRC more than women conditioned HLC on random influence (24.21±5.94 vs. 21.95±5.91; p=0.044). People with secondary and higher education made the HLC more dependent on internal control (26.98±5.98 vs. 23.14±5.74; p=0.041). &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Patients with CRC made their sense of health control dependent on external dimensions: influence of others and random. Men with CRC were more likely to condition their health control on random events than women. Secondary and higher education guaranteed greater autonomy in undertaking health behaviors.

Информационная значимость медико-социальных факторов, влияющих на здоровьеориентированное поведение школьников

Актуальность. На основании данных медицинской статистики определяется отрицательная динамика состояния здоровья детей и подростков Украины. По данным ВОЗ, факторы образа жизни являются пусковым механизмом развития неинфекционной патологии среди всех категорий населения. Поэтому актуальным становится вопрос разработки и внедрения превентивных мер для предотвращения распространения неинфекционной патологии среди детей. Нуждается в обновлении и диагностический инструментарий, который призван обеспечить эффективность проведения целенаправленных профилактических программ. Цель. Разработка диагностической анкеты, которая даст представление о значимости медико-социальных факторов, влияющих на формирование здоровьеориентированного поведения учащейся молодежи. Материалы и методы. На основании анкетирования 851 школьника по различным компонентам образа жизни (режим дня, семья, школа, субъективное мнение о здоровьеориентированном поведении) и применения метода С. Кульбака разработана диагностическая анкета для определения информационной значимости влияния медико-социальных факторов на здоровьеориентированное поведение школьников. Результаты. После оценки информативности каждого из составляющих медико-социальных факторов определены вопросы, имеющие наивысшую диагностическую ценность, которые и составили окончательный вариант диагностической анкеты. Рассчитанные диагностические коэффициенты каждого из вариантов ответов указывают на силу его влияния на формирование здоровьеориентированного поведения школьника. Итоговый вариант анкеты включает пятнадцать вопросов, которые соответствуют компонентам образа жизни (семья, режим дня и убеждения). На каждый вопрос предлагаются варианты ответов в баллах, стандартизированных по шкале стенов. Отвечая на вопрос, анкетируемый выбирает один из вариантов ответов, который считает правильным для себя. При анализе результатов подсчитывается общая сумма баллов по всей анкете и соотносится с рассчитанными по шкале стенов градациями — низкий, средний или высокий уровень влияния медико-социальных факторов на здоровьеориентированное поведение. Выводы. Методика предусматривает оценку и соотнесение с уровнями влияния (высокий, средний, низкий) по каждому из структурных компонентов (семья, режим дня или убеждения) с целью дальнейшего проведения коррекционных (диагностических, профилактических, образовательных) мероприятий для детей и родителей для повышения уровня здоровья, здоровьеориентированного поведения и снижения негативного влияния медико-социальных факторов на здоровье учащейся молодежи.

The Structural Modeling of the Health‐Oriented Behavior based on Psychological Capital among Students of Tehran: Time Perspective as a Mediator

Background: Time horizon, when considered as the basis for future planning and goals, can play a crucial role in determining people’s behavior. Such an understanding and vision of time guides our goals and motivations toward behavior and action. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the structural pattern of health-oriented behaviors based on psychological capital among students with a consideration of the mediating role of time horizon.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and correlational study. For this purpose, 275 students (male and female) were selected using random sampling in the academic year of 2019-2020 in Tehran, Iran. Data analysis was performed using the structural equation modeling method. SPSS software version 25 and Lisrel 8.85 were used to analyze the research data.Results: Results showed that the direct paths of the psychological capital to healthy behavior variable were significant (β = 0.343, t = 3.953) and also, direct paths of the psychological capital to time horizon variable were significant (β = 0.576, t = 6.533). It was also manifested that direct paths of the time horizon to healthy behavior variable were significant (β = 0.399, t= 4.458). Moreover, the Bootstrap method determined the significant indirect effect of the latent variable of psychological capital on the healthy behavior through time horizon (β = 0.230, P <0.05).Conclusion: Based on the results of this analysis, the relationship between psychological capital and the variable of healthy behavior as well as that of the variable of psychological capital and the time horizon were significant. In addition, the findings showed that the healthy behavior measure was significantly affected by the time horizon.

Relations Between Mood States and Eating Behavior During COVID-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Italian College Students.

The fear of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic has been indicated as a relevant cause of psychological pathologies occurring in this period. Food represents a compensating experience, distracting from the experiences of uncertainty, fear and despair, causing alterations in eating habits and behaviors. The study aims at evaluating the relations between fear of a pandemic, mood states and eating disorders in Italian college students, taking into account gender differences. During the lockdown for the pandemic, a sample of 469 college students equally distributed by gender, was recruited online using a questionnaire including the FCV-19S for the assessment of fear of COVID-19, the profile of mood states (POMS) for the evaluation of different emotional states, the eating disorder inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the binge eating scale (BES) to evaluate the presence of the levels of eating disorders. As expected, all emotive states measured by POMS (tension, depression, anger, tiredness, confusion) resulted significantly correlated with the fear of COVID-19. Women were more exposed to fear of COVID-19 showing greater tension, fatigue, depression and confusion, and a significantly higher total mood disturbance score than males. Regarding the EDI-2 and BES variables, tension and anxiety resulted significantly correlated also with bulimic behavior, while depression with interoceptive awareness, impulsivity, and binge eating behaviors, without gender differences. In conclusion, the negative impact of the fear of COVID-19 on the emotional profile and eating behavior suggests the need to implement strategies against psychological distress during the pandemic emergency, and to design psycho-educational interventions aimed at modifying the lifestyle for preventing risks of mental disorders fostering health-oriented behaviors.

THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN SHAPING ATTITUDES TO YOUTH HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PANDEMIC

The family plays an important role both in the life of each individual and in society as a whole. In conditions of instability, risks, and increased epidemiological burden, the level of intra-family trust has increased, including in matters of health care. The article analyzes the sociological studies conducted during the first and second waves of the pandemic, on the basis of which it is determined that the family forms an attitude to health, which can be manifested from the standpoint of rational and irrational health-oriented behavior.

Health-oriented optimization strategies of coastal fitness environment in Qingdao

Initiative of “co-construction and sharing, health for all,” the natural environment of coastal area in Qingdao becomes the key area of the sustainable national fitness. Based on the health-oriented theory, the health-oriented connotation of the coastal fitness environment is analyzed, and the realization of health-oriented coastal fitness environment needs to meet the spatial demand of health-oriented behaviors and health behaviors. The behaviors should maintain accessibility and friendliness. Based on the present status survey and IPA analysis, it is concluded that the continuity and gradual changes are in urgent need of improvement, followed by smoothness, then convenience and recognizability need to update. Therefore, in combination with the acceptable time and distance, authors put forward sustainable optimization strategies from four aspects. That is, coastal fitness environment in Qingdao can be improved by network of coastal footpaths, smart management of color lightings, reasonable connecting of road materials and humanized and recognizable fitness sites, in order to promote residents’ health activities and sustainable national fitness. Fitness activities should maintain a certain rhythm and continuity, and heart rate maintains at 120~130 times/min and IPA evaluation analysis having maximum advantage of 4.39 mean of importance and 4.37 average satisfaction.

The Dark Triad of Personality in the Context of Health Behaviors: Ally or Enemy?

The main aim of this manuscript was to present a preliminary verification of the relations between the Dark Triad of personality traits and health-oriented behaviors in university students. The study involved 143 healthy students (94 female and 49 male) from the Silesian Voivodeship (Poland). The diagnosis of the elements of the Dark Triad of personality was carried out using a psychological examination based on the following tests: TriPM-41, Mach IV, NPI. The intensity of the health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory developed by Z. Juczyński. The Health Behavior Inventory is positively correlated with narcissism and its self-sufficiency component and negatively with psychopathic disinhibition. For the Health Behavior Inventory’s subscales, a positive relationship was observed between Positive Mental Attitude and narcissism, most of its components, and psychopathic boldness. The analysis of correlations with the division of the subjects into the Dark Triad traits ≤Me and >Me revealed that a significant positive correlation between the general intensity of the health behaviors and the intensity of narcissism mainly concerns university students with a lower level of this trait and its components. Therefore, it can be presumed that narcissism, although considered as a socially aversive trait, is associated with pro-health behaviors.

School students’ posture: parents’ view

One of the most discussed problems today is the postural hygiene of school students. The article reports the results of a questionnaire survey on perceptions and awareness about risk factors, postural health, and pro-health behaviors of children. The study aims to understand what parents know about correct posture and how they participate in the preservation of children’s postural health. The results of the survey show that most parents have a correct awareness about signs of correct posture, walking, and sitting and also understand the importance of the way children wear school bags and correctly selected clothing and shoes. However, the answers to questions about children’s health-oriented behavior indicate that children do not spend enough time in the fresh air outside of school and ignore outside physical education classes and morning exercises and also demonstrate a low level of parents’ control of correct posture in various activities of children. At the same time, the respondents are ready to obtain knowledge and pay attention to this issue. The results of the questionnaire confirm the need to organize training and methodological support for teachers and parents in issues of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the formation of correct posture in children.

Health-oriented optimization strategies of coastal fitness environment in Qingdao

Under the initiative of “co-construction and sharing, health for all”, the natural condition of coastal area in Qingdao becomes the key area of the national fitness. Based on the health-oriented theory, authors analyze the health-oriented connotation of the coastal fitness environment, and suggest that the realization of health-oriented coastal fitness environment needs to meet the spatial demand of health-oriented behaviors and health behaviors. These behaviors should maintain accessibility and friendliness. Based on the present status survey and IPA analysis, it is concluded that the continuity and gradual changes are in urgent need of improvement, followed by smoothness, then convenience and recognizability need to update. Therefore, in combination with the acceptable time and distance, authors put forward specific optimization strategies from four aspects. That is, coastal fitness environment in Qingdao can be improved by network of coastal footpaths, intelligent management of color lightings, reasonable connecting of road materials and humanized and recognizable fitness site, in order to promote residents’ health activities and national fitness.