Healthy Physical Environment Research Articles

Impact of Diabetic Condition on the Remodeling of In Situ Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves.

Most in situ tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) evaluation studies are conducted in a healthy physical environment, which cannot accurately reflect the specific characteristics of patients. In this study, we established a diabetic rabbit model and implanted decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) into the abdominal aorta of rabbits through interventional surgery with a follow-up period of 8 weeks. The results indicated that dECM implants in diabetic rabbits exhibited poorer endothelialization and more severe fibrosis compared to those in healthy animals. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that high glucose induced endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis and impeded their proliferation and migration, accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and a decrease in the nitric oxide (NO) level. High glucose also led to elevated ROS levels and an increased expression of inflammatory factors and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in macrophages, contributing to fibrosis. These findings suggest that oxidative-stress-mediated mechanisms are likely the primary pathways affecting heart valve repair and regeneration under diabetic conditions. Therefore, future design and evaluation of TEHVs may concern more patient-specific circumstances.

Addressing Environmental Factors for SDG 3-Health and Wellbeing: Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Coping among Medical Students in Pakistan

The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay between perceived stress, sleep quality, and coping mechanisms among medical students, with a view to understand their implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - "Good Health and Well-being," and considering environmental factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional study and 300 medical university students (152 men, 148 women), aged 18 to 25 years (mean age = 22.73, SD = 1.78), were selected using stratified random sampling based on their academic year. The study employed the Perceived Stress Scale, General Sleep Scale, and Brief COPE to assess the study variables. The results revealed gender differences in coping strategies, with female students exhibiting higher scores in avoidant and emotion-focused coping, while male students leaned towards problem-focused coping. Notably, perceived stress and avoidant coping emerged as significant predictors of poor sleep quality (p<.05) among the participants. This study found significant relationship among use of green spaces, stress, sleep quality, and coping strategies among medical students, aligning with SDG 3's objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Furthermore, while the study did not directly address environmental factors, it indirectly emphasizes the importance of creating conducive environments for health and well-being. Environmental considerations such as access to green spaces and a healthy physical environment can influence individuals' stress levels and sleep quality, contributing to holistic health outcomes. Given these findings, the study recommends that counseling centers in universities develop strategies for managing students' stress and sleep quality, while promoting healthy coping skills. By addressing these factors comprehensively, universities can contribute to enhancing students' psychological well-being and advancing progress towards SDG 3 and create sustainable and healthy environments, as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action), to complement initiatives focused on fostering sustainable environments conducive to health and well-being.

Management of Interpersonal Conflict Involving Principals and Teachers of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Nigeria

This study identified factors that contribute to interpersonal conflicts between secondary school teachers and principals in Nigeria. It likewise explores the effects of interpersonal conflict on achievement of students in school and on success of the school. Suggestions were made for conflict management programmes and potential strategies for adoption in order to promote and sustain an encouraging and productive interpersonal relationship between teachers and principals. A sample size consisting of 123 teachers and 8 principals were used. Descriptive statistics applied in the analysis of data collected. It was found that though there were healthy physical environment in the schools, incidence competition for limited resources was low, interpersonal conflicts were mainly caused by intergroup and interpersonal relations. It was also found that personnel practices, work structure, management issues, tribal and ethnic differences and issues of ethic.
 
 Received: 31 October 2021 / Accepted: 17 February 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022

Quality of Life of Older People in Botswana

This article discusses social determinants of health that influence quality of life (QOL) of older people in Botswana and suggests appropriate interventions. A cross-sectional study stratified by district was used to collect information on the elderly (N = 378). Data were collected from: demographics, individual factors (e.g., self-esteem), health-related factors (e.g., self-perceived health), clinical variables (e.g., social dysfunction), environmental assets (e.g., leisure) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The analyses showed that income earned, self-efficacy and self-esteem, access to health services, self-perceived health, and chronic disease condition were associated with QOL. Social dysfunction and environmental assets (leisure, secure and healthy physical environments) were also significantly associated with QOL The results confirm that QOL is compromised by specific key factors. Thus, eradicating poverty, provision of services and a comfortable environment, promoting positive emotions (e.g., self-efficacy), and changing perceptions about self-rated health and self-rated QOL may enhance QOL among older people. The study has implications for policy, practice and further research.

Effect of Light and Noise on Physiological Parameters in a Sample of Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care of Cairo University Teaching Hospital

Background: Some of the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) partially lack the standard protocols for controlling noise and light. The healthy physical environment of NICUs is crucial for the continued normal development of preterm neonates. The present study aimed to assess the physiological changes (including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation) induced by noise and ordinary light often existing in NICUs in a sample of preterm neonates admitted to the private ward of NIUCU due to their low-birth weights. Methods: The present study included 100 preterm neonates, 50 neonates were exposed to noise which is often induced in the open ward of NICU, and the other 50 newborns were exposed to cyclical light. Results: During noise exposure, neonates in the private ward displayed a significant increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, they showed a marked decrease in oxygen saturation in the first and second days in the NICU. Furthermore, the neonates exposed to dim light demonstrated a significant decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as a significant increase in oxygen saturation, compared to those exposed to ordinary light on the first and second days. Nonetheless, body temperature did not show any significant change with noise or light exposure either on the first day or the second one. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, exposure to excessive light and noise was associated with significant changes in preterm neonates' vital signs. Moreover, the findings highlighted the inadequacy of the current conditions in a sample of Egyptian NICUs for ideal neonatal care. In order to create a favorable environment to help better growth and prevent prematurity complications, it is recommended to devote more assiduous attention to the care conditions of neonates in NICUs in Egypt.Â

The Effect of Quality of Work Life (QWL) on Job Satisfaction and Organization Citizenship Behavior (OCB) (A Study of Nurse at Numerous Hospitals In Malang, Indonesia)

Good QWL is needed by the organization, in order to achieve organizational goals and increase satisfaction for employees, n this study is job satisfaction and OCB for nurses.The purpuse of the study is to analyse and describe the influence of QWL on job satisfaction, the effect of QWL on OCB and the effect of job satisfaction on OCB. This research was conducted in four general hospitals that have type A, B, C and D. The samples in this study were nurses in the four hospitals. Based on the sampling technique obtained a sample of 175 respondents. The main instrument in collecting data by distributing questionnaires. The general hospital that is the location of this study is the Saiful Anwar Regional General Hospital (RSSA) located in Malang City with type A, Persada Hospital located in Malang city with Type B, Karsa Husada General Hospital (RSUKH) in Batu City with Type C and Madinah Islamic Hospital in Kasembon Malang Regency with Type D. The analysis technique used was descriptive analysis and inferential analysis with GSCA. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that nurses' QWL was perceived as neutral by nurses. Job satisfaction was perceived as agreed by nurses and OCB responded in agreement by the nurse. The results of hypothesis testing using GSCA shows that QWL has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, QWL has a positive and significant effect on OCB and job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on OCB. Advice that can be given to the hospital is to further improve the QWL of nurses, especially those relating to compensation indicators because compensation is perceived as neutral by nurses, especially with the provision of fair and adequate compensation. the hospital must pay more attention to working conditions especially related to a healthy physical environment. Satisfaction with payroll is perceived as neutral by nurses, especially related to satisfaction with the salary and benefits provided by the hospital. Satisfaction with promotion also needs to be improved again, especially with regard to promotion opportunities and the provision of information about promotion opportunities. Nurse OCB was perceived as agreed by the nurse. Therefore OCB nurses are good, so they can be maintained or improved again.

Biological and Social Economic Determinants of Adherence and Cure of Tuberculosis Treatment: Path Analysis Evidence from Yogyakarta

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) was an infectious disease which was still a health problem world­wide, including in Indonesia, which only had a population of around 261 million. The purpose of this study was to analyze biological and social economic determinants of adherence and cure of TB treatment. Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study with a case control design. The study was conducted in Bantul, Yogyakarta, from April to May 2019. A sample of 225 TB patients was selected by random sampling. The dependent variable was adherence and cure of TB treat­ment. The independent variables were age, gender, education, family income, nutritional status, healthy behavior, complication, family support, drug taking supervisor, drug taking adherence, environment, and smoking. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by path analysis. Results: Adherence and cure of TB treat­ment was directly increased with good nutritional status (b= 076; 95% CI= 0.03 to 1.49; p= 0.042), drug taking adherence (b= 3.67; 95% CI= 1.47 to 5.92; p= 0.001), drug taking supervisor (b= 3.64; 95% CI= 1.26 to 6.02; p= 0.003), strong family support (b= 2.03; 95% CI= -3.85 to -0.21; p= 0.029), and healthy physical environment (b= 4.05; 95% CI= - 0.09 to 8.20; p= 0.056). Adherence and cure of TB treat­ment was directly decreased with age ≥65 years old (b= -0.54; 95% CI= - 1.85 to 0.75; p= 0.411), female gender (b= -0.05; 95% CI= - 0.86 to 0.76; p= 0.900), unhealthy behavior (b= -3.20; 95% CI= - 5.02 to -1.36; p= 0.001), smoking (b= -1.50; 95% CI= - 2.56 to -0.43; p= 0.006), complication (b= -1.41; 95% CI= - 2.60 to -0.23; p= 0.019). It was indirectly affected by nutritional status, education, family income, and healthy environment. Conclusion: Adherence and cure of TB treat­ment is directly increased with good nutritional status, drug taking adherence, drug taking supervisor, strong family support, and healthy physical environment. Adherence and cure of TB treat­ment is directly decreased with age ≥65 years old, female gender, unhealthy behavior, smoking, complication. It is indirectly affected by nutritional status, education, family income, and healthy environment. Keywords : tuberculosis treat­ment, drug taking adherence, path analysis Correspondence : Tri Godha Fitriani. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: trigodha@gmail.com. Mobile: +6287738200610. Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2019), 4(4): 270-282 https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2019.04.04.02

Психотерапевтичная жизненная среда для людей пожилого возраста: психологические основы проектирования

The article is devoted to the problem of designing a psychologically comfortable living environment for seniors. On the example of foreign studies, the necessity of an integrated and scientifically grounded approach to formation of supportive home and institutional environments for elderly people is argued. The basic principles of creation of a healthy physical environment that stimulates social activity and emotional and physical comfort for the elderly are provided: providing sensory comfort, taking into account the activity and preferences of older people, accessibility, plasticity and security of the environment, balance of personal and common spaces, "home design" and a number of others. Modern architectural and design solutions and their therapeutic effect on psychological health of the elderly are considered.

Healthy Environment and Healthy Living in Urban China: An Emerging Field in Research

Chinese urban lifestyle has been drastic transformed due to the rapid urban expansion and motorization. Due to the decrease of physical activity and increase intakes of fat and animal foods, the prevalence of overweight and obesity and related health problems in China has risen. As a result, considerable public health concerns have started to manifest. Experts urge that both central and local governments should allocate more resources to create environments that enhance physical and emotional quality of life, in particular to build healthy physical environments conducive to walking and bicycling. This paper reviews this emerging research field in China, focusing on physical activities, diet, obesity, and their relations with environmental building.

The relationship between school physical activity policy and objectively measured physical activity of elementary school students: a multilevel model analysis

BackgroundThere is evidence of school level variability in the physical activity of children and youth. Less is known about factors that may contribute to this variation. The purpose of this study was to examine if the school health environment (Healthy Physical Environment, Instruction and Programs, Supportive Social Environment, and Community Partnerships) is associated with objectively measured time spent in light to vigorous physical activity among a sample of Toronto children.MethodsThe sample comprised 856 grade 5 and 6 students from 18 elementary schools in Toronto, Ontario. Multilevel linear regression analyses were used to examine the impact of school physical activity policy on students’ time spent in light-to-vigorous physical activity.ResultsSignificant between-school random variation in objectively measured time spent in light-to-vigorous physical activity was identified [σ2μ0 = 0.067; p < 0.001]; school-level differences accounted for 6.7% of the variability in the time individual students spent in light-to-vigorous physical activity. Of the 22 school-level variables, students attending schools with support for active transportation to/from school and written policies/practices for physical activity, accumulated significantly more minutes of physical activity per school week than students who attended schools that did not.ConclusionsSchool physical activity policy and support for active school travel is associated with objectively measured time spent in light to vigorous physical activity. School physical activity policy might be a critical mechanism through which schools can impact the physical activity levels of their students.

Encyclopedia of school health

Children spend more time at school than anywhere else except home; thus, schools can have a major effect on children's health by providing a healthy physical environment, serving meals and snacks built around sound nutritional guidelines, and teaching about health, as well as modeling and promoting healthy behaviors. School health services programs involve not only school nurses and focus not only on nursing practice, standards, and performance issues; they also include services and classes to teach students the information and skills they need to become health-literate, to maintain and improve their health, to prevent disease, and to reduce risky behaviors impacting health. School nurses, teachers, administrators, health coordinators, guidance counselors and social workers all join with parents in safeguarding and promoting the health and well-being of school-aged children as a basic foundation for academic success. The Encyclopedia of School Health offers quick access to health and wellness information most relevant to children in America's K-12 school setting. You'll find valuable guidance on developmental stages, acute and chronic illnesses, special education, nutrition, crisis response, prevention, and more.

Appraising the Physical Environment of Secondary Schools in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Environmental challenges and opportunities vary among schools around the world, across countries and within communities. World Health Organization had reported that the biggest threats to child health and in fact accounting for more than five million deaths each year in children less than 15 years of age are linked to the environment in which they live, learn and play -their homes, schools and their communities. This study assessed the quality of the physical environment of all the secondary schools in Calabar, Cross River State. Methods: All existing 42 secondary schools in Calabar South local government council and Calabar Municipality; stratified by proprietorship, were rated using pretested quantitative school's physical environment instrument with 4 dimensions; site, structure, classroom and amenities; and various indicators with assigned scores. Data were analysed using various parametric tests. Results: Overcrowding was observed in 52.4% of schools. Mean scores of all dimensions was 42.7 ± 11.4 from a possible maximum of 73. Mission schools with mean of 49.9 ± 9.8 fared better than private (48.8 ± 19.8) and government 35.5 ± 11 respectively. Government owned schools showed consistently lower scores in all study dimensions and the classrooms where students spend most of their time while in school had the worst ratings. The variation between various proprietorship statuses was highest between private and government schools. Conclusion: Deficiencies observed in the physical environment of the schools, reflects the poor implementation of relevant standards by the supervising authorities and thus, leaving the attaining of a healthy physical environment in schools to the prerogative of the various proprietors.

Installation of Bicycle Lanes and Increased Ridership in an Urban, Mixed-Income Setting in New Orleans, Louisiana

People are more physically active in neighborhoods that are well designed for walking and bicycling. Building infrastructure for safer cycling is one way to promote physical activity. On-road bike lanes are one type of infrastructure hypothesized to positively impact levels of cycling. The first on-street bike lane was painted in New Orleans, LA during the spring of 2008. In November of 2007 and again in November 2008, trained observers conducted manual counts of cyclists riding on St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans, LA. The data collected included the number of men, women, adults, and children riding a bicycle with traffic, against traffic, and on sidewalks. Data showed a 57% increase in the average number of riders per day (P < .001). There was a 133% increase among adult female riders (P < .001) and a 44% increase among adult male riders (P < .001). The percentage of cyclists riding in the correct direction, with the flow of traffic, increased from 73% to 82% (P < .001). Bike lanes can have a positive impact in creating a healthy physical environment. Future research should include other streets for comparison purposes and surveys to determine whether riders are substituting biking for nonactive forms of transportation.

Role of the Nurse in Maintaining Healthy Physical Environment in Primary Schools in Alexandria

Role of the Nurse in Maintaining Healthy Physical Environment in Primary Schools in Alexandria

Determinants of Anemia among Preschool Children in the Philippines

Objective: Our objective was to identify the determinants of anemia among rural Filipino children aged 12–71 months.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2090 preschool children from 8 rural villages in Cebu, an area non-endemic for malaria and schistosomiasis. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentration was measured with a hematofluorometer. A 3-day non-consecutive 24-hour food recall interview with the child's primary caregiver was done to estimate the child's dietary intake. Stool analysis for presence of soil-transmitted helminths was performed through a concentration technique. A separate interview on household socio-economic status with the child's primary caregiver was conducted.Results: Mean Hb concentration was 12.0 g/dL (SD 1.3). 16.1% were anemic. Age and sex had a significant interaction in their effect on Hb concentration. Females had higher Hb concentration between 12 to 23 months of age. Hb levels equalize between the 2 genders at around 24 months and increase with similar increments until 71 months of age. All dietary parameters improved Hb concentration with increasing intake. In the multiple regression, however, only the index for bioavailable iron and vitamin C intakes remained independent factors. None of the helminths or combination of helminths had significant effects on Hb concentration. Among the socio-economic variables, maternal educational attainment and water supply were significant independent factors. Mean ZPP concentration was 72.07 (SD 46.45) and 30.8% were iron deficient. As with Hb concentration, age and sex had a significant interaction in their effect on ZPP concentration, with females having lower ZPP levels before 24 months of age. Bioavailable iron (animal iron + 0.3*plant iron) had a significant effect on ZPP concentration at levels of at least 15% of the iron requirement. This was seen even after controlling for multivitamin supplementation.Conclusion: The control of anemia among preschoolers can be achieved through a combination of various nutritional interventions such as micronutrient supplementation, food fortification and nutrition education. Our findings emphasize the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to nutritional problems –the importance of empowering women (through engagement and education) and of maintaining a healthy physical environment (water and sanitation) are often peripheral concerns of nutritionists. Our study highlights the importance of supporting initiatives that address these issues not only for their core benefit, but also for the potential benefit to nutrition.

Prevalence of school policies, programs, and facilities that promote a healthy physical school environment.

We examined the extent to which schools in the United States have health-promoting policies, programs, and facilities. We analyzed data from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000. We found that public schools (vs private and Catholic schools), urban schools (vs rural and suburban schools), and schools with larger enrollments (vs smaller schools) had more health-promoting policies, programs, and facilities in place. On average, middle schools had 11.0 and middle/junior and high schools had 10.4 out of a possible 18 policies, programs, and facilities. Although some schools had many healthy physical environment features, room for improvement exists. Resources are available to help schools improve their health-promoting policies, programs, and facilities.

Promoting health and preventing disease: An international perspective on youth health promotion

To advocate strategies to promote the health of young people that include action to create supportive social and economic conditions, alongside more traditional actions to strengthen individual capacity to protect health. Analysis of different strategies for youth health promotion from different countries, including education, public policies, laws, and regulations that protect young people from exploitation and physical harm, and enhance their capacity to make healthy lifestyle choices. Access to education and the promotion of basic literacy are, in their own right, important public health goals. Beyond this, efforts to promote health through schools should focus on the creation of an integrated and mutually reinforcing set of experiences for young people, including classroom health education, the creation of a safe and healthy physical environment, and provision of appropriate school health services. The creation of supportive social and economic conditions are also essential, and require political action through the development of public policy. Such policies include restricting access to tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, improving access to essential health services; and regulation of economic exploitation of young people. Health promotion is inherently political. Health professionals have to find ways to become more effective political advocates for young people. This should be reflected in the education of health professionals and educators, and in the work of agencies and professional associations.