Health Promotion Activities Research Articles

The Cross-Sectional Association of Health Literacy With Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in the Turkish Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To meta-analytically investigate the cross-sectional association between health literacy (HL) and healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLBs) in the Turkish population. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, DergiPark, TRDizin, and Türkiye Council of Higher Education Thesis Center. Not accessible in Turkish or English in full text; not on the Turkish population; addressed e-HL, digital HL, mobile HL or corporate HL; addressed HL in a specific context; did not seek any association between HL and HLBs. Cross-sectional studies that reported a correlation coefficient or any convertible equal statistical measure for the association between HL and HLBs. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, extracted the data from the included studies into a structured form and assessed their methodological quality. We conducted meta-analyses and reported the characteristics, outcomes, and quality assessment of studies. Of 3833 records accessed we included 52 that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Our primary findings demonstrated positive low-to-moderate associations between HL and health-promoting behaviors (r = .32 [CI:.30-.35; I2 = .00]), HL and physical activity (r = .23 [CI:.18-.27; I2 = .12]), and HL and vaccination (r = .12 [CI:.07-.17; I2 = .00]). In contrast, HL was not significantly associated with non-smoking (r = .02 [CI:-.02-.36; I2 = .09]), healthy diet (r = .02 [CI:-.01-.06; I2 = .00]), and screening (r = .07 [CI:.04-.11; I2 = .07]). However, our sensitivity and meta-regression analysis results suggested that the association of HL with healthy diet seems to increase with age. On the other hand, we failed to find any convincing evidence of any of the included variables affecting the association between HL and all types of HLBs (r = .17, I2 = 95.81%). HL has the potential to improve the HLBs of Turkish individuals, however, there is a need for better understanding of the possible underlying determinants of the association between them.

Health Promotion Activity in the Community -- Scoping Reviewed

Health promotion is a multidisciplinary field that aims to improve the health and well-being of people not only by treating diseases, but also by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, and addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that affect health. However, the meaning may vary according to the perspective of different actors and professionals. Scoping review, using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online – US National Library of Medicine’s, for the articles that were published between January 1, 2018 and September 1, 2023, following the analysis procedures: title, summary reading, and total readership. The most mentioned activity in the 24 articles is health promotion associated with prevention in the community, with the home being the most referenced context. Based on Joanna Briggs’ Hierarchy of Evidence model, Institute, Redenç ao, indicates 5 levels of studies, namely: experimental studies, quasi-experimental studies, observational analytical studies, observational descriptive studies, and expert opinion. Therefore, the scope consisted of 24 articles from States United States, Brazil, Australia, South Asia, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Newfoundland, Iran, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Norway. The activity carried out by nursing at home focuses on individualized care and disease monitoring. Keywords: nursing, community health nursing, health promotion, primary prevention

Participation in health-promoting activities of mothers of young children post-man-made disaster caused by terrorist attack.

Global disasters' rising toll on participation in health-promoting activities (HPA) has been observed, especially for mothers with young children, who may face unique challenges postdisaster. This brief report examined perceived changes in participation in HPA and its supportive factors as perceived by mothers, following a terrorist attack disaster. Two hundred one mothers (age range = 20-58) of young children up to 12 years completed an online survey including sociodemographic data, exposure to disaster characteristics, participation in HPA, and social support measures. They also responded to an open-ended question regarding factors supporting their health needs and ability to participate in daily activities 1 month postdisaster. Most of the mothers who completed the survey reported decreased participation in HPA postdisaster. Disaster exposure correlated with perceived reductions in frequency and competence of participation. Social support moderated the effect of disaster exposure on reduced competence. Descriptive analysis revealed four themes: consequences of disaster exposure, external resources, life-role overload, and adaptive thinking to the situation. Mothers with young children face postdisaster challenges impacting their HPA. Social support may serve as a protective factor, mitigating negative consequences of disaster exposure on perceived competence in participation. Results emphasize that interventions targeting maternal health postdisasters, highlighting the importance of social support, are imperative. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Development of Pupils', Students' and Cadets Value Attitude to Health-Preserving Activities by Means of Combat Horting

The co-authors of the scientific publication carried out the research and described the results by means of a survey of 9th grade athletes from 34 sports clubs in Ukraine (n=807), research students of the State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University (n=92), and practicing students of the State Tax University (n=32), who were involved in the development of mini-projects on health promotion activities, conducting training in combat horting in natural conditions, experimental extracurricular health activities, writing qualification papers on the topic of research and participating in conferences of various levels, including international ones, monitoring activities during combat horting classes and extracurricular activities). The aim of the study is to practically test the efficiency of educating pupils', students' and cadets value attitude to health-preserving activities by means of combat horting. The basis of the study was the development of research skills through the method of analyzing student researchers; improvement of practical skills of pupils and students who participated as combat sport athletes and student practitioners, assistant coaches from 2020 to 2024. Results of the research. The co-authors of the research group developed and implemented a set of goals for educating pupils', students' and cadets to cultivate a value-based attitude to health promotion; developed questionnaires and conducted a survey among pupils and students; identified components, criteria and indicators for developing a value-based attitude of pupils', students' and cadets to health promotion; and presented practical recommendations. Moreover, the respondents acted as coaches, which promoted the development of soft skills and the ability of teamwork. Conclusions: This study contributed to the coordination of teamwork between pupils, students, teachers/coaches; aimed at improving the quality of professional and practical training of higher education students and their career development. Consequently, it is necessary to focus on the practical component of educational and research activities in higher education institutions, improvement of the educational and training process in sports clubs of Ukraine, based on the domestic and foreign experience of prominent experts.

Participation and Well-Being of Chinese Mothers Who Have Children With Disabilities.

High stress and compromised mental health are well-documented among mothers of children with disabilities, but less is known about the factors that influence their participation and well-being, especially among Chinese mothers. Identifying these factors could lead to strategies to mitigate potential risks to maternal well-being. To explore the relationships among participation in health-promoting activities, perceived stigma, perceived support, and well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers who have children with disabilities. Cross-sectional survey. Community. Ethnic Chinese mothers (N = 261) with children with disabilities of any age residing in Australia, Singapore, or Taiwan. Health Promoting Activities Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Parental Perceptions of Public Attitudes Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Moderate to strong correlations were found between mental well-being and all measures. The frequency of participation in health-promoting activities was a predictor of mental well-being (β = .21, p = .001). Perceived support was the strongest predictor of participation in health-promoting activities (β = .25, p = .005), mental well-being (β = .39, p < .001), and personal well-being (β = .45, p < .001). Perceived stigma predicted psychological distress (β = .32, p < .001) and mental well-being (β = -0.29, p < .001). Perceived support and stigma affected mothers' participation in health-promoting activities and well-being. Therapists can facilitate mothers' engagement in health-promoting activities and develop strategies to address stigma and enhance support. Plain-Language Summary: This research highlights factors that affect the well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers who have children with disabilities and provides cultural insights for occupational therapists who work with Chinese families. The article also encourages pediatric occupational therapists to address the occupational needs and well-being of mothers in parallel with therapy for their children. We discuss occupation-focused strategies, family-centered perspectives, and health promotion approaches in relation to improving the participation and well-being of ethnic Chinese mothers in their cultural context.

Supplemental Material for Participation in Health-Promoting Activities of Mothers of Young Children Post-Man-Made Disaster Caused by Terrorist Attack

Supplemental Material for Participation in Health-Promoting Activities of Mothers of Young Children Post-Man-Made Disaster Caused by Terrorist Attack

Examining the impact of health insurance and socioeconomic factors on children’s hospitalization in Indonesia: an empirical analysis

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of different types of healthcare and insurance on the health of Indonesian youth. The study employs logistic regression, a statistical method used to analyze relationships between variables and predict outcomes. Data were collected through an Indonesia’s National Socio-Economic Survey, which gathers information from individuals within a household. The findings reveal that Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (with or without subsidies) reduces the likelihood of children being hospitalized. Families enrolled in the program, often from low- to middle-income backgrounds with limited access to healthcare, benefit significantly from this initiative, which provides affordable and essential health services. This program allows these families to access healthcare that would otherwise be unaffordable. However, private and employer-sponsored insurance did not reduce hospitalization rates, likely because families in these plans already benefit from better overall health, nutrition and access to health-promoting activities. In contrast, children without insurance are more likely to be hospitalized due to their location and economic and financial constraints. Other determinant factors affecting children’s health included age, sex, parent’s education, smoking behavior and house location. The results showed that older children were generally healthier, children of well-educated and non-smoking parents were less likely to be hospitalized and those living in urban areas had a higher likelihood of hospitalization than those in rural areas. This study highlights the importance of expanding access to health insurance and promoting parental education and non-smoking behavior to improve children’s overall health. Failing to address these issues could create challenges for the future, given that the current young generation will eventually become the nation’s leaders.

Culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion: global evidence synthesis

Abstract Background The WHO has noted the importance of cultural insights for health. Culturally-relevant physical activity has a growing evidence base in many regions and specific populations, but the scope and scale for global health promotion is underexplored. Methods A multinational expert team used a critical literature review method to: (1) define culturally-relevant physical activity; (2) delineate relevant characteristics supporting inclusion in population-level health promotion and surveillance; and (3) provide agenda setting in research, policy, and practice from a global public health promotion perspective. The critical review method, which evaluates rather than summarizes literature, was chosen as the research evidence is complex, broad, and has not been synthesized previously from this perspective. Results Culturally-relevant physical activity was defined as practices that include physical activity based on a population’s cultural customs. These can be Indigenous (e.g., hula, an Indigenous dance of Native Hawaiians) or regional (e.g., Shota (Shotë), an Albanian folk dance). Practices have shared characteristics that support multi-dimensional value for health, engagement, and healing. These include a collectivist, intergenerational component, passed from elders and shared forward with children as part of a community. Many have foundations in nature, a strength for health and wellbeing in green and blue spaces. Many include traditional art, clothing, accessories, and music with deep significance, including care for the tools and location of practice (e.g, drums, boats, land). Many practices would not be captured in harmonized public health surveillance systems despite their value. From this synthesis, research hypotheses were created and next steps proposed. Conclusions This evidence synthesis supports engagement, planning, uptake, policy, surveillance, and study of culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion locally and globally. Key messages • An important strength of culturally-relevant physical activity is that it is context and population specific. However, this may hide the scope and scale of the existing evidence supporting this work. • This evidence synthesis confirms how culturally-relevant physical activity is valuable globally across shared assets in research and practice, supporting next steps for public health promotion.

Hospital design and planning in the line of foresight of health needs

Abstract The health needs of the population are increasingly difficult to plan and predict. Technological progress, artificial intelligence, new medicines, but also ecological disasters, humanitarian crises, energy crisis and other challenges (as a Covid 19 pandemic) represent the image of our time. New design of hospitals should be able to respond to the challenges of the future: comprehensive provision of health services taking into account the patient’s needs, working conditions taking into account the hospital staff, energy efficiency and construction in accordance with high standards and reduction of CO2 emissions (green hospitals), to ensure alternative sources of electricity and water supply bearing in mind potential emergencies. The big challenge of long-term construction in which advanced technologies and new procedures cannot simply fit into a rigid building structure that is several decades old (example Serbia), so it is necessary to apply precise planning and efficient and high-quality construction in the next generation hospitals, taking into account current modern equipment and that which will appear in the future. Designing hospitals involves anticipating future healthcare challenges, technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changes in patient expectations. Hospitals emphasis on patient-centered design principles, creating environments that prioritize comfort, privacy, and dignity for patients and their families, accessibility and inclusivity, infection control and prevention, sustainability and resilience. Modern hospitals should create collaborative spaces for interdisciplinary teamwork and communication among healthcare providers, research and innovation units, but also community engagement and health promotion activities. Future hospital design requires strong multidisciplinary and cross-sectional cooperation, in which priority is given to architects dedicated to this field and their cooperation with public health and health management experts.

Training of women in the methodology of Gamification for the promotion of healthy habits in children

Abstract Background It has been evidenced that gamification has scope in the change of people behavior and in the acquisition of knowledge, therefore this methodology contributes to the promotion of health and adapts to the needs of children from the language of play, which increases their motivation in health literacy processes, so it is necessary to encourage the acquisition of new methodologies for community mothers and women caregivers, who are configured as promoters of healthy habits with their children. Objectives To train 150 women in the methodology of Gamification for the promotion of healthy habits in children; for which 20 sessions were developed addressing the following modules: a) Empowerment of women b) Gamification methodology c) Healthy habits and lifestyles d) Healthy eating e) Physical activity. Results The training of women evidenced a) the empowerment and recognition as health promoters for their life and that of their community b) the identification of the methodology of gamification and its application in processes of promotion of healthy habits c) a high adherence in the participation and learning through gamification methodology, training 150 women through sessions mediated by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Learning and Knowledge Technologies (TACs) and Technologies of Empowerment and Participation (TEP) enabling the participation of women from urban and rural territories, which accounts for an inclusive process and democratization of health knowledge, impacting both women and their families, communities and children under their care, an average of 5 members per woman, benefiting 750 people in health promotion actions. Conclusions 150 women were certified, who from the application of the gamification methodology promote healthy habits in children, in their families and their communities, starting from the recognition of the experience of these in themselves to be health promoters in their territories. Key messages • Training women in gamification methodologies to promote healthy habits in children strengthens the health system by empowering them in their role as health literacy teachers in their territories. • ICT, TAC and TEP enable access to health education from an inclusive process that democratizes knowledge so that communities are active agents in health promotion activities.

Empowerment and interprofessional collaboration in health promotion centre Murska Sobota

Abstract Background Health promotion centres (HPCs) were introduced in Slovenian primary health care centres to provide interventions against risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). HPCs integrate a multidisciplinary and community-based primary care approach to the prevention of NCDs and provide free lifestyle intervention programmes. This study aims to explore the perspectives of health care professionals on promoting health of local community members, as well as their perceptions of interprofessional collaboration in HPCs. Methods Two group discussions were conducted with a total of 11 health care professionals at the HPC Murska Sobota. Data collection was accompanied by a dual role interpreter in accordance with the principles of cross-language qualitative research. The data was transcribed, semantically translated and thematically analysed. Results Health care professionals emphasize the importance of health-related empowerment of individuals for the success of health promotion activities and therefore for the improvement of individuals’ quality of life. This is based on shared decision-making, self-management and educational measures in a combination of population- and individual-based approaches. The need for efficient interprofessional communication, characterized by a flat hierarchy, is stressed. Structured cooperation with other health care facilities, as well as close collaboration with communities and local media, are described as crucial for reaching all individuals and promoting health equity. Conclusions Interprofessional collaboration, health-related empowerment of individuals and collaboration with local communities are fundamental for the success of health promotion activities, achieving health equity and preventing NCDs. Understanding how these activities are implemented from the health care professionals’ perspective can help other health facilities developing and improving local health promotion strategies. Key messages • Slovenian health care professionals see interprofessional collaboration as fundamental for the implementation of health-promotion strategies. • Health-related empowerment of individuals and collaboration with local communities play an important role in achieving health equity in health promotion activities.

Barriers and facilitators of implementing a health literacy-based intervention in Portugal

Abstract Background Despite the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening (CCS) in reducing mortality rates, disparities persist in access to screening among women with low health literacy, often termed ‘hard-to-reach women’. Health literacy-based interventions can help promote screening uptake. Based on a health literacy-based intervention for CCS implemented in Lisbon with the support of community workers, this study explores barriers and facilitators of the implementation process as perceived by these actors. Methods The intervention consisted of educational sessions on cervical cancer and CCS aimed at 246 women, implemented in community settings in 2023-2024. Within a mixed-methods approach, a pre-and post-intervention survey was applied to assess willingness to screen, and two focus groups were conducted with 10 community workers on their implementation experiences. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were performed where appropriate. Results Of the 665 women invited, 37% were enrolled in the sessions; 91% completed the follow-up. Community workers valued the informative content as adequate to raise awareness. Implementation facilitators included women’s trust in collaborating organisations and a complement of peer recruitment. Challenges included the additional workload of community workers, finding creative strategies to engage women, scheduling the sessions that best suited women’s time demands, and limited spaces to accommodate several group sessions. Proposed solutions to overcome barriers included increasing the time availability of community workers to support participants’ recruitment and session delivery, conducting itinerant and open sessions, and integrating the sessions within the organisation’s health-promoting activities. Conclusions Health literacy-based interventions are helpful in raising CCS awareness. Tailored interventions sensitive to context demands may contribute to successful actions. Key messages • Health literacy interventions can be key to promoting cervical cancer screening among hard-to-reach women. • Tailored community-based interventions may help address barriers to cervical cancer screening.

Dementia risk factors and cognitive function in a nationwide population-based sample aged 65+

Abstract Background Cognitive function is fundamental to healthy aging and independent living. As there is no cure for dementia, prevention of risk factors (e. g. physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, social isolation, depression) is crucial. The aim of our study was to analyze selected dementia risk factors and their association with cognitive function in people aged 65 years and older. Methods Cross-sectional data from the nationally representative examination Study on Health of Older People in Germany (Gesundheit 65+) conducted between 2022-2023 by the Robert Koch Institute (n = 1.493; 48% women; mean age 78.8 years). Cognitive function was assessed by the Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), a measure of general speed of information processing, and of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) 10-word list delayed recall (WLR), a measure of memory. Weighted associations between age, sex, education, dementia risk scores and z-standardized test scores were examined using linear regression analysis. Results Higher age, male sex and lower level of education were significantly associated with lower z-scores in both tests (all p &amp;lt; 0.001). In separate models, all adjusted for age, sex and education, social isolation was associated with lower performance on both LDST (ß=-0.22; 95% confidence interval -0.42, -0.01) and CERAD WLR (ß=-0.21; -0.41, -0.01); depressive symptoms were associated with lower LDST z-scores (ß=-0.40; -0.67, -0.13), and physical inactivity with lower CERAD WLR z-scores (ß=-0.12; -0.24, -0.01). Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were not significantly associated with any test. Conclusions Our findings from this nationwide general population study of old and very old adults show a clustering of reduced cognitive function with social isolation, symptoms of mental health impairments, and physical inactivity in old age which call for coordinated intersectoral health promotion and prevention activities. Key messages • The clustering of reduced cognition with dementia risk factors calls for intersectoral health actions. • Limitations in cognition should only be defined by age-, sex-, and education-specific norms.

Empirically exploring the association of health literacy with schoolchildren’s health behaviours

Abstract Background Health literacy (HL) is a modifiable factor contributing to the promotion and maintenance of health and well-being throughout an individual’s life. Identified as a priority in Wales, UK in 2010, progress has since stalled despite health and education as national policy priorities and international policy growth. There is a gap in understanding of children in Wales’ HL needs, particularly below adolescent age ( &amp;lt; =11 years). Methods This study aimed to scope a measure of children’s HL to be integrated into the existing HAPPEN Cohort Study survey, which collects self-reported health behaviours of children aged 8-11. A review identified the Health Literacy of School-Aged Children (HLSAC) tool which conceptualises health literacy as a learning outcome. A convenience sample of n = 15 primary schools were recruited in April 2023 through HAPPEN and n = 669 school children n = 669 completed the online survey between May-June 2023. Results Preliminary data using sum HLSAC scores show a proportion of children with low (20.5%), moderate (52.8%) and high HL (26.8%). Independent samples t-tests comparing mean HLSAC scores with binary self-reported health behaviours show higher HL scores for weekly behaviours (p &amp;lt; 0.05); feeling less tired (0-4 days: 15.1+-4.1, &amp;gt; =5 days 14.5+-3.4), can concentrate (0-4 days: 14.3+-3.6, &amp;gt; =5 days: 15.5+-4.0) and consume less fizzy drinks (0-4 days: 15.0+-3.9, &amp;gt; =5 days: 14.0+-3.8). Further, for can ride a bike (no: 14.3+-4.0, yes: 15.0+-3.9), can swim 25m (no: 14.6+-3.7, yes: 15.1+-4.0), someone active in the household (no: 14.3+-3.8, yes: 15.2+-4.0) and higher health well-being (&amp;lt;7/10: 13.9+-3.5, &amp;gt; =7/10: 15.3+-3.9). This preliminary data will be strengthened with further analyses including regression. Conclusions Associations appear between various important health behaviours spanning physical activity, nutrition, cognition and wellbeing. Capturing children’s HL and health behaviour needs enables targeted health promotion and education activities.

Physical activity promotion as intersectoral planning in Milan Health Protection Agency

Abstract Issue/problem Physical activity is a protective factor for preventing Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and, for this reason, it plays an important role in all the different guidelines for prevention and health promotion. The Italian Regional Prevention Plans and in particular the Lombardy one promote physical activity with a systemic approach, through both upstream and downstream actions to encourage the role of communities. Description of the problem Based on the regional plan, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the Metropolitan City of Milan developed locally validated actions and best practices for the promotion of physical activity, through the cross-sectoral involvement of different stakeholders (health system, companies, universities, local authorities, sports associations, etc.). Results Physical activity is embedded in all lines of health promotion activities in local planning documents. Sustainable and active mobility activities have been implemented in companies and schools with a comprehensive approach. Validated regional programs (Pedibus, Walking Groups, ecc.) have been implemented in the local community, along with the construction of permanent local laboratories for physical activity, structured through the development of specific territorial networks and providing for integration with the socio-sanitary setting. Lessons Promoting physical activity becomes an opportunity to both consolidate territorial networks and to develop evidence-based health promotion actions able to meet the different health needs of the population and to produce a structural change in living contexts. Key messages • Physical activity is both a protective factor for health promotion and a tool for implementing intersectoral and equity-oriented system actions from a life-course perspective. • Promoting physical activity becomes an opportunity to consolidate territorial networks.

Needs and opportunities for developing health and well-being profiles in Estonian local governments

Abstract The creation and implementation of health and wellbeing profile, an evidence-based framework for planning health promotion as holistic process, is the responsibility of public health practitioners, who tend work part-time and sometimes lack professional competences. The current study maps the level of awareness, attitudes, needs and possibilities of local government leaders and public health practitioners to develop and implement profiles effectively in Estonian local governments. Semi-structured interviews with leaders in local governments (10) and practitioners (9) were conducted in 2022-2023. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Sample included representatives from all Estonian local governments (79 in total) and were categorized into subgroups based on local governments size, status of the profile, public health specialist employment, and educational background. Preliminary results indicate that leaders find as a supportive factors for enabling and encouraging profile compilation process for example: mandatory requirement; motivated implementors; well organized and effective workplan. Specialists find supportive factors to be cooperation on the national level, good communication practices and joint responsibility. Barriers for health promoters are the lack of time, motivation, financial resources, stakeholders understanding and meaningful action. The first qualitative study on these topics in Estonia highlight that creating a profile is supported by previous positive experience and have per contra an opposite negative effect to start the process. In general, the profile was considered necessary for helping identify problems and support decision-making processes for managing resources, however, assessment whether the profile should be obligatory is needed. In addition, there is a need for further support for the evidence-based decision-making process on the local level in health promotion by offering education and guidance from the national level. Key messages • Knowledge about the importance of public health, barriers and decision-making principles of local government leaders and specialists helps to develop interventions based on actual needs. • Continuously updated health and well-being profile ensures sustainability of health promotion action and is useful knowledge to policymakers, local government leaders and public health practitioners.

Adolescent mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Cross-Sectional survey in Barcelona

Abstract Background Adolescents’ mental health information and help-seeking is critical for preventing the development of mental disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and information and help-seeking behaviours, as well as the effects of age and gender. Methods A cross-sectional online survey on a representative sample of 2,240 secondary school students in Barcelona from 11 randomly selected schools. Participants are evenly distributed by age (25% each course) and gender. Results Most adolescents show good recognition of mental disorders and knowledge of mental health (M = 6.39/10; SD = 1.97 and M = 7.75/10; SD = 1.21 respectively). They report having good literacy (M = 3.25/5; SD = 0.71) to search and manage online health information (eHealth literacy), and around half of them affirm having enough knowledge about mental health for them. Search engines (35.7%) and talking to family/friends (31.8%) are preferred for mental health information-seeking, but 19.8% chose not to engage in active information-seeking behaviour. When having mental health concerns, they prefer seeking help (“I would not ask for help” M = 2.4/7; SD = 1.93), and turning to family (M = 4.7/7; SD = 2.4) and friends (M = 4/7; SD = 2.1), instead of health professionals (M = 2.5/7; SD = 3.5). Chi-square test reveals that: lower recognition of mental disorders is associated with not help-seeking; lower mental health knowledge is associated with beliefs that information for mental health promotion, prevention, and care is unnecessary; and higher eHealth literacy is related to information searching in social media, but not to active searching. The ANOVA test reveals a significant gender-age interaction in certain variables, particularly in the recognition of mental disorders, which is higher in girls and increases with age. Conclusions Higher eHealth literacy is related to information-seeking on social media, but not to active search. Girls have a higher level of recognition of mental disorders. Key messages • Adolescents need a support network to seek mental health help, as they often avoid seeking professional help. • Mental health promotion activities would benefit from further exploration of gender differences.

Thirty-five years of personalized promotion. The contribution of medicine in the workplace

Abstract Issue/problem Occupational medicine has always had the task of identifying and solving problems caused by exposure to occupational risks and improving the health conditions of workers. This traditional prevention task can be advantageously associated with promotional activities to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases. Description of the problem Since the end of the 1980s we have conducted health promotion interventions in the workplace, integrated into the company’s occupational prevention plan. The results, discussed internationally, have allowed the improvement of projects such as the one presented here, aimed at the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Results Workers carry out a clinical check integrated with blood chemistry tests, actigraphic measurement of physical activity and sleep, bioimpedance measurement and plicometry, to objectify the data of interest. Furthermore, they keep a food diary and answer questionnaires on lifestyle, stress, and sleep. They receive personalized non-pharmacological treatment aimed at making salutogenic changes to diet, sleep, physical activity, and relaxation methods. They are monitored monthly and carry out a follow-up after six months. The pilot study, conducted on 20 healthcare workers with previously undiagnosed metabolic problems, indicates a significant improvement in abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure and sleep duration in the third month. Workers report a high level of satisfaction with the initiative, a lower level of occupational stress and a higher quality of sleep. Lessons Accumulated experience demonstrates that projects of this type are feasible, sustainable, and advantageous and can be applied to companies of all sizes, regardless of the quantity of resources available. Key messages • Health promotion in the workplace can contribute to the reduction of chronic non-communicable diseases. • The active participation of workers in health promotion activities contributes to improving job engagement and satisfaction derived from work.

Improving implementation of health interventions among ECEC organisations: a social network analysis

Abstract The environment wherein a child grows up determines many health and life outcomes of the child. The early childhood education and care (ECEC) is an important setting for children which offers possibilities for health promotion activities. A learning network with professionals from ECEC organisations in South-Limburg, the Netherlands is established, aimed at sharing health promotion ‘best practices’. This study examined the network structure of the learning network and of ECEC locations regarding health topics such as nutrition, physical activity and sun protection. A mixed-methods design was adopted. An online-questionnaire was used to examine the relationships of the members of the learning network (N = 6) and ECEC locations (N = 59) between these organisations and with organisations related to the health topics. Data was analysed and visualised using a social network analysis (SNA) in UCINET. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews were held with the members of the learning network (N = 6), to discuss the network structure and possible improvements of the network. The SNA showed a weak network structure for the learning network and ECEC locations. Connections were mostly related to organisations in the field of nutrition and physical activity. This implied that health interventions related to sun protection and green environments were not implemented to the same extent as nutrition and physical activity. The interviews provided insight into the underlying reasons for (the lack of) certain connections. Overall, the members were satisfied with the quality and quantity of their current collaborations. The SNA and interviews indicated that the collaboration between ECEC organisations and organisations related to other health topics like green environment or sun protection could be improved. Therefore, it is recommended that ECEC organisations should engage in collaborations with organisations in these domains.

Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among high school students in Armenia

Abstract Background We assessed the level of health literacy (HL) and explored its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods We conducted a survey among adolescents in public and private schools in the capital Yerevan and an adjacent province in 2023. The instrument included items on HL, general interest in health and socio-demographics. Ten questions measuring HL with four answer options were summed into the HL score (0-30). Multivariable regression model explored the independent associations of socio-demographic factors and interest in health issues with the HL. Results Overall, 366 students completed the survey. About 64% were females. The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Most participants felt they, in general, received sufficient health information (75.1%), could follow physician’s instructions (80.1%), were confident in advising family or friends on health improvements (70.5%), could easily give examples of health-promoting actions (76.8%), and explain their choices for health (77.6%). Additionally, 82.2% could judge the environmental impact of their actions, 82.0% could find understandable health information when needed, and 85.3% could assess how their behavior affects their health. Fewer respondents were confident in figuring out if the health information is correct (68.2%) or identifying correct health information when faced with conflicting data (67.1%). The average HL score was 17.41 (SD = 4.47), with a 58.0% percent score. In the regression analysis, being from private school vs. public and being interested in health vs. not were significant predictors of higher HL. Conclusions Despite having moderate HL level, a significant portion of Armenian adolescents lacked confidence in discerning correct health information. Interventions should prioritize enhancing HL, emphasizing critical evaluation skills and providing accessible and reliable health information resources tailored to adolescents, particularly in public schools. Key messages • The health literacy among Armenian adolescents was moderate with many lacking confidence in identifying correct health information and differentiating when faced with conflicting data. • Attending a private school and having an interest in health were significant predictors for higher health literacy, emphasizing the need for targeted health and policy interventions.