Health Promotion Strategies Research Articles

Multilevel analysis of factors associated with suicide attempts: Evidence from 2022/2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey.

This issue represents a major global public health concern, accounting for approximately 703,000 deaths each year. Despite Mozambique having the 9th highest suicide rate in the world and the highest in Africa, there is no national data quantifying the burden of suicide attempts. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and identify individual and community-level factors associated with them using mixed-effects logistic regression. This study is crucial for developing early interventions, which can help reduce the risk of suicide and enhance overall mental health outcomes for young people. The data used in this study were drawn from the 2022/2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). A weighted sample of 10,909 individuals (7,716 males and 3,149 females) aged 15-29 was included. The fitted model was evaluated using AIC and BIC, with the model having the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) is another statistical measure used to assess the quality of a model, similar to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The results of the final model were presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Variables were considered statistically significant if their p-value was less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis. About 3.60% (95% CI: 3.33%-4.03%) of participants were seriously considered suicide attempt in the past 12 months of before the survey. Educational status, occupation, marital status, depression, anxiety, and geographic region were significant factors associated with suicidal attempt. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the intricate relationships between suicide attempts and their predictors. Additionally, the results highlight the need for targeted interventions and mental health promotion strategies that consider the identified individual and community-level factors to reduce suicide rates in Mozambique.

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.

The Interplay of Ethnicity, Education, and Employment on Maternal Attitudes Toward Childhood Vaccination in Nigeria

Vaccination is a highly effective public health strategy for reducing child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Despite the provision of free routine immunizations for children up to two years old in Nigeria, challenges in vaccine uptake persist, especially for vaccines needed beyond early childhood. These challenges are not merely due to vaccine access but are significantly influenced by maternal attitudes towards immunization. Socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, education, and employment status are crucial in shaping these attitudes, yet their specific impacts are not well understood. This study aims to explore how these socio-demographic variables affect maternal attitudes towards childhood immunization, with a focus on immunization beyond the age of two in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 321 mothers in Ughelli North LGA, utilizing a modified, pre-tested questionnaire to evaluate maternal attitudes towards childhood immunization. Data were collected through an online survey and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with Chi-square tests used to assess the relationships between socio-demographic factors and attitudes. The majority of participants were Urhobo (60.7%), semi-employed (53.6%), and had tertiary education (92.1%). The findings showed that 79.4% of mothers had positive attitudes towards childhood immunization. Significant associations were found between maternal attitudes and ethnicity (p = 0.026), employment status (p = 0.016), and educational level (p < 0.001), indicating that these factors are pivotal in shaping maternal views on the importance and necessity of immunization. Unexpectedly, even mothers with high educational levels showed variability in their attitudes based on ethnic background and employment status, suggesting that public health interventions must consider the complex interplay of these factors. The study's results provide valuable insights into the socio-cultural and economic determinants of maternal attitudes towards immunization in Ughelli, underscoring the need for targeted health promotion strategies that address specific demographic groups. Efforts should focus on community-based interventions and media campaigns that highlight the importance of continuing vaccination beyond infancy. Additionally, enhancing access to immunization services and addressing barriers related to employment and ethnicity will be crucial for improving vaccine uptake in the region.

Can a low-threshold check-up motivate older adults to schedule a dental visit? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMost oral diseases benefit from early detection by dental professionals. However, in the older population, regular dental attendance is low. This trial investigates whether a low-threshold check-up by a dental professional in a non-dental setting can motivate older persons to seek professional oral care.MethodsA total of 194 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older, without a dental check-up over the last 12 months, will be recruited for this randomized, controlled, two-arm, single-blinded, superiority trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group will receive an oral examination including tailored oral health information. They will also be informed about the importance of regular dental visits and will be provided with referral letters for the dental professional and the family physician and a list of nearby dentists. In the control group, the oral examination including tailored information will not be performed. This group will only receive flyers with general oral hygiene information and a list of nearby dentists. The primary outcome is whether or not the participants will contact a dental professional within four months after the intervention.DiscussionThis study examines the efficacy of a low-threshold dental check-up intervention to motivate older adults to contact a dental professional and reactivate them into primary oral care, addressing barriers to oral care such as low health literacy, subjective treatment need, and dental anxiety. Key strategies include enhancing oral health knowledge, identifying existing oral issues, and involving family physicians. The study, set to run from April 2024 to March 2025, aims to inform future evidence-based oral health promotion strategies for community-dwelling older adults.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06341959. Registered on 25 April 2024.

Social determinants of oral health in an indigenous community of Chile: preliminary data of a mixed qualitative and quantitative study

IntroductionCertain aspects of indigenous communities, such as cultural practices and access to care, have been discussed as potential determinants of oral health. However, research on this topic remains limited. Understanding the factors influencing oral health and their perceptions is crucial for developing culturally appropriate interventions. This study aims to evaluate the determinants and self-perception of oral health through a mixed study within a specific indigenous community in the north of Chile. Furthermore, this is the first study to examine oral health in the Quechua and Aymara communities of Chile.MethodsThis exploratory study was conducted in in two phases: a quantitative phase, involving clinical examination and administration of questionnaires; and qualitative phase, consisting of interviews with subset of participants from the quantitative phase. A descriptive statistic of the quantitative data was performed.ResultsWhile no significant differences were found between indigenous and non-indigenous population in this city of Chile, differences were observed between the two main indigenous communities (Aymaras and Quechuas). Historical factors appeared to influence these differences. Belonging to the Aymara community emerges as a significant determinant of oral health, characterized by a greater need for oral rehabilitation, barriers to accessing dental care, lower self-perception of the quality of oral health. Educational level and rurality were identified as factors potentially affecting the oral health status of this community.ConclusionEthnicity can influence in oral health, primarily in relation to rurality and educational level. This study found no significant overall differences in oral health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. However, Quechuas exhibited better oral health than Aymaras. Participants demonstrated good oral health knowledge and a positive attitude towards prevention, despite recalling limited education in their youth. We emphasize the need for implementing strategies for oral health promotion and prevention that consider cultural, linguistic and specific needs of these communities.

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.

Association between body esteem and sugar-sweetened beverage intake among Chinese undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study.

High intake of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to a range of physical, psychological, and emotional issues. Although there were various factors influencing sugar-sweetened beverage intake, the relationship between body esteem and sugar-sweetened beverage intake remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between three dimensions of body esteem (body esteem-appearance, body esteem-attribution, and body esteem-weight) and the likelihood of high sugar-sweetened beverage intake. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between the three dimensions of body esteem and the risk of high sugar-sweetened beverage intake. Additionally, restricted cubic splines and subgroup analyses were implemented to further explore the associations. A total of 969 participants were included in the study, with 771 females (79.6%). The mean age of the participants was 20.07 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.65). After adjusting for covariates, body esteem-appearance was found to be negatively associated with high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (OR = 0.962, 95% CI = 0.935-0.989, p = 0.007), while body esteem-attribution was positively associated with high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (OR = 1.091, 95% CI = 1.046-1.139, p < 0.001). However, no significant association was found between body esteem-weight and high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (p = 0.781). Restricted cubic spline plots showed no non-linear associations between any dimensions of body esteem and the risk of high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (p-nonlinear was 0.912, 0.225, 0.109, respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant interactions. These findings underscored the significance of targeted health promotion strategies and provided references for educational institutions or governmental bodies to steer undergraduate beverage consumption toward healthier patterns.

Applying intervention mapping to develop a program for promoting short physical activity breaks during class time in upper secondary schools: the MOVE12 protocol study.

Physical inactivity is a global health challenge, exacerbated by increased screen time and sedentary behaviors. Enhancing physical activity levels at schools offers a promising approach to promote lifelong healthy habits. This protocol paper outlines the MOVE12 pilot study, a 12-week intervention study designed to increase physical activity among Norwegian upper secondary school students through 6-7-min daily MOVE-breaks integrated into lessons. Developed using the six-phase Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, grounded in the social-ecological model and self-determination theory, the intervention focuses on fostering motivation and creating a supportive environment. Key steps include needs assessment, performance objectives, theoretical methods, and program structuring for sustainability. Linear mixed models, t-tests, and regression analyses will evaluate quantitative outcomes, while qualitative focus groups will explore engagement and behavior change. MOVE12 provides insights into scalable school-based interventions addressing physical inactivity, highlighting the potential of the IM framework to establish sustainable health promotion strategies.

Smoking Status in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Analysis in Northern Greece.

Background and Objectives: Smoking has adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health and its incidence varies among different countries. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy and to identify factors associated with smoking. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, during an 11-year period (2013-2023). All women receiving antenatal care in our unit were eligible to participate when they attended the prenatal unit for the first trimester nuchal translucency scan (11+0-13+6 weeks). Results: Of the 12,074 pregnant women included in the study, 5005 (41.5%) reported themselves as smokers before pregnancy; the smoking cessation rate due to pregnancy was 70.2% (3516/5005) and the prevalence of smoking in pregnancy was 12.3% (1489/12,074). Multiparity was associated with less odds of smoking before pregnancy (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73-0.85), whereas advanced maternal age (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.27) and obesity (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.29-1.6) were associated with higher odds of smoking before pregnancy. Smoking prevalence in pregnancy was lower in women that conceived via assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38-0.70) and higher in cases of multiparity (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.008-1.26) and maternal obesity (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.20-2.00). Conception via ARTs was associated with higher odds of smoking cessation (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.38-2.69), whereas multiparous (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.62-0.8) and obese women (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61-0.85) were less likely to quit smoking. Conclusions: Pregnancy is a strong motivator for women to quit smoking, especially in primiparous women and those undergoing ARTs. Our findings highlight the need for more consistent smoking prevention and health promotion strategies in Greece as a very high proportion of women smoke before pregnancy and a substantial proportion continue in pregnancy.

Assessing the Risks and Cultural Relativity of Diabetes in Black Individuals of African Caribbean Ancestry (ACB) Aged 18-39 Years in Toronto.

Context: Diabetes rates are high in Black and some other ethnic communities, often leading to more severe complications. We conducted a study to identify the prevalence and risk of diabetes among African Caribbean Black (ACB) individuals aged 18-39 and to assess the sensitivity of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to diagnose diabetes. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, maximum variation sampling was used to recruit 272 ACB participants from fourteen African and five Caribbean countries from Toronto. Participants' height, weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, OGTT, demographic, and behavioural data were collected. SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data. This study used descriptive statistics for frequency distribution and cross-tabulation while inferential statistics (regression, ANOVA, factor analysis, etc.) were used for relational analysis. Because of the small sample size, qualitative data were analyzed manually using the charting technique. Results: This study found that 1.5% of participants had diabetes, 9.2% had prediabetes, and 44.9% were at risk of developing diabetes. The mean value of HbA1c, FBS, and 2hPG was 5.5%, 4.8 mmol/L, and 5.7 mmol/L, respectively. The mean BMI was 28.2 kg/m2, and the waist circumference was 85.8 cm. This study found a correlation between glucose intolerance and increasing body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Dietary habits, physical inactivity, and mental health challenges were risk factors among the participants. HbA1c was found to be a more sensitive and culturally acceptable screening measure than OGTT in diagnosing diabetes. Conclusions: ACB individuals are at high risk of having diabetes, requiring culturally tailored peer-based health promotion strategies to reduce diabetes prevalence and risk. HbA1c is a culturally acceptable and statistically more capable measure than OGTT in identifying individuals with prediabetes. Further longitudinal research is needed.

Health literacy status and associated factors among residents in Anhui Province, China: a cross-sectional study.

Health literacy (HL) is a critical determinant of health outcomes. Improving HL stands as one of the most essential, cost-effective, and efficacious strategies for enhancing the overall health of the population. This study aims to analyze the status of HL among urban and rural residents in Anhui Province, explore the associated factors, and provide a scientific basis for the formulation of targeted health education and promotion strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 16,080 non-collective residents in Anhui Province from July to September 2022. Participants were selected using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. HL was measured using the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adequate HL. Overall, 29.60% of residents in Anhui Province had adequate HL. The proportion of adequate HL in the different cities ranged from 22.42 to 38.73%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the proportion of individuals with adequate HL was higher for males than for females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.200; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.086-1.326); married was higher than unmarried (aOR = 1.195, 95% CI: 1.021-1.398). Compared with illiterate/less literate, the aOR values for primary school, junior high school, senior high school, and college or above were 1.690 (1.326-2.155), 3.467 (2.760-4.356), 7.033 (5.516-8.968), and 17.895 (13.948-22.959), respectively; compared with the age group of 65-69 years, the aOR values for the age groups 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years were 2.384 (1.774-3.202), 2.598 (2.049-3.294), 2.862 (2.267-3.615), 2.135 (1.697-2.685), and 1.468 (1.157-1.863), respectively; compared with farmers, the aOR values were 1.244 (95% CI, 1.081-1.432) for technical/professional, 1.121 (95% CI, 1.003-1.254) for commercial/service, and 1.329 (95% CI, 1.163-1.518) for other occupations. Residents of Anhui Province exhibit relatively low levels of HL, with notable disparities observed among different education levels, age groups, genders, and marital statuses. It is essential for health policymakers and public health practitioners to develop targeted health education and promotion strategies tailored to distinct subpopulations of residents.

Data Platform for Animal Mortality Information System (DATASIMA): Monitoring Companion Animal's Euthanasia Causes in City of João Pessoa, Brazil.

The literature regarding causes of animal mortality varies greatly in how it evaluates and describes reasons for euthanasia, showing a clear need for tools to identify, standardize, and map diseases. This study describes the application of the Animal Mortality Information System Database (DATASIMA) to monitoring and georeferencing animal mortality. An observational study was conducted on the dogs and cats euthanized at the Municipal Center for Environmental and Zoonotic Surveillance in João Pessoa, Paraíba. The deaths were reported through DATASIMA, an online platform created and developed in Brazil, which is aimed at observing animal mortality through the Animal Death Declaration between April and September 2022. A total of 403 euthanized animals were recorded, including 204 dogs and 199 cats. The most common diseases leading to euthanasia were as follows: (i) Sporotrichosis (171 cats); (ii) Leishmaniasis (75 dogs); (iii) Distemper (35 dogs); (iv) Trauma from vehicle collisions (ten dogs and nine cats). The DATASIMA platform proved to be an effective system for keeping records and reporting causes of animal mortality. Through georeferencing, it was possible to map areas with higher frequencies of zoonotic outbreaks in the municipality studied, thus providing useful data to implement health promotion strategies.

Investigation of the relationship between mental health and physical activity among university students.

Physical activity refers to all bodily movement performed by an individual from morning to night. Physical activity benefits not only physical health but also mental health. Physical activity benefits university students in many ways. This study aimed to determine the effects of physical activity on university students' mental health. A cross-sectional study design was conducted with two hundred sixty-five university students. Physical activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and mental health among university students was determined using the mental health inventory. Data was collected by online mode. For statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used, while analysis of variance was used to determine the difference between participants as per their physical activity levels classification. Statistically significant was observed at 0.05 level. The results showed that a statistically positive significant relationship existed between physical activity and mental health (r = 0.343, p = <0.001) and its parameters: anxiety (r = 0.542, p = <0.001), depression (r = 0.691, p = <0.001), positive effects (r = 0.476, p = <0.001), behavioral control (r = 0.174, p = 0.004). While comparing the difference between participants as par physical activity level classification, significant differences existed for anxiety (F = 2.96, p = 0.052), depression (F = 4.23, p = 0.041), positive effects (F = 3.22, p = 0.048), behavioral control (F = 3.14, p = 0.058), and mental health (F = 4.65, p = 0.044). The findings suggest that interventions promoting physical activity can serve as effective strategies for mental health promotion in academic settings. Universities should consider integrating structured physical activity programs into their curricula and campus life to leverage these mental health benefits.

An Affective-Sexual Education Program for People With Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis of Its Effectiveness in the Spanish Context.

Affective-sexual education is essential for all people, regardless of their intellectual capacity. However, people with intellectual disabilities, and especially those with conceptual, social, and practical limitations, may face additional challenges. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the Saludiversex-M affective-sexual education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities using a controlled trial design. A total of 99 Spanish participants with moderate intellectual disabilities completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Overall, 30 support staff professionals hetero-evaluated participants before and after the program. Multilevel analyses showed that knowledge about sexuality significantly increased among those who received the intervention compared to those who did not. Support staff observed an increase in knowledge about sexuality and reported decreased concern about uninhibited behaviors among those who participated in the program. The Saludiversex-M program is effective in improving knowledge about sexuality, which is essential for promoting behavioral change. The program is a pioneering and effective educational strategy for sexual health promotion for people with moderate intellectual disabilities and empowers support staff working with these populations.

Critical Insights Into Public Health Interventions: Partnership, Cultural and Racial Tensions, and Vaccine Hesitancy Within Somali Communities in the Upper Midwest, USA, and Western Norway.

As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is crucial for reducing transmission and severity, but vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge. The study explored community actions and initiatives addressing vaccine hesitancy among Somali immigrant communities in cities in the Upper Midwest, USA, and Western Norway, focusing on trust factors and comparing members of the Somali diaspora in two distinct social and cultural contexts. Qualitative collective case studies were conducted, involving 14 semi-structured interviews with key informants from the Upper Midwest and Western Norway knowledgeable about initiatives designed to address SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy. Data were coded in NVivo 12 and analyzed thematically, guided by the Bergen Model of Collaborative Functioning and the Socioecological Model to identify basic and organizational themes. The findings illustrate critical sociopolitical influences on vaccine hesitancy, like racial tensions following George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis and mistrust toward the government in Norway. Effective strategies in the Upper Midwest included maintaining long-term community relationships and culturally tailored outreach and communication to reduce hesitancy. Conversely, Western Norway's less community-centric approach, focusing on translation services without deeper engagement, faced challenges in trust-building. The study highlights the essential role of culturally affirming and community-centric approaches in addressing health challenges in immigrant communities. Trust, fostered through community involvement and understanding sociopolitical contexts, is pivotal in addressing vaccine hesitancy. This research offers insights into designing and implementing effective health promotion strategies tailored to immigrant populations' unique needs. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating socioecological perspectives and community-specific interventions in health promotion practice and policy.

Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and their associated factors among pregnant women in Debre Markos, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy is a crucial health promotion strategy that could reduce pregnancy-related complications that may harm women and their fetuses. However, very few studies have assessed the prevalence of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the extent and associated factors of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among pregnant women in public health institutions in Debre Markos, northwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 pregnant women who were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique from 19 April to 19 May 2021. A face-to-face interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable. adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the strength of the associations at a p-value <0.05. The average mean score for health-promoting lifestyle behaviors was 2.68 (±0.38). Factors such as rural residency (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10-0.82), family size (≥5) (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.08-0.79), being the decision-maker for economic expenses (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14-0.84), and average monthly income (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.04-0.59) were found to be significantly associated with health-promoting lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy. Approximately two-thirds of participants demonstrated better (healthier) health-promoting lifestyle behaviors during their pregnancy. To reduce unhealthy lifestyle-related maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, it is important to encourage health-promoting activities through health education and antenatal care follow-up with an emphasis on women who reside in rural areas, and who have a high family size, low income level, and have husbands who are the primary decision-makers for their economic expenses.

Evidence-Based Care Practices for Children Exposed to a Diabetes-Complicated Pregnancy

This study investigated the frequency with which nurse practitioners (NPs) incorporate evidence-based primary care practices for children exposed to diabetes-complicated pregnancies (DCPs). Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 21 NPs participated in a web-based survey. Findings indicate considerable variability in NP care practices, suggesting that primary care NPs inconsistently implement evidence-based health promotion and care management strategies with these children. Continuing education tailored to the specific care needs of children exposed to hyperglycemia in utero could bridge current practice gaps. Further research is needed to explore this issue in a larger, more geographically diverse sample to enhance care consistency.

The Wako Cohort Study: Design and Profile of Participants at Baseline

We launched the Wako Cohort Study in 2023 to identify individual and socio-environmental factors related to the extension of healthy life expectancy and the reduction of health disparities among community-dwelling adults and to develop health promotion and care prevention strategies. This study profile aims to describe the study design and participants' profile at baseline. The Wako Cohort Study is a prospective study of community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years living in Wako City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The Wako Cohort Study consists of two surveys: a mail-in survey for persons aged ≥ 40 years and a face-to-face assessment (on-site survey) for those aged ≥ 65 years. The survey items were designed considering the following points: 1) life course perspective (transition from middle to old age in the life course), 2) health indifference, and 3) employment in older age. A total of 8,824 individuals participated in the mail-in survey (2,395 persons aged 40-64 years and 6,429 aged ≥ 65 years). Of those aged ≥ 65 years who returned the mail survey, 1,004 participated in the subsequent on-site survey. Men aged ≥ 65 years tended to have higher health interests than those aged 40-64 years; however, this was not true for women. In the mail-in survey, 30.4 % of those aged ≥ 65 years were employed. The Wako Cohort Study is expected to provide new insights into the development of strategies to extend healthy life expectancy and reduce health disparities in Japan.

Implementation of Health Promotion Strategies for Compliance with Consuming Blood Supplement Tablets in the Prevention of Anaemia in Adolescent Girls at Sman 3 Bone, Bone Regency

Implementation of Health Promotion Strategies for Compliance with Consuming Blood Supplement Tablets in the Prevention of Anaemia in Adolescent Girls at Sman 3 Bone, Bone Regency

Prevention and health promotion strategies for homeless people

Homelessness is a growing social phenomenon in Europe and Switzerland. It is recognized that the homeless population has a poorer health status than the general population due to various barriers to accessing the healthcare system, including preventive health interventions. To meet these challenges, it is imperative to develop innovative and multisectoral approaches, focusing on health promotion, improving access to care, and coordinating efforts between the various actors in the social and healthcare sectors. Such an approach is being developed in Geneva, where a pilot project has been launched to address the specific health needs of homeless people. This project is based on a close collaboration between different health and social service providers, aiming at creating a care and support network that is accessible and adapted to this population.