Aspects Of Lifestyle Research Articles

Control of light-dependent behaviour in cyanobacteria by the second messenger cyclic di-GMP.

Nucleotide-derived signalling molecules control a wide range of cellular processes in all organisms. The bacteria-specific cyclic dinucleotide c-di-GMP plays a crucial role in regulating motility-to-sessility transitions, cell cycle progression, and virulence. Cyanobacteria are phototrophic prokaryotes that perform oxygenic photosynthesis and are widespread microorganisms that colonize almost all habitats on Earth. In contrast to photosynthetic processes that are well understood, the behavioural responses of cyanobacteria have rarely been studied in detail. Analyses of cyanobacterial genomes have revealed that they encode a large number of proteins that are potentially involved in the synthesis and degradation of c-di-GMP. Recent studies have demonstrated that c-di-GMP coordinates many different aspects of the cyanobacterial lifestyle, mostly in a light-dependent manner. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of light-regulated c-di-GMP signalling systems in cyanobacteria. Specifically, we highlight the progress made in understanding the most prominent behavioural responses of the model cyanobacterial strains Thermosynechococcus vulcanus and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We discuss why and how cyanobacteria extract crucial information from their light environment to regulate ecophysiologically important cellular responses. Finally, we emphasize the questions that remain to be addressed.

Aspetar Clinical Guideline: Ramadan Fasting and Exercise for Healthy Individuals

During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims observe fasting as an integral part of their religious practice. This dawn to dust daily fasting regimen for over 29-30 days involves strict adherence to various lifestyle aspects, including nutrition, hydration, and sleep patterns, which can potentially influence physical performance. It is often observed that Ramadan fasting may deter athletes from training and participating in competitions, and it can also discourage the general community from engaging in physical exercise. This situation can place practicing Muslim athletes at a competitive disadvantage. Therefore, the objective of this clinical guideline was to offer practical recommendations, supported by consensus from an expert panel, for healthy athletes and their support teams on how to effectively adapt their behavioural, social, and psychological strategies to cope with the changes and constraints imposed by Ramadan fasting. The scope of these recommendations extends beyond merely prescribing appropriate exercise routines during the month of Ramadan, but also encompassing considerations like scheduling, intensity, duration, exercise type, and training load. Additionally, the recommendations address various aspects of lifestyle, including nutrition, hydration, and sleep, while also delving into psychosocial and cognitive facets related to Ramadan fasting. It is important to emphasize that these recommendations are intended for healthy individuals. Patients with chronic illnesses should consult their healthcare providers to ensure that they can safely practice Ramadan fasting.

Health-promoting lifestyle and its determining factors among students of public and private universities in Iran.

Health-promoting lifestyle is one of the fundamental health-related components. The aim of this study was to determine the status of the health-promoting lifestyle and its determining factors among students of public and private medical universities. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2018, 1000 students from different public and private universities of medical sciences were selected by a multi-stage, stratified random sampling procedure and were studied using health-promoting lifestyle, self-efficacy, and well-being questionnaires. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and backward regression model. The health-promoting lifestyle was relatively acceptable in 775 people (77.5%); 649 (64.9%) had low self-efficacy, and 560 students (56%) had abnormal health conditions. The mean scores of health-promoting lifestyle, self-efficacy, and well-being in all students were 130.74 ± 22.14, 51.19 ± 12.66, and 15.22 ± 5.43, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of most aspects of health-promoting lifestyle, self-efficacy, and well-being in public and private universities. There was a statistically significant relationship between well-being (r = 0.08, P = 0.02) and self-efficacy (r = -0.19, P < 0.001) with health-promoting lifestyle. Students' well-being, self-efficacy, and physical activities of students were not at an acceptable level. Moreover, the health-promoting lifestyle of students was moderate. Implementing of health-related educational, developmental, and psycho-social programs for promotion and encouraging students to promote healthy behaviors is necessary.

Sustainable consumption among children in the food market

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify consumption patterns among children. It was also crucial to determine the conditions influencing the behaviour of young consumers in the market. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses a critical analysis of the literature and survey research based on a prepared questionnaire. The survey was conducted among 1326 children in age groups from 9 to 15 years old. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, i.e. the substantive part and the respondents’ particulars. The first part of the questionnaire contained a set of questions concerning e.g. children’s ability to identify products with better environmental parameters, behaviours related to nutrition, saving, shopping, spending free time, waste management and implementing pro-ecological solutions in their households. Findings: The research showed a relatively good knowledge of the basic principles of sustainable consumption and labelling of organic products among children. This picture is somewhat simplified. The results of the study also showed that for many children healthy eating still means only eating fruit and vegetables (leaving aside the issues of regularity and portions of meals, drinking the right amount of water or maintaining a balanced diet). Practical implications: Modification of curricula in primary school to a greater extent emphasizing content related to the principles of sustainable consumption. It is important to increase the amount of information provided on the principles of proper nutrition. This knowledge should be comprehensive and coherent, and not only refer to individual aspects of a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to involve whole families in such activities through workshops, meetings and other events, because as shown by this research, but also the professional literature, attitudes and skills in children are transmitted and consolidated in this way. Social implications: Shaping sustainable consumption patterns among children. Originality/value: The article provides up-to-date knowledge on consumption patterns in the area of food products functioning among children. This is particularly important in the context of the need to build sustainable consumption patterns among the surveyed group of market participants. Keywords: sustainable consumption, food products, a child as a consumer, food market, ecolabelling. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Interplay Between Sociodemographic Variables, Physical Activity, Sleep, Dietary Habits, and Immune Health Status: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia's Western Province.

In addition to developing effective therapeutic approaches, the maintenance of health also constitutes lifestyle and behavioral aspects related to being more resilient in the event of future illness. Reduced immune health has been linked to reports of more frequent and severe infectionsas well as a variety of non-communicable diseases, both of which may eventually place a significant burden on the healthcare system. Several lifestyles and behaviors can influence immune health, both positively and negatively. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the immune health status and investigate its relationship with widely practiced lifestyle behaviors that are thought to affect immunological functioning. Saudi Arabian citizens and international residents of the Western Province were invited to participate in this cross-sectional web-based survey through an online advertisement. The integrated questionnaire on lifestyle (Arab Teens Lifestyle Study) and immune health status (Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ)) was completed in November2022 by 1230 participants. Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square, or Fisher's exact testwas utilized to investigate the relationships between study variables and immune health status groups. Spearman's or Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between the overall ISQ scores and study variables. Of the 925study participants,34.7% scored below 6 on the ISQ. Of the respondents,50% had a body mass index of 25 or higher, and 46.3% reported sleeping less than four hours each night. Of the participants,62-82% did not engage in any form of physical activity. The associations between the ISQ score and weight (p = 0.006), total sleep time per night (p = 0.001), duration of household activities (p < 0.001), and smoking status (p = 0.001) were statistically significant. According to the data presented here, reduced immune health as measured by ISQ < 6was prevalent among residents of Saudi Arabia's Western Province and correlated significantly with obesity, sleep duration, and smoking status. Various measures to mitigate the negative impact of an unhealthy lifestyle on public health and to reverse the observed poor immune health and their economic consequences are highly required.

Жас әйелдердің психологиялық саулығын зерттеудің теориялық негіздері

The article notes the special place of women in the state and society, at the same time, unfortunately, such an important role of the second half of humanity in modern society is not fully realized. In such conditions, little attention is paid to the psychological well-being and quality of life of women in general, and young women in particular. The real psychological state of young women, their uncomfortable state, their helplessness, feelings of loneliness and unhappiness are not fully investigated. The domestic violence that takes place leads to the fact that they become victims of difficult life situations. The general situation, as well as the priority of human rights around the world, and the positive dynamics of the development of society and competitive living conditions of people encourage people to a comfortable, harmonious life, maintaining their productive level, to maintain the balance of positive and negative aspects of their mental moods. Today, the subjective psychological well-being of a person and young women, in particular their quality of life, happiness, life satisfaction, and their other problems, are actively studied in economics, political science, cultural studies, healthcare, social and psychological sciences. The paper shows the approaches and conclusions of scientists on the concept of psychological well-being and quality of life, a sense of satisfaction, happiness, and also considers ways to study factors, lifestyle, methodological and theoretical aspects, mechanisms of objective and subjective assessment of human life and identifies ways to study the psychological well-being of young women.

The effect of Covid-19 and related lockdown phases on lifestyle of various age and sex groups in urban area

Background:- Covid-19 has affected the normal lifestyle and emotional aspects of general population of whole world a lot. Due to longer period of lockdown, unhealthy behavior and life style measures has increased like less physical activity, loss of appetite, more fast food and junk food eating habits, sleep disturbances etc. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 (500 male and 500 female) randomly selected participants of specific age group from the various areas of Amreli city of Gujarat after taking consent for voluntary participation in the study during March- April 2022. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of lockdowns on lifestyle and behaviour changes of people in the urban areas in Indian populations. Out of total 1000 participants, 55% were having decreased physical activity, 46.4% were having increase in gain in weight, 44.2% were having increased overall food intake, 40.2% were having increased frequency of ordering food at home, 49.6% were having increased frequency of cooking new or traditional recipes at home, 52.8% were having increased use of social media, 55.2% were having increased screen time (TV/mobile/laptop/tablet), 46.4% were having decreased sleep, 49.6% were having increased anger and 53.6% were having more stress. Unhealthy lifestyle behavior among the participants are gain in weight, increased food intake, increased frequency of ordering food at home, increased use of social media, increased screen time (TV/mobile/laptop/tablet), decreased sleep, more stress and anger. Data derived from this study can be helpful to formulate appropriate interventional measures to the key health care personnel.

Factors Causing Cardiovascular Diseases in Young Adults: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are a major public health problem worldwide. They continue to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is alarming that these diseases are becoming more common in people of the young age group. Although various risk factors have been proposed, smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are prominent emerging risk factors in the young. The primary pathogenic mechanism for most cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, and Myocardial Infarction (MI), is atherosclerosis. Plaque rupture is the most common cause of MI, although distinctive symptoms such as plaque erosion, coronary microvascular dysfunction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and drug-related coronary spasm are more common in this age range. Various lifestyle factors, including, but not limited to, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, and drug abuse, contribute to the development of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes, increasing the likelihood of having heart disease. To mitigate the societal impact of CVD and promote a healthier future for the next generation, proactive measures, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet, are essential. This will be addressed in terms of lifestyle, environmental, physiological, pathological, and psychological aspects.

Integrative medicine: The future of Indian health care

Integrative medicine is a patient-focused healing-oriented medicine selectively incorporating elements of complementary (chiropractic therapy, yoga, and meditation) medicine and alternative medicine (drugs, surgery, and lifestyle changes) evidence-based and experience-based therapy into comprehensive treatment methods. It is a form of health care that seeks to understand the individual as a whole (body, mind, and spirit) including all aspects of lifestyle, and use all appropriate therapeutic approaches within a framework that focuses on health, the therapeutic relationship, and the whole person. In recent years, integrative medicine has developed into a distinct medical specialty as more and more health-care professionals have embraced it as an approach to patient care and the public has also become more educated and conscious enough about its foundational concepts. As defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, integrative medicine combines mainstream medical therapies and complementary therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. The term integration is used to express the formalization and official incorporation of traditional medicine into the National Health Services.[1] India is a reservoir of the antiquity of health practices supported by a strong foundation of indigenous traditional knowledge. The health needs of modern society are enormous and no single established and approved health-care system can address all the needs. Hence, became evident the need for a new collaborative regimen to guide health interventions and programs. India is backed with a rich heritage of indigenous knowledge coupled with a robust infrastructure and skilled workforce in modern medicine serving as a fertile land for medical pluralism to bloom. The integrative approach has thus proved effective in formulating strategies for healthy senescence, promoting self-management, and managing health-care expenditures. The Government of India has also promoted the integrative approach by mainstreaming Ayurveda and Yoga (AYUSH) with the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke in 2015 by the Ministry of AYUSH and Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services with the objective to reduce drug dependency in chronic cases through yoga practices and Ayurveda and lifestyle changes. The application of Ayurveda as an adjuvant therapy has been used to reduce morbidities and associated ailments, to incorporate yoga sessions among admitted patients during their stay at the hospital for enhancing metabolism and positive physical and mental health. The National Health Policy 2017 advocates the improvement of health status through coordinated policy implementation in all sectors. The WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019 reiterates the need for integrating the best of traditional and complementary medicine and that of conventional medicine to tackle the unique health challenges posed in the 21st century.[23] Scope of Integrative Medicine and Ways Forward Integrative health recognizes that modern systems and AYUSH systems have their own strengths and limitations in a way that they complement each other. The strengths of modern medicine include emergency management, anesthesia, surgical management, antimicrobial therapy, and management of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. In contrast, the conventional systems of traditional Indian health practices have strengths in preventive and promotive health, dietetics, advocacy of moral conduct, yoga, etc., An integrative approach incorporating the strengths of different systems of medicine provides scope for holistic and comprehensive care. Integrative Medicine is Not… Unfortunately, integrative medicine has often been mislabeled as mixopathy necessitating the need for the professions and consumers to distinguish between the two. Understanding the reason for integration is a pivotal step in preserving, protecting, and rejuvenating health along with effective, ethical, and safe management of different ailments. Integration aims to bring together the best practices of each system without losing their identity. In contrast, mixopathy is the unethical practice of self-perpetuated and self-convenient methods by unqualified people, which is not supported by any evidence. A system of integrative medicine can thus avoid the ballooning of health-care expenditure and provide a continuum of care and help us realize the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of universal health care.[3]

A review of security issues and solutions for precision health in Internet-of-Medical-Things systems

Precision medicine provides a holistic perspective of an individual’s health, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle aspects to realize individualized therapy. The development of the internet of things (IoT) devices, the widespread emergence of electronic medical records (EMR), and the rapid progress of cloud computing and artificial intelligence provide an opportunity to collect healthcare big data throughout the lifespan and analyze the disease risk at all stages of life. Thus, the focus of precision medicine is shifting from treatment toward prediction and prevention, i.e., precision health. To this end, various types of data such as omics, imaging, EMR, continuous physiological monitoring, lifestyle, and environmental information, need to be collected, tracked, managed and shared. Thus, internet-of-medical things (IoMT) is crucial for assimilating the health systems, applications, services, and devices that can improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and treatments along with real-time monitoring and modification of patient behavior as well as health status. However, security has emerged as a growing concern owing to the proliferation of IoMT devices. The increasing interconnectivity of IoMT-enabled devices with health data reception, transmission, and processing significantly increases the number of potential vulnerabilities within a system. To address the security issues of precision health in IoMT systems, this study reviews the state-of-the-art techniques and schemes from the perspective of a hierarchical system architecture. We present an IoMT system model comprising three layers: the sensing layer, network layer, and cloud infrastructure layer. In particular, we discuss the vulnerabilities and threats to security in each layer and review the existing security techniques and schemes corresponding to the system components along with their functionalities. Owing to the unique nature of biometric features in medical and health services, we highlight the biometrics-based technologies applied in IoMT systems, which contribute toward a considerable difference between the security solutions of existing IoT systems. Furthermore, we summarize the challenges and future research directions of IoMT systems to ensure an improved and more secure future of precision health.

Essential features and reasons for scaling the phenomenon of precarious practice

The article reveals the essence of precarity as a social phenomenon and substantiates the reasons for the spread of this phenomenon. The classical approach based on the relationship between the emergence of precarity and economic and social transformations, globalization, crisis phenomena and unexpected challenges of modern society is considered. As part of the precarity study, the concept of habitus by P. Bourdieu is reinterpreted, which is understood as a socio-economic position regarding work as one of the lifestyle aspects. The idea of "precarious habitus" is substantiated, which not only enables the "normalization" of the precariat in the public consciousness, but also contributes to the change of people's general ideas about work and employment in general.

Impact of Lifestyle and Psychosocial Factors on the Incidence of Hepatobiliary Enzyme Abnormalities After the Great East Japan Earthquake: Seven-Year Follow-up of the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

Residents who lived near the Fukushima Power Plant accident were forced to change their lifestyle after the 2011 accident. This study aimed to elucidate the association of resident lifestyle and psychological factors with onset of hepatobiliary enzyme abnormalities (HEA) after the accident. This longitudinal study included 15705 residents who underwent a comprehensive health check, as well as a mental health and lifestyle survey between June 2011 and March 2012. Follow-up surveys were conducted between June, 2012 and March 2018. Risk factors for new HEA onset were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model, moreover, population attributable risks for new HEA onset were calculated. HEA developed in 29.7% of subjects. In addition to metabolic factors such as overweight, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia; there were differences in alcohol intake, evacuation, unemployment, educational background, and psychological distress between subjects with and without HEA onset. After we adjusted for potential confounding factors, an association of being overweight, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, as well as alcohol consumption, evacuation, and psychological distress with increased risk of HEA onset was realized. Among these identified risk factors, evacuation accounted for the greatest share. Metabolic characteristics and disaster-related lifestyle aspects, including mental status, were risk factors for HAE onset after the Fukushima Power Plant accident.

Social Behavior Of Panrita Lopi Group In Bira Village, Bulukumba Regency

The purpose of this study was to analyze in depth the social behavior of the panrita lopi group. This study uses a qualitative method by analyzing the social behavior of the panrita lopi group and describing social phenomena that exist in the community. The types and sources of data used are primary data and secondary data. The data were analyzed using BF Skinner's theory of social behavior. The results showed that there was a change in the social behavior of the panrita lopi group, this change was generally influenced by the work environment, both from the aspect of social objects and non-social objects. This behavior change is in the aspect of a consumptive individual's lifestyle, in the social aspect of the reduced intensity of social interaction between individuals and society in general, but this does not apply to interactions between individuals and members of the panrita lopi group.

REDETERMINING HALAL LIFESTYLE: A QURAN PERSPECTIVE

This study aims to explore the verses in the Al-Qur'an which discuss the halal lifestyle which is the main resource for Muslims in everyday life. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a library research approach which was carried out to explore the interpretation of the Qur'an about the halal lifestyle from the holy book, the Al-Qur'an. This study found that the halal lifestyle based on the perspective of the Qur'an can be continued in the aspect of consumption or lifestyle in choosing food, namely choosing between food, medicine, and products that are forbidden containing alcohol or pork, or choosing Food that is lawful in Islam, the food that is halal and?tayyib. It is the same also in the aspect of Muslim fashion, halal travel, and tourism, as well as in the fields of finance and charity. This research focuses on exploring the most common and familiar lifestyles practiced by the current generation. Further study of the details or even the digital lifestyle should be carried out by future research.

Lifestyle of medical school professors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Lifestyle medicine is an increasingly valued field in medicine. Based on scientific evidence, it addresses key health-related behaviors, which are the root causes of most premature deaths, chronic diseases, and health care costs. In a university context, the lifestyle of faculty directly and indirectly impacts undergraduate learning. Objective: This study aims to understand the overall scenario of the lifestyle of medical professors at a private university in São Paulo, to enable future assertive strategies to improve the lifestyle of this population. Materials and Methods: A statistical evaluation of 95 anonymous faculty members was conducted using an online questionnaire consisting of 4 questions about the perception of current health, need and motivation for change, along with the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire, answered between November 2021 and May 2022. Results: From the subjective responses, there is a perceived need for change in the pillars of physical activity (64.2%), mental health/stress management (46.3%), weight management (46.3%), and sleep improvement (35.8%). Through the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire, it is noted that 32% of the faculty have a lifestyle classified as "regular" or "needs improvement"; 89.5% of respondents do not meet the World Health Organization's recommendation for physical activity; 31% report being 8kg or more above their ideal weight; 48.4% complain of non-restorative sleep. Conclusion: In this study, we discuss the possible associations between work conditions, the difficulties in maintaining healthy lifestyle pillars, and how an unfavorable aspect of lifestyle can negatively impact one or several lifestyle pillars. A better understanding of these relationships is crucial for outlining more assertive strategies for the health of faculty and, consequently, better training for future doctors.

FAKTOR GAYA HIDUP KELUARGA BERISIKO DIABETES MELITUS DI DESA BELIMBING, KECAMATAN REJOTANGAN, KABUPATEN TULUNGAGUNG (Family Lifestyle Factors as The Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Blimbing, Rejotangan, Tulungagung)

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of four non-communicable diseases that can be caused by lifestyle factors. There are 4 family lifestyles that are a risk of causing diabetes mellitus, namely physical activity (exercise habits), diet (habits to consume sugary drinks), smoking habits, and the frequency of monitoring blood sugar levels. This study aims to describe the lifestyle of families at risk of diabetes mellitus in Blimbing Village, Rejotangan District in 2022. The research design used is descriptive quantitative. The population and sample of this study were families who lived in the same house with people has diabetes mellitus as many as 20 samples, provided that they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The variable used in this study is a single variable, namely the lifestyle of the family at risk of diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, data collection was carried out using a questionnaire, after which the data was processed by editing, coding, data entry, tabulation, and analyzed by percentage. The results of the research from 20 total respondents can be seen that most of the respondents have a bad lifestyle as many as 13 people (65%), respondents have very bad lifestyle as many as 4 people (20%), and respondents with a good lifestyle as many as 2 people (10%). The conclusion from the results of the study shows that special attention is needed to control the risk of diabetes mellitus seen from the aspect of family lifestyle, most of which have a bad lifestyle in order to start a good lifestyle.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LIFESTYLE AND MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN IN THREE BIG CITIES OF INDONESIA

Background: Menopause is a natural physiological event that occurs in middle-aged women and is characterized by the cessation of menstruation for at least one year following the last menstrual period. Menopause symptoms include somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, and urogenital symptoms. Menopause symptoms and their severity vary from person to person due to numerous factors, one of which is a persons lifestyle. Lifestyle aspects related to menopausal symptoms and observed in this study include dietary habits, physical activity, stress levels, and sleep habits. This research examined at the correlation between lifestyle and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sampling technique in which 70 postmenopausal women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from 3 communities in Batam, Makassar and Surabaya. The variables observed included menopausal symptoms as measured by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) instrument and lifestyle as measured by the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instruments. Results: There was a strong correlation between lifestyle and menopausal symptoms (p=0.007), with a unidirectional and adequate relationship between the two variables (r=0.318). However, there is no significant relationship between sleep quality and menopausal symptoms (p=0.150), with a unidirectional and very weak relationship between the two variables. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women may experience fewer symptoms the healthier their lifestyle choices, but there is no solid evidence linking poor sleep to menopausal symptoms.

Experiences and Perspectives of Patients Treated with Methadone on Mental Health Aspect of Lifestyle: A Qualitative Study

Background: Drug abuse and its consequences place a considerable social and economic burden on society. Drug abuse has increased in Iran and reached three times the global average, indicating the need to develop innovative strategies to cope with this phenomenon. Objectives: Following a community-based participatory research approach, the aim was to identify the lived experience of drug users regarding the psychological aspect of their lifestyle. Methods: Narrative inquiry and phenomenological design were applied as the research framework. The use of in-depth interviews and field notes guided the data collection and analysis. A total of 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with people who suffered from drug use (7 females and 19 males) in 2021. Interviews ranging from 70 to 90 minutes and conducted in a quiet, private location chosen by the researcher. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Data analysis was administered using MAXQDA version 2020. Results: Most of the participants were educated Diploma and above. The participants' age ranged from 25 to 53 years old. The analysis revealed four themes, and 11 sub-themes emerged. The themes were as follows: (1) negative emotions; (2) poor psychological capital; (3) poor support; and (4) psychological well-being. Conclusions: The most important problems of people with substance use, in the psychological dimension of lifestyle, include experiencing negative emotions, weak psychological capital, weak social support, unhealthy psychological well-being such as negative self-acceptance, reduced positive relations, not having a purposeful life, and inability to control environmental pressures. Hopefully, this study can help health policymakers develop more effective strategies against drug use.

ЗДОРОВЬЕСБЕРЕГАЮЩИЕ ПРАКТИКИ МОЛОДЕЖИ (НА МАТЕРИАЛАХ ГЛУБИННЫХ ИНТЕРВЬЮ В РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

Objective of the study is to identify, through the analysis of in-depth interviews, the repertoire of health-saving practices of young people. The methodological basis of the research is compiled the results of 16 in-depth interviews with representatives of young people from 18 to 35 years old living in cities and rural settlements of the Rostov region. Also, the empirical basis of the work was the results of research by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) and the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM). Research results. Most of the respondents are quite active in taking care of their health, but there are certain difficulties in implementing some aspects of a healthy lifestyle, especially among those living in rural settlements. The results of the study illustrate that the younger generation uses various strategies for treating diseases. Most of the respondents prefer to self­medicate in case of a bad condition and only in extreme cases consult a doctor. Among the main reasons for self-treatment can be identified: having your own treatment experience; advice from relatives and acquaintances; recommendations from doctors that were received earlier. In the process of treating frivolous diseases, respondents generally do not reject the methods of traditional medicine and, when self-medicating, combine these methods with drug treatment. A small part of respondents are ready to turn to methods of treatment, which from a scientific point of view may not be effective if the existing disease is not treatable by methods of official medicine. Prospects of the study. The findings can be used in further research of health-saving practices of young people of the Rostov region. &nbsp

Academic Achievement, School Absence and Self-Concept in Czech Prepubescent Children with Overweight and Obesity

Problem. The paper offers findings about selected educational aspects of children’s academic performance, examined here in terms of sociodemographic variables, BMI percentile values, cognitive test scores, weight bias internalization scale and self­ ­concept scale with an aim to detect whether and to what extent these factors contribute to children’s school results. Methods. 557 fifth graders were administered Vana’s Intelligence Test, the Piers‑Harris 2 self­‑concept questionnaire and other tools. Children’s educational aspects were assessed in terms of school Absence, Grade Point Average, and Czech and Mathematics grades, with data obtained from their most recent report cards under the Informed consent of their legal representatives and in compliance with ethical standards. Results. Prepubescent children from stronger socio­‑economic backgrounds suffer from overweight/obesity less often and perform slightly better at school. The present results suggest a link between weight bias internalization and overweight/obesity, and a somewhat weaker link between self­‑concept and overweight/obesity in the non­‑clinical population of prepubescent children. In these relationships of overweight/obese children, as in the cases of alarmingly high school absence, gender is an important variable. Multinomial logistic regression modelling the relationship between Czech and Mathematics grades and selected factors discovered that chances for a worse grade were significantly reduced by the results of Vana’s Intelligence Test in both the subjects, while the Self‑concept total score proved to be an insignificant factor. Conversely, pupils’ Czech grades were negatively influenced by increased BMI (quartile), higher Absence rate, male Gender, Presence of only one parent in the family and WBI, while in Mathematics, in addition to the above­ ­discussed, significant regressors only included Absence and Presence of only one parent. Discussions. The results of the Self‑concept total score, the level of which is generally lower in girls than in boys in the population of Czech prepubescent children, agree with other authors’ experience. The connection between the male sex and poorer performance in Czech can be partly explained by the fact that the development of speech, reading, writing and grammar is generally less complicated for school­‑age girls than boys. We can ask why a higher BMI quartile increases the chances of a worse grade only in the case of Czech language? So far, we can only speculate about the causes. In our opinion, it is possible that the impact of parents’ education on the performance of children of this age is more pronounced in the Czech language (compared to Mathematics). The other possibility of the impact of the BMI quartile on the Czech grade is the significant predominance of boys in the o/o group. On the other hand, it should be noted that this argument would not explain the o/o children’s poorer Grade Point Average score. However, we believe that the above reasons answer partially this question. Conclusion. The vulnerability of o/o girls is pronounced in some domains of Selfconcept and Weight bias internalization, while in boys it is reflected in the more frequent occurrence of high levels of Absenteeism, with the precise causes of this being still subject to speculation. In this regard, workers in the cooperating professions should pay continuous attention to strengthening the desirable aspects of education and healthy lifestyle among vulnerable groups of children. Educational aspects of overweight/obese children should therefore continue to receive increased attention.