Risky Health Behaviors Research Articles

Selective Classes and Early Health Inequalities in Comprehensive Schools in Finland.

The origin of inequalities in health outcomes has been explained by health selection and social causation models. Health selection processes operate particularly at school age. We study, if student allocation to teaching groups with aptitude tests (selective vs general class) differentiates adolescents by health behaviors and mental health. Finnish schoolchildren 12-13 years from 12 selective classes, n = 248; 41 general classes, n = 703 answered a questionnaire on addictive products (tobacco, snus, alcohol, and energy drinks), digital media use, and mental health (health complaints, anxiety, and depression). Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify structures between outcomes, SEP (socioeconomic position), class type, and academic performance. Students in the selective classes reported less addictive digital media and addictive products use than students in the general classes. Differences in academic performance or SEP between the class types did not solely explain these differences. Mental health was not related to the class type. SEP was indirectly associated with health behaviors via the class type and academic performance. Selecting students to permanent teaching groups with aptitude tests differentiates students according to risky health behaviors. The impact of education policies using student grouping should also be evaluated in terms of students' health.

Health Literacy Level of Patients Applying to Chest Diseases Outpatient Clinic and Related Factors: The Case of A Selected Training and Research Hospital

Health literacy is an important skill and capacity that affects individuals' ability to make decisions about their health and manage their health. It is associated with low health literacy, unnecessary outpatient clinic visits, high health expenditures, late diagnosis, and risky health behaviors. This research was conducted with 373 patients who applied to the Chest Diseases outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Istanbul. 20.4% (n=76) of the participants had low health literacy and 49.9% (n=186) had middle health literacy. According to the gender of the patients, while there was no significant difference in access to treatment health services, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions, the median of the health promotion subscale dimension was higher in women than in men and was found to be statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were found in access to treatment health services, health protection development, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions according to the educational status of the patients. Statistically significant differences were found in access to therapeutic health services, health promotion, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions according to the occupation of the patients. Health literacy level was found to be low in one out of every four patients. Gender, educational status and occupation were found to be effective on health literacy level.

Determinants of substance use and the impact on mental health status, risky sexual and physical health behaviors among unmarried students

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the prevalence of substance use and its association with other risky behaviors among unmarried male students. Methods This was a cross-sectional study at the University of Nigeria on the use of cigarette, alcohol and psychoactive drugs among students who resided off-campus. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPPS (Version-25). Descriptive statistics were utilized in summarizing the responses. The correlates and predictors of substances use were also determined. Results A total of 491 students participated in the study (response rate = 98.1%). The prevalence of recent use of tobacco, psychoactive drugs, and alcohol was 28.1%, 20.6%, and 46.8% respectively. Also, 13% considered committing suicide, 22.4% were victims of sexual assault, while 56.1% experienced serious injury. Alcohol use (aOR = 0.078, [0.029–0.210], p < 0.001) and driving being drunk (aOR = 0.123, [0.030–0.503], p < 0.001) influenced the current use of tobacco. Previous suicide attempt (aOR = 5.765, [1.148–28.944], p < 0.05) was a predictor of alcohol use. Recent use of psychoactive drugs was influenced by their age and been driven by a drunk driver (p < 0.05). Conclusion Unmarried male students exhibited high prevalence of substance use and other risky health behaviors. These risky substances use practices were also influenced by their age, risky sexual and physical practices induced by alcohol and mental health status.

Self-selection or situational stratification? A quasiexperimental study on social class differences in health behaviors in China

Fundamental cause theory suggests that differences in social status lead to health inequalities, with lifestyle serving as the intermediary mechanism. This study uses multiple waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to first explore differences in drinking, smoking, and physical exercise across different social classes and finds that managers have significantly greater tendencies toward risky health behaviors such as drinking and smoking. Subsequently, the study examines changes in class differences in drinking behavior with respect to the anticorruption policy. The results show that neither lifestyle transition theory nor the self-selection mechanism can fully explain the phenomenon of managers drinking more. Health stratification is not a simple reflection of the socioeconomic status gradient, and there is an urgent need to rethink the theoretical framework of social stratification that emphasizes microlevel individual practices as a direct reflection of macrostructural positions.

Historical Structural Racism in the Built Environment and Physical Health among Residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Historical structural racism in the built environment contributes to health inequities, yet to date, research has almost exclusively focused on racist policy of redlining. We expand upon this conceptualization of historical structural racism by examining the potential associations of probable blockbusting, urban renewal, and proximity to displacement from freeway construction, along with redlining, to multiple contemporary health measures. Analyses linked historical structural racism, measured continuously at the census-tract level using archival data sources, to present-day residents' physical health measures drawn from publicly accessible records for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Outcome measures included average life expectancy and the percentage of residents reporting hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, smoking, insufficient sleep, sedentary behavior, and no health insurance coverage. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine separate and additive associations between structural racism and physical health measures. Redlining, probable blockbusting, and urban renewal were associated with shorter life expectancy and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, risky health behaviors, and residents lacking health insurance coverage. Probable blockbusting and urban renewal had the most consistent correlations with all 8 health measures, while freeway displacement was not reliably associated with health. Additive models explained a greater proportion of variance in health than any individual structural racism measure alone. Moreover, probable blockbusting and urban renewal accounted for relatively more variance in health compared to redlining, suggesting that research should consider these other measures in addition to redlining. These preliminary correlational findings underscore the importance of considering multiple aspects of historical structural racism in relation to current health inequities and serve as a starting point for additional research.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF GENDER DIFFERENCES TO MENTAL DISORDERS

In this article it was touched health and illness have biological, psychological and social aspects. Medical psychology, which is a sub-branch of psychology, deals with social aspects of health and illness. In society, one of the social factors that determines people’s health statue, health behavior, risky health attitudes and access of health care services is gender. Health and illness have biological, psychological and social aspects. Medical psychology, which is a sub-branch of sociology, deals with social aspects of health and illness. In society, one of the social factors that determines people’s health statue, health behavior, risky health attitudes and access of health care services is gender. Also, in this chapter, subjects such as gender’s effects on physical and mental health, relationship of gender with healthy life behaviours and risky health behaviours are addressed.

Exploring risky health behaviors and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases among transnational undocumented labor migrants from Bangladesh: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status.MethodsUsing a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis.ResultsThe study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers.

Trauma, the Holy Spirit, and Spiritual Formation: Facilitating Recovery in the Mind, Spirit, and Body

The impact of trauma is pervasive, multi-faceted, and longstanding, impacting the mind, body, and spirit. Trauma can unfold with a cascading effect throughout every stage of life, leaving its mark on brain development, stunting social, emotional, and cognitive functioning, promoting risky health behavior, and increasing vulnerability to chronic disease, and ultimately leading to early death. Consistent with this reality, recovery from trauma is a gradual, iterative journey of reshaping or reparenting the brain over time. Trauma is also endemic to the Christian faith and to Christian communities, with its signs and effects persisting after divine and/or conventional healing. This was also the case with Christ, who bore scars and memories of his crucifixion in his post-resurrection body. The substantial though partial and imperfect nature of healing from trauma reflects the dynamics of the already-but-not-yet Kingdom of God in which the world remains in darkness and God’s Kingdom remains incomplete. This reality coexists, however, alongside genuine signs of the eschatological Kingdom that is dawning and an invitation towards Christian community and accompaniment—perhaps the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit for healing and recovery. This paper is part of a special issue on the topic of the Holy Spirit and the healing of the body.

Adolescents’ Relational Resources and Health Risky Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online School Burnout and Psychological Well-Being as Mediators

The study aimed to examine whether the students’ psychological well-being and online school burnout are mediators in the association between relational resources and engaging in risky behaviour by adolescents. 186 primary and secondary school students took part in an online survey. Students’ psychological well-being was a mediator in the association between relational resources and socially unacceptable stimulating behaviours, while e-learning burnout mediated the relationship between relational resources and health and life-threatening behaviours. The findings emphasise the critical role of strengthening the students’ potential and stress resilience and building a support social network.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and their cumulative impact associated lifetime health outcomes in the Emirate of Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences have been associated with poor health outcomes later in life. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine the relationship between cumulative ACEs, risky health behaviors, chronic diseases, and mental health among a large-scale sample from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Participants and settingA retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with 922 participants over the age of 18, living in Abu Dhabi. MethodsThe Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) was used to assess ACEs, alongside a survey of adult health outcomes, mental health outcomes, and risk-taking behaviors. ResultsLogistic regression models examined the association between retrospective ACEs and these outcomes. The respondents reported an average of 1.74 ACEs. The most prevalent ACEs were household violence, parental death or divorce, and community violence. The accumulation of ACEs significantly predicts increases in the risk of a variety of adult-onset health morbidities, all measured mental health morbidities, and all measured risk-taking behaviors, with evidence of thresholds of ACE accumulation dictating risk. ConclusionsThe baseline presence of ACEs among this Abu Dhabi sample, along with the associated risks of physical and mental health morbidities, and risk-taking behaviors play a significant role in understanding the extent, nature, and associated sequalae of ACEs in this population; providing nuanced context for early intervention. Our findings will inform the planning and implementation of specific prevention and awareness raising programs while promoting safe environments where children are healthy and can thrive.

Protective factors for adverse childhood experiences: Scoping review and evidence gap map.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) negatively impact mental, physical, and behavioral health of adults. To develop empirically supported interventions to reduce the impact of ACES, we need to have a strong empirical base of research on modifiable protective factors that reduce the link between ACES and health outcomes. The current review is focused on assessing the state of the literature on modifiable protective factors on the ACE-health outcome relationship in adults. We conducted a scoping review in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search for peer-reviewed literature published in English was conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception of the databases to January 5, 2023. We then constructed an evidence gap map to provide an innovative, visual approach to guide research prioritization. Seventy-seven articles met inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that the majority focused on mental health outcomes (59%), and investigated individual (52%) and general social support (23%) protective factors. Also, the majority of the work was done in North America (65%) with predominantly female samples. Future studies should focus on addressing gaps in our understanding of what factors may buffer the influence of ACES on physical health outcomes and risky health behaviors and our understanding of family and nonfamily relationships and community and cultural protective factors on the ACE-health outcome relationship in adults. Additionally, research is needed that focuses on samples that are more gender diverse and from countries outside of North America. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of school shootings on risky behavior, health, and human capital

We examine the effect of school shootings on risky health behaviors, health, and human capital outcomes of exposed students as adults and on their migration during middle and high school and a few years beyond. We use shootings data compiled by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security along with 2003–2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine risky behaviors, health, and human capital outcomes, and the 2004–2018 American Community Survey to examine migration. We find that students exposed to school shootings experience declines in health and well-being, engage in more risky behaviors, and have worse education and labor market outcomes as young adults. There is no evidence of migration in response to school shootings.

Migrant well-being and undocumented status in South Korea: a cross-sectional assessment of physical, psychological, social well-being, and health behaviors

BackgroundA high burden of physical, mental, and occupational health problems among migrant workers has been well-documented, but data on undocumented migrant workers are limited and their well-being has rarely been compared to that of the general population.MethodsUsing data from a cross-sectional survey of non-professional migrant workers in South Korea in early 2021, we described their physical, psychological, social well-being and health behaviors across a wide range of outcomes, including self-rated health, occupational injury, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, meal pattern, happiness, mental illness, social support, and social participation. The outcomes were first compared between documented and undocumented migrant workers in generalized linear regressions adjusting for potential confounders. Then, the well-being of the migrant workers was compared against that of the general population using data from the Korean Happiness Survey, which is a nationally representative survey of the South Korean general population conducted in late 2020. The parametric g-formula was performed to adjust for potential confounders.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, the undocumented migrant workers were less likely to be happy or participate in social communities, and much more likely to have anxiety or depression, smoke cigarettes, or engage in heavy alcohol consumption than the documented migrant workers. When compared to the general South Korean population, an evident social gradient emerged for happiness and mental illness; the undocumented experienced the worst outcome, followed by the documented, and then the general population. Also, the undocumented migrant workers were more likely to smoke cigarettes than the general population.ConclusionThe undocumented migrant workers face considerably greater challenges in terms of mental health and happiness, demonstrate higher rates of risky health behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking, and experience a lack of social support and community integration. A stark social gradient in happiness, mental illness, and cigarette smoking exists among the documented, undocumented migrant workers and the general population in South Korea. Socio-structural factors are likely to play a crucial role in contributing to the suboptimal level of overall well-being of undocumented migrant workers. Policy-level interventions as well as interpersonal efforts are in urgent need.

THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING ASSESSMENT OF TUNJUNGSARI SUBURBAN, BANTUR VILLAGE, MALANG DISTRICT: A CASE STUDY

Background: The community health nursing assessment is a process to understand the health problems that are often found in such location including health behavior problems, environmental problem, also health services utilization problem which will cause various effect among age group population Purpose: Researcher would like to perform nursing process to the community health problems at the Tunjungsari Suburban, Bantur Village, Malang District. Methods: The case study with a cross sectional approach used as research design. The nursing community assessment checklist delivered to 641 respondents who lives at 217 households around Tunjungsari Suburban, Bantur Village. The data then analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis based on community nursing approach using community as partner theory. Results: The results showed that the community had a risky health behaviour marked by 47% adult were smoking inside the house, 73% of the elders never performing any health check, 89% of the elder’s never to come to the Posyandu. 38,27% of the total population experienced acute inflammatory respiratory disease during the past 6 months, and failed to managing the household waste due to limited facilities. Conclusion: Based on the result of this study, it is recommended for the stakeholders to improve the community health services, increases the health promotion programs distribution especially targeting the elder’s population. For the government providing final waste management in this community will help to increases the community health. Keywords: Case study; community health; nursing process.

Childhood maltreatment and sleep apnea: Findings from a cross-sectional general population study

ObjectiveCumulative evidence indicates that childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with sleep disturbances possibly suggesting sleep apnea. However, the relation between CM and objective measures of sleep apnea as determined by polysomnography (PSG) has not yet been assessed. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design and based on PSG measurements from N = 962 subjects from the SHIP-Trend general population study, we used linear regression models to investigate the relationship between apnea-hypopnea (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) metrics and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). All significant models were additionally adjusted for obesity, depression, metabolic syndrome, risky health behaviors, and socioeconomic factors. ResultsWhile both AHI and ESS were positively associated with the CTQ sum score, ODI was not. Investigating the CTQ subscales, ESS was associated with emotional abuse and emotional neglect; AHI was associated with physical and sexual abuse as well as physical neglect. For both the sum score and the subscales of the CTQ, ESS effects were partially mediated by depressive symptoms, while AHI effects were mediated by obesity, risky health behaviors, and metabolic syndrome. ConclusionThe findings of this general population study suggest an association between CM, particularly physical neglect, and objective as well as subjective indicators of sleep apnea, which were partially mediated by depressive symptoms and obesity.

A Comprehensive Analysis of COVID-19 Misinformation, Public Health Impacts, and Communication Strategies: Scoping Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by an infodemic, characterized by the rapid spread of both accurate and false information, which significantly affected public health. This infodemic led to confusion, mistrust in health authorities, noncompliance with health guidelines, and engagement in risky health behaviors. Understanding the dynamics of misinformation during the pandemic is crucial for developing effective public health communication strategies. This comprehensive analysis aimed to examine the complexities of COVID-19 misinformation. Specifically, it sought to identify the sources and themes of misinformation, the target audiences most affected, and the effectiveness of various public health communication strategies in mitigating misinformation. This scoping review used the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. An established, methodical framework for scoping reviews was used to review literature published between December 2019 and September 2023. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies published in English that address COVID-19 misinformation and its sources, themes, and target audiences, as well as the effectiveness of public health communication strategies. The scoping review identified that misinformation significantly impacted mental health, vaccine hesitancy, and health care decision-making. Social media and traditional media were major conduits for spreading misinformation. Key misinformation themes included the origins of the virus, ineffective treatments, and misunderstandings about public health measures. Misinformation sources ranged from social media platforms to traditional media outlets and informal networks. The impact of misinformation was found to vary across different regions and demographic groups, with vulnerable populations being disproportionately affected. Effective strategies to counter misinformation included enhancing health literacy; using digital technology; promoting clear, authoritative communication; and implementing fact-checking mechanisms. In addition, community engagement and targeted health campaigns played a crucial role in addressing misinformation. The review emphasizes the critical need for accurate and consistent messaging to combat misinformation. Cooperative efforts among policy makers, health professionals, and communication experts are essential for developing effective interventions. Addressing the infodemic is vital for building a well-informed, health-literate society capable of handling misinformation in future global health crises. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of misinformation and highlights the importance of robust public health communication strategies. These findings can guide future efforts to mitigate the impact of misinformation during health emergencies.

Body Dissatisfaction and Health Risk Behaviors Among Middle School Girls.

Previous studies demonstrate a relationship between body dissatisfaction and substance use and suicidal ideation among older adolescent girls and young women while less documentation exists for early adolescence. This study explored the relationship between reported weight loss attempts and substance use history and suicidal thoughts among younger female adolescents. Participants (n = 1656) were middle school female students who participated in the 2019 Youth Behaviors Risk Survey. Participants were coded as "Trying to lose weight" and "Not trying to lose weight." Two hierarchal multiple binary logistic regressions were conducted, 1 for each of the dependent variables: (1) substance use history and (2) suicidality. Fifty-seven percent of the participants were trying to lose weight, 40% reported suicidal thoughts and 45% reported substance use history. Trying to lose weight was a significant predictor for both substance use (p < .01) and suicidality (p < .001). Body dissatisfaction and its association with risky health behaviors highlight the need for prevention education at earlier ages while reinforcing the need for availability of school counselors.

Does Stress Shorten Your Life? Evidence from Parental Bereavement

I study the impact of stress resulting from the unexpected death of a child on parents' mortality risk. Using a flexible approach and allowing for time‐varying treatment effects, I find no impact on the short‐run mortality risk. However, I estimate a substantial increase in the long‐run, particularly among men. I provide evidence that this group likely resorts to risky health behaviours such as heavy smoking and drinking as coping mechanisms. Assessing the possible protective effects of mental health support, I find evidence that it lowers the mortality risk for women. Mental health support has a smaller impact for men. I show that this is likely due to underutilization by those who would benefit the most. Finally, I present robustness of my results to specific departure from my identifying assumptions.

The Magnitude and Related Risk Factors of Obesity and Overweight among Medical Students at Shendi University, Sudan

Background: Today, obesity is a serious health issue that is growing around the world. Almost 500 million adults worldwide were obese, and 1.5 billion were overweight, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report. This number is estimated to increase in the years to come. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students at the Shendi University College of Medicine and its relationship to demographic parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on medical students of the faculty of medicine at Shendi University, and a sample of students was systematically randomly collected. Data was collected by using an open and closed questionnaire. Direct measurement of weight and height, then the calculation of BMI. Also, direct measurement of waist and hip, then the calculation of WHR. Results: 43% of the students were classified as average. 26% of people were overweight, and 21% were obese. In other words, the study discovered that women are more likely than men to be overweight or obese. According to the findings, those who live in urban areas gain weight noticeably more than people who live in rural areas. Regarding the behavioral aspect, there was a substantial relationship between those with a positive family history of obesity and those who are of normal weight, as well as a positive relationship between those who ate more than two meals each day. Conclusions: University students frequently engage in risky health behaviors, so it's important to educate them on how to prevent them, especially when it comes to topics like exercise and nutrition. For the sake of their health and the health of future generations, prospective healthcare professionals must adopt the proper eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. We advise modifying BMI to account for fat distribution and coexisting diseases to gain a thorough understanding of the current situation.

Black Female Adolescents and Sexual Violence: A Quantitative Investigation

Abstract: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black teenagers are disproportionately impacted by sexual violence. It is estimated that millions of Black teens experience intimate interpersonal violence each year. Black girls are more likely than any other marginalized group to experience sexual violence. According to the National Center on Violence Against Black Women, it is estimated that one in four Black girls will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18. The more information one has concerning how social determinants serve as conduits and barriers to the prevalence of sexual violence, the more beneficial to all communities, and especially Black girls and women. To help fill this gap in knowledge, this paper utilizes critical race theory and intersectionality as theoretical frameworks; employs secondxary analysis of the Black adolescent girls sample within the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as hierarchical logistical regression modeling to examine the relative impact of positive health behaviors, sexual behavior, and key demographics on whether a respondent had ever experienced sexual violence. Further, to examine gender differences across these relationships for Black adolescents, analyses are performed first for both genders and then separately for male and female respondents. The findings suggest that Black adolescent females who do not engage in risky health behaviors are less likely to experience sexual violence. This study demonstrates that the experience of sexual violence is not directly correlated with risky health behaviors, but the results do suggest that overindulgence in any of the identified risky behavior could create a climate conducive for the experience of sexual violence.