Promotion Of Healthy Behaviors Research Articles

A Study of Consumer Awareness Regarding Health Issues Caused by Consumption of Cold Drinks in Ahmedabad City

This study explores consumer awareness regarding health issues caused by the consumption of cold drinks in Ahmedabad city. The research examines associations between age, reasons for cold drink consumption (e.g., taste, habit, socializing), and the occurrence of health problems such as diabetes, digestive issues, and dental problems. It also investigates how consumers gather information about the health impacts of cold drinks, with a focus on sources such as social media, family/friends, schools, and health professionals. The findings reveal weak associations between age and reasons for consumption, suggesting that cold drink preferences are not strongly age-dependent. However, digestive issues are more significantly associated with cold drink consumption compared to other health risks like diabetes and dental problems.The study also highlights the importance of labeling and natural ingredients in influencing consumer choices, as well as the role of government campaigns in raising health awareness. Practical implications include the need for targeted public health campaigns, clearer product labeling, and promoting healthier beverage alternatives. The findings suggest that age-specific interventions, especially leveraging social media for younger consumers, can be effective in raising awareness and promoting healthier behaviors. Future research should explore psychological and behavioral drivers, evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions, and investigate long-term health impacts to provide deeper insights into cold drink consumption patterns and their health consequences

Adolescent Health in Lebanon: Exploring Alcohol Use, Dietary Patterns, Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Smoking Using the Global School-Based Student Health Survey Approach.

This study aims to assess alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, mental health, and smoking behaviors among Lebanese adolescents aged 13-17 years, with a focus on gender and school-type differences. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Lebanon between March and July 2022 using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire. A representative sample of students from public and private schools participated in the survey, with key variables analyzed to identify significant patterns and disparities. Our findings reveal that 6.3% of adolescents consumed alcohol, with males reporting a higher prevalence and earlier initiation (p = 0.003). Gender differences were evident in dietary habits, where males were more likely to consume sugary drinks (p = 0.04) and have consistent breakfast habits (p = 0.003). Adolescents from private schools exhibited distinct dietary behaviors, including lower milk consumption (p < 0.001) and higher fatty food intake (p = 0.008). Males were also more physically active and reported better mental health outcomes compared to females (p = 0.004). Smoking behaviors showed that males smoked more frequently, while private school students reported smoking less. No significant difference was observed in bullying experiences between genders or school types. The study highlights critical health behaviors among Lebanese adolescents, with significant variations by gender and school type. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the identified risk factors and promote healthier behaviors in this population.

The Impact of Wearable Technologies on Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hypertension is a major global health concern and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death. Despite effective treatments, blood pressure control remains suboptimal due to challenges in medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. Wearable technologies offer potential solutions by providing continuous monitoring and promoting healthier behaviors. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of wearable technologies on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. A comprehensive search of databases identified six randomized controlled trials, which varied in sample size, interventions, and outcomes. The meta-analysis revealed small, non-significant effects on systolic (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.27, 95%CI -0.57, 0.04) and diastolic (SMD = -0.16, 95%CI -0.41, 0.08) blood pressure, with considerable heterogeneity across studies. While wearable technologies show promise in hypertension management, their effects on blood pressure control are inconsistent. Future research should focus on more tailored interventions, identifying patient subgroups that may benefit most, and integrating wearables with traditional care to enhance hypertension management.

Fostering collective action for adolescent well-being: citizen science in a Colombian semi-rural area.

We present findings from the Our Voice in Barú project, examining adolescent engagement in citizen science to address environmental and social factors affecting well-being in a semi-rural Afro-descendant community in Latin America. The project aimed to identify barriers and enablers of well-being, informing adolescent-led actions for sustainable environmental changes relevant to adolescent health. Utilizing the Our Voice citizen science method, which involved technology-enabled walks, participatory cartography workshops and community meetings, we engaged adolescents and other community members. Complex systems framework was employed to analyze results and assess the promotion of collective action and local change. Local enablers of well-being included availability of quality sports and recreational venues as safe spaces, educational settings and cultural aspects, fostering safety, community pride, and personal growth. Conversely, barriers included environmental contamination, deteriorated sports venues and drug addiction, indicating the community's limited access to services and exposure to harmful substances. Adolescent citizen scientists, in partnership with the research team and relevant community decision-makers, successfully achieved changes aimed at identified barriers, including infrastructural enhancements like the repair of pumps to remove stagnant water, improvements in the quality and safety of recreational venues, and the implementation of community-led initiatives to address substance abuse and promote healthier behaviors. The Our Voice in Barú project empowered adolescents to advocate for change and promoted collective action to tackle barriers identified as significant to their well-being.

O28 EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF STRUCTURED TRAINING COURSE ON HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS FOR HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT

Background: This study explores how structured training program enhances healthcare professionals’ awareness of lifestyle modifications for hypertension. Assessing its impact on both knowledge and patient guidance, with an aim to improve healthcare delivery by equipping professionals with informed strategies for lifestyle modification. Design and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed with sample size of 750 HCPs. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS), a modified questionnaire based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), was utilized to assess participants’ understanding of hypertension, knowledge of lifestyle modification, and clinical practice. A 12-week online course comprising seven modules was delivered to the HCPs, followed by pre- and post-tests to measure changes in knowledge regarding lifestyle modifications. Results: The analysis revealed a substantial increase in HCPs knowledge levels post-intervention compared to pre-intervention regarding hypertension (t = 4.90, p = 0.001), lifestyle modification (t = 3.62, p = 0.001), and their proficiency in offering lifestyle advice to patients (t = 3.56, p = 0.001). In addition to these positive outcomes among HCPs, the intervention also highlighted significant gender disparities in attendance and outcomes among participants. Females exhibited a higher attendance rate of 75% compared to males, with consequent improvements in practice, while males showed a more substantial enhancement in knowledge levels post-intervention. These findings underscore the importance of addressing gender-specific barriers to improvement, such as socio-cultural factors for females and preconceived notions for males, to optimize the effectiveness of future interventions in promoting healthier behaviors and outcomes. Conclusions: Structured training programs are imperative for enhancing HCPs’ knowledge of lifestyle modification, particularly in the context of hypertension, as a crucial component of primary prevention strategies. This signifies the effectiveness of the structured training program in enhancing HCPs’ comprehension of hypertension management and their ability to guide patients toward adopting healthier lifestyles.

Assessing the Mediating Role of Information Technology in Promoting Healthy Behaviors among Children in China

Objectives: In the past few years, continuous advancements in information technology have also encouraged different people to utilize online media to promote eHealth literacy. This approach is also considered effective in improving the health behaviors among the associated individuals, leading to improved quality of life. Methods: Thus, this study also aims to assess the mediating role of information technology in promoting health behaviors among children in China. For this purpose, the mediation of information technology (eHealth literacy) was observed in association between quality of life (QoL) and promotion of healthy behaviors. Within this context health promoting lifestyle (HPL) among the individuals was also considered. For this research, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 2,290 children (ages 10 to &gt; 16 years) in China. For this survey, the basic characteristics of the participants, including their age, education level, family income, gender, and residence, were determined to measure their eHealth literacy and HPL. For this study, regression analysis was conducted for determining the association between the variables. Results: The results obtained from model 1 shows that eHealth literacy significantly impact health- promoting behaviors (p &lt; 0.05). The results obtained from model 2 also showed that health-promoting behaviours and eHealth literacy were significantly associated with quality of life (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the value of indirect effect of healthy behaviors promotion was found to be 0.124 in association between quality of life and eHealth literacy/ information technology (CI= 95%), whereas, the total mediating impact of information technology, contributed 40.5% to the total effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, information technology (eHealth literacy) significantly mediates the association between HPL and QoL. Thus, the current research has been effective in presenting important implications for the promotion of eHealth literacy.

Nursing Care in Migrant People: An Approach from the Cultural Perspective

International migration is an issue of political, economic, and social relevance worldwide. Ensuring the right of international migrants to health protection is a challenge for countries of expulsion, transit, and destination. Nursing plays a vital role in ensuring that international migrants maintain a state of health that allows mobilization, through the prevention of diseases and accidents, the promotion of healthy behaviors, diagnosis and timely care of communicable and non-communicable diseases, so that the development of interventions in the areas of large migratory flows, helps to ensure safe migration from the approach of world health care.

Empowering Pregnant Women: A Community-Based Health Education Intervention to Promote Healthy Behaviors

Pregnant women in rural areas like Lubuk Alung often face barriers to accessing quality health information and care, leading to suboptimal health behaviors during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based health education intervention on pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy behaviors in Lubuk Alung. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 150 pregnant women (75 intervention, 75 control) in Lubuk Alung. The intervention group received a 12-week program of structured health education sessions delivered by trained community health workers. Sessions covered topics such as nutrition, exercise, antenatal care, childbirth preparation, and breastfeeding. The control group received standard antenatal care. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to healthy behaviors. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge about healthy behaviors (p&lt;0.001), more positive attitudes towards these behaviors (p&lt;0.01), and increased adoption of practices like consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, attending antenatal care visits, and exclusive breastfeeding (p&lt;0.05). The control group showed minimal changes. In conclusion, community-based health education interventions are effective in empowering pregnant women in rural settings. They increase knowledge, shift attitudes, and promote the adoption of healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Such programs should be integrated into routine antenatal care services in areas like Lubuk Alung.

Health-Related Quality of Life and its Determinants among School-going Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study.

Adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth in their transition from childhood to adulthood, affecting health outcomes and well-being. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a useful indicator of health outcomes, assessed in the current study along with associated determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 randomly selected adolescents from 13 randomly selected schools in Gharwal division, Uttarakhand, India, from August 2019 to September 2020. The students studying in the 8th-11th standard and those providing assent and consent from their parents were included in the study. They were screened using the short version of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. Along with physical activity and fitness assessment, the Global School-based Student Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The transformed HRQoL domain scores were calculated using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. A univariate and multivariable linear regression model was applied to identify the determinants of HRQoL using SPSS version 23. The study included 324 (51.1%) boys and 310 (48.9%) girls. The mean age of the students was 14.4±1.4 years. The highest mean score was 72.3±21.0 for the social relationship domain and the lowest was 55.6±15.0 for the physical domain. The age, parents using any form of tobacco, a history of ever-use of alcohol and physical fitness were significantly associated with HRQoL domain scores. The non-dominant back stretch test was also significantly associated (Beta coefficient; SE, P-value) with physical (-4.1; 1.4, 0.002), psychosocial (-3.9; 1.5, 0.010) and environmental (-3.5; 1.4, 0.014) domain scores. All domains of HRQoL need to be improved and should address the psychological, social, and mental well-being of adolescents. Physical activity and fitness of students emerged as a strong modifiable predictor affecting almost all the domains of HRQoL, warranting its promotion in schools and the promotion of healthy behavior among parents and adolescents.

Assessing Risk Literacy Skills: Enhancing Healthcare Management among University Students.

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of risk literacy among university students in the United States by utilizing the Berlin Numeracy Test. Risk literacy skills are essential for decision-making and communication of risks, but few studies consider university students. This study aims to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with individual risk literacy levels. An observational cross-sectional survey study was used with a convenience sample of 184 undergraduate and graduate university students. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for demographics at risk for negative outcomes associated with lower risk literacy. For this group of students, the majority had below-average numeracy. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on college-age individuals with low-risk literacy scores to enhance patient understanding, facilitate communication, and promote healthier behaviors.

WhatsApp-based intervention in urban Colombia to support the prevention of arboviral diseases: a feasibility study

ABSTRACT Arboviral diseases remain a significant health concern worldwide, with over half the world’s population at risk for dengue alone. Without a vaccine or targeted treatment, the most effective strategy of prevention is vector management with community involvement. mHealth interventions, like WhatsApp, offer promising results for engaging communities and promoting healthier behaviors. This study explores the feasibility of integrating WhatsApp in vector control activities to improve arbovirus prevention in Colombia. A mixed-methods approach was employed to assess the WhatsApp-based intervention. WhatsApp messages were sent to 45 community women for 5 weeks to increase their knowledge and practices about dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Pre-and-post surveys and focus group discussions were conducted in community settings to measure the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention. Chat reviews were done to assess the usability of users. A total of 1566 messages were exchanged in 45 WhatsApp chats. High acceptance and good usability (82% of users used the app for replying) were reported in this study. WhatsApp messages were perceived as short, clear, and enjoyable. Users liked the frequency, and design of messages. Pre- and post-surveys demonstrated improvements in the knowledge and practices of arboviral diseases. The intention to apply this knowledge in practice was reflected in a significant improvement, particularly in cleaning the laundry tank once a week (pre 62.1% to post 89.6%, p < 0.008). This study suggests that using WhatsApp as an additional tool could be a feasible, acceptable, and affordable strategy for improving the adoption of better practices in the prevention of arboviral diseases.

Assessing the Accuracy of Generative Conversational Artificial Intelligence in Debunking Sleep Health Myths: Mixed Methods Comparative Study With Expert Analysis.

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining individual and public health, positively affecting cognition and well-being, and reducing chronic disease risks. It plays a significant role in driving the economy, public safety, and managing health care costs. Digital tools, including websites, sleep trackers, and apps, are key in promoting sleep health education. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT (OpenAI, Microsoft Corp) offers accessible, personalized advice on sleep health but raises concerns about potential misinformation. This underscores the importance of ensuring that AI-driven sleep health information is accurate, given its significant impact on individual and public health, and the spread of sleep-related myths. This study aims to examine ChatGPT's capability to debunk sleep-related disbeliefs. A mixed methods design was leveraged. ChatGPT categorized 20 sleep-related myths identified by 10 sleep experts and rated them in terms of falseness and public health significance, on a 5-point Likert scale. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, and interrater agreement were also calculated. A qualitative comparative analysis was also conducted. ChatGPT labeled a significant portion (n=17, 85%) of the statements as "false" (n=9, 45%) or "generally false" (n=8, 40%), with varying accuracy across different domains. For instance, it correctly identified most myths about "sleep timing," "sleep duration," and "behaviors during sleep," while it had varying degrees of success with other categories such as "pre-sleep behaviors" and "brain function and sleep." ChatGPT's assessment of the degree of falseness and public health significance, on the 5-point Likert scale, revealed an average score of 3.45 (SD 0.87) and 3.15 (SD 0.99), respectively, indicating a good level of accuracy in identifying the falseness of statements and a good understanding of their impact on public health. The AI-based tool showed a sensitivity of 85% and a positive predictive value of 100%. Overall, this indicates that when ChatGPT labels a statement as false, it is highly reliable, but it may miss identifying some false statements. When comparing with expert ratings, high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between ChatGPT's appraisals and expert opinions could be found, suggesting that the AI's ratings were generally aligned with expert views on falseness (ICC=.83, P<.001) and public health significance (ICC=.79, P=.001) of sleep-related myths. Qualitatively, both ChatGPT and sleep experts refuted sleep-related misconceptions. However, ChatGPT adopted a more accessible style and provided a more generalized view, focusing on broad concepts, while experts sometimes used technical jargon, providing evidence-based explanations. ChatGPT-4 can accurately address sleep-related queries and debunk sleep-related myths, with a performance comparable to sleep experts, even if, given its limitations, the AI cannot completely replace expert opinions, especially in nuanced and complex fields such as sleep health, but can be a valuable complement in the dissemination of updated information and promotion of healthy behaviors.

Preventing childhood obesity in general practice: a qualitative study of GPs, practice nurses, and practice managers.

General practitioners (GPs) in Australia have an important role to play in preventing childhood obesity. Activities such as growth monitoring and promotion of healthy behaviours can contribute to obesity prevention efforts; however, the practicalities of how this is done are poorly documented. Objectives were to understand current attitudes and practices regarding promoting healthy childhood growth and development and preventing childhood obesity in general practice, and identify practical barriers and enablers to routinely incorporating this into general practice based on the observations and personal experiences of general practice staff. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with Australian general practice staff. Barriers and enablers underwent thematic analysis and mapped to the ecological model. Interviews were conducted with 9 GPs, 4 nurses, and 2 practice managers. Participants agreed that growth monitoring and healthy behaviour promotion should be done for children with a healthy weight. However, the thematic analysis indicated that obesity prevention in clinics is not supported well by the broader general practice system, there are complexities associated with obesity prevention discussions, and the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified challenges in general practice. Two themes for obesity prevention enablers were identified; these related to bridging the implementation gap and the need for changes outside the clinic to support behaviour within the clinic. Ecological model mapping implicated multiple ecological levels for each theme. Childhood obesity prevention through growth monitoring and healthy behaviour promotion is relevant to general practice; however, more support is needed to enable implementation and embed these practices day-to-day.

Being there and being with them: the effects of visibility affordance of online short fitness video on users' intention to cloud fitness.

Cloud fitness is transforming indoor exercise for young people in China. Recent studies have explored the correlation between media use and health-promoting behavior by examining the motivation of individuals and the credibility of influencers. However, the role of media affordance has thus far been largely overlooked. Drawing on the theory of Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR), the study investigated the indirect effect of visibility affordance on the intention to exercise with fitness influencers in the context of cloud fitness through psychological variables. This paper, based on the online survey data (N = 456), analyses the effect of visibility affordance on the intention to fitness following with influencers. A moderated parallel mediation model was constructed to examine the relationship among related variables. The paper draws the following conclusions: (1) Visibility affordance is positively related to the intention to exercise with fitness influencers. (2) Both the sense of social presence and immersion positively mediate the relationship between visibility affordance and the intention to exercise with fitness influencers. (3) The perceived popularity of the influencer positively moderates the relationship between social presence and the intention to exercise with fitness influencers and moderates the mediating role of social presence. Consequently, this study enhances the existing body of knowledge in exercise behavior and health communication literature, and provides practical implications for short video platform, influencers and individuals in promoting healthier behaviors.

Youth’s Awareness about Skin Cancer, with Particular Emphasis on Melanoma

Abstract Background: Cancer is a health problem both in Poland and around the world due to its incidence and potential mortality. Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that originates from melanocytes. It is the most important risk associated with UV radiation. An important topic is the promotion of knowledge of it among young people from an early age to prevent skin lesions. Skin disease prevention should be discussed at subsequent stages of school education. Children and adolescents should be aware of the negative effects of UV radiation. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and use of protection by primary and secondary school students regarding the occurrence and prevention of skin cancer, with particular emphasis on melanoma. Material and methods: As many as 224 young people took part in the study. An original questionnaire was used, consisting of sociodemographic questions and questions checking young people’s knowledge about skin cancer risk factors and skin disease prevention. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. To check the statistical significance of the obtained results, the significance level of p &lt; 0.05 was adopted. Results: Skin problems occurred in 38.84% (N = 87) of respondents. Most of the respondents (80.36%, N = 180) do not use solariums and are aware that solariums are the main factor causing melanoma (81.70%, N = 183). As many as 78.57% (N = 176) of respondents claim that skin disease prevention has never been discussed at school and most young people (60.27%, N = 135) do not know about dermatoscopic examination. Most students (70.54%, N = 158) expressed their desire to expand their knowledge about skin diseases and their prevention. Conclusions: Due to the limited knowledge of children and adolescents about skin cancers, including melanoma, as well as the common disregard among this group of preventive measures related to the broadly understood prevention of their development, further theoretical education and promotion of healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of the disease are necessary.

Personal health behaviors and physical activity and nutrition counseling by nurse practitioners: An online survey.

Healthy lifestyle counseling improves nutritional intake and participation in exercise, yet the rate of patient counseling varies and clinicians' personal behaviors can influence counseling practices. This cross-sectional study evaluated lifestyle counseling by nurse practitioners (NPs) and the relationship between their personal behaviors and patient counseling. Practicing NPs ( N = 1,220) completed an online survey regarding personal behaviors and counseling for healthy body weight, moderate-vigorous physical activity, muscle strengthening, fruit and vegetable consumption, and dietary protein. The majority reported counseling "usually" or "often" for healthy weight (54%), moderate-vigorous physical activity (53%), and fruits/vegetables (57%), whereas only 44% and 17% reported "usually" or "often" counseling for dietary protein and muscle strengthening. When NPs did not personally engage in the behavior, the odds for counseling were significantly reduced: NPs were 21% less likely to counsel for moderate-vigorous physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79 [0.65-0.97], p = .026), 27% less likely to counsel for muscle strengthening (OR = 0.73 [0.60-0.90], p = .004), 57% less likely to counsel for fruit/vegetable consumption (OR = 0.43 [0.35-0.54], p < .001), and 72% less likely to counsel for dietary protein (OR = 0.28 [0.18-0.45], p < .001). Personal body mass index did not predict counseling for a healthy weight. Although NPs report regular patient counseling regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, the odds for counseling are increased approximately 20-75% when they engage in the behaviors themselves. Promotion of healthy behaviors during professional education may have long-term implications for preventive health counseling.

Who Is Afraid of Monkeypox? Analysis of Psychosocial Factors Associated with the First Reactions of Fear of Monkeypox in the Italian Population.

A rising number of monkeypox cases have been detected in Europe and several Western nations. Evaluating the fear associated with monkeypox is crucial to determine the necessity for tailored education and prevention programs for specific populations. This study explores the psychological and social factors linked to the fear response to monkeypox. Nine self-report measures were completed by 333 participants (212 women, 110 men, and 11 individuals identifying as other genders) from the general Italian population, investigating different psychosocial variables. The findings revealed that higher levels of monkeypox fear were linked to identifying as LGB+ or having close associations with the LGBTQI+ community, being single, having lower education levels, placing greater importance on religion, receiving more COVID-19 vaccine doses, having a lower current quality of life, and attributing increased impairment to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychologically, higher levels of monkeypox fear were associated with higher levels of epistemic credulity, close-mindedness, anxiety, difficulty expressing emotions, and difficulty processing them. Conversely, lower levels of monkeypox fear were related to the belief that the media exaggerated the risks associated with monkeypox epidemics. A partial mediation model was presented and tested. Collecting and utilizing this data can help design targeted education and prevention programs to overcome the fear of monkeypox and promote healthier behaviors.

Public health system in promotion of water sanitation and hygiene: an analytical study

Public health is defined as the science of preventing disease, prolonging life and improving quality of life through organised efforts, choices of society, communities and individuals which are achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, prevention, detecting, and responding to diseases. Prevention is carried out by implementation of educational programs, recommending policies, administering services and conducting research. The aim of public health is reached through surveillance of cases and health indicators, promotion of healthy behaviours and limiting the health disparities by promoting healthcare equity, quality and accessibility. The concept of health takes into account physical, psychological, and social well-being as prescribed by World Health Organization that health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity and more recently, a resource for everyday living. Common initiatives also include promotion of hygiene, education on water and water borne diseases, sanitation, vaccinations, etc.

The Concept of Healthy Behaviours in Obesity May Have Unintended Consequences.

Obesity has become a global epidemic, representing a major health crisis, with a significant impact both in human and financial terms. Obesity was originally seen as a condition, not a disease, which was considered self-inflicted. Thus, it was understandable that a simplistic approach, such as eat less and move more was proposed to manage obesity. Over the last 25 years, the perception of obesity has been gradually changing and the awareness has risen that it is a disease in its own right and not just a precipitating factor for type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etc. Creation of a comprehensive algorithm for the management of obesity needs to be informed by an in-depth understanding of the issues impacting the provision of treatment. Promotion of healthy behaviours is essential to help the population become healthier, but these are not obesity treatment strategies. Twenty percent of patients with obesity may respond to approaches based on healthy behaviour, but the 80% who do not respond should not be stigmatised but rather their treatment should be escalated. The unintended consequences of promoting healthy behaviours to patients with obesity can be mitigated by understanding that obesity is likely to be a subset of complex diseases, that require chronic disease management. Once the biology of the disease has been addressed, then healthy behaviours may play an invaluable role in optimising self-care within a chronic disease management strategy.

Study to assess spiritual well-being on anxiety among women with pregnancy

It can be concluded from this study that spiritual well-being has role in reducing anxiety &amp; stress at the time of pregnancy. Recent evidence is there regarding role of nurses or midwives for improvement &amp; promotion of healthy behavior either directly by educating pregnant women about spiritual well-being or indirectly by promoting planning-preparation copings &amp; decreasing anxiety.