Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

Factors Affecting Online Health Promotion Program Adherence Among People with Disabilities

As online health and wellness programs become more ubiquitous post-pandemic, there is a need to better understand how people with physical disabilities (PWPD) respond to different types of program offerings. Online health promotion programs have become popular in the disability community, and programs offer a range of activities across various wellness domains (e.g., exercise, nutrition). This study examined factors predicting adherence to three different types of online health promotion programs tailored for PWPD. A survey was developed to examine factors associated with high, moderate, and low adherence to three different types of health promotion programs. Participants who completed an online wellness program were sent a survey that asked questions related to adherence to a range of wellness activities. The three programs included the MENTOR (Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition to Optimize Resilience), GROWTH (Growing Resilience Out of Wellness and Thoughtful Habits), and SOSE (State of Slim Everybody) programs, all of which focus on different self-care strategies. MENTOR focused on educating participants about mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition; GROWTH aimed to deliver mental and emotional health techniques, while SOSE’s purpose was to teach participants how to implement healthy weight loss, weight management, and daily exercise practices. Results indicated that participant perceptions of program delivery, specifically programs being disability friendly, virtual environment enjoyment, having positive instructor relationships, adaptable content, the instructor’s knowledge about disability, the instructor’s use of appropriate language, and program satisfaction, affected the likelihood of high adherence among people with physical disabilities enrolled in the health and wellness programs.

Effect of a Nurse-Led Support Program Using Mobile Application Versus Nurse Phone Advice on Patients at Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major health problem of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease and early intervention is regarded important. Given the proven effect of a lifestyle intervention with nursing telephone counselling and mHealth use in health care, yet the comparisons of both support are lacking, this study is proposed. This study aimed to compare the effects of a coronary artery disease (CAD) support program using a mobile application versus nurse phone advice on exercise amount and physical and psychological outcomes for clients at risk of CAD. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ethical approval was obtained. Two-hundred and twenty-six clients were screened, and a total of 168 clients who were at risk of CAD and routinely used smartphones were randomized into the app support group (App group) or the nurse phone advice (NPA) group. Although all participants received the same health talk delivered by a cardiac nurse at the community center, the App group received additional CAD app support, whereas the NPA group received nurse phone advice for 20 min monthly. The app content comprised (1) CAD knowledge in 10 modules, (2) individual exercise records with their own goals and health measures, and (3) a chest pain action list. The intervention lasted for 3 months. Health outcome data were collected at baseline (T0) and after 1 (T1) and 3 (T2) months. The outcomes were the total amount of exercise (primary outcome), self-efficacy in illness management, perceived stress, and CAD risk profile (body weight, body mass index, and lipid concentration). Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess differential changes in all outcomes within 3 months. The attrition rates at 3 months were 3.49% and 9.30% for the App and NPA groups, respectively. The App support group was superior to the NPA group in significantly increasing total exercise amount and reducing body weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, and increased self-efficacy in illness management. The result provides further insights of app development to support health promotion programs for community-dwelling adults at risk of CAD.

Association between physical activity, smartphone usage, and obesity risk among Korean adolescents: A cross-sectional study based on 2021 Korean adolescent health behavior survey.

With adolescent obesity rates steadily rising, it has become crucial to identify modifiable risk factors to develop effective interventions. This study explores the associations between physical activity (PA) levels, smartphone usage, and obesity risk among Korean adolescents, aiming to inform the design of targeted health promotion programs to mitigate obesity rates in this demographic. This cross-sectional analysis used data from 50,407 Korean adolescents who participated in the 2021 Adolescent Health Behavior Online Survey. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests compared PA patterns, sedentary behavior, and smartphone usage between adolescents with obesity and those without obesity. To examine the impact of key exposure factors-including PA, muscle strengthening exercises (MSE), sedentary behavior, and smartphone usage-on obesity risk, binary logistic regression models were used, adjusting for grade level, economic status, and other potential confounders. Male adolescents exercising "3-4 times/week" had a significantly higher obesity risk compared to those with no PA (OR=1.144, 95% CI: 1.032-1.267, p<0.01). Similarly, females exercising "3-4 times/week" (OR=1.208, 95% CI: 1.048-1.393, p<0.01) or "≥ 5 times/week" (OR=1.333, 95% CI: 1.087-1.636, p<0.01) also showed increased risk. Both males and females participating in high-intensity PA (HIPA) "1-2 times/week" were at higher risk (males: OR=1.110, 95% CI: 1.011-1.219, p<0.01; females: OR=1.427, 95% CI: 1.283-1.587, p<0.001). Conversely, MSE was linked to a significant reduction in obesity risk across most frequency groups, especially in males (OR=0.450, 95% CI: 0.399-0.508, p<0.001). For sedentary behavior, females with ≥6h of weekday non-learning sedentary time (SWD-N) had increased obesity risk (OR=1.210, 95% CI: 1.002-1.462, p<0.01), as did males with ≥6h of weekend sedentary time (SWK-N) (OR=1.334, 95% CI: 1.154-1.542, p<0.001) and females with ≥6h of weekend smartphone usage (SPWK_TM) (OR=1.567, 95% CI: 1.066-2.303, p<0.01). The findings reveal complex relationships between PA, MSE, sedentary behavior, and smartphone usage in the context of adolescent obesity. Certain PA levels, particularly 3-4 times/week and≥5 times/week for females, and HIPA frequency were associated with increased obesity risk. In contrast, MSE significantly reduced obesity risk across genders, with the most substantial effects observed in males engaging in MSE≥5 times/week. Only associations meeting the p<0.01 threshold were interpreted in this study to ensure robust conclusions. These results emphasize the importance of promoting MSE and balanced sedentary behavior patterns to reduce adolescent obesity risk, suggesting health policies should address these factors with a focus on gender-specific and age-specific strategies. However, limitations such as the lack of nutrition data, unassessed PA intensity, and HIPA duration should be addressed in future research.

Applying the Social Cognitive Theory to Design a Health Education Program on Weight-Loss Behaviors Among Police Officers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Being overweight/having obesity is a prevalent condition not only among the general population but also among individuals with special occupations such as police officers, where fitness is often a necessity. The present study's aim was to assess how much a psychoeducational intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) would be helpful for encouraging weight loss behaviors among police officers. In a randomized control trial, 102 police officers who were overweight or had obesity voluntarily registered for a weight loss program and were assigned to either an intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group took part in a health education program comprising six face-to-face 60-80minute sessions over a 6-week period that was designed based on SCT principles. The control group participated in routine worksite health promotion programs comprising weekly one-hour sessions on lifestyle-related topics and optional individual nutrition consultations. At baseline and 3months after the intervention, both groups were examined in terms of SCT's measures and weight control strategies as the primary outcomes, as well as para-clinical variables such as blood lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) as secondary outcomes. Analysis of covariance was used to assess changes from baseline to follow-up between groups. All SCT measures indicated significant improvements among those in the intervention group compared with the control group. Outcome expectancy (F=445; p<0.001) and self-efficacy (F=366; p<0.001) were the two most influential factors. Although both intervention and control groups reported significant changes in weight control behaviors, all behavioral scores in the intervention group were considerably greater than those in the controls. The dietary choice component showed the greatest change from baseline to follow-up (F=267; p<0.001). All indices of blood lipid profile also indicated significant improvements in the intervention group compared with the control group. Weight decreased significantly more from baseline to follow-up among those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (F=69.0, p<0.001). BMI was reduced in the intervention group, while in the control group showed a slight increase (mean difference: -0.4 [CI: -0.4 to -0.3] versus 0.1 [CI: 0.0 to 0.1]). An education program based on SCT may contribute to weight loss among police officers who are overweight/have obesity. Assessment of the program's effects in other settings and occupational populations is warranted.

Health promotion programs for the development of daily living skills in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders

The aim of this research is to highlight the health and wellness promotion programs that address the daily lives of people with special educational needs. Health promotion is an approach used to improve the health and quality of life of every person. For many years now, a lot of countries globally have taken advantage of economic and social resources to provide health promoting services in various contexts such as school and community-based facilities. In this review, these frameworks are mentioned, by giving emphasis to health promotion in the community and the enhancement of independent living skills. For people with disabilities, health promotion and the independent living movement has started its activity in recent years, which was a reason chosen to focus on these people, as the literature is limited but the needs in this field vary. The aim of the project is to explore the needs of young people and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and following a holistic approach, to propose solutions with the various health promotion programs, which may enhance life skills and promote the health, independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.

The Explo’Santé mixed methods protocol: an interventional research school health promotion project in France

BackgroundAccording to WHO, “noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people” annually, as the primary cause of death globally. WHO’s Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020 (extended) tackles this issue and its implications regarding inequalities between countries and populations. Based on combined behavioural, environmental and policy approaches, health promotion aims to reduce health inequities and address health determinants through 3 strategies: education, prevention and protection. It is a well-known fact that long-term efficiency in health promotion, that is to say the promotion of health and well-being, involves interventions and programmes which target / involve children [1]. As a focal point in communities and a key environment for children, school is an important setting to implement health promotion programmes, especially integrated approaches and interventions targeting Life Skills (LS). Indeed, LS contribute to health and well-being, particularly for pupils. This article presents the research protocol of a French integrated school-based health promotion interventional research programme which intends to support the health promoting schools (HPS) approach in France: Explo’Santé. It results from a partnership between the University of Lyon and the French League against Cancer.MethodsExplo’Santé is an observational study based on a mixed methods research design, which aims to evaluate the effects of a health promotion programme, to elicit its implementation process and identify contextual factors. This 3-year, complex programme targets primary school pupils aged 8 to 10. It incorporates health education sessions, to develop pupils’ LS and health literacy (HL), and to promote healthy environments. Teachers and French League prevention officers are trained to support skill development and programme sustainability. Data collection includes quantitative data via questionnaires, to assess programme impact on approximately 700 pupils, as well as 36 teachers, and 6 prevention officers, as well as qualitative data collected via focus groups with pupils, and interviews with teachers, parents, prevention officers, and school heads, to understand the barriers and promoting factors to the implementation of the programme, the differences in process and effects in different contexts, and its potential for sustainability.DiscussionExplo’Santé was designed to contribute to school-based health promotion strategies, by including key players, promoting partnerships, targeting multiple levels of impact and effect, and to ensure every step is research-based and informed. Finally, this study aims to identify the elements which would enable Explo’Santé to become a model in France and internationally.

Strengthening community actions to improve diabetes mellitus care optimising public health facilitators

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is the second leading cause of death in South Africa, and almost 90,000 people died from diabetes-related causes in the year 2019. This study aimed to investigate facilitators that can be harnessed to strengthen community actions and barriers that should be redressed in structured public health and health promotion programs for people with diabetes mellitus at a primary healthcare level.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted using face-to-face interviews among 20 conveniently sampled participants. The Ottawa Charter was adopted to guide health promotion and strengthening actions for people with diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted at Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre. Ngangelizwe is one of the townships located about 2 km east of Mthatha Town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The thematic analysis method was used to analyse data with the assistance of Atlas ti, version 23 software.ResultsFive overarching themes were yielded and categorized as facilitators and barriers. Facilitators included enhancing the role of community healthcare workers and strengthening health education activities. Barriers included lack of support groups, food insecurity, and unavailability of community health promotion programs.ConclusionWe conclude that a collaborative health promotion intervention with the necessary competencies should be designed to assess needs and develop, implement, and evaluate relevant empowerment programs at the household and community levels. This approach involves active engagement with health promoters/ public health practitioners and community health workers at the local level, allowing individuals and communities to access motivation and knowledge regarding the control of diabetes mellitus.

An Oral Health Promotion Model Implemented in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County

Background and Objectives: Global research has shown that 60–90% of school children have caries, and that oral health care is of great public health significance. We present the data of an oral health promotion Program conducted in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGC), Croatia, from 2008 to 2019. The Program includes comprehensive preventive oral status assessments of first- and fifth-grade elementary school students, as well as oral health promotional and preventative activities for preschool children, pregnant women, and new mothers. Here, we aimed to analyze the Program data and determine its applicability and sustainability. Materials and Methods: We assessed the changes in caries prevalence in first- and fifth-grade PGC students by comparing the 2008–2019 dental registry data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent teeth (DMFT) index means. We also analyzed the data from the administrative Program reports. Results: We analyzed the dental registry data of 44,422 children in the PGC (21,714 first and 22,708 fifth grade). The average Program response rate was 83%. We noted a dmft/DMFT index decrease from 4.66 to 3.73 (first graders) and from 2.50 to 1.00 (fifth graders). The 2017–2019 dmft was significantly smaller than that of 2008–2009. There were 2336 workshops conducted in kindergartens, 1240 in first grades, and 1015 in fifth grades; health visitors educated 26,559 women. There was an increasing trend in the number of insured people under the age of six using pediatric oral health care. Conclusions: The Program improved the behavior and oral health of children and included various stakeholders, avoided additional financial expenses, increased the number of children in care, and proved its necessity and sustainability. It has been recognized on a national level and has led to the creation of two oral health care programs.

Health literacy and influencing factors in university students across diverse educational fields in Kazakhstan

Comprehensive examinations of health literacy (HL) among students in Kazakhstan are lacking. The existing literature from adult populations in Kazakhstan suggests associations between higher HL and socioeconomic and demographic factors. The HLS19-Q12 tool was used in this study to assess the HL level of 3230 students with various backgrounds. A multivariate linear regression model was used to define determinants of HL. The mean HL score for the total sample was 85.86 ± 18.67 out of 100, which indicates “excellent” level of HL. The highest HL score was in students of Health Sciences field (88.22 ± 17.53), whereas mean HL score in students of Engineering field of study was 83.27 ± 20.07, and it was 86.13 ± 18.11 for the Humanities and Social sciences field of study. The factors negatively associated with HL were region of origin, health information searching, lack of basic life support skills, smoking, self-assessment of health as bad, and missing study days. Students who smoked and used tobacco for 6 days per week had a significantly lower HL. Interaction analysis showed positive three-way interaction for male students over 19 years studying in Engineering field. Socioeconomic factors, regional disparities, and health behaviors significantly influenced HL, with lower scores observed among students from the West region, rural areas, and those with unhealthy behaviors or low socioeconomic status. The following factors were positively associated with HL in this study: field of education, affordability of medical examination and treatment, social connections and support, age, and social status. This study will allow future research and youth health promotion programs to make decisions based on the field of study and the factors that negatively and positively influence HL.

Health Promotion Intervention to Improve Public Knowledge on Coronary Heart Disease in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A Quasi-experimental Study

Objectives A lack of public knowledge about coronary heart disease [CHD] contributes to the elevated incidence of delayed onset symptoms to the first medical contact and major adverse cardiac events. Health promotion intervention should be the first option in order to direct individuals toward adopting healthy behaviors to avert CHD, and improve their knowledge and attitude in handling CHD-related symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the impact of educational programs on the improvement of public knowledge about CHD in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods A quasi-experimental approach was implemented utilizing a questionnaire developed by the researchers, which included pharmacists and cardiologists and was based on the BASNEF model. An hour-long educational program was carried out three times a month by inserting the program into the community's routine agenda. A descriptive analysis, t-test, and multivariate regression were performed to evaluate the influence of the program on participants' knowledge regarding CHD. Results A higher proportion of participants with a smoking environment [79.6%], diabetes mellitus [88.9%], abnormal waist circumference [61.9%] and abnormal 2 h postprandial blood glucose [77%] among 113 were involved in this study. Significant improvement was observed among the overall results of pre-test [75.59±15.29] and post-test [86.05±8.99] with p-value &lt;0.001. Older participants and participants with acute coronary syndrome history [ACS] significantly improved their knowledge of CHD after the health promotion program with p-values of 0.022 and 0.008, respectively. Conclusion These findings suggest that educational interventions could increase participants' knowledge of CHD. Local health officials should implement more health promotion to significantly enhance public knowledge of CHD.

Canadian Men's Intimate Partner Relationship Break-Ups During COVID-19: Implications for Mental Health Promotion.

COVID-19 impacted many men's intimate partner relationships, with distressed and disrupted partnerships consistently featured in commentaries with linkages to mental health challenges. The current study draws from interviews with 23 Canadian-based men, 19-50 years old, who experienced a break-up during COVID-19. Addressing the research question, "What are the connections between masculinities, men's mental health, and intimate partner relationship break-ups during COVID-19?", three thematic findings were derived: (1) Virtually Together and Growing Apart, (2) Mentally Trapped, and Failing Fast and Slow, and (3) Introspections and Moving On. Virtually Together and Growing Apart describes two contexts wherein men were either challenged by being physically apart from their partner or increasingly estranged while cohabitating with their partner during COVID-19. Mentally Trapped, and Failing Fast and Slow speaks to the stresses of being socially isolated and anxieties about the future with those tensions flowing to and from men's relationships. Featured were fast-tracked endings in terms of many participants knowing early-on the partnership was over, amid drawn out finishes wherein men's relationships gradually ended with the easement of COVID-19 restrictions. Introspections and Moving On varied in that many men were intent on processing and deconstructing all that happened in (and to end) their relationship. Men's learnings were leveraged through accessing professional and peer supports to promote self-growth and purposefully build healthier intimate partnerships. The study findings affirm the need for gender-responsive mental health promotion programs to equip men with relationship skills, while also underscoring the necessity for services dedicated to addressing post-COVID-19 injuries.

Oral health promotion: a qualitative study to explore perspectives of kindergarten nurses at Qatar

BackgroundThe oral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Kindergarten and school nurses can improve oral health by reducing the incidence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) among children. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of kindergarten nurses about a proposed oral health promotion program to be implemented in primary health centres and kindergartens.MethodsThe qualitative research used in-depth interviews of 12 kindergarten nurses who were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data analysis software was used (NVivo9 MANUF). Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data.ResultsThe major themes included participants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified several causes within the local context, including parental practices, poor dietary habits, the impact of cultural lack of oral health knowledge and limitations in the healthcare system. However, the study results’ themes also revealed complex barriers and enablers regarding the implementation of the program highlighting interpersonal, structural, systemic, and social elements.ConclusionKindergarten nurses maintained an affirmative attitude towards oral health promotion programs and were enthusiastic about initiating and supporting these programs. This qualitative study brought out critical socio-biological-cultural factors that influence the oral health promotion of preschool children.

Health information orientation and health literacy as determinants of health promotion behaviors in adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the impact of health information orientation and health literacy on adolescents' health-promoting behaviors. We enrolled 149 middle school students from an urban city in South Korea through convenience sampling. The data was collected in October 2022 using a self-reported questionnaire. Health information orientation was measured using the Health Information Orientation Instrument (Cronbach's α = 0.86). Health literacy was assessed with the Korean Adolescent Health Literacy Scale (KR-20 = 0.66), and health promotion behaviors were evaluated using the Adolescent Health Promotion Scale-Short Form (Cronbach's α = 0.89). Analysis methods included independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression. Results indicated significant differences in health promotion behaviors based on perceived health status, economic status, primary health-related information provider, and health literacy. Health information orientation showed a strong positive correlation with health promotion behaviors. The factors that influenced health promotion behaviors were health information orientation, primary information provider, economic status, and health literacy. Findings suggest that school and community health promotion programs should engage adolescents and parents to enhance health literacy and proactive information-seeking behaviors for improving the health outcomes of adolescents.

Youth Mental Health Prevention and Promotion Programs in Chinese Societies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Youth Mental Health Prevention and Promotion Programs in Chinese Societies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key informants' views on the benefits, planning and implementation of workplace oral health promotion programme.

This study aimed to explore key informants' views on the potential benefits of workplace oral health promotion (WOHP) among the aged care workforce and identified factors associated with the planning and implementation of such activities. The study interviewed members of key organizations associated with the aged care workforce, including oral health and health professionals, government and non-governmental organizations, aged care providers, unions and other worker support organizations in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Fourteen (of 17 invited) key informants participated. Promoting oral health among those working in the aged care sector is perceived to have advantages for staff oral health and psychological and mental well-being, and potentially has a 'flow-on effect' on the organization's productivity, operation and human and financial resources. Six factors that can act as facilitators or barriers to WOHP planning and implementation were identified: (i) organization structure, needs, priorities, and higher management contribution; (ii) resources (funding, facilities, human and time capacity); (iii) collaborators; (iv) individual or target audience; (v) communication; and (vi) sustainability of the programme. The study concluded that WOHP in the aged care sector is possible and likely has benefits for staff and the organizations involved. Consideration should be given to identifying and addressing the factors that influence the development and implementation of WOHP programmes. Good organization, support of management, availability of funding, support from collaborators and consideration of individual needs are needed to have a successful, sustainable WOHP programme that meets the needs of the aged care workforce.

Prevalence and associated factors of healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults in Lishui city, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIdentifying the level of healthy aging and exploring its associated factors are prerequisites in the planning of effective measures among the elderly population. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of healthy aging and determine its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults from mountain areas in Lishui, China.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted. Participants were recruited by a multi-stage stratified cluster-sampling procedure from a mountainous region in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China. A validated questionnaire of Healthy Aging Instruments (HAI), Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction (BPNS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Ascertain Dementia 8 questionnaire (AD8), Family Adaption Scale (FAS), Community-Based Health Promotion Activity Questionnaires (HPAQ), Social Function Questionnaire for Chinese Older Adults (SFQCOA), Adult Health Self-Management Skills (ability) Rating Scale (AHSMSRS) was incorporated. The questionnaire also captured sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and Self-Perceived Healthy Ageing (SPHA). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was performed.ResultsThe mean score of the Healthy Aging index was 136.5 (18.22). The majority of the participants have a high level of healthy aging (65.5%). Regression analysis showed 12 predictors of healthy aging: self-perceived economic independence, lifestyle-related behaviors, subjective physical health, psychological health, better competence of BPNS, frequency of community-based HPA participation, lower HPA-perceived barriers, social support, social engagement, and Health Self-Management (HSM) ability with two dimensions HSM-Consciousness and HSM-Behavior, as well as SPHA (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study contributed to the existing gap in both subjective and objective understanding of healthy aging, especially in terms of its relationship with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle-related behaviors, individual health conditions, environmental coverage, as well as family, community and social support. Both individual-environment interaction factors as better HSM ability as well as SPHA might help predict older adults’ healthy aging in mountainous areas in China. Developing an accurate, reliable health promotion program that provides insights may improve healthy aging changes in mountainous regions for community healthcare staff, especially nurses.

Effect of the PakCat program on nutrition status, dietary pattern and nutrition knowledge and skills of Pakistani women living in Catalonia evaluated by a mixed-method randomized control trial (RCT).

Pakistani women are among the most affected groups by obesity and heart failure in Catalonia. Due to cultural and linguistic barriers, their participation in standard health promotion programs is limited. To address this issue, we implemented a culturally and linguistically appropriate food education program called the PakCat Program. The study employed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design, utilizing a two-arm, cluster-assignment, non-blinded mixed-method randomized control trial (RCT) implemented in Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, two neighboring municipalities with a substantial Pakistani population. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 67) and the intervention group (n = 70). The intervention group received ten weekly culturally and linguistically appropriate food education sessions over ten weeks, while the control group attended three general sessions. The main outcome measures included nutritional status, nutrition knowledge and skills, dietary patterns, and satisfaction with the intervention, which were assessed pre-and post-intervention combining quantitative methods based on a survey and qualitative approaches consisting of conducting focus group discussions (FGDs). The quantitative analysis conducted through a two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures indicated a significant improvement in the study variables across the entire sample (p < 0.001 within group), with the intervention group experiencing greater improvements in nutrition knowledge and skills and dietary pattern (p <0.001 for interaction and between groups). These findings were corroborated by thematically analyzed qualitative data confirming a more pronounced improvement in the study outcomes of the intervention group. Furthermore, both groups reported a high level of satisfaction with the intervention. The PakCat Program effectively improved the nutrition knowledge, skills, and dietary patterns of immigrant women of Pakistani origin residing in Catalonia. However, future research involving a larger sample size and combining the behavioral and clinical parameters is needed to enhance the generalizability of the results.

SPLASH Into Fitness: A Swimming-Based Pilot Intervention to Promote Healthful Identities and Behaviors Among Preadolescent Girls.

Girls' physical activity and healthful eating behaviors decline throughout adolescence. These trajectories may be linked to the underdevelopment of exercise and healthful eater identities. Youth programs might consider prioritizing identity development as an innovative health promotion strategy, especially during the formative preadolescent life stage. This study examines healthful identities and behaviors among a sample of preadolescent girls who participated in SPLASH, a multicomponent youth program consisting of identity development ("I am an exerciser"; "I am a healthy eater"), physical activity, and healthful eating. SPLASH was piloted in a community-based recreational facility in the Midwest United States. Participants had differing levels of program access: all girls (N=32, age=10.6±0.8) attended a 1-week summer day camp, and a subset (n=16) received supplementary access to a 10-week eHealth program. Using a feasibility framework, we examined SPLASH's (1) preliminary efficacy, (2) implementation, and (3) acceptability. Girls' exercise identities and behaviors improved following camp participation. At follow-up, those in the camp-plus-eHealth group reported greater improvements in physical activity enjoyment relative to girls in the camp-only group. SPLASH is a promising identity-focused health promotion program for preadolescent girls. Community support and family engagement facilitated this pilot study. Programmatic impact should be assessed in additional communities.

Regional Variations in the Prevalence of Risk Factors and Non-Communicable Diseases in Papua New Guinea: A Scoping Review.

Often referred to as 'the last unknown', Papua New Guinea's largely unexplored environments across its four distinct regions, the Highlands, New Guinea Islands, Momase, and Southern, exhibit remarkable diversity. Understanding this diversity is significant in contextualising the risk factors associated with developing non-communicable diseases. This review aims to map and summarise the literature to provide region-specific prevalence data for risk factors and non-communicable diseases. Four databases and grey literature were searched. Two reviewers completed the screening and data extraction. Twenty-one studies were included, with five reporting the data by region and the remaining reporting the data nationwide. Six studies reported on risk factors, thirteen reported on non-communicable diseases, and two reported on risk factors and non-communicable diseases. The Southern region, which includes the Capital, Port Moresby, reported the highest prevalence for most risk factors: anthropometric (overweight, obesity, and waist circumference), lifestyle (betel nut, alcohol, unhealthy diet, and stress), and biochemical (cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c, and metabolic syndrome). The findings of this review highlight the limited evidence base for region-specific risk factor data and the lack of objective diagnosis of non-communicable diseases. There were variations in the prevalence of specific risk factors by region; however, the Southern region stands out as requiring immediate attention for health promotion program interventions.

What Makes a Quality Lifestyle Coach? A Theoretical Model Based on the Real-World Context of Delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Lifestyle coaches are integral to delivery of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP); however, few studies have explored the role of the lifestyle coach in relation to participant success. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model of the factors that contribute to lifestyle coach performance and success. A cross-sectional qualitative study including 82 semi-structured interviews with National DPP staff and participants between June 2020 and February 2022. Based on the analysis of the interviews, the developed model illustrates how central to coach success are the intrinsic qualities they bring to the role, the quality of their training and preparation for the lifestyle coach role, and the mechanization of their qualities and training through their program delivery. Around this focal relationship revolve four other factors that together or independently affect lifestyle coach success: organization influences; external influences; program participants; and evaluation and feedback. Health coaching can be an incredibly powerful tool in behavior change. This model provides insight into how coaching can impact participant outcomes and can be used by other health promotion programs who use the coach model.