Promotion Programs Research Articles

Cross-cultural adaptation of the empowerment scale of pregnant women in China context: An integrative method of translation and linguistic validation.

To translate the Empowerment Scale for Pregnant Women (ESPW) into Chinese and to assess its linguistic validity. The integrative method of the translation process, the Delphi technique, and cognitive interviews were used to implement cross-cultural adaptation and enhance comprehensibility and linguistic validation. This study recruited 14 experts in the expert review and cognitively reviewed 15 pregnant women. The two-round Delphi method created agreement on cultural applicability. The results of content validity achieved good levels: The item-level content validity index (CVI) ranged from 0.78 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index, calculated using two different formulas, were 0.97 and 0.81, respectively. Kappa values ranged from 0.74 to 1.00. Pregnant women could understand most of the items and response options in the cognitive interview. The revisions to the wording were made based on suggestions from experts and pregnant women. The prefinal simplified Chinese ESPW was semantically and conceptually equivalent to the English version, which was well prepared for further psychometric tests in the next stage of cross-cultural adaptation. This comprehensive method successfully developed a Chinese tool to measure the empowerment of pregnant women, indicating the international applicability of this tool and the methodological scientific nature. The simplified Chinese ESPW has the potential to support the identification of empowerment levels of pregnant women and the evaluation of the effectiveness of health education and promotion programmes.

Caregiver mental health promotion and early parenting programmes

Caregiver mental health promotion and early parenting programmes

Sleep Quality and its Associated Factors among Nurses in a Tertiary Care Public Hospital in Puducherry District: A Cross-sectional Study.

Adequate sleep is essential for human beings to maintain optimal health. Medical professionals, including nurses, work in stressful environments that could affect their sleep quality. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with poor sleep quality among nurses in a tertiary care public hospital. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 1217 nurses aged between 21 and 60 years from May 2019 to April 2020 in a tertiary care public hospital in Puducherry. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index scoring system, and the workplace stress scale was used to assess workplace stress. The Chi-squared test and adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) were used to determine the factors associated with poor sleep quality. The response rate was 99% (1217/1229), and three-fourths of the participants were women (943, 77.50%). The mean (SD) PSQI score was 4.49 (2.98), and more than one-third of participants, 42.80% (95% CI: 40.10-45.70), had poor sleep quality. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was significantly higher among women (z = 2.33, p = 0.019) aPR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.01-1.16), those having severe to dangerous levels of workplace stress (z = 8.22, p > 0.001) aPR (95% CI): 1.54 (1.39-1.71) and chronic pain (z = 2.11, p = 0.016) aPR (95% CI): 1.09 (1.02-1.17). The prevalence of poor sleep quality among the study population was high. This highlights the urgent need for implementing health promotion programs among nurses.

Combating the Co-Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and Seasonal Influenza: Identifying Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with the Uptake of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among a Chinese National Sample.

The co-circulation of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza highlighted the importance of promoting influenza vaccination. However, the influenza vaccination rate among the Chinese population is low and requires further promotion. This study examined multi-dimensional factors, such as knowledge of seasonal influenza, health perceptions, cues to action, patient-provider relationships, and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, in relation to the uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) among the Chinese population. A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey using a quota sampling method was conducted among Chinese adults 18 years and older between June and August 2022. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with the 2021 SIV behavior. A total of 3161 individuals from different regions of China were included in this study. The multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that perceived severity of influenza, perceived barriers to taking SIV, cues to action, a stable relationship with providers, worry about contracting COVID-19 in immunization settings, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and awareness of the influenza vaccine in protecting against COVID-19 were significantly associated with the SIV uptake. This study examined multi-dimensional factors that may influence SIV uptake. Health promotion programs should incorporate multi-dimensional factors, including personal and environmental factors, related to SIV promotion during the co-circulation period.

170 Collective creativity; promoting physical activity. Outlining a Co-design process for the development of Digital Physical Activity promotion initiatives for Autistic Adults

Abstract Purpose Autistic students at higher education institutions in Ireland have reported feelings of isolation, depression, and disengagement, all of which contribute to health disparities in this population. It is critical to address these issues, given the recent significant increase in the number of Autistic youths enrolling in higher education. To inform the development of acceptable and effective physical activity promotion programmes, we utilized a co-design process with the aim of co-creating a digital health intervention to promote physical activity among Autistic university students. Methods A co-design process [Design Thinking] was utilized for the development of the intervention. First, to empathize with participants, semi-structured interviews were held with Autistic adults. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed via reflexive thematic analysis. Actionable intervention targets were defined, and potential solutions ideated. The findings from the interviews informed the exploration and refinement of intervention ideas during co-design workshops. Workshops featured a multidisciplinary development team, including Autistic adults and experts in technology, physical activity promotion, and digital health. Results Three central themes were developed during analysis of the interview data: (1) “Psychological Factors” describing participants’ experiences and needs relating to routines, motivation, and self-consciousness/anxiety; (2), “E-Health Ideas and Needs” encapsulated the participants’ preferences and suggestions for digital health intervention components; and (3) “Supportive Spaces” encompassing the participants’ preferences relating to physical and social environments for physical activity. Individual interviews findings informed the ideation of digital health solutions for refinement in co-design workshops; these included interventions focusing on enhancing e-communication about physical activity opportunities on campus, the use of AI Chatbots for physical activity promotion; and the use of online social support groups. Conclusions Findings suggest Autistic adults face a variety of interrelated barriers to physical activity. The co-design process enabled the collective design of digital health interventions with the potential to overcome these barriers and support Autistic students to enjoy and more active, engaged University experience. Support/Funding Source Erasmus+ Sport grant

The Impact of the National Export Strategy on the Plastics and Packaging Industry in Malawi

ABSTRACT: Export-led industrialization is crucial for economic growth, emphasizing the shift from primary production to manufacturing. Malawi aims for industrialization through its National Export Strategy (NES), focusing on oilseed and sugarcane products and manufacturing. However, research gaps exist on export promotion programs’ impact, especially in less developed countries like Malawi and specific sectors like plastics and packaging. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods for robust analysis. All 13 firms in Malawi’s plastics and packaging industry were surveyed in Blantyre and Lilongwe to assess the impact of the National Export Strategy (NES). A questionnaire with 37 questions across six sections, adapted from prior research, was used to gather comprehensive data on various aspects such as employment, production, and investment. Ethical clearance was obtained, and completed questionnaires underwent thorough review before data analysis. Results are presented in subsequent sections. The impact of Malawi’s National Export Strategy (NES) on its plastics and packaging industry highlights vital challenges. Employment suffers from a lack of skilled labor, stemming from a mismatch with training institutions. Firms struggle with limited access to finance and high borrowing costs, hindering investment. High taxes and duties hamper export competitiveness, while unreliable energy supply increases operational costs. Additionally, transportation expenses impede raw material imports, exports, and local distribution. These findings underscore the need to address skill mismatches, enhance financial access, reduce trade barriers, and improve infrastructure to bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness under the NES. Policy implications include collaborating with financial institutions to enhance access to grants and affordable credit, imposing higher import taxes on finished products to protect local producers, improving energy supply, enhancing transportation infrastructure, introducing incentives for investment in support services, raising awareness of NES benefits, and establishing industry-specific meetings to address sector-specific issues. These measures aim to bolster the plastics and packaging industry’s competitiveness and support its growth under the NES.

Occupational Stress and Its Effect on Health Status Among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Occupational stress is a critical health concern across various professions, often linked to adverse health outcomes and increased risk-taking behaviors. Bus drivers are especially vulnerable due to prolonged shifts, exposure to environmental pollutants, and higher rates of sickness absenteeism. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational stress among Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus drivers and the factors contributed. In addition, it explores the relationship between job-related stress and overall health status, providing insights into the occupational challenges faced by this workforce. A cross-sectional study was conducted over two years from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, at the KSRTC depot in Kolar, serving urban and rural areas. A representative sample of 235 bus drivers was selected from a total of 654 using simple random sampling. Socio-demographic details, including age, gender, education, religion, family type, and per capita income, were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Stress levels were assessed using the American Institute of Stress (AIS) questionnaire, a widely used tool for evaluating various stress dimensions. Data were collected through interviews, entered into Excel, and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The study revealed that 65% of KSRTC bus drivers experienced moderate to severe stress. Significant factors associated with occupational stress included urban residency, divorce, chronic alcohol consumption, current tobacco chewing, hypertension, higher BMI, long working hours, and high waist-hip ratio. Binary logistic regression showed urban residents had higher stress odds than rural residents (OR=1.27, p=0.03). Divorced individuals and chronic alcoholics also had higher odds of stress (OR=1.24, p=0.05 and OR=1.33, p=0.04, respectively). Stress was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.40, p=0.01), obesity (OR=1.30, p=0.03), morbid obesity (OR=1.47, p=0.01), high-risk waist-hip ratios (OR=1.42, p=0.01), and longer working hours (>12 hours, OR=1.30, p=0.03). Health assessments revealed a high prevalence of hypertension (39%) and obesity (65%). The study highlights a high prevalence of occupational stress among KSRTC bus drivers in Kolar, with 65% experiencing moderate to severe stress. Factors such as urban residency, lifestyle habits, and physiological parameters significantly contribute to stress. These findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion programs and policy changes to enhance the health of essential workers and improve road safety.

P19-23 A new approach of well-being assessment in the workplace: an integrated health promotion program for night-shift workers

P19-23 A new approach of well-being assessment in the workplace: an integrated health promotion program for night-shift workers

The Commercial Determinants of Men's Health Promotion: A Case Study of Gambling, Nonnies, and Athleisurewear.

Although the social determinants of health have guided equity work with the tailoring of men's health promotion programs, the role of, and potential for, the commercial determinants of health in those interventions is rarely addressed and poorly understood. While four commercial products, tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed food, and fossil fuels, account for more than a third of global deaths, there is a need to recognize that consumer goods industries can make both positive and negative contributions to health. This article begins much-needed discussions about what we might learn from, and strategically tap in the commercial sector to seed, scale, and sustain men's health promotion programs. Three case studies, online sports betting, beer and the rise of the nonny, and athleisurewear, are discussed. Connections between online sports betting and masculinities explain young men's disproportionate involvement and gambling addictions with recommendations to legislate an end to gambling advertisements and de-incentivize industry profiteering through penalties and higher taxes. Regarding beer and the rise of the nonny, brewers have innovated with non-alcoholic beer based on shifting consumption patterns and masculinities in their core market-men. The nonny reminds health promoters to know their end-user's values and behaviors to bolster program acceptability. Detailing Under Armour and Lululemon, two highly gendered but diversifying athleisurewear brands, the complexities of, and potential for, leveraging public health and industry collaborations are underscored. Taken together, the article findings suggest men's health promoters should rigorously explore tapping key commercial entities and tax revenues to advance the health of men and their communities.

Effects of Smartphone Addiction and Intolerance of Uncertainty on Mental Health in Nursing Students: Mediating Effects of Resilience

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the mediating effect of resilience in the effects of smartphone addiction and intolerance of uncertainty on mental health of nursing students.Methods: The study subjects were 201 nursing students from Y University, with data collected from November 14 to 27, 2023, and the collected data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0.Results: The results indicated that smartphone addiction, intolerance of uncertainty, resilience, and mental health were all significantly correlated. Smartphone addiction and intolerance of uncertainty had a negative effects on mental health, and resilience had a partial mediating effect in this effect.Conclusions: This study suggested the importance of enhancing resilience as an intervention for improving the mental health of nursing students. In order to prevent mental illness and improve mental health of nursing students, it is suggested to develop and apply a specialized resilience promotion program for nursing students.

The Effectiveness of SCIDOTS to Reduce Smoking Behavior Among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis : Systematic Review

Aims : The aim of this study is to identify and summarize the results of previous studies on the use of SCIDOTS to reduce smoking cessation in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods : The research used was a literature review of three articles. The assessment of the articles shall be measured using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) format. Results : The result of this study incorporating smoking cessation programs into pulmonary TB control programs, as new diagnoses can increase cessation rates by 71.7%. Various interventions, including counseling sessions, behavioral therapy, and health promotion programs, have proven successful. Conclusions : The study found that the intervention SCIDOTS, or quitting smoking, is highly effective in treating tuberculosis patients, accelerating their active treatment.

Development of comprehensive sexual education applications to improve adolescent reproductive health

Background: Adolescence is a period of emotional, mental, and physical change. To improve health-seeking behavior, reduce risky sexual behaviors, and increase knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, adolescents need support and access to services. The increasing availability of mobile apps requires a thorough evaluation of the quality and classification of these mobile apps so that accurate and evidence-based information can reach their users. Because smartphones are a private (intimate) technology, they are a promising means of closing this gap. However, research focusing on sexual health promotion programs delivered through smartphones is still rare.Purposes: Developing and testing a smartphone and internet-based comprehensive sex education app.Methods: This study employed Research and Development consisting of 4 stages, namely Literature Study, Development Stage, Validity Expert, and Trial.Result: The SEMAR app has seven features, ranging from mental health education to human relationships. The convenience score is 70%. The results of the trial show that this application effectively improves health education. 50-83% agree to use it. The sex stigma variable has the most extensive r (r=0.955), which means it has a solid and positive relationship.Conclusion: This application benefits adolescents in improving health education and adolescent reproductive health.

A study on the association between electric toothbrush use on calculus formation and periodontal tissue condition in Korean adults: 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between electric toothbrush use and the presence of community periodontal index (CPI) code calculus among Korean adults. Methods: Data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a complex sampling design was conducted, adjusting for general characteristic factors. Analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 29.0. Results: Among the participants, the prevalence of electric toothbrush users was 5.3%. Within this group, 4.7% had periodontal disease, whereas 5.9% did not (p=0.025). Even after adjusting for general characteristics factors in model Ⅱ of electric toothbrush use, the odds ratio remained statistically significant at 0.791 (95% CI: 0.631-0.992) in all cases. Conclusions: Electric toothbrush use appears to be associated with potential benefits in managing the CPI code calculus distribution; however, evidence supporting this notion remains insufficient. The study findings suggest that these results could be a basis for future studies related to oral hygiene products and the design of oral health promotion programs.

Changes in oral health status and function among older adults through professional oral care and rehabilitation exercises

Objectives: To develop a program that combines the oral health promotion program for the elderly and to investigate the effect of improving oral function by applying the oral health promotion program to elderly people using welfare facilities. Methods: From June to October 2022, a total of 29 elderly individuals utilizing welfare facilities in the Gyeongnam region were recruited. The control group underwent surveys and objective oral health assessments. The experimental group participated in an oral health promotion program, consisting of oral functional rehabilitation exercises and expert oral health management, conducted once a week for 8 weeks at the facilities. Objective oral health assessments were conducted before, during (at 4 weeks), and after (at 8 weeks) the intervention period for both groups. Results: As a result of the oral health promotion program, it was confirmed that there was an improvement effect in bad breath (p<0.001), saliva secretion amount (p<0.001), orbicularis oculi muscle (p<0.001), and plaque index (p<0.001). Conclusions: A revitalization plan is needed so that the efficient oral health promotion program for the elderly can be reflected as a systematic and professional community care oral health management program.

Appearance-related cyberbullying and its association with the desire to alter physical appearance among adolescent females

Cyberbullying is associated with various mental health concerns in adolescents, including body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours. However, there is a significant research gap concerning the unique effects of appearance-related cyberbullying (ARC) on adolescent mental health. This study examined the prevalence and psychological consequences of ARC among middle to late adolescent females (aged 14–19 years, Mage = 15.98, N = 336). Participants completed an online survey regarding their experiences of ARC, body image variables, and eating disorder symptomology. Findings indicate the widespread occurrence of ARC among adolescent females, with body shape and size emerging as predominant targets. Experiences of ARC-victimisation positively correlated with increased concerns about body shape, body shame, and eating disorder symptomology. Conversely, experiences of ARC-victimisation were negatively correlated with body esteem and body appreciation. Finally, appearance-related cybervictimisation was significantly associated with adolescent females’ desire to pursue appearance alterations through methods such as dieting and exercising, altering self-presentation, and undergoing cosmetic procedures due to perceived experiences of ARC. These findings highlight the urgent need for preventative measures, such as age-appropriate social media policies and health promotion programs that encourage positive online behaviour, and strategies to address the impacts of ARC to protect the mental well-being of adolescent females.

Enhancing Mental Health through Strategies for the Development of Emotional Intelligence

This article investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and mental health enhancement, proposing strategies for the development of emotional intelligence as a means to promote psychological well-being. In an era marked by increasing stressors and mental health challenges, understanding how emotional intelligence can be cultivated offers valuable insights for both individuals and professionals in the field of health sciences. The study examines existing literature on emotional intelligence and its impact on various aspects of mental health, including resilience, coping mechanisms, and interpersonal relationships. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the article synthesizes theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to outline effective strategies for fostering emotional intelligence in different populations. These strategies encompass educational programs, workshops, and interventions aimed at improving self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, all of which contribute to enhanced mental health outcomes. The results demonstrate the importance of including the development of emotional intelligence in mental health promotion programs and support a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges the interaction between emotional functioning and general psychological health. The practical consequences imply that raising emotional intelligence can help people become more resilient, have better mental health, and have more satisfying relationships—all of which can lead to healthier communities and fewer public health issues.

Parental perceptions of an oral health promotion program in early childhood education and care settings: A qualitative study.

Early Childhood Caries is a global health problem. The Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program seeks to equip educators, children, and parents with skills and knowledge about oral health promotion habits early in life. The aim of this study was to examine parental perceptions of the BSBF program and identify key facilitators and barriers for its implementation. Twelve mothers of children who participated in the BSBF program in five Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings in NSW, Australia were recruited in this qualitative study. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, transcribed verbatim and coded to categorize for inductive thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: Promoters of the BSBF oral health program, barriers to the BSBF oral health program implementation and participation, online resources, impact of the BSBF oral health program, and strategies for enhancing the BSBF oral health program. While participants reported that the program encouraged their children's toothbrushing, they found issues with the program's materials, ECEC center attendance, and communication about the oral health program with their children. The program improved message retention, attitudes, routines, and family perceptions toward oral health. Participants recommended oral health literacy, changed delivery formats, increased dental access, and inclusion of interactive elements to enhance the program. The findings from this study provide insight to improve parents' experiences and engagement in oral health promotion. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of child oral health among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to inform public health policy discussions.

Health promotion for dementia risk reduction in Indigenous populations of Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, United States of America, and Australia: Scoping review protocol.

Health promotion programs and strategies have the potential to support people to live healthier lives. Dementia, a collective name for brain disorders that impact thinking and memory, affects over 55 million people worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, so prevention is critical. Health promotion has the potential to reduce dementia by targeting the twelve potentially modifiable risk factors. A project currently being undertaken by the research team aims to strengthen the quality of clinical care and health services that specifically address dementia risk for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One of the intended strategies supporting the project's aim is the need for appropriate and safe health promotion programs and resources that support dementia risk reduction. Consequently, the aim of this scoping review is to identify and determine the quality and appropriateness of existing health promotion programs and resources aimed at dementia risk reduction developed or modified for Indigenous populations of Canada, the USA, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia that could be incorporated into the broader project. The Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews will be used to identify programs and resources focussed on dementia risk reduction for Indigenous peoples. Searches will be limited to the English language and literature published since January 2010. Databases to be searched include: CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus and Google. Data that answers the research questions will be extracted from the literature and recorded on a data charting form. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to analyse the findings of the scoping review. Dissemination of the findings through continuing community engagement, conference presentations and publications will be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the research team.

Predictive factors of stress response of nursing student repeaters under the background of abolishing the final supplementary examination in China

BackgroundAcademic pressure and frustration stimulation are significant stressors in college students, and response to the prolonged stimuli would cause adverse mental and physical outcomes. However, more is needed to know about the stress response and its predictors among undergraduate nursing students retaking failed course under the background of the abolition of the Final Supplementary Examination in China. This study aimed to investigate the stress response and its predictive factors of nursing student repeaters who are retaking at least one failed course.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing convenience sampling to recruit 120 nursing student repeaters from four 4-year undergraduate medical universities in China between September 2020 and May 2021. Data collection instruments included a general information questionnaire, a stress response questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, a self-control scale, and a academic self-efficacy questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe average scores of the total stress response, emotional response, physical response, and behavioral response were 58.07 ± 26.72, 86.97 ± 17.12, 57.69 ± 9.75, 67.16 ± 9.22, respectively. Stress response was predicted by psychological resilience, self-control ability, academic self-efficacy and the number of retaking courses.ConclusionsThe stress response among nursing student repeaters is relatively active. Higher psychological resilience, self-control ability, and academic self-efficacy predict lower levels of stress response. In order to help nursing students with failing and repeating course release their psychological stress and maintain well-being, nursing educators could adopt self-control promotion strategies and emphasize the cultivation of psychological resilience and academic self-efficacy as parts of health promotion programs for this particular student group.

Individualized activity recommendation based on a physical fitness assessment increases short- and long-term regular physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis in a retrospective cohort study.

Despite the evidence of beneficial effects of physical activity (PA), people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are less physically active than the general population. To increase PA in pwMS, we developed a structured individually tailored PA promotion program which is conducted within clinical practice in a university-based outpatient clinic since 2016. This study serves as retrospective quality control of this program. In a retrospective cohort study, we assessed the physical fitness of pwMS and the impact of the program on short- and long-term PA changes and behavioral determinants. The program consisted of four appointments each 2-4 weeks apart. Spiroergometric test results of female pwMS were compared to female non-MS controls who underwent a voluntary physical fitness analysis. The short version of the Freiburger questionnaire, self-developed questions and the modified Physical activity screening questionnaire (PASQ) were sent to all participants assessing the PA levels before the program, 3 months after the program (short-term), and at the time of the survey (long-term). Additionally, established questionnaires assessed behavioral determinants before the program and long-term. A total of 166 participants [mean age 38.32 (± 10.61 SD), mean EDSS 2.30 (±1.29 SD)] and mostly females (63.3%, n = 105) were included in the study and started the program. A total of 136 participants completed the program. Out of these 63.9% (n = 87) answered the questionnaires in 12.38 (±11.34 SD) months after finishing the program. At baseline female pwMS (n = 100) showed a lower physical fitness in comparison to non-MS controls (n = 26) (maximal workload (Watts): 138.86 ± 37.85 vs. 191.73 ± 45.25, p < 0.001; peak oxygen consumption (ml min-1 kg-1): 26.40 ± 7.23 vs. 31.56 ± 10.10, p = 0.020). pwMS were more regularly active in short- (62.1%) and long-term (55.2%) compared to baseline (24.2%, p < 0.001). Among the activated participants, we observed improved internal motivation (p = 0.002) and decreased perception of barriers (p = 0.006) compared to baseline. PwMS showed a lower physical fitness in comparison to non-MS controls. An individually tailored PA promotion program might improve behavioral determinants and thereby increase short- and long-term PA levels of pwMS.