Poor Health Habits Research Articles

Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Domains of Teachers in a Philippine University

Countries worldwide have experienced an unprecedented event that changed the educational systems and suddenly forced our teachers to adopt online classes. This greatly affected our teacher's mental health. This study aimed to determine the harmony of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains and also looked into the challenges encountered among university teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings served as bases for the intervention plan. The data were treated using frequency, rank, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, rank, Chi-square test of independence, and ANOVA. Results showed teachers have poor health habits in the physical domain. In the area of the psychological domain, it showed that teachers experienced severe depression. Results of the spiritual domain suggest that teachers lack spiritual enrichment. In addition, the teachers in the social domain have warm relationships. The biological domain of teachers reveals a meaningful relationship with gender. Also, teachers' civil status is related to the social domain. Results also show that teachers can cope with resourcefulness, adjusting one's mindset and patience. Results show that teachers have biological conditions, severe psychological depression, warm social relationships with people around them, and less spiritual life after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is recommended that an intervention plan be implemented, monitored, and evaluated to improve their living conditions while doing their job as facilitators of learning.

Dental Hygiene Challenges in Children with Autism: Correlation with Parental Stress: A Scoping Review.

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to parents of neurotypical children. The aim was to understand the relationship between the dental hygiene of children with ASD and the stress generated in their parents. Methods: A scoping review was carried out to identify any gaps or research opportunities for clinical practice concerning oral care and stress levels in parents in the PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Of these, only 10 met the selection criteria for inclusion. Our results reveal a lack of studies presenting evidence on the topic of poor dental hygiene in children with ASD and high stress levels in their parents. Discussion: There is ample evidence that children with ASD have poor dental hygiene, as well as higher levels of stress in their parents. However, little or no evidence links these two variables. Future studies should focus on this link, which could have practical implications for improving dental care for children with ASD.

Physical Comorbidity and Healthcare Utilization in People with Schizophrenia: a systematic review

Introduction. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can lead to significant disability and have a major impact on social and occupational functioning. It tends to decrease life expectancy, which could be attributed to a variety of factors, including poor health habits, barriers to healthcare access, and the stigmatization of mental illness. Objective. The main aim of this systematic review is to examine the physical comorbidity of these patients, and their health service utilization. Method. The protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42020139972) and follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Health Research Premium Collection yielded 317 articles, 57 of which were selected. Results. The mortality rate of people with schizophrenia is often at least twice that of the general population. In addition, these individuals may be susceptible to other physical health conditions that can significantly shorten their lifespan: cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, oncologic diseases, and chronic infections. Complications during hospitalization and prolonged length of stay due to comorbidities may impede their access to essential healthcare. Discussion and conclusion. Enhancing the healthcare system is crucial to providing adequate care for these patients. Adopting positive lifestyle choices, reducing substance dependence, and abstaining from unconventional antipsychotics can bolster their life expectancy. It is therefore crucial to implement intervention strategies while training professionals to detect and manage physical comorbidities associated with this disorder.

The physical and psychosocial benefits of a family judo program for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A pilot study

BackgroundParents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have high levels of stress and poor health habits. There is a lack of interventions that focus on improving health outcomes in parents of children with ASD. ObjectiveTo examine the physical and psychosocial effects of a family-based judo program on parents of children diagnosed with ASD. MethodsThis study utilized a pre-post single group design. Eighteen parent-child dyads participated in a 14-week judo program for families of children with ASD. Judo sessions were held once a week for 45 min. Parents wore wrist accelerometers to assess physical activity/sleep quality, and completed surveys regarding self-reported stress levels pre- and post-judo. Parents also completed open-ended questions regarding their experience in the program. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to examine changes in stress, physical activity, and sleep quality from pre-to post-program. ResultsBoth a decrease in parental stress (47.77 vs. 41.61, p < 0.01) and an increase in minutes per day of physical activity (35.49 vs 45.94, p = 0.002) were observed from baseline to post-program. Fourteen of the 18 parents (78 %) reported at least one psychosocial benefit (e.g. increased self-confidence) or physical health benefit (e.g. increased physical activity) from participation in the program. ConclusionsA family judo program may provide health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and increasing physical activity in parents of children with ASD. Further research involving larger sample sizes is necessary to better determine the effects of judo on both parents and their children with ASD.

Epigenetic biomarkers of borderline personality disorder with severe suicidal behaviors

AbstractBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with excess suicide risk, natural-cause mortality, comorbid medical conditions, poor health habits and stress related epigenomic alterations. This presentation will report findings of BDNF and stress system associated epigenetic alterations in a group of severely impaired BPD and suicidal patients. Further, findings of GrimAge – a state-of-the-art epigenetic age (EA) estimator- in patients with BPD and attempted suicide patients will be presented. Genome-wide methylation patterns were measured using the Illumina Infinum Methylation Epic BeadChip in whole blood from well characterized 97 BPD patients, 88 suicide attempters and 32 healthy controls.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Influence of lifestyle habits on the evolution of arterial hypertension in adults

At the Nueva San Rafael Health Center in Esmeraldas, a study was carried out with adults between 35 and 60 years old to evaluate the influence of lifestyle habits on the evolution of high blood pressure. The study used questionnaires and direct observations to collect data and evaluate patients' high blood pressure behaviors through direct observation. The research identified that family history, poor health habits and being overweight were the main risk factors. The findings confirmed the need for early and personalized interventions, especially in populations at high genetic risk. The educational strategies applied were effective in promoting healthy habits and reducing risk factors, which suggests that they can be replicated in other public health programs. Together, a proactive and evidence-based approach was proposed to improve both individual and community interventions. In addition, the need to investigate more about the sustainability and long-term impact of these educational strategies and the contribution to future public policies was identified. It has been concluded that early intervention in the evolution of high blood pressure and the promotion of continuing education is necessary to mitigate risk factors. Therefore, it has become necessary to promote healthy lifestyles, and, consequently, improve the quality of life of adults affected by this prevalent medical condition

Association between Chronic Obsructive Pulmonary Disease and Dietary Inflammatory Index in Korean Men Over 40s-based on the 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between chronic obsructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) in Korean male adults.Methods: The subjects consisted of 4,267 Korean male adults aged over 40 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016-2019. Subjects were categorized into four groups based on quartiles of dietary inflammatory index score.Results: Individuals with high DII score had poor health habits such as drinking, smoking, activity limitations. The intake of anti-inflammatory items except monounsaturated fatty acid decreased as the DII item score increased. The higher the score of DII, the lower the forced expiratory volumn in 1 sec (FEV&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;/FVC which are lung function measures. The prevalence of COPD increased in the highest quartile of the DII score.Conclusions: It was found that dietary inflammatory index was significantly associated with lung function and COPD. The promotion of a healthy diet with anti-inflammatory properties may help to prevent COPD in male adults.

Prevalence, persistence, clearance and risk factors for HPV infection in rural Uyghur women in China

BackgroundThe incidence of cervical cancer in Uyghur women ranks first among those in Han and other ethnic minority groups. We aimed to understand the natural history of HPV in Uyghur women.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study on the natural history of HPV infection in rural Uyghur women in China was conducted between May 2013 and May 2014. A total of 11000 women from South Xinjiang underwent HPV screening by careHPV and liquid-based cytology. Ultimately, a total of 298 women with positive HPV and normal biopsy results or CIN1 were enrolled to participate in a study including follow-up HPV testing for two years.ResultsThe HPV infection rate in Uyghur women was 9.15%. Among the participants, the careHPV test showed that 298 women were HPV-positive, and histology showed CIN1 or normal results for these women at baseline. Among these patients, after 24 months of initial recruitment, 92 (30.87%) patients had persistent HPV infections, and 206 (69.13%) had cleared HPV infection. Univariate analysis showed that persistent HPV infection was associated with age and shower frequency (P < 0.001 and P = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionsOur results suggest that women over the age of 50 years who have been infected with HR-HPV for more than 1 year should be regularly screened and monitored for HPV. In addition, education should be strengthened to improve poor health habits in these women.

The effects of a theory-informed intervention on physical activity behaviour, motivation and well-being of frontline aged care workers: A pilot study with 6-month follow-up.

Due to the nature of their jobs, frontline aged care workers may be a population at risk of poor health and lifestyle habits. Support of their well-being through the workplace is likely to be complex. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a need-supportive program for changing physical activity and psychological well-being via the motivational processes of behavioural regulations and perceived need satisfaction. Frontline aged care workers (n = 25) participated in a single cohort, pre-post pilot trial. The program included a Motivational Interviewing style appointment, education on goal setting and self-management, the use of affect, exertion and self-pacing for regulating physical activity intensity and practical support activities. Outcomes (7-day accelerometery, 6-min walk, K10 and AQoL-8D), and motivational processes (BREQ-3 and PNSE) were measured at baseline, 3 and 9 months, and analysed using linear mixed models for repeated measures. There were significant increases in perceived autonomy at 3 months (Δ .43 ± SE: .20; p = .03) and 6-min walk distance at 9 months (Δ 29.11 m ± SE: 13.75; p = .04), which appeared to be driven by the relative autonomy index (behavioural regulations in exercise questionnaire [BREQ-3]). Amotivation increased at 3 months (Δ .23 ± SE:.12; p = .05); which may have been due to low scores at baseline. No other changes were demonstrated at any timepoint. SO WHAT?: Participants demonstrated positive changes in motivational processes and physical function, however, due to the low levels of participation in the program, the program had a negligible impact at the organisational level. Future researchers and aged care organisations should aim to address factors impacting participation in well-being initiatives.

Accelerated epigenetic aging in women with emotionally unstable personality disorder and a history of suicide attempts

Emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD; previously borderline personality disorder, BPD) is associated with excess natural-cause mortality, comorbid medical conditions, poor health habits and stress related epigenomic alterations. Previous studies demonstrated that GrimAge – a state-of-the-art epigenetic age (EA) estimator – strongly predicts mortality risk and physiological dysregulation. Herein, we utilize the GrimAge algorithm to investigate whether women with EUPD and a history of recent suicide attempts exhibit EA acceleration (EAA) in comparison to healthy controls. Genome-wide methylation patterns were measured using the Illumina Infinum Methylation Epic BeadChip in whole blood from 97 EUPD patients and 32 healthy controls. The control group was significantly older (p < 0.0001) and reported lesser exposure to violent behavior in both youth and adulthood (p < 0.0001). Groups were otherwise comparable regarding gender, BMI, or tobacco usage (p > 0.05). EA estimator DNAmGrimAge exceeded chronological age by 8.8 and 2.3 years in the EUPD and control group, respectively. Similarly, EAA marker AgeAccelGrim was substantially higher in EUPD subjects when compared to controls, in both univariate and multivariate analyzes (p < 0.00001). Tobacco usage conferred substantial within-group effects on the EA-chronological age difference, i.e., 10.74 years (SD = 4.19) compared to 6.00 years (SD = 3.10) in the non-user EUPD group (p < 0.00001). Notably, past alcohol and substance abuse, use of psychotropic medications, global assessment of functioning, self-reported exposure to violent behavior in youth and adulthood, later completed suicide (N = 8) and age at first suicide attempt did not predict EAA in the EUPD group (p > 0.05). These results underscore the importance of addressing medical health conditions along with low-cost preventative interventions aimed at improving somatic health outcomes in EUPD, such as efforts to support cessation of tobacco use. The independency of GrimAge to other EA algorithms in this group of severely impaired EUPD patients, suggest it may have unique characteristics to evaluate risk of adverse health outcomes in context of psychiatric disorders.

Association between Asthma and Oral Health Symptoms in Adolescents.

Oral health is an indicator of patients' overall quality of life. Poor oral health among adolescents with asthma can affect their health in adulthood. This study researched the association between asthma and oral health symptoms in South Korean adolescents. Data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were used. A total of 44,940 students participated in this study. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms. Asthma was the primary independent variable based on diagnosis in the past 12 months. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. Students with asthma were associated with oral health symptoms, compared with those without asthma (boys, odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.66; girls, OR: 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40-2.69). Poor health habits, such as low physical activity, higher sweetened beverage consumption, and fewer sleeping hours, were associated with oral health symptoms. Students who did not receive asthma treatment also had higher oral health symptoms (boys, OR: 1.29, 95% CI = 1.13-1.48, girls, OR: 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15-1.57). Students with absence due to asthma had a higher risk of oral health than those without asthma (boys, OR: 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.46, girls OR: 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12-1.46). Students with asthma had a high risk of poor oral health among South Korean adolescents, suggesting more attention be given to regular dental check-ups and maintaining oral hygiene.

Promoting Physical Activity and Health in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study among University Workers, Spain.

The social changes we have been experiencing in recent years are generating anxiety that, together with sedentary lifestyles and poor health habits, are leading to premature ageing of society, in addition to the high rates of obesity and associated morbidity. In order to improve the lifestyles of the university community, the objective of this research project was the implementation of the UAL Activa programme based on physical activity. The beneficiaries were UAL staff from different sections, a total of 68 participants aged between 28 and 61 years (Mage = 49.36). Additionally, a total of 12 final year students of the degree in physical activity and sport sciences were responsible for designing and developing the exercise tasks. In-depth interviews were held with the participants of this project about the different benefits that their participation had brought them. The results obtained from the analysis with Nvivo v.10. showed five thematic blocks on the perceived improvements in physical fitness, physical condition, mood and emotional state, assessment of the new lifestyle, and social relations. In conclusion, the benefits of physical activity and the need to continue implementing action and intervention plans to encourage and promote its practice in all sectors of the population were highlighted.

Oral Health and Pathologies in Migrants and Vulnerable Population and Their Social Impact: The Good Practices of the Intervention Model of a University Dental Clinic.

Numerous studies have shown the high incidence of diseases affecting oral health in vulnerable populations. The Canary Islands is a region particularly affected by the low income of its inhabitants and a high migration rate. Poor oral health habits and limited access to health care have turned these groups into risk groups. The role of the Fernando Pessoa Canarias University (CDUFPC) dental clinic in the health care of these groups has been an example of good professional practice and a fundamental resource in their health care. The present study aims to identify the profile of pathologies as well as the impact on the oral health of vulnerable population groups served by the CDUFPC. This study was developed between September 2019 and July 2022 with a sample of 878 patients, of whom 267 (30.4%) belonged to vulnerable groups referred by institutions and social organizations. The results identified the prevalence of dental caries as the main pathology and the lack of good oral habits and commitment to oral health and care.

Nasal Carriage of Vancomycin- and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Intermediate Students of Urban and Rural Schools of Muthanna Province in Iraq

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common causative agents of infections, from asymptomatic carriers to healthy individuals. It can colonize anterior nares of carriers with a high capability to resist different antibiotics. Students are susceptible to bacterial infection due to some factors, including poor health habits and surrounding school conditions. This study screened the rate of vancomycin- and methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus nose carriers among secondary students in rural and urban schools and its association with some sociodemographic factors. The study sample included 300 male/female students aged 15-20 years from 12 schools of rural and urban areas during the period from November 2020 till May 2021. It was found that males are 2.3 times more of MRSA nose carriage and the rate of infections was higher in rural schools than urban whether among males or females. The prevalence of MRSA was 72/300 (24%) among students with 15/72 (21%) MDR-MRSA isolates with high resistance to Clindamycin and Erythromycin at rate 46% and 42% respectively, and a resistance ranging between (20-26) % for Gentamycin, Levofloxacin, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, Rifampin, and Nitrofurantoin with high sensitivity to Vancomycin at 4% of resistance. There was no significant association between MRSA incidence with both medication and chronic diseases despite the 19% of students were self-medicating. Most schools were suffering from a shortage of potable water, disinfectants, and first aid materials. Students lack health awareness about transmissible diseases with unhealthy habits spread among students, as specialized health teams did not visit most schools.

Feasibility and Perception of a Diet and Exercise Intervention Delivered via Telehealth to Firefighters.

Introduction:Firefighters have a high risk of cardiovascular incidence due to their poor health, fitness, and dietary habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a diet and exercise intervention within firefighters delivered exclusively via telehealth to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the firefighters' perception of their health was assessed.Methods:Fifteen firefighters participated in a six-week Mediterranean diet and a functional circuit exercise intervention with pre- and post-fitness testing and survey completion. The firefighters had weekly video calls with their telehealth coach.Results:Self-assessed health improved with the intervention from an average of 5.9 to 7.9 out of 10. Both weight and BMI significantly decreased with the intervention. Overall, firefighters had high adherence to both portions of the intervention.Discussion:Telehealth interventions may be efficacious in improving firefighter fitness levels and overall health as firefighters saw positive health and fitness improvements.

Oral Health Status of Adult Dysphagic Patients That Undergo Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Long Term Enteral Feeding.

Background: Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is required to maintain a feeding route when neurological or cancer dysphagia impact oral intake. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health and oral changes of PEG-patients without oral feeding for three months. Methods: Prospective observational study, with a PEG-patients convenience sample. Data were obtained before PEG (T0) and 3 months after gastrostomy (T1). Initial oral hygiene habits were collected through a questionnaire. Intra-oral evaluation was performed using: Plaque Index (IP), Gingival Index (IG), Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMF), Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and Attachment Loss (AL). T0 and T1 were compared to evaluate oral health evolution. Results: Thirty-nine patients aged 65.3 ± 17.4 years were included. Initial (T0) oral health was worse than expectable. Between assessments period, oral indexes suffered a general deterioration with statistical relevance to the DMF. The frequency of deep periodontal pockets and attachment loss remained stable. Conclusions: PEG-patients presented poor oral health and insufficient oral hygiene habits, even before gastrostomy. After three months of PEG feeding, oral health suffered a general deterioration. This outcome was probably associated with the absence of oral feeding activity, which is beneficial to oral homeostasis, and further reduced oral hygiene. Improved oral daily care and dental appointments should become part of the PEG-patients follow-up.

Reducing Chronic Disease Risk through Positive Oral Health Practices: A Systematic Review of School-based Dental Health Programs

ABSTRACT Background Dental neglect results in dental caries, gum disease, and contributes to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers. Poor oral health habits developed in childhood persist into adulthood and can contribute to chronic diseases. School settings are a practical platform for teaching oral health skills. Purpose The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of school-based, primary prevention oral health interventions for children and adolescents and to examine these programs for health behavior theory applications. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement and Checklist was used in reporting systematic review data. EBSCOhost database was utilized to search interventions by applying inclusion criteria. Data extraction occurred in four distinct phases to ensure all examined interventions met acceptable standards. Results Eight interventions satisfied the inclusion criteria. Each study utilized oral health knowledge as an outcome variable. Two of the eight interventions stated that they utilized a specific health behavior theoretical framework. Each study applied health behavior concepts. Interventions were efficacious for improving oral health knowledge. Translation to Health Education Practice Oral health education interventions in schools appear to be effective in providing dental skills and oral health knowledge.

Assessment of oral health needs among health care workers in Udaipur, India

Background: Health care workers are a part of community that provides health care services. They facilitate people from primary preventions to complex treatment procedures. In the course they often neglect their own health prospects especially oral health. The attitude regarding oral health in health care workers in India is a cause of concern. The aim of the study is to assess the oral health needs of the health care workers in Udaipur, India and to utilize data to be used as a guideline for improvements in their oral health care and improving their quality of life. Methodology: A written oral health case history format was prepared and was carefully examined on all willing participants for the study along with dental indices recording related to dental caries and tooth wear. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 21 software. Results: 87.5% of the health care workers were suffering from dental caries. Also, 16.3% had root stumps in their oral cavity of the teeth which were lost due to caries. Also, 17.5% participants had grossly decayed teeth due to caries. Noticeably, attrition of teeth was also noticed in 65% of the participants. These findings can be attributed to the amount of sugar present in food, lack of oral hygiene and poor oral health habits. Conclusion: Their knowledge regarding oral health care habits needs improvement. They are the people who can themselves apply and guide others to maintain good oral habits. Efforts should be established by caretakers to instill oral health education in health care workers.

Differences in Body Composition Between Physically Inactive People and Students of Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

The research aim is to identify differences in body composition between physically inactive persons and students of the Faculty of sport and physical education. The sampleconsisted of 32 people (16 men and 16 women) with an average age of 24.6 ± 3.3 years. Body composition measurements were performed using bioelectrical impedance (BIA)method using an electric scale, bioimpedance (In Body 720). The MANOVA and t-test results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in body compositionbetween physically inactive persons and students of the Faculty of sport and physical education (F = 0.778; p = 0.595). The obtained results could indicate the shortcomings ofthe curriculum at the Faculty of sport and physical education, whose contents, intensity and/or volume do not sufficiently stimulate the student body, as well as the failure ofstudents to fulfil extracurricular obligations and their poor health habits.

Self-Perceived Health, Life Satisfaction and Related Factors among Healthcare Professionals and the General Population: Analysis of an Online Survey, with Propensity Score Adjustment

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often suffer high levels of depression, stress, anxiety and burnout. Our main study aimswereto estimate the prevalences of poor self-perceived health, life dissatisfaction, chronic disease and unhealthy habits among HCPs and to explore the use of machine learning classification algorithms to remove selection bias. A sample of Spanish HCPs was asked to complete a web survey. Risk factors were identified by multivariate ordinal regression models. To counteract the absence of probabilistic sampling and representation, the sample was weighted by propensity score adjustment algorithms. The logistic regression algorithm was considered the most appropriate for dealing with misestimations. Male HCPs had significantly worse lifestyle habits than their female counterparts, together with a higher prevalence of chronic disease and of health problems. Members of the general population reported significantly poorer health and less satisfaction with life than the HCPs. Among HCPs, the prior existence of health problems was most strongly associated with worsening self-perceived health and decreased life satisfaction, while obesity had an important negative impact on female practitioners’ self-perception of health. Finally, the HCPs who worked as nurses had poorer self-perceptions of health than other HCPs, and the men who worked in primary care had less satisfaction with their lives than those who worked in other levels of healthcare.