Positive Health Perceptions Research Articles

Disparities and Determinants of Online Medical Record Access among Cancer Survivors.

Access to online medical records (OMRs) can help enhance cancer patient engagement and improve their health outcomes. This study investigates disparities in OMR access among cancer survivors and examines the association between OMR access and health perceptions. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) from 2017 to 2022. The sample included 4713 cancer survivors. We employed regression analysis to assess the associations between the different factors. Overall, 18.78% of participants accessed their OMRs once or twice, while 36.69% accessed them three times or more. Gender minority groups (β = -0.0038, p = 0.01), older adults (β = -0.1126, p < 0.001), and racial minority groups (β = -0.059, p < 0.001) were less likely to access their OMRs. Additionally, higher education levels (β = 0.274, p < 0.001), insurance coverage (β = 0.365, p < 0.001), and higher incomes (β = 0.115, p < 0.001) were associated with increased OMR access. Positive health perceptions were significantly associated with OMR usage, including perceived good health (β = 0.148, p < 0.001), quality of care (β = 0.15, p = 0.026), and self-efficacy (β = 0.178, p = 0.002). Disparities in OMR access among cancer survivors are influenced by socio-economic factors and health perceptions. Interventions targeting vulnerable groups, enhancing digital health literacy, and improving health perceptions could promote equitable OMR usage.

Neighbourhood characteristics, leisure-time walking, and mental health in older veterans

ABSTRACT This study examined the extent to which neighbourhood cohesion and safety are related to leisure-time walking, mental health, and the health-related perceptions of older veterans. Using data from the 2016 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we focused on 1,501 respondents who reported they were veterans 65 years of age and older. Results of a path analysis indicated that older veterans living in neighbourhoods characterized by high social cohesion and safety tended to report better mental health and more positive health perception compared to those residing in neighbourhoods with lower levels of social cohesion and safety. In addition, older veterans with higher levels of leisure-time walking were more likely to report better mental health and health perception compared to those who engaged in lower levels of leisure-time walking. These results add to the existing body of knowledge that describes how safe and socially cohesive neighbourhoods and leisure time physical activity play an important role in shaping mental health and health perception in older veterans. Practical implications for promoting health-related behaviours and health in the older veteran population are discussed.

Exploring College Students’ Subjective Health Perceptions According to Physical Activity Level

PURPOSE: This study provides fundamental data required to promote the physical and mental health of college students by exploring their subjective health perception relative to physical activity level.METHODS: Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted in 2023 to assess the subjective health perception of eight collegiate students relative to their physical activity levels.RESULTS: The findings indicated that university students do not adhere to physical activity guidelines, with variations in preferences and motivations for engaging in different types of physical activities. Muscle-strengthening exercises were performed most often, reflecting a specific focus on building strength and muscle mass. Although most participants considered themselves healthy, contrasting perceptions existed regarding factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking. The participants actively engaged in diverse physical activities, thereby expressing a positive perception of the value of exercise. Furthermore, the participants demonstrated a proactive approach to health management by avoiding unhealthy foods and incorporating health supplements, exhibiting a deep understanding and commitment to maintaining their well-being. Almost all participants reported overall improvement in stamina from intense physical activities. However, perspectives on the health-enhancing effects of moderate physical activity varied, with some participants expressing uncertainty and others considering it to be the most suitable exercise for their health conditions. Approximately 50% of the participants emphasized the health benefits of strength training, citing its positive effects on muscle strength and increased self-confidence through an improved external image.CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the subjective health perceptions related to physical activity among eight university students, revealing a preference for strength training, generally positive health perceptions, and proactive health management strategies. These findings emphasize the need for personalized exercise programs based on individual health conditions.

Exploring Predictors of Social Media Use for Health and Wellness during COVID-19 among Adults in the US: A Social Cognitive Theory Application.

During COVID-19, SM media was relied upon for health-related information-seeking and activity support. This study uses the social cognitive theory (SCT) and a representative dataset of the population in the US to explore the factors influencing patients' perceptions of SM for health-related activities. As per SCT, consolidated factors comprised personal factors (sociodemographic, health perception, self-efficacy) and environmental factors (social isolation, purpose in life). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among the 6252 respondents, 95.15% rarely use SM to share personal health-related information, and 90.44% rarely use it to share general health-related information. Older individuals and Whites are less likely to consider SM for healthcare decisions. Education levels influence SM's perceived reliability. Those with positive health perceptions find SM more suitable for healthcare discussions. Socially-isolated individuals are less likely to use SM for healthcare. Those with a strong sense of purpose are less inclined to trust it for health decisions and may question its accuracy. SM-based interventions should address sociodemographic differences. Our findings contribute to the literature by SCT relevance validation in identifying the antecedents of SM use in healthcare. Our results also help to understand the challenges to its adoption. This can help enhance SM-based communication strategies and interventions.

Exploring Disparities in Healthcare Wearable Use among Cardiovascular Patients: Findings from a National Survey.

Use of healthcare wearable devices holds significant potential for improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, we have limited knowledge on the actual use of wearable devices by CVD patients and the key factors associated with their use. This study aims to assess wearable device use and willingness to share health data among CVD patients, while identifying socio-demographic, health, and technology-related factors associated with wearable technology use. Using a national survey of 933 CVD patients, we assess use of wearable healthcare devices (use, frequency of use and willingness to share health data from wearable with a provider), and a set of socio-demographic factors (age, gender, race, education and household income), health-related variables (general health, presence of comorbid conditions: diabetes and high blood pressure, attitude towards exercise) and technology self-efficacy using logistic regression. Of the 933 CVD patients, 18.34% reported using a healthcare wearable device in the prior 12 months. Of those, 41.92% indicated using it every day and another 19.76% indicated using it 'almost every day'. 83.54% of wearable users indicated their willingness to share health data with their healthcare providers. Female CVD patients are more likely to use wearables compared to men (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-2.63). The odds decrease with age, and are significantly high in patients with higher income levels. In comparison with non-Hispanic White, Hispanic (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03-0.70) and African Americans (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04-0.86) are less likely to use healthcare wearables. CVD patients who perceive their general health to be better (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11-1.89) and those who enjoy exercising (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.22-2.55) are more likely to use wearables. CVD patients who use the internet for searching for medical information (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.17-3.77) and those who use electronic means to make appointments with their providers (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.48-3.74) are more inclined to use wearables. Addressing low wearable device usage among CVD patients requires targeted policy interventions to ensure equitable access. Variations in gender, age, race/ethnicity, and income levels emphasize the need for tailored strategies. Technological self-efficacy, positive health perceptions, and exercise enjoyment play significant roles in promoting wearable use. These insights should guide healthcare leaders in designing effective strategies for integrating wearables into cardiovascular care.

Development of Functional Health Patterns-based Perceived Health Scale (FHP-PH) and Investigation of Its Psychometric Properties

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to conduct the validity and reliability of the “Functional Health Patterns-Based Perceived Health Scale (FHP-PH)” and to investigate the psychometric properties of the scale in order to determine health patterns in the general population.&#x0D; Material and Methods: In the study, the trial form with 92 items was applied to a sample including 655 people. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to determine the construct validity and 27% lower-upper group comparison was carried out to determine internal validity.&#x0D; Results: The developed FHP-PH scale consists of 3 subscales and 26 items and can account for 50.6% of the total variance. The total score of the scale ranges between 26 and 130 and higher scores signify a positive perception of health. The Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient of the scale was calculated as .89, which indicates high reliability.&#x0D; Conclusion: The developed FHP-PH scale is valid in terms of scope and content and has high reliability.

Perceived health as human capital in entrepreneurial intention among people with disability

This study sheds light on inclusive entrepreneurship by investigating factors that underlie the likelihood of entrepreneurial intention for people with disability. While previous works show that entrepreneurial intention results from cognitive and mental processes, little attention has been given to perceived health, as a human capital, in shaping the formation of entrepreneurship. Yet mental and physical health is a hot topic in entrepreneurship literature and academicians call for more research in this field. We focus on a specific population, people with disability (PWD) since chronic conditions associated with disabilities have implications for individuals’ psychology and cognition and, ultimately, their entrepreneurial intention. The results of a regression analysis on a sample of 212 PWD in France show that positive health perception is associated with a higher level of entrepreneurial intention by increasing alertness to opportunity. Opportunity alertness partially but significantly mediates the impact of perceived health on entrepreneurial intention. We contribute to entrepreneurship literature by offering a more socially aware analysis of entrepreneurial intention. We also help advance research on the psychocognitive factors that intervene in the entrepreneurial intention process. We add insights into this research stream by blending human capital (perceived health) and cognition (opportunity alertness) perspectives to explain entrepreneurial intention of PWD. This study ultimately aims to offer a new direction in understanding how health perception plays a key role in early stages of the entrepreneurship process.

A Path Analysis for Health-related Quality of Life in Long-term Care Insurance In-home Service Users

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to construct and verify a path model for the factors affecting on quality of life in long-term care insurance in-home service users.Methods: Total 246 participants using long-term care insurance in-home service were recruited from long-term care agencies. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire from March 1st to March 31st 2021. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 26 programs.Results: The hypothetical path model was suitable for explaining the health-related quality of life in long-term care insurance in-home service users and has an explanatory power of 39.8%. Long-term care grade, depression, perceived health status, social support, age and living arrangement had a significant total effect on the quality of life in long-term care insurance in-home service users.Conclusion: Long-term care insurance in-home service policies need to be expanded, such as screening and relieving depression, strengthening social support, and fostering a positive perception of health to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Relationship between the Prevalence of Metabolic Disease and Impaired Mobility, Diet, Physical Activity, and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in the Polish Elderly-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Maintaining good health for as long as possible presents a great challenge for the elderly. As the elderly population is growing, there is an ongoing need to identify health risk factors affecting older individuals. The study aimed to explore relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, diet, physical activity, and prevalence of metabolic diseases and impaired mobility in the Polish elderly. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 417 elderlies in May-July 2021. Cluster analysis was applied to separate four homogeneous clusters based on the prevalence of metabolic disease and impaired mobility. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify associations between variables. Being overweight or having obesity, as well as following a diet, increased the probability of being affected by metabolic disease. Being well educated, having a better financial situation, positive perception of own health, and having at least moderate physical activity decreased the probability of suffering from mobility impairments. Eating behaviors were not found to be predictors of the disease. However, they differentiated the selected clusters. The results confirmed the heterogeneity of factors that may impact healthy aging. Thus, they should be taken into account by public health authorities to develop health promotion actions adjusted to the needs of specific subgroups.

Consumer Perceptions of Noni Juice Health Benefits during a 90-Day In-Home Use Test

Noni juice, made from the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, is a health-promoting food from the Pacific Islands with an extensive history of traditional use. Human clinical trials have revealed that noni juice has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, regular noni juice consumers in Europe and traditional healers in Fiji were surveyed to identify potential noni juice health benefits. But to better understand the perception of its health benefits among those with no previous experience with noni juice, an in-home study was conducted in the United States. Three hundred and nineteen adults with untreated chronic health conditions were provided with a 90-day supply of a blinded (unlabeled) commercial noni juice product (Tahitian Noni® Juice), instructed to consume 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) each day, and responded to a questionnaire given on days 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate product appeal and perceived effectiveness. A total of 299 people (94%) felt that their health improved in some way after drinking TNJ for 90 days. More than 80% of the subjects reported feeling better or healthier in general. Most participants also concurred with more than two dozen additional positive health perception statements, especially on days 60 and 90. More than 70% of consumers also indicated that noni juice helped them feel better than other wellness supplements they had tried in the past, including other so-called “super fruit” products. These findings seem to corroborate the results of clinical trials and previous consumer surveys regarding the potential for noni juice to provide discernable health benefits when used consistently over time. Such findings may help guide additional placebo-controlled clinical trials in which specific effects may be evaluated more rigorously.

IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL WELLBEING ON HEALTH PROMOTING LIFESTYLES IN CORONARY HEART DISEASE PATIENTS: MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED HEALTH STATUS

Objectives: To find out the role spiritual and existential wellbeing in health promoting lifestyles that are mediated through perceived health status in Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Patients. Methodology: After obtaining approval (reference #331) from Institutional Review Board of the affiliated university as sample of 257 males and 228 females consecutive CHD patients (age range 18-65 years; M = 47.56, SD = 2.30) meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. Patients who suffered from strokes or other chronic diseases like hypothyroidism, cancer, liver or renal malfunctioning were excluded from the study. Participants were requested to complete three scales (and a demographic form) that included Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWBS), Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12HS), and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II). Data was collected from outdoor patients at a public hospital in Lahore, Pakistan between November 5 and March 31, 2021-22, and correlations were run across constructs using a macro-process (version 3.3) in SPSS (version 26.0). Results: Results indicated that spiritual (religious and existential) wellbeing had a significant direct effect on health promoting lifestyles significant at p &lt; 0.001. Further, results showed a significant direct and indirect path coefficients of physical and mental health components of perceived health status with spiritual, religious, existential wellbeing, and health promoting lifestyles but not for physical functioning and bodily pain, p &gt;0.05. Conclusion: Spirituality and positive health perceptions for cardiac patients can maintain their health through engaging in healthy lifestyles. Study highlighted the importance of adopting such perceptions to relieve cardiac symptoms to avoid further complications.

Work and retirement: The perception of older women residing in a small community of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil

The social, health, and occupational impacts of retirement may be perceived differently by women, due to experiences of greater social vulnerability and lack of professional recognition. The aim of the research was to analyze the perception of older women about work and retirement, and to understand the impact on their participation in labor and social issues. This is qualitative research, performed with 8 elderly women, with previous professional experience, residents of the community. Data was collected through individual interviews and in a focus group. The analysis, based on the content analysis technique, revealed four thematic categories. The work has assumed a central role throughout life, mainly by maintaining income, social participation, socialization and a positive perception of health and well-being. In pre-retirement, in addition to work, women were, above all, involved in household and religious activities. Retirement impacted on the decrease in income and, initially, did not allow participation in new occupations. Gender must be considered in government actions and in research on work and retirement in old age, in order to reduce social and occupational inequalities.

A study on doctors’ health status living in Turkey

Abstract Background Health is a human right for every individual independent from his/her occupation. If provided, physicians’ wellbeing might also have a positive influence on the patient care and the population health. In this paper, health (or risky) behaviors, and health status of a group of doctors in Turkey were presented based on the results of a descriptive study. Methods Study population was accessed via google form created by the Turkish Medical Association. 626 physicians participated in the study. Perception of health status, nutritional status, tobacco use, and physical activity status of the participants were recorded. Doctors were also asked about their chronic disease existence. Ethical approval and institutional permission were obtained before the study. Study was conducted between 2020 and 2021. Logistic regression analysis was performed for further analysis. Results Of the 626 physicians participating in the study, 374 (59.7%) were male and 252 (40.3%) were female. Mean age of the physicians was 45.3±10.7. 58.3% (n = 359) of the physicians perceive themselves as healthy and very healthy. 57.8% (n = 362) of the physicians stated their eating habits as healthy. Majority of the physicians (n = 516, 82.4%) were not doing enough physical activity as recommended by the World Health Organization. 28.0% of the physicians (n = 175) used tobacco products. 48.1% of the physicians (n = 301) had a chronic disease. The three most frequently mentioned chronic diseases have been cardiovascular diseases (n = 141; 46.8%), diabetes mellitus (n = 67; 22.2%) and mental diseases (n = 42; 13.9%). Young age, positive perception of health, not using tobacco decreased the chronic disease risk in the logistic regression model. Conclusions Physicians were not good in performing healthy life behaviors and almost one out of two doctors had a chronic disease. Our results emphasized a strong need to enhance a program for the doctors to integrate healthy life skills into their life practices. Key messages • Doctors have poor health which can also influence population health. • Medical associations may lead to enhance healthy life practices among doctors.

Perceptions on Oral Care Needs, Barriers, and Practices Among Managers and Staff in Long-Term Care Settings for Older People in Flanders, Belgium: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Background and ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore oral health perception and oral care needs, barriers, and current practices as perceived by managers and staff in long-term care organizations for older people in Flanders.Research Design and MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study where 2 questionnaires were developed, one for managers and one for caregivers, and were validated in Flemish long-term care organizations. Descriptive analyses and multivariable generalized linear models evaluated the main outcomes and their associations with determinants such as the size of the organization, the presence of an oral health policy, collaboration with a dentist, among others.ResultsA total of 145 managers and 197 caregivers completed the questionnaire. More than 50% of caregivers and managers perceived their residents’ oral health as mediocre to good. Collaboration with a dentist (B = 0.84) and oral health care involvement (B = 0.08) within the organization showed a strong association with a positive perception of oral health. Lack of time (57%) and care resistance (70%) were the most important barriers perceived by caregivers. Guidelines concerning oral care were not available or were unknown to 52% of the caregivers. Having an oral health policy within the organization was strongly associated with the correct use of guidelines for daily care of natural teeth (B = 1.25) and of dental prosthesis (B = 1.15).Discussion and ImplicationsThe results emphasize that collaborating with a dentist and the presence of an oral health policy in care organizations are important for a positive perception of the oral health of the residents and for the adoption of guidelines by caregivers and managers. In addition, training on handling care refusal should be included in the overall training. These results are crucial input for the development of a methodology for implementing a structured oral care policy in long-term care facilities.

Effects of Subjective Health Perception on Health Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Patients with Prediabetes and Diabetes.

The purpose of this study is to confirm the health behavior performance rate and cardiovascular disease-related indicators according to the subjective health perception of prediabetic and diabetic patients using the 2016–2019 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. This study classified hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5% as diabetes and 5.7–6.4% prediabetes among 2485 adults over 40 years of age among the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In addition, subjective health perception was divided into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ and then cross-classified into four groups (Good/PDM, Bad/PDM, Good/DM, and Bad/DM) to analyze the differences between the four groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and complex sample analysis was performed using weights according to the KNHANES raw data usage guidelines from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of subjective health awareness was higher in men than in women in both prediabetic- and diabetic-stage subjects and adults in the prediabetic stage were higher than in the elderly. The better the subjective health status, the higher the ratio of normal weight, proper sleep time, exercise, and eating out among health-related behaviors. As a result of analyzing blood pressure and blood indices related to the cardiovascular disease risk (Framingham Risk Score), in all indicators except blood pressure, the better the subjective health status and the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a result, for disease prevention and continuous management through healthy behaviors in prediabetic and diabetic patients, it is necessary to improve the positive subjective perception of health.

Evaluation of SMS-intervention in patients with diabetes on disease perception and treatment compliance

Background: Nowadays, as in all health branches, health communication technologies are used in diabetes to develop positive health behaviors and the self-efficacy of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SMS-intervention on disease perception, health behavior, and improvement initiatives for treatment compliance in diabetic patients. Methods: This intervention type study was conducted at Afyon Kocatepe University, Ahmet Necdet Sezer Research and Application Hospital in Turkey. Diabetic patients (n=136) were randomly assigned to three groups. These were “Control”, “Reminder”, “Information and Motivation”. The “Reminder” and “Information and Motivation” groups received regular SMS for one year. Results: In our study, there was a significant increase for health beliefs and treatment compliance in “Reminder” and “Information and Motivation” groups after the intervention. However, there was no significant difference in “Control” group. The SMS sent to diabetes patients positively affected their health belief and treatment compliance. Especially in the “Information and Motivation” group, differences were found in all parameters of the Health Belief Model Scale. Conclusions: SMS interventions are easy and effective interventions that can be used to improve positive health behaviors and positive health perception in individuals. Such interventions, especially for common diseases such as diabetes, will make a significant contribution to the control and treatment of the disease.

Pet Ownership and Mental and Physical Health in Older White and Black Males and Females.

Pet ownership literature remains mixed regarding associations with mental and physical health outcomes among older adults. The present study investigates the relationship between pet ownership and depression, health, and physical activity in an older adult sample balanced by sex (male/female), race (White/Black), and urban/rural status. Participants were adults aged 65+ recruited between 1999 and 2001 in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, a single-item self-reported health measure, and a physical activity questionnaire. Dog owners reported better subjective health and were more likely to walk for exercise as compared to non-pet owners. Cat owners did not differ from non-pet owners in terms of self-reported health or walking. White participants were more likely than Black participants to report ownership of a pet. No relationships were found between pet ownership and symptoms of depression. Findings were not influenced by sex, race, or geographical location. Dog ownership may be associated with positive physical health behaviors and subjective health perceptions. Additional research focused on mechanisms and cognitive impact is needed. Although there may be physical health benefits of dog ownership, adopting a pet should not be viewed as a simplistic solution to alleviating depression in older adults.

Loneliness and physical function impairment: Perceived health status as an effect modifier in community-dwelling older adults in Ghana

BackgroundAlthough loneliness and physical function impairment (PFI) are common geriatric syndromes and public health issues, little is known about how their associations vary via self-perception of health. We examine how loneliness is associated with PFI, and whether the association is modified by perceived health status. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1201 adults aged ≥ 50 years from the Aging, Health, Psychological Well-being and Health Seeking Behavior Study (AgeHeaPsyWel–HeaSeeB) in Ghana. We assessed loneliness using the three-item short-form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and PFI was measured with a seven-item scale on mobility-related deficiencies. Adjusted logistic regressions and moderation analysis evaluated the hypothesized associations. ResultsThe prevalence of moderate, severe loneliness, and PFI were 37.5%, 17.7%, and 36.1%, respectively. Regressions showed that loneliness was associated with a 23% increased risk of PFI after adjusting for several potential confounders (OR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.03–2.81). PFI sub-types revealed similar risks. The loneliness-PFI association was significantly moderated by perceived health status such that a positive health perception attenuated the effect of loneliness on PFI (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.23–0.90). ConclusionsIndividuals who were lonely had significantly higher odds for PFI but the effect was tempered by perceived health status. Social policy and public health practices for healthy aging should address loneliness and negative health perception among older people.

Evaluating workplace safety in the oil and gas industry during the COVID-19 pandemic using occupational health and safety Vulnerability Measure and partial least square Structural Equation Modelling.

The study aims to apply the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to model workplace safety in the Oil and Gas Industry (OGI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The five areas of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Vulnerability Measure (e.g., Exposure to Workplace Hazards, Policies and Procedures in the Workplace, Perception on Health & Safety Culture in the Workplace, Self-Awareness in Health & Safety Procedures and Responsibilities, and Preventive Measure for Prevention of the Transmission of COVID-19 at Workplace) were considered as the constructs to be evaluated. Fifty workers from the oil and gas industry worldwide participated in the online survey, and the data were analyzed using the SmartPLS software. The results revealed that only Perception on Health & Safety Culture was a significant factor influencing the perceived workplace safety in the OGI during the COVID-19 pandemic (β = 0.603; t-value = 3.323; p-value = 0.001). The study suggested that the oil and gas companies should maintain a positive perception of health and safety culture to improve workplace safety even during the pandemic.

COVID-19 Pandemi Döneminde Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Medya Kullanımı, Sağlık Okuryazarlığı, Sağlık Kaygısı ve Sağlık Davranışları

Living with the pandemic influenced people’s lifestyles and health behaviors as well as their use of media. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of change in health behaviors of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes in health behaviors refer to changes of mainly eating and exercise behaviors to stay healthy. In this study, media use, health literacy and health perception are the determinants of change in health behaviors; health anxiety and healthy living skills are considered as mediating variables. Questionnaires were filled in by 392 university students in Ankara, Turkey within the second month of the pandemic. According to the findings, as the levels of positive perception of health, health literacy level, health anxiety level, and healthy life skills increase, the level of change in health behavior increases. The path analysis revealed that more positive perceptions of health and higher levels of health literacy are related to higher levels of change in health behaviors through the mediation of healthy life skills. In addition, the use of Twitter increases health anxiety during the pandemic and results in a higher level of change in health behaviors. The findings help to better understand the motivations to change health behaviors for selfprotection against the COVID-19 among university students.