Healthy Lifestyle Habits Research Articles

Associations between GoSmart Channel, health literacyand health behaviours in adolescents: A population-based study.

Health literacy is essential in the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits and chronic disease prevention. To assess the health literacy level among Hong Kong adolescents; to evaluate the association between access of an online health information platform (GoSmart Channel) and health literacy level; and to examine the association between health literacy level and various unhealthy behaviours. This study recruited students from 10 local secondary schools in Hong Kong to assess the health literacy level among adolescents. Participants were required to complete a self-administered questionnaire on health behaviours and health literacy using the Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents (HELMA). MAIN OUTCOMEMEASURE: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression modelling. A total of 777 responses were collected. Overall, most (74.4%) of the adolescents in Hong Kong have limited health literacy (HELMA score <66). The majority (63.7%) of adolescents relied on their parents for health information, while 11.4% of the respondents sought information from the GoSmart Channel. The intervention of GoSmart Channel was significantly associated with better health literacy in almost all aspects among adolescents. Desired levels of health literacy were significantly associated with better perceived health (adjusted odds ratio: 2.04, p = .001)and negatively associated with a range of unhealthy and risky behaviours including unhealthy dietary habits, poor hygienic measuresand physical inactivity. This study highlights the importance of improving health literacy among Hong Kong adolescents and the potential of technology-based interventions. The findings suggest the need for continued efforts to promote health literacy and healthy behaviours among adolescents, especially given the limited health literacy levels observed in the study. Members of the GoSmart.Net Built-on Project patient and public involvement and engagement group advised about survey development.

A Novel Digital Educational Strategy Improves Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma, the second most common hematologic malignancy worldwide, is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although myeloma remains incurable, new treatments have improved patients' life expectancy and quality of life. However, as these therapies are administered for prolonged and often indefinite periods, their success depends on high treatment adherence and significant patient engagement. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel digital educational strategy on treatment adherence, quality of life, and the development of complications in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. To this end, a two-arm, randomized, prospective, double-blind study was conducted to compare the conventional educational approach alone or combined with the novel digital strategy. This strategy was based on some principles of the Persuasive Systems Design model and incorporated the educational recommendations of patients and caregivers. Compared to the control group that only received information through the conventional educational approach, patients randomized to the digital strategy showed significantly higher treatment adherence and quality of life, associated with increased functionality and rapid reincorporation into daily routines. The digital strategy empowered patients and caregivers to understand the disease and therapeutic options and helped patients recall treatment information and implement healthy lifestyle habits. These results support that patient-targeted educational strategies can positively influence treatment adherence and thus improve their quality of life.

Income inequality and COVID-19 in the USA

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the effects of inequality in income distribution, gender, race and education on incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 in the USA. For this purpose, a cross-sectional model was estimated for a sample of 2805 US counties. The results obtained allow us to conclude that inequality in all its aspects posed a risk factor for incidence rate and, particularly, for mortality from COVID-19. Other results obtained show that access to healthcare, education attained, ease of adaptation to teleworking, vaccination and healthy lifestyle habits were key factors affecting incidence and mortality.

Knowledge and Practice of Healthy Lifestyle and Dietary Habits In Medical Students: A Study From Oman

Knowledge and Practice of Healthy Lifestyle and Dietary Habits In Medical Students: A Study From Oman

Adölesanlarda Beslenme, Egzersiz Davranışları ile İnternet Bağımlılığı Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between adolescents' nutritionexercise behaviors and internet addiction, as well as identify the factors affecting their eating-exercise behaviors and internet addiction. &#x0D; Material and Method: This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was performed in Fethiye. The sample of the study consisted of 421 students attending 11 secondary schools. Data were collected using a descriptive data form, the Internet Addiction Scale and the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale. The data were collected by the researcher after obtaining ethical committee and institutional permissions. &#x0D; Results: The students' psychological/addictive eating behavior subscale mean score was 38.9±8.8, their healthy eating/exercise subscale mean score was 47.6±9.4, the unhealthy eating/exercise behavior subscale mean score was 49.0±7.0, and the meal pattern subscale mean score was 23.4±4.5. The internet addiction scale mean score was 19.6±7.5. The regression analysis showed that variables pertaining to the students’ psychological/ addictive eating behavior, meal patterns, unhealthy nutrition/exercise behavior, their use of the internet for social media and other purposes, their class, and their consciousness of eating during the COVID-19 pandemic explained 35.8% of internet addiction, meaning that the model was statistically significant. An inverse correlation was found between the variables of psychological/addictive eating, meal patterns, unhealthy nutrition/exercise and being conscious of what one was eating during the COVID-19 pandemic, while a positive correlation was found between the variables of using the internet for social media and class. &#x0D; Conclusion: Pediatric nurses play an important role in supporting the healthy development of adolescents by creating programs to instill healthy lifestyle habits

SAT349 Participant Experiences of a Web-based Lifestyle Intervention for Postpartum Women With Recent Preeclampsia

Abstract Disclosure: C.E. Horn: None. J.M. Dias: None. G. Skurnik: None. A. Roche: None. J.J. Stuart: None. E. Tsigas: None. J.W. Rich-Edwards: None. E.W. Seely: None. Title Participant Experiences of a Web-based Lifestyle Intervention for Postpartum Women with Recent Preeclampsia. Introduction Patients with a history of preeclampsia have increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) postpartum compared to their normotensive counterparts. The postpartum period following a preeclamptic pregnancy is a unique window of opportunity to implement lifestyle changes targeted at reducing future maternal CVD. Mobile, web-based health interventions can be leveraged to overcome many challenges of the postpartum period in this high-risk population. Here, we describe key findings of qualitative interviews conducted to gather feedback regarding a web-based lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in women with recent preeclampsia. Study Design A qualitative study was conducted with 21 women from the Heart Health for Moms (HH4M) study, a prospective, 9-month randomized controlled trial conducted nationwide to test the effectiveness of an online intervention to improve lifestyle for 151 women with recent preeclampsia (Clinical Trail Registration #NCT02147626). Within two months of completing HH4M, women were invited to participate in structured, phone-based interviews regarding their experiences in the study. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached (n=21). Two investigators independently analyzed and coded interview transcripts for repeated concepts and themes. Results Four prominent themes emerged including: 1) the motivation for participating in research; 2) inadequate continuity of care postpartum and physician education regarding future risks; 3) importance of social support; and 4) the motivation provided by accountability. Overall, women chose to participate in the study to learn about preeclampsia risk and help themselves and others affected by preeclampsia. Many women were unaware of the link between preeclampsia and CVD prior to study participation and attributed this to inadequate clinical provider education or counseling as well as gaps in continuity of care from the pregnancy to the postpartum period. Participants reported positive impacts on their social support networks, including increased confidence to build community, the involvement of family and friends in healthy lifestyle behaviors, and a sense of connection to other participants. Women emphasized that interactions with the lifestyle coach made them feel accountable which was an important motivator. Conclusion HH4M provided accountability, motivation, and social support for women with recent preeclampsia to adopt healthy lifestyle habits in the postpartum period. Study participant feedback may inform the creation and dissemination of web or app-based interventions to educate, support, and empower women with recent preeclampsia. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI083 Identifying Determinants Of Change In Physical Activity In Women With Obesity And Infertility Following The Obesity-Fertility Program

Abstract Disclosure: M. Gélinas: None. M. Belan: None. F. Jean-Denis: None. M. Pesant: None. M. Langlois: None. B. Carranza-Mamane: None. J. Baillargeon: Grant Recipient; Self; Ferring Pharmaceuticals. INTRODUCTION: Obesity is common among women of childbearing age and a risk factor for infertility. The Obesity-Fertility (OF) lifestyle program is an intervention that supports healthy lifestyle habits in women with infertility during the preconception period. Such support, that includes practice of physical activity (PA), is recommended for the management of obesity, and could improve fertility in individuals with obesity. However, there is a large variability in individual response in low-intensity lifestyle interventions. It is therefore important to determine whether there is a typical profile of women with obesity and infertility who benefit more from such program. OBJECTIVE: To determine the baseline characteristics associated with a change in sedentary time in hours per week (ST), the intensity level in leisure PA in METs, and the distance in meters walked during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) after 6 months of participation in the OF lifestyle program. The 6MWT is associated to the functional capacity in populations with obesity. METHODS: Data from 85 participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and who had a research visit after 6 ± 1 months of follow-up were analyzed using univariate and multiple linear regressions (intervention, IG = 42; control, CG = 43). Participants in the CG received standard fertility care, while those in the IG received the OF program alone, which combines individual meetings with a kinesiologist and a nutritionist, and group sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 months for outcomes, other lifestyle, anthropometry, weight loss readiness tool, quality of life, and the socio-economical status. RESULTS: After 6 months, women of the IG significantly improved their PA (+0.87 METs, p &amp;lt;0.001), ST (-6.74 hours/week, p &amp;lt;0001), and 6MWT (+23.8 m, p &amp;lt;0.001). The only independent baseline determinants of these changes were a lower baseline level of PA for an increase in PA (p=0.032); a higher baseline ST for a decrease in ST (p=0.002); and a lower baseline distance at the 6MWT for an increase in 6MWT distance (p&amp;lt;0.001). Regarding the CG, the 6-month changes in these outcomes were not significant (PA: +0.21, p=0.34; ST: -0.13, p=0.95; 6MWT: +7.3, p=0.26). The determinants of such changes were the same than in the IG, except for the baseline BMI ≥40 kg/m², which was an additional independent determinant of increase in ST, and baseline 6MWT was not associated with change in 6MWT. CONCLUSION: Less active women with lower functional capacity at baseline appear to benefit more from the OF lifestyle program. Based on the literature, psychosocial factors (motivation, self-efficacy, social support, etc.) were expected to be associated with changes in PA outcomes, but it is likely that our sample did not provide enough power to identify these relationships, or the tools we used were not enough sensitive for assess these characteristics. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

FRI053 Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Weight And Lifestyle In Patients From The Endocrinology Department In Uruguay

Abstract Disclosure: C. Rotundo: None. V. Maguna: None. B. Martinez: None. F. Larrea: None. N. Langlois: None. P. Lopez: None. P. Agüero: None. M.M. Pineyro: None. In Uruguay, on March 13 of 2020 the government decreed a “Health Emergency” due to the COVID 19 pandemic with voluntary confinement, which ended on April 5, 2022. Social isolation, with temporary closure of workplaces, restaurants, gyms and other public spaces abruptly changed the lifestyle of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on physical activity, body weight, quantity and quality of food, and sleep habits in patients that attended the Endocrinology Department of our Hospital from July to September of 2022. We performed an observational-descriptive-cross-sectional study that included 93 patients. A survey about eating habits, physical activity and sleep was performed and anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were taken. Results: The median age was 60 years (range 21-83), 63.4% female. Fifty-eight percent of patients had HTN, 50.5% diabetes mellitus, 37.6% thyroid disease and 32.3% dyslipidemia. Between the period before the pandemic and the pandemic, patients gained 0.6 kg (p=0.71), between the pandemic and after it they gained 1.5 kg (p=0.88). Pre-pandemic and post-pandemic the increase was of 2.1 kg (p=0.32). A significant increase in obesity was found before and after the pandemic (26.9% vs. 36.6%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Fifty-six percent performed physical exercise before the pandemic, during the pandemic it decreased to 38.7% (p=0.0001), at the expense of aerobic exercise (27% decrease, p=0.0001). Before the pandemic, 39.8% met the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which decreased to 22.6% during the pandemic (p=0.0001). Thirty-one point two percent reported changing eating habits (increased snacks, processed foods, fruits, vegetables and sugary drinks), and 30% consumed more food at night. The number of hours of sleep in both periods was the same (median 7 hours). We found a significant increase in problems falling asleep (5.4%, p=0.0001) and staying asleep (9.7%, p=0.0001). Conclusion: We found a negative effect of the covid-19 pandemic confinement on the frequency of obesity, levels of physical activity and unfavorable changes in eating habits and sleep. A significant increase in obesity was found, as well as a decrease in physical activity in a quarter of the population, and a significant increase in problems falling asleep and staying asleep. In addition, we observed unfavorable changes in food consumption in a third of the population (increase in snacks, processed food, and sugary drinks). However, we found healthy changes during the pandemic, such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. These changes can have significant short- and long-term consequences on health of the population. The promotion of measures to recover and maintain healthy lifestyle habits is required, as well as to counteract the impact of lockdown on weight gain to prevent the long-term effects of the pandemic on health. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

FRI418 A 6-month Lifestyle Intervention Program Improves Quality Of Life And Motivation In Women With Obesity And Infertility

Abstract Disclosure: K. Brûlé: None. A. Thibodeau: None. D. Maillet: None. M. Belan: None. F. Jean-Denis: None. M. Pesant: None. B. Carranza-Mamane: None. J. Baillargeon: Grant Recipient; Self; Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Introduction Infertility is the incapacity to conceive after 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting 11 to 16% of couples. Obesity affects fertility, increases fertility treatment costs, diminishes their efficacy, predisposes to many complications during pregnancy and presents risks for the offspring. To prevent those consequences, many organizations recommend that women with obesity be assisted in adopting healthy lifestyle habits before conception and maintain them during pregnancy. Also, women with infertility and those living with obesity score lower on the quality of life (QoL) scales. Therefore, our objective was to assess the impact of a lifestyle intervention on QoL and stages of change (based on the transtheoretical model) in women with obesity and seeking fertility treatments. Methods Women 18-40 years old with infertility and obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 for those with polycystic ovary syndrome), consulting at the fertility clinic of an academic center, were enrolled and randomized to usual fertility care (control group, CG) or the intervention program (lifestyle group, LSG) alone for 6 months and then combined to usual care. The lifestyle program focused on improving physical activity and nutrition and was based on motivational communication. It involved individual follow-ups with a nutritionist and a kinesiologist at weeks 0, 3, 6 and then every 6 weeks for 18 months. Also, participants needed to attend 12 group sessions, including workshops and physical activities. QoL scores from the SF-6D and FertiQol, levels of conviction (visual analog scales on 100), and stages of change were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Proportions were compared by Pearson chi-square tests and means by Student’s t tests or ANCOVA (correcting for the baseline value of the result). Results Among 127 women, 85 had available data at 6 months (CG=43, LSG=42). After 6 months, and compared to the CG, women in the LSG improved more their SF-6D (+0.029 ± 0.076 vs -0.017 ± 0.082, p = 0.009, p ANCOVA &amp;lt;0.001) and FertiQoL total score (+0.35 ± 6.85 vs -2.70 ± 11.80, p = 0.18, p ANCOVA = 0.02). A higher proportion of women in LSG improved their stage of change by ≥2 categories compared to CG (40.0% vs 13.2%, p=0.008). They better maintained their level of conviction about the need to improve their food habits (+4.0 ± 13.4 vs -2.7 ± 17.7, p ANCOVA=0.02) or their physical activity (+2.5 ± 10.2 vs -5.1 ± 13.8, p=0.006, p ANCOVA=0.01). Conclusion A lifestyle program targeting women with obesity and infertility significantly helped maintain or increase their QoL, levels of conviction for food habits and physical activity, and stages of change regarding lifestyle habits compared to usual fertility care. These results suggest that such lifestyle intervention can contribute to the well-being and maintenance of lifestyle changes in women with obesity who seek fertility treatments. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Social Disparities in Lifestyle and Body Weight Changes during COVID-19 Quarantine and Post-Quarantine Persistence of Changes among Lithuanian Adult Population.

The role of social factors on changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 quarantine and their maintenance post-quarantine is underexamined. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic differences in nutrition, physical activity and body weight changes during the quarantine and their persistence post quarantine. The study included a random sample of Lithuanian residents aged 20 to 64. The questionnaires were filled in during the face-to-face interview within households countrywide in 2023. In total, 1500 individuals (742 men and 758 women) participated in the survey. Up to 34.9% of the respondents reported changes in eating habits, mostly increased consumption, 29.5% indicated reduced physical activity, and 22.7% gained weight. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that highly educated individuals were more likely than poorly educated individuals to increase healthy and decrease unhealthy food consumption and increase physical activity during the quarantine. The city inhabitants reported unfavourable changes in nutrition habits more often than those living in villages did. The proportion of respondents who reported the maintenance of the quarantine changes in lifestyle depending on the habit varied from 23.2% to 71.4% in the post-quarantine period. Highly educated individuals were less likely to maintain the decreased consumption of fresh fruits and increased body weight than less-educated individuals were. Our study provides evidence that the targeted interventions are needed to help less-educated individuals and city residents develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, even in times of crisis.

Supporting the Young Adulthood Transitions in Women With Migraine

Migraine is a painful neurological disorder that disproportionately affects women and has a significant impact on quality of life. This article summarizes the critical role of women's health nurses in supporting young adult women with migraine during major life transitions. Nurses can advocate for workplace or school disability accommodations for women with migraine. Nurses can also support young adult women with migraine by providing education about available treatment that becomes available after an individual’s 18th birthday. Women’s health nurses can also provide counseling on healthy lifestyle habits to sustain through life transitions, such as guidance on safe alcohol consumption and wellness approaches to migraine management. Through these interventions, women’s health nurses can help women with migraine to succeed personally, professionally, and academically while effectively managing migraine symptoms.

2070P Assessment of healthy lifestyle habits in breast cancer patients

2070P Assessment of healthy lifestyle habits in breast cancer patients

Treatment of migraine in children and adolescents. The state of the art

IntroductionHeadaches and migraine are common in the pediatric population, being one of the most frequent symptoms reported in practice. Additionally, it is a considerably disabling condition, which brings significant burden and impairs several aspects of a child or adolescent's life, such as mental and physical health, executive functioning, school performance. Children and adolescents with migraine have higher risk of psychiatric comorbidities and psychosocial adjustment difficulties, which, in turn, compromise even more patient's well-functioning.ObjectiveThe present article provides the clinician with a straightforward and evidence-based approach to migraine treatment in this age group.CommentTreatment of migraine in children and adolescents requires a systematic and thorough approach. Clinicians should keep in mind the important burden migraine brings to a child's life, thus investigate, and properly manage comorbidities presented. Patient and parents' education is a meaningful part of the treatment. Moreover, non-pharmacological treatments, such as healthy lifestyle habits, behavioral interventions may also play beneficial roles. When preventive treatment is indicated, it should be tailored considering drug's profile of effectiveness and safety, as well as patient's comorbidities. Lack of evidence in this context must not translate in lack of action by the clinician, since there may be a relevant burden associated. Therefore, reasoning for the perspicacious clinician is of fundamental importance and may influence positively the outcomes.

Increase in Postoperative Body Mass Index in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Objectives The aim of this is to investigate the changes in body mass index (BMI) following knee arthroplasty and to evaluate their impact on patient-reported outcomes and functional evaluations. Methods This observational study included 90 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and were followed up for a median period of 2.6 years. BMI measurements were recorded before and after surgery, and patient-reported outcomes and functional evaluations were assessed using standardized scales and tests. Results Following TKA, BMI increased statistically significantly (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.000). In addition, half of the patients experienced an increase in BMI, with 32% moving up in their BMI category. However, there were no clinically significant differences in patient-reported outcomes or functional evaluations between the group that gained BMI and the group that maintained or lost BMI. Conclusion This study reveals that patients tend to have increased BMI following TKA. However, these BMI changes do not significantly impact patient-reported outcomes or functional evaluations. It underscores the importance of patient education regarding healthy lifestyle habits, including diet and physical activity, to address postoperative weight gain effectively.

Assessing the effectiveness of a school educational video on cancer and radiotherapy

Background: Japan has recently begun introducing educational programmes on cancer as part of health and physical education (HPE) classes in schools. In support of this work, the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology has developed an educational video to enhance children’s understanding of cancer and radiotherapy. Objectives: This study examined the perceived effectiveness of this video among teachers and clarified whether their specialisation played a role in their responses. Methods: An online survey was administered to junior and senior high school teachers without a history of cancer. Respondents’ demographic characteristics, healthy lifestyle habits, anxiety about cancer treatment and knowledge about cancer and radiotherapy were surveyed pre- and post-video. We compared the data from science teachers, HPE teachers and teachers of other specialties. Subsequently, we performed a multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate significant factors that predicted post-watch correct-answer rates. Results: Science teachers were less anxious about radiotherapy and surgery than the other-specialty teachers. They were also the most knowledgeable about cancer and radiotherapy. Post-viewing correct-answer rates improved, except for questions about the work of medical physicists and damage to normal cells. The multiple regression analysis identified age (β = .07), sex (β = .08), anxiety about radiotherapy (β = −.09) and pre-video correct-answer rates (β = .46) as significant factors predicting post-watch correct-answer rates. Conclusion: The video was beneficial in enhancing teachers’ understanding of cancer and radiotherapy. Compared with HPE and other-specialty teachers, science teachers were superior in terms of cancer and radiotherapy comprehension. There may be value in exploring possibilities for cross-disciplinary instruction involving not only HPE but also science teachers in cancer education, especially radiotherapy education.

Associations among risk perception, health efficacy, and health behaviors for cardiovascular disease: an application of risk perception attitude framework.

There is currently a pervasive prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk worldwide and an inadequate amount of action is being taken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework, which classifies individuals based on their risk perception and efficacy belief, enables us to predict their preventive behaviors. We applied the RPA framework to analyze CVD prevention behaviors among Chinese adults and extended its application to CVD objective risk. A cross-sectional survey was performed in two sites in Zhejiang Province, from March to August 2022, which contained self-reported CVD risk perception, objective CVD risk, efficacy belief, physical activity, healthy diet, and covariates. We used the RPA framework to categorize participants into four groups, then analysis was conducted to estimate inter-group differences in healthy behaviors. We further conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis with individuals' health behaviors as the dependent variable, using three blocks of independent variables. Among 739 participants, healthy physical activity and healthy diet had significant differences among four RPA groups, post hoc tests clarified that the proportion of respondents with healthy PA in the responsive group (61.6%) was significantly higher than that in the other three groups. Risk perception and efficacy belief significantly predicted health behavior against CVD; the relationship between absolute CVD risk and health behavior was moderated by efficacy belief. Early CVD risk screening is crucial, but tailored support and a proper understanding of personal risk are essential to promote healthy behaviors. Developing communication and behavioral counseling intervention strategies on the basis of the RPA framework has the potential to promote healthy behaviors for CVD prevention.

Knowledge and Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle in Medical Students

Across the US, chronic illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, largely result from poor lifestyle decisions such as diet, tobacco/alcohol use, and physical inactivity. Medical students' healthy lifestyle habits drastically decline during medical school, which can result in severe medical conditions, future poor patient outcomes, and burnout. However, little evidence exists on what perceived barriers medical students hold on lifestyle behaviors or how well they understand the relationship between specific lifestyle behaviors and their impact on health. This study included data from a self-selected sample of 127 medical students aged 22-41 years. Measures included the perceived health impact of 14 different lifestyle and dietary behaviors, self-reported barriers to lifestyle behaviors, and basic demographic questions. Results showed an average correlation of −.004 between participants' perceived impact and the actual impact of the behaviors on health (SD = .25; CI = −.047 - .039). Results also identified perceived barriers across behaviors that impact health. Data suggests that medical students have insufficient knowledge of the impact of lifestyle behaviors on health. Interventions targeting a medical student population should include information on how to overcome perceived barriers and the impact of lifestyle behaviors on health. Incorporating such information will bolster future interventions' effectiveness.

Lifestyle and sexual habits of students in a Southern Italian region.

Incorrect or harmful lifestyle during youth may impact negatively gonadal function later in life. To reduce the development of risky behaviors a series of health prevention and intervention campaigns have been conducted in Italy. The present study is part of a Sicily Region (Italy) health surveillance program that was carried out on a sample of late adolescents. Between March 2022 to December 2022, we enrolled 718 adolescents (15-26 years old) attending the last two years of high school (278 males and 440 females) in the districts of Syracuse, Ragusa, Catania, and Agrigento (Sicily, Italy). All adolescents were invited to complete a questionnaire that explored their lifestyles and the student's knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the main andrological diseases. Our analysis revealed that 43% of students smoke cigarettes, with a similar gender distribution; one-third of the students use illicit drugs, with a higher prevalence of males than females. More than two-thirds of youngsters reported drinking alcohol with a statistically significant difference between genders. 68.2% of students do not have sexual difficulties and males have a greater tendency to sexual promiscuity than females and only about half of them use condoms. 92% of students surf the Internet every day; boys tend to visit pornographic sites more often than girls. This survey revealed statistically significant differences between the two genders in terms of lifestyle and sexual habits. In particular, the survey shows that the prevalence of risky behaviour is still extremely high among late adolescents and young adults and that much still needs to be done in terms of prevention and information. Adequate prevention campaigns, to be proposed in the early years of adolescence, should be initiated in order to provide youngsters with adequate preparation in terms of healthy lifestyle habits.

Low Sleep Hygiene Is Associated with Less Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Chilean Schoolchildren from Rural Public Schools-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Mediterranean diet stands as a widely acknowledged and health-promoting dietary pattern, renowned for its notable linkage to the mitigation of noncommunicable chronic maladies. Nonetheless, the existing body of evidence concerning the potential interrelation between sleep hygiene and this dietary regimen remains circumscribed. The main objective was to determine the association between sleep hygiene and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Chilean schoolchildren from rural public schools in southern Chile. A non-experimental study was carried out, with an analytical, cross-sectional design. A total of 265 students (56.6% women, mean age 13.5 ± 1.8) from a rural community in southern Chile were recruited. Sleep habits were evaluated using Section 6 of the Life Habits and Adolescence Questionnaire, Sleep and Rest, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the KIDMED Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire. The main results indicated that 52.8% of schoolchildren need to improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and 16.6% have a low-quality Mediterranean diet. A high percentage of schoolchildren have behaviors related to poor sleep hygiene (going to bed late (46%), waking up tired and wanting to continue sleeping (63.8%), and having problems falling asleep (42.6%)). Schoolchildren who got up after 8:30 a.m., those who fell asleep after midnight, upon conducting a comparative analysis of the students based on their sleep patterns, those who woke up tired and those who had trouble falling asleep had a lower level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to schoolchildren who got up earlier than 8:30 a.m., fell asleep before midnight, did not wake up tired, and those who did not find it difficult to fall asleep, respectively. In conclusion, having poor sleep patterns including difficulties in both awakening and falling asleep are associated with less adherence to the Mediterranean diet in schoolchildren from rural public schools in southern Chile. Monitoring these variables and promoting healthy lifestyle habits within the educational community are essential measures.

Health literacy in individuals with knee pain—a mixed methods study

BackgroundLow health literacy is associated with worse pain and poorer self-management. This study (1) examined the level of health literacy and associations with lifestyle habits, health status, chronic pain, and radiographic knee osteoarthritis; and (2) explored experiences illuminating health literacy among individuals with knee pain.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, including 221 individuals. Health literacy was assessed by HLS-EU-Q16 and eHEALS. The questionnaire included questions on lifestyle habits, health status, and pain distribution. Radiographic knee osteoarthritis was assessed with x-rays. Associations were analysed using logistic regression analyses. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 19) and analysed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe result showed that 71% reported sufficient health literacy. Higher education, healthy lifestyle habits, better general health, and absence of widespread pain were associated with sufficient health literacy. Experiences regarding health literacy influencing the decision-making process toward a decision on action comprised: (1) searching for information actively or passively; (2) processing of the information included being informed, critical, and interpretive; and (3) taking a stand on the information based on trustfulness and motivation.ConclusionSeven out of 10 reported sufficient health literacy. Despite this, unhealthy lifestyles were common, suggesting that having sufficient HL is not enough for a behavioural change and the decision-making process, including different phases such as searching, processing, and taking a stand on health information is important to consider. More research on health literacy is needed to gain knowledge of how best to develop health promotion in individuals with knee pain.