Positive Self-perception Of Health Research Articles

EHealth literacy, internet use and health-related behaviour among health sciences students: a cross sectional study

Background Health sciences students should have the necessary skills required to find health information from online resources. Objective To assess the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and its association with internet use for health-related purposes, self-perceived health and health-related behaviour. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 528 health sciences students. Sociodemographic data, questions related to internet use for health-related purposes, self-perceived health and health-related behaviour, and the eHEALS tool were collected. Results The overall mean eHEALS score was 3.19 ± 0.78. Students who consider access to health resources on the internet to be very important had the highest eHEALS scores (p = 0.015). There were significant differences between the participants’ perceptions of the usefulness of the internet with regard to making health decisions (p < 0.001), the accuracy of information on the internet (p = 0.001) and the eHEALS scores. Conclusions Health sciences students have a moderate level of eHealth literacy. Positive attitude towards internet use and positive self-perception of health are the most relevant factors associated with eHealth literacy. Impact statement As future healthcare providers, students need to develop eHealth literacy skills in order to find reliable health information. A positive attitude towards internet use and a positive self-perception of health are factors associated with eHealth literacy. Educators should promote training programmes that ensure students are acquiring suitable skills in eHealth literacy.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Physical Activity and Psychological Distress in Adults with Asthma.

Physical Activity (PA) could contribute to decreasing psychological distress and improving Self-Perceived Health (SPH) in adults with Asthma. The main objective of this study was to analyse the associations between the Physical Activity Level (PAL) Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Mental Health, using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and SPH in the adult population with Asthma. This descriptive cross-sectional study is based on data from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey, including 1040 participants with Asthma in the study. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to study the hypothetical differences between the PAL and the different variables derived from the GHQ-12. In addition, correlations between the variables generated and the items of the GHQ-12, together with the PAL and the Duke-UNC-11, were analysed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients. Inverse correlations were found between Mental Health and PSS (rho: -0.351) and between Mental Health and PAL (rho: -0.209), as well as in the rest of the GHQ-12 items: successful coping (rho: -0.197), self-esteem (rho: -0.193) and stress (rho: -0.145). The more active subjects had better SPH. Therefore, the research showed how higher PAL and positive SPH are related to lower psychological distress in adults with Asthma.

Impacts of the second wave of Covid-19 in Brazil: a cross-sectional study with nursing students

Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of mental disorders points to the need for adequate and urgent holistic responses. The disconnection between science, health and politics before and during the pandemic of COVID-19 undermined the actions and reorganization of the reception and support system, especially for the most vulnerable, women and young people. Objective: To verify the prevalence of anxious, depressive and hopelessness symptoms in academics of a public university during the pandemic period. Methodology: This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out with 128 undergraduate nursing students from a public university in the state of Paraíba, Brazil from January to March 2021. The recruitment was online and the data collection instrument was prepared on Google Forms with sociodemographic, health and coping strategies questions. Results: The study showed a majority of single female academics with a positive self-perception of health. Nervousness, autonomic symptoms and fear stood out among the anxious symptoms. Regarding depressive symptoms, most reported self-criticism, irritability, fatigue, pessimism and sleep disorders. Positive expectations regarding the future were prevalent in the sample. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the health of the academic community. The students experienced the second wave with psycho-emotional reactions, but also with various coping strategies, mainly related to affective support from family and friends and professional support. The results show the need to investigate daily life, its stressors and risk factors to provide adequate support to promote and maintain the health of these students by approaching protective factors.

Association between eating behaviors and positive self-perception of health in Brazilian Adults

Healthy eating habits are related to a lower prevalence of chronic diseases. Objective: Verify the relationship between eating behaviors and self-perceived health (SPH) in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 52166 Brazilian adults aged 18 years and over. The dependent variable was positive SPH, whereas the independent variable was the eating behavior (exchanging lunch for snacks; exchanging dinner for snacks; intake of beans, ultra-processed food the previous day, fruits, vegetables, and processed juices/soft drinks). Poisson regression with robust adjustment for variance was used in the data analysis. Results: The relationship between eating behaviors and SPH was similar between genders. However, a more evident relationship was observed among young adults, regarding the age group. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was most clearly associated with SPH among the investigated behaviors. Furthermore, the higher the number of positive eating behaviors, the higher the prevalence of positive SPH in both genders and all age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study reinforce the importance of healthy eating behaviors for health and indicate a more direct relationship between these and positive SPH in young adults and as a habit of regularly consuming fruits and vegetables.

Autopercepção de saúde em idosos de baixa escolaridade: fatores demográficos, sociais e de comportamentos em saúde relacionados

Abstract Objective To verify the relationship between positive self-perception of health (positive SPH) in less-educated older adults and demographic, social participation, and behavioral variables. Methods This was a cross-sectional study (n=12,367), with elderly people over 60 years old of both sexes, with up to four years of study from several cities in Brazil, interviewed by the National Health Survey of the year 2019. For the analysis of data, the prevalence was initially described, and later, three Poisson regression models with robust adjustment for variance were constructed, with the analyzes being stratified by sex Results The prevalence of positive SPH was 38.8% in men and 34.8% in women. The last regression model built revealed associations with a lower positive SPH prevalence in black or brown women. In contrast, higher prevalence levels were found in single women, with higher income, participating in some associations, engaged in religious activities, visiting the doctor more often, physically active, and regularly consuming fruits and vegetables. In men, relationships with lower prevalence were found in blacks or browns and widowers, and higher prevalence levels were found in those engaging in religious activities and visiting the doctor more often. Conclusions The study reinforces the importance of policies aimed at improving income, promoting healthy behaviors and encouraging social participation.

Factors associated with leisure-time physical activity: analysis of Brazilians with chronic diseases

The scope of this study was to analyze the prevalence and the factors associated with sufficient leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Brazilians diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia. It involved a representative, cross-sectional population-based study for the entire Brazilian territory. Adults aged 20 years and over were interviewed. Prevalences were estimated and, by means of logistic regression, the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the outcome were calculated in accordance with each of the exploratory variables. The prevalence of sufficient LTPA was 15.9%, 15.3% and 21.4% among people with hypertension (n=12,228), diabetes (n=3,577) and hypercholesterolemia (n=7,124), respectively. These values were lower than those observed among adults who did not report one of the three diseases. Adjusted analysis showed that individuals with positive self-perception of health and with more schooling, who reported a public space near their homes for physical activity, the existence in the city of public programs that encourage physical activity and the recommendation of health professionals to practice LTPA, were associated with a greater chance of being sufficiently active.

Positive self-perception of health among non-long-lived and long-lived older adults and associated factors.

This work aimed to identify the prevalence of positive self-perceived health among non-long-lived and long-lived older adults and associated factors. This is a study with older adults in the Family Health Strategy of Montes Claros. The Brazilian Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Function Assessment Questionnaire was used. Bivariate and multiple analyses were performed using Poisson Regression. A total of 1,750 older adults participated in the study, of which 1,420 were non-long-lived older adults, and 330 were long-lived older adults. Positive self-perception was reported among 71.9% of the non-long-lived older adults and 67.8% of the long-lived older adults. Among the non-long-lived, positive self-perceived health was associated with five years of schooling (PR=1.12); household income from two to less than three minimum wages (PR=1.13) and ≥three minimum wages (PR=1.12); preserved vision (PR=1.13); proper chewing (PR=1.16); preserved sleep (PR=1.23); absence of polypathologies (PR=1.29); absence of diabetes (PR=1.15); falls in the last year (PR=1.13); and physical activity (PR=1.11). Among the long-lived older adults, it was associated with the use of prosthesis, sleeping disorders, and polypathologies and physical activities. Positive self-perception of health is associated with social and health determinants.

Social connectedness and self-perceived health of older adults in New Zealand.

The objective of this research was to explore social connectedness and associations with self-perceived health amongst older adults in New Zealand at a population level. The data for this analysis were derived from the 2016 Health and Lifestyle Survey, a nationally representative survey administered via face-to-face interviews. The findings from this analysis of 1,374 respondents, all of whom were over the age of 55years, highlight that being female, belonging to older age groups (above 70years), being employed full-time or part-time, connecting online with known people, considering cultural connections to be important and not feeling isolated from others are significantly and positively associated with positive self-perceived health. The findings underscore the resilience potential of older adults and importance of social connectedness for positive health and well-being. In addition, the findings reveal target areas that would benefit by intervention and support by health professionals and policy makers.

Marcadores da autopercepção positiva de saúde de pessoas idosas no Brasil

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os determinantes demográficos e socioeconômicos que podem influenciar a autopercepção positiva de saúde de pessoas idosas no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo de natureza descritiva que utiliza dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde realizada em 2013 que constituí uma amostra ponderada de 11,8 milhões de idosos residentes no Brasil. A variável desfecho analisada é a autopercepção de saúde e foi categorizada em positiva e negativa. As variáveis independentes contemplam três dimensões: sociodemográficas, estilo de vida e aspectos de [...]

Resilience in elderly people: factors associated with sociodemographic and health conditions.

to describe the sociodemographic and health characteristics of elderly people, measure the score of total resilience and by sex and verify the association of sociodemographic and health variables with total resilience and by sex. this is a household survey with 808 elderly people, assessed by validated instruments. Student's t test and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). most were female, 60|-|79 years old. The total resilience score was 78.06, for men 81.53 and for women, 76.32. Total resilience was associated with males; positive self-perceived health; greater participation in Advanced Activities of Daily Living; fewer morbidities; absence of depressive symptoms. Among men and women, resilience was associated with greater participation in Advanced Activities of Daily Living and absence of depressive symptoms and, specifically, among women, positive self-perceived health. these results contribute to nursing care, aiming to encourage resilience.

Robust older adults in primary care: factors associated with successful aging.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of robustness among older adults assisted in primary health care and identify factors in successful aging.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted with older adults in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: the Brazilian Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Function Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ) and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index IVCF-20). The adjusted prevalence ratios were obtained by robust Poisson regression. Statistical analysis was performed for older adults in general (60 to 107 years) and stratified by age: from 60 to 79 years and 80 years or more.RESULTS A total of 1,750 older adults aged 60 to 107 years participated; between them, 48.7% were robust. Older adults aged 60 to 79 years (n = 1,421) and 80 years or more (n = 329) had a prevalence of robustness of 55.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Some factors associated with successful aging were: positive self-perception of health, dancing habits, walking habits, absence of cognitive impairment, absence of depressive symptoms and polypathology, as well as daily life independence. After adjustment by age, the absence of polypathology and independence for activities of daily living stand out for robustness between 60 and 79 years; in those aged 80 years and over, independence for activities of daily living and dance practice presented greater strength of association.CONCLUSION The prevalence of robust older adults in primary care is considered satisfactory for the older population in general but decreases with age and is associated with the absence of diseases and disabilities. These results denote the need to redesign the health care system, focusing on promoting and preventing clinical-functional vulnerability.

Aspectos sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados à autopercepção de saúde positiva entre adolescentes do ensino médio

Self-perceived health is considered to be a predictor of mortality and morbidity as it encompasses a global healthassessment based on an analysis of the sociodemographic and behavioral aspects associated with positive self-perceivedhealth among high school adolescents. This study aimed to identify the factors regarding sociodemographic aspectsand health behaviors associated with positive self-perceived health of teenage students in the city of Guanambi, BA.Therefore, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out with 1,140 adolescents aged between 15 and 19years old enrolled in public and private schools in the city, using a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out bymeans of binary logistic regression, with variables that presented p<20% remaining in the final model, and p<0.05was considered statistically significant. Among the respondents, 60.9% were female, 69.3% were aged 15 to 17 yearsold, and 68.6% came from families with a monthly income of up to two minimum wages. It was observed that 78.3%of students rated their health positively (those who reported an excellent or good self-perceived health). In general,this outcome was associated with younger (p=0.02) males (p<0.01), with experience using drugs (p=0.04), who werephysically activity (p=0.02), and had a lower stress level (p<0.01). In boys, self-perceived health was associated withphysical activity (p=0.04) and lower levels of stress (p<0.01). In the analysis with the girls, the outcome was associatedwith the age group (p<0.01) and with lower levels of stress (p<0.01). It was concluded that the prevalence of positive selfperceivedhealth among high school adolescents was different for males and females, as well as their associated factors.

Relationship Between Self-Perceived Health, Vitality, and Posttraumatic Growth in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Our objective was to analyze the differences in posttraumatic growth in 240 liver transplant recipients based on two factors. First, self-perceived health: better (Group 1 = G1) and worse (Group 2 = G2). Second, vitality: more (Group 3 = G3) and less (Group 4 = G4). The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, SF-36 Health Survey (Item 2) and SF-12 Health Survey (vitality dimension) were used. Firstly, analyzing main effects recipients with better (G1) compared to worse (G2) self-perceived health, showed greater posttraumatic growth. Interaction effects were found on essential posttraumatic growth domains such as new possibilities (p = 0.040), personal strength (p = 0.027), and appreciation of life (p = 0.014). Statistically significant differences showed that among transplant recipients with worse self-perceived health (G2), those with more vitality had higher levels on abovementioned posttraumatic growth dimensions. However, in transplant recipients with better self-perceived health (G1) respective dimensions were not significantly influenced by the level of vitality. Among the recipients with less vitality (G4), those with better self-perceived health showed higher scores on abovementioned posttraumatic growth dimensions. We conclude that positive self-perceived health might compensate for a lack of vitality as well as a high level of vitality may compensate for negative self-perceived health regarding the development of crucial aspects of posttraumatic growth after liver transplantation.

Health situation in the perception of elderly widows assisted by primary health care.

Analyze the perception of elderly widow women about their health situation. Descriptive and exploratory research, based on qualitative approach performed with 34 widowed women aged 60 years and over, enrolled in primary health care. It was used content analysis in its thematic analysis modality. Three thematic nuclei were obtained: "positive self-perception of health in old age", "negative understanding of health related to the diseases" and "negative repercussions of the absence of the husband in the health situation of the widows". Presence of the family, chronic diseases under control, physical limitations and absence of the partner directly influenced the responses of the elderly widows. The elderly widows perceive their health situation as relatively good and some factors are challenges to a better health situation. For the participants, widowhood means more than just the physical loss of the husband, interfering negatively in the perception of their health situation.

Self-perception of health and social determinants in high school adolescents

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the association between self-perception of health, gender, age, economic status, quality of life, cultural aspects and contexts of violence in high school adolescents. Methods: an observational analytical cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample composed of 386 high school students aged 15-19 years. The data collection was made in 16 public schools. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate data analyses were made. Models with hierarchical entry of the blocks according to the level of determination established in the theoretical model were built, and for the evaluation of associations in the logistic regression models, the significance level of 5% was considered. The Odds Ratio and its respective confidence interval of 95% were used as a measure of the magnitude of the associations. Results: the data revealed that more than two-thirds of the participants reported a positive self-perception of health and, in the hierarchical multiple logistic regression model, to have own house, to practice any religion, and the quality of life remained associated with positive Self-perception of health. Conclusion: having their own house, practicing a given religion and having a better quality of life increased the chances of a positive self-perception of health.

Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health factors associated with positive self-perceived health of long-lived elderly residents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with positive self-perceived health of long-lived elderly (80+) individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and included 239 elderly participants from the EpiFloripa Ageing Project. We used collection instruments to verify sociodemographic and economic data, self-reported health status, falls, and lifestyle. Then, we identified factors associated with positive self-perceived health using a Poisson regression adjusted for sex. We found that a positive self-reported health status was more prevalent among the long-lived elderly who were not depressed (PR = 0.49), and among those who consumed alcohol (PR = 1.99). Understanding which variables may interfere in the self-perceived health of the long-lived elderly can result in better health options for this population, mainly, new methods to prevent depression. Additionally, this information can help reduce costs associated with hospitalizations, medications and health treatments, all of which are very common among the long-lived elderly.

Family Religiosity and Oral Health Related Quality of Life: a Multilevel Analysis in Brazilian Schoolchildren.

Religiosity has been associated with a better dental condition and positive self-perception of health, but there are no studies on the relationship between religious practice and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), especially among schoolchildren. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between family religiosity and OHRQoL in 12-year-old schoolchildren. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 12-year-old schoolchildren from Santa Maria, a city in southern Brazil. A total of 1,134 schoolchildren were assessed in a randomly selected in 20 public schools in the city. Participants were examined by 4 calibrated dentists (minimum Kappa-value for intra and inter-examiner agreement were 0.79 and 0.77, respectively) according to dental caries (Decayed, Missed, Filled Teeth Index), and gingival bleeding (Community Periodontal Index criteria). OHRQoL was assessed by the Brazilian short version of Child Perceptions for Questionnaire (CPQ11-14). Parents or guardians answered a structured questionnaire regarding their socioeconomic status and religious practice. Data were analyzed using multilevel Poisson regression analysis to assess the association of religiosity and overall and domain-specific CPQ 11-14 scores. Religious practice less than once a week was associated with higher mean symptoms domain scores and higher mean CPQ 11-14 overall scores in schoolchildren. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that family religiosity was positively associated with schoolchildren's OHRQoL.

Factors associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medications by older adults in primary health care: An analysis comparing AGS Beers, EU(7)-PIM List , and Brazilian Consensus PIM criteria.

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) for the older adults are those with an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio when more effective and safe therapeutic alternatives are available and is an important public health problem. To analyze the factors associated with the use of PIM by the older adults and to investigate the agreement of PIM use frequency using the 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults - 2015 AGS Beers Criteria, the Brazilian consensus on potentially inappropriate medication for older adults (BCPIM) and the European union list of potentially inappropriate medications - EU (7)-PIM List. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in two primary health care centers in southeastern Brazil. The 2015 AGS Beers Criteria, BCPIM, and EU (7)-PIM List were used for the classification of PIM. The association between PIM use and independent variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. The level of agreement of PIM use among the three criteria was measured with the Cohen's kappa coefficient. A total of 227 patients ≥60 years of age were included in the study. The frequency of PIM use was 53.7% for 2015 AGS Beers, 55.9% for BCPIM and 63.4% for the EU (7)-PIM List. The agreement between 2015 AGS Beers and BCPIM and between this and the EU (7)-PIM List was high, and moderate between the 2015 AGS Beers and the EU (7)-PIM List. Logistic regression showed association of PIM use with polypharmacy, self-reported neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal diseases, age ≤70 years, preserved cognition and positive self-perception of health. The frequency of PIM use by the older adults of health centers investigated is high. Strategies for improving the pharmacotherapy of the older adults in primary health care should be implemented.

Positive self-perceived health of octogenarians participating in community groups

The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with positive self-perceived health of octogenarians participating in community groups in the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 343 older adult individuals aged 80 years or older, of both sexes, participating in community groups. A questionnaire was applied through a face-to-face interview, including socio-demographic and economic data, self-reported health status, falls, lifestyle and leisure domain from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Poisson regression was used to identify the factors associated with positive self-perceived health, adjusted for socio-demographic, economic, behavioral, health condition and fall variables. The prevalence of positive self-perceived health among octogenarians was 49.0% (95%CI=44.0-54.0). The factors associated with positive self-perceived health were as follows: to receive a monthly income higher than six minimum wages (PR=1.39; 95%CI=0.91-2.11), to smoke currently (PR=1.75; 95%CI=1.25-2.46), to be physically active during leisure time (PR=1.33; 95%CI=1.06-1.67), to have arthritis or rheumatism (PR=0.55; 95%CI=0.37-0.80), diabetes (PR=0.54; 95%CI=0.37-0.79) and cardiovascular disease (OR=0.71; 95%CI=0.53-0.95), apart from using medications (PR=0.74; 95%CI=0.60-0.91). Thus, it could be concluded that some modifiable factors were identified, such as income, smoking, leisure physical activity, and use of medications, which can interfere with the positive self-perceived health of octogenarians participating in community groups.

Social demographic aspects and self-referred health conditions of men attending a health care unit

This study aimed at characterizing social demographic aspects and health conditions of men attending a Primary Family Health Care unit in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, correlating these variables with health self-perception and identifying men’s difficulty in using the health service. 115 adult men were interviewed who had attended the service in April and May, 2013. Most of them had completed high school, were married and adopted healthy practices, although they consumed alcoholic beverages. The main complaint regarding the health service was the long waiting time for attendance. The main factors that contributed for negative self-perception of health were: being married, suffering from chronic diseases and having low education; whereas those that contributed to the positive self-perception of health were: being young, being employed and not making regular use of medication (p<0.05). Those findings can subsidize policies to prevent diseases in promoting men’s health.