Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Research Articles

Sudden cardiac death among workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveSudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare and yet unexplained condition. The most frequent cause is myocardial infarction, while a small proportion is due to arrhythmogenic syndromes (e.g., channelopathies). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and risk factors associated with SCD in workers.Material and methodsA search for eligible studies was performed utilizing three databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus). The inclusion criteria were fulfilled if sudden cardiac death due to channelopathy in workers was mentioned.ResultsOut of the 1408 articles found across three databases, 6 articles were included in the systematic review but the meta-analysis was conducted on 3 studies The total sample included was 23,450 participants. The pooled prevalence of channelopathies in employees was 0.3% (95% CI 0.07–0.43%), of sudden cardiac death in employees was 2.8% (95% CI 0.37–5.20%), and of sudden cardiac death in employees with a diagnosis of cardiac channelopathies was 0.2% (95% CI 0.02– 0.30%).ConclusionsSCD is a serious and potentially preventable condition that can occur among workers. By identifying and addressing work-related risk factors, providing appropriate screening and interventions, and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, we can work to reduce the incidence of SCD and improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of workers.

Age and healthy lifestyle behavior’s disparities and similarities on knowledge of myocardial infarction symptoms and risk factors among public and outpatients in a resource-limited setting, cross-sectional study in greater Gaborone, Botswana

Objectives In this cross-sectional study from Botswana, we investigated knowledge of myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms and risk factors among the general public and outpatients with MI risk factors based on age and lifestyle behaviors, in addition to assessing associations with sociodemographic and MI risk factors.Method Open-ended questionnaires about 8 MI symptoms and 10 risk factors, were administered by research assistants to a representative selection of outpatients (n = 525) and the public (n = 2248). Weight and height were measured in all participants and BMI was calculated. Knowledge scores were compared between the two groups. We examined whether sociodemographic and MI risk factors had impact on the scores. Analyses were further adjusted for lifestyle behavior (smoking status, dietary status and physical activities).ResultsThe valid response rate was 97.9% comprising 97.8% for the public (n = 2199) and 98.1% for outpatients (n = 515). Public respondents (35.2 ± 12.3 years) were younger than outpatients (38.5 ± 12.6 years). The public comprised 56.9% females while outpatients 54.6%.In general, outpatients had higher knowledge of MI symptoms than the public, with mean scores ± SD of 3.49 ± 2.84 vs 2.80 ± 2.54. Outpatients also had higher knowledge score of MI risk factors than the public, with mean scores, 5.33 ± 3.22 vs 3.82 ± 3.07. For MI symptoms, outpatients were more aware than the public for chest pains among all ages, for arm pain/ numbness, neck/ jaw pain radiating to/ from chest, and feeling sick or looking pallor on the skin among those aged 35–49 years.Among both the public and outpatients, lower knowledge of both MI symptoms and risk factors was associated with primary education, not residing/working together, history of hypertension, no history of heart disease/stroke, and obesity. There were similarities and disparities on MI knowledge among respondents with various numbers of healthy lifestyle behaviours.ConclusionResults call for urgent educational campaigns on awareness and knowledge of MI and using strategies based on age and lifestyle behavior.

Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role

BackgroundThe human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs.MethodsThirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Self-Rated Health (SRH), FANTASTICO Lifestyle Scale, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and SRH.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between the dog owners’ light-level PA and the pets’ vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.445, p = 0.01). Furthermore, the importance of the pets’ health (rho = -0.785, p = 0.02) and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity (rho = 0.358, p = 0.03), and attachment (rho = 0.392, p = 0.01), were related to taking the pet for a walk. Regarding lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle had a better self-assessment of their health using the SRH (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles also exhibited greater concern for their pet’s health (rho = 0.398, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThis study emphasizes that individuals who adopt healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets’ health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and engagement in PA. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of PA in DO, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.

Contribution of environmental determinants to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a life-course perspective: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundPrevention policies against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) focus solely on individual healthy lifestyle behaviours, while an increasing body of research recognises the involvement of environmental determinants (ED) (cultural norms of land management and planning, local foodscape, built environment, pollution, and neighbourhood deprivation). Precise knowledge of this relationship is essential to proposing a prevention strategy integrating public health and spatial planning. Unfortunately, issues related to the consistency and synthesis of methods, and results in this field of research limit the development of preventive strategies. This systematic review aims to improve knowledge about the relationship between the risk of developing T2DM in adulthood and long-term exposure to its ED during childhood or teenage years.MethodsThis protocol is presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) tools. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, EBSCO, and grey literature from the Laval University Libraries databases will be used for data collection on main concepts such as ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’, ‘zoning’ or ‘regional, urban, or rural areas land uses’, ‘local food landscape’, ‘built environment’, ‘pollution’, and ‘deprivation’. The Covidence application will store the collected data for selection and extraction based on the Population Exposure Comparator Outcome and Study design approach (PECOS). Studies published until December 31, 2023, in English or French, used quantitative data about individuals aged 18 and over that report on T2DM, ED (cultural norms of land management and planning, local foodscape, built environment, and neighbourhood deprivation), and their association (involving only risk estimators) will be included. Then, study quality and risk of bias will be conducted according to the combined criteria and ratings from the ROBINS-E (Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies—of Exposures) tools and the ‘Effective Public Health Practice Project’ (EPHPP). Finally, the analytical synthesis will be produced using the ‘Synthesis Without Meta-analysis’ (SWiM) guidelines.DiscussionThis systematic review will summarise available evidence on ED associated with T2DM. The results will contribute to improving current knowledge and developing more efficient cross-sectoral interventions in land management and public health in this field of research.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023392073.

Prevalence of 24-hour movement behavior guidelines among youth with prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety

BackgroundThis study examined the prevalence of meeting 24-h movement behavior (24-HMB: physical activity [PA], screen time [ST], and sleep duration [SL]) guidelines in U.S. children and adolescents (youth) with prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety, followed by an investigation on its associated prevalence across specific demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity, highest level of education of household members). MethodsYouth (N = 1729) who were prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and had anxiety were included in this cross-sectional study. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the odds ratio of meeting 24-HMB guidelines when considering specific sociodemographic factors. ResultsMost participants met some proportion of 24-HMB guidelines, with 407 participants (23.54%) meeting two guidelines (PA + ST, PA + SL, and ST + SL), while 103 participants (5.96%) met three guidelines (PA + ST + SL). Furthermore, youth with prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of meeting the combined guidelines (PA + SL, ST + SL, and PA + ST + SL) in relative to the age-matched group without prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety (ps < 0.001). ConclusionsOnly a small percentage of the U.S. youth with prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety met the combined components of 24-HMB guidelines (especially compared with participants without prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and anxiety). Thus, there is a strong need for public health initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in this vulnerable population including higher levels of regular physical activity, lower time spent sedentary and appropriate sleep duration.

Neighborhood-level social determinants of health and cardioprotective behaviors among church members in New Orleans, Louisiana

BackgroundFavorable neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk. Less is known about their influence on cardioprotective behaviors. We evaluated the associations between neighborhood-level SDoH and cardioprotective behaviors among church members in Louisiana. MethodsParticipants were surveyed between November 2021 to February 2022, and were asked about health behaviors, aspects of their neighborhood, and home address (to link to census tract and corresponding social deprivation index [SDI] data). Logistic regression models were used to assess the relation of neighborhood factors with the likelihood of engaging in cardioprotective behaviors: 1) a composite of healthy lifestyle behaviors [fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and a tobacco/nicotine-free lifestyle], 2) medication adherence, and 3) receipt of routine medical care within the past year. ResultsParticipants (n = 302, mean age: 63 years, 77% female, 99% Black) were recruited from 12 churches in New Orleans. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, perceived neighborhood walkability or conduciveness to exercise (odds ratio [OR]=1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.53), availability of fruits and vegetables (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.42), and social cohesion (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.97) were positively associated with the composite of healthy lifestyle behaviors. After multivariable adjustment, SDI was in the direction of association with all three cardioprotective behavior outcomes, but associations were not statistically significant. ConclusionsIn this predominantly Black, church-based population, neighborhood-level SDoH including the availability of fruits and vegetables, walkability or conduciveness to exercise, and social cohesion were associated with cardioprotective behaviors. Findings reiterate the need to address adverse neighborhood-level SDoH in the design and implementation of health interventions.

Virtual Wellness Workshop for Medical Students: Effects on Healthy Lifestyle Behavior.

Medical students experience high levels of stress, burnout, depression, suicidal ideation, and compassion fatigue. Mindfulness interventions in this population have demonstrated improvement in psychological outcomes. However, it is unclear if these improvements are maintained. Evaluation of changes in lifestyle behaviors may provide insight into factors that sustain improvements. Specific aims of this study were to (1) assess feasibility and acceptability of an innovative, virtual program involving experiential learning, social support, and motivational interviewing; and (2) evaluate preliminary healthy lifestyle behaviors and psychological outcomes from preprogram to postprogram and 4-week follow-up. We used a mixed-methods approach to investigate feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the virtual program using validated measures and open-ended questions. Participants were 20 first- and second-year medical students at one Midwestern US medical college who participated between October 2020 and December 2020. Participants were enrolled in one of two groups for the 8-week program via Webex. Participants completed surveys at preprogram, postprogram, and 4-week follow-up. They also completed weekly home practice assessments. Nineteen of 20 participants completed the program (95% retention rate). All participants attended six or more sessions. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that participants had significant improvements in healthy lifestyle behaviors, burnout, self-compassion, and stress across time. Results were supported by qualitative themes of increased social support, wellness skills, and overall positive experiences. Findings suggest that the virtual program was feasible and acceptable to medical students, and improved healthy lifestyle behaviors and psychological outcomes that were maintained or increased at 4-week follow-up.

Gender Disparities in Health Biomarkers, Lifestyle Patterns, and Nutritional Status among Bank Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Despite the importance of nutritional status and a healthy lifestyle in shaping overall well-being, little is known about examining gender-specific differences and trends in health, lifestyle, and nutritional status. The present study aimed to evaluate blood levels of micronutrients, homocysteine, and CoQ10, as well as physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behavior, among a cohort of Austrian bank staff, with a particular focus on identifying gender differences as well as gender-specific nutritional deficiencies compared to the reference ranges. Materials and Methods: Following a cross-sectional study design, 123 Austrian bank staff (mean age: 43 years; 51% females) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected to evaluate participants' micronutrient status and serum levels of homocysteine and CoQ10. Whole-blood values of macronutrients were compared to gender-specific reference ranges and categorized into three groups: below, within, or over the range. The WHO's Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA levels and sedentary behaviors. Results: No significant difference between males and females was found for diet types, PA levels, sedentary time, homocysteine levels, or CoQ10 values (p > 0.05). A high PA level was reported by 64% of males and 58% of females. 71% of females and 56% of males were found to have a vitamin D deficiency. 63-98% of females and 72-97% of males showed normal blood levels for the remaining micronutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, B6, B9, and B12. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity of implementing tailored strategies to foster healthy lifestyle behaviors, thereby enhancing the overall state of health, particularly in the context of occupational health.

Comparing the Influences of Spouses or Partners With Other Family Members in the Ability of Young Asian Americans to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

The relationship between family dynamics and health has been extensively studied, but the specific pathways involved are not yet fully understood. The role of intimate partner relationships in promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors remains understudied, particularly in minority populations. This study addressed this gap by examining how frequent spousal and familial interactions affect healthy lifestyle behaviors in young Asian Americans. Survey data from Asian American adults aged 18 to 35, collected in March 2021, is used to compare two groups: one interacting most with an intimate partner and the other interacting most with other non-intimate family members. The results showed that young Asian Americans interact most with their spouses/partners and mothers. Participants who interacted most frequently with their spouses/partners reported a greater influence in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the domains of exercise and sleep. Moreover, those who interacted more with their spouses/partners exhibited a greater sense of connectedness, which impacted spousal and personal influence on healthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that promoting interaction and fostering stronger spousal/partner relationships can positively influence the healthy lifestyle behaviors of young Asian Americans.

The Role of Nursing in Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle medicine is a critically important part of optimizing holistic health across the life course of individuals. For children and adolescents, lifestyle medicine with the focus on developing healthy lifestyle behaviors, is initiated early in life and emphasizes multidisciplinary, multisectoral efforts. Central to these efforts is primordial prevention, with an emphasis on developing and maintaining healthy patterns of lifestyle behaviors. Viewed within a socio-ecological model of health and behavior, contexts including families, schools, and communities interact to influence and impact the health of children and adolescents. Nurses and nursing organizations and societies promote pediatric lifestyle medicine with the aim of promoting optimal health and development for all children.

Salt Intake of Children and Adolescents: Influence of Socio-Environmental Factors and School Education.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the salt consumption by children and adolescents from the Silesian Province (Poland), taking into account the region's dietary traditions and the age of the students+. (2) Methods: 300 students aged 10-18 from different types of schools were enrolled in the study and divided into groups in terms of school, sex, and the state of their nutrition. A survey questionnaire about dietary habits, including the frequency and serving size with respect to 12 salty products, was used. On the basis of the frequency and the amount of consumed products, as well as the data on salt content, the amount of total daily intake of salt was estimated. (3) Results: The mean daily intake of salt by children and adolescents was 1.083 g (0.433 g of sodium); children aged 10-12 consumed the highest amount of salt (1.296 g/day) compared to pupils aged 13-15 (1.131 g of sodium) and adolescents aged 16-18 (0.863 g/day). (4) Conclusions: With age, as a result of various factors, the consumption of salt declines. The parents' impact and the familial socio-environmental factors begin to wane, and other factors start to have influence, e.g., school education of a healthy lifestyle and health behavior of peers.

Factors Influencing Healthy Lifestyle Among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Healthy living is crucial in achieving active and successful aging. As the aging population is growing rapidly, improving healthy lifestyle behaviors is important. This study aimed to explore factors affecting a healthy lifestyle in older Iranian adults. We used content analyses as a study approach. We conducted in-depth individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with open-ended questions between October 2020 and April 2021. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, participants were selected from community dwellings of Iranian older adults and experts from various health system levels. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. Factors affecting a healthy lifestyle were categorized into five themes, including individual factors, cultural and religious factors, social factors, economic factors and policy factors, divided into 17 subthemes. Results highlighted the need for a holistic view of all dimensions of older adults’ lifestyles. Enhancing healthy lifestyles could have a greater impact than addressing multiple risk factors with costly strategies. Thus, health policies should strongly emphasize identified lifestyle factors that are contextually relevant.

Examining a Healthy Lifestyle as a Moderator of the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Cognitive Decline among Older Adults in the NuAge Study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine whether a healthy lifestyle composite score of social engagement, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet adherence moderates the association between psychological distress and global cognitive decline among cognitively healthy older adults (67+ years of age at baseline). Methods: A total of 1,272 cognitively intact older adults (M_age = 74.1 ± 4.1 years, 51.9% female) in the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge) completed a series of self-reported questionnaires to measure psychological distress and lifestyle behaviors, and the Modified Mini-Mental Examination (3MS) to assess cognitive performance at baseline and annually over 3 years. Results: Controlling for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, greater psychological distress was associated with steeper cognitive decline over time among males (B = −0.07, 95% CI: [−0.12, −0.02]), but not females (B = 0.008, 95% CI: [0.03, 0.04]). Although a healthy lifestyle composite score did not statistically significantly moderate the distress-cognition relationship (B = −0.005, 95% CI: [−0.02, 0.01]), there was an association between higher psychological distress and greater cognitive decline at low levels of social engagement (B = −0.05, 95% CI: [−0.09, −0.006]), but not at high levels of social engagement (B = 0.02, 95% CI: [−0.03, 0.07]). Conclusion: This study suggests that the potentially harmful impact of stress on cognitive function may be malleable through specific healthy lifestyle behaviors and emphasizes the importance of taking a sex-based approach to cognitive aging research.

Theory-based obesity intervention program for women: A randomized controlled study.

To determine the effect of the education and counseling intervention given to overweight and obese women according to the theory of planned behavior on their health behaviors. The study consisted of 78 overweight and obese women in total, between the ages of 18-49. While the women in the intervention group were given a 6-month training program and 6-month counseling service structured according to the theory of planned behavior, the women in the control group were given standard obesity training and were put on hold for 6 months. There was a decrease in the post-test anthropometric measurement values of the intervention group compared to the pretest. While there was no statistically significant change in the activity status of the control group over time, the inactivity rate of the intervention group decreased; however, the minimal activity rate increased over time. The post-test healthy life style behaviors scale II health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management and total scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were significant. It has been determined that the education and counseling services applied to overweight and obese women based on the theory of planned behavior are effective in gaining positive health behaviors.

Effects of Two Group Prenatal Care Interventions on Mental Health: An RCT

Perinatal depression and anxiety cost the U.S. health system $102 million annually and result in adverse health outcomes. Research supports that cognitive behavioral therapy improves these conditions, but barriers to obtaining cognitive behavioral therapy have prevented its success in pregnant individuals. In this study, the impact of a cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention on anxiety, depression, stress, healthy lifestyle beliefs, and behaviors in pregnant people was examined. This study used a 2-arm RCT design, embedded in group prenatal care, with one arm receiving a cognitive behavioral therapy-based Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment program and the other receiving health promotion content. Black and Hispanic participants (n=299) receiving prenatal care from 2018 to 2022 in New York and Ohio who screened high on 1 of 3 mental health measures were eligible to participate. Participants were randomized into the manualized Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment cognitive behavioral therapy-based program, with cognitive behavioral skill-building activities delivered by advanced practice nurses in the obstetrical setting. Outcomes included anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms using valid and reliable tools (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale). The Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs and Behaviors Scales examined beliefs about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reported healthy behaviors. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in anxiety, depression, stress, healthy beliefs, and behaviors. There were significant improvements in all measures over time. There were statistically significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and stress from baseline to intervention end, whereas healthy beliefs and behaviors significantly increased. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and health promotion content embedded in group prenatal care with advanced practice nurse delivery improved mental health and healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors at a time when perinatal mood generally worsens. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT03416010.

Lifestyle Behaviors of Bronx Middle-School Students Enrolled in an Afterschool Program: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Shutdown

Background: A minority of American youth meet CDC lifestyle behavior recommendations. Children in the Bronx face barriers to healthy behaviors amplified by COVID-19. This research evaluated baseline behavior among distinct cohorts attending afterschool programming before and after the COVID-19 shutdown. Methods: Three Bronx public schools collected demographic and behavior data at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. This was compared to baseline data from students during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years at 1 school. Results: During the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, 76 students completed lifestyle behaviors questionnaires. During the 2021-2022 school year 89 students completed questionnaires. Participants surveyed after the COVID-19 shutdown drank more sweetened beverages (Median (IQR) = 3 (2-5) cups/day vs 2 (1-4) cups/day, P = .029) than those surveyed before the pandemic. Changes to the distribution of sleep (8 (7.5-9) hours/day vs 8 (6-9) hours/day, P = .005) and fast food consumption (1 (0 to 2-3) times/week vs 1 (1 to 2-3) times/week), P = .004) without changes in medians were also observed. PA hours completed weekly trended toward significant decline (4 (2-5) hours/week vs 3 (2-5) hours/week, P = .09). Conclusions: Changes in behaviors including sleep, physical activity, and sweetened beverage and fast food consumption observed after the COVID-19 shutdown highlight the importance of robust programming to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in youth.

Digital health interventions to promote healthy lifestyle in hemodialysis patients: an interventional pilot study

Low physical activity has been associated with poor prognosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Interventions to maintain healthy lifestyle in this population are important to reduce mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital health interventions (DHIs) for improving the physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in HD patients. The 24-week prospective study enrolled 31 clinically stable HD patients. All participants were assigned home exercises and provided with wearable devices. Dietary and exercise information was uploaded to a health management platform. Suggestions about diet and exercise were provided, and a social media group was created. Physical performance testing was performed at baseline and during weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24. HRQoL and nutritional status were evaluated. A total of 25 participants completed the study. After the interventions, the daily step count increased 1658 steps. The 10-time-repeated sit-to-stand test reduced by 4.4 s, the sit-to-stand transfers in 60 s increased 12 repetitions, the distance of six-minute walk test (6MWT) increased by 55.4 m. The mental health components and burden of kidney disease of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life survey, and subjective global assessment (SGA) scores improved. By Spearman correlation, the monthly step count correlated positively with 6MWT and SGA. DHIs that combined wearable devices, a health management platform, and social media could strengthen physical activity and improve the HRQoL and nutrition of maintenance HD patients. The results outline a new model to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in HD patients.

The acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a mHealth service promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: A mixed method feasibility study.

Mobile health (mHealth) services suffer from high attrition rates yet represent a viable strategy for adults to improve their health. There is a need to develop evidence-based mHealth services and to constantly evaluate their feasibility. This study explored the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a co-developed mHealth service, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. The service LongLife Active® (LLA) is a mobile app with coaching. Adults were recruited from the general population. Quantitative results and qualitative findings guided the reasoning for the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of LLA. Data from: questionnaires, log data, eight semi-structured interviews with users, feedback comments from users and two focus groups with product developers and coaches were collected. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. A mixed method approach was used to interpret the findings. The final sample was 55 users (82% female), who signed up to use the service for 12 weeks. Engagement data was available for 43 (78%). The action plan was the most popular function engaged with by users. The mean scores for acceptability and usability were 3.3/5.0 and 50/100, respectively, rated by 15 users. Users expressed that the service's health focus was unique, and the service gave them a 'kickstart' in their behaviour change. Many ways to optimise the service were identified, including to increase personalisation, promote motivation and improve usability. By incorporating suggestions for optimisation, this service has the potential to support peoples' healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Prevalence of Prehypertension, Hypertension, and its Determinants Among Young Adults in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Emerging epidemiological data suggest that Hypertension (HTN) has become a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. HTN in young adults is a problem lacking relevant attention because it is still erroneously considered a disease of the old. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in undergraduate medical students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and April 2021. This study recruited 279 consenting medical students (136 males and 143 females) aged 18-35 years. They were administered with a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic information and risk factors for hypertension were collected. Blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, and body mass index were measured using standard methods. All data collected were carried out following the Institutional ethical guidelines and that of the Helsinki as revised in 2000. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25, and statistical tools employed include descriptive statistics and Chi tests. Results were recorded as mean standard deviation, and statistical significance was taken at p<0.05. This present study has shown a prevalence rate of 19.93% for hypertension. Isolated diastolic hypertension constituted a greater burden with a prevalence of 13.65% than systolic Hypertension (0.74%) and systolic-diastolic Hypertension 5.4%. The prevalence of prehypertension was 48.7%, with a higher incidence observed in females (25.8%), individuals aged 21-25 years (26.4), and those with normal BMI (35.1%). A significant association was observed between the stage of hypertension and gender (p = 0.005), and age category (p = 0.037). Of the examined cohort, 7.75% were underweight, 16.5% overweight, and 2.2% obese. Notably, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, weight, as well as waist circumference showed significant (p = 0.01, p = 0.007, p =0.01 and p<0.0001 respectively) increases concomitant with advancing age. There is an increased prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among young adults. This calls for a comprehensive national screening, public enlightenment, and targeted prevention programs that foster healthy lifestyle behaviours, physical activity, and healthy eating among students.

Implementation and evaluation of Exercise is Medicine in primary care clinics within a large academic health system

ObjectiveExercise is Medicine (EIM) is a global initiative encouraging healthcare providers to routinely assess and promote physical activity (PA) among patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the...