Promotion Of Healthy Lifestyle Research Articles

UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract Over the last decades, the abandonment of traditional dietary patterns and engagement in unhealthy lifestyles (including poor physical activity, prolonged screen time, poor sleep behaviours) in children and adolescents has been considered an important threat for the future health of the younger generations living in the Mediterranean area and the safeguard of the environment. The DELICIOUS project aims to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents by implementing activities and tools to increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet with an attention to the environmental impacts of dietary habits. The DELICIOUS project as a single-arm, uncontrolled behavioral intervention program providing formal and non-formal education activities, development of new snacks and recipe reformulation, web/mobile app development, and physical activities to school children and adolescents in five European countries. Over 2000 families joined a preliminary survey to investigate potential determinants of adherence to a healthy diet. Children and adolescents recruited from schools in the parterns’ countries are now currently being recruited to participate to the intervention activities. A web application for school canteen and a mobile application for parents have been developed to help both schools and families to track and provide healthy and sustainable meals. The project aims to increase awareness of the nutritional benefits and the sustainability aspects of the Mediterranean Diet and to promote consumers’ empowerment through an online platform for sustainable and healthy meal planning in the school canteen.

Healthy lifestyle promotion project among healthcare workers

Abstract Background The psychosocial risks generated from difficult work conditions are damaging not only for the workers’ health and safety, but also have a huge impact on the organization and management efficiency. Description Some of the primary challenges that health workers face are demanding schedules and stressful shift patterns which lead to higher levels of worker burnout. Ensuring the well-being of healthcare staff is crucial not only for the individual workers, but it also brings important lessons to the community creating an environment built on a culture of health. Results In the past year, the Hospital of Cittadella (Province of Padua) has launched a set of programmes structured to help the staff make better lifestyle choices that affect not only their personal life but also create a more sustainable work environment. One of the projects involved various meetings with a Physical Medicine-Rehabilitation physician, a physical therapist, an Occupational Medicine physician and a medical yoga teacher. The encounters, attended by nearly 10% of the hospital staff, were aimed to help healthcare workers create a more balanced lifestyle and to implement physical activity and posture exercises in their daily routine. Four nutrition classes were also organized with the help of a nutritional biologist. The aim of this course was to show the basics of healthy diets supported by scientific data and guide the participants towards realistic and healthy meal plans. Lessons In conclusion, increasing the general wellbeing within the healthcare context is not an easy task, especially when organizational circumstances like staff reduction are being faced. These projects represent a small step towards facing these difficulties. It is important to note that the motivation, collaboration, inclusivity, flexibility and reliance are all elements that contribute to better mental and physical health of the healthcare staff which is crucial on an individual, organizational and societal level. Key messages • Increasing personal well being amongst healthcare workers can help create a more sustainable work environment. • A healthy work environment is crucial for a better functioning organization.

Burnout Syndrome among Emergency Physicians and Residents: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To study the risk factors and prevalence of burnout and its dimensions among emergency physicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process. Results: We included fourteen studies with a total of 1810 patients, and 1068 (59%) were males. The MBI-HSS was the scale used to assess burnout. The prevalence of burnout ranged from 15.57% to 76%. The following factors were associated with higher burnout risk: smokers, people using medication for sleep disorders, number of vacation days annually, number of workdays per week, female sex, single status, early medical practice participants, resident physician/surgeon employment category participants, people whose current job negatively impacted their family life, and people with back pain. Conclusion: Saudi physicians in emergency medicine have the highest burnout rates of any profession, making them particularly vulnerable to burnout. Nonetheless, there remains a high level of job satisfaction among emergency physicians, and further research is necessary to fully understand the intricate relationship between burnout and job satisfaction. Because burnout is linked to particular personality traits and particularly coping mechanisms, doctors who are at high risk of experiencing burnout should be recognized early on and appropriately consulted. In order to make progress toward the goal of effectively treating burnout syndrome in the future, more case-control studies pertaining to behavioural intervention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are required.

Modeling and empirical evidence of the impact of implementation of sugar sweetened-beverages tax to reduce non-communicable diseases prevalence: a systematic review.

The surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been linked to excessive sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. In response, the World Health Organization advocates for SSB taxes as a preventive measure. This study conducts a systematic literature review, encompassing simulation modeling and empirical evidence, to evaluate the effectiveness of SSB taxes in diminishing NCD prevalence. A systematic search from August 2002 to August 2022, utilizing databases like ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, Springer, and ResearchGate, identified 29 relevant articles worldwide following PRISMA 2020. The Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) 2018 tool was employed for economic evaluation. Among the selected articles, 22 utilized simulation models in group of countries such as South Africa, the US, the UK, Asia (Philippines, India, Indonesia, Thailand), Australia, and Europe (Germany), while seven were based on US and UK evidence. Simulation modeling consistently demonstrated that SSB taxes significantly reduced NCD incidence, prevalence, and mortality, also bolstering government revenue. Tax rates in simulations ranged from 10 to 25%. However, empirical evidence indicated a limited impact, primarily due to low tax rates. Notably, a UK-specific tax led to a 2.7% reduction in SSB sugar purchases and 40.2% higher purchases of no-levy drinks. The findings suggest that while simulation models demonstrate the potential effectiveness of SSB taxes in reducing NCDs, empirical evidence reveals there is no significant effect of the SSB tax, Based on the study conducted in this study, the SSB tax is not effective in reducing the prevalence of NCDs due to consumer preferences that have not changed. , likely due to the implementation of lower tax rates and failure to fulfill the assumption of subtitution product, physical activity, and so on. The study highlights that SSB tax is not effective in reducing the prevalence of NCDs due to consumer preference that have not change. Multi-actions are needed to support the sustainability of the implementation of the SSB tax, including education and promotion of healthy lifestyles and encouragement to reformulate SSB products by industry.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle Behavior and Clinical Care Pathway Management in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: In Italy, as in the rest of the world, government restrictions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 primarily imposed limitations on social relationships and personal behavior. This situation significantly affected the management of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objective was to evaluate the perceptions of patients with T2D regarding the quality of care received during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on dietary and physical activity behaviors. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from June to July 2023 using the convenience sampling of patients with T2D, and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and Medi-Lite questionnaires were administered. Results: During the research period, out of the 130 subjects who met all enrollment criteria, 103 patients were included in this study (79.23%). The results of the administered questionnaires were heterogeneous. The average scores from the PACIC Questionnaire for each question displayed significant variability, indicating a range of experiences in the quality of care. In the Medi-Lite survey, fruit, cereals, and olive oil showed the highest adherence levels, with mean scores ranging from 2.58 (SD ± 1.18) for fruit to 1.89 (SD ± 0.34) for olive oil and 1.97 (SD ± 0.17) for cereals. Patients who reported increased food intake during the lockdown attributed it to having more time to prepare meals. Physical activity levels remained unchanged for 48 patients, decreased for 45 patients, and only 9 patients managed to exercise more during the COVID-19 restrictions. Conclusions: Healthcare systems must prioritize comprehensive care plans for T2D that address not only physical health, but also emotional and social well-being. Post-pandemic, promoting healthier lifestyles and empowering patients to manage their condition is crucial. A multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach could support the care of vulnerable individuals, such as patients with T2D, especially during crises like pandemics or other dramatic events.

Monitoring The Effort Curve In Physical Education For Normal And Overweight Students Using Smartwatches And Mobile Applications

Study purpose. In physical education and sports lessons, correctly dosing effort is essential for optimising physical performance and adapting effort parameters, including breaks, in line with physiological principles. The study hypothesises that using smart-watches and mobile apps to monitor effort in middle school physical education lessons will reveal significant differences in effort and heart rate between overweight and average BMI students. Modern technology is expected to enhance understanding of students' physical exertion, facilitating adjustments to programs based on health status and fitness level. Material and method. The study involved 45 students (average age 13.5 years) using 15 Xiaomi 8 smart-watches, phones, Wi-Fi, the Mi Fit app, and other devices to analyse body composition. Data on heart rate and BMI were collected during lessons, which followed the same theme and effort dosage. The Mi Fit app provided detailed aerobic and anaerobic exertion analyses. Parental consent was obtained, and data collection was done under routine lesson conditions. The technology aimed to improve performance and customise programs, offering a personalised approach to physical education. Real-time data transfer enabled accurate analysis of physical effort, promoting healthier lifestyles and better lesson adaptation by teachers. Results. A significant interaction between heart rate and BMI steps (p < 0.01) shows different cardiovascular adaptations to exercise based on BMI. MANOVA confirmed the significant impact of these variables on heart rate, and post hoc comparisons showed differences between weight categories, except between overweight and extremely obese groups. These results highlight the need to tailor physical education programs to BMI categories to optimise cardiovascular health and performance. Conclusion. Results suggest that monitoring the effort curve using modern technologies, such as smart-watches and mobile apps, provides valuable information for adjusting and optimising physical education lessons, especially for overweight and obese students.

Validation of steps countering recorded with a smartwatch.

Activity trackers are becoming increasingly popular in everyday life, sport and research. Accurate measurement of step counts is essential for understanding an individual's daily activity levels and promoting healthier lifestyles. As the sensor technology has become very sophisticated, such a device can be worn on the body for several hours or days without restricting the subject's daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a commercially available wrist-worn pedometer in accurately recording step counts. A total of twenty-one subjects participated in this comparative study by running at various speeds in a laboratory setting while wearing a Garmin Forerunner 245 Music watch (Garmin Ltd, Schaffhausen, Switzerland) on each wrist. Simultaneously, their steps were recorded by a camera system. The step counts recorded by the pedometer were compared with the counts obtained by the camera system. Descriptive statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the accuracy and reliability of the pedometer. For most settings the results on the treadmills showed a high correlation between the pedometer and the camera system. On the step machine the results showed a low correlation between the pedometer and the camera system, the pedometer showed a systematic bias by consistently overestimating the number of steps. Bland-Altman plots showed that the results were within the limits of agreement. Although pedometers provide a convenient tool for monitoring step count, this study highlights some limitations and potential inaccuracies of a commercially available pedometer. Our study indicates that the Garmin watch is sufficiently accurate to be used as a measurement tool in a treadmill running environment.

Innovative Approaches to Strengthening Preventative Care in Contemporary Healthcare: A Systematic Review

Preventative care plays a critical role in reducing disease burden, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs in contemporary medicine. However, the effective implementation of preventative care strategies faces numerous challenges, including technological, financial, and social barriers. This systematic review explores innovative approaches aimed at strengthening preventative care in modern healthcare systems. Key innovations include the use of telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), personalized medicine, and community-based public health initiatives. Telemedicine and AI have revolutionized early detection and risk assessment, while personalized medicine and genomic screening allow for tailored preventative interventions. Additionally, behavioral economics and health education programs have proven effective in promoting healthier lifestyles and improving adherence to preventative measures. The review evaluates the impact of these innovations on patient outcomes and highlights both the benefits and challenges of implementing these approaches. While the advancements offer promising results, further research is needed to address issues related to equity, ethical concerns, and global applicability. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers looking to enhance the effectiveness of preventative care strategies in contemporary healthcare systems.

Plant Sterol-Enriched Palm Oil Intervention to Improve Lipid Profile and Inflammation Status in Hyperlipidemic Individuals.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), are currently positioned among the leading causes of mortality globally. Risk factors of CHD include, among others, hypercholesterolemia and elevations in systemic inflammation. Functional foods enriched with compounds showing cholesterol-lowering effects are considered one among various dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies to tackle this problem. A CHD-preventive effect of dietary plant sterols has been broadly discussed, not only due to their ability to reduce blood cholesterol level, but also to their proven anti-inflammatory potential. Palm oil is one of the most widely consumed edible oils in the world. Despite its widespread use, especially in Asian countries, no study has been conducted using palm oil as a vehicle for plant sterols. Methods: The aim of the placebo-controlled double-blinded trial presented here was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of palm oil enriched with plant sterols, used as a cooking oil, on lipid profile and systemic inflammation marker in 100 adult hyperlipidemic residents of Bogor, Indonesia. Results: The study has shown a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol level in study subjects consuming plant sterol-enriched palm oil as a replacement for usual palm oil for cooking, with no similar effect on CRP levels. Conclusions: The study suggests that, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle promotion, incorporating plant sterols in palm oil used for cooking may be an effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular risks in hyperlipidemic individuals.

Association of Weight Status with Geographic Region, Residential Status and Sex of 8th Grade School Children: The Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Montenegro

The aim of the research was to determine the association between weight status with residential status, geographic region, and sex in younger adolescent age group in Montenegro. The sample was stratified based on gender, settlement type, and geographic region in Montenegro. Anthropometric characteristics were assessed using a battery of three variables: body height (BH), body weight (BW), and body mass index (BMI). BMI was categorized based on the World Health Organisation‘s (WHO) cut-offs to underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese individuals. The sample comprised 534 early adolescents, specifically 8th grade students, including 283 boys (average age 13.52±0.42 years) and 251 girls (average age 13.51±0.40 years) from primary schools throughout Montenegro. Based on the Chi-square test, an association between weight status and geographic region was found among boys and in the overall sample of children, with the highest prevalence of obesity in the northern region. There is also a significant association between weight status and residential status of adolescents, with obesity being more prevalent among rural children compared to urban children. Additionally, an association between sex and weight status was established, with obesity being more prevalent in boys compared to girls. Therefore, these findings highlight the need for targeted intervention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among children, taking these demographic factors into account.

Ideas of physical education of the younger generation in works of classic writers of Russian literature of the XIX - early XX centuries

The upbringing of the younger generation as one of the urgent socio-cultural problems of mankind described in the works of thinkers of Antiquity, the Renaissance and Enlightenment by foreign and domestic authors of the 19th-20th centuries. In the paradigm of the upbringing of the younger generation the emphasis is on a comprehensively developed personality that embodies the unity of the spiritual, intellectual and physical principles. The subject of research is the ideas of physical education of the younger generation, reflected in the storylines of the works of art of the Russian literature classics. The purpose of the study is to actualize the ideas of physical education reflected in the works of Russian classics of the 19th - early 20th centuries, in the context of the problem of harmonious personal development. The used methodology of the interdisciplinary approach determines the inclusion in the study of an analysis of examples from the works of L. N. Tolstoy, A. P. Chekhov, I. A. Bunin, A. I. Kuprin, G. I. Uspensky, V. V. Nabokov, etc. illustrating the reflection of the phenomenon of physical culture and sports in Russian literature. The author concludes that the texts of works of art reflect an understanding of the positive impact of physical education and sports on the comprehensive harmonious development of the individual, and therefore the experience of the past can be considered as positive. In educational institutions of prerevolutionary Russia, as well as in noble families, the issues of physical education and the development of the younger generation were of great importance in the formation of the need for a healthy lifestyle, active leisure, and health promotion.

Contemporary national and international guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for people living with chronic conditions, disability and advanced age: a scoping review

ObjectivesPhysical activity guidelines inform policy and practice in promoting healthier lifestyles. The WHO advocates for distinct recommendations for each country to address variation in needs, resources and context. Specific regional...

Abstract B060: Bridging gaps in cancer care: Evaluating community health worker presence in Alabama on rates of cancer screening and lifestyle-related outcomes

Abstract Purpose Alabama has the 7th highest cancer mortality in the US. The University of Alabama at Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center—the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the state—endeavors to reduce cancer mortality and burden. For 25 years, its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE) has applied a community health worker (CHW) outreach and engagement model for cancer awareness, navigation to screening and healthy lifestyle promotion. OCOE hired and trained CHWs to provide services in counties with highest cancer burden. CHW presence fluctuated over time due to grant-funding and other extraneous events. This study evaluates the association of CHW presence with cancer screening and lifestyle-related outcomes. Methods We utilized latest CDC PLACES data (drawn from 2018 and 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) which provides model-based, population-level age-adjusted prevalence estimates of county-level cancer screening (breast, cervical, colon) and lifestyle outcomes (physical inactivity, obesity, smoking). We evaluated change in rates over time between counties with and without CHW presence using linear mixed effects models. Results Compared to counties without CHW presence, those with CHW presence in 2020 had 0.7% higher mammography rate in 2018 (95% CI: -0.8, 2.3) and 0% difference in mammography rate per year change (95% CI: -0.6, 0.7); counties with CHW presence in both years had 2.8% higher mammography rate (95% CI: 1.1, 4.6) and 0.2% faster increase in mammography rate per year (95% CI: -0.5, 1.0). Counties with CHW presence in both 2018 and 2020 had 1.8% lower rate of colon cancer screening in 2018 (95% CI: -3.6, 0.02) and 1.3% increase in colon cancer screening per year (95% CI: 0.5, 2.1). Counties with CHW presence in 2020 had 1% higher physical inactivity rate in 2018 (95% CI: -2.3, 4.3) and 0.3% faster decrease in physical inactivity rate per year (95% CI: -1.0, 0.4); counties with CHW presence in both years had 3.6% higher physical inactivity rate in 2018 and 0.2% faster decrease in physical inactivity rate per year (95% CI: -0.8, 0.5). Counties with CHW presence in 2020 only had 1.8% higher obesity rate in 2018 (95% CI: -1.7, 5.2) and 0.9% faster decline in obesity rate per year (95% CI: -2.2, 0.4); counties with CHW presence in both years had 5.1% higher obesity rate in 2018 (95% CI: 1.9, 8.3) and 0.3% faster decline in obesity rate per year (95% CI: -1.6, 0.9). There were no statistically significant differences for cervical cancer screening or smoking. Conclusion The OCOE CHW model provided access, education and empowerment for AL residents to obtain cancer screenings and participate in healthy lifestyle behaviors. CHW presence (particularly sustained presence over time) was associated with improved mammography and colon cancer screening, reduced physical inactivity and reduced obesity. Further study of CHW presence and these outcomes during and post COVID-19 is ongoing. Expansion of the CHW model across the entire state is a priority to reduce cancer mortality among Alabamians. Citation Format: Mackenzie E. Fowler, Claudia Hardy, Silvia Gisiger-Camata, Francine Walton, Rochelle Wallace, Tara Bowman, Aldenise P. Ewing, Timiya S. Nolan. Bridging gaps in cancer care: Evaluating community health worker presence in Alabama on rates of cancer screening and lifestyle-related outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B060.

The Role of Public Health in Preventing Obesity

Obesity has become a global public health crisis, affecting individuals across various demographics and leading to significant health and economic burdens. This paper investigates the role of public health interventions in preventing obesity, focusing on epidemiological trends, genetic and environmental factors, and community-based approaches. The review analyzes the intersection of genetics, appetite regulation, and the environment in obesity’s etiology while emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and community-driven interventions. Public health policies, including legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and school-based programs, are crucial in combating obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles. Effective obesity prevention requires holistic, inclusive, and culturally sensitive strategies that engage communities, prioritize early intervention, and foster sustainable lifestyle changes. Keywords: Obesity prevention, public health, epidemiology, gene-environment interaction.

Public Health Initiatives of Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring and Early Heart Disease Detection

The science of preserving and enhancing individual and community health is known as public health. In order to accomplish this task, healthy lifestyle promotion, disease and injury prevention research, and the detection, prevention, and management of infectious diseases are used. Early detection and treatment of health disease can improve the prognosis for the condition worldwide. However, the massive volume of data needed poses a problem to the current automatic algorithms for diagnosing health illness. This study presents a medical gadget that uses the Internet of Things to gather cardiac data from individuals both before and after of heart illness. Technology is developing at a quick pace, leading to the establishment of many methodologies and ongoing research into solutions for problems that arise in a variety of industries. Preprocessing techniques are employed to effectively classify collected health data because the human body generates enormous amounts of data all the time. Furthermore, the most important phase is accurately classifying health data, which is necessary for diagnosis. The Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) is among the greatest and most efficient methods for categorising medical data. The results of the simulation in experimental research demonstrate that following this advise improves classification accuracy.

Effects of educational attainment on comorbidity of pain and depression in Chinese older adults

Pain and depression comorbidity (PD) among older adults in China is common and significantly affects their physical and mental health. The psychosocial factors may affect people's feelings, understanding and expression of pain and depression, leading to inaccurate assessment of this condition. Educational attainment is thought to be associated with either pain or depression. However, we do not yet know the relationship between educational attainment and PD. Using data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018, we analyzed various variables in 7742 individuals aged 60 years and older. Our results indicate significant differences between the PD and non-PD populations in terms of social, lifestyle, and behavioral factors. We observed a significant decrease in the incidence of PD among older adults with higher levels of education (p < 0.001). This association appears to be partially mediated by cognitive ability, suggesting that educational attainment may mitigate the risk of PD through cognitive enhancement. In addition, our analysis shows that the effect of educational attainment on PD is moderated by additional psychosocial factors, including living environment and alcohol consumption patterns. Older adults with higher levels of education tend to live in urban areas and have better control over alcohol consumption, which may contribute to a lower incidence of PD. Therefore, interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities, improving living environments, and promoting healthier lifestyles and habits among older adults could potentially reduce their burden of PD.

234 Unraveling the Link: How Emotional Self-Regulation and Procrastination Affect Physical Activity

Abstract Purpose Physical activity has been widely recognized as crucial for promoting optimal physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning. Given its significant impact on overall quality of life, it is essential to identify factors that may hinder engagement in regular physical activity. This study aims to explore the relationship between emotional self-regulation, general procrastination, physical activity procrastination, and physical activity levels among adults. Understanding these mechanisms can inform the development of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity engagement and ultimately promoting overall health and well-being. Methods 186 adults from general population participated in an online survey. They completed questionnaires assessing emotional self-regulation, general procrastination, and physical activity procrastination. Physical activity level was measured based on self-reported average weekly exercise minutes over the past year. Participants were then categorized into four activity levels according to the World Health Organization’s guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results Our results showed that lower levels of emotional self-regulation were significantly associated with lower levels of physical activity. Furthermore, this relationship was serially mediated by both general procrastination and physical activity procrastination. Specifically, individuals with lower levels of emotional self-regulation had a greater tendency to engage in general procrastination, which subsequently increased their tendency to delay or avoid physically active behaviors. As a result, these individuals had lower overall engagement in regular exercise or training. Conclusions The results suggest that emotional self-regulation plays a critical role in influencing procrastination and physical activity. Lower levels of self-regulation affect this indirectly through increased tendencies toward both general and specific form of procrastination related to engaging in physically active behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of targeting interventions aimed at improving emotional self-regulation skills to reduce procrastination and increase physical activity, thereby promoting healthier lifestyles and well-being. Future research should explore potential strategies to effectively address these barriers while promoting long-term adherence to physically active behaviors.

Psychiatric Disorders and Diabetes: Review of Guidelines for Collaborative Care.

Psychiatric disorders and diabetes are highly associated in psychiatric and primary care settings. The purpose of the current article is to examine the risk factors for diabetes among individuals being treated for psychiatric disorders in mental health care settings. Guidelines for promotion of healthy lifestyles, screening for risk factors, early identification and treatment of prediabetes, and collaborative care to manage the disease are discussed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(9), 7-10.].

Diving into Sweat: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions in Wearable Sweat Sensing.

Sweat analysis has advanced from diagnosing cystic fibrosis and testing for illicit drugs to noninvasive monitoring of health biomarkers. This article introduces the rapid development of wearable and flexible sweat sensors, highlighting key milestones and various sensing strategies for real-time monitoring of analytes. We discuss challenges such as developing high-performance nanomaterial-based biosensors, ensuring continuous sweat production and sampling, achieving high sweat/blood correlation, and biocompatibility. The potential of machine learning to enhance these sensors for personalized healthcare is presented, enabling real-time tracking and prediction of physiological changes and disease onset. Leveraging advancements in flexible electronics, nanomaterials, biosensing, and data analytics, wearable sweat biosensors promise to revolutionize disease management, prevention, and prediction, promoting healthier lifestyles and transforming medical practices globally.

The health behaviors differences among male and female school-age adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa region countries: a meta-analysis of the Global School-based Student Health Survey data.

Understanding gender disparities in adolescent health behaviors is crucial for developing targeted health promotion strategies. This study uses data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) across 17 MENA countries to analyze gender differences in adolescent health behaviors, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for both boys and girls. This meta-analysis incorporates data from recent years of the GSHS, covering 17 MENA countries. The objective was to assess and compare health behaviors between adolescent girls and boys. A random-effects model was employed to calculate odds ratios for gender comparisons in these behaviors. Statistical analyses and modeling were performed using JAMOVI software. In most MENA countries, boys consumed more vegetables compared to girls. Girls were less likely to frequent fast food establishments (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and generally exhibited better self-care behaviors. Boys reported a higher prevalence of physical altercations (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.88-2.51) and were more involved in fights (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.46-3.67). Girls were more likely to miss school without permission and were consistently described as kinder and more helpful across various income levels. However, in some countries such as Oman and Tunisia, boys missed school more frequently. There were no significant gender differences in parental oversight of homework or knowledge of students' activities, but girls were reported to have stronger parental relationships and better parental understanding of their problems and free time, with exceptions in Morocco and the Palestinian Territory-Gaza. Boys were more likely to engage in smoking (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 2.69-4.76) and other substance use. Conversely, girls reported higher levels of physical inactivity and loneliness, but also demonstrated greater kindness and helpfulness in school settings and stronger parental relationships. Policymakers in the MENA region should develop and implement gender-specific interventions targeting key areas such as hygiene practices, physical activity, and substance use. By focusing on these targeted strategies, they can address the distinct health behaviors and needs of both boys and girls. Effective interventions in these areas are crucial for improving overall health outcomes and promoting healthier lifestyles, thereby enhancing adolescent health and well-being across the region.